Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy with a specialization in Indigenous Peoples Education (Educational Policy Studies)

Effective July 1, 2024, admission to the Doctor of Education (Educational Policy Studies) program will be suspended. Continuing students admitted to the program prior to July 1, 2024 must complete all program requirements by April 30, 2029. The last degree in this program will be granted at Spring Convocation 2029. Continuing students must refer to the Calendar under which they were admitted for program, promotion and graduation requirements.

Grounded in the traditions of the Aboriginal peoples of Alberta, the international and interdisciplinary focus of this specialization attracts students from a variety of disciplines and locations. This specialization combines the conventional parameters and standards of university education with the collective efforts of Indigenous students, scholars, and Elders.

Its aim is to facilitate and support individuals whose work is grounded in the values, integrity, and knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples locally and globally. Cultural activities include orientation week-ends, sharing circles, Elders support and ceremony.

Students are not normally admitted to the EdD in this specialization.

Program Requirements

In addition to the department core courses (6 units), students must complete specialization core courses and optional courses for a minimum total of 24 units in graduate courses.

Department core courses (6 units)

Specialization core courses (12 units)

Specialization electives options

EDPS 536 - Critical Pedagogy and Transformative Practices in Indigenous Education
EDPS 636 - Indigenous Ontologies in the Global Context
EDPS 601 - Cree Language Course
500-level or 600-level courses taken across the department or faculty chosen to enhance the program.
Students may undertake a supervised individual study course if permitted by their specialization program and only with prior approval by their supervisor and the Graduate Coordinator. Permission will not be granted if the proposed content is available through regular course offerings.

Dissertation

Registration in 900-level THES. All students in a doctoral program are required to present a dissertation embodying the results of their research on a topic approved by their supervisor and supervisory committee.

Candidacy Exam

The completion of coursework, the Academic Integrity and Ethics Training and the Candidacy Exam must be completed within three years of the start of the program. For part time students, these requirements must be complete within four years of the start of the program.

Ethics Requirement

Students in both the course-based and thesis-based Master of Education with a specialization in Indigenous Peoples Education fulfill the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement through successful completion of EDPS 581 and of the GPS Graduate Ethics Training course.

Professional Development Requirement

Students in both the course-based and thesis-based Master of Education with a specialization in Indigenous Peoples Education fulfill the GPS Professional Development Requirement through their program.

Residence Requirements

The minimum period of residence for the PhD degree is two academic years of full-time study at the University of Alberta.

Students pursuing the EdD degree may satisfy their residence requirement in one of two registration patterns. Students are expected to have significant contact with the University of Alberta during their residence through time spent on campus and through interactions with the faculty and graduate students at the University:

Pattern A:
As part of the program there will be a period of full-time study for a minimum of 12 continuous months.

Pattern B:
Students must complete at least 18 units (courses and/or THES registration) in each of the first three years. For students who start their programs part-time, the candidacy exam must be completed by the end of year four.

Length of Program

The maximum time to complete doctoral programs as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years.