The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Studies is a research degree requiring a dissertation on original and significant research within traditional educational and community-based educational contexts extending from early childhood through mature adulthood.

PhD in Educational Studies Student Handbook

The general goal of the Doctor of Philosophy program in Educational Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island is to examine education at an advanced level from a variety of perspectives, including, but not limited to, the investigation of theoretical and practical aspects of policy, curricula, teaching and teacher education, administration, and professionalism.

Graduates of the PhD in Educational Studies develop the competence and expertise needed to assume positions of leadership, such as educational researchers in institutional and non-institutional contexts; teacher educators; curriculum and instructional leaders in school boards and private industry; and school, school board, and governmental educational administrators. This program also promotes collaborative work with colleagues in educational endeavours and lifelong professional development. The program provides learning opportunities in which the candidate, in supervisory and collegial relationships with one or more faculty members:

develops a critical and comprehensive understanding of significant trends and major concerns in the field of education, and formulates and expresses, both orally and in writing, personal and professional positions in relation to how these trends and concerns are manifested in their area of interest;
develops in-depth knowledge and understanding of different philosophical stances in education and educational research and their sociopolitical and practical implications;
develops an understanding of, and ability to use and evaluate, a wide range of research methodologies used in educational research;
designs and presents a proposal for an original research project of significance in the field of education;
completes the proposed research under faculty supervision, then writes and orally defends a dissertation;
develops competencies in clear and logical writing skills that allow for disseminating knowledge to a variety of audiences;
develops competencies in leadership roles within formal and/or informal educational institutions, agencies, or communities.