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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management

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Completion requirement

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the program requires:

The program consists of a minimum of 36 units. Two of these are core courses required of all students. In addition, students choose at least five courses in their chosen area(s) of study and five research methods courses.

a) Two core courses – course and course. Students should take Management Studies 795 during the Spring/Summer Sessions between their first and second years.

b) Courses in the area(s) of study: Students will take a minimum of 15 units in their area(s) of study. Students can choose a major area and a minor area. The major area must be chosen from those offered within the Haskayne School of Business, which represents the student's specialization:

  • Accounting

  • Business Technology Management

  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation

  • Environmental Management/Sustainable Development

  • Finance

  • Marketing

  • Operations and Supply Chain Management

  • Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources

  • Risk Management and Insurance

  • Strategy and Global Management

Students will be required to take a minimum of 9 units from the major area.

c) Minor Area – The minor area of study must complement the major area. It may be chosen from those areas offered within the Haskayne School of Business or from those offered from other faculties. Students will be required to take a minimum of 3 units in their minor area.

d) Research Methods and Statistics: Students are required to choose either Stream A or Stream B and to take at least two courses in their selected Stream from the following lists:

Stream A: course/495; course/497; plus one other course option (e.g., course)

Stream B: course; course; plus a qualitative research methods course (e.g., course)

Nine units of additional courses in research methods and statistics (a total of fifteen units) are required, offered within the Haskayne School of Business or by other faculties.

The typical student will take 36 units over the first 20 months of the program. The number of courses may vary according to the student's particular program and background. Students work closely with their research-active supervisors who help guide them to the appropriate courses within and outside the School. There is also a requirement to complete courses/workshops at the Teaching and Learning Centre to develop necessary teaching skills.


As part of the program, all doctoral students are required to teach two courses as instructor (after passing Field of Study Exams). Courses will be assigned in consultation with Supervisor and Area Chair.


Attendance at an orientation session is mandatory for all incoming doctoral students. Regular attendance at seminars offered by the PhD program, their disciplinary Areas, and the School is also required of all doctoral students.

Completion requirement

Advanced Credit

Course requirements for doctoral students will be based on the student’s background and program needs. Credit for previous courses will be provided as appropriate.


Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)

The PhD program will allow students to pursue the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) with the exception of the following courses:

  • Economics 615

  • Economics 715

  • Management Studies 773

  • Management Studies 783

  • Management Studies 794 (typically offered in the Fall Term)

  • Management Studies 795

Students may choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.

The use of the CG grade will not affect students' eligibility for internal awards.


Time Limit

Six years.

Completion requirement

Supervisory Assignments

Doctoral students are required to have secured a permanent supervisor within the first twelve months of their program. A supervisory committee reflective of the student’s research interests is required within three months after the permanent supervisor has been approved.


Research Proposal Requirements

Students must complete a written thesis proposal, which will be evaluated by the supervisory committee in a meeting. See HSB Candidacy Requirements for further information about the proposal requirements and approval process.

Students whose research involves human subjects must receive approval from the Haskayne School of Business and from the University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board before beginning data collection.


Required Examinations

Candidacy

Doctoral students must pass oral and written Field of Study examinations. For complete details of the examination format and other candidacy requirements, see HSB Candidacy Requirements.

Thesis Examination

Doctoral students will complete an oral thesis examination at the end of their programs. The student presentation portion of the thesis examination is public. In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Thesis Examinations, the program requires:

Scheduling of the Examination

All members of the Supervisory Committee must have reviewed the student’s research, including a relevant written sample of the materials related to the thesis, before an examination can be scheduled.

Composition of the Committee

The Internal Examiner may be internal to the home program.

Completion requirement

Financial assistance may be available to qualified students. For information on awards, please see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this Calendar.

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