Program Requirements

Project-based MBA

The Sardul S. Gill Graduate School of Business' MBA program consists of three modules and one or two Co-op work terms. The Daytime program is generally completed in 17 to 21 months. The Evening program is generally completed in 29 to 33 months. It is an innovative program which emphasizes a high degree of integration among business functional areas.

All students participate in an International Integrative Management Exercise (IIME). The IIME takes place in another country or countries over a 12-day period in mid to late April. Daytime students complete the IIME during the second term of the Foundation module. Evening students participate in the IIME during the first or second year of their Foundation module, depending on the year of admission. There are additional fees associated with the IIME. Please see <www.uvic.ca/gustavson/gill/mba/tuition> for additional information. Students entering the Daytime program with less than three years of work experience are required to complete one four-month co-op work term.

The regular degree program consists of 27.5 units. Individual programs of study may differ, but in no case will the MBA degree be awarded on the basis of fewer than 21 units of study (including the report requirement) accepted for graduate credit at the University of Victoria.

For students wanting to pursue the Evening MBA, the only constraints are the following:

1. Students will be required to attend the Essentials of Business and Leadership Module (EBL) on a full-time Daytime basis in the year in which they are admitted to the program.
2. Depending on the specialization chosen and course availability, students may be required to attend full time during the Specialization Module (one academic term).

Evening students may take courses with Daytime students, that may be in the late afternoon, evening or weekends. The time frame for completion of the degree must meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies' maximum limit of five years (see “Time Limits”).

Course Requirements

The content of the MBA program is arranged into three modules to facilitate the integration of the diverse functional business disciplines:

1. Essentials of Business and Leadership (EBL) Module
2. Foundation Module
3. Specialization Module

Essentials of Business and Leadership (EBL) Module

This module contains one course:

Foundation Module

This module contains 16 required courses:

1. May also be taken in the Summer session following completion of other Foundation Module requirements, or with the Specialization module.

* Students choosing to take MBA 598 Research Report, rather than MBA 596 Management Consulting Report, will be required to take an appropriate Research Methods course of 1.5 units in lieu of or in addition to MBA 585. Students choosing MBA 598 Research Report should consult with their academic supervisor to identify an appropriate Research Methods course offered elsewhere within the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Thunderbird School of Global Management Options

Thunderbird School of Global Management is a world ranked school for international management education at the graduate level. Its main campus is located in Glendale, Arizona, USA. Students from around the world attend Thunderbird for the range of international management courses, the world class faculty, and the recognition that a Thunderbird degree can give them. For more information about Thunderbird, visit www.thunderbird.edu.

1. Specialization Option:

A limited number of students nominated by the Gill Graduate School of Business and who meet Thunderbird's normal admission requirements can attend Thunderbird after successfully completing the course work in the Gill Graduate School MBA Foundation Module. At Thunderbird, Gill Graduate MBA students will complete the following courses:

• GM 4000 Global Political Economy (3.0 credits*)
• GM 4210 Global Economics (3.0 credits)
• GM 4403 Global Enterprise (1.5 credits)
• GM 4800 Cross Cultural Communication (1.5 credits)
• GM 4801 Global Negotiations (1.5 credits)
• GM 5486 Global Leadership (1.5 credits)
• GF Elective (3 credits)

* 2.0 credit hours at Thunderbird equals 1.0 unit at UVic

Upon successful completion of the 15 credit hours at Thunderbird the students will be awarded a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Thunderbird. This Certificate will count as the Specialization Module for Gill Graduate MBA students. For more information about fees, the application process, and application deadlines please contact the Gill Graduate School MBA Program office.

2. Double Degree Option

A limited number of Gill Graduate MBA students nominated by the Gill Graduate School of Business and who meet Thunderbird's normal admission requirements and who have successfully completed the course work in the Gill Graduate School MBA Foundation Module can attend Thunderbird in order to earn an MGM (Thunderbird's Master of Global Management) degree. At Thunderbird, Gill Graduate MBA students will complete a minimum of 30 credit hours*. Please contact the Gill Graduate School MBA Program office for a complete listing of Thunderbird's requirements.

* 2.0 credit hours at Thunderbird equals 1.0 unit at UVic

A minimum of 12 credit hours from Thunderbird's MGM program will be counted as the Specialization Module for purposes of earning an MBA. Students must also complete a major project, either MBA 596 or 598 (3.0 units).

Thunderbird MGM students wishing to attend UVic in order to earn a Gill Graduate School MBA must qualify for regular admission to the MBA Program. At UVic, Thunderbird students will complete the following courses:

• MBA 500 EBL: (4.5 units)
• MBA Foundation Module courses (Fall term and Spring term) (15.5. units)
• Major project - MBA 596 or 598 (3.0 units)

UVic will recognize a minimum of 12 credit hours from Thunderbird's MGM program (equal to 6.0 UVic units) will be counted as the Specialization Module for purposes of earning a Gill Graduate School MBA.

