Alberta School of Business PhD Program
Ever dreamt of learning alongside some of the nation’s top scholars, researchers and forward thinkers? You’re in the right place.
Led by a diverse faculty of dedicated researchers renowned for their intellectual and academic excellence, graduates from our world-class PhD program are recognized as distinguished experts in their subject areas.
Why choose the Alberta School of Business PhD program?
The Doctor of Philosophy in Business program at the University of Alberta is designed to prepare students for a research-focused career in academia. The program provides opportunities for each student to work closely with our world-renowned faculty to develop their own research portfolio. The Alberta School of Business is a welcoming and supportive environment where our students can learn, grow, succeed and lead with purpose.
PhD Program Overview
We educate students to become high-quality research scholars in their business discipline. 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.
Explore Our Specializations
The Alberta School of Business and PhD Program offers 5 specializations.
At any given time, there are between 50 and 70 students in the program, with an entering class of 10 to 15 each year, allowing PhD students to foster close dynamic bonds with their classmates and mentors.
Application Deadlines
December 15: Operations and Information Systems, and Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Management. Accounting not accepting applications for Fall 2025.
January 15: Finance and Marketing
The Program admits students to enter in Fall term. Complete applications that meet eligibility criteria and received by the deadline are given full consideration. Applications open September 1.
SPOTLIGHT ON PHD candidateS
- Arash Asgari: Research that applies analytic techniques to optimize operations in service delivery environments. Read more >>
- Feyzan Karabulut: Research that investigates consumers' interactions with AI agents, businesses, and each other across platforms. Read more >>
- Yunjung Pak: Research on understanding how governance changes over time and influences the development of meanings and practices in new technological areas. Read more >>
- Jen Sloan: Research that explores how organizations use algorithms and data to make decisions and shape the future. Read more >>
- Rory Waisman: Research aimed at understanding the downstream effects of choice architecture and its appropriate use as a marketing and policy tool. Read more >>
Go to Spotlights
1984 - 2024: Four decades of excellence
As the Alberta School of Business PhD Program celebrates its 40th anniversary, it stands as a testament to decades of innovation, research excellence, and its enduring impact on shaping business academia for generations to come. Since 1984, the program has produced 230 graduates, with over 90 per cent securing academic positions in 18 countries. Read our anniversary story >>
ALUMNI PROFILE: Tulin Erdem, '93 PhD
Reflecting on the PhD program and the exceptional mentorship and resources that shaped her path to a prestigious position at NYU. See Tulin's story »
PhD Students' Research Conference
An annual conference that brings together faculty, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students and visitors for a day of collaboration, networking, learning and inspiration.
When: November 22, 2024 | 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: 5-40, Business Building - Watch for conference program to be announced