Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Planning

The program information below was valid for the spring 2017 term (May 1, 2017 - August 31, 2017). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

• Admit term(s) 
  • Fall
• Delivery mode 
  • On-campus
• Length of program 
  • Full-time: 4 years - 12 terms
  • Part-time: 6 years - 18 terms
• Program type 
  • Doctoral
  • Research
• Registration option(s) 
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
• Study option(s) 
  • Thesis

• Minimum requirements 
  • A master's degree with excellent standing (minimum 80%) from a recognized university. Evidence of ability to pursue independent research is essential.
• Application materials 
  • Résumé
  • Supplementary information form
  • Transcript(s)
    • Two official academic transcripts from each post-secondary institution.
  • Writing sample
    • 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.
• References 
  • Number of references:  3
  • Type of references: 

    at least 2 academic

• English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Thesis option:

Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)

Courses 

• 2 700‐level required one‐term courses for a total of 1.00 units:
  • PLAN 700 Planning Paradigms and Theory
  • PLAN 710 Research Design
• 2 800‐level required one‐term courses for a total of 1.00 units:
  • PLAN 801 PhD Research Forum 1
  • PLAN 802 PhD Research Forum 2
• Student's advisory committee may require up to 2 additional one‐term graduate level courses if necessary for research area.

Link(s) to courses

• Planning (PLAN) courses

PhD Comprehensive Examination

• 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.
  • The capacity to generate an important research question and to apply appropriate theories and methods to it.

PhD Research Plan

• An oral presentation must be completed in April of 2nd year.

PhD Thesis