Educational Studies (PhD)

Embarking on a doctoral journey is a significant step, and our PhD in Educational Studies program is designed to attract passionate, research-oriented individuals like you.

Here's what we look for:

• A strong academic foundation: You'll need a master's degree in education or a closely related field from a recognized postsecondary institution. We expect a strong academic record, typically a cumulative grade equivalent to a Wilfrid Laurier University A- (80-84) or better in your master's degree. This ensures you have the foundational knowledge essential for advanced research.
• Real-world insight: We value relevant professional experience in education – whether that's in teaching, administration, student affairs, or other educational professions. Your practical insights enrich your perspective and deepen the relevance of your research. Even if your professional experience is limited, we consider other practical and lived experiences.
• Research acumen: We're keen to see evidence of your prior research experience. This could be a master's major research paper, a thesis, or published academic papers. A sample of your academic writing will demonstrate your capability for independent inquiry, which is crucial for a PhD.

If you are an unconventionally prepared applicant, the Faculty of Education at Laurier is deeply committed to social justice, equity, and inclusion and we welcome your application! In partnership with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, we offer alternative admission pathways. This means we can consider individuals who may be unconventionally prepared, particularly from Indigenous communities and other equity-deserving groups, based on their potential for academic success and their unique contributions to the diversity of our student cohort. This approach ensures a vibrant and multifaceted learning community.

If you are an international student applicant, the Faculty of Education welcomes you to the PhD in Educational Studies program. International students who have confirmed funding from a third party, such as their employer or a scholarship program in their home country, will be considered for admission.

You will apply for the PhD in Educational Studies through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS).

Note the application process and the uploading of supplemental documentation, which includes references, typically takes two weeks. To avoid disappointment, please apply early.

An application for admission to our PhD program in Educational Studies must include:

• The Application Summary, which is generated after you complete your OUAC application (log back in to OUAC to retrieve it).
• Academic transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. Documents must be dated within the past six months.
• Statement of research interest. This is your opportunity to articulate your research interests, career aspirations, and why our PhD program is the right fit for you. This statement is also vital for us to match you with an initial advisor who aligns with your research focus during the admission process and will help us to ensure that you will have access to a great supervisor or co-supervisors and a well-aligned committee.
• A Curriculum Vitae or resume. This is a comprehensive history of your academic and work experience. Include details of your publication and scholarly paper activity and any other information you feel will interest the admissions committee.
• A writing sample. Provide a sample of your academic writing, such as a published paper, a major research paper, or a chapter from your master's thesis. This helps us assess your scholarly communication and critical analysis skills.
• Letters of recommendation. Three reference letters are required – two from academic referees who can speak to your scholarly abilities and research potential, and one professional reference who can speak to your capacity for undertaking doctoral work.
• A completed Authorization of Information Release (AIR) form. This is required if you have engaged the services of an education agent/agency. Upload it to your application checklist when you identify your agent in the OUAC application. Visit Step 2 in the Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about the AIR.

Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to LORIS.