phd after mba in operations

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Why a Doctorate in Business Administration Is Becoming More Valuable

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At the turn of the 20th century, the world was industrializing at a rapid pace. Businesses were growing larger and more complex, with more employees working in more diversified divisions spread across more geographical boundaries.

As a result, demand grew for people who had special training in managing the general operations of a business, which led to the creation and proliferation of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

More than 100 years later, MBAs have become a commodity that no longer serve organizations’ core needs.

In today’s age of data and information, knowledge has become the most valuable resource. Companies don’t necessarily need more general managers who can assess broad patterns across multiple industries—they need people with deep expertise in specific domains who can analyze data and generate unique insights that lead to better business decisions.

That’s why Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) holders are becoming increasingly valuable in the modern workplace.

DBA is a professional degree representing the highest level of qualification in management. In contrast to an MBA, it takes students on a different path toward acquiring and using business knowledge.

For an MBA, students spend two years taking a broad range of practical courses to learn about several pillars of business—such as accounting, finance, marketing, leadership, operations, strategy, and ethics—to help them become effective leaders across many industries.

By contrast, DBAs spend up to two years studying academic literature across several domains and up to two additional years designing and executing an original research project: a dissertation focused on one domain. The primary goal of a DBA is to produce scholarly individuals who have deep expertise in a field of management.

When seeking executive-level positions, DBAs’ “Dr.” titles are likely to help them stand out from their peers. DBAs can also pursue high-level positions in areas such as consulting by becoming subject-matter experts—or maintain ties with academia as full-time or adjunct professors.

DBAs’ training gives them diverse career options. The academic literature they read gives them expertise in understanding management theories that can help them analyze real-world situations and differentiate the signal from the noise. A DBA specializing in innovation can assess whether newcomers to a market pose a credible threat as a disruptive innovation to an existing company.

Students then learn advanced scientific techniques in quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, which trains them in analyzing data to generate valid inferences that their organizations can use for decision-making purposes. Rather than relying on gut feel and graphs, DBAs can use powerful techniques such as sampling data to reduce bias, using statistical regressions to identify the strongest factors that influence an outcome, or designing an experiment to gain 100% certainty over the causal relationship between variables.

Finally, DBAs combine their business knowledge with analytical skills to design and execute original research studies, making them the world’s leading experts in particular domains.

DBAs also stand out because they represent only 2% of all people who hold higher degrees in business. In 2021, more than 250,000 students graduated with MBAs or specialist degrees in business; only 5,000 graduated with doctorates.

While a DBA may represent an attractive option that can be highly valuable to organizations today, they are not necessarily recommended for everyone.

To help you determine whether a DBA is right for you, the most important question to ask yourself centers on whether you’re satisfied with the tools and frameworks you use to analyze data and information to make important business decisions. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where these frameworks come from—or whether there might be a better way to make decisions—consider applying to a DBA program. These programs are designed to channel deep intellectual interests and passions toward producing business knowledge that’s both theoretically novel and practically relevant.

DBA training may help you develop deeper knowledge than an MBA program will while opening doors to more ambitious careers in industry or academia. While MBA degrees are designed to meet the needs of 20th-century businesses, DBAs can help meet the needs of organizations today—and well into the future.

Learn more about how earning a DBA can help you step up your career.

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PhD in Management Science and Operations Management

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As a doctoral student in management science and operations management at Chicago Booth, you will leverage mathematics and computer methods to generate research that helps managers develop better systems and make better decisions.

The Management Science and Operations Management PhD Program applies the underlying methodologies of management science to deal with problems of developing, producing, and delivering goods and services.

In collaboration with faculty who are recognized leaders in their fields, you’ll use rigorous research methods and theory to help guide organizations to better outcomes.

Our Distinguished Management Science and Operations Management Faculty

Chicago Booth faculty in management science and operations management conduct pioneering work with lasting impact. As a doctoral student here, you’ll gain from their knowledge and experience through advising, mentorship, and research collaboration.

Dan Adelman

Charles I. Clough, Jr. Professor of Operations Management

Sigmund E. Edelstone Distinguished Service Professor of Operations Management

John R. Birge

Hobart W. Williams Distinguished Service Professor of Operations Management

Rene Caldentey

Eli B. and Harriet B. Williams Professor of Operations Management

Ozan Candogan

Professor of Operations Management

Levi DeValve

Assistant Professor of Operations Management

Donald D. Eisenstein

Rad Niazadeh

Assistant Professor of Operations Management and Asness Junior Faculty Fellow

Rothman Family Professor of Operations Management and Charles M. Harper Faculty Fellow

Associate Professor of Operations Management

Alumni Success

Our alumni have gone on to successful careers  in academia and industry.

