phd in strategic management online

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Strategic management ph.d., earn a ph.d. in business and a major concentration in strategic management to prepare for a career at top academic institutions.

The Ph.D. in Business and a Major Concentration in Strategic Management provides course work in the base theories in strategic management. The field of strategic management studies big picture issues facing managers of firms, such as deciding what markets and industries to enter, how to enter and exit various markets, how to position the firm in the market in order to gain competitive advantage, and the timing, sequencing, and orchestration of competitive initiatives. Topics in strategic management include: Competitive strategy, resource allocation and corporate strategy, strategic decision processes, international and emerging market strategies, knowledge and innovation management, strategic entrepreneurship, corporate governance, and environment and non-market strategies.

The main goal of the strategic management doctoral program is to train students to do high-quality research in any of these areas and to prepare them for careers as mainstream professors of strategic management at top academic research institutions. To achieve this goal, Ph.D. students are required to take courses in strategic management, research methods and statistics, as well as possible disciplinary elective courses in economics, psychology and political science, and to write research papers examining important and relevant issues in strategic management. The program also has a teaching requirement to the extent that teaching opportunities are available.

Interested in Rice Business?

Program information.

Rice Business offers an outstanding program for doctoral students interested in strategic management.

In addition to the requirements described in Chapters 1 and 6 of this guide, doctoral students who have chosen strategic management as their area must satisfy the following requirements for a Ph.D. degree.

Course, Research Work and Dissertation Advisor

• The student’s course work must be approved by the area faculty advisor.
• During the student’s first two years, he or she must take a minimum of 12 hours of approved graduate level courses per semester.
• Course work includes a combination of required and elective courses. The required courses are listed in the attached course sample sequence.
• The student is expected to attend all research seminars organized in the strategic management area during the student’s tenure in the Ph.D. program. Moreover, during the second and third years, the student must formally register for the strategic management research seminars and attend presentations of SE faculty as well as those of faculty members from other business schools who visit the SE area to present their research.
• Students are expected to be fully engaged in research during the Ph.D. program, especially during all the summers, including the summer after the first year of their residency in the Ph.D. program.
• Students must have a Jones School SE faculty member who has agreed to serve as their dissertation advisor by the end of the spring semester of their third year in the program.
• From the second year onwards, students are required to give at least one research presentation every year in front of faculty and other doctoral students. Such presentations should demonstrate that the student is making adequate progress in his/her research. The presentation requirement may be fulfilled in the fall of the second and third years by presenting the required research paper and other research projects. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule this yearly presentation, together with his/her advisor and/or the strategic management area advisor.
• Having teaching experience is important for doctoral students to perform well in the academic job market. As such, we require students in the SE area to have a teaching experience. In the third year of the program, all students receive an opportunity to be a teaching assistant for SE faculty in strategic courses at the Jones School. Moreover, to the extent that teaching opportunities are available, we require students to teach at least one semester course as the primary instructor before entering the job market.

Exam Requirements

Students must successfully pass a comprehensive exam administered by the SE faculty at the end of the second year. The exam is administered and graded by SE faculty, under the supervision of the strategic management area advisor or special committee set up for this purpose. The exam includes two parts:

• Part I focuses on the coursework taken in strategic management and measures the student’s knowledge of the area as a whole including base theories, main strategy research topics, and research methods.
• Part II requires writing a paper as a take-home exam (generally within 48 hours) on a topic jointly discussed between two SE faculty and the student; it focuses on the student’s ability to write a research paper establishing a contribution to the designated literature and also includes research methods and study design.

A successful performance in the exam demonstrates the student’s solid training in strategic management and provide the foundation from which he or she begins the research that forms the basis of the dissertation.

Research Paper Requirements

Students are required to write one major paper in their first two years, either sole-authored or coauthored with a faculty member(s) in the SE area.  This paper is proposed in the spring semester of the second year and completed at the beginning of the fall semester of the third year. The bulk of the work on the paper is intended to be done in the summer. The paper is intended as (1) a developmental vehicle for the student and (2) that will result in publications in top quality journals (although credit is not dependent on publication).

The student is expected to take the lead on the project (in the manner of a lead author) and should individually decide (perhaps in collaboration with an SE area faculty member) on what topic the student will work. The paper must be approved by two tenure-track SE faculty members (one is typically the student’s adviser). The student is expected to present the paper in a faculty workshop at the beginning of the fall semester of the third year. Failure to complete the Research Paper Requirements, as outlined above, will mean that the student is not making satisfactory academic progress in the Ph.D. Program. See Appendix B for research paper approval and evaluation forms.

The course curriculum is designed around a challenging course of study in both the theory of strategic management and in innovative empirical design.  The sample course sequence is typical although the students might choose different courses across disciplines to structure a specific degree plan. Besides the required 1st and 2nd year Strategic management basic and advanced courses, students are required to take a microeconomics course as well as statistic and methodology courses. Doctoral students may continue taking courses beyond their second year.     Sample Course Sequence in Strategic Leadership (Psychology Oriented)

Year 1 (Fall)

BUSI 540        Strategy Management Theory (3.0)

BUSI 549        Strategy Pro-seminar (3.0)

POLI 504        Methodology and Data Analysis (or equivalent-e.g., ECON 510)

PSYC 507       Research Methods (or equivalent)

Year 1 (Spring)

BUSI 541      Strategic Management Research (3.0)

BUSI 5XX      Advanced Topics in Strategic Management (1.5 hours see courses below)

POLI 505      Topics in Political Methodology (or equivalent-e.g., ECON 511)

 Elective

Year 2 (Fall)           

BUSI 5XX      Advanced Topics in Strategic Management (1.5 hours)

PSYC 601     Multivariate Statistics (or equivalent)

ECON 501     Microeconomic Theory I (or equivalent)

 Year 2 (Spring)

 BUSI 5XX      Advanced Topics in Strategic Management (1.5 hours-see courses below)

 BUSI 5XX      Advanced Topics in Strategic Management (1.5 hours see courses below)

Examples of elective courses are:

BUSI 503        Econometric Models in Marketing

BUSI 504        Game Theory

BUSI 530        Introduction to Accounting Research

BUSI 531        Empirical Methods in Accounting

BUSI 522        Corporate Finance

BUSI 523        Empirical Methods in Finance

ECON 504      Advanced Economic Statistics

ECON 510      Econometrics I

ECON 510      Econometrics II

ECON 514      Industrial Organization and Control

ECON 523      Dynamic Optimization

STAT 522       Advanced Bayesian Statistics

STAT 541       Multivariate Analysis

STAT 606       SAS Statistical Programming

STAT 621       Time Series Analysis

STAT 622       Bayesian Data Analysis

PSYC 502       Advanced Psychological Statistics I

PSYC 503       Advanced Psychological Statistics II

PSYC 507       Research Methods

PSYC 601       Multivariate Statistics

PSYC 637       Meta-Analysis in Psychological Research

PSYC 550       Foundations of Social Psychology

PSYC 636       Organizational Psychology

PSYC 639       Groups and Teams: Advanced Topics in I/O

POLI 503        Topics in Methods and Data Analysis

POLI 504        Advanced Topics in Methodology and Data Analysis

POLI 505        Topics in Political Methodology (Panel Data or Time Series)

POLI 511        Measurement and Research Design

POLI 527        Institutional Analysis and Design

POLI 576        International Political Economy

POLI 575        Game Theory

BUSI 540:  Strategic Management Theory This seminar covers foundational as well as contemporary theories in strategic management. The course draws upon foundational theoretical perspectives from economics, sociology and organization theory to supplement more traditional strategy approaches towards understanding firm performance and related issues. Potential topics on contemporary theories may include: behavioral theory of the firm, transaction cost economics, agency theory, behavioral agency theory, structural contingency theory, theories of cooperative strategy, organizational networks, the resource-based view of the firm and upper echelon theories or theories regarding top management teams, theories of opportunity recognition and new venture creation, resource dependence theory, and theories of organizational evolution.

BUSI 541: Strategy Management Research This seminar examines the effectiveness of corporate and competitive strategy in creating and maintaining competitive advantage. Topics may include firm resources and sustained competitive advantage, dynamic capabilities and knowledge-based theories of competence, strategy as real options, and cooperative strategy including strategic alliances and joint ventures. Topics may also include corporate diversification strategy, international diversification and entry into emerging markets, corporate governance, management of diversified business groups, strategic entrepreneurship, and management of innovation.

Advanced Topics in Strategy (1.5 credit course modules)

Required Advanced Strategy Electives (They take two per semester after the first semester in the program)

BUSI 515 Micro foundations of organization & management (1.5)

BUSI 542 Organization change (1.5)

BUSI 543 Executive leadership & corporate governance (1.5)

BUSI 544 Contemporary management thought (1.5)

BUSI 547 Innovation & knowledge management (1.5)

BUSI 551 Strategy research in corporate development (1.5)

BUSI 550 Corporate social responsibility (1.5)

BUSI 552 Design of business research (1.5)

Other topic are likely to be developed in the future.

Certification of Candidacy indicates that a student has reached the advanced stage of the Ph.D. Program, permitting him/her to devote full time to writing a dissertation. At least eight months must elapse between admission to candidacy and conferral of the degree. The requirements for candidacy are:

• Successful completion of the course work requirements.
• Successful completion of the research paper requirements.
• Successful completion of the comprehensive examination requirements.

Strategic Management Area Advisor

Laszlo Tihanyi

Current students.

