Does this program give me a degree in a theme?
No, you do not receive a degree in any of the themes; they are not specializations. You receive a PhD in Educational Studies. The themes serve to scaffold your learning towards becoming an educational researcher.

Admission Requirements

Do I need to have a thesis?
The IDAC requires evidence that applicants can complete research at the master level and have potential to progress to the doctoral level. Applicants that have not completed a masters thesis in education or in a cognate discipline (something related to, associated with or equivalent to education), must complete a qualifying research paper (QRP). You submit this QRP with your application, by Nov 15th. Details for the QRP are available at the PhD website.

Do I have to have my master degree completed when I apply?
The IDAC normally requires that all aspects of the master degree be completed by May 1st of the year the applicant intends to start the program. This date is set to ensure doctoral students  can engage fully with course materials during May and June, in preparation for the July start date of the doctoral program.

Do I need to live in Nova Scotia to take the program?
            The IDAC will consider all applications; however, qualified Maritime province applicants will be given preference. This admission strategy, to be monitored, was approved by the MPHEC (the degree approval commission) and the IDGC (doctoral governance committee).

Can I transfer credits from another institution to the PhD program?
            No, you must complete all seven specifically designed courses (plus possible independent studies and special topics) within the time frame of the doctoral program.

Tuition and Funding  

How much is tuition and how, to whom, do I pay it?
            Tuition fees are paid to the doctoral student’s home institution (home of the Supervisor). Each student pays $8500 for each of the first two years and then a $2500 continuation fee for each year thereafter, until completion.

Are there scholarship monies or fellowships for doctoral students?
            Potential sources of funding for doctoral students include:
(a) assistantships (teaching and/or research), especially from faculty grants, if available;
(b) scholarships (especially SSHRC, but from other granting agencies and institutions as well);
(c) loans (government, financial institutions and/or personal sources);
(d) research grants obtained by students;
(e) sabbatical leaves and professional development leaves; and,
(f) employment earnings (normally not full-time employment).

May I get a student loan if I am a doctoral student?
            Doctoral students in our program can apply for a student loan from the Nova Scotia government.

Other Aspects of Applying

How do I get a PhD supervisor?
            We recommend you peruse the PhD website for detailed information about each faculty member’s research interests before you apply for admission to the program. Although you are not required to contact a potential supervisor, doing so leads to valuable conversations. Please note that the IDAC cannot offer an applicant a seat in the program unless we can find a supervisor to support the research articulated in your Letter of Intent.    

Can my supervisor come from another university aside from Acadia, MSVU or STFX?
            No, your supervisor must come from one of the three partner universities. Your committee members may be from other universities, if approved by the IDAC. See the website for more details.

What should be included in the Letter of Intent?
            You must illustrate in your Letter of Intent how you think your research plan is a good fit with the program objectives, research themes and potential supervisor. As well, you must indicate a proposed area of study from among the six interrelated themes/main pedagogical issues of educational studies. The Letter of Intent must map out your intended plan for research, and must include information organized around the following topics: (a) originality and expected contribution to scholarly knowledge for the discipline of education, (b) the theoretical research framework (clearly explained and focused upon your research problem); and, (c) a well-described research methodology and method(s), both appropriate for your research problem.

May I choose the university from which I wish to graduate?
            This is an inter-university doctoral program. Applicants being considered for the doctoral program will receive a Letter of Offer from the university in which the IDAC has determined that there is a supervisor to support the research plan articulated in your Letter of Intent. Applicants graduate from the university that is home to their supervisor. 

What happens if I get placed in the wait pool?
            Applicants placed in the wait pool will receive a letter to that effect from the Doctoral Program Office. Those on the wait pool may be approached with a Letter of Offer from the potential supervisor’s home institution depending upon (a) which university, if any, has an open space due to declined offer(s); (b) whether the IDAC can provide a supervisor for the applicant; and (c) normally, if the offer can be presented to the applicant before May 1st.

What happens if I cannot accept your offer to study in the program this year?
            Applicants who cannot accept a Letter of Offer for a given year will have to reapply in another year, in a new competition. The IDAC does not hold seats in the program.

Full-time or Part-time Status

May I work full time while enrolled in the doctoral program?
            This degree was designed to be a full-time degree, with the option for part-time studies after completing the initial 14-month, full-time residency. All doctoral students are strongly encouraged not to work full-time during their 14-month, full-time residency. Decisions about balancing work and study should be discussed with your supervisor.

Mode of Delivery and Residency

How long does it take to complete the degree?
            The doctoral program is designed so that doctoral students can complete it within three and a half or four years. Doctoral students have six years to complete their degree. Extensions will be considered, but they must be well justified by the doctoral candidate and approved by the IDAC.

Is this degree available “on line”?
            Our doctoral program involves face-to-face and e-learning. Doctoral students are required to attend two face-to-face summer institutes of four weeks each. The first of these institutes takes place in the first year (normally in July). In this institute, doctoral students take two courses and start their portfolio. Normally, the second institute occurs in July of the second year during which doctoral students present their portfolio in an oral examination. The fall and winter semesters courses are delivered using modes of e-learning. In person attendance is strongly encouraged because the IDAC is committed to ensuring the development and evolution of a strong community of learners in a supportive research and intellectual culture.

What are the residency requirements for your PhD program?
            Our PhD program includes a full-time, 14 month residency extending over two summer seminars and one academic year. Our program requires doctoral students to attend face-to-face, on campus, during the two summer sessions. During the fall and winter semesters (courses offered using modes of e-learning), all doctoral students are expected to be fully engaged with the doctoral program during their residency. Beyond the full-time residency period, doctoral students can opt to remain full-or part-time students.

What courses do I take, when and how?

Do I take courses at all three universities?
            This is an inter-university doctoral program. Responsibilities for doctoral program courses rotate amongst the three universities, using a combination face-to-face and modes of e-learning (see p. 27 of the Doctoral Student Handbook).

Portfolio
                                                                       
What is a research portfolio?
            The research portfolio serves the same purpose as comprehensive examinations. The research portfolio in our degree entails demonstrating knowledge in five areas: general knowledge about educational theories and trends; in-depth knowledge about a range of educational issues specific to a student’s chosen theme/research focus; research knowledge and competencies; professional and collegial competencies; and, teaching and instructional competencies. More information.