Welcome from the Director
Welcome from the Joint PhD Program Director
Welcome to the Joint PhD in Educational Studies program! Embarking on your PhD journey is a remarkable adventure in research, scholarship, lifelong learning, personal growth, and professional development. This cohort is especially significant, as you are part of the 25th anniversary of the program—an exciting milestone for all of us. Your journey continues a rich tradition of excellence, and we are thrilled to have you as part of this legacy.
The 2025 Summer Session will be held at Brock University. I encourage you, when you have some free time, to explore Brock’s beautiful campus and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. Beyond the university, take time to enjoy the Niagara region, renowned for its natural beauty, vibrant tourism, and rich cultural heritage. From the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, this region offers endless opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and adventure. Whether you enjoy hiking, wineries, or experiencing local arts and festivals, the Niagara region is sure to provide a welcoming and inspiring backdrop to your studies.
In 2022, the OECD reported that only 1.3% of the global population held a PhD. Furthermore, Brenda Brouwer, in her article for University Affairs (2016), highlights that fewer than 1% of Canadians have earned a PhD. She emphasizes that as global challenges grow in complexity and the knowledge-based economy becomes more competitive, Canada requires a steady supply of highly trained talent to advance our intellectual and research capacity. Our Joint PhD in Educational Studies is designed to meet this need.
This program is a distinctive collaboration between Brock University, Lakehead University, and the University of Windsor. As a student, you’ll benefit from the combined strengths of each university partner, gaining access to a diverse range of expertise and research opportunities. This collaborative model allows for both depth and breadth in your studies, providing a rich environment to explore new directions in educational research and knowledge creation.
Our program offers three distinct fields of study, each providing a unique lens through which to examine the complexities within the field of education:
- Cognition and Learning: This field critically examines the cognitive, behavioral, social-emotional, and cultural processes that shape the experiences of educators and students, drawing from psychology, philosophy, sociology, the sciences, and other disciplines.
- Educational Leadership and Policy Studies: In this field, you will explore the ethical, social, cultural, philosophical, and historical dimensions of educational leadership, policy, and organizational structures, engaging critically with the forces that shape educational systems and their leaders.
- Social/Cultural/Political Contexts of Education: This field delves into the ways education intersects with broader societal structures. Drawing from the humanities, sociology, cultural studies, anthropology, history, politics, and the arts, it encourages you to explore the social, cultural, and political forces that influence education at local, national, and global levels.
Each of you will specialize in one of these areas; however, as with all fields, there will be some overlap. I encourage you to embrace the rich interdisciplinary nature of the program and take full advantage of the opportunities it offers as you begin your studies.
I wish you all the best as you begin this exciting and transformative journey. I look forward to meeting each of you, learning more about your research, and supporting you along the way.
Best wishes for your continued success!
Andrew Allen
Director, Joint PhD in Educational Studies