Alumni Placement

Alumni Name	Year	Placement upon Graduation	Current Institution (if moved)
Shi, Wei (Frank)	2016	Indiana University Indianapolis, 2016-2018	University of Miami from 2018; Now tenured associate professor
Yi, Xiwei	2016	Peking University, Chiina
Jin, Jing (Jane)	2016	Renmin University of China
Zyung, Daniel	2017	Southern Methodist University
Gambeta, Eni	2018	University of Cincinnati
Mealey, Christian R.	2018	Duke University, postdoc, 2018-2020	Senior Strategic Planning Specialist, Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) from 2020, Chapel Hill, NC
Colby Green	2018	Brigham Young University (visiting)	Southern Utah University
Callahan, Conor	2019	University of Illinois Chicago
Li, Toby	2019	Texas A&M University
Chen, Zhuo (Emma)	2020	American University	China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Shanghai from 2022.

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Melinda Peña

PhD in Strategic Management

• Concentrations
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The PhD program in strategic management allows students to make scholarly contributions to the field through research, and to prepare for a career in academia.

From exploring strategic decision processes to resource allocation, students seek to understand the factors that make up a successful organization.  

Message from the Coordinator

The PhD program in Strategic Management is designed for individuals who are committed to scholarly research that contributes to literature on strategic management theory and practice. 

The fundamental question that drives strategic management is: Why do some firms outperform others? Students in our PhD program uncover the reasons for success and failure among organizations. Their research helps guide the field, and sets students on a path toward an academic research career.

To ensure the success of the student, the doctoral program offers:

• Mentor-apprenticeship  research relationships that pairs students with faculty who share their interests
• Rigorous coursework  that equips students with the intellectual tools to investigate questions in meaningful and nuanced ways
• A supportive climate  that supports each student's passionate pursuit of professional goals
• World-class faculty  who are active researchers with visibility in the field’s top journals

The structure of our program engages students in the research process early and often—encouraging students to collaborate with faculty in the creation of articles for publication. Each year, we host eminent research faculty from around the world for research talks and campus visits. We invite academically motivated, creative and open-minded candidates to apply.

Giuseppe Labianca Berthiaume Chaired Professor of Leadership

Isenberg’s PhD in Strategic Management is a rigorous, stimulating and highly collaborative full-time, residential program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. Students will deepen their understanding of management theory and will conduct independent research based on their interests. Working closely with faculty in intimate classroom settings, students will develop research for publication. Students also teach graduate-level classes.

Our program offers access to a unique group of world-class faculty specializing in the following research topics:

• Strategic human capital
• Knowledge management
• Inter-group conflict
• Uncertainty in strategic decision-making
• Strategy development processes and strategic middle management

Students generally complete a PhD in Strategic Management within four years. Students must take 45 credits of coursework, which seminars in organizational theory and organizational behavior, as well as statistics, methods and elective courses. Students must pass both a qualifying and comprehensive examination, take a professional colloquium course, write and defend a dissertation, and teach at Isenberg.

Our program is designed to be an integrative discipline that draws extensively from such fields as organizational theory, organizational behavior, and industrial organization economics. Major topics within the field include:

• Competitive advantage
• Dynamic capabilities
• Corporate governance
• Sustainable strategies
• Strategic decision-making
• Corporate entrepreneurship

YEAR 1: Coursework, including statistics, research methods and theory courses, and research electives; Qualifying exam; Colloquium

YEAR 2: Coursework, including core courses, research electives and minor area courses; Comprehensive exam; Colloquium

YEAR 3: Additional coursework as needed; Development of dissertation proposal; Teaching

YEAR 4: Dissertation

Strategic Management Doctoral Candidates

Smart. Open. Grounded. Inventive. Read our Ideas Made to Matter.

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PhD Program

Program overview.

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Rigorous, discipline-based research is the hallmark of the MIT Sloan PhD Program. The program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their fields of research—those with outstanding intellectual skills who will carry forward productive research on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.

Start here.

Learn more about the program, how to apply, and find answers to common questions.

Admissions Events

Check out our event schedule, and learn when you can chat with us in person or online.

Start Your Application

Visit this section to find important admissions deadlines, along with a link to our application.

Click here for answers to many of the most frequently asked questions.

PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous:  MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.

PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science. Our nine research groups correspond with one of the academic areas, as noted below.

MIT Sloan PhD Research Groups

Behavioral & policy sciences.

Economic Sociology

Institute for Work & Employment Research

Organization Studies

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management

Economics, Finance & Accounting

Accounting  

Management Science

Information Technology

System Dynamics  

Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the Operations Research Center .  

PhD Program Structure

Additional information including coursework and thesis requirements.

MIT Sloan Predoctoral Opportunities

MIT Sloan is eager to provide a diverse group of talented students with early-career exposure to research techniques as well as support in considering research career paths.

Rising Scholars Conference

The fourth annual Rising Scholars Conference on October 25 and 26 gathers diverse PhD students from across the country to present their research.

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The goal of the MIT Sloan PhD Program's admissions process is to select a small number of people who are most likely to successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

What We Seek

• Outstanding intellectual ability
• Excellent academic records
• Previous work in disciplines related to the intended area of concentration
• Strong commitment to a career in research

MIT Sloan PhD Program Admissions Requirements Common Questions

Dates and Deadlines

Admissions for 2024 is closed. The next opportunity to apply will be for 2025 admission. The 2025 application will open in September 2024. 

More information on program requirements and application components

Students in good academic standing in our program receive a funding package that includes tuition, medical insurance, and a fellowship stipend and/or TA/RA salary. We also provide a new laptop computer and a conference travel/research budget.

Funding Information

Throughout the year, we organize events that give you a chance to learn more about the program and determine if a PhD in Management is right for you.

PhD Program Events

August phd program overview.

During this webinar, you will hear from the PhD Program team and have the chance to ask questions about the application and admissions process.

Discover Your Doctoral Path

An event for prospective students with Boston-area management programs

September 12 PhD Program Overview

September 25 phd program overview.

Complete PhD Admissions Event Calendar

Unlike formulaic approaches to training scholars, the PhD Program at MIT Sloan allows students to choose their own adventure and develop a unique scholarly identity. This can be daunting, but students are given a wide range of support along the way - most notably having access to world class faculty and coursework both at MIT and in the broader academic community around Boston.

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Profiles of our current students

MIT Sloan produces top-notch PhDs in management. Immersed in MIT Sloan's distinctive culture, upcoming graduates are poised to innovate in management research and education.

Academic Job Market

Doctoral candidates on the current academic market

Academic Placements

Graduates of the MIT Sloan PhD Program are researching and teaching at top schools around the world.

view recent placements 

MIT Sloan Experience

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The PhD Program is integral to the research of MIT Sloan's world-class faculty. With a reputation as risk-takers who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional, they are engaged in exciting disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that often includes PhD students as key team members.

Research centers across MIT Sloan and MIT provide a rich setting for collaboration and exploration. In addition to exposure to the faculty, PhD students also learn from one another in a creative, supportive research community.

Throughout MIT Sloan's history, our professors have devised theories and fields of study that have had a profound impact on management theory and practice.

From Douglas McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y distinction to Nobel-recognized breakthroughs in finance by Franco Modigliani and in option pricing by Robert Merton and Myron Scholes, MIT Sloan's faculty have been unmatched innovators.

This legacy of innovative thinking and dedication to research impacts every faculty member and filters down to the students who work beside them.

Faculty Links

• Accounting Faculty
• Economic Sociology Faculty
• Finance Faculty
• Information Technology Faculty
• Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER) Faculty
• Marketing Faculty
• Organization Studies Faculty
• System Dynamics Faculty
• Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management (TIES) Faculty

Student Research

“MIT Sloan PhD training is a transformative experience. The heart of the process is the student’s transition from being a consumer of knowledge to being a producer of knowledge. This involves learning to ask precise, tractable questions and addressing them with creativity and rigor. Hard work is required, but the reward is the incomparable exhilaration one feels from having solved a puzzle that had bedeviled the sharpest minds in the world!” -Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship

Sample Dissertation Abstracts - These sample Dissertation Abstracts provide examples of the work that our students have chosen to study while in the MIT Sloan PhD Program.

We believe that our doctoral program is the heart of MIT Sloan's research community and that it develops some of the best management researchers in the world. At our annual Doctoral Research Forum, we celebrate the great research that our doctoral students do, and the research community that supports that development process.

The videos of their presentations below showcase the work of our students and will give you insight into the topics they choose to research in the program.

Attention To Retention: The Informativeness of Insiders’ Decision to Retain Shares

2024 PhD Doctoral Research Forum Winner - Gabriel Voelcker

Watch more MIT Sloan PhD Program  Doctoral Forum Videos

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Ph.D. in Strategic Management

Program information.

Please note: We are not accepting applications in strategic management for the fall 2025 term.

The doctoral program in strategic management prepares students for success in research universities as faculty members specializing in strategic management. Research in strategic management concerns how firms and organizations gain competitive advantage over rival firms or organizations. The field emphasizes a blend of knowledge about economics, sociology and psychology to understand firm strategy and strategic decision-making.

Important sub-fields within the discipline include research on developing firm resources, competitive interactions, relational governance, strategic decision-making, innovation, entrepreneurship and organizational learning. The field is increasingly focusing on research issues within the context of globalization and international business.  

• Application requirements

Doctoral students work closely with faculty to gain research expertise in the various functions and activities carried out as part of SM with a focus on developing firm resources, competitive interactions, relational governance, strategic decision-making, innovation, entrepreneurship, and organizational learning.

Part of our mission is to develop effective teachers. To that end, all doctoral students are required to teach at least two sections as independent instructors. The school and university prepare and reward doctoral students for excellence in teaching through various programs and awards.

Program details

Strategic management core courses.

A graduate course in economics: BE 701: Business Economics OR BE 917: Advanced Managerial Economics OR ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics

Note: BE 917: Business Economics, is preferred.  Students coming into the program directly from an undergraduate degree may consider substituting BE 701: Business Economics, or ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics. In the event a student has taken a graduate economics course prior to enrolling as a KU doctoral student, she/he may waive the requirement and substitute either an elective doctoral content course or a statistics/research methods course for this requirement.

