business phd students

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.

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.


Program Information

business phd students

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. 

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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.

business phd research

Application Deadlines

December 15Operations and Information Systems, and Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Management. Accounting not accepting applications for Fall 2025.
January 15Finance 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.

Program Information

Immerse yourself in the Alberta School of Business PhD program, where rigorous research training, hands-on mentorship and close collaboration with Canada’s top scholars empower you to become a leading expert in your field. With five specializations and five years of funding, this program equips you to excel in a dynamic academic career.

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. 

Program Specializations

The Alberta School of Business and PhD Program offers five specializations. Our small class sizes allow PhD students to foster close dynamic bonds with their classmates and mentors.

Application Information

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.

Program highlights

Our program is home to talented researchers who bring diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to advancing knowledge. With opportunities to tailor their research methods and specializations, our students work closely with faculty mentors to build unique, impactful research portfolios that push the boundaries of business scholarship.

Student Spotlights

The Alberta School of Business launched a new initiative featuring current PhD students in which they briefly describe their academic journey, current research and why they joined the school.

Research & Publications

Designed to prepare students for a research-oriented career, the program provides opportunities for each student to work closely with faculty to develop her/his own research portfolio.

PhD Program Anniversary

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. 


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


businss phg anniversary

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 »

ALUMNI PROFILE: ALAN WEBB, '01 PhD

Sharing insights on a distinguished career, the impact of the Alberta School of Business PhD program, and the surprising paths his research has taken. See Alan'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.

Find out more