Doctor of Education

Build deep professional knowledge, solve problems of practice and grow as an educational leader.

Program Overview

Program Components Expected Duration Next Intake Next Application Deadline
EdD Practice-based dissertation 3 years July 2024 To be announced

The Doctor of Education (EdD) is designed to inform, empower, and engage current and aspiring leaders. You will have the opportunity to create meaningful changes in your local community as you apply newly learned knowledges, contextualize practical insights, and analyze and address problems of practice in your local contexts. You will engage in place-based learning as we work to decolonize leadership and pedagogy as part of reconciliation for Canada’s histories of colonialism, systemic racism and inequities. Together, we will seek ways for educational leaders to strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples and cultures in respectful and productive ways.

The flexible delivery format allows you to stay in your community and continue working full-time. The majority of the coursework will be delivered online with opportunities to come to campus for summer intensive sessions.

Interdisciplinary cohorts of 15 to 20 doctoral students will journey together, alongside their supervisors and instructors to foster life-long professional networks and invest in scholar-practitioner communities world-wide.

Through your Practice-Based Dissertation, you will have the opportunity to carry out an independent research project inquiring into a problem of practice in your professional context.

  • Analyse, mobilize, and construct knowledge from multiple perspectives to engage in scholarly dialogue and apply to complex problems of practice in such areas as education, leadership, ethics, and research.
  • Engage in place-based learning, situated on the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, acknowledging and decolonizing leadership and pedagogy as part of reconciliation for Canada’s histories of colonialism, systemic racism and inequities.
  • Reflect on and defend sustained thinking and evaluation around theoretical frameworks, identified problems of educational practice and research activities.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of educational research practices and methodologies and how these may be thoughtfully used in students’ own contexts in particular, and education in general.
  • Build and deepen communication and collaborative skills through engagement in learning communities that will develop over time through the program components.
  • Engage in practical research and solutions to navigate complex problems of educational leadership practice that promote positive organizational change for diversity, equity, inclusivity and innovation.
  • Lead with critical awareness of knowledges, values, policies and practices that influence and inform leadership through examining personal, professional and organizational ethics and moral purpose.

Year 1

The in-person orientation and summer intensive will be the third-week of July

  • EDLL 602 (3): Setting Conditions for Transformative Leadership, July – August
  • EDUC 600 (3): Research Seminar I: Project Fundamentals, September – December
  • EDLL 606 (3): Culturally Responsive Leadership in a Diverse Society, January – April

Year 2

  • EDLL 662 (3): Special Topics or Elective Course, July – August
  • EDUC 601 (3): Research Seminar II: Research and Project Design, September – December
  • EDLL 608 (3): Ethics, Governance and Reform in Contemporary Contexts, January – April

Year 3

  • EDUC 698 (6): Research Seminar III: Practice-Engaged Dissertation, Sept – April

The core courses are interdisciplinary and provide grounding for all students in the contemporary and historical educational discourses, perspectives, and traditions as they embark on their studies.

EDLL 602: Setting Conditions for Transformative Leadership

This course applies the theoretical elements of transformative leadership with a focus on establishing conceptual and practical frameworks for engaging in educational leadership for transformation at the levels of self, school, system, and society.

EDLL 606: Culturally Responsive Leadership in a Diverse Society

This course provides the theoretical underpinnings for education leaders to think more deeply and consider issues involved in implementing social justice education and to respond to societal pressures around issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

EDUC 600: Research Seminar I: Project Fundamentals

An introductory course examining inquiry frameworks as a mode of investigation. It examines various issues, methods and techniques used in educational research. Consideration is given to research strategies and techniques and the selection of research questions appropriate to a range of issues facing scholar-practitioners.

EDLL 662: Special Topics

This course aims to address an emerging, novel, or specialized issue/topic in educational leadership not addressed in the general graduate course offerings. 

EDLL 608: Ethics, Governance and Reform in Contemporary Contexts

Co-investigation of the ethical values, educational aims, and conditions of political legitimacy of educational institutions in the early 21st century. Normative and descriptive accounts of these institutions are examined in relation to contemporary social problems (and possible solutions) with an orientation to their implications for public policy and leadership-in-practice.

EDUC 601: Research Seminar II: Research and Project Design

Designed to help students prepare the components of their research proposal. Research tools and techniques commonly used for researching leadership and organizational improvement practices, including research ethics will guide the course design.

