Education (PhD)
Graduate Program Overview
Transform Education Systems. Conduct Interdisciplinary Research. Lead Sustainable Futures.
The PhD in Education (Educational Sustainability) at Nipissing University is a four-year, research-driven doctoral program designed for experienced professionals seeking to lead educational innovation across disciplines such as health, social work, leadership, and social justice. Combining online coursework with two intensive summer residencies, the program equips scholars to develop sustainable educational practices grounded in global, ecological, and cultural awareness.
Program Highlights
As a candidate in this program, you will:
- Complete three core doctoral courses during your summer residency sessions
- Take three elective courses drawn from the MEd and PhD course listings, delivered online
- Pass a comprehensive exam comprising two qualifying papers on educational theory and methodology
- Conduct and defend an original dissertation (quantitative, qualitative, or arts-informed) under faculty supervision
- Be supported by dedicated graduate spaces, including seminar rooms, a graduate student lounge, and the Graduate Student Centre
Degree Requirements
Students must complete the following degree requirements:
- Three core courses during a summer residence program over two years (four weeks each July) at Nipissing University in North Bay.
- Three elective courses from the current MEd/PhD course listings (courses are online).
- A comprehensive examination (two qualifying papers on theory and methodology).
- A doctoral dissertation (may contain quantitative, qualitative, and arts-informed elements).
Graduate Student Funding
Financial Aid, Scholarships, Bursaries & Awards
Funding is available to graduate students from both internal and external sources. Internal funding includes teaching/research assistantships, faculty research grants, and Nipissing Graduate Scholarships.
Meet our Faculty
Discover how Nipissing faculty can support your path to educational leadership
Throughout Nipissing University’s PhD in Education program (Education Sustainability), students and faculty members ask questions that consider the social framework in which we live and consider ways in which the world is related. Grounded in the context of a post-modern society, and recognizing these perspectives, faculty members guide students from a variety of fields as they prepare for sustainable educational practices in the 21st century.
Dr. Kurt Clausen, Professor and Chair of the Schulich School of Education
Faculty of Education and Professional Studies
Dr. Kurt Clausen, Professor of Education and Chair of Nipissing University’s Schulich School of Education, has served at the University for over 20 years and has taught courses in the Bachelor of Education program, Master of Education program, and most recently the Education Ph.D. program. Dr. Clausen is passionate about graduate higher education, has supervised numerous theses, sat on many supervisory committees, and is the Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Action Research, a freely accessible, full-text, peer-reviewed electronic journal intended for educators who are invested in exploring the unity between educational research and practice.
Resources
Program Related
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission, students must have a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent as recognized by Nipissing University in an appropriate discipline, with a minimum B standing.
To find specific requirements details, use the buttons below
Future Careers
Graduates emerge as leaders with expertise in educational theory, research, and sustainable practice suited to roles such as:
- University faculty or scholarly researcher
- Policy advisor or strategist in education, social services, or public administration
- Educational consultant or program evaluator in nonprofit or governmental sectors
- Senior practitioner-scholar in fields intersecting with health, social justice, sustainability, and leadership
The depth of the PhD program positions alumni for influence in academe and public-sector change initiatives.
Real People, Real Impact
This program gave me the space to explore meaningful research while being supported by faculty who truly care about your work and your impact. It shaped me into a more thoughtful scholar and leader.
Amanda J.
Class of 2024
From the start, I felt part of a strong academic community. The program challenged me to think critically, conduct impactful research, and contribute to change in education.
Daniel K.
Class of 2022
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Explore Other Programs
See All ProgramsNotes:
- International students only eligible if not studying in Canada (except for Summer Residency periods) as it will not meet Study Permit requirements.
- The program is mainly online, however, students are required to attend two summer residencies in North Bay.
Disclaimer:
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, Nipissing’s Academic Calendar is the official reference.