Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. degree program is designed to provide opportunities for advanced study, original research and theoretical analysis. Full-time Ph.D. students should complete their degree within six years and they are required to take the non-credit thesis students’ seminar (SES 1913H), normally in their first term. This course provides practical advice and opportunities for discussion about topics such as: the roles of advisors and supervisors; how to find a supervisor and a thesis committee; how to prepare applications for scholarships, grants and assistantships; how to write a thesis proposal, comprehensive exams and ethical review submissions; how to prepare and present conference papers; how to get published; etc.  Students normally would take six half-courses, though additional courses may be required of some students, and some students may be required to take specified courses in research methods and/or sociological theory. At least 3/4 of a PhD coursework assignment must be taken as SESE courses; however, students who are registered in a collaborative program have their home department course requirement reduced by one half course.

Fulltime Ph.D. students are eligible for four years of minimum guaranteed funding. For further information on guaranteed minimum funding, see http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/studentservices/financialinfo/minfund.php. All Ph.D. students are expected to complete a comprehensive requirement and a thesis.  Students may include courses offered by other OISE/UT and University of Toronto graduate departments in their program of study. With the prior approval of their faculty advisor and the Registrar's Office (Graduate Studies Registration Unit) students are permitted to take the equivalent of two half-courses at another recognized graduate institution for credit in this Program. However, students must commence their program of study with OISE/UT courses.  Click here for program length of degree.

For Flexible-time PhD, see Ph.D. (Flex-time)

Checklist for SESE Ph.D. Degree Program Requirements