phd programs in toronto

MD/PhD Program

Our MD/PhD Program, the largest national program of its kind, trains and mentors the next generation of physician scientists.

Physician scientists are trained as medical doctors and scientists. They are in the unique position of pursuing both scientific research and clinical practice, translating academic excellence into health care excellence for Canadians every day. Our program attracts the very best medical researchers to U of T PhD programs, and has produced successive generations of innovative health leaders. Through collaborative and interdisciplinary research, we are advancing medicine and improving health around the world.

The MD/PhD Program trains physician scientists who are well prepared for both research and clinical practice, highly competitive and productive.

You may apply for admission into the MD/PhD Program at the same time as your MD application, or during your first year of medical school at U of T.

Research Training Opportunities

We have a wide array of research training opportunities available.

Research Application Support Initiative (RASI)

RASI is offered through the Community of Support and includes MD and MD/PhD student support with developing research CVs, publishing research, and finding research positions.

Black Student Application Program

The MD/PhD Program encourages applications for both the MD/PhD Program and BSAP.

Indigenous Student Application Program

Indigenous applicants are welcome to apply through both ISAP and the MD/PhD Program.

We live during a time of remarkable advances in the sciences that span the expanse of biomedical to health services research. Indeed, there has never been a time when it is so exciting to do science; never has there been such potential for discovery and application of these discoveries for the benefit of human health. Nicola Jones, MD, PhD, MD/PhD Program Director

MD/PhD student Hannah Kozlowski receives inaugural future leaders prize

Class of 2T6: What Drives Your Passion for Medicine?

Faces of Temerty Medicine: Mitch De Snoo

Professional and Graduate Programs

Build on your undergraduate degree with U of T’s rich selection of professional and graduate programs. While some programs require university preparation, others require a university degree. See faculty websites for specific admission information.

School of Graduate Studies

U of T is where Canada goes for answers to its big questions – answers that are being provided by faculty and students of Canada’s largest and most prestigious graduate school. With unparalleled research and education facilities as well as outstanding libraries, our world-class graduate students are studying and working with the most productive research faculty in Canada. Our graduate students’ research is recognized internationally, published in leading journals; they also lead the nation in winning external research grants.

Learn more about our over 175 research and professional master’s and doctoral programs across more than 80 departments, or explore the potential for interdisciplinary research in more than forty collaborative programs. By pursuing graduate studies at U of T, you’ll be learning first-hand from some of the world’s top researchers, scholars, and professionals as they work to solve the most urgent questions of the 21st century. Under their guidance, you’ll develop the skills and reputation you need to launch into a lifelong path of intellectual discovery and professional success.

Length of program: varies Phone Number: 416.978.6614 Programs : www.uoft.me/gradprograms Information: www.uoft.me/gradstudies

A complete university degree required

Architecture, Landscape, and Design

The John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design (Daniels) focuses on interdisciplinary training and research to test the limits of 21st century design.

Length of Program: Varies Phone Number: 416.978.5038 Information: www.uoft.me/daniels

A complete university degree is required for graduate programs

Biomedical Communications

A Faculty of Medicine program, biomedical communications offers an interdisciplinary graduate program in the design and evaluation of visual media in medicine and science.

Length of Program: 2 Years Phone Number: 905.569.4849 Information: www.uoft.me/biomedcomm

One of the foremost dental research centres in Canada, U of T’s Faculty of Dentistry has an international reputation for scholarly activity, in both the clinical and biological sciences.

Length of Program: 4 Years Phone Number: 416.979.4901 ext. 4373 Information: www.uoft.me/Dentistry

Some university education required

The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education is an all-graduate institute. We offer programs in curriculum, teaching and learning; applied psychology and human development; leadership, higher and adult education; and social justice education.

Length of Program: Varies Phone Number: 416.978.1848 Information: www.oise.utoronto.ca/oise/Academic_Programs/index.html

The Faculty of Forestry offers an innovative, interdisciplinary course-based Master of Forest Conservation program, which is accredited by the Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board, and includes a three-month internship and opportunities for international study.

Length of Program: 16 months Phone Number: 416.946.7952 Information: www.uoft.me/forestry

Information

The iSchool develops professionals, grounded in practice, policy and research, in the fields of information, knowledge management, digital communication and curation, libraries, archives and museums for the 21st century.

Length of Program: Varies Phone Number: 416.978.3234 Information: www.ischool.utoronto.ca

The Faculty of Law is one of the oldest professional faculties at U of T and has a long and illustrious history of educating the best lawyers and legal scholars in Canada.

L ength of Program: 3 Years Phone Number: 416.978.3716 Information: www.law.utoronto.ca

Institute for Management & Innovation

The Institute for Management & Innovation is the collaborative centre for management education at U of T Mississauga providing professional masters programs in accounting, biotechnology, innovation and sustainability.

Length of Program: Varies Phone Number: 905.569.4565 Information: www.utm.utoronto.ca/imi

Rotman School of Management

U of T’s Rotman School has set out to redesign business education for the 21st century and become one of the world’s top-tier business schools in preparing business leaders of tomorrow.