EDLL 698: Research Seminar III: Practice-Engaged Dissertation

Building on course work completed during the doctoral program, this course supports students in the development and carrying out of their Practice-Based Dissertation and writing their dissertation in practice.  It provides scaffolding for research processes and writing components of developing and completing their dissertation of their in-situ Practice-Based Dissertation that will meet or exceed the EdD graduate program.

EDLL 699: Practice-Based Dissertation

Students must maintain continuous registration in the Practice-Based Dissertation (EDLL 699) until degree completion.

The Collaborative Supervisory Committee (CSC) will be comprised of at least three members (faculty supervisor, field mentor and course instructor).  Students will be assigned a supervisor during year one as students identify their research topic and find alignment with research expertise and interests of faculty.

The Practice-Based Dissertation to be developed throughout Year 3 of the program provides opportunity for students to intensively study a problem or set of circumstances embedded in their own practice, analysed within relevant research literature and may include carrying out research in practice. This project is a rigorous, intensive application of a field-based analysis and/or implementation of a structural change, and the research conducted will contribute or lead to: (1) professional innovation and creative excellence, (2) exemplary professional practice, and/or (3) the significant development of professional practice.

There are many forms that the Practice-Based Dissertation can take within the student’s organizational context including but not limited to:

  • A research project that draws on organizational data to answer a specific research question that leads to organizational improvement
  • A deep evaluation of an organizational project, program, or intervention that results in recommendations for change processes and further development
  • The development or design of a new educational program, intervention or strategy resulting from a systematic review of evidence

Your field mentor is someone who has expertise related to the field of your problem of practice. Field mentors offers guidance, advice, wisdom through their time and reflections as they support your research in the field. The role is collegial and offers critical friendship as they share time and their expertise (approximately one to two hours per month). It also provides your mentor an opportunity to grow their own understanding in the topics that you and your mentor share. The relationship is collegial and intended to be a reciprocal learning experience.

Students need to identify a field mentor at time of application. Field mentors will:

  • support students in the field as needed and as appropriate, serving as an advisor and critical friend
  • attend the Practice-Based Dissertation proposal presentations, provide input and feedback on student’s progress as a scholar-practitioner in the field
  • attend the Practice-Based Dissertation presentations and provide valuable input and recommendations.

Choosing a Field Mentor

The Field Mentor should be someone who is familiar with your area of study as they will provide valuable input and recommendations. They have expertise related to the field of your problem of practice. They do not need to have a PhD or EdD or graduate degree. Your Field Mentor should be someone who you can relate to and who is willing to share their own challenges and experiences. The relationship between the Field Mentor and the student will not be personal, but rather built on professionalism and reciprocity.

Changing your Field Mentor

It is not advisable to change your Field Mentor once you begin the program. If it becomes necessary for a student to change committee members during the program the student should meet with the Program Manager.

Supports for Field Mentor

The field mentor works closely with other members of the Collaborative Supervisory Committee (including the supervisor and course instructor(s)), and will also be supported by the EdD Academic Lead and Program Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

A list of frequently asked questions regarding the position of the Field Mentor and their roles and responsibilities has been compiled.

FAQ

Conflict of Interest

The relationship between the Field Mentor and the student is an academic one. Where other relationships exist or develop that might give the appearance of conflict of interest, they must be immediately reported to the EdD Faculty Lead and Program Manager who will consult with the Director of Graduate Programs or Associate Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, if the situation is unable to be resolved within OSE.


Admission Requirements

Admission to UBC graduate programs is competitive. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • A master’s degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution, with clear evidence of research ability or potential and a minimum overall average in the B+ grade range (76-79% at UBC) in all graduate courses.
    • The master’s degree does not need to be thesis-based.
    • The master’s degree must be completed prior to the application due date. 
  • Additionally, the Okanagan School of Education normally requires that applicants have at least five years’ work experience.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full admission and program requirements; the calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

  • A credential deemed academically equivalent to an approved Canadian two-year master’s degree and who demonstrate superior academic standing. Specific minimum admission requirements for graduates of different countries are listed in the International Student Evaluation Manual.
    • The master’s degree does not need to be thesis-based.
    • The master’s degree must be completed prior to the application due date. 
  • Additionally, the Okanagan School of Education normally requires that applicants have at least five years’ work experience.