S. Alex Yang, MBA ’10, PhD ’10

Associate Professor of Management Science and Operations London Business School S. Alex Yang’s main research focus is on how operational and financial decisions are coordinated within value chains. His other research interests include fintech, value chain management, and platform economy. His PhD is in management science and operations management.

Scholarly Publications

Chicago Booth is home to some of the world’s most prestigious business and economic journals. Today, the school is responsible for the management of three high-impact journals , while four others were founded at Booth.

Spotlight on Research

Faculty and student research in management science and operations management is regularly highlighted in Chicago Booth Review .

Amy R. Ward Says Customers Are Getting Impatient

In this digital age, customers expect what they want when they want it. Chicago Booth’s Amy R. Ward explores ways business can provide that.

Dan Adelman Says Health Care Has a Data Opportunity

The Charles I. Clough Jr. Professor of Operations Management explains why health care is behind in data analytics, and why it’s poised to improve.

How Bookies Can Outwit Smart Bettors

Chicago Booth’s John R. Birge and Booth PhD candidate Yifan Feng identified a set of policies that enables bookies to strike a balance between learning from market participants and bluff-proofing their business.

A Network of Support

Chicago Booth is home to several research centers that offer research funding to PhD students. They also bring together a network of like-minded scholars who guide and support our students in their research.

Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation Chicago Booth’s destination for people committed to tackling social and environmental problems, the Rustandy Center supports the work of PhD students and others who are focused on transforming the social sector.

The PhD Experience at Booth

For Vishal Ahuja, PhD ’13, a key strength of the Chicago Booth community is its interdisciplinary nature.

Video Transcript

Vishal Ahuja '13: 00:03 I find one of the strengths of University of Chicago is the interdisciplinary nature of the work, and then as long as you've got ideas people like to work together. I started getting interested in health care after I took a course in public policy. My research deals with clinical trials. What we are trying to do is to improve the way trials are conducted. As patients come in and are allocated one to the treatment arm and one to the placebos. Now, let's say after a year you find that one treatment in particular is doing extremely well, which means great patient outcomes. On the other, it's just bad.

Vishal Ahuja '13: 00:40 Wouldn't you want to allocate the patients on the bad arm to the better arm? The problem is that if you find out after a year that one arm is better than the other, or one treatment is better than the placebo, or the generic, you can't stop, because otherwise that you're violating the protocol. There has to be a scientific protocol that says, if this, this, this, and this happens, then do this. If eight out of 10 patients see success, and four out of 10 on B don't see success, then allocate one patient, move one patient from B to A. There has to be a scientific, what I call a policy, that the FDA is aware of, and is building the protocol.

Vishal Ahuja '13: 01:15 The fundamental idea is being adaptive about how you allocate patients, but do so in a scientific way, and when there are multiple patients present. My dissertation committee was very much interdisciplinary in nature, one from economics, three from operations and one for Pittsburgh School of Medicine. And I think I benefited a lot from having that interdisciplinary committee. I find that medical community is much more amenable to these kinds of methodologies and the ways of addressing the problem. What I find is that we're missing that language barrier where we think we're doing this great work and they think these guys are just doing some work that's not applicable. So fighting that communication barrier, I think, is the key. And you get to appreciate how some of the work that Booth students do, including myself, it could potentially impact patient lives.

Current Management Science and Operations Management Students

Chicago Booth is a top destination for students interested in management science and operations management. They come from all over the world to work with faculty whose work has had an impact on the way industry professionals, government leaders, and scholars conduct business.

Current Students

Mohammad Reza Aminian

Jayoung Byun

Tongqing (Angelina) Chen

Farbod Ekbatani Feiyu Han

Ebru Kasikaralar Chun Li

Zi (Elaine) Ling

Emin Ozyoruk Yucel (Naz) Ozyoruk

Fabricio Previgliano

Tingrui Shi

Dilara Sonmez

Duygu Soylemez

Maximiliano Stock

Jose (Pepe) Velarde Morales

Yaqi Xie Angela (Jingyuan) Yang

Zhiqiang Zhang

Program Expectations and Requirements

The Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth is a full-time program. Students generally complete the majority of coursework and examination requirements within the first two years of studies and begin work on their dissertation during the third year. For details, see General Examination Requirements by Area in the Stevens Program Guidebook below.

Download the 2023-2024 Guidebook!

MBA applications are open! First deadline: October 14.

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Operations management ph.d., earn a ph.d. in business and a major concentration in operations management.