Length of Program: Varies Phone Number: 416.978.3499 Information: www.rotman.utoronto.ca

Medical Radiation Sciences

Jointly offered by the Faculty of Medicine and The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences, the Medical Radiation Sciences Program integrates proficiency in diagnostic and therapeutic patient care with advanced technology.

Length of Program: 3 Years Phone Number: 416.978.7837 Information: www.uoft.me/medicalradiationsciences

U of T’s Faculty of Medicine and affiliated hospitals are among the leading health sciences centres for research and education in North America, with a global reputation for excellence and innovation.

Length of Program: 4 Years Phone Number: 416.978.7928 Information: www.uoft.me/studymedicine

The Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing ranks among the premier nursing programs in the world in both education and research.

Length of Program: 2 Years Phone Number: 416.978.2865 Information: www.uoft.me/bloombergnursing

Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy

A Faculty of Medicine program, occupational science and therapy prepares students to become innovative occupational therapists, clinician scientists and educators.

Length of Program: 2 Years Phone Number: 416.946.8571 Information: www.uoft.me/ot

The Doctor of Pharmacy program at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy prepares graduates to become leaders in medication therapy management, improve patient outcomes, and work effectively within health care teams.

Length of Program: 4 Years Phone Number: 416.978.3967 Information: www.uoft.me/pharmacy

Physical Therapy

A program within the Faculty of Medicine, the Master of Science in Physical Therapy develops highly competent academic practitioners who demonstrate the essential competencies of a practicing physical therapist in a wide range of settings upon graduation.

Length of Program: 2 Years Phone Number: 416.946.8641 Information: www.physicaltherapy.utoronto.ca

Physician Assistant

Trained in the Faculty of Medicine, Physician Assistants are health care professionals who practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. In their role, PAs are able to conduct physical examinations, order and interpret tests, diagnose and treat illnesses, and more.

Length of Program: 2 Years Phone Number: 416.978.1676 Information: www.paconsortium.ca

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

The Dalla Lana School of Public Health is Canada’s largest and most comprehensive public health school that is informing practice and influencing government policy in population health, prevention and health-care systems.

Length of Program: 2 Years Phone Number: 416.978.2058 Information: www.dlsph.utoronto.ca

Social Work

The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work has been on the cutting edge of education, policy, research and practice in the field of social work for 100 years.

Length of Program: Varies Phone Number: 416.978.3257 Information: www.uoft.me/socialwork

Speech-Language Pathology

The Department of Speech-Language Pathology in the Faculty of Medicine prepares highly competent clinical professionals and researchers who find employment in a variety of settings related to assessment, intervention and/or study of communication, swallowing and hearing disorders.

Length of Program: 2 Years Phone Number: 416.946.5456 Information: www.uoft.me/slp

U of T’s affiliate the Toronto School of Theology provides graduate theological education in academic or professional programs and shapes men and women for faithful and creative leadership in the mission of the Church.

Length of Program: Varies Phone Number: 416.978.4039 Information: www.tst.edu

Find out about  co-ops, internships, field school ,  First Year Foundations : The  One Programs, and other enhanced academic opportunities available on all three campuses.

Applicants should rank their choices in order of preference. You will receive separate decisions for each Faculty/Division to which you apply (i.e. multiple offers from the University of Toronto). The Faculties and Divisions include:

• Applied Science and Engineering
• Arts and Science, St. George campus
• Daniels Faculty of Landscape, Architecture and Design
• International Foundation Program
• Kinesiology and Physical Education
• Medical Radiation Sciences *
• Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing *
• Physician Assistant *
• University of Toronto Mississauga
• University of Toronto Scarborough

*admission to these divisions requires some university preparation; you cannot apply to these programs directly from secondary school.

Applicants should rank their choices in order of preference.

U of T provides many opportunities to study internationally. Learn about exchange programs, field courses, international development internships, and co-op placements.

If you do not meet the published admission requirements, and have not previously attempted university level studies, you may become eligible for various programs through either the Academic Bridging Program or the Transitional Year Program. Find out more about these options  here .

If your first language is not English and you will have completed less than four years of satisfactory full-time study in a Canadian school or in a country where the dominant language is English, you may have to present proof of English facility. Find details  here .

You might be a candidate for one of our English Language Transition Programs. These are available on each of our three campuses, find out more about the  different offerings .

Once you’ve been accepted, you’ll receive information about course selection in your Next Steps package. You can get an idea of what courses are available by checking the  Course Finder , or get in touch with your  Registrar  for questions about course selection.

You should also become familiar with the  Accessible Campus Online Resource Network (ACORN) , and use it to find your courses, academic record and fee information.

School of Graduate Studies

Management, phd, program overview.

The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto is home to Canada’s premier management doctoral program, one of the top-ranked PhD programs in the world. The Rotman PhD program is a growing, vibrant, and intellectually rich environment for those interested in developing new insights in management. This close-knit community of scholars value and celebrate insightful, breakthrough research. ​

The PhD program offers specialization in seven fields:

• Business Economics
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management
• Strategic Management

Quick Facts

Doctor of philosophy, program description.

