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I am trying to understand the importance of the brand recognition in Job Market since from the perspective of research fit these two programs are so close to each other (but if I have to say which program is slightly better in terms of research fit, I would say A&M). On the other hand, 1) I want to live in Canada in long term (Which makes me close to Alberta) 2) While Alberta faculty members try their best to help my decision by explaining the whole PhD process, clarifying the questions in my mind, etc; A&M professors are seem like they do not even care whether I join their program or not. (Which again makes me close to Alberta) This makes me feel that although the research fit is slightly better at A&M, I will not get enough attention from the professors. Besides, A&M has almost 2 times PhD students which also makes me think that I will need to compete with them to get the professors's attention in their limited time. Long story short, I would be so happy If someone convince me on either Alberta has a strong recognition in Canada/EU/US or the ranking or recognition of the university do not matter much.

Actually, the fact that Alberta is not known much is my biggest concern at this point. I also totally agree with you on the weather aspect but considering PhD as an 4-5 years investment, I guess I have to consider university, program, faculty and research recognition more.

Could you give more details on the "by law" part? My goal is actually stay in Canada after the PhD but since there are fewer than 100 universities in Canada, I thought it would be more challenging comparing the Job Market in the US. On the other hand, considering Alberta's placements, it looks like Alberta has a very strong recognition (perhaps stronger than A&M) in Europe which would also my second choice after Canada for a faculty position.

Totally agree with you on the placements of A&M but I also think in the same way for Alberta. When I check the graduates of Alberta, it looks like the target market for the business school is Europe&Canada rather than North America including US. And this gives me the clue that US universities do not favor PhD's from Canadian universities (except for Toronto, B.Columbia, McGill). Additionally, there are few universities in Canada and they do not need new faculty members every year vs. >4000 universities in the US. I am not sure if how I think is right but I think that a PhD from A&M will open more doors including from Canadian universities.

Thank you for the valuable insights! I also feel myself closer to A&M but Alberta (5th best school in Canada) is also a great school and in most of the global rankings Alberta is one step ahead of A&M (except for usnews but I think that system tends to give more credit to US institutions). Academic & University News | Times Higher Education (THE) : Alberta: #132, A&M: #171 https://www.topuniversities.com : Alberta: #109, A&M: #203 USNEWS : Alberta: #137, A&M: #125 However, I have the sense that not everyone is aware of the rankings of Alberta and as far as I understand A&M has more and better recognition.

Hello, I have 2 offers from University of Alberta and Texas A&M University and both universities are my top choices. However, in choosing one of these universities I have a couple of reservations in my mind and I will be very glad if you could provide some insights. 1. Considering the Job Market after completing the PhD, does the ranking of the institution where you get your PhD from matters? If yes, in what degree? 2. Again considering the Job Market, PhD in Canada vs. PhD in US? In other words, do the universities in the US have a tendency to hire applicants having PhD’s from American institutions? 3. How do you consider Univ. of Alberta in terms of its prestige in the US vs. Texas A&M? Although it’s in top 5 universities in Canada, how it is known in the US? 4. Am I even asking the right questions? I am aware of the fact that almost all will depend on how I will improve myself, what I will do in my PhD studies, dissertation, publications etc. rather than the “prestige” of the institution. However, assuming I will have a similar portfolio when I will complete my PhD, I am trying to understand the differences of these schools. Thank you!