All OISE graduate studies programs operate under the umbrella of the University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies (SGS). For information on coursework and other program requirements, please see the SGS Calendar.

Program start is September each year with no deferrals of admission granted.

For full course descriptions, please see the Registrar's Office and course listings page.

Course Notes:

• Summer courses available.

• Core courses are offered in the evenings and in flex-mode (in-person or virtual).

• This is a full-time program.

Minimum admission requirements for this program are:

• An appropriate 4-year bachelor’s degree of any major or discipline from a recognized university, with standing grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in the final year or over senior courses
   
• A master’s degree in counselling from the University of Toronto with a standing of B+ or better, or its equivalent from a recognized university.(please see more information on the SGS Calendar).
  • Students who have not done a master's thesis will be required to submit a Qualifying Research Paper (please see more info on the ORSS Website)
     

• Successful professional experience as a counsellor in an educational setting or in a related position
   

We encourage equity-seeking groups to identify themselves in their application.

Applications for Fall 2022 are now open and will close on
November 15, 2021 at 5:00PM EST Toronto Time.

Apply Now
Application Details

The academic school year for this program begins only in September. 

We encourage equity-seeking groups to identify themselves in their application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) for Applicants

Program Specific FAQ

Applications are completed online through the School of Graduate Studies website.

The OISE Registrar’s Office includes step-by-step instructions:

• choosing your program
• reviewing admission requirements
• preparing your application
• submitting required supporting documents.

CP EdD Application Checklist

This checklist is intended to assist applicants with organizing their material prior to upload with theSchool of Graduate Studies website.

Special Application Components

In addition to the standard application process, students who completed a master’s degree that did not require a thesis must submit a Qualifying Research Paper (QRP). 

• This paper provides evidence of the ability to identify a research or development program, to design and conduct a study or project, and to report the findings or results in a rigorous manner.
   
• The QRP is not required prior to being accepted into the Doctoral Program, but acceptance will be conditional upon it’s suitability. It must be completed before the beginning of classes and approved by members of the departmental admission committee.
   
• The QRP requirement can be fulfilled by submitting individually-authored research that the applicant has conducted previously, often as part of work responsibilities. Alternatively, applicants can submit a fully-documented research proposal (supervised by an assigned faculty member in the counselling program) which demonstrates the ability to conceptualize and plan a research project.

More information is available on the ORSS Website

All students must complete a thesis (dissertation in practice), the aim of which is to ensure excellent knowledge of counselling and psychotherapy theory, practice, and policy for professionals working with adults or children/youth to function as leading scholar-practitioners. The thesis (dissertation in practice) should be:

1.  well conceived, original, and likely to make a sustained contribution to mental health practice;
2. involve creativity, innovative methods and techniques, and have the potential to improve practice;
3. exemplary, sets high standards in the field, and can be emulated and;
4. has the potential for significant public impact. The focus of the thesis (dissertation in practice) is expected to be on contributions to field development or to innovations in practice. 

The main criteria for evaluation will be those applied to creative professional activity.

Students will defend their thesis (dissertation in practice) at a Final Oral Examination.

Students are full-time and must maintain continuous registration full-time and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis (dissertation in practice), are completed. 

Program Length
4 years full-time 

Time Limit
6 years full-time

Students must take courses related to the development of advanced competence in counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health theory and practice and become sophisticated consumers of research in these and related fields. Students must complete a minimum of 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including a practicum, internship, and thesis (dissertation in practice) as follows:

Optional additional practicum:
Students may choose to take an optional continuous practicum (APD 3271H0 Additional PhD Practicum) in conjunction with the required doctoral practicum course APD 3217Y+ Advanced Practicum in Clinical and Counselling Psychology (Credit/No Credit). Find out more about the practicum.

Tuition & Fees

Program Inquiries: 
APHD Department 
General Inquiries
oise.aphd@utoronto.ca

ORSS Contact:
Anil Purandaré
Doctoral Registration Specialist (EdD & PhD)
oise.doctorate@utoronto.ca

If you are a current student, you may contact the program coordinator below, otherwise please email us at oise.aphd@utoronto.ca for your program inquiries.

Program Coordinator:
Diana Robinson
diana.robinson@utoronto.ca

Program Chair: 
Dr. Todd Cunningham
todd.cunningham@utoronto.ca