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
Program overview
The PhD in the Individualized Program (INDI) gives you the opportunity to design your own research goals in areas not covered by existing graduate programs and explore topics outside the normal boundaries of research and creation. Under the mentorship of a supervisory committee, you will have access to resources across faculties, integrate concepts and methodologies from various disciplines, and develop innovative solutions to your most critical challenges. Join a diverse community of students and experience the best Montreal has to offer as a hub for innovation and culture. Benefit from a comprehensive set of research units in areas as diverse as game studies and design, preventative health and synthetic biology, and build a tailored program to find success in a variety of professional careers in and outside of academia.
Program Details
- 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.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
18 credits – Coursework
Taken from doctoral-level studies INDI courses OR from any regularly scheduled graduate courses with permission of the INDI Director.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 9 credits in regularly scheduled graduate courses, including a research methodology seminar in their first or second year. The latter seminar explores methodological issues relevant to the principal area of the student's research. It is chosen in consultation with the student's principal supervisor from among the numerous courses in methodology offered by different departments at Concordia University.
3 credits – Doctoral Comprehensive Examination
INDI 885 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination (3 credits)
3 credits – Doctoral Thesis Proposal
INDI 887 - Doctoral Thesis Proposal (3 credits)
66 credits – Doctoral Research and Thesis
INDI 890 - Doctoral Research and Thesis (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 | Oct. 1 | 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.
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.
