Individualized Program (PhD)
Doctorate (PhD)
Offered by:School of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Arts & Science, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, Faculty of Fine Arts, John Molson School of Business, School of Graduate Studies
Why pursue a Doctorate in an Individualized Program?
Integrate concepts and methodologies from various disciplines to get a deeper understanding of a research problem. Work with stellar researchers across academic faculties who will encourage you to develop innovative solutions to our most critical challenges.
The PhD in the Individualized Program (INDI) provides you with the opportunity to pursue specific research goals in areas not covered by existing graduate programs. Under the mentorship of a supervisory committee, you will have access to resources within and across faculties as you explore topics outside the normal boundaries of research and creation.
Benefit from a plethora of research units that provide training in areas as diverse as game studies and design, preventative health, and synthetic biology. Montreal is also a hub for innovation and art, providing the ideal backdrop for you to develop research-creation projects and make connections with cutting-edge start-ups.
Examples of areas our students are currently exploring include:
- food and community resilience in the Northeast of Brazil
- the treatment and management of severe obesity in youth and young adults
- sustained exergaming in adolescents
- environmental governance in the Eeyou Istchee Cree territory of Quebec
Join a heterogeneous community of students who are self-driven and find success in a variety of professional careers within and outside of academia.
Program Details
Only outstanding applicants will be considered. Interested candidates should immediately consult the Individualized Program’s (INDI) website to determine fields of study, potential supervisory committee members and other application procedures. Applicants should take note that entry to this program requires a clearly formulated program of study and the identification of a proposed supervisory committee as part of the application. (Doctoral applicants interested in pursuing a degree in inter-disciplinary studies in the areas of Interdisciplinary Studies in Society and Culture should apply to the Humanities Doctoral Program).
The INDI Program Committee reviews all application material submitted by the applicant.
Admission Requirements
Candidates must have completed a master's degree or its equivalent in a relevant disciplinary area.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
The Individualized Program exists to promote innovative and creative approaches to issues that are outside the normal boundaries of investigation of existing graduate programs. Students are engaged in individualized research initiatives supported by an integrated program of study drawing on the various resources available at the University both within a Faculty or across Faculties. In most cases, individuals applying to an Individualized Program must propose a program of study involving multidisciplinary scholarship on problems that are not normally the province of disciplines represented by departments in this University. These applicants propose a supervisory committee involving faculty from at least two different departments/units. However, a limited number of students may be admitted who propose programs within a single discipline and involving faculty from only one department/unit. In all cases, applicants include a proposed supervisory committee, courses, and research plan.
Course Requirements for Students with a Pure and Applied Science, Computer Science or Engineering Concentration. Students with a pure and applied science, computer science or engineering concentration have the option of taking up to two directed research courses in fulfillment of their coursework requirements. The primary objective of such a course is for the student to acquire competencies in discipline specific research practices and/or generate useable research data under the direction of their principal supervisor.
Credits. Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits apportioned as follows:
Coursework: 18 credits of coursework to be taken from Doctoral Level Studies INDI courses OR from any regularly scheduled graduate courses. Students must have the permission of the INDI Director to register for regularly scheduled graduate courses.
- Students are required to complete a minimum of 6 credits of regularly scheduled courses.
- Students must take 3 credits from a research methodology seminar in their first or second year. The 3 credits must be chosen from among the numerous courses in methodology offered by various departments at Concordia University.
- Students are required to complete a minimum of 6 credits of regularly scheduled courses.
- Doctoral Comprehensive Examination: INDI 885 (3 credits)
- Doctoral Thesis Proposal: INDI 887 (3 credits)
- Doctoral Research and Thesis: INDI 890 (66 credits)
Apply online, and attach the following documents to the online application form:
- Application form and fee
- Curriculum vitae or résumé (2 pages)
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Applicants whose primary language is not English are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s particular research interests and professional goals (500 words maximum)
- Sample of scholarly work
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form preferably from full-time faculty members
- Program Proposal:
- a detailed statement of the fields of study and the core areas to be covered by the proposed program
- a concise description of the intended research (including expected outcomes, a detailed rationale of the need for an individualized program)
- a statement explaining the relationship between the proposed members of the supervisory committee and the core areas of the proposed research
- proposal of courses (18 credits) central to the program of study, including one 3-credit research seminar and 6 credits in regularly schedule graduate courses
- bibliography (2 pages).
- Supervisory committee forms from at least three potential committee members one of whom is designated Principal Supervisor.
- Letters from the Associate Dean(s) of the Faculty to which the Principal Supervisor belongs. This letter should state the Faculty's approval of the resource implications of the applicants proposed program of study. This includes permission to use relevant University facilities such as laboratories, studio space, etc; it also includes permission to enroll in existing graduate courses or tutorial, subject to the approval of the instructors concerned.
Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Individualized Program | PhD | Feb. 1 | Sept. 15 | n/a |
| It is recommended that International students apply for the February 1st deadline to allow adequate time to obtain study permits. | ||||
As part of their application proposal, prospective INDI students select 18 credits of coursework. With departmental permission, students can take any graduate course at the university, and are also eligible to take courses at partner institutions through CREPUQ's authorization agreement to transfer credits between Quebec universities.
For further information regarding courses, please refer to Graduate Calendar.
Consideration for Entrance Awards is automatically part of the admissions process for all new students. You are also eligible to apply for conference and travel funding through the School of Graduate Studies.
Please also consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
Supervisory committees must involve faculty from at least two different departments or units. Visit Explore Concordia to search for potential supervisors who match your research interest and needs.
You may also contact the INDI Program Coordinator to ask if there are other Concordia faculty members whose areas of research interest potentially overlap with your own.
Review an inspiring list of thesis topics and learn more about projects pursued by current INDI students.
Just as INDI enables students to craft their own research path, students develop unique career trajectories as well. Our alumni hold tenure-track jobs in academia, run NGOs, start their own businesses, work as artists, or in research & development within industry. INDI is individualized, and only you can create your INDI future.
Important information about admissions
Please be advised that Concordia University does not process admissions or fee payments through third parties for our degree programs.
All applicants are advised to ensure that they are communicating directly with the university for admissions and fee payments.
