The Department of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning doctoral programs provide students with the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge original research in the field of education.
Doctoral Degrees (PhD)
Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Pedagogy
The PhD in Curriculum & Pedagogy prepares scholars to critically examine curriculum, teaching, and learning across diverse educational contexts. The program emphasizes systematic reflection on curriculum in its broadest sense, exploring the content, purposes, and practices that shape learning in formal and informal settings.
Doctor of Philosophy in Language & Literacies Education
The PhD in Language & Literacies Education prepares scholars to explore how language and literacy shape learning across classrooms, communities, and cultures, while developing original, rigorous research that addresses multilingualism, literacy development, and social justice in education.
What truly made my experience unforgettable was the sense of community—learning alongside students from diverse backgrounds who supported and challenged me academically and personally. My time in CTL gave me more than academic training; it gave me a sense of belonging, lifelong friendships, and the confidence to grow as both a scholar and a person.
Flexible-Time Doctoral Degree Option for working professionals
The Flex-Time PhD is designed for professionals who want to advance their careers and contribute to research while remaining active in their field. This option is ideal for educators, policymakers, practitioners, and other professionals whose employment aligns closely with their proposed area of study.
Flex-time students complete the same rigorous requirements as full-time PhD students—including coursework, comprehensive exams, and a thesis—while benefiting from a longer timeline and the ability to take courses on a part-time basis. This flexibility allows students to balance professional responsibilities with academic research and writing, making it possible to integrate real-world experience directly into their doctoral work.
Applicants must demonstrate active employment in roles relevant to their research interests. A minimum of four years of full-time registration is required at the beginning of the program, after which students may transition to part-time status to accommodate ongoing professional commitments.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a graduate student in CTL at OISE. Completing my Flex-Time PhD while working full-time was challenging, but the support from my supervisor, committee, and the broader OISE community made it possible. The relationships I built and the work I engaged in continue to shape my current endeavors.
