Human Studies and Interdisciplinarity (PhD)

Laurentian University

Apply your knowledge to the many social and physical challenges we face during our lives, such as gender politics, group dynamics, death and dying.

Specialize in several areas of study, including cognition and communication, Franco-Ontarian and Francophone studies, interpretation, values and ethics, regional and cultural studies, and gender relations and sexuality studies.

Learn to observe and critically assess cultural influences, physical and emotional health as they relate to philosophy, psychology, life sciences, education, economics, and communication.

Develop a substantive research project and hone your critical thinking and communication skills with the support of program faculty. Take opportunities to learn outside of the classroom with national and international conferences, Laurentian University’s Research Week, and the Annual Human Studies Colloquium.

Program Requirements

All admitted applicants, in consultation with their Principal Advisor, shall develop their program of study within the first semester of their residency by evaluating their academic strengths and weaknesses using the stated competencies of the program.

Students may be required to undertake coursework to develop areas of competency. Areas of competency that may be required are, for example, second-language competency or reading competency in languages other than the language of instruction, or statistical or quantitative analysis competencies. In accordance with their former background and preparation, students may take elective coursework at the Master’s level (5000 or above). Students who wish to take a limited amount of coursework at another university may do so in accordance with the Graduate Calendar regulations.

Human Studies Students Association (HUSSA)

The purpose of the Human Studies Students Association is:

• To foster unity among the students in the Human Studies PhD program
• To provide forums for the students to express concerns or suggestions for the program, and
• To organize social events which give students the chance to meet and share goals and issues with each other.

Approved Fields of Study

• Interdisciplinarity, Culture, and Society

Career Opportunities

Ethics compliance officer, human resources assistant, social worker, teacher. Graduates may go also on to medical and law school, and directly into careers in teaching, public administration, NGOs - and even business, where their widely transferable writing and communication skills are highly prized.