PhD program structure
Program overview
Our goal is to develop candidates with an integrated perspective on management to address complex global issues.
Our PhD program focuses on:
- strategy
- organizational behaviour
- organizational theory
- global management
- sustainability
- entrepreneurship
- emerging topics in management and organization studies, such as:
- Indigenous knowledges
- comparative perspectives
- alternative forms of organizing
You can also take additional coursework to gain expertise in other areas of business.
Our PhD experience
A few of our students met to talk about their experiences doing their PhD at Gustavson. This video is their discussion on:
- their backgrounds, influences and research interests
- why they chose our school
- who would be a good fit for the program
- the research culture and available supports
- their advice for prospective students
- what to expect while doing the program
We recommend watching this video if you are considering the program.
Coursework
In your first 2 years, you will take a variety of courses in research methods and foundation courses in management. At the end of year 2, you will take a comprehensive doctoral candidacy exam. This ensures you have reached a depth and quality in your understanding of the field.
We require all PhD students to take formal courses in research methods and foundations:
- BUS 601 - Research Foundations
- BUS 603 - Strategy
- BUS 604 - Business and Sustainability
- BUS 606 - Micro Organizational Behaviour
- BUS 607 - Macro Organizational Theory
- BUS 609 - Entrepreneurship
- BUS 655 - Global Management and Society I
- BUS 695 - Special Topics in Business Administration (3 sections; topics vary from year to year)
Students will benefit from a solid foundation in advanced theory and methods during the first 2 years of the program including:
- BUS 640 - Quantitative Research Methods
- BUS 641 - Qualitative Research Methods
- BUS 642 - Advanced Research Design
Each term throughout the program, you'll also take BUS 670 - Academic Career Development. This course supports your journey towards a career in academia.
Throughout the program, you'll actively take part in the overall research program at Gustavson and contribute to the academic community.
We teach a balanced approach to methodology (quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods).
Dissertation
After you've passed the doctoral candidacy exam, year 3 begins. You will work with a supervisor to develop a dissertation topic. Within 6 months of passing the exam, you will defend a dissertation proposal.
During year 3 and 4, you will continue to work closely with your supervisor to develop your dissertation.
Dissertation topics
Our PhD student research topics are broad and tied to your interests and values. They also align to the traditional streams of management such as:
- strategy
- entrepreneurship
- international business
- organizational theory
- organizational behaviour
- sustainability
- cross-cultural management
- comparative human resources
Some research themes from recent dissertations include:
- business history
- entrepreneurship
- equity, diversity and inclusion
- meaningful work
- multiculturalism
- social enterprise
- stakeholder management and community partnerships
International research exchange
In year 3 or 4, you can take part in an international research exchange. This usually takes place at select, research-focused universities where our faculty have strong ties. This experience helps you advance your dissertation and build your academic network.
Teacher training
Teaching is an essential part of the program.
In year 3, after passing your candidacy exam, you’ll begin formal training by taking BUS 686 – Foundations of Learning and Teaching.
Once complete, you’ll then teach a full, for-credit undergraduate course. This helps you build your teaching skills and meet your funding obligations.