PhD in Art Education
Why pursue a Doctorate in Art Education?
The PhD in Art Education, the only one of its kind in Canada, is designed to offer students advanced study and research training in the teaching of visual arts.
Students develop their own research direction in concert with the research and teaching expertise of the graduate faculty. Program course work emphasizes individual development of critical abilities and research practices so that graduates may become leading contributors to the field of art education.
Program Details
The normal requirement for admission is a Master of Arts degree in art education, with superior standing, from a recognized university. A candidate possessing a Master of Fine Arts degree must also complete the art education readings and research methods courses of the Master of/Magisteriate in Arts in Art Education. Applicants must have teaching experience, certification, or related professional experience. This program is recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Education for purposes of perfectionnement.
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.
- Credits. A fully qualified applicant entering the program with a master’s degree is required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
- Program Advisors and Thesis Supervisors. Upon admission to the program, each student is assigned to a graduate faculty member, who serves as Program Advisor until the student passes the Comprehensive Examination. After completing the Comprehensive Exam, the student selects a Thesis Supervisor from the available Graduate Program Faculty.
- Required Courses. The program includes 27 credits of course work. Twelve credits in required courses, ARTE 870, 872, 882, and 884, focus on historical, theoretical and methodological aspects of teaching and research in art education. Students select a further 15 credits of course work and independent study in art education and/or relevant disciplines, to complement their research and professional interests. These courses must be approved by the student’s program advisor and the Graduate Program Director.
- ARTE 883 Comprehensive Examination (no credit). Upon completion of a minimum of 21 course credits, each student must pass a comprehensive examination composed of written and oral components. The examination assesses the student’s competence in the field of Art Education. The student must pass this exam in order to continue in the program. A Student Guide to the Comprehensive Examination gives detailed information on the exam and is available from the department’s graduate programs office. Generally, one examination time is established each year, usually at the end of the winter term.
- Research and Thesis. The program includes 63 credits for research and the thesis. A doctoral thesis is expected to make an original contribution to knowledge in the field of art education, and to be written in acceptable scholarly form. For details on thesis procedures and format, see the relevant sections of this calendar and the Thesis Preparation Guide available from the School of Graduate Studies. In addition, Art Education Procedures for Doctoral Theses is available in the department’s graduate programs office.
- Admission to Candidacy. Upon approval of the thesis proposal by the Thesis Advisory Committee, the student is officially admitted to candidacy for the degree.
Please apply and submit your documents online. See the how-to-guide for application procedures and visit the department website for application and portfolio requirements.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Art Education | PhD | Jan. 15 | n/a | n/a |
Priority will be given to those who apply within the official deadlines listed above. Some programs may continue to accept applications after these deadlines. For more information, please contact the department.
Sample classes
- Critical Perspectives on Art Education History: History, Theory and Practice
- Advanced Critical Analysis
- Foundations for Inquiry
- Research Practice
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
PhD students may apply for departmental teaching, research and technical assistantships to gain work experience. If interested, you must complete hard copies of the following forms and submit them directly to the department of Art Education. A copy of your most recent CV must be included with each application:
