Cohort Requirements & Schedules
The Educational Leadership & Policy (ELP) program offers cohort-based programming for MEd and EdD students is available in select years.
In order to support the cohort model, there is a specified sequence to the required courses. On this page, you'll find schedules for cohorts currently running. Previous year cohorts are available upon request.
2020 Doctor of Education (IELP Field) Cohort
This online doctoral cohort is specifically designed for mid-career professionals who work for international organizations, governments, foundations and nongovernmental agencies looking to enrich their education and improve their practice. The program concentrates on those elements of theory and research that are of direct assistance in understanding and resolving problems and issues confronting educational policy makers, practitioners and leaders in international settings.
- 4.0 Full-course equivalents (FCEs)
- Comprehensive examination
- Thesis (dissertation-in-practice) proposal hearing
- Thesis (dissertation-in-practice)
- Students are full-time and must maintain continuous registration full-time and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis (dissertation in practice), are completed.
- Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs
In order to support the cohort model, there is a specified sequence to the recommended courses.
For detailed information about graduate studies at the University of Toronto and OISE, please consult the .
| Session | Course |
|---|---|
| Fall 2020 |
People and Power in Organizations (LHA3040H) |
| Winter 2021 |
Doctoral Seminar on Policy Issues in Education (LHA3041H) |
| Spring/Summer 2021 |
Introduction to Research Methods for the EdD (LHA3005H) |
| Fall 2021 |
Data Analysis for the Education Doctorate II (LHA3006H) |
| Winter 2022 | Elective course* |
| Spring/Summer 2022 |
Comprehensive exam (spring/early summer) |
| Fall/Winter 2022 | Proposal hearing Professional Seminar/Dissertation Workshop in IELP (LHA3008H - year-long half-course, meeting bi-weekly) Thesis (dissertation in practice) |
| Spring/Summer/ Fall/Winter 2023 | Thesis (dissertation in practice) completion and defence |
* Note: Winter term in Year 2 is left free from required courses to allow students to complete one required elective course and prepare for their comprehensive examination. Electives can also be taken in other terms during the program.
Questions about the 2020 Doctor of Education (IELP Field) Cohort?
Administrative questions about the 2020 Doctor of Education (IELP Field) Cohort:
Email: lhae.doctoral@utoronto.ca
Academic questions about the 2020 Doctor of Education (IELP Field) Cohort:
Please contact your supervisor.
If you do not have a supervisor or need additional academic information, please contact:
Prof. Karen Mundy
Email: karen.mundy@utoronto.ca
2021 Doctor of Education Cohort
This doctoral cohort in Educational Leadership & Policy is intended to shape highly competent leadership positions in school systems and other educational institutions. It is specifically designed for working professional educators who want to develop the intellectual and research skills that will help them refine their practice as leaders in educational systems.
- 4.0 Full-course equivalents (FCEs)
- Comprehensive examination
- Thesis (dissertation-in-practice) proposal hearing
- Thesis (dissertation-in-practice)
- Students are full-time and must maintain continuous registration full-time and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis (dissertation in practice), are completed.
- Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs
In order to support the cohort model, there is a specified sequence to the recommended courses.
For detailed information about graduate studies at the University of Toronto and OISE, please consult the .
| Session | Course |
|---|---|
| July - August 2021 | People and Power in Organizations (LHA3040H) and Research Literacy (LHA3004H) |
| Fall 2021 | Literature Review Course (LHA3007H) |
| Winter 2022 | Introduction to Research Methods (LHA3005H) or alternative research methods course |
| May - June 2022 | Elective course* |
| July - August 2022 | Doctoral Seminar on Policy Issues in Education (LHA3041H) and Research Methods II (LHA3006H) or alternative research method course |
| Fall 2022 |
Elective course* |
| Winter 2023 |
Research Proposal Development course (LHA3003H)** |
| May - June 2023 |
Elective course* |
| July - August 2023 | Elective course* |
| September 2023 | Comprehensive exam (special session for the EdD cohort)
|
| Fall 2023/Winter 2024 | Proposal hearing (Guidelines) (by Apr. 30, 2024) Thesis (dissertation in practice) |
| 2024 Onward | Thesis (dissertation in practice) completion and defence (maximum time limit is 6 years) |
* Note: There are 3 sessions available to complete the 0.5 open elective course.
**Note: Not to be taken earlier in the program.
Questions about the 2021 Doctor of Education Cohort?
Administrative questions about the 2021 Doctor of Education Cohort:
Email: lhae.doctoral@utoronto.ca
Academic questions about the 2021 Doctor of Education Cohort:
Please contact your supervisor.
If you do not have a supervisor or need additional academic information, please contact:
Prof. Anna Katyn Chmielewski
Email: ak.chmielewski@utoronto.ca
2021 Master of Education (Online/Hybrid) Cohort
Master of Education Online/Hybrid cohort is designed to increase accessibility for students living in Ontario and beyond, this cohort allows students to earn an MEd degree entirely or partially online. Students complete one course per term and move through the program as a group.