MGMT 905: Management Research Methods

MGMT 916: Major Management Theories

MGMT 956: Seminar in Strategic Management I

MGMT 957: Seminar in Strategic Management II

MGMT 950: Seminar in Human Resource Management I OR      MGMT 951: Seminar in Human Resource Management II

MGMT 953: Seminar in Organizational Behavior I OR      MGMT 954: Seminar in Organizational Behavior II

MGMT 998: Independent Study

MGMT 958: Special Topics in Strategic Management (offered and required when there are 3 or more students in years 1 & 2 of the program)

Statistics/Research Methods Courses

At least four courses with advisor approval

At least two or more courses with advisor approval

More information:

View a detailed list of courses in the Academic Catalog .

Requirements

Area of concentration.

Most students typically will select the specific area to which they are admitted (strategic management) as their concentration. However, an aspirant, with the assistance of his or her faculty advisor and the area faculty, may propose an interdisciplinary area of concentration that is a combination of the traditional business disciplines.

An aspirant may also propose an interdisciplinary area of concentration that includes emphases such as international business, law and economics. 

Research methodology

For successful qualifier assessment, the student’s program of study should include adequate preparation in research methodology.

• Comprehensive exams
• Dissertation proposal
• Dissertation defense

Some students can complete the program in four years.

Program faculty

• Edmund P. Learned Professor
• Management and Entrepreneurship academic area

• Assistant Professor

• William & Judy Docking Professor of Strategy

Strategic management doctoral students

• Ph.D. Student

Online Doctorate in Management and Organization Partner with us and learn how to lead with integrity in your organization!

Degree Options

View Degree Options

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Pursue the Pinnacle of Your Career with a PhD in Organization and Management Degree Online

Are you a business professional seeking a terminal degree? Do you want to hone your management skills and become equipped for various leadership and teaching roles? If so, Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organization and Management may be for you! Our doctorate in management and organization provides an in-depth examination of theoretical and practical business concepts. Whether you enjoy teaching at the college level or leading teams of people within companies, our online program can help you prepare for the next step in your career.

Throughout this doctoral program, you can learn how to conduct effective research in the field of organization and management. If you don’t have a business-related master’s degree, you can still apply to this program and gain a firm foundation in business that can help you pursue roles in consulting, executive leadership, and more.

What Will You Study  in Our Doctorate in Management Online?

Throughout this online PhD program in organizational management, you’ll have the opportunity to develop research and leadership skills that can help you pursue top-level roles in industry and academia. Your core organization and management courses offer an in-depth look at risk management, human resource management, strategy formulation, and strategic thinking. You can also learn how to lead your company through change — equipping you to make a difference in private, public, and nonprofit organizations.

At Liberty, we’ve designed our online PhD in organizational management to offer you maximum flexibility. In addition to completing core management courses, you’ll be able to select a specialization in a subject that interests you. From entrepreneurship to executive coaching, you can explore the area of study that best matches your career goals.

Additionally, you will complete a sequence of research courses designed to help prepare you for the dissertation process. Our research courses cover a variety of quantitative, qualitative, and applied research methods. The dissertation provides an opportunity for you to contribute your scholarly work to the current base of knowledge in your field. By conducting original research, you can become better equipped to pursue roles in academia or to implement needed changes in your organization.

Featured Courses

• BMAL 703 – Managing the Contemporary Organization
• BMAL 704 – Leading Organizational Change
• BMAL 714 – Risk Management Process and Practice
• BUSI 770 – Strategy Formulation and Strategic Thinking

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Business .
• View the  Graduate Business Course Guides   (login required) .
• View the  PhD in Organization and Management Handbook  for additional program information.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, Liberty knows what it takes to create online programs that blend accessibility, affordability, and high-quality academics. Our organization and management doctorate is offered 100% online, and most of the courses are only 8 weeks long. With our flexible format, you can earn your management degree online from the comfort of your home while staying invested in your family, job, and community.

At Liberty, you won’t have to sacrifice quality for flexibility. We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). By choosing Liberty, you’re choosing a top-notch education from a university that is committed to excellence. All of our courses are taught by industry experts, so you can pursue your degree with confidence.

While pursuing the PhD program in management and organization, you’ll be able to personalize your degree by selecting a specialization. That way, you can focus your studies on the topics that align with your interests and goals. Whether you are looking to advance your career or explore new job opportunities in business, our online doctorate in management and organization can help you become a  Champion for Christ  in your field.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Opportunities for Graduates of Liberty’s PhD in Organizational Management Program

• Business strategist
• Executive coach
• Executive officer
• Human resources manager
• Leadership development consultant
• Management analyst
• Private business consultant
• Risk assessor
• Training and development manager
• University professor

PhD in Organization and Management Degree Options

At Liberty, you can customize your doctorate in management and organization by selecting a specialization in the area that interests you the most! That way, you can further hone your skill set and become equipped to pursue your unique career goals. Check out our specialization options below.

Entrepreneurship

Liberty’s online  PhD in Organization and Management – Entrepreneurship  can help you gain an advanced understanding of how to start and run your own business — all while strengthening your research and leadership skills. You’ll explore startup and exit strategies, small business management, methods for raising capital for business startups, and more.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Executive Coaching

Liberty’s online  PhD in Organization and Management – Executive Coaching  can help you learn how to mentor other business professionals so they can develop their leadership skills and lead their organizations to success. You’ll explore coaching theory and practice, theories and research in industrial and organizational psychology, techniques for leveraging data for decision-making, and more.

Liberty’s online  PhD in Organization and Management – Leadership  can help enhance your leadership skills as you learn how to manage highly effective teams, foster innovation, and navigate ethical dilemmas in business. You’ll explore topics like leadership theory, ethical leadership, and more.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Doctoral Full Time
Doctoral Part Time

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online Organization and Management Doctorate

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

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Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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Even if you don’t have a business-related master’s degree, our PhD in Organization and Management degree online can help prepare you for a career as a manager, business leader, consultant, or academic.

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PhD in Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship

The Department of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship at the Carlson School--consistently rated among the top 10 departments for management research--is home to some of the world's leading scholars in the area of strategy and entrepreneurship. We focus on how firms both established and new create and capture value, connecting the challenges and opportunities in the external competitive and regulatory environment to the internal knowledge and capabilities of organizations. We bring together researchers from a variety of disciplinary perspectives to jointly examine questions related to strategic management, entrepreneurship, organization theory, technology and innovation, international business, and non-market strategy.

About the Program

Our program gives students access to this wealth of expertise through a combination of coursework, faculty collaboration, teaching opportunities, research seminars, and a weekly PhD workshop. Students are encouraged to develop an individualized program of study tailored to their research interests, thus preparing them for academic placement at the very best research universities worldwide, and for a long career conducting high-level research.

Welcome Video

Learn more about the Carlson School's Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship PhD program in this welcome introduction from Professor Aseem Kaul, the Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship PhD Coordinator. 

Carlson School of Management Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship PhD faculty are leaders in their fields, with research published in top academic journals.

Carlson School of Management Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship PhD requires 20-24 credits coursework, including SME seminars and supporting courses.

Carlson School of Management PhD program has 83 students, pursuing PhDs in BA with specialization in various fields.

Center for Integrative Leadership

Our research interests range from competitive strategy, new business creation, location strategies, inter-firm networks and innovation, to ethics and corporate social responsibility, group and team dynamics, time and timing, and international management.

Alumni Perspectives

Michael Park

"Carlson’ SME department possesses a unique combination of faculty who are leading researchers in the field and a culture of nurturing PhD students. This supportive environment created by the world-class faculty allows students to not only be exposed to cutting-edge ideas but also to become scholars who know how to push the boundaries of knowledge in meaningful directions."

Assistant Professor, Organizational Behaviour INSEAD

More about Michael Park

"My time at Carlson School's PhD program was truly exceptional. The department's renowned faculty have diverse research interests, which is invaluable for students still exploring their own. They are incredibly supportive, providing guidance and feedback while challenging us to excel. While the journey isn't effortless, the personal and academic growth, along with the sense of community, make it all worthwhile and exciting. Carlson is one of the best, if not the absolute best, places to pursue a PhD, and I'm genuinely grateful for the experience."

Assistant Professor, Department of Management Mays Business School at Texas A&M University

More about Haram Seo

Min Jung Kim

"The PhD Program at the SME department of the Carlson School of Management was an incredible journey that laid the fundamental foundation for my academic career. The SME faculty care deeply about PhD students’ learning and growth. These world-leading scholars not only guide and support PhD students’ research projects but also put sincere efforts into nurturing PhD students to become independent researchers who can contribute to the academic community and society."

Assistant Professor of Business Administration Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

More about Min Jung Kim

"Choosing to attend the PhD program at the Carlson School has been the single best decision at the early stages of my academic career. The faculty at the SME department are world-class scholars and leaders in their field as well as excellent mentors. As a research powerhouse and a flagship state university, the University of Minnesota has countless opportunities to expand a student's academic breadth and to gain access to resources outside of the business school. But more importantly, it is the incredible group of genuine and dedicated people that makes the Carlson School such a fantastic place to start a junior scholar off on the path to a fruitful academic career."

Assistant Professor of Management The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

More about Paul Nary

Get in Touch

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Ph.D. in Business with a Management and Strategy Area of Focus

Please note: This degree program is designed as a joint program between Management and Strategic Management & Public Policy, so the coursework consists of core courses as well as courses that are specific to one of those two fields.

Learn about the program's curriculum and comprehensive examination requirement.

Learn More About the Program & Curriculum

Admission and Financial Aid

Learn about admissions and the costs of pursuing a Ph.D. in management and strategy, and explore a variety of resources available to help finance your degree.

Learn More About Admission and Financial Aid

An overview of the research activities of our students and faculty.