The Graduate Department of Management offers a world-class doctoral program. Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master’s degree or 2) direct entry following completion of a bachelor’s degree.

PhD Program

Minimum admission requirements.

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants to all fields must also satisfy the Rotman School's additional admission requirements stated below.

Some depth in the cognate disciplines relevant to the field is required.

These requirements may be satisfied prior to entry to the PhD program through an MBA degree program coupled with a relevant undergraduate degree, or through an undergraduate degree in business, management, or commerce coupled with a discipline-based master's degree.

If the depth requirements are completed prior to entry to the PhD program, then the student is expected to complete the program in four years. If additional coursework is required, then the student may need an additional year to complete the program.

Applicants should provide:

transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended

a letter of intent for applying to the PhD program

an updated curriculum vitae (CV)

two reference letters

a valid GMAT or GRE score (optional)

proof of English-language proficiency, if applicable.

Program Requirements

Students are expected to be qualified in the three basic disciplines essential to the study of management: economics, behavioural science, and quantitative analysis/statistics.

Students in all fields normally complete coursework in one field and two areas of study during Years 1 and 2. In subsequent years of study, students concentrate on deepening knowledge through additional coursework and on generating unprecedented insights through research that culminates in a written doctoral thesis.

Coursework . Students must complete a minimum of 4.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) to satisfy requirements for one field and two areas of study.

A minimum of 2.0 FCEs comprise the field. These will normally be taken from 3000-level Management courses, but additional courses from other departments may be required.

2.0 FCEs: courses in the two areas of study are usually taken in cognate departments. Each area of study comprises at least 1.0 FCE.

Upon completion of the courses, students are expected to pass comprehensive examinations in the field.

Successful completion of the required course RSM3080H Research Methods in Business (0.5 FCE).

A thesis embodying the results of original investigation must be submitted and defended at a Doctoral Final Oral Examination in accordance with the regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.

During all years of study, students must maintain residency , whereby students are on campus full-time and consequently in geographical proximity to be able to participate fully in the University activities associated with the program.

Program Length

Phd program (direct-entry).

Some depth in the cognate disciplines relevant to the field of study is required.

If the depth requirements are completed prior to entry to the PhD program, then the student is expected to complete the program in five years. If additional coursework is required, then the student may need an additional year to complete the program.

In exceptional cases, and at the discretion of the Rotman School, admission to the program by direct entry may be approved for applicants with an appropriate bachelor’s degree with high standing (a least an A- average in courses relevant to the discipline) from a recognized university.

Coursework . Students must complete a minimum of 6.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) to satisfy requirements for one field and two areas of study. Direct-entry students must complete 2.0 of the 6.5 FCEs within Year 1.

A minimum of 2.0 FCEs in the field. These will normally be taken from 3000-level Management courses, but additional courses from other departments may be required.

2.0 FCE: courses in the two areas of study are usually taken in cognate departments. Each area of study comprises at least 1.0 FCE.

An additional 2.0 FCEs in any field related to the student's program of study.

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Graduate programs at a glance, degree programs.

All degree programs are offered full-time unless otherwise ​indicated.

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Combined Degree Programs

Undergraduate / master's degree programs, second-entry undergraduate / master's degree programs, second-entry undergraduate / doctoral degree programs, master's / master's degree programs, dual degree programs.

* Admissions have been administratively suspended for the 2024-25 admissions cycle.

Collaborative Specializations

Diploma programs.

​​​​All diploma programs are offered full-time unless otherwise indicated.

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Main Content

Strategic Management

A world-class, distinctive program.

The PhD Program in Strategic Management prepares students for research-oriented careers, and it is considered among the top programs in the world. Among these elite programs, it is distinctive for coupling rigorous discipline-based training with an interdisciplinary approach to the most important strategic questions of our days.

View the Rotman Strategy PhD Brochure

Contact the PhD Program at Rotman

Contact the Strategic Management PhD Coordinator Nico Lacetera

Strengths of the Program

The PhD Program in Strategic Management prepares students for research-oriented careers. The structure of the program reflects, on the one hand, its interdisciplinary philosophy, and on the other hand, our belief in rigorous discipline-based training.

Admission to the Program

Admission to the Strategy PhD program is competitive, with the number of qualified applicants largely exceeding the number of available places. Our admissions decisions weigh a number of factors including academic background, research experience, test scores, aspirations, and fit with the research interests of our faculty.

Program Structure and Requirements

The Rotman PhD program in Strategic Management includes required courses (in theory and methods) “depth” courses, optional personalized courses, a research project, comprehensive examinations and a dissertation.

Current PhD Students

Meet Strategic Management's current PhD students!

Meet the Rotman Strategic Management faculty.

Testimonials

Below are the testimonials from recent graduates from the Strategic Management area at Rotman School of Management.

Where are They Now?

Strategic Management has had many graduates over the years and we are very proud of the accomplishments they made in their careers.