PhD Program

Our four-year, full-time PhD Program strives to cultivate students’ critical sensibilities and enrich skills in research and teaching in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment through advanced training in feminist theory, methodology, and professionalization.  

In addition to our required courses, students may enroll in courses in a variety of disciplines to support their learning goals.

What our former PhD students say: 

As a member of the first cohort of doctoral students in WSFR, my experience was rich and rewarding. The intellectual depth of faculty knowledge in diverse feminist issues is superb, as is their engagement with students. I received excellent mentoring from my supervisor and other WSFR faculty, and developed lasting friendships with other graduate students. Financial support to attend conferences helped me build my own community of scholars in my research area (gender and leadership). As well, the practical experience of developing courses, rather than writing traditional comprehensive exams, has proved invaluable in my successful pursuit of an academic career. If you are looking for an intellectually rewarding and supportive doctorate experience, I highly recommend WSFR at Western.  

- Rita A. Gardiner, PhD, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, Western University