PhD in Business Administration (Accounting, Finance, and Management), Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Description

The Sobey PhD program in Business Administration at Saint Mary’s University is seeking applicants from across the world with exceptional academic credentials and a drive to excel at scholarly research.
About the program: Our PhD in Business Administration program is a full-time program that offers three specializations: Accounting, Finance, and Management, and focuses on developing the skills necessary to conduct cutting-edge research.
We provide a collaborative, supportive and intellectually stimulating research environment for discovery and dissemination of scientific knowledge applicable to the business community. Students in the program develop the theoretical and methodological skills required to meet the highest standards of the scientific community for scholarly engagement and publication.

Content and structure: Our first-year students acquire a broad set of theoretical and methodological competencies relevant to various fields in accounting, finance, and management through a series of common and specialization-specific courses. In the second year, our students attend a series of specialization-specific and elective courses and continue developing their research work. Upon successful completion of their course work requirements, students write comprehensive examinations. Following completion of the comprehensive examinations, students dedicate themselves to thesis research and dissertation development, laying the groundwork for their contributions to the field.
The program emphasizes skill building in research, knowledge mobilization, and teaching. We provide dedicated courses to develop students’ teaching skills. Regular research seminar series across the school are available for faculty and students to participate and present their studies. Engagement initiatives are implemented to foster strong connections between industry and academia.

Faculty and support: Faculty members at Sobey School of Business are leading scholars in their fields. They contribute to the international scholarly debate by publishing in and serving in the editorial boards of research journals, such as Academy of Management Journal, Contemporary Accounting Research, Human Relations, Journal of Accounting and Economics, Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Journal of Management, Management Science, The Accounting Review, and many others. Visiting professors and guest researchers from top international business schools complement our permanent faculty. Faculty members and the Program Coordinator work closely with doctoral students to ensure their success in the PhD program. Existing courses are refined, and new courses are offered to keep the curriculum relevant to academic and industry needs.
Financial support: Accepted PhD students have access to fellowships opportunities. Additional financial support is available through teaching and research assistantships. Further scholarships are available for qualified applicants.
About the School: Sobey School of Business, through active learning and creation and mobilization of scholarship, prepares citizens of the world to lead sustainable, entrepreneurial businesses and communities. Sustainability related research and pedagogy are a priority at Sobey School, aligning with global needs. It hosts numerous chaired professors and centres that facilitate research. As a school, Sobey School of Business is committed to leading in discovery and learning for global impact.
About Halifax: Halifax is Nova Scotia’s cultural and entrepreneurial hub. A seaside city that comes alive with student life. With seven post-secondary institutions, it has continuous flow of bright minds from around the globe. With a climate moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, abundance of natural and historical sites, and undeniable hospitality on the East Coast, Halifax is a perfect student city.
Application procedure: Application to our PhD program is done exclusively via the online application portal. Applications are due by 15 February 2025, for a start date in September 2025.
The assessment of the applicant is based on:
1. Full academic curriculum vitae
2. Academic records: transcript of exams and certification of undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded and final grade (if any). If the graduate program has not been completed, an enrolment document with the full study plan, the exams taken, and the grades achieved.
3. Test scores: A Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is a mandatory part of application. The score should be no less than 5-year-old. The minimum requirement is the equivalent of a GMAT score above 600.
4. English competency: Applicants who were not educated in English are required to submit official scores on the CanTest, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or recognized equivalent test of written and oral English language proficiency.
5. Research statement/personal statement: short description (max 1200 words) of your motivation for enrolment in this PhD program, your research interests, and professional goals.
6. Reference letters: At least three reference letters uploaded by referees appointed in the online application portal.
7. Other relevant documents (maximum five): e.g., publications, professional accounting or other business designations, other programs attended, etc.

For more detailed information about our admission criteria and the program, please visit the following websites:
https://www.smu.ca/academics/sobey/phd-in-business-administration.html
https://smu-ca-public.courseleaf.com/graduate/programs/business-administration-phd-management
https://www.smu.ca/gradstudies/apply-to-grad-studies.html
Further information: For more information about the program, or to request a detailed brochure, please feel free to contact us at sobeyphd@smu.ca .