Double Degree option students shall be granted their respective degrees (MBA and/or MGM) upon successfully meeting the respective requirements of each institution. Coursework must be completed within five years of starting the first degree.

For more information about fees, the application process, and application deadlines please contact the Gill Graduate School MBA Program office.

Specialization Module and Electives

The Specialization Module consists of 4.5 units of courses that concentrate in Service Management or Entrepreneurship or International Business. In unusual cases, or for students participating in an international academic exchange, 4.5 units of graduate level electives may be selected, or a combination of 300- or 400- level undergraduate electives (to a maximum or 3.0 units of 300- or 400- level electives) with permission from the MBA Program Director prior to enrolling in these courses.

Students must have completed the Essentials of Business and Leadership (EBL) and Foundation Modules (or have received the permission of the Program Director) before taking any of the following courses. Specialization Module courses and electives are offered subject to enrolment and the availability of faculty.

MBA Specialization Courses

MBA Cross-Listed Courses

Report Requirement: MBA 598 or MBA 596

This course has a 3 unit value, and is generally started after the Foundation Module.

Performance Requirement

See "Academic Performance".

Program Length

Seventeen to twenty-one months for Daytime students and 29 to 33 months for Evening students.

Project-based MGB Program

The MGB Program consists of four modules followed by a comprehensive examination and a Global Business Project. The program is normally completed in 12 months. The regular degree program consists of 17.5 units plus 3.0 units of required introductory language training.

1. Coursework

MGB students are required to take 19 units of coursework, as listed below.

A comprehensive examination, MGB 597 (0.0 units), must be taken after the completion of all coursework.

2. Report Requirement

In addition to the above courses, students will also complete one of either:

Residency

Normally students will take the Global Business Fundamentals at UVic, from September to November. The other two taught modules (Global Business Opportunities and Global Business in Action) will involve overseas partner institutions in Asia and Europe. The modules will be delivered by Gill Graduate School Business faculty or under the direction of UVic faculty and as approved by Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Program Length

Students will normally be expected to complete the program within one year (September to August with a brief orientation prior to the first module).

GCE and GDE Program Requirements

Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship

All students are required to complete the following four 1.5 unit courses:

Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship

All students are required to complete all four 1.5 unit courses for the Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship plus ENTD 590 (3.0) Entrepreneurship Practicum and Directed Studies

PhD Program

The regular PhD program consists of 33 units for students holding a master's degree. In no case will the PhD degree be awarded on the basis of fewer than 15 units of study completed at the University of Victoria.

Upon admission, the PhD Program Director, in consultation with the incoming student's PhD Supervisor, will meet with the PhD student to review requirements for graduation that will include the following:

1. Coursework (18 units)
2. Comprehensive Candidacy written and oral examinations
3. Thesis proposal and presentation
4. Dissertation and defense (15 units)
5. International Research Exchange (if determined appropriate)
6. Industry Practicum (if determined appropriate)
7. Teacher training (if determined appropriate)
8. Other requirements as determined by the PhD Program Director and the student's PhD Supervisor

1. Coursework

PhD students are required to take 18.0 units of coursework in research methods and foundation courses during their first two years in the program.

Students in the PhD Program in International Management & Organization can choose from one of three streams:

• Strategy and International Management
• Organizational Analysis and Cross Cultural Management
• Sustainability and International Management
• a) Theoretical and Empirical Foundation topics (13.5 units)
Strategy and International Management
• BUS 601 - Foundations of Research in International Management & Organization (1.5 units)
• BUS 602 - Seminar in International Management (1.5 units)
• BUS 603 - Seminar in Strategy and Organization (1.5 units)
• BUS 604 - Seminar in Global Issues of Business Sustainability (1.5 units) OR BUS 606 - Seminar in Organizational Analysis (1.5 units)
• BUS 605 - Seminar in Cross-cultural Management (1.5 units)
• Two elective courses (3.0 units) at the graduate level to be approved by the PhD Program Director in consultation with the student's supervisor.
• BUS 670 - Research Seminars (3.0 units)
Organizational Analysis and Cross-Cultural Management
• BUS 601 - Foundations of Research in International Management & Organization (1.5 units)
• BUS 602 - Seminar in International Management (1.5 units)
• BUS 603 - Seminar in Strategy and Organization (1.5 units) OR BUS 604 - Seminar in Global Issues of Business Sustainability (1.5 units)
• BUS 605 - Seminar in Cross-cultural Management (1.5 units)
• BUS 606 - Seminar in Organizational Analysis (1.5 units)
• Two electives courses (3.0 units) at the graduate level to be approved by the PhD Program Director in consultation with the student's supervisor.
• BUS 670 - Research Seminars (3.0 units)
Sustainability and International Management
• BUS 601 - Foundations of Research in International Management & Organization (1.5 units)
• BUS 602 - Seminar in International Management (1.5 units) OR BUS 605 - Seminar in Cross-cultural Management (1.5 units)
• BUS 604 - Seminar in Global Issues of Business Sustainability (1.5 units)
• BUS 606 - Seminar in Organizational Analysis (1.5 units) OR BUS 603 - Seminar in Strategy and Organization (1.5 units)
• One other BUS 600-level course (1.5 units)
• Two elective courses (3.0 units) at the graduate level to be approved by the PhD Program Director in consultation with the student's supervisor.
• BUS 670 - Research Seminars (3.0 units)
• b) Advanced Theory and Methods (4.5 units)
Courses are to be approved by the PhD Program Director, in consultation with the student's supervisor. A list of eligible courses may be obtained from the PhD Program Office.

