Business [Graduate]

Master’s programs:

The minimum admission requirements of the Faculty of Business are those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research; namely, an undergraduate degree with an average of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.

All applicants are required to write the Graduate Management Admission Test, and have their scores forwarded to the Associate Dean – Master’s Programs.  Although no arbitrary standard is employed, a score above 550 is desirable.

In addition to the above requirements, all students must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission as described in English Language Requirement.

Where degree programs offered by the Faculty of Business are approved to be delivered in a language other than English, the English language proficiency requirement may be waived.

Additional entrance requirements are listed below, under the heading of the specific degree program.

Doctoral Programs:

For the PhD in Business the minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last ★60 of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. Completion of a Master’s degree is not a requirement.

An academic background in business is not required; demonstrated aptitude for conducting research and familiarity with a scholarly discipline are valued credentials.

Applicants to the Accounting specialization must provide evidence of accounting expertise, such as a professional accounting designation.

Where applicable, applicants must meet the minimum English Language Requirement.

All applicants are required to submit their scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scores must be from a test taken within the past five years; scores above the 90th percentile are desirable.

Applicants are also required to provide:

1. A current resume or curriculum vitae;
2. Three letters of reference;
3. A statement of purpose identifying what specific topics within the area of specialization they are interested in and why; relevant skills and past experiences; and tentative plans upon completion of the program. The applicant should also identify appropriate faculty members as potential supervisors.

Doctoral Program:

All students in the Business PhD program must maintain a minimum cumulative grand point average of 3.0 throughout the course of the program.