The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is a terminal degree reflecting independent mastery of a specialized field of knowledge, and the successful pursuit of original research. The PhD effort requires academic discipline together with a significant commitment of time and effort. It involves highly focused study in a particular area of interest culminating in an original research effort which adds to the general body of knowledge in the field.

Overview of the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The PhD degree represents the culmination of extended academic study into a particular field of knowledge. Every doctoral program should be unified in relation to a clear objective. That is, it should have the approval of the student's supervising professor, include focused academic course work which supports the research effort, and should include adequate hours of independent doctoral research. Those who earn the PhD must demonstrate significant intellectual achievement and must contribute to the scholarly knowledge in their field of investigation. Therefore, candidates for PhD degrees should have earned their Masters degree in the field of study chosen for their doctoral work.

The Dissertation

The dissertation is an essential aspect of PhD studies. It is a formal written document representing sustained research or investigation into an important intellectual issue. The dissertation must be an independent effort which contributes to the accumulated wisdom of the field in which it is written. . All dissertations must meet rigorous academic standards and be professionally prepared in a format suitable for reproduction. Dissertations will be reviewed and approved by the candidate's Supervising Professor and York University's Academic Review Committee.

Dissertation Requirements

Every candidate for the PhD must prepare and submit a dissertation that shows independent investigation and is acceptable in form and content. The dissertation should normally be written in English and typewritten. Under certain circumstances, a dissertation may be completed in a language other than English, such as in the case of a PhD in a foreign language. One paper copy of the dissertation suitable for quality reproduction, unbound, with an appropriate abstract must be submitted for evaluation.

Style Guide for Reports, Theses and Dissertations

The standard format and style reference guide for all academic writing for York University is the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. This handbook should be consulted to determine the format, style, reference citation criteria and standard conventions for writing all reports, papers, theses and dissertations. Deviations from this standard are permitted only with the expressed permission of the student's academic advisor.

Duration of the Program

The normal duration of the PhD program for full-time students is 6 semesters (24 months). Course work of 18 semester hours may normally be completed in three semesters (12 months). The dissertation may be completed in the remaining 3 semesters (12 months).

You can choose one of the following programs;

Accounting Architecture Business Business Administration Civil Engineering Communications Computer Engineering Computer Science Economics Education Electrical Engineering Tourism Management Human Resource Management Food and Catering Management

Interdisciplinary Studies-General Complementary Medicine Interdisciplinary Studies/Security & Investigation International Relations Legal Studies Optics Optometry Mechanical Engineering Project Management Psychology Social Work Sociology Telecommunications Sport Science and Martial Arts