Doctor of Education in Distance Education application information

To be offered admission to Athabasca University for the purpose of studying in the Doctor of Education in Distance Education program (EdD), an applicant must meet the application requirements listed below.

• Completion of a master's degree, preferably with a thesis or research project, in a relevant field or area of study (e.g., education or distance education, psychology or educational psychology, instructional technology, adult education, curriculum and instruction, and the like) from an accredited university, normally with a GPA of at least 3.7 or 85 per cent (Graduate Grading Policy);
• Significant experience in open or distance learning, which demonstrates that the student is capable of study at a distance and completing high quality, original research with distance supervision only.

There is 1 program intake per year. All application materials must be received by January 31st.

Please complete all components of the application process before the deadline. We cannot proceed with your file until the application is complete.

Applications from students wishing to transfer into the EdD program from other doctoral programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Transferring students must meet the admission requirements and complete at least 2/3 of their doctoral courses, the proposal defence/candidacy examination, and all of the dissertation requirements with Athabasca University. Other university courses used must not have been used towards another degree.

Students may transfer a maximum of two courses (6 credits) into the EdD program, on approval of the EdD Program Director. Students will not be awarded credit for courses previously used towards another credential.

How to apply

• Create an account as a new user or sign in if a returning user and select the program intake for the Doctor of Education in Distance Education program
• Complete all components of the application by the deadline and pay the application fee.

1. Transcripts

Official transcripts must be received directly from the accredited institution(s) by mail, email, or MyCreds. They must include the date of graduation, degrees granted, and any completed courses. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted to finalize the application, but official transcripts will be required before admission is considered.

a. Mailing address:

b. Email address:  augradapply@athabascau.ca

Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted has been earned outside Canada or the United States, documentation measuring its equivalence based on Canadian qualifications can be acquired using an evaluation service.

2. International students: English language proficiency 

There are minimum English language proficiency requirements allowed for admission to a graduate program at Athabasca University. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they meet the minimum requirements.

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The CV should include contact information; educational background; employment/professional background; publications, conference presentations and scholarly works; awards, scholarships and other academic honors received.

4. Statement of intent- 750-1250 words

Discuss why you wish to pursue doctoral studies in the EdD (Distance Education) program at Athabasca University. Include your relevant previous experience, your current work, and future career plans. Describe how your experience and education are relevant to the purposes of this program.

5. Research background and interests- 750-1250 words

Describe your research background, including relevant education (e.g., courses, workshops) and experience. Discuss your research interests and areas that you wish to investigate in your doctoral program.

In the above, include any research reflected in the publications listed in your CV. For any publications where you were not the primary author, describe your role and contributions to the study. If you have completed a thesis-based master's degree, include the abstract of your thesis as an appendix. If your thesis is available online, include the URL.

6. References (3)

Provide three references familiar with the applicant's work , and who can comment on ability to do research and succeed in advanced studies.

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