Online PhD Courses in Edmonton

The digital education phenomenon has made it possible for more individuals to pursue this advanced degree than at any other time before. Indeed, Edmonton has an active academic community with a strong research culture, which is beginning to make the place an ideal center for online PhD studies. If you are a working professional in search of flexibility or an international student wanting to gain a world-class Canadian education from afar, Edmonton is developing a selection of online PhD programs that cater to different fields, including nursing, education, business, engineering, and the arts. The 8 best institutes for online PhD courses in Edmonton are discussed in this blog, along with the strengths of the institutes, the structures of the programs, and the opportunities provided to distance learners. 

The PhD programs offered online in Edmonton are designed to help you achieve greatness, be it research, career development, or field leadership mastery, without putting your other commitments aside.

Eligibility Criteria for Online PhD Courses

Here’s some basic eligibility criteria for online PhD courses in Edmonton:

1. Educational Qualifications: This is usually a master’s degree relevant to the area of study with a specified minimum percentage, generally around fifty-five percent or equivalent grades, from any recognized university. Some programs are also open to applicants holding an M.Phil. degree or equivalent qualification recognized by statutory bodies.
2. English Language Proficiency requirement is essential for applicants whose mother tongue is not English, to cater for effective research and thesis writing. In addition, relevant teaching, research, or professional experience may be preferred or required by certain programs, especially for part-time or specialized PhD courses.
3. Certainly,  PhD courses are research-based; that’s why candidates need to submit a research proposal. This proposal defines the required research before or in the process of admission, also identifies a potential supervisor. Responses may include submission of academic transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and sometimes a written examination or interview to assess research skills and communication as components of admission processes.

Best 8 Online PhD courses in Edmonton

1. Dunster Business School

Firstly, a renowned and leading institute, Dunster Business School, offers online PhD courses for the residents of Edmonton. Located at a beautiful location in Zug, Switzerland, DBS  is trusted by students across the globe for various courses. They do have a partnership with leading global educational institutes such as Henry Harvin, Kodakco Academy, USA, WATTS Education, India, Aimlay, India, Keystone Education Group, Norway, and many more. 

Dunster Business School offers online PhD and Doctorate programs that primarily cover business and management disciplines. Such programs are meant for experienced professionals and academic scholars or industry leaders whose objective is to advance their expertise in business research, strategy, and innovation. 

Unique Features of DBS

• Specializations: Business Strategy, Digital Marketing & Branding, International Business, Organizational Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Financial Management, and others in business and management fields.

• Structure of the Program: The curriculum usually consists of advanced coursework in research methodology (qualitative and quantitative), ethics, thesis management, and specialized business topics. Students undertake original research projects culminating into a dissertation.

• Mode of Delivery: Fully online with flexible batches. Hence, allowing students to begin or defer entirely the program as they see fit. Learning formats include instructor-led sessions, independent assignments, hands-on exercises, and auto-graded assessments.

• Duration: Generally ranges from 3 to 5 years for full-time study.

• Trainers and Support:  You will get the guidance of experienced faculty and a global network of scholars. Furthermore, an active community of alumni at DBS  will enhance academic and professional opportunities for the students.

• Career Outcomes: Graduates would be prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, consultancy, and senior management. Moreover, with advanced analytical skills, research skills, and strategic decision-making.

• Other Benefits: Ethical considerations in research, problem-solving skills, and publishing work with a significant impact are core to the program.

Dunster Business School offers PhD programs having a rigorous academic approach. Their applications are helpful to professionals willing to broaden their knowledge and influence in business through research and leadership.

2. Florida Institute of Science and Management

A well-known name in the educational field, Florida Institute of Science and Management offers online PhD courses in Edmonton. Courses here are the perfect combination of innovative teaching methodologies along with the highest quality of education. Teachers at FLISM are highly experienced and provide a perfect environment for advanced learning. At FLISM, Ph.D courses are focused on practical skills, global perspectives, and cutting-edge technology.  They do have more than 12 accreditations and affiliations from international educational bodies. Furthermore, they offer more than 43 programs covering different areas and levels of education.

Unique Features of FLISM

• Specializations- FLISM offers Ph.D courses in the field of business, finance, humanities, education, and technology.

• Program Structure- Ph.D Program curriculum consists of thesis management covering topics like research, Review of Literature. Furthermore, it includes topics such as General research methodology and quantitative and qualitative research methodology. 
• Mode of Delivery- 100% Online Ph.D courses for the national and international students. 
• Duration of the Online Ph.D Courses– 3 to 5 years
• Study Material- Moreover, you will get 24*7 access to a state-of-the-art and advanced LMS. This will enhance your self learning. 
• Support System- 100% support from the industry experts and support team.

3. Kennedy University

Indeed, Kennedy University is one of the well-known names for various courses. It is a daughter university of the Kennedy University of Baptist, Florida. Hence, it gives the option to students to do degree courses at the Kennedy University of Baptist at any time. Moreover, it is accredited by many international educational institutions, bodies. Such as Kennedy University of Baptist, the French Ministry of National Education, higher education, research and innovation, QAHE, ECLBS, Florida Department of Education, USA, and many more. 

Unique Features of Kennedy University

• Specializations– Media Communication, Counseling Psychology, Human Arts, Fine Arts, Music, Social Work, Theology, Science, and more. 
• Program Structure– includes intense research covering quantitative and qualitative methods, Data collection, and analysis with guided mentorship,a nd Completion and defense of the doctoral thesis. 
• Mode of Delivery– A full-time doctoral program with a blended mode of delivery, wherein online courses, research, and occasional workshops or seminars form part of the attendance requirements.
• Duration- Typically 3 Years 
• Support- In terms of the faculty’s experience in both research and industry, the program is delivered excellently. The doctoral journey is accompanied by continuous support and mentorship.

