Program Overview

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PhD in Educational Theory and Practice: Philosophy of Education Stream

The PhD in Educational Theory and Practice: Philosophy of Education Stream is a program that explores the deeper questions related to individual, cultural, and environmental aspects of education. This program is ideal for individuals who see or dream that the world can be transformed and, in the process, expect to also be transformed as well.

Program Overview

This program is intentionally broad to be inclusive of the diverse range of fields of study of our students that could be explored through the lens and dynamics of theories and practices in education.

Program Structure

• In-person classes
• Classes held late afternoon/early evening
• 6 courses plus a qualifying examination and doctoral thesis

Intake Schedule

• Next Start Terms: Fall 2025

Program Design

Our Educational Theory and Practice (eTAP) programs are intentionally broad to be inclusive of the diverse range of fields of study that could be explored through the lens and dynamics of theories and practices in education. This multi- and interdisciplinary understanding promotes inquiry into your own specific interests and backgrounds within your classes through discussions, additional readings, papers, projects, etc., under the guidance and mentorship of your supervisor and committee.

Am I Ready to Apply to the ETAP Doctoral Program?

Doctoral studies involve sustained scholarly work, typically for a period of six years. Some possible indicators of readiness to undertake an intensive course of study at the doctoral level include:

• A disposition of curiosity, questioning, and reflection beyond your master's course work
• A tolerance for uncertainty and an openness to new ideas
• The capacity to engage in a sustained and regular writing practice
• Reading ongoingly in your area of interest, beyond the curriculum of your master’s course work
• The ability to identify a focus, question, or problem that you care deeply about
• A sense of the scholarly conversations that you want to contribute to
• Knowledge of, and ideally participation in, the current research, community-based, and/or practice-based conversations related to this line of inquiry
• The time and motivation, as well as the physical and emotional energy, and family support to pursue this line of inquiry over a period of years
• A familiarity with research traditions/approaches to inquiry
• The ability to self-direct your scholarly work, as well as work collaboratively with peers and mentors

Courses

• EDUC 901A-3 Seminar in the History of Educational Theory A
• EDUC 901B-3 Seminar in the History of Educational Theory B
• EDUC 902A-3 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Contemporary Educational Theory A
• EDUC 902B-3 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Contemporary Educational Theory B
• EDUC 921-3 Seminar in Philosophy and Educational Theory
• EDUC 922-3 Seminar in Epistemology and Education
• EDUC 984-3 Qualifying Examination
• EDUC 899-15* Doctoral Thesis

Voices of the Program

• Lee Beavington: "Where else could I examine my--at first glance, divergent--passions in science and ecology, arts and writing, growth and spirituality, and weave these into my role as an educator?"
• Celebrating Achievement: Dr. Tanya Behrisch Recognized with Dean's Convocation Medal
• Poh Tan, Alumnus

Faculty

The non-departmental structure of our Faculty makes it relatively easy for students to take advantage of a wide variety of faculty expertise. Meet some of the faculty members teaching in this program:

• Sean Blenkinsop (Academic Coordinator)
• Heesoon Bai
• Charles Bingham
• Ann Chinnery
• Jeannie Kerr
• Michael Ling

Estimated Tuition Fee

• $2,149.58 per term

Location

• Burnaby campus

Method of Delivery

• In-person

Applications

• Applications open: October 1, 2025
• Applications close: December 1, 2025
• Next start date: September 2026

Program Details

For more information about the PhD in Educational Theory and Practice: Philosophy of Education Stream, please refer to the program's official documentation.