Learn More About Program Research

The objective of the Management and Strategic Management & Public Policy doctoral program is to prepare students for research-oriented academic positions. The program is built on a strong foundation that consists of a critical mass of research-oriented faculty and a strong research climate. The program is cross-disciplinary by building on the faculty and research in both management and strategy. Students receive a foundation in both management and strategic management and public policy with the ability to focus on developing a research competence in a chosen field of study.

Students must meet all the general requirements of the doctoral program of the School of Business (see the Ph.D. Handbook), and meet any additional requirements of the student’s field of study.

Learn more about the Management/Strategic Management & Public Policy doctoral program at the GW School of Business from this open house on December 9, 2021.

Meet Our Doctoral Students

Lauryn Burnett

Doctoral Student of Management

Amando Cope

Ursula Martin

Urusha Thapa

Doctoral Student of Strategic Management and Public Policy

Doctoral Program Graduates and Career Placement

View the dissertation title, dissertation committee members, and current job titles of each graduate below their name.

Soolim Park (Ph.D. 2024)

• Natural Disasters and Firms’ Climate Change Mitigation (Jorge E. Rivera, Chair; Jorge Walter, Herman Aguinis, Jennifer Oetzel, Brendan Hurley)
• Assistant Professor, NEOMA Business School
• Google Scholar Profile
• Personal website

Hannah Kremer (Ph.D. 2022)

Sharing Without Caring: How Self-Concealment Influences Idea Creativity at Work (Margaret Ormiston, Chair; Herman Aguinis, Jack Goncalo, Katina Sawyer)

DEI Lead, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Joowon Lee (Ph.D. 2022)

Examining the Effects of CEO Big Five Personality Traits on Technological Innovation: Evidence from S&P 500 Firms (James R. Bailey, Chair; George T. Solomon, D. Christopher Kayes, Joonmahn Lee)

Assistant Professor, Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Kerrigan Unter (Ph.D. 2022)

• California Wineries and Climate Change: Extreme Weather Events, Resource-Supply Adaptation, and Wine Quality (Jorge Rivera, Chair; Magali Delmas; Martina Linnenluecke; Michael Mann; Jorge Walter)
• Postdoctoral research fellow for the Institute for Economy and the Environment at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Google Scholar profile

Isabel Villamor (Ph.D. 2022)

How Virtual Work Changes Implicit Leadership Theories: Consequences for Leaders’ Evaluation (N. Sharon Hill, Chair; Herman Aguinis, Margaret Ormiston, Lynn R. Offermann)

Assistant Professor, IESE Business School

Nawaf Alabduljader (Ph.D. 2018)

New Venture Team Personality and New Venture Success (George T. Solomon, Chair; Herman Aguinis, D. Christopher Kayes, Charles H. Matthews)

Assistant Professor, Kuwait University

Ravi Ramani (Ph.D. 2018)

Invigorated and Checked-In or Depleted and Checked-Out? A Person-Centric Examination of the Effects of Voice on Employee Burnout and Turnover Intention (Herman Aguinis, Chair; James R. Bailey, Jorge Walter, N. Andrew Cohen)

Assistant Professor, Morgan State University

Viviane Clement (Ph.D. 2017)

• From Adaptation to Transformation: A Resilience Perspective on Organizational Responses to Ecological Adversity (Jorge Rivera, Chair; Tima Bansal; Michael Mann; James Wade; Jorge Walter)
• Senior Policy Analyst, World Bank

Young Hun Ji (Ph.D. 2017)

Understanding the Gender Performance Gap Among Star Performers in STEM Fields (Herman Aguinis, Chair; N. Andrew Cohen, N. Sharon Hill, James B. Wade)

Senior Data Scientist, Aiven

Lili Yan (Ph.D. 2016)

• Corruption in a Multinational Context: Two Essays (Robert J. Weiner, Co-Chair; Timothy L. Fort, Co-Chair; Jennifer J. Griffin; Steven R. Salbu; Eun-Hee Kim)
• Assistant Professor of Business Ethics, St. Mary’s College

Yoona Youm (Ph.D. 2016)

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Business Groups: An Examination of Korean Business Groups, Chaebols, and the Initiation of CSR Programs (Jennifer J. Griffin, Chair; Susan L. Kulp; Vanessa Perry; Anupama Phene)
• Assistant Professor, Loyola University-Chicago

Kevin May (Ph.D. 2015)

• Entrepreneurial Founder Team Composition and Its Influence on Firm Performance: A Social Capital Perspective (George T. Solomon, Chair; Erik K. Winslow, N. Andrew Cohen, Vanessa G. Perry, Shivraj Kanungo)
• Assistant Professor of Practice, The Catholic University of America; Co-Founder, GenB, Inc.

Juan Roeschmann (Ph.D. 2015)

• Is Environmental Certification Associated with Price Premiums? The Case of Costa Rica Hotel and Community Certification Programs (Jorge Rivera, Chair; Eun-Hee Kim; Donald Hawkins; Jorge Walter; Robert Savickas)
• Consultant and Partner, RG Group

Smita Trivedi (Ph.D. 2014)

• Creating Livelihoods: Indian Women Entrepreneur Networks in the Context of Poverty (Timothy L. Fort, Co-Chair; Jennifer J. Griffin, Co-Chair; Stuart L. Hart; Vanessa G. Perry; Shaista E. Khilji; Alex V. Krasnikov)
• Associate Professor, San Francisco State University

Jeewhan Yoon (Ph.D. 2014)

• Team Learning and Financial Performance: The Effects of Psychological Safety and Team Supervisor Support (D. Christopher Kayes, Chair; Patrick P. McHugh, George T. Solomon, N. Sharon Hill, Lynn R. Offermann)
• Professor, Korea University

Vivianna Fang He (Ph.D. 2013)

• Learning from Failure: The Making of Entrepreneurial Leaders (George T. Solomon, Chair; James R. Bailey, Shyam Giridharadas, D. Christopher Kayes, Sheetal Singh)
• Associate Professor, University of St. Gallen

Patricia Kanashiro (Ph.D. 2013)

• Corporate Environmental Strategy: Institutional and Governance Perspectives (Jorge Rivera, Chair; Mark Starik; Rafael Lucea; Timothy Fort; Martha Carter)
• Associate Professor, Loyola University Maryland

Jae Hyeung Kang (Ph.D. 2012)

• CEOs' Transformational Leadership and Managers' Innovative Behavior: The Investigation of Intervening Effects in an Entrepreneurial Context (George T. Solomon, Chair; Erik K. Winslow, Sheetal Singh, D. Christopher Kayes, Ayman E. Tarabishy)
• Associate Professor, Oakland University

Crystal Han-Huei Tsay (Ph.D. 2012)

• Understanding Students' Adaptation to Graduate School: An Integration of Social Support Theory and Social Learning Theory (D. Christopher Kayes, Chair; Erik K. Winslow, N. Sharon Hill, George T. Solomon, Shyam Giridharadas)
• Deputy Head of the Executive Business Centre and Associate Professor, University of Greenwich

Charles Koerber (Ph.D. 2011)

• Lending to Low- and Moderate-Income Borrowers: The Impact of Lender Board Composition, Stakeholder Outreach, and Regulatory Environment (Jennifer J. Griffin, Chair; Timothy Fort; Vanessa G. Perry; J. Howard Beales, III; Ernie Englander)

Junghyun Lee (Ph.D. 2011)

• The Effects of Leadership Behavior on Workplace Harassment, Employee Outcomes, and Organizational Effectiveness in Small Businesses (Jaclyn M. Jensen, Chair; George T. Solomon, Tjai M. Nielsen, M. Susan Taylor, Lynn R. Offermann)
• Associate Professor, University of Michigan-Dearborn

J. Mark Phillips (Ph.D. 2011)

• The Entrepreneurial Esquire: Entrepreneurial Climate as a Mediator Between Transformational Leadership and Performance in Law Firms (Erik K. Winslow, Chair; George T. Solomon, James R. Bailey, Ayman E. Tarabishy, N. Sharon Hill)
• Associate Professor, Belmont University

Peter Tashman (Ph.D. 2011)

• Corporate Climate Change Adaptation, Vulnerability and Environmental Performance in the United States Ski Resort Industry (Jorge Rivera, Chair; Mark Starik; Tim Fort; Eun-Hee Kim; Jennifer Spencer)
• Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts-Lowell

David A. Tomczyk (Ph.D. 2010)

• The Relationship Between Long-Term Video Game Playing and Individuals' Entrepreneurial Traits and Intent: An Exploratory Study (George T. Solomon, Chair; Erik K. Winslow, John M. Artz, N. Sharon Hill, Ayman E. Tarabishy)
• Associate Professor, Quinnipiac University

Michelle Westermann-Behaylo (Ph.D. 2010)

• The relationship between corporate ethical climate and stakeholder management (Timothy L. Fort, Chair; Jorge Rivera; Shawn L. Berman)
• Faculty, University of Amsterdam

Timothy S. Clark (Ph.D. 2009)

• Strategic orientation toward sustainability: The role of investor relations officers (Mark Starik, Chair; Timothy Fort; Vanessa G. Perry)
• Associate Professor, Northern Arizona University (Retired)

George Hrivnak (Ph.D. 2009)

• Extending a model of leader-member exchange development: Individual and dyadic effects of personality, similarity and liking (Tjai M. Nielsen, Chair; James R. Bailey, Lynn R. Offermann)
• Associate Professor of Management and Associate Dean - Learning & Teaching, Bond University (Australia)

Kristin M. Lamoureux (Ph.D. 2009)

• Success factors of cross-sector volunteer tourism partnerships involving U.S. federal land agencies (Donald E. Hawkins, Chair; Larry Yu; Jorge Rivera)
• Director of the MSBA-HTM Graduate program and Collegiate Professor, Virginia Tech University

