University of Toronto

Overview

The PhD in Higher Education at the University of Toronto's Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) equips students for impactful research and leadership roles within the realm of higher education. This program fosters the development of advanced research skills, enabling graduates to investigate various aspects of postsecondary education, including policy, governance, and institutional change.

What you'll study

The program integrates comprehensive graduate coursework with focused dissertation research. Students engage in both required and elective courses designed to enhance their disciplinary knowledge and research capabilities, culminating in a dissertation that contributes original insights to the field.

Coursework themes may include:

• Recurring Issues in Postsecondary Education
• Issues in Medical/Health Professional Education
• The College Sector
• Systems of Higher Education
• System-Wide Planning and Policy for Higher Education
• Administration of Colleges and Universities
• Organizational Change in Higher Education
• Education and the Professions
• Lifelong Learning and Professional and Vocational Education
• Economics and Finance of Higher Education
• Sociology of Higher Education
• Politics of Higher Education
• Governance in Higher Education

Dissertation component:

• Students will formulate a research question, design a methodology, and conduct original research under the guidance of faculty members.
• The program concludes with a dissertation that presents findings in a rigorous academic format.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to have a strong academic background, with a minimum GPA of B+ or its equivalent. Additionally, proficiency in English is required for non-native speakers.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Higher Education program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths, including academic positions, research roles, policy analysis, and leadership positions within educational institutions. Their advanced skills in research and critical analysis position them as valuable contributors to the ongoing development and improvement of higher education systems globally.