If a student has completed PhD-level coursework at another institution, then the Gill Graduate School of Business will evaluate the courses on a case-by-case basis to determine if some course requirements may be waived.

2. Comprehensive Candidacy Examination

Normally within two years after commencing PhD studies, students will be required to undertake written candidacy examinations that assess a mastery of the theories and methods prevalent in the field and awareness of the emerging directions in international management and organization. The candidacy examinations will be set and assessed by the PhD Program Committee.

3. Dissertation Proposal and Presentation

Students will normally be expected to develop a dissertation proposal within six months of passing candidacy exams, and must defend the dissertation proposal within three years of entering the program. The student will find a dissertation supervisor as per Faculty of Graduate Studies guidelines on Supervisor Relationship Policy. The student, in consultation with the supervisor, will assemble two other faculty members (usually from the Gill Graduate School of Business) to form a Dissertation Proposal Committee who will assess the oral and written presentation of the dissertation proposal.

4. Dissertation/Oral Examination

Once the Thesis Proposal Committee is satisfied that the dissertation proposal meets the standards of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and of the Gill Graduate School of Business, candidates will begin their dissertation research.

Once the dissertation is nearly ready to be defended, the candidate's thesis supervisor will assemble a Thesis Defense Committee to assess the quality of the work. The Thesis Defense Committee will be made up of two faculty members from within the Gill Graduate School, one faculty member from outside the school but within the University of Victoria, and one faculty member from outside the University of Victoria (i.e., the External Examiner). Once the Thesis Defense Committee is satisfied with the thesis, candidates will then defend the dissertation in a public oral examination as per the requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Candidates are expected to complete their dissertation and final oral exam by the end of their fourth year in the PhD Program.

5. International Research Exchange

To round out their research experience, PhD candidates can participate in an International Research Exchange at select research-focused universities abroad. These short-term residencies are intended to ensure that PhD candidates have direct exposure to international research issues as well as to enhance their international academic networks. An international Research Exchange is optional. The PhD Program Director, in consultation with the candidate's supervisor, may require it as part of the candidate's program.

If an International Research Exchange is included in the candidate's program, the candidate will work with his/her supervisor and the International Programs Office to find an appropriate placement at a university abroad. The length of the International Research Exchange can vary, but could be up to four months and will take place after candidacy exams. A reflective exercise will be required upon completion of the International Research Exchange and requirements will be set out by the PhD Program Committee and candidate's PhD Supervisor.

6. Industry Practicum

PhD candidates may include work experience in their program by participating in an Industry Practicum to engage in an organization, whether that be a private business, public institution, or not-for-profit entity, to enhance their practical appreciation for the phenomena they are studying. A holistic assessment will be conducted at the time of the candidacy exams to determine a candidate's need for industry experience. The PhD Program Director, in consultation with the candidate's supervisor, may require a practicum for the candidate's program.

If an Industry Practicum is included in the candidate's program, the candidate will work with the his/her supervisor and the Business Co-op and Career Center, on a suitable Industry Practicum program—which is intended to be closely related to their emerging area of academic study. The length of the Industry Practicum can vary, but may be up to four months and will take place after candidacy exams. A reflective exercise will be required upon completion of the Industry Practicum and requirements will be set out by the PhD Program Director, the candidate's supervisor, and the Business Co-op and Career Center.

7. Teacher Training as determined appropriate by the PhD Program Director

Teacher training will be an essential component of the PhD program. Candidates will be given various opportunities to develop teaching skills through Teaching Assistantships and/or Sessional Teaching as well as courses available through the UVic Learning and Teaching Center (e.g., ED-D 600). Teaching activities will be coordinated through the PhD Program Office.