Lu Zhang (Ph.D. 2008)

• Corporate social responsibility, applicants' ethical predispositions, and organizational attraction: A person-organization fit perspective (Mary A. Gowan, Chair; Timothy Fort, Jaclyn M. Jensen, Patrick P. McHugh, Cynthia Kay Stevens)
• Associate Professor, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (South Korea)

Elizabeth Alexander (Ph.D. 2007)

• The effects of institutional environment upon innovation and performance: Collaborative external knowledge strategies in the cellular telephone industry (Jennifer Spencer, Chair; Hildy Teegan; Ernie Englander; Bing-Sheng Teng; Paul Almeida)
• Reader in International Management, Head of Leadership, Work & Organisation Subject Group, Newcastle University

Jie Jiao (Ph.D. 2007)

• International acquisition strategies of Chinese firms: A multi -theoretic examination (Bing-Sheng Teng, Chair; Jiawen Yang; Ernie Englander; Lee Burke; Jennifer Spencer)
• Professor, Tsinghua University

Gary A. Bojes (Ph.D. 2006)

• Orchestrating strategy implementation: A grounded theory approach to environmental management in strategies focused on the Chesapeake Bay (Mark Starik, Chair; James Thurman; Richard Donnelly; Pradeep Rau)
• Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Thomas A. Hemphill (Ph.D. 2005)

• Cooperative strategy and technology standards-setting: A study of United States wireless telecommunications industry standards development (James Thurman, Chair; Robert Rycroft; Joel Cook; Ernie Englander; Nicholas Vonortas)
• David M French Professor and Professor of Management, The University of Michigan-Flint

Pramila Rao (Ph.D. 2005)

• Executive staffing practices in United States of America-Mexico business joint ventures (Paul M. Swiercz, Chair; John F. Lobuts Jr., Donna Lind Infeld, Hildy J. Teegen, Mary A. Gowan, Jennifer W. Spencer)
• Associate Professor of Human Resource Management, Marymount University

Kalpana Seethepalli (Ph.D. 2005)

• Risk, structure and performance: An analysis of private investor strategies in emerging economy electricity markets (Hildy Teegan, Chair; Jennifer Spencer; Mark Starik; Bing-Sheng Teng; Jonathan Doh)
• ESG Director, Deutsche Bank

Gurneeta Vasudeva (Singh) (Ph. D. 2005)

• How national institutions influence firms' knowledge -building alliance strategies: A longitudinal study of fuel cell technology development (Jennifer Spencer, Co-Chair; Hildy Teegan, Co-Chair; Nicholas Vonortas; Ernie Englander; Paul Almeida)
• Associate Professor, University of Minnesota

Souha Riad Ezzedeen (Ph.D. 2003)

• Rethinking Work-life Balance: Development and Validation of the Cognitive Intrusion of Work Scale (Paul M. Swiercz, Chair; William C. Adams, John F. Lobuts Jr., E. Gustave Marits, Gordon E. Dehler, John L. Glascock)
• Associate Professor, York University (Canada)

Stephen McGuire (Ph.D. 2003)

• Entrepreneurial organizational culture: Construct definition and instrument development and validation (Patrick P. McHugh, Chair; John F. Lobuts Jr., E. Gustave Marits, Richard G. Donnelly, Theorore H. Rosen, William R. Baber)
• Professor of Management, California State University at Los Angeles

James D. Oldson (Ph.D. 2003)

• A comparative analysis of the predictive strengths of an assessment center and a 360-degree evaluation process to forecast managerial performance in entry-level managers (Mark Starik, Chair; Kathryn Newcomer; Marilyn Liebrenz-Himes; Larry Williams; Charles Toftoy)

Jeffrey L. Cummings (Ph.D. 2002)

• Knowledge transfer across R&D units: An empirical investigation of the factors affecting successful knowledge transfer across intra- and inter-organizational units (James Thurman, Chair; Richard Donnelly; Ernie Englander; Bing-Sheng Teng; Nancy Dixon)
• Professor, Loyola University Maryland

Mark A. Heuer (Ph.D. 2001)

• Firm-stakeholder connectedness in the deregulating electric utility business: Exchange relationships in a network context (Mark Starik, Chair; Pradeep Rau; Ernie Englander; Bing-Sheng Teng; Sharon Levin)
• Associate Professor, Susquehanna University (Retired)

Jonathan P. Doh (Ph.D. 2001)

• Private investment, entrepreneurial entry, and partner collaboration in emerging markets telecommunications: The impact of country, industry, and firm-level factors (Hildy Teegan, Chair; Mark Starik; Aseem Prakash; Jennifer Spencer; Sidney Weintraub)
• Associate Dean of Research and Global Engagement; Herbert G. Rammrath Endowed Chair in International Business; Co-Faculty Director, The Elenore and Robert F. Moran Sr. Center for Global Leadership; Professor, Management & Operations, Villanova University

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Online Doctoral Degree Doctor of Organizational Leadership

The Doctor of Organizational Leadership (DOL) program at Columbia Southern University empowers students to become adept researchers and influential organizational leaders. Designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills for roles in academia, executive positions, and consulting, the curriculum hones their business, management, and strategic planning skills while elevating their theoretical knowledge in any number of fields. Upon completion, students emerge prepared to apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary leadership issues, analyze research results to inform organizational decisions, and ethically conduct primary or secondary research relevant to organizational leadership. Successful graduates emerge ready to make a meaningful impact in diverse professional settings, positioning them as influential leaders and scholars in their field.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Degree at a Glance

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Program Summary

Program description, learning outcomes.

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:

Concentration

Concentration outcomes, ready to get started.

For more information regarding courses outside the recommended course of study, view the full course listing . ( * Indicates recommended course of study. )

Major Requirements

credit hours

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Major Courses

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Concentration Courses

12 credit hours

To fulfill the General Concentration for this degree, student may choose any 5000-6000 level course not used to satisfy program requirements. Student can review all available courses at our full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing general concentration course options.

General Education

The following courses indicated by * are recommended to satisfy General Education Requirements .

{{subject}} — {{hours}} required hours

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To fulfill open electives, students may choose any course not used to satisfy program requirements, taking into consideration the degree program upper-level requirements. Students can review all available courses at our  full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing open elective options.

Program Electives

Program Electives

Dissertation Requirements

Doctoral students are required to complete a dissertation and defend their research before a committee and University representatives, which may take place at a distance through audio/visual means. No degree shall be awarded without majority of committee approval. Information regarding this capstone doctoral requirement is published in the Dissertation Handbook.

Graduates will successfully complete a minimum of 61 credit hours and dissertation research courses as outlined above.

Tuition Rates

Our goal is to provide the strongest online academic programs at an affordable rate. On average, our tuition is less than half the cost of our competitors.

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Course Type	Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour
Undergraduate	$270
Graduate	$349
Doctoral	$545

* Rates are per credit hour. Most courses are three (3) credit hours. Tuition and fees are payable in U.S. funds. Tuition rates are subject to change. CSU’s tuition rate for associate, bachelor’s and master’s courses is $250 per credit hour for all active-duty military members using tuition assistance except those who are using a Learning Partner discount. The lower rate is offered to keep the tuition rate at the DoD cap of $250. † CSU Learning Partners receive a tuition discount that is applied to the full tuition rate.

Tuition reports include tuition and required fees per academic year for full time beginning students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Winter 2021-2022, Student Financial Aid component.

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Paying for school is possible. At CSU, there are many Ways to Save including scholarships, military tuition assistance, Learning Partnerships and more.

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Columbia Southern University is recognized for its integrity, rigorous academic material, transparency and high-caliber instruction.

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PhD Program

Wharton’s PhD program in Management is flexible and interdisciplinary, applying social science disciplines and research methods to management problems. It offers specializations in strategy, international business, organizational behavior and theory, and human resource management.

The faculty has a broad range of interests ranging from the behavior of individuals and groups to organizational strategy. Major areas of faculty research currently include: human resources and competitiveness; foreign strategic investments and international cooperative relationships; organizational learning and adaptation; technology adoption, diffusion, and transfer within and across organizations; and new venture formation, growth, and corporate entrepreneurship.

Each student draws on the faculty’s diverse expertise and varied interests to develop a program uniquely suited to his or her interests. The program encourages students to gain research experience by working closely with faculty on a variety of projects. Recent placements include the Harvard Business School, INSEAD, New York University, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, University of Michigan and the University of Texas.

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For Current Students

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Management PhD Guidelines and Requirements

• Guidelines on Overlapping Topics for Course Papers
• First Year Exam Guidelines
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• Second Year Paper Requirements

A Purdue PhD

Take the next step with a phd from the daniels school.

As a top-ranked business school operating within a university at the forefront of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) research and education, Purdue’s Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business provides its doctoral students with a unique competitive edge that few institutions can match.

Our PhD programs prepare leaders who transform business and business education through rigorous analysis and innovative insight. The school’s doctoral students work closely with distinguished faculty to develop the research and teaching skills required for successful and rewarding careers.

Students also collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking research in management and economics. Many of our alumni are leading scholars and educators in their disciplines, and our faculty serve as mentors to ensure you have the same opportunity to achieve.

Whether you want to work in academia, serve as a researcher or consultant in the public or private sector, or leverage your business skills in launching a startup, a Purdue PhD will move you forward.

“Purdue opened doors for me and provided me with incredible opportunities. It provided access for me, and that’s something I’ve continued on — making sure our institutions provide access.”

Pareena Lawrence Fellow & Economics Scholar, Yale University President, Hollins University, 2018-2022 Purdue PhD in Economics, 1993

OUR PROGRAMS

Purdue’s PhD in Economics program is for individuals who are curious and critical observers invested in the cause and effect of decisions made by individuals and groups. Rooted in strong quantitative and analytical orientation, the program provides an opportunity for individualized research and specialization and sharpens critical thinking and research skills.

