The program information below is valid for the winter 2024 term (January 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024).

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

  • Admit term(s) 
    • Fall
  • Delivery mode 
    • On-campus
  • Program type 
    • Doctoral
    • Research
  • Registration option(s) 
    • Full-time
    • Part-time
  • Study option(s) 
  • Minimum requirements 
    • A Master’s degree with distinction (typically an overall average of at least 80%, or equivalent).
    • Facility with research methods is expected, whether through the presentation of specific graduate courses or original research at the graduate level.
  • Application materials 
    • Résumé
    • Supplementary information form
    • Transcript(s)
  • References 
    • Number of references:  3
    • Type of references: 

      academic references are required unless a professional reference is specified.

  • English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

    Thesis option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Students must complete the following courses:
      • SUSM 701 Advanced theories
      • SUSM 702 Research design and methods
      • 2 elective courses
    • Students may request permission from the SEED Graduate Advisor to enrol in elective courses in other graduate programs that will complement their program of study.
  • Link(s) to courses
  • PhD Professional Development Seminar I and PhD Professional Development Seminar II
    • PhD professional development seminars allow students to gain skills suitable to knowledge mobilization and careers outside of academia.
    • Students are required to complete two professional development seminars.
    • Normally seminars should be completed before the PhD qualifying examination.
  • PhD Qualifying Examination
  • PhD Thesis Proposal
    • Students are required to develop a written PhD thesis proposal by the end of the term following completion of the qualifying examination.
    • Students must present and defend their thesis proposal in an oral examination by the student's PhD advisory committee.
    • The examination, including any oral presentation associated with the examination, will be open to members of the University community.
    • The thesis proposal must be approved by the advisory committee and constitutes an agreement with the student regarding their plan of doctoral research.
    • Further details are available from the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED) website.
  • PhD Thesis