While teacher training is mandatory, the PhD Program Director, in consultation with the candidate's supervisor may waive this requirement if the candidate can demonstrate a high level of teaching experience and expertise. An assessment of the candidate's teaching experience will be completed at the time of the candidacy by the PhD Program Committee and the candidate's supervisor.

8. Other requirements

These will be determined by the PhD Program Committee and the student's PhD Supervisor.

PhD Course Prerequisites

Students who have not completed an MBA will normally be expected to complete the MBA Foundation module. Students may be waived from certain courses based on prior coursework or work experience. These requirements will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will be communicated to the prospective students prior to admission into the PhD program.

Research Seminars

Students are expected to attend BUS 670 Research Seminars as scheduled.

Assessment of Progress

A student's progress will be reviewed periodically by the PhD Program Director in consultation with the student's supervisor. In cases where performance is below the required standard, a plan for improvement will be developed between the PhD Program Director and the student, if there is mutual agreement that the student is to continue pursuing PhD studies. Continued financial support is contingent upon satisfactory progress as assessed by the PhD Program Director.

Residency

Students are required to attend full time on campus throughout their PhD studies (aside from their International Research Exchange, Industry Practicum). Continued financial support is contingent upon full time residency although special arrangements may be possible if agreed upon in advance by the PhD Program Director.

Program Length

PhD students should aim at completing their doctoral program in four years, including research, teacher training, international Research Exchange and industry practicum experiences. The program operates year round.

MBA+JD Double Degree Program Requirements

A limited number of students (up to a maximum of five) who are accepted in both the Gill Graduate School of Business MBA program and the Faculty of Law JD program may take both degrees concurrently with modified requirements for each. The double degree may be completed in four years instead of the usual five years required to obtain both degrees separately. The Law requirements for the double degrees are described in UVic's Undergraduate Calendar.

After completing their first year Law curriculum, students will start the MBA portion of the program, which includes the following:

1. MBA 500 (4.5): Essentials of Business and Leadership (EBL)
2. MBA 501 (0): Integrative Management Exercises
3. MBA 502 (0): Professional Development
4. All MBA Foundation Module courses except MBA 560 Managing Legal Risks
5. MBA 598 (3.0): Research Report. This course requires students to complete an appropriate Research Methods course of 1.5 units from another department within the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Students should consult with their academic supervisor to identify an appropriate Research Methods course; OR: MBA 596 (3.0): Management Consulting Report.
6. Co-op requirements (if applicable)

Items 1 to 4 are normally completed in Year Two of the double degree program while the remaining items are to be completed in Years Three and Four of the program.

Further information on the program may be obtained from either the Gill Graduate School or the Faculty of Law.

Students enrolled in the JD+MBA double degree program must submit two formal applications for graduation when registering in their final Summer or Winter session. Graduation application forms are available from Undergraduate Records for the JD degree and from Graduate Records for the MBA degree. Application deadlines are July 1 for the November convocation and December 1 for the June convocation. Both degrees must be conferred at the same Senate meeting, and be awarded at the same convocation.

Program Length

Four years.

MBA+MEng Double-Degree Program

A limited number of students (up to a maximum of five) who are accepted in both the MBA program and the Masters of Engineering (project-based option) program in either of the Departments of Mechanical or Electrical and Computer Engineering may take both degrees concurrently with modified requirements for each. Both degrees may be completed within 25 months.

Double-degree students complete all MBA course work except the specialization module requirements in the first three terms of their program. Normally, students will then transfer to the Faculty of Engineering to complete MEng course work and Graduate Seminar requirements. The major project requirement for both programs will be satisfied with the successful completion of a single project, MBME 598, jointly supervised by the Faculty of Business and either the Department of Mechanical or Electrical and Computer Engineering. Completion of all required Engineering course work will also be credited as fulfillment of the MBA specialization module requirements.

Students entering with less than three years of full-time work experience will complete a Co-op work term as a requirement of the MBA program.

MBA+MSc in Computer Science Double-Degree Program

A limited number of students (up to a maximum of five) who are accepted in both the MBA program and the Master's of Science (project-based option) program in the Department of Computer Science may take both degrees concurrently with modified requirements for each. Both degrees may be completed within 29 months.

Double-degree students complete all MBA course work except the specialization module requirements in the first three terms of their program. Normally, students will then transfer to the Department of Computer Science to complete MSc course work requirements, consisting of CSC 595 and 7.5 units of other courses. The major project requirement for both programs will be satisfied with the successful completion of a single project, MBMS 598, jointly supervised by the Faculty of Business and the Department of Computer Science. Completion of all required Computer Science course work will also be credited as fulfillment of the MBA specialization module requirements.

Students entering with less than three years of full-time work experience will complete a Co-op work term as a requirement of the MBA program.