The PhD in Finance program is dedicated to achieving excellence in teaching and research. The faculty, which features multiple winners of university and school-wide teaching awards, is dedicated to bringing their excellence to the classroom in practical applications. Quantitative research receives special emphasis in the program of study, and our students earn placements at prestigious universities.

Management Information Systems

The PhD program in MIS is designed to produce world-class scholars. We measure our goal in the ability to place our PhD students in institutions where research, teaching, and service are encouraged and rewarded. Apart from research, we also want to ensure that our PhD students are capable of conducting graduate and undergraduate level MIS coursework.

The Marketing area has a long tradition of leadership in doctoral education. The school’s marketing PhD graduates are among the nation's best in terms of the impact of their research on the profession. We'll prepare you for a career in academia, marketing consulting, marketing research/analytics, UX/UI design, business development and more.

Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management

Designed for aspiring academic professionals, Purdue’s PhD program in OBHR will provide you with the personalized mentorship and rigorous educational platform to launch a successful career at a research-oriented university. Our most competitive students generally finish the program in five years, which allows sufficient time to generate a competitive vita before going on the job market.

Quantitative Methods

Quantitative Methods involves topics in both applied optimization and applied statistics. Doctoral seminars focus on advanced applications and methodologies, and related courses are available from areas such as industrial and electrical engineering and computer sciences. Faculty collaboration enables students to participate in research on a stimulating range of topics.

Strategic Management

Our PhD program in Strategic Management focuses on understanding how organizations might achieve advantage relative to competitors. To that end, the program trains doctoral students to produce high-quality research and teaching in the field of strategic management and prepares them to pursue careers as tenure-track faculty at top academic research institutions.

Supply Chain & Operations Management

The Supply Chain and Operations Management PhD program takes an analytical, model-oriented approach with coursework that includes rigorous classes in economics, operations research, and industrial engineering. The program is designed to help each student develop into a first-class researcher, as well as to help each student gain experience in teaching operations management.

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Program Requirements

• Program Requirements →

Below please find the program requirements for a students in Strategy . Doctoral students in Strategy generally complete the program in four to five years. Below are the program requirements:

A minimum of 13 semester courses at doctoral level are required. Each semester students will consult with the Strategy faculty coordinators to receive approval of their course selections.

Microeconomics Theory : A comprehensive two semester sequence on economic theory:

• Microeconomic Theory I (HBS 4010/Economics 2020a)
• Microeconomic Theory II (HBS 4011/Economics 2020b)

Students must take four research methods courses, including one course in research design.

Courses that fulfill this requirement include, but are not limited to:

• Introduction to Econometrics (Econ 1123)
• Introduction to Applied Econometrics (Econ 2120); (Econ 2110. Introductory Probability and Statistics for Economists may be a required prerequisite)
• Econometric Methods (Econ 2140)
• Time Series Analysis (Econ 2142)
• Advanced Applied Econometrics (Econ 2144)
• Computational Economics (Econ 2149)
• Seminar in Applied Statistical Methods (HBS 4809)
• Intermediate Statistical Analysis in Psychology (Psychology 1950)
• Multivariate Analysis in Psychology (Psychology 1952)
• Intermediate Quantitative Research Methods (Sociology 202)
• Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (Sociology 203a)
• Analysis of Longitudinal Data (Sociology 203b)
• Probability Theory (Statistics 210)
• Multivariate Statistical Analysis (Statistics 230)

Research methods courses that meet the research design course requirement include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced Quantitative Research Methodology (Gov 2001)
• Design of Field Research Methods (HBS 4070)
• Empirical Methods in Corporate Finance (HBS 4220)
• Experimental Methods (HBS 4435)
• Matched Sampling and Study Design (Stat 240); (Stat 140 or Econ 1127 are strongly recommended as prerequisites.)
• Program Evaluation: Estimating Program Effectiveness with Empirical Analysis (HKS API-208)

Strategy students are required to take five additional doctoral courses.

• The Foundations of Strategy (HBS 4110)
• The Economics of International Business (HBS 4720)
• Analytical Methods for Strategy Research (HBS 4115)
• Advanced Topics in Strategy Research (HBS 4913)
• One of the following: Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives on Entrepreneurship: Organizational Economics and Growth (HBS 4351/Econ 2730) or Macro Topics in Organizational Behavior/Organizational Analysis (HBS 4480 or Soc 224) or Empirical Studies of Innovation and Digitization (HBS 4561)
• Two breadth courses

All students without an MBA degree are required to complete two case-based HBS MBA courses.

Students are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in seminars throughout their program. In the third year, students are required to attend:

• Strategy Unit Seminar
• Strategy Doctoral Workshop

Good Academic Standing

To remain in good academic standing, doctoral students are expected to maintain a B grade point average.

Teaching Requirement

Students must teach or assist with teaching in a formally offered course for one full academic term. This engagement should include, at least, 8 hours of front-of-class teaching and 16 hours of teaching preparation time. The requirement may be fulfilled by completing a teaching fellow or instructor assignment at a Harvard University.

Special Field Exam

Students are required to pass the Special Field Exam at the end of the second year. The exam consists of an oral portion in which the student will be examined on content from the student’s reading lists. The written component of the special field examination requirement requires students to submit a publishable paper. This paper must be approved (pass/fail) by two faculty members in the student’s unit.

Dissertation Proposal

By the end of their third year, all students are required to obtain approval of their dissertation proposal by their Dissertation Chair.

Dissertation

Students are required to write a dissertation, which typically takes the form of three publishable papers, to the satisfaction of their Dissertation Committee. The dissertation defense is oral and open to the public.

• Strategy and Innovation

• Concentrations
• Information Technology Management
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behavior

A doctoral degree from Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business prepares you to pursue a faculty career at a research-oriented academic institution. Faculty enjoy high salaries, autonomy, an intellectually stimulating job, and the opportunity to teach and work with bright students.

Strategy and Innovation Concentration Overview

Marco Ceccagnoli, Professor of Strategy and Innovation, gives an overview of the Strategy and Innovation concentration within the Scheller Ph.D. program.

Why Strategy and Innovation?

The field of strategy is concerned with explaining and predicting firm-level differences in performance. The intersection between strategy and innovation is particularly fertile because of the growing role of innovation-based products and processes, and the critical role technological capabilities play as a source of competitive advantage. The intersection between strategy and innovation is also particularly relevant for technology-based new ventures. The areas of strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship offer excellent job prospects for Ph.D. graduates.

Why Georgia Tech?

We are one of the leading academic groups with a research focus specifically on the intersection of strategy and innovation. Students can customize their curriculum by selecting from courses offered at Georgia Tech and top-tier partner institutions and they have access to outstanding research infrastructure such as a Census Research Data Center. Given the small size of the program, we place a strong emphasis on mentorship, allowing students to learn from a diverse faculty.

Our Ph.D. program emphasizes the early involvement of students in research projects with internationally recognized faculty. Our research is interdisciplinary, often applying economic thinking and integrating insights from other areas such as sociology, psychology, and management.

Faculty members publish in high-impact management journals such as Management Science, Organization Science, Research Policy, and Strategic Management Journal as well as in top journals in related fields such as Science, Nature, RAND Journal of Economics, and the Review of Economics and Statistics . Our faculty hold positions as journal editors and members of editorial boards, leadership positions in professional associations, and research appointments at highly selected bodies such as the National Bureau of Economic Research. Faculty members regularly share their knowledge with managers and entrepreneurs and have been invited to join as policy advisers to the Council of Economic Advisors and Committees of the National Academies. 

We host, co-sponsor, and participate in leading research conferences such as the Roundtable for Engineering Entrepreneurship Research (REER) and the Consortium for Competitiveness and Cooperation (CCC). Our weekly research seminar attracts presenters from institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and the Max Planck Institute. Ph.D. students actively participate in these events, providing them with opportunities to learn from internationally leading scholars and to grow into the professional community.

What Does the Program Cost?

We fully fund all admitted students for at least five years, including a tuition waiver and a stipend to cover living expenses. Successful program completion will require a significant investment of time and effort, which is most likely to pay off for students with a clear interest in a research-oriented faculty career.

Application Process

The application deadline is jan. 6 for admission the following fall semester (starting mid-august)., strategy and innovation news.

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Our faculty members are uncompromisingly committed to student success

Students pursue an intensely focused, highly energized academic experience in their chosen discipline

Recognized experts in their fields, our faculty continually publish groundbreaking research

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Learn more about our application materials and what we look for in a candidate

Our graduates pursue tenure-track academic placements at top institutions around the world

Stanford GSB PhD Program

Discover a focus and intensity greater than you may have thought possible. As a PhD student at Stanford Graduate School of Business, you will be inspired and challenged to explore novel ideas and complex questions.

Applications for Fall 2025 will be available in September 2024.

Become an Outstanding Scholar

Our PhD Program is designed to develop outstanding scholars for careers in research and teaching at leading academic institutions throughout the world. You will embark on a challenging and meaningful experience, focusing your academic study in one of seven distinct fields within the PhD degree program.

Is a PhD Right for You?

Strong PhD candidates are full of ideas and curiosity, with a passion and aptitude for research. If you’re prepared to embark on a rigorous career in research and develop your full potential, we invite you to explore the possibilities of a PhD in business. Admitted students receive full fellowships for their doctoral studies.

Faculty Publications

Monetary tightening and u.s. bank fragility in 2023: mark-to-market losses and uninsured depositor runs, organizational culture archetypes and firm performance, solar flare up: systemic organizational risk in the residential solar industry, phd student voices, school news, stanford economist guido imbens wins nobel in economic sciences, susan athey named president of american economic association, teaching through a pandemic: students recognize two faculty members for their efforts, diversifying the pool of phd students will require systemic change.

