The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is awarded by the Faculty of Environmental Studies to candidates for conducting independent and original research and reporting thereon in a thesis.
Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Planning) program is normally in September and is open to students who have:
- a master's degree with excellent standing (minimum 80%) from a recognized university. Evidence of ability to pursue independent research is essential;
- three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from academic sources;
- two official academic transcript from each post-secondary institution;
- a 1/2 page statement of interest in the graduate program which describes the aspects of planning offered in our School in which you are particularly interested;
- a one-page proposal of the statement of research interest for the research you wish to undertake;
- at least one substantial example of work completed during the last two years of academic study. Students with professional experience may submit a professional report of which they were sole or senior author.
- proof of English Language Competency: a score of at least 600 is required in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and 4.0 on the TWE. A score of 250 is required on the computerized version of the TOEFL. (See Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification for other acceptable tests of English.)
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Degree Requirements |
Program Duration |
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PhD
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- two 700-level obligatory one-term courses: 700, 710 for a total of 1.0 units
- two 800-level elective one-term courses: 801, 802 for a total of 1.0 units
- student's advisory committee may require up to two additional one-term graduate level courses if necessary for research area
- thesis (2.0 unit weight)
- In addition, students must complete two program milestones:
- comprehensive examination
- research plan - oral presentation April of 2nd year
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4 years - 12 terms of full-time enrollment
6 years - 18 terms part-time
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The comprehensive exam is normally taken between the 13th and 16th month of the program. The examination focuses on three issues:
- knowledge of fundamental concepts and theories of planning and of the specific research topic area;
- broad knowledge of relevant research methods; and
- the capacity to generate an important research question and to apply appropriate theories and methods to it.
Further information regarding university regulations see Minimum Requirements for the PhD Degree