York's PhD in Disaster & Emergency Management is described by the university as the first doctoral program of its kind in Canada. It prepares graduates to synthesize large amounts of complex information and make sound decisions in challenging circumstances, building theory and practice intended to help reduce the negative impacts of disasters and emergencies in Canada and internationally. The program targets holders of master's degrees in disaster and emergency management or related fields such as environmental studies or science, public policy, and health, who want to pursue advanced study and research. It is completed through coursework, comprehensive examinations, and a dissertation, and is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis. The doctoral program sits alongside York's Master of Disaster & Emergency Management (MDEM), the only program of its kind in Ontario and one of two in Canada, which covers preparation for, mitigation of, response to, and recovery from local, national, and international disasters and emergencies.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Admission requires a minimum B+ average and, per the program's design, is intended for holders of a master's degree in Disaster & Emergency Management or a related field such as environmental studies/sciences, public policy, or health. Applicants submit two letters of recommendation. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet York's Faculty of Graduate Studies English proficiency standard: IELTS Academic 7.5 overall, TOEFL iBT 100 (or 5 on the revised scale for tests taken from January 2026), Duolingo English Test 140, PTE Academic 76, or CAEL with an overall score of 70 and no component below 60. The program admits for Fall entry only, full-time or part-time, with an application deadline of December 1.
