Doctorate in Philosophy Geography Specialization in Canadian Studies

The objectives of the Department are to foster awareness of the field of Geography, and to add to the body of geographic knowledge and methodology through teaching and research. The Department also endeavors to prepare specialized teachers and researchers to meet the demands of the teaching profession and of various public and private agencies. The Department of Geography offers a master of arts (with thesis), a master of science (with thesis), and a PhD in geography. In certain cases, students may be admitted to the master's in geography on a part-time basis.**

The MA in Geography and MSc in Geography are two programs participating in the collaborative program in Environmental Sustainability as well as in the collaborative program in Science, Society and Policy (at the master's level only). The department participates in a collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the PhD level. For more information on this program, see Admission Requirements.”

Because of its strength in relevant areas, its bilingual character and its location in the national capital, the University of Ottawa is uniquely positioned to offer a collaborative program leading to a specialization in Canadian Studies at the doctoral level. The program is especially designed for doctoral students in selected programs in the humanities and the social sciences who wish to enrich their training in a particular discipline by including an interdisciplinary component.

The programs are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

**Part-time students must normally complete course requirements, except the thesis, within a period of not more than 24 months. For more information consult the department.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

Students must meet the admission requirements outlined in the general regulations in effect for graduate studies, as well as the specific requirements of the department.

Students may be admitted to the PhD program on the basis of a master's degree or its equivalent in geography or a related discipline, with an academic record indicating at least a (B+) average or the equivalent.

Students are required to spend at least six terms of full-time enrollment at the University. For a definition of full-time enrollment, please see Section C of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies. 

Additional Coursework

The Admissions Committee may, depending on the candidates’ background, require them to successfully complete additional courses, including language courses, beyond the basic MA degree requirements.

Application Deadline

To find the application deadline, please check the program-specific requirements under Application Procedures and Information at the following address: www.grad.uOttawa.ca/apply.

Transfer from Master’s to PhD 

Students enrolled in the MA or MSc program in geography at the University of Ottawa who have obtained excellent results may be admitted into the PhD program without completing a master's thesis. To take advantage of this option, they must meet, in sequence, the following conditions:

1. obtain a minimum average of A- in three master's courses;
2. have the department's approval;
3. successfully complete GEG 7906; and
4. demonstrate satisfactory progress in the research program.

The course GEG 7906 will provide six units that may be used toward the fulfillment of the PhD course requirements, thus leaving one three-unit course to be completed. Please note that the minimal admission average requirements for the doctoral program must also be met.

Collaborative Program

The Department of Geography is one of the participating units in the collaborative programs in Canadian Studies (PhD level only). Students should indicate in their initial application for admission that they wish to be accepted into one of the collaborative programs. 

Admission to the collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the doctoral level is determined by the coordination committee and will normally take place before the end of the first year of enrollment in the doctoral program. Students must meet the following conditions to be accepted:

• Enrollment in the doctoral program of one of the participating units.
• Enrollment in, or successful completion of, at least one course with Canadian content in the participating unit where the student is enrolled.
• Selection of the thesis topic with Canadian content. The coordination committee will determine, in consultation with the thesis director, if the Canadian content of the thesis meets the requirements of the collaborative program.

The title of the degree will in each case specify the discipline of the participating unit with specialization in Canadian Studies.

Language Requirements

Students should be able to understand and read both official languages of Canada in order to participate in the bilingual interdisciplinary seminar CDN 6910.

Additional Information

For additional information, refer to the Department of Geography's website.

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