Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Take your education to the next level. Become an expert through advanced study and the creation of original research.
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About The Program
What is the PhD Program?
The doctor of philosophy (PhD) offered by the department is a research-based degree with a minimum period of residence of two full-time academic terms at the U of A. The course requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the student’s background. All doctoral candidates must prepare and defend a thesis of high calibre on an approved topic. Students can choose to pursue a thesis in one of nine speciality areas or a general degree combining multiple research areas.
Why choose the PhD program
Through engaging in coursework, teaching and faculty-directed research, PhD students become independent scholars within one or more of the eight specializations offered by our department.
Application Deadlines
Fall (September) Admission
- International students: April 15
- Canadian and Permanent Resident Students: July 15
Winter (January) Admission
- International students: July 15
- Canadian and Permanent Resident Students: October 15
Program Information
Faculty
Engineering
Delivery Mode
On campus
Program Type
Thesis-based
Degree Level
Doctorate
3.3
GPA
minimum for program admission
3 - 6
years
Flexible timeline dependent on previous training and the nature of the research undertaken
9
areas of specialization
From construction to water resources
2
terms of residency
required
Program Objectives
- Designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in careers requiring a high degree of autonomy, the ability to make informed judgments on complex issues in specialist fields, navigation of ambiguity and problem solving.
- Students will acquire knowledge and develop skills through a combination of:
- Self-directed learning;
- Formative experiences in writing;
- Presenting and defending research proposals and results;
- Designing and executing original research or creative work;
- Working with experts.
- Conduct original research, or other advanced scholarship, culminating with a thesis or thesis-equivalent that a minimum, must embody the results of original investigations and analyses and be of such quality as to merit publication, meeting the standards of reputable scholarly publications. It must constitute a substantial contribution to the knowledge in the student’s field of study.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a Foundation of Knowledge. Demonstrate thorough understanding of a substantial body of knowledge with expertise that is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;
- Build a Specialized Understanding. Demonstrate awareness of: the limitations of one’s own work and discipline, the complexity of knowledge, and the potential contributions of other interpretations, methods, and disciplines.
- Build Research Competency. Conceptualize, design and implement advanced level research for the generation of new knowledge, applications, or understanding;
- Develop Refined Communication Skills. Communicate complex and/or ambiguous ideas, issues, and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Develop Professional Capacity. Research, reflect upon, and take ownership of the development of skills and career goals; and demonstrate the intellectual independence required to be academically and professionally engaged and remain current.
- Employ and Understand Academic and Research Ethics. Identify, explain, analyze, and propose solutions to existing and new ethical issues particularly as they pertain to the conduct of research in the field of study.
Application Steps
1. Ensure you meet the minimum requirements
Ensure you meet the minimum requirements as set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research which include a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale on the most recent two-years of full-time study (or equivalent) and English language proficiency (ELP).
International applicants must be able to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the time of application. Proficiency is demonstrated by:
- Possession of a degree or its academic equivalent from an institution recognized by the University of Alberta and where the language of instruction is English. Proof that the instruction for the degree was in English will be required (see Recognized English Language Countries/Institutions); or
- A satisfactory score on one of the approved English language examinations
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is NOT required nor is it used in the evaluation process.
Some institutions are exempt from the English language test, please refer to the English language exemption list.
2. Identify and contact a potential supervisor
All applications to thesis-based programs will not be processed without the expression of interest from a potential Supervisor. You will need to contact professors directly. It is recommended you provide a " letter of interest" and updated Curriculum Vitae to prospective Supervisors.
Once you have found a potential supervisor who has agreed to support your application, you may proceed to Step 2. The potential supervisor must send you an "Expression of Interest" letter or email to include as a supporting document in your application.
Please review our Research Areas to learn more about our Faculty members and their research areas.
3. Apply online and pay the application fee
A $135 non-refundable application fee payment is required. The fee can not be waived. Apply through GPS SLATE application system, using the "Apply now" button at the bottom of the page.
4. Submit supporting documentation
When completing your application online, you will be required to upload the following supporting documentation directly to the system, following the GPS document preparation guidelines.
- Transcript(s)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Three letters of reference and a statement of purpose are required; the reference may be academic or professional.
- Ensure that the referees are ready, willing and able to provide to provide a reference. The applicant will enter the names and email addresses of the referees on the application.
- Students who are graduating from the U of A do not have to provide the references.
- Official English Language Proficiency scores (if applicable). See GPS's ELP requirement. The GRE is NOT required nor is it used in the evaluation process.
International applicants
International applicants should refer to the International Admissions Protocol »
Canadian applicants
Canadian applicants should refer to the Canadian Admissions Protocol »
The department does not notify applicants with regard to missing documents, so please check the SLATE Portal on a regular basis.
5. Await a response from the department
The application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all supporting documents have been received. Once a decision has been reached the applicant will be notified through the GPS SLATE Portal with the decision. The review process can take several weeks, or longer during peak processing times.
Applicants will be notified of decision on a rolling basis.
6. Accept our offer
We ask that you accept or decline the offer of admission via the application portal as soon as possible. International students should visit International Student + Visitor Services for immigration resources.
Connect with us
If you have questions about the application process, reach out to engg.gradadm@ualberta.ca. Or reach out to the university’s graduate and postdoctoral studies (GPS) team.