Application FAQ - Applications not being accepted as of Fall 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

 

Are there other programs like this?

North America offers no other graduate training specifically in argumentation studies, and nowhere in world offers the sort of interdisciplinary context provided at Windsor. For a list of related programs see this post at the RAIL blog. While Windsor's program is interdisciplinary and engages faculty from across the campus, it builds on decades of argumentation research in the Philosophy Department associated with the informal logic movement, the development of the journal Infomal Logic, and the establishment of CRRAR as an interdisciplinary research centre.

 

Can I take the Spring/Summer semesters off?

No, continuous enrollment is required to remain in the program full-time.

 

Can I complete the program part-time?

The program requires full-time enrolment, although sometimes exceptions can be made at the very end of the program. Part-time students do not receive the regular financial support.

 

What goes into a Study Plan/Statement of Research Interest?  

In the space 500-1000 words, provide an outline of a proposed project, with as much detail as you can at this point, how your background prepares you for the project, and if possible what Cluster seems to suit your work best.  You may also have particular people in mind with whom you’d like to work. If so, we encourage you to reach out to those people in advance for input on the development of this document. 

Consider addressing first the general nature of your proposed research and how it relates to argumentation scholarship, second how your background prepares you for this research, and finally how our program and specific faculty members or Clusters would be good places for you to conduct this research.

You can also search “how to write a research statement” on-line for advice. In addition to these general considerations, understand that you are writing as a junior scholar for a position as a student, and so you should spend some time explaining why our program and our faculty fit your research goals. Be as specific as possible and consider reading related work by our faculty to support your application. You may also request feedback from program faculty on drafts of this Statement.

This statement is not a contract, however!  We expect it will evolve significantly in the first year of the program as you learn more about the resources. But this statement helps us judge your readiness for the program and the fit of your potential research with what we can support.

 

Do I need to apply to a specific Cluster? How do I do so?

In order to be accepted to the program you must be accepted to a Cluster, and the Admissions Committee will decide which Clusters seem possible options for an applicant and refer the application to the Cluster(s). Although you do not formally apply to a Cluster, you may indicate in your Statement of Research Interest which Clusters best suit your interests and training.

More importantly, you can aid the admissions process and improve your application by learning on-line about the research done by faculty members to find whose expertise best fits your research interests, skills, and aptitudes. Finding appropriate faculty who might supervise your research should be your basic concern. We strongly recommend that you initiate correspondence with individual faculty members about your research interests and prospects in the program well in advance of your formal application for admission.

The program does not have sufficient faculty to supervise every project related to argumentation.  The projects we can support depend on the current list of faculty members which is why that current complement provides a primary consideration regarding the suitability of your research for our program.

 

Regarding the English language requirement, can I take an alternate version of IELTS or TOEFL?  What if I have other degrees taken in English?

The University of Windsor only accepts the regular versions of IELTS and TOEFL scores.
On the basis of a recent degree taken fully in English, you can request exemption from the English language requirement by uploading your written request for such a waiver in the place for test scores. See Windsor's graduate Admission Requirements.