Operations management research involves the systematic and scientific study and potential improvement of how business, government and non-profit organizations manufacture products and provide services that contribute to the well-being of society. The field encompasses a varied set of contexts, such as manufacturing, supply chains, energy, healthcare, and technology management and related processes, including strategic design, tactical planning and operational execution. The major concentration in operations management of the Ph.D. in Business at Rice University prepares students to investigate fundamental questions about these contexts and processes. The distinguishing features of this concentration are its rigorous theoretical and methodological training, and the interplay between the development of innovative theory and methodology and their application to a broad set of relevant contexts.

The main goal of the operations management major concentration of the Ph.D. at Rice Business is to train students to do excellent research and to become operations management scholars in top research-focused academic institutions. We do not aim to train practitioners or send our graduates into industry. Accordingly, the operations management major concentration will enhance the reputation of Rice Business and Rice University by placing graduates in top research-oriented universities, in particular business schools at such institutions.

Interested in Rice Business?

To achieve this goal, Ph.D. students are required to take courses in operations management, operations research, economics, and related disciplines such as mathematics and statistics. They will also conduct original research and write research papers examining important and relevant issues in operations management. Students are expected to become active in research at the inception of the program and learn through both formal coursework and informal mentorship, including but not limited to, the interaction with operations management faculty as research assistants. 

The Operations management major concentration of the Ph.D. degree in the field of business emphasizes research productivity, collaboration with faculty and collegiality. The operations management faculty members are committed to the success of their students during the program, as well as after graduation. In addition to the requirement to take on teaching assistant roles for operations management faculty, students are strongly encouraged to engage in teaching a section of the operations management core course in the Rice Business undergraduate program, if such a section is available at the right juncture during their studies. These activities prepare students for the teaching responsibilities typical at a top research university.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT AREA ADVISOR

Nicola Secomandi

Recruiting for fall 2024.

The Ph.D. in Business and a Major Concentration in Operations Management will begin accepting applications August 1st for Fall 2024 matriculation. The application deadline is December 15, 2023.  

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PhD Programs

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Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has four areas of study: Accounting and Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

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All our faculty are research-active and work with PhD students. Our joint expertise spans modeling, optimization, data analysis, prediction and prescription, and empirical research methods. We have published scholarly articles in, and serve on the editorial boards of, leading journals, such as Management Science , Manufacturing & Service Operations Management , Mathematics of Operations Research , and Operations Research . Our work has also appeared in practitioner-oriented articles, such as Harvard Business Review and Supply Chain Management. Individual faculty have also taken on leadership roles in professional organizations, such as the Manufacturing and Service Operations Management Society and the Applied Probability Society. Our faculty have also written three textbooks on operations management, supply chain management, and operations strategy that are used in universities around the world.

What We Are Looking for in Applicants

Our current PhD students come from the fields of engineering, computer science, mathematics, operations research and statistics. A master’s degree is not required, but about half of our matriculating students do have a graduate degree. Strong quantitative skills are needed for the type of research our students do. Recommended coursework includes calculus, linear algebra, optimization, probability and statistics. Our training and coursework are grounded in operations research and economics; therefore, an interest in economics is expected. Prior research experience is not required.

Program Requirements

In years one and two, students take 3 to 4 courses each quarter (fall, winter, spring). The first-year curriculum allows students to build a solid base in operations research as well as microeconomics, econometrics, stochastic modeling and optimization.

In their second year, course registration is more flexible as students transition from coursework to independent research. These courses include operations management doctoral courses offered that year and courses in other fields, such as economics, engineering, and quantitative marketing, or even an MBA course if relevant.

Preliminary Exam

Students will take a comprehensive preliminary exam at the end of their first year. This oral exam tests students ability to understand material from their first year of study and measures the student’s knowledge of the field as a whole.

Qualifying Exam and Candidacy

At the end of year two, students are required to write a research paper that demonstrates competency in operations research. Upon successfully passing this qualifying exam and maintaining a 3.0 (B) grade point average in coursework, the student is admitted to candidacy.

Research, Proposal & Dissertation

The main activity in the third year and afterward is research toward a thesis, under the direction of one or more faculty advisors. A thesis proposal must be presented to the department by the end of year three, prior to the beginning of fall classes. In their final year in the program, each candidate must complete a dissertation demonstrating original and significant research and pass a final oral examination on the dissertation.

Teaching Requirement

To promote engagement with faculty and integration with the intellectual life of the department, students serve as research and teaching assistants during years two, three, and four, including summers. Research assistantships (RAs) are an excellent lead-in to research; teaching assistantships (TAs) prepare students for teaching after obtaining the PhD.

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Tepper School of Business

Ph.D. Program in Operations Management

This program includes a range of interests: quantitative modeling to empirical studies using tools from or, stochastic processes, ai, statistics, econometrics and economics.

