Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Overview
Are you looking to take the next step in your career as a senior educational leader?
This doctoral cohort in Educational Leadership and Policy is intended to shape highly competent leadership positions in school systems and other educational institutions. It is specifically designed for working professional educators who want to develop the intellectual and research skills that will help them refine their practice as leaders in educational systems.
The program concentrates on those elements of theory and research concerning leadership, policy, and social diversity that are of direct assistance in understanding and resolving problems and issues confronting educational practitioners.
Cohort Program
Key aspects of the cohort program approach include:
- Cohort: Students move through the program as a cohort to encourage the development of networking and communication skills and the building of a collegial community of practice and quality connections between students and faculty.
- Sequence: 8 courses will be offered according to the following schedule: for the first two years there will be 2 courses held during 6 weeks in July-August; there will be 1 course each in the Fall and Winter terms. Comprehensive exams and thesis proposal development will occur at the beginning of year three; the remainder of year three will be devoted to thesis research and writing. All courses will be held in the evenings to accommodate working professionals’ schedules.
- Practice: Courses are based in the practice of educational administration and focus on reflective practice. Knowledge and theory are applied to address issues and problems the administrators are facing in their work.
We welcome applicants with diverse but relevant backgrounds.
For detailed information about the program, please consult the School of Graduate Studies Calendar.
At a Glance
Study Options
Full-time (4 years)
Program Requirements
Coursework
Comprehensive Exam
Thesis Proposal
Thesis
Funding and Tuition
For current information about tuition fees, funding, and financial support, visit Tuition & Financial Support.
Deadlines
Applications for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle are set to open early October 2022.
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Why I Chose Leadership, Adult & Higher Education
Shahidul Islam (Master of Education 2020)
"If you are looking to analyze and address real-world problems in education, OISE is the place. At Leadership, Adult & Higher Education I developed my research skills and contributed to literature and policy that benefits schools and communities across the globe."
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Admission Requirements
General Admission Requirements
Please visit the OISE Admissions website for detailed information about the application process, including general minimum admission requirements and supporting documents.
Program-Specific Information (Minimum Admission Requirements)
- Master's degree in the area of Educational Leadership and Policy or an equivalent degree with high academic standing from a recognized university.
- In addition to the answers to faculty admissions questions, a supplementary writing sample is required, which will help the admissions committee to assess an applicant's readiness to succeed in rigorous coursework and to conduct systematic research for the EdD. Applicants typically submit a master's-level Major Research Paper or thesis as their writing sample. Applicants who do not have a Major Research Paper or thesis must provide a writing sample that showcases their ability to write clearly and analytically about educational issues. Examples include a master’s-level course paper, a policy document, and a professional publication.
- The applicant must be in a leadership position in education, or must have held a leadership position, or must demonstrate potential for leadership.
Required Supporting Documents
All applicants must submit:
- Transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended.
- Two letters of reference (one academic and one professional).
- Resumé that provides clear and complete information about the applicant's work or field experience related to their proposed studies.
- Answers to faculty admissions questions which highlight:
- Your research interests and/or state the problem of practice you wish to investigate and how. You should highlight the synergy between the program’s thematic strands and how they ground your proposed research. Candidates may want to cite core books/researchers that orient them in this field (500-800 words).
- Sample of written work.
Additional Program Information
Coursework
Students must complete 4.0 core full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
- Designing Research Proposals in Educational Leadership and Policy (LHA3003H, 0.5 FCE)
- Research and Literacy for the EdD Program (LHA3004H, 0.5 FCE)
- Introduction to Research Methods for the EdD (RM) (LHA3005H, 0.5 FCE) or another research methods course.
- Data Analysis for the Education Doctorate-RM (LHA3006H 0.5 FCE) or another research methods course.
- Literature Reviews for the EdD Program (LHA3007H, 0.5 FCE)
- People and Power in Organizations (LHA3040H, 0.5 FCE)
- Doctoral Seminar on Policy Issues in Education (LHA3041H, 0.5 FCE)
- Additional 0.5 FCE at the 3000 level or 6000 special topics level.
Comprehensive Examination
Successful oral defence of a written portfolio that emphasizes reflective practice.
Thesis Proposal Hearing
Thesis
The thesis (dissertation in practice) is the culminating component of the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy that shall include an identification and investigation of a problem of practice, the application of theory and research to the problem of practice, and a design for action to address the problem of practice. Specifically, the thesis (dissertation in practice) consists of original research in the form of a written proposal or plan for innovative and impactful educational policy, guideline, advocacy, development project, or activism within or beyond a traditional educational setting, aimed at improving practice at local, regional, national, or international levels.
2021 Cohort Schedule
| Session | Course |
|---|---|
| July - August 2021 | People and Power in Organizations (LHA3040H) and Research Literacy (LHA3004H) |
| Fall 2021 | Literature Review Course (LHA3007H) |
| Winter 2022 | Introduction to Research Methods (LHA3005H) or alternative research methods course |
| May - June 2022 | Elective course* |
| July - August 2022 | Doctoral Seminar on Policy Issues in Education (LHA3041H) and Research Methods II (LHA3006H), or alternative research method course |
| Fall 2022 | Elective course* |
| Winter 2023 | Research Proposal Development (LHA3003H)** |
| May - June 2023 | Elective course* |
| July - August 2023 | Elective course* |
| September 2023 | Comprehensive Exam (special session for the EdD cohort) |
* Note: There are 3 sessions available to complete the 0.5 open elective course.
**Note: not to be taken earlier in the program
Collaborative specializations provide graduate students enrolled in participating degree programs with an additional multidisciplinary experience as they complete their home degree program.
Learn more about the collaborative specializations offered to students in this program:
Faculty in the Educational Leadership & Policy program have multi-disciplinary teaching and research expertise in a wide range of fields.
Our faculty's expertise includes, but is not limited to:
- Educational policy analysis and program evaluation
- Whole system reforms
- International comparisons of educational equity
- Socio-economic disparities in academic achievement
- Large-scale data analysis
- intersections of law and education
- School administration, philosophy and theory
- Critical democracy and educational leadership issues
Questions about the Doctor of Education Cohort?
Administrative questions about admissions to the 2023 EdD cohort:
Email: lhae.admissions@utoronto.ca
Administrative questions for current EdD students:
Email: lhae.doctoral@utoronto.ca
Academic questions for current or prospective students:
Prof. Sofya Malik
Email: sofya.malik@utoronto.ca
Ready to join one of the world’s top universities?
Take the next step in your academic journey and start your application to graduate studies at OISE.
