Doctoral Program

The PhD specialization in Accounting focuses on issues related to the use of accounting information by various users (i.e., investors, financial analysts), the effect of regulations and of changes in accounting practices and theory. These include financial reporting and disclosure, management accounting and control systems, and historical analysis. The program emphasizes a firm theoretical base of economics designed to complement the student's practical training.

PhD Program in Management Strategy and Organization Area

The doctoral specialization in Strategy and Organization is designed to train students in the theory and methods of strategy and organization. The Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University is renowned for its process approach to strategy – a focus on the dynamics through which strategies emerge and are realized in organizations, and the particular concepts and methodologies for studying the dynamics of strategic change.

The fundamental objective of the Organizational Behavior Area is to train world-class researchers in this field. The term "organizational behavior" refers to a collection of theory and research that focuses on individual and group attitudes, cognitions and behaviours in organizations. The faculty in the Area represent a mix of researchers from a variety of backgrounds. Some take a more cognitive, others a more practice-oriented approach in their research.

The objectives of the doctoral specialization in Information Systems (IS) are to promote theoretical and applied research with a combined focus on scientific rigour and relevance to information systems practice. Faculty in the IS Area conduct research on the organizational and individual impacts of information technology, on systems implementation and adoption, on resistance to change, on electronic commerce and on information systems research models.

While pursuing their PhD studies, many students opt to take on a student loan. The following list of sources applies mostly to Canadian students and is by no means exhaustive.

The McGill PhD in Management aims to attract individuals who possess a strong academic background, personal initiative, and the potential to become excellent researchers. Applicants are assessed according to their past academic record, evaluations by former professors or supervisors, performance on standard graduate examinations, relevant work experience and the fit between their interests and the Faculty's focus and objectives.

Completed applications and all supporting documents are to be uploaded by no later than January 15th  for Fall (September) admission of the same calendar year in which admission is sought. This deadline is for all applicants (Canada and International). There is no January (Winter) or June-July (Summer) admission. 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application form and all supporting documents are uploaded by the application deadline.

It is important that thorough financial planning be undertaken before beginning doctoral studies. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that adequate financing is in place for the duration of the program.

McGill is committed to the development of insightful, autonomous researchers whose pursuit of knowledge makes significant contributions to society and to learning.