Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Planning

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Planning is a research-based program that aims to advance knowledge in the field of planning. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of planning theories, research methods, and practices.

Program Requirements

• Plan 700 (0.5 unit)
• Three 800-level obligatory one-term courses: 801 and 802 and 803 (total of 1.5 units)
• Plan 800 obligatory colloquium series (includes Plan 800A, 800B, 800C and 800D PhD Colloquiums, credit
  o credit)
• Students must take 1 additional PLAN elective in Year 1 and may be directed to take up to 2 additional one-term graduate level courses by the supervisory committee.
• Thesis (2.0 units)

Thesis

A PhD thesis in planning constitutes original scholarship and an innovative contribution to knowledge in planning and related fields. The thesis must demonstrate familiarity with existing work in the field and show ability to design an approach, conduct rigorous and advanced research, present findings and results, and defend conclusions in a scholarly manner. As well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how it advances knowledge in a chosen area of study within planning.

Program Duration

The program duration is 4 years for full-time enrollment and 6 years for part-time enrollment.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are outlined by the Faculty of Environment.

Recommended Program Sequence

The recommended program sequence is as follows:

Term 1 (Fall)

• PLAN 700 Planning Paradigms and Theory (0.5 unit)
• PLAN 801 Foundations of Planning Scholarship (0.5 unit)
• PLAN 800A PhD Colloquium 1 (0.0 unit, credit
  o credit, held with PLAN 800C)

Term 2 (Winter)

• PLAN 802 Advanced Planning Theory (0.5 unit)
• PLAN 800B PhD Colloquium 2 (0.0 unit, credit
  o credit, held with PLAN 800D)

Term 3 (Spring)

• PLAN 803 Advanced Research Design in Planning (0.5 unit)

Term 4 (Fall)

• PLAN 800C PhD Colloquium 3 (0.0 unit, credit
  o credit, held with PLAN 800A)

Term 5 (Winter)

• PLAN 800D PhD Colloquium 4 (0.0 unit, credit
  o credit, held with PLAN 800B)

Additional Courses

Students must take 1 additional PLAN elective in Year 1 and may be directed to take up to 2 additional one-term graduate level courses by the supervisory committee.

Milestones

• PhD Comprehensive Examination: Students are required to meet the University-level PhD Comprehensive Examination minimum requirements.
• PhD Research Plan: A research plan approved by the supervisory committee by completion of 2nd year.

PhD Thesis Defense

A PhD thesis in planning must be written in compliance with the requirements outlined in the “Thesis” section of the GSPA site.

Alumni Success

Our PhD graduates have gone on to work in a variety of positions, including:

• Assistant Professor, L'Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Montreal, Quebec
• Analyst, Health Statistic, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, ON
• Assistant Professor, Queen's University, ON
• Assistant Professor, McGill University, QC
• Associate Professor, Ryerson University ON
• Planner (Information Systems), Hamilton, Bermuda
• Member, Canada Energy Commission, Calgary, AB
• Professor, HEC in Montreal, QC
• Assistant Planner, Rural Planning District Commission, Fredericton, NB
• Lecturer, Innis College, University of Toronto, ON
• Ministry of Environment, Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON
• Lecturer, McMaster University, ON
• Assistant Professor, Arizona State University, USA
• Assistant Professor, University of Oregon, USA