Program Structure
Our Strength: Our Program
The Rotman PhD program in OBHRM incorporates course work, independent research, comprehensive examinations, and a final dissertation. Find more information on program structure, course requirements and expected time-lines for completion of the doctoral program at the Rotman School of Management, the business school at the University of Toronto.
The main components for the successful completion of the program are:
A typical program of study takes five years. The bulk of the course requirements, as well as the research project are completed during the first two years. The comprehensive examination is taken in the summer of the second year. The last two to three years of the program are focused on thesis research.
Prior to Entering Program
Students complete pre-qualifying requirements.
First Year
Students complete qualifying courses and courses in their two minor fields
Students demonstrate outstanding performance in their required courses in OB & HR.
Students begin research (e.g. writing their second year paper and/or acting as a research assistant)
Second Year
Students complete course work in OB & HR, and take two optional OB & HR-area special topics elective courses.
Students successfully complete their comprehensive exam in OB & HR. This entails first the successful completion of a second year original research paper, and second, successful completion of a written comprehensive exam in OB & HR.
Students present their second year research paper in a OB & HR-area workshop.
Third Year
Students take specialized courses, as needed, such as optional finance electives.
Students begin their dissertation proposal.
Fourth Year (or Fifth Year if needed)
Students present their job market paper in the OB & HR-area workshop.
Students take specialized courses, as needed.
Students complete their dissertation.