- 10 Half-courses in total.
- 6 Half-courses are offered in set terms for cohort members.
- 4 Half-courses are open electives, chosen by each student individually; these can be taken online or in class.
There is no thesis or major research paper requirements; students wishing to go on to doctoral work should discuss their options with the Program Coordinator.
In order to support the cohort model, there is a specified sequence to the recommended courses.
For detailed information about graduate studies at the University of Toronto and OISE, please consult the .
| Session | Course |
| Fall 2021 | Introduction to Educational Leadership and Policy (LHA1040H, online) |
| Winter 2022 | Research Literacy in Educational Leadership and Policy (LHA1004H, online) |
| Spring 2022 | Elective course |
| Summer 2022 | Elective course |
| Fall 2022 | Educational Leadership and Policy II: Social and Policy Contexts of Schooling (LHA1041H, online) |
| Winter 2023 | Elective course |
| Spring 2023 | Educational Leadership and Diversity (LHA1042H, online) |
| Summer 2023 | Elective course |
| Fall 2023 |
Special Topics: Developing and Organising People in Education (LHA5007H, online) Special Topics: Decolonizing and Anti-Racist Approaches to Educational Leadership (LHA5009H, online) |
| Winter 2024 | Issues in Policy, Leadership, Change and Social Diversity in Schools (LHA1050H, online) |
| Spring 2024 | Elective course |
| Summer 2024 | Elective course |
Note: There are 6 sessions available to complete 4 open elective courses.
Part-time students (such as online cohort students) can take no more than 1 half-course within in the ‘spring/summer term’ (i.e., one in the May/June session OR one in the July/August session). If you wish to take more than 1 half-course, you will need to contact the Registrar’s Office to change your status to full-time for the summer.
Questions about the 2021 Master of Education (Online/Hybrid) Cohort?
Administrative questions for current MEd students:
Email: lhae.masters@utoronto.ca
Academic questions for current or prospective students:
Dr. Karen Acton karen.acton@utoronto.ca
2022 Doctor of Education (IELP Field) Cohort
This online doctoral cohort is specifically designed for mid-career professionals who work for international organizations, governments, foundations and nongovernmental agencies looking to enrich their education and improve their practice.
- 4.0 Full-course equivalents (FCEs)
- Comprehensive examination
- Thesis (dissertation-in-practice) proposal hearing
- Thesis (dissertation-in-practice)
- Students are full-time and must maintain continuous registration full-time and pay full-time fees until all degree requirements, including the thesis (dissertation in practice), are completed.
- Students cannot transfer between the EdD and PhD programs
| Session | Course |
|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | People and Power in Organizations (LHA3040H) |
| Winter 2023 | Doctoral Seminar on Policy Issues in Education (LHA3041H) |
| Spring/Summer 2023 | Introduction to Research Methods for the EdD (LHA3005H) Literature Review for the EdD, Research Institute (LHA3007H) |
| Fall 2023 | Data Analysis for the Education Doctorate II (LHA3006H) |
| Winter 2024 | Elective course* |
| Spring/Summer 2024 | Comprehensive exam Designing Research Proposals in ELP (LHA3003H) Research Institute |
| Fall 2024/Winter 2025 | Proposal hearing Professional Seminar/Dissertation Workshop in IELP (LHA3008H, year-long half-course, meeting bi-weekly) Thesis (dissertation in practice) |
| 2025 Onward | Thesis (dissertation in practice) completion and defence |
* Note: Winter term in Year 2 allows students to complete one required elective course and prepare for their comprehensive examination. Electives can also be taken in other terms during the program.
Questions about the 2022 Doctor of Education (IELP Field) Cohort?
Administrative questions about the 2022 Doctor of Education (IELP Field) Cohort:
Email: lhae.doctoral@utoronto.ca
Academic questions about the 2022 Doctor of Education (IELP Field) Cohort:
Please contact your supervisor.
If you do not have a supervisor or need additional academic information, please contact:
Prof. Karen Mundy
Email: karen.mundy@utoronto.ca
2022 Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy (Online/Hybrid) Cohort
The Educational Leadership & Policy program is excited to offer the 2022 Master of Education Online/Hybrid cohort. Designed to increase accessibility for students living in Ontario and beyond, this cohort allows students to earn an MEd degree entirely or partially online. Students complete one course per term and move through the program as a group.
- 10 half-courses in total
- 6 half-courses are offered in set terms for cohort members.
- 4 half-courses are open electives, chosen by each student individually; these can be taken online or in class.
