Doctor of Philosophy in Management

Throughout the program, an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the relevant theoretical and empirical literature are emphasized. Students are expected to gain the necessary conceptual and methodological skills required to carry out high-quality empirical research.

The doctoral program in management has three related objectives:

  • Prepare students to conduct high-quality research that extends management theory and is relevant to business organizations
  • Communicate research findings through teaching and writing
  • Prepare students for the varied responsibilities and opportunities of careers at leading research universities

These objectives are accomplished in several ways: formal course work; independent study and reading; formal assignment as a research assistant; student- or faculty-initiated research projects; and dissertation research. This research can lead to students authoring or co-authoring papers with faculty members and other PhD students.

Areas of Study

This program offers the opportunity to specialize in one of the following two areas:

  • Organizational Behavior/Human Resource Management focuses on the study of human behavior in complex social systems (organizations). Topics explored include individual differences, motivation, leadership, group dynamics, attitudes, decision making, political behavior, and organizational design, as well as the management of people through staffing, socialization, performance management, and employee relations.
  • Strategic Management/Strategic Entrepreneurship focuses on the roles and challenges of top management teams and strategy formulation and implementation. Topics explored include strategic processes such as decision making, resource allocation, and the creation and management of new businesses, as well as strategic entrepreneurship and international strategy.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program