Students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents must apply for a study permit (student visa) to enter Canada. Applications can be made through any Canadian Consulate or High Commission.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are:

  • CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language): minimum overall score of 70, with no section score less than 60; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced (Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (Certificate of Proficiency in English) with a minimum overall score of 180, with no section score less than 176; or
  • CEL (UBC Certificate in English Language): 75% in each component of the 600-level; or
  • Duolingo English1: minimum overall score of 125, with no section score less than 115; or
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) Academic: minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual score less than 6.0; or
  • MET (Michigan English Test) 4-skill test: minimum overall score of 64, with no section score less than 59; or
  • PTE (Pearson) Academic: minimum overall score of 65, with no section score less than 60; or
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT: 90 overall with a minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing & Speaking (Internet version); minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing (paper version). TOEFL MyBest Scores that meet the above minimum scores are acceptable as meeting the English language test requirements; or
  • TOEFL Essentials1: 10 overall, with no section score less than 8.5. MyBest Scores that meet the above minimum scores are acceptable as meeting the English test requirements.

1These tests will be accepted provisionally through 2025 Summer.


MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full admission and program requirements; the calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.


Tuition

Program Estimated Total Cost Domestic Estimated Total Cost International
EdD $33,663.06 $56,898.45

Tuition amounts presented here are estimates only and all fees are subject to change. For official tuition and fee information, visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct. 


How to Apply

A complete application package will contain:

Review the College of Graduate Studies “Prepare Your Application” page for further details.

Deadlines

The application deadline for the July 2024 intake has now passed.

We are in the process of reviewing our intake schedule for future cohorts. Please continue to monitor this webpage for announcements or sign up for our EdD prospective applicant newsletter.

Prospective Applicant Email List

Register to receive emails about information sessions, application open dates, deadline reminders and program updates.

Check Application Status

If you have applied to the July 2024 intake, you can check the status of your application through the Graduate Studies Online Application. Prospective students will be notified of an admission decision between February 1 and April 30.

Check Status

 

Program Information & Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the application process, program schedule or practice-based dissertation? Read our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

For more information about the Field Mentor including roles, responsibilities and milestones, read our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Applying to Graduate School Webinar

The College of Graduate Studies released a webinar on the application process; including information on references, CV/resume, choosing a supervisor and English Language Proficiency Test Scores.

Applying & Application Status Questions

If you have questions about the admissions process or the status of your application, please contact the College of Graduate Studies at gradask.ok@ubc.ca or visit their Contact page for more ways to connect.

Program Information & Questions

If you have questions about our EdD program, please email us at edd.ubco@ubc.ca or call 250.807.9658.

Please note that all communication and interactions with the Okanagan School of Education are considered part of the admissions process and are taken into account when considering applicants for admission. Admission may be denied to applicants who communicate in an unprofessional manner or who act in an inappropriate manner during the admissions process, regardless of academic standing.

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UBC’S Okanagan Campus

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. In our programs at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a closely-knit learning community.

DYNAMIC CITY

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

NATURAL BEAUTY

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above.*

* Best viewed using desktop Chrome or Firefox (desktop) or YouTube app (mobile).

Join the club: Make friends with similar interests, compare notes, and organize and participate in academic and recreational events via the Okanagan School of Education’s Facebook community.

College of Graduate Studies: CoGS offers orientation events to support you in your first steps as a graduate student at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Stay active: Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and play—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre and our 1,561 square-metre gymnasium, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes and nationally ranked varsity athletics. Have a ball in Sports and Recreation.

Relax: The Graduate Collegium is a gathering place where grad students can hang out, eat lunch, spend time with their fellow students, and attend or host special events. The lounge-style room is open seven days a week and is outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchen facilities, and individual and group-work spaces.

Community: The Aboriginal Centre is a home away from home for all Aboriginal students by providing a sense of belonging and community, a place to catch up, wind down, make lunch, share opportunities and celebrate success.

College of Graduate Studies: Your hub for administrative support and such things as graduate workshops for professional development and for assisting you from the admissions process through to your graduation

Centre for Scholarly Communication (CSC): Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff and faculty in disseminating their research. The CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles and grant proposals.

Centre for Teaching and Learning: Provides support related to teaching, TA training and use of technology in educational programming.

Learn more about graduate student resources and support in the Okanagan School of Education.

Map out your future and prepare to hit the ground running with resources and services provided by the Advising & Involvement Centre.

Tell your story with resumé and cover-letter strategies, and search Work Study jobs for experience relevant to your degree and career goals. You can also book an appointment to meet one-on-one with our career advisor.

alumni UBC is a member-driven association that offers a variety of lifetime programming and communications to enrich the lives of UBC graduates.

The ‘Your Next Step’ program offers webinars, speaker series and professional development sessions. It is designed to provide advice, tips and resources in areas of career development to graduates for life after university.

Realize the promise of a global community with shared ambition for a better world and an exceptional UBC.