Gain valuable research experience and training in a two-year, pre-doctoral opportunity at Stanford University.

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PhD program

The Department of Management and Entrepreneurship offers students the opportunity to obtain a PhD in business administration with a concentration in management. Although management is a broad field, our doctoral program is best suited for students interested in specializing in organizational behavior, and/or strategic management — refer to the PhD manual for specific information about all aspects of the program.

The mission of the PhD program is to develop and prepare scholars to assume the diverse responsibilities of positions at leading research universities. The program places primary emphasis on the development of research competence and also emphasizes teaching as a vehicle to academic professionalism. As such, the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship is unable to fully serve the interests of students who do not intend to pursue research careers in the academic community.

Research focus

Doctoral students in our program are encouraged to design an individually meaningful course of study within the larger context of our field. Opportunities for doing this are available through coursework, research with faculty members, and independent research and study. PhD students select a series of modules in organizational behavior, organizational theory, and strategic management — learn more about PhD academics and specializations .

Full-time commitment

We require our PhD students to commit full-time attention to our program at least until they have passed the comprehensive exam and successfully defended the dissertation proposal. Full-time enrollment in the doctoral program is necessary to develop the skills and values for effective scholarship. Consult the PhD manual for additional details regarding full-time enrollment and related requirements.

Faculty collaboration and mentorship

Our program is relatively small, with an emphasis on high quality, which allows faculty members to effectively mentor and provide a great deal of individual attention to each of our students. Students develop additional focus and expertise through collaboration on major papers with individual faculty members. Doctoral students typically have one or more publications prior to graduation.

Doctoral students generally learn research and teaching skills best by serving as apprentices to experienced scholars. Thus, an integral part of doctoral education is employment as a graduate assistant. Students work closely with faculty members both independently and as a part of their assistantship. Refer to page 8 of the PhD manual for additional information regarding graduate assistantships.

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• PhD in Business Management

Leadership PhD in Business Management

Establish your ability to lead, consult, or teach in a global business landscape. Capella’s online PhD in Business Management, Leadership program teaches you to draw from multiple leadership approaches as you build productive relationships that strengthen organizations. You’ll develop your expertise in strategic planning, supervision, creative management, and statistical approaches while sharpening your high-level critical thinking skills.

Virtual Residencies

Network with faculty and peers, and gain access to valuable resources to use during your program and beyond, through three doctoral virtual residencies.

Research mentor

Maintain progress through your dissertation; we’ll pair you with an academic mentor who can help you keep your momentum.

Stay on track with your academic goals and dissertation; we’ll help you organize your work into manageable segments.

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

• 11 Core courses
• 12 max transfer credits
• 4 Specialization courses
• 1 Elective course
• 3 Virtual Residencies

Comprehensive exam

Dissertation

• ACBSP-accredited

Reduce your tuition by $20,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Courses and skills

Explore leadership courses.

• This program requires a total of 90 quarter credits
• You’ll need to complete 11 core courses, four specialization courses, one elective course, three virtual residencies, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation

View all courses

BMGT8610	Learners in this course evaluate leadership theories and practices in diverse cultures from a historical and theoretical basis using a multi-disciplinary lens. Learners also develop expanded leadership perspectives and practices, enabling them to assure the viability of their organizations in a dynamic global business environment.	4 quarter credits
BMGT8612	Learners in this course focus on analyzing scholarly literature and emerging research trends in relational leadership. The course also emphasizes theories and models of leadership, which support a shift from hierarchical leadership to inclusive and collaborative leadership. Finally, learners assess personal barriers and facilitators to inclusionary leadership and apply theories and models to personal practice.	4 quarter credits
BMGT8614	In this course, learners explore leadership practice in complex and dynamic environments. Learners use systems thinking and organizational theory to analyze leadership practice within the framework of organizational systems and evaluate the role of systems thinking in organizations to develop innovation in complex environments. Finally, learners apply these concepts to leadership practice.	4 quarter credits
BMGT8616	Learners in this course synthesize multiple ways of thinking to support effective leadership decision making. By integrating critical, creative, reflective, systems, and statistical thinking, learners develop leadership qualities that allow them to apply their insights to current models and perspectives in order to envision a future with improved organizational patterns and outcomes.	4 quarter credits

What you'll learn

This specialization equips you with a multidisciplinary approach to leadership in today’s complex business environment. You’ll develop a far-reaching skillset that prepares you to lead others, build productive relationships, and strengthen businesses in a highly competitive era.

On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

• Develop a personal view of leadership with an emphasis on connections to others in the organization, and to the broader community
• Evaluate how a leader’s perspective of the organization is influenced by mechanistic and living systems worldviews
• Integrate multiple ways of thinking to inform decisions–including creative, reflective, statistical, critical, and systems thinking
• Synthesize scholarly literature and emerging trends to advance the theory or practice of leadership
• Evaluate the historical and theoretical basis of leadership through a multidisciplinary lens to help ensure the viability of organizations in a dynamic global environment
• Exhibit proficiency in academic research, writing, and critical thinking skills

Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in business management cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1-2 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$985  per credit,  $5,000  quarterly tuition max,  75  coursework credits,  12  max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$985 Per quarter credit

75 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

$2955 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:

• The program specialization you choose
• Scholarships and finances
• Prior coursework
• Transfer credits
• Employer and/or military benefits
• Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
• Complexity of your dissertation
• Academic performance
• School/work/life balance
• Unexpected life events

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost scenarios

Cost Scenarios Table

Complete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students
Coursework: $985/credit 13 quarters	$63,061.00
Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter	$2,955.00
Dissertation: $2,955/quarter 6 quarters	$17,730.00
Subtotal	$83,746.00
Est. Scholarship Savings*	$-20,000.00
Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*	$63,746.00
Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters	$2,275.00
Application fee: $0 no application fee	$0
	$66,021.00

Cost Scenarios Table

Complete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students
Coursework: $985/credit 13 quarters	$63,061.00
Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter	$2,955.00
Dissertation: $2,955/quarter 8 quarters	$23,640.00
Subtotal	$89,656.00
Est. Scholarship Savings*	$-20,000.00
Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*	$69,656.00
Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters	$2,275.00
Application fee: $0 no application fee	$0
	$71,931.00

Cost Scenarios Table

Complete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students
Coursework: $985/credit 13 quarters	$63,061.00
Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter	$2,955.00
Dissertation: $2,955/quarter 12 quarters	$35,460.00
Subtotal	$101,476.00
Est. Scholarship Savings*	$-20,000.00
Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*	$81,476.00
Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters	$2,275.00
Application fee: $0 no application fee	$0
	$83,751.00

*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are  more ways to save  than you might think.

$5,000 quarterly tuition maximum

Maximize your courseload – take 6 or more credits per quarter and pay just $5,000.* *Cost of each residency is included in the $5,000 quarterly tuition maximum; books, resource kit, travel, lodging, meals, and other expenses are not included.

$20K toward your doctorate Apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward , a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

10% military discount 

Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, guard and reserve members, veterans, their spouses** and dependents. **Starting in July, spouses of veterans can now benefit from a 10% discount on eligible certificates, master’s and doctoral programs and a 15% discount on eligible bachelor’s programs.

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

How to apply

Phd in business management admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
•  Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International Student Requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.

Doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

Enrollment counselors

These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree program and answer all your questions about Capella.

Academic coaches

Through quarterly appointments and as-needed counseling sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

10 qualities to look for in a career mentor

Finding a career mentor can really help as you develop your professional skills and move up the ladder.

What’s the ROI for a PhD?

Is a PhD worth the investment of time, money, and energy?

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.

Career exploration

What can you do with a phd in business management degree.

Your education can help you reach your goals, professionally and personally. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Business Management, Leadership.

Related job titles to explore*

• Adjunct or part-time business faculty
• Full-time business faculty
• Dean or associate dean of a business program
• Research director
• Business researcher
• Leadership development manager/director
• Executive-level management
• Chief executive officer (CEO)
• Chief learning officer (CLO)
• Talent development manager/director

Employment settings to explore

• Land-based or online college or university
• Non-governmental organization
• Community college
• Consulting firm
• Corporation
• Health care organization
• Nonprofit organization
• Public and private education
• Manufacturing
• Insurance firm
• Small business
• Government—local, state, federal

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

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Strategic Management

The objective of the doctoral program coursework is to provide students with the knowledge of their chosen major field through exposure to the current literature as well as to acquaint the student with research methodologies and designs. Students in the PhD program are expected to dedicate themselves to the program full time.

The coursework for a PhD in Strategic Management consists of six seminars in the student’s major (four required and three elective), three courses in research methodology and statistics, and three courses in a minor field of the student's choice. The minor field must be approved by the advisor for the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship and the minor field department. Each doctoral student is also required to take a teaching development seminar. 

Degree Requirements

Required courses.

Students are required to take all four courses.

• J601: Seminar in Strategic Management I
• J602: Theoretical Foundations of Strategy II
• W601: Organization Theory
• Z798: Seminar in Research Methods

Elective Courses

Students must select two from the following:

• D620: Seminar in International Business
• W610: Theoretical Foundations of Entrepreneurship
• Z601: Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Behavior
• Z615: Seminar in Human Resource (HR) Management
• Independent study course approved by the advisor

Research Methods and Statistics

Students must take three courses.

• X610: Statistics for Research
• X611: Statistics for Research
• One other relevant methods or statistics class

Minor Field

Students take at least three courses in the minor field.

Many students take their minor within the Department of Management & Entrepreneurship, in the field of Entrepreneurship or in the field of Organization Behavior/Human Resources Management. Students may not “double count” courses toward the minor and major. Students may also take their minor from a related field inside or outside the Kelley School of Business (e.g., psychology, economics, or sociology).

