Program Overview
The Sobey PhD program develops successful researchers for academia, the public sector and private industry.
The program focuses on the behavioural and structural aspects of organizations and management, and encompasses areas of study that include:
- Organizational Behaviour
- Organizational Development
- Organizational Theory
- Human Resources
The program is designed to be completed in 48 to 60 months. Coursework can be completed within 15 months of enrollment, and comprehensive exams must be completed no later than 28 months into the program. The remaining time in the program will vary depending on the nature of the dissertation research.
Structure and Focus
The Sobey PhD program has been praised by external reviewers for its effectiveness and innovative structure and curriculum. It is ideal for those looking for a career in high level research, administration, consulting and policy-making positions. Classes are scheduled in May and June of each of the first two years of the program. Students are exposed to a range of approaches to managing and organizing and develop a high level of methodological skills. The program is taught by internationally known faculty members who encourage and support a culture of research and teaching excellence. As a result, our graduates are successful in gaining academic positions across Canada and beyond.
Multi-paradigmatic Approach
A central part of the program’s focus is to develop professionals with an excellent understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and appreciation of a range of philosophical approaches to managing and organizing. This unique, multi-paradigmatic approach exposes students to debates across management and organization studies. Alongside issues in (positivist) scientific research, students are asked to consider the impact on management research of other selected (postpositivist) systems of thought (e.g., feminism and critical management studies). This contributes to our aim of producing well-rounded graduates capable of understanding a range of methodological issues and their relationship to research outcomes.
Strong Research Culture
The Sobey PhD program focuses on the development of a strong culture of research. This culture develops out of student interactions with leading faculty and builds on assignments and student research that normally lead to international, national and local scholarly presentations and publications. This contributes to our goal of developing enthusiastic, research-experienced, and well-published graduates who are eminently employable and capable of making an impact on business research in Canada and beyond.
International Reach
A third element of the program’s focus is the development of an internationally known and respected PhD program. This involves the utilization of a unique team of leading scholars who work with students to develop their ideas for presentation, and publication. Through a program of invited speakers, students are exposed to cutting-edge ideas from some of the leading scholars in the field of management and organization studies.
