PhD in International Management & Organization

Our PhD program is for those pursuing a research-track academic career. You'll receive rigorous training in management theory and methodology. With that knowledge, you will create insights that are publishable in top academic management journals.

We value research that goes beyond simply describing the world the way it is and, instead, imagines the world the way it might be. Our program is well-suited for those who are curious about the world around them. This is especially true for those who want to explore meaningful societal issues and topics on a deeper level. The program can take 4-6 years to complete.

Admission requirements

Fees & funding

Program structure

Research at Gustavson

Student & alumni profiles

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Research excellence

Our PhD students study with world-renowned experts in the field of management and organization studies. Our school and faculty members have received significant international and national awards, grants and special appointments for the quality, impact and relevance of our research.

Meet our faculty

A culture of mentorship and collaboration

Be part of a close-knit community with our program’s small size. You'll collaborate with faculty and their peers as you build your research portfolio. You'll also be paired with a teaching mentor to help develop your teaching skills. Connect with other Gustavson researchers at weekly research seminars and other workshops and events.

Program structure

The PhD program is a 4-year, full-time, research-focused program designed to prepare you for a tenure-track position at a leading business school. You will spend the first 2 years on formal coursework and research projects to build a solid research foundation. You will spend the last 2 years on further developing your research identity and developing your dissertation.

Your academic journey will also include submitting and presenting academic papers at top management conferences and to top-tier journals. To further develop your network for research collaborations, you have an option to incorporate an international research exchange into your program.

Year 1	Year 2	Summer	Year 3	Year 4
Theoretical & empirical foundation courses Advanced theory & methods courses	Theoretical & empirical foundation courses Advanced theory & methods courses	Candidacy exam*	Dissertation Proposal defense*	Dissertation Defense/ final oral exam*
		Candidacy exam*	Teacher training • optional international research exchange

*Program milestones

Program structure

Research that makes a difference

The Gustavson School of Business aims to conduct research that is:

recognized as rigorous and of high quality by the academic community
practically relevant to organizations, regulators and stakeholders in business and society
meaningful to students and educators
consistent with our core pillars of international, integrative, innovative and socially responsible/sustainable

Recent placements

Our PhD program has a history of producing successful graduates.

Academic placements in the last 5 years include:

Smeal College of Business, Penn State University (USA)
Smith School of Business, Queens University (Canada)
Warwick Business School, University of Warwick (UK)
Newcastle University Business School (UK)
York University (Canada)
University of the Fraser Valley (Canada)

Student & research stories

To me collegiality is about having a sense of mutual respect or reciprocity toward the people you are working with. This has been an important characteristic of my experience at Gustavson insofar as my research and teaching has been sustained by interaction with truly generous and kind people—who treat one another holistically as people first.

SSHRC Balance Co-Lab research partners Matt Murphy (Gustavson School of Business, UVic) and Chief Gordon Planes (T’Sou-ke Nation)

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Program requirements & costs

If you need help, connect with our office:

busiphd@uvic.ca
250-721-6060

PhD in International Management & Organization

Research excellence

A culture of mentorship and collaboration

Program structure

Research that makes a difference

Recent placements

Student & research stories

$2.5M grant integrates Indigenous knowledge into sustainability projects

Research spotlight: Trevor Israelsen on building businesses that last

Gustavson researcher named first Dunning Africa Fellow

Learn more