Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Planning program at the University of Waterloo offers students the opportunity to advance and create new knowledge in the field of planning, working towards a career in academia or the policy world. This practice-oriented and conceptually rigorous education provides unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Research Fields

The program focuses on two major theme areas:

• Human and Built Environment
• Physical/Natural Environment

Research Project Opportunities

Several research project opportunities are available, including:

• Environmental Sociology of Natural Assets and Nature-based Solutions: This project explores the optimization of ecosystem services to resolve societal challenges such as climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• 'Blackwards' to the Future: Past, present, and futures of the African American community of South Phoenix, AZ: This community-led, participatory action research initiative aims to reclaim the past, present, and future of the African American community in Phoenix, Arizona.
• Spatial Data Sharing Between Government and the Private Sector: The Waterloo Civic Map Lab focuses on how geospatial technologies and data are used to meet the needs of community, government, and civic organizations.

Program Details

Department/School

The program is offered by the School of Planning.

Faculty

The program is part of the Faculty of Environment.

Admit Term(s)

The program admits students in the Fall term (September - December).

Delivery Mode

The program is delivered on-campus.

Program Type

The program is a Doctoral, Research program.

Length of Program

The program is 48 months (full-time).

Registration Option(s)

Students can register full-time or part-time.

Study Option(s)

The program offers a thesis study option.

Application Deadlines

• January 15 (for admission in September)

Admission Requirements

• A master's degree with excellent standing (minimum 80%) from a recognized university.
• Evidence of ability to pursue independent research is essential.

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
• Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the School of Planning graduate students.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Statement of interest: A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to.
• Program-specific questions (PSQ): These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to.
• Transcript(s)
• Writing sample: At least one substantial example of work completed during the last two years of academic study.
• References: Three references are required, at least two academic.
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program.
• Review living costs and housing.
• Learn about the PhD housing guarantee program for admitted students in fall 2026 and winter 2027.
• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.