Teaching Course Requirement

X630: Teaching Development Seminar

Qualifying Exam

All doctoral candidates are required to successfully complete a qualifying examination during the second summer of their residency in the program. This exam will cover both Research Methods and Strategic Management and Organizational Theory.

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Home Blog Strategic Management: The Cornerstone of Online MBA Management Concentrations

Strategic Management: The Cornerstone of Online MBA Management Concentrations

August 14, 2024

Contributing Author: Alley Bardon

8 mins read

The leading online learning platform Coursera ranks strategy first on its list of “8 Common and In-Demand MBA Concentrations.” That said, it’s no secret that this concentration is highly sought after by those aspiring to lucrative careers as consultants, operations managers, and product managers.  

Read on for a targeted examination of why strategic management is considered the cornerstone of today’s online MBA management concentrations. 

Introduction to Strategic Management

Strategic management is a rapidly changing art and science, but it is delineated by some basic and fundamental tenants, applications, and objectives. 

Strategic Management Definition and Importance

Briefly defined, strategic management refers to the setting of clear and deliberate objectives for an organization and then directing an organization’s resources toward the realization of those objectives. The strategic management approach stresses opportunity leverage and tactical efficiency to set an organization apart from others of its kind. Beyond its obvious competitive advantages in the business world, the strategic mindset has proven extremely valuable in the government and nonprofit sectors. 

Evolution of Strategic Management Concepts

In their peer-reviewed article , Luis Ángel Guerras-Martína, Anoop Madhokb, and Ángeles Montoro-Sánchez outline the ways in which the discipline has expanded over the years to embrace concepts such as “internationalization, cooperation between firms, strategies and competition in the markets for products and factors, strategic leadership, and the relationship between a firm's strategy and its corporate social responsibility.” 

Core Components of Strategic Management

Although it can vary considerably when practiced by administrators at various organizations competing in different markets, strategic management involves the following core components: 

Vision and Mission Statements

Their ability to establish and dictate an organization’s core purpose and direction make vision and mission statements essential elements of strategic management. They should always be referenced when planning and making key tactical decisions. These statements should embody goals that are clear, applicable, and assessable. They should also carefully balance ambition with attainability. 

Environmental Scanning

Environmental scanning involves collecting, evaluating, analyzing, and interpreting information to guide strategic management. All environmental scanning processes must center around one or more relevant objectives in the spirit of an organization’s core vision and mission statements.  

Strategy Formulation

Using what you have learned from environmental scanning, you can begin to formulate strategies to help you reach the objectives you have set. Like your objectives, your strategies should be clear, applicable, and assessable. They should also be feasible to implement. 

Strategy Implementation

Test the feasibility of each proposed management strategy by ensuring that you have all the resources necessary to implement and support them. Implementation is a crucial phase of strategic management because it transforms mere ideas into real projects. Like all other phases of the strategic management process, implementation must be completed with overall goals firmly in mind. 

Strategy Evaluation

There is good reason that to take great care to make both your goals and strategies highly assessable -strategy evaluation. This is the last and perhaps most crucial step in the strategic management process, as it is the ongoing examination and analysis of your objectives and operations to ensure that they are delivering optimum results. Constant evaluation is necessary to refine your strategic management efforts and adapt to ever-evolving market and environmental conditions. 

Strategic Management in Online MBA Programs

To gain a full understanding of strategic management and its many diverse intricacies, you will want to pursue relevant advanced academic or professional training. One of the best ways to ensure success in the field is to secure an MBA in strategic management -and it is hard to beat the convenience of earning an MBA online. 

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) has long been a trusted mark of administrative expertise by large and small employers across business sectors and industries. The degree is also highly valued in the government and nonprofit arenas. This is because MBA programs thoroughly cover all the administrative basics from accounting and finance to marketing and communications. An MBA with a focus on strategic management will stress courses and concepts that boost productivity and enhance competitiveness. 

While duration and credit requirements for MBA programs may vary slightly, they all require significant investments of time and effort. For instance, the typical MBA program at Lindenwood University Online takes 33 credit hours and between two and three years to complete. 

Key Courses and Topics

Important topics to highlight in your strategic management MBA studies include traditional and disruptive operations management and planning. You may also seek out courses that emphasize strategy in areas such as financial policy, business analytics, and managerial accounting . Coursework in entrepreneurship might also prove helpful in teaching innovation and strategic management. 

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Some MBA programs are highly theoretical in nature, while others take a more practical approach. The MBA program at Lindenwood University Online concentrates on real-world insights and skill development in all areas critical to strategic management. Our driving purpose is to prepare students to serve in general business administration or as a specialist in any number of discipline-specific roles. 

Benefits of a Strategic Management Education

An MBA in strategic management can lead to a rewarding administrative career due to the considerable amount of learned business knowledge and acumen. Here are just a few personal and professional advantages that you can gain by pursuing a strategic management-focused MBA: 

Enhanced Leadership Skills

An MBA program with a solid focus on strategic management should prioritize education that will improve your ability to spearhead teams and projects with an emphasis on goal-oriented leadership. For example, the study of SWOT Analysis can help professionals holistically and objectively assess an organization’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats presented within the market, industry, or general environment. 

Improved Decision-Making

Among other basic strategic management principles, a SWOT Analysis can help business leaders make more informed decisions. While pursuing an MBA in strategic management, you will hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a focus on optimizing operations and gaining competitive advantage. 

Increased Organizational Performance

Improved decision-making can lead to continuous improvement in many ways. By accurately measuring organizational performance and assessing organizational operations, you can drive progress toward organizational goals. This drive to perform better can spread to every component part of an organization and lead to incredible innovation. 

Career Opportunities with Strategic Management

An MBA in strategic management can lead to high-paying careers such as: 

• Research Analyst 
• Investment Analyst 
• Human Resources Director 
• Sales Manager 
• Marketing Manager 
• Product Manager 
• Operations Manager 
• Executive Administrator 

Executive Leadership Roles

While many a young business professional aspires to become a chief executive officer (CEO), a chief operating officer (COO) can be just as financially, professionally, and personally rewarding. Plus, the average chief compliance officer, who oversees adherence to relevant laws and regulations, commands a higher salary than the average CEO or COO. All these coveted executive leadership roles are attainable for experienced professionals with an MBA in strategic management. 

Management Consultant Positions

In addition to executive leadership positions, management consultant positions are highly desirable among strategic MBA graduates. Management consultants help organizations capitalize on opportunities, address current challenges, and anticipate future trends to further fundamental goals. They advise organizations on matters that range from mergers and acquisitions to digital transformation. 

Entrepreneurial Ventures

No matter how attractive a career in executive leadership or management consultancy can be, these positions involve working for others or adhering to a predetermined set of rules. In contrast, many strategic MBA graduates choose paths in entrepreneurship. A quality MBA program that stresses strategic management will lay the groundwork of knowledge and skill that an entrepreneur needs to succeed. 

Choosing the Right Online MBA Program for Strategic Management

After deciding to pursue your MBA in strategic management online, you must commit to a specific program at a specific academic institution. From overall quality of education to immediate practical concerns, it is important to choose your MBA program with care. Here are just a few important factors to keep in mind: 

Accreditation and Reputation

Whether conducted online or on-campus, your chosen online MBA program must be accredited if you want to ensure that your degree is of value and quality. Dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of academics and educational services, Lindenwood University Online holds accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. Our various business programs are accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Faculty Expertise

The benefits of an experienced business professor go beyond just subject knowledge. Research from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business shows effective professors excel in several areas. They meticulously prepare for class, fostering a collaborative learning environment. They connect the dots for students, making complex concepts clear and digestible. Their teaching methods are interactive, and they consistently emphasize the practical relevance of the course material. Lindenwood University Online prioritizes this approach, assembling a faculty with both industry experience and a passion for effective teaching. 

Flexibility and Format

Regardless of concentration or specialization, some MBA programs will be quite rigid in terms of schedule and pacing, while others will be quite flexible. However, programs that present distance learning courses online tend to operate under systems and structures that are highly flexible. Other benefits of the online learning format include more reasonable tuition fees. By avoiding many of the overhead costs that go hand in hand with operating a brick-and-mortar institution, online college programs can keep costs remarkably low. 

Networking Opportunities

A quality business program, whether online or on campus, will allow you to start building the network of contacts that will fuel your business career. By connecting with faculty, alumni, and your fellow students, you can build bridges to post-program employment and lay the groundwork for other valuable professional opportunities. Online MBA programs serve as excellent platforms for networking. From email outreach to alumni chat groups to webinars and virtual gatherings, a large amount of networking activity takes place online today. A good online MBA program will have the digital savvy necessary to drive modern networking. 

Explore Strategic Management and Other MBA Concentrations at Lindenwood University

If you want to take a deep dive into strategic management or another popular MBA concentration, take a look at the  MBA programs  of Lindenwood University Online. For more information about any of these programs, you can  request information  by filling out a short online form. 

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The Princeton Review’s Top 50 Online MBA Rankings Released for 2024

Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology is ranked 43rd nationally in The Princeton Review’s Top 50 Online MBA Programs as part of its Best Business Schools 2024 rankings. This ranks #3 among New York State programs and is only one of two Executive MBA programs included in the ranking. The Princeton Review’s yearly rankings are based on student surveys, career outcomes, admissions selectivity, and academic rigor, among other categories.

Saunders’ online executive MBA program is a rigorous program meant to push professionals to reach their full potential. The curriculum includes high-level courses on topics such as effective team leadership, economics, marketing strategy, and international business. 

The online Executive MBA is accredited by AACSB and is intended for seasoned professionals who want to put their creativity and innovation to the test to propel themselves into higher leadership roles.

Saunders’ undergraduate and graduate programs are internationally ranked and recognized . Visit our events page to view graduate information session opportunities and other events

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