Program Overview
An ever-changing world requires experts who can provide fresh ideas, perspectives and innovative research in all areas of business. That’s why we offer five specializations taught by some of Canada’s leading scholars so graduates from our program learn from and become the best in their fields.
Our mission is to educate students to become high-quality research scholars in business disciplines. Our full-time PhD program is delivered in person, and incoming students are provided with five years of funding to allow them to develop their skills, conduct research, and excel in the program and their fields.
Specializations
Discover five distinct paths to becoming a research leader at the Alberta School of Business PhD program. Our specializations — Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Operations and Information Systems, and Strategic Management and Organization — empower students to pursue in-depth study and generate impactful research in their chosen field.
Each specialization is led by faculty renowned for both scholarly and practical insights, guiding students to address complex, real-world challenges in business. As a PhD candidate, you’ll immerse yourself in a vibrant academic community, gaining rigorous training and personalized mentorship to build a rewarding academic career that makes a difference.
Learn More About Our Specializations
Yearly specialization breakdown
Years 1 and 2
Research begins and coursework is completed. Comprehensive exams to be passed by the end of Year 2.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained to remain in the program.
Years 3 and 4
Research continues and teaching requirements are fulfilled. The candidacy exam (thesis proposal) must be passed by the end of Year 3.
Years 5 and 6
The final oral exam on the thesis must be at least six months after the candidacy exam and is usually completed in Year 5 or 6.
Business Background Not Required Prior to Admission
Most applicants have some background in business, obtained through undergraduate and graduate studies or from work experience. However, a significant number of applicants do not have such a background but often have compensating attributes, such as knowledge of important theoretical traditions in business or research experience. Those without a business background must acquire an appropriate business background for their particular area of study. The number of courses required will vary for individual students.
Students without an MBA but with an undergraduate business degree, completed within the five years prior to commencing the PhD program, will normally have this business background but may require additional courses in preparation for their specialization and sub-specialization of doctoral study. These additional courses will be decided upon by the students and their respective PhD supervisory committees.
In general, graduate-level courses required for the Business PhD program require prerequisite introductory courses. Most prerequisites will have been satisfied by a student's previous degree(s) courses; a student deficient in the prerequisites, however, must take these courses in advance of the required courses.
Additional Information
Our PhD program is not offered on a part-time or distance-learning basis and working outside of the program during your years of study is discouraged. Students are entitled to three weeks' vacation from their studies per year.
Currently, new students are given an annual award for five years of study. Tuition and non-academic fees are paid by the program on their behalf for the first five years. You may be eligible for additional funding and scholarships upon admission.