There is no thesis or major research paper requirements; students wishing to go on to doctoral work should discuss their options with the Program Coordinator.
| Session | Course |
|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Introduction to Educational Leadership and Policy (LHA1040H, online) |
| Winter 2023 | Research Literacy in Educational Leadership and Policy (LHA1004H, online) |
| Spring 2023 | Elective course |
| Summer 2023 | Elective course |
| Fall 2023 | Educational Leadership and Policy II: Social and Policy Contexts of Schooling (LHA1041H, online) |
| Winter 2024 | Elective course |
| Spring 2024 | School Program Development and Implementation (LHA1016H, online) |
| Summer 2024 | Elective course |
| Fall 2024 | Educational Leadership and Diversity (LHA1042H, online) |
| Winter 2025 | Issues in Policy, Leadership, Change and Social Diversity in Schools (LHA1050H, online) |
| Spring 2025 | Elective Course |
| Summer 2025 | Elective Course |
Note: There are 6 sessions available to complete 4 open elective courses.
Part-time students (such as online cohort students) can take no more than 1 half-course within in the ‘spring/summer term’ (i.e., one in the May/June session OR one in the July/August session). If you wish to take more than 1 half-course, you will need to contact the Registrar’s Office to change your status to full-time for the summer.
Questions about the 2022 Master of Education (Online/Hybrid) Cohort?
Administrative questions for current MEd students:
Email: lhae.masters@utoronto.ca
Academic questions for current or prospective students:
Dr. Karen Acton karen.acton@utoronto.ca
2023 Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy (Online/Hybrid) Cohort
The Educational Leadership & Policy program is excited to offer the 2023 Master of Education Online/Hybrid cohort. Designed to increase accessibility for students living in Ontario and beyond, this cohort allows students to earn an MEd degree entirely or partially online. Students complete one course per term and move through the program as a group.
- 10 half-courses in total
- 6 half-courses are offered in set terms for cohort members.
- 4 half-courses are open electives, chosen by each student individually; these can be taken online or in class.
There is no thesis or major research paper requirements; students wishing to go on to doctoral work should discuss their options with the Program Coordinator.
2023 Cohort Schedule
| Session | Course |
|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Introduction to Educational Leadership and Policy (LHA1040H, online) |
| Winter 2024 | Research Literacy in Educational Leadership and Policy (LHA1004H, online) |
| Spring 2024 | Elective course |
| Summer 2024 | Elective course |
| Fall 2024 | Educational Leadership and Policy II: Social and Policy Contexts of Schooling (LHA1041H, online) |
| Winter 2025 | Elective course |
| Spring 2025 | Educational Leadership and Diversity (LHA1042H, online) |
| Summer 2025 | Elective course |
| Fall 2025 | School Program Development and Implementation (LHA1016H, online) |
| Winter 2026 | Issues in Policy, Leadership, Change and Social Diversity in Schools (LHA1050H, online) |
| Spring 2026 | Elective Course |
| Summer 2026 | Elective Course |
Note: There are 6 sessions available to complete 4 open elective courses.
Part-time students (such as online cohort students) can take no more than 1 half-course within in the ‘spring/summer term’ (i.e., one in the May/June session OR one in the July/August session).
If you wish to take more than 1 half-course, you will need to contact the Registrar’s Office to change your status to full-time for the summer.
There is no thesis or major research paper requirements; students wishing to go on to doctoral work should discuss their options with the Program Coordinator.
Questions about the 2023 Master of Education (Online/Hybrid) Cohort?
Administrative questions for current MEd students:
Email: lhae.masters@utoronto.ca
Academic questions for current or prospective students:
Dr. Karen Acton karen.acton@utoronto.ca
2024 Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy (Online/Hybrid) Cohort
The Educational Leadership & Policy program is excited to offer the 2024 Master of Education Online/Hybrid cohort. Designed to increase accessibility for students living in Ontario and beyond, this cohort allows students to earn an MEd degree entirely or partially online. Students complete one course per term and move through the program as a group.
- 10 half-courses in total
- 6 half-courses are offered in set terms for cohort members.
- 4 half-courses are open electives, chosen by each student individually; these can be taken online or in class.
There is no thesis or major research paper requirements; students wishing to go on to doctoral work should discuss their options with the Program Coordinator.
2024 Cohort Schedule
| Session | Course |
|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | |
| Winter 2025 | |
| Spring/Summer 2025 | Elective course |
| Fall 2025 | |
| Winter 2026 | |
| Spring/Summer 2026 | Elective course |
| Fall 2026 | |
| Winter 2027 | |
| Spring/Summer 2027 | Elective Course |
| Fall 2027 | Elective Course |
Note: Part-time students (such as online cohort students) can take no more than 1 half-course in the ‘spring/summer term’ (i.e., one in the May/June session OR one in the July/August session).
If you wish to take more than 1 half-course, you will need to contact the Registrar’s Office to change your status to full-time for the summer.
There is no thesis or major research paper requirements; students wishing to go on to doctoral work should discuss their options with the Program Coordinator.
Questions about the 2024 Master of Education (Online/Hybrid) Cohort?
Administrative questions for current MEd students:
Email: lhae.masters@utoronto.ca
Academic questions for current or prospective students:
Dr. Karen Acton karen.acton@utoronto.ca
