Ph.D. in Educational Studies

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Educational Studies program is a collaborative effort between three universities, offering an inter-university learning experience with a focus on advanced research skills and expertise in various areas of education. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities, preparing graduates for academic and professional leadership roles in education and related fields.

Program Outline

Description:

This doctoral program operates as a collaborative effort between St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), Acadia University, and Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). It provides an intensive, inter-university learning experience that combines on-site summer institutes, online learning, a comprehensive portfolio development, and a final dissertation. The program demands full-time participation and entails a total of 42 credit hours.

Structure:

The Ph.D. in Educational Studies program consists of three key phases:

Phase 1:

This phase includes a rigorous curriculum of courses and the development of a comprehensive scholarly portfolio. The program expects students to attend full-time during this phase.

Phase 2:

Students conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. This phase requires the development and completion of a research proposal and the collection and analysis of data for the dissertation.

Phase 3:

This final phase focuses on the completion of the doctoral dissertation. Students are expected to write, defend, and finalize their dissertation within the program's time frame.

Time to Completion:

While the program officially allows for five years of completion, most students finish their doctoral studies within four years.

Outline:

Content:

• Educational research methods, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.
• Theoretical frameworks in education, encompassing various perspectives such as social justice, curriculum studies, and leadership.
• Advanced study of specific areas within education, such as curriculum development, literacy, inclusive education, lifelong learning, educational foundations and leadership, and psychological aspects of education.

Structure:

• Intensive summer institutes provide opportunities for in-depth learning and interaction with faculty and peers.
• Online courses offer flexibility and accessibility for students.
• The comprehensive scholarly portfolio allows students to showcase their research skills and expertise.
• The doctoral dissertation serves as a culminating project demonstrating the student's research capabilities and original contribution to the field.

Course Schedule:

The program utilizes a flexible course schedule, offering a mix of intensive summer institutes and online courses throughout the year. The specific course schedule may vary depending on the student's research interests and area of study.

Modules:

The program allows students to specialize in one of six thematic areas:

• Curriculum studies
• Literacy
• Inclusive education
• Lifelong learning
• Educational foundations and leadership
• Psychological aspects of education
Each thematic area offers a range of modules covering specific topics and research approaches. Students work with their faculty supervisor to choose modules that align with their research interests and dissertation topic.

Assessment:

The assessment methods in the program vary depending on the course and module. Common assessment methods include:

• Research papers and essays
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Comprehensive exams
• Dissertation proposal and defense
• Peer reviews
The criteria for assessment are based on the program's learning outcomes and emphasize the development of strong research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to make original contributions to the field of educational studies.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a diverse range of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures to introduce key concepts and theories.
• Seminars: Small group discussions provide opportunities for in-depth exploration of topics and critical analysis.
• Workshops: Interactive workshops allow students to develop research skills and apply theoretical frameworks to real-world problems.
• Independent research: Students work independently under the guidance of a faculty supervisor to conduct their research and develop their dissertation.
• Online learning: Online platforms provide access to learning materials, facilitate communication, and enable collaboration among students and faculty.
The program's teaching staff comprises experienced faculty members from all three partner universities. They have expertise in various areas of educational research, including curriculum studies, literacy, inclusive education, lifelong learning, educational foundations and leadership, and psychological aspects of education. The program also incorporates unique approaches such as:
• Collaborative learning: Students work together on projects and assignments, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
• Inter-university collaboration: Students have access to resources and expertise from all three universities, providing a broader perspective and enriching the learning experience.
• Mentorship: Faculty members provide guidance and support to students throughout their academic journey.
• Research-intensive environment: The program emphasizes hands-on research experience, preparing students for advanced research roles in academia or professional settings.

Careers:

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Educational Studies program are well-equipped for a variety of career paths, including:

• Academia: Professors, researchers, lecturers, and other academic positions at universities and colleges.
• Education policy: Policy analysts, researchers, and advisors in government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations.
• Curriculum development: Curriculum designers, developers, and specialists in educational institutions and organizations.
• Educational leadership: School administrators, principals, and leadership positions in education-related organizations.
• Research and evaluation: Researchers, analysts, and evaluators in government agencies, research institutions, and private organizations.
• Non-profit organizations: Leadership and research roles in non-profit organizations focused on education, social justice, and community development.
The program prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience to make a significant impact on the field of education and contribute to positive change in society.

Other:

• The program accepts a total of 14 students annually across the three partner universities.
• Admission is based on the availability of suitable faculty supervisors aligned with the student's research interests.
• Students at StFX can focus their research on areas aligning with the expertise of faculty members in the Department of Curriculum and Leadership and the Department of Adult Education.