Management Sciences - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Engineering 7

Engineering 7 (E7) Building on Waterloo's East Campus.

Conduct research and generate new knowledge in one of three research specializations with the PhD in Management Sciences program.

Through coursework, original research and a thesis, you’ll delve deeper into your chosen specialization of applied operations research, information systems, or management of technology to address society’s most complex problems.  

Guided by innovative and respected faculty from a wide variety of backgrounds with extensive scopes of research, you’ll be prepared to achieve your career goals in academia, private industry, government and beyond.

Research fields

  • Applied Operations Research
  • Information Systems
  • Management of Technology

Program overview

Department/School: Management Science and Engineering
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  • February 1 (for admission in September)
danielle ripsman

A lot of the time, research is a strange beast in that you need to propose what you're doing before you do it. But at Waterloo, I've been given a lot of freedom and support in my research. I've been allowed to explore questions that aren't necessarily a ‘sure thing,’ which I think is really important.

Danielle Ripsman, PHD, Management Sciences

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • A master's degree with at least an 83% average and evidence of ability to pursue independent research.
  • Background in quantitative methods (e.g., Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics).
  • All applicants must submit a "Statement of Purpose" - a one page statement addressing their academic background, area of research interest, proposed research studies.

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Resume/Curriculum vitae
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement.
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion.
  • Transcript(s)
  • References
    • Three references are required, if the applicant has been working for several years, one business reference will be accepted along with two academic references.
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25 speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees