A doctoral program is a graduate program leading to a doctoral degree. A candidate for a doctoral degree pursues an advanced course of study and research at York University, under the direction of a graduate program. The program's course of study and research is approved by the director of the sponsoring graduate program.

All doctoral programs require:

• the submission of a dissertation proposal, including appropriate ethics review and approval;
• a dissertation embodying the results of original research;
• a successful defence of this dissertation at an oral examination.

In addition to the submission of a dissertation and oral examination, individual graduate programs may have additional requirements, such as coursework, comprehensive examinations, practicum, fieldwork, language requirements, etc.