4. Concordia University of Edmonton

Concordia University of Edmonton, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, changed from a ministerial Junior College founded by Lutherans a century ago into a university noted for its intellectual programs and research while retaining some of its historic identity and commitment to education. 

The curriculum of doctoral programs at Concordia University of Edmonton is designed to provide strong academic training and professional development opportunities and research opportunities for graduates entering into a variety of careers, including academia, clinical practice, research, and many other professional sectors.

Unique Features of Concordia University 

• Specializations-Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology

• Duration– Powerfully structured to be both clinically-focused and didactically founded, this professional doctoral programme spanning five years is designed to award a degree in clinical psychology in 123 credits. 
• During this time, students undergo rigorous coursework such as applied research, clinical practicum courses culminating in a full-year clinical internship of 1,600 hours. 
• It is a general-purpose program through which it hopes to prepare future leaders in psychology assessment, diagnosis, therapy, teaching, supervisio,n research consultation.
• The student gets a chance to accumulate thousands of hours of supervised clinical work over six practica and an internship.
• Qualifying for entry would require a four-year bachelor’s degree in psychology or any relevant area, a master’s in clinical, counseling, or school psychology, or both be Registered Psychologists wanting more clinical training.
• The program also implies teaching undergraduate courses, and there are responsibilities for clinical supervisión.

5. University of Alberta

Indeed, the University of Alberta is one of Canada’s largest and prestigious research universities. It is a university of advanced study, teaching, and research with an intense focus on research. Its philosophy is to provide a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The University is recognized for evolving in research from design work to commercialization revenue-generating projects related to engineering, arts, and health sciences, among others. To this day, the U of A remains the major actor in education and culture in Edmonton and Western Canada. 

Unique Features

• Doctoral programs at U of A encompass critically important and original research that has an impact on society and academia. 
• Indeed, Our graduates are in demand in such sectors as all levels of education, business, medicine, public education, and policy planning. 
• Furthermore, Specializations include Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Operations & Information Systems, and Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Management.

6. University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is one of Canada’s foremost institutions, maintaining a strong research culture and diverse academic programs with great contributions to society both near and far. It also provides a dynamic academic landscape to cater to the interests of students looking for widespread education and impactful research opportunities. Currently, the number of students enrolled at the university exceeds 33,000, out of which approximately 29,000 are undergraduates and 7,900 are graduates; over 3,000 international students hail from over 100 nations.

The University of Calgary has an extensive array of PhD programs in many disciplines focusing on original research, rigorous academia, and professional development.

PhD Programs at the University of Calgary

• PhD programs are research-intensive and thesis-based.
• Most require a minimum two-year on-campus residency.
• Admission generally requires a relevant Master’s degree with a strong academic record (minimum GPA ~3.5/4.0).
• Programs include coursework, comprehensive exams (oral and written), a research proposal, and a thesis defense.
• Moreover, Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, industry, government, and professional practice.
• PhD programs are also available in Architecture, Engineering, Health Sciences, Psychology, and more.

7. Athabasca University

As an institution of higher learning in Canada, founded in the year 1970, Athabasca University (AU) thrives in flexible, open, and fully online distance education and offers up to 850+ courses in 55 different undergraduate and graduate programs that serve more than 40,000 students worldwide in diverse fields such as business, health, sciences, humanities, and technology.

Designed completely digitally without the traditional campus, all program designs, courses, learning materials, and assessments are made for fully online learning. More than 350 partnerships exist with professional associations and international and domestic academic institutions, as well as First Nations communities. Furthermore, Athabasca University offers programs for online doctoral programs that are flexible and tailored to working professionals. These are aimed at persons aspiring to conduct advanced research and take on leading roles.

Unique Features

• Specializations-Doctor of Education in Distance Education (EdD)
• Format: Fully online, grouped study with defined start and end dates, plus a required 1-week on-site orientation in Edmonton or Athabasca.
• Duration: Can be completed in as little as 4 years, with up to 5 years allowed.
• Focus: Prepares professionals in distance education, adult education, instructional design, and related fields for leadership roles. 
• Athabasca University mainly focuses on research, theory-building, along with the practical application in distance learning.
• Admission: Requires a relevant master’s degree with a minimum GPA, plus meeting other standard graduate admission criteria.

8. The University of Portland

Lastly, the University of Portland, which is a private Catholic university located in Portland, Oregon, also offers Ph.D courses. It has affiliations and accreditations with the Roman Catholic Church and the Congregation of the Holy Cross. The University of Portland currently offers many graduate and doctoral programs. Moreover, the main focus is on professional doctorates, preparing students for leadership and applied research.

Unique Features

• Specializations-Doctor of Education (EdD) in Learning and Leading and Doctor of Nursing Practice.
• Duration- Approximately 3 years for EdD, and it varies for DNP
• Ph.D courses Structure- This is a cohort-based program combining innovative coursework, faculty expertise, applied research, and best practices in education leadership. And for DNP courses mainly focuses on Professional practice. 
• Mode of the Course- Online. Ph.D courses are primarily for working professionals and are offered part-time.

Final Words

Online doctorates, duly purchased from universities in Edmonton, represent the last form of change that a person can take to accrue deeper knowledge and develop a career. Online programs offer flexibility for different types of people studying in today’s world and therefore allow a more extensive audience access to doctoral studies. Besides, students can also find a program that matches both their academic interests and career goals thanks to the diversity of disciplines and specializations. Such programs fit into what is currently considered a fast-paced lifestyle, and thus are feasible for every student looking at joining academia, changing positions, or even engaging in different research in their areas of specialization.