Scopus vs. Web of Science vs. ABDC: Understanding Journal Rankings for PhD Graduation

Journal Publication Journal Publishing PhD Application PhD Tips Research Guide Scopus Indexing

Navigating journal databases can feel like a maze. Should you prioritize a Scopus journal or a Web of Science (WoS) indexed one? If you are a Business scholar, does the ABDC list matter more? At GRIT, we understand that your academic promotion and PhD graduation depend on these metrics.

The Indexing Hierarchy

Not all indexes are created equal. Some are global, while others are field-specific. Let's break down the "Big Three":

1. Web of Science (WoS)

Managed by Clarivate. It is the most selective index. Journals here often have a high Impact Factor (IF). If your university requires "SCI" or "SSCI" publications, they are talking about WoS.

2. Scopus

Owned by Elsevier. It is broader than WoS but still very rigorous. It uses CiteScore and SJR instead of Impact Factor. Most international rankings use Scopus data.

3. ABDC (Business Only)

The Australian Business Deans Council list. Critical for Finance, Marketing, and Management scholars. It ranks journals as A*, A, B, or C.

Publishing Across Languages

Many scholars struggle because their primary research is not in English. We have addressed this in our Free Multilingual Research Writing Sessions, where we show you how to bridge the gap between local research and global Scopus journals.

Common Questions (FAQ)

If you have more questions, check our Full FAQ Page, but here are the essentials:

  • Can a journal be in both Scopus and WoS? Yes, and these are the most prestigious ones to target.
  • What is a "Predatory" Journal? A journal that charges money without providing real peer review. Many claim to be in Scopus but are not.

Present Your Work Globally

Don't just publish; present! Join the next GRIT Conference to network with editors from these top-tier journals.

Register for the GRIT Conference →