Program Overview

Program Overview

The cross-departmental Ph.D. in Education is a thesis-based research degree that aims to train students in educational research. The program is supported by the Departments of Curriculum Studies, Educational Foundations, and Educational Psychology and Special Education. Graduates from this program may pursue academic positions at other institutions and conduct education research for government, school divisions, First Nations, and other research organizations.

Program Structure

• The program consists of a minimum of 15 credit units, including nine required credit units focused on research methodology and six required credit units that support the student's specific area of research.
• Students may also take up to six credit units of coursework through another Western Canadian university after a term of study, if these courses are approved as part of their official program of studies.
• The program delivery is intended to be flexible, with decisions on program delivery and specific program requirements decided by the student's advisory committee.

Research Areas

The program covers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Teacher education
• Curriculum studies
• Educational psychology
• Special education
• Educational technology
• Indigenous education
• Social and ecological justice education
• Environmental education
• Arts-informed research
• Poetic inquiry
• Educational measurement
• Program evaluation

Admission Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) or equivalent from a recognized college or university.
• A cumulative weighted average of at least a 75% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (e.g., 60 credit units).

Application Process

Submit an Online Application

• Personal information such as name, address, etc.
• Contact information of three referees (two academic contacts and one academic or professional contact).
• Complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions.
• Application fee: $125 for domestic students and $145 for international students.

Submit Required Documents

• Transcripts: Unofficial PDF copies of academic transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if required).
• Statement/letter of intent (600-800 words) outlining area of research interest, professional and academic background, and proposed timeline for study.
• Research Statement (two pages maximum) with bibliography and citations.
• Curriculum vitae or resume.

Tuition and Funding

Tuition

• Doctoral students pay tuition three times a year for as long as they are enrolled in their program.
• Both international and domestic Ph.D. students pay the same rate:
  • September 1 - December 31: $1,812.00 CAD
  • January 1 - April 30: $1,812.00 CAD
  • May 1 - August 31: $1,812.00 CAD
  • Total per academic year: $5,436.00 CAD

Student Fees

• In addition to tuition, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services.
• The amount depends on whether the student is taking classes full-time or part-time and whether they are on campus or not.

Funding

• Students are supported in applying for university funding after acceptance through a limited number of Dean's Scholarships, non-devolved scholarships, research fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research funding.
• Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education, including scholarships.