Educational Psychology (Ph.D.): Learning Sciences

Offered by: Educational & Counselling PsychÌý(Faculty of Education) Ìý Ìý
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Educational Psychology; Learning Sciences focuses on theory and research on understanding and improving learning and teaching in formal and informal educational settings including K-12 and post-secondary institutions, the workplace, professional practice, and virtual learning communities. Practical training in research design, advanced data analytic techniques, and professional development through coursework and dissertation supervision.

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.

Required Courses (18 credits)

ÌýComplementary Courses (3 credits)

3 credits from the following:

or other 600-, 700-level courses offered by the Department and with the approval of the supervisor and the Program Director.

(Note that individual supervisors may list further details, such as when they are taking new students and application instructions in the Graduate Supervision section at the bottom of their individual profile pages.)

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

1. Possess aÌýMaster of Arts in Educational Psychology, Human DevelopmentÌý(or recognized equivalent). Students without a graduate studies background in Human Development or a related discipline mayÌýhave additional program requirements upon admission.
2. AÌýminimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or higher.ÌýInternational applicants can look upÌýgrade equivalencies on ÂÌñÉç’s Future Graduate Students website.
3. Proficiency in English.ÌýApplicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English and who have not obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, or from a recognized institution in Canada or the US (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of proficiency in oral and written English.Ìý

All applications are done throughÌý. The application steps and instructional video are on the University'sÌýFuture Graduate Students website. The following documents must be part of your application: (Note that all uploaded documents to the portal must be in PDF format.)

1. A completeÌýapplication formÌý(accompanied by your application fee payment).
2. ÌýA copy of yourÌýunofficial transcriptsÌýfrom all previous university-level studies (undergraduate and graduate).Ìý Official transcripts are required to be submitted byÌýthose who gain admission to the program. (Instructions on sending official transcripts will be sent upon acceptance.)
3. TheÌý.
4. Letters of Reference:ÌýWithin the online application, applicants must provide valid institutional e-mail addresses forÌýthree (3) references. ÂÌñÉç will contact the referees directly to submit their letters of reference.
5. Statement of Research Interest and Preferred Supervisor(s): Within the online application, applicants are required to concisely outline their proposed area(s) of research interest should they be admitted to this programÌý(500-word maximum). Applicants will also be required to list the name(s)Ìýof one (1) or moreÌýLearning Sciences supervisors, in order of preference, who they would like to supervise their area of research interest(s). Applicants should ensure their preferred supervisor has listed expertise in their chosen area of research interest.
6. Personal StatementÌý(2-page maximum, double-spaced) in APA style. Please include the following information:
   • Applicant introduction: Personal background, education and training, research and work experiences, etc. (1/2 page)
   • Research proposal: Background/context of the research problem theory/model informing the problem, hypotheses/conjectures, research design, potential implications. ORÌýResearch interests statement describing your research interests. (1 page)
   • Supervisor and program fit: YourÌýreasons for applying to the Learning Sciences program and how your research and student experience will be positively affected by your intended supervisor(s). (1/4 page)
   • Career objectives (1/4 page)
   • Optional: Any additionalÌýrelevant information about yourselfÌýthat you wish to bring to the attention of the admissions committee. This may include your personal trajectory, personal challenges along your scholastic journey, experiences or challenges you've encounteredÌýrelated to identity. Note that students who identify as being part of a minority group are encouraged to self-identify to facilitate access to any applicable financial aid and/or awards, as part ofÌýÂÌñÉç'sÌýEquity, diversity, and inclusionÌý(EDI) mandate.ÌýÌýAll personal data submitted will be kept confidential and used only for operational decision-making.
7. English Language Proficiency Test Score (if applicable):ÌýPlease arrange for test scores (TOEFL, IELTS) to be sent to ÂÌñÉç directly from the testing agency. You must indicate the ÂÌñÉç institution code: 0935.

• Fall Admission: December 1

As the deadline is firm, please make sure you start your application process early, leaving yourself with enough time to secure the essential components needed for your submission, in particular the transcripts, references, and test scores which can take several weeks to obtain.

Ìý

Recommended candidates will receiveÌýa "Recommendation of Acceptance" email by April, confirmingÌýthat their application has been reviewed and is being transmitted to ÂÌñÉç's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). Successful candidates will be contacted via email with an official offer of admission.ÌýCandidates are then required to confirm their acceptance via theirÌý. Kindly note that acceptance deferrals are not typically granted except under extraordinary circumstances.