The goal of the doctoral program in Operations Management is to train researchers and future faculty to develop scientific solutions to the problems currently being faced by operations managers.

Operations Management covers a broad range of topics as found in:

• Online platforms and sharing economy
• Health care management
• Supply chain management
• Sustainable operations
• Service operations
• Omni-channel retail
• Global operations and strategy
• Inventory control
• Just-in-time manufacturing
• Revenue management
• Commodity and energy merchant operations
• Real options
• Innovative business models

Faculty research interests range from quantitative modeling to empirical studies using tools from operations research, mathematical programming, applied stochastic processes, simulation, artificial intelligence, statistics, econometrics, and economics.

The Tepper School has a long tradition of outstanding doctoral education in all branches of management. The business school is strongly committed to manufacturing and operations management as evidenced by a strong MBA program in production and operations management (we have always been in the top two in major surveys) as well as an excellent Ph.D. program.

More generally, the Tepper School at Carnegie Mellon is committed to quantitative management research and has made innovative contributions leading to several Nobel Prizes in Economics, and the faculty in Operations Research have won the Frederick W. Lanchester Prize and the John Von Neumann Theory Prize (awarded by INFORMS).

Cross-Campus Collaboration

The Tepper School has close ties working with the Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering in topics including energy and green design and the School of Computer Science and Department of Mathematical Sciences in jointly administering the graduate program in Algorithms, Combinatorics and Optimization. The school partners with the CMU Robotics Institute in work involving artificial intelligence and the joint management of manufacturing and automation program. Interdisciplinary collaborations also include other schools and research centers across the CMU campus such as the Department of Statistics and the Heinz School of Public Policy and Management. Students have significant flexibility in conducting research with and taking classes from, faculty in these schools.

Interdisciplinary Approach

The Ph.D. program in Operations Management is small with an interdisciplinary outlook. Students benefit from strong quantitative training as well as close ties with industry. A broad range of core and elective courses provides the students with a business outlook that is uniquely possible. In fact, the breadth of research possibilities under one umbrella at our group is probably unmatched by any other Operations Management department in the country.

Specific Project Partnerships

• Caterpillar
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• University of California, San Francisco Transplant Center
• Massachusetts General Hospital

Methodological Contributions

• Inventory Models
• Machine Learning
• Queueing Theory
• Stochastic Modeling and Optimization
• Mechanism Design
• Approximate Dynamic Programming
• Game Theory
• Queueing Games

Many of our students are very active in the Carnegie Mellon INFORMS Student Chapter .

P lease visit our Ph.D. Student Profiles page t o view the profiles of our current doctoral candidates.

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Phd program menu, phd program, operations and business analytics phd program.

The Lundquist College of Business Doctoral Program in Operations and Business Analytics prepares students seeking academic and research careers.

Operations and Business Analytics concerns how organizations should optimize business processes (e.g., production, distribution) and policies (e.g., staffing, pricing) both internally and within the broader supply chain. 

Researchers in the operations and business analytics area address these complex decisions using rigorous research methods that require a solid foundation in model building, theory development, and data analysis. These foundational skills reflect the strength of the Lundquist College's Department of Operations and Business Analytics, whose faculty work closely with students within the doctoral program. 

In addition to its faculty, the Department of Operations and Business Analytics spans the areas of information systems and statistics, allowing doctoral students to benefit from coursework and research opportunities in two areas complementary to the operations and business analytics area. Due to the quantitative orientation of this PhD option, students entering the program should have interests that lie at the intersection of applied mathematics and business research.

Operations and Business Analytics PhD Coordinator Assistant Professor Behrooz Pourghannad

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Department of Operations and Business Analytics

Operations and Business Analytics Faculty

Operations and Business Analytics Research

The required coursework for the Operations and Business Analytics doctoral program falls within three categories: supporting, core, and specialization. PhD students are expected to plan their course schedules after consulting with their faculty advisor, to help ensure that coursework is sequenced appropriately.

PhD students focus on the core classes during the first two years of their studies, in preparation for the qualifying exam. The supporting courses in microeconomics and linear algebra in particular are also useful background material for the exam and thus should be completed within the first two years. While the full set of supporting courses is a formal requirement for completing the PhD, incoming students with equivalent prior coursework may be able to obtain a written waiver from the PhD coordinator for some or all of those courses, as a result of having equivalent prior coursework.

In the second or third year of the PhD program and beyond, students choose a set of specialization courses to gain exposure to new methodologies and problem areas.

View Course Catalog

Core Courses

Completed prior to the qualifying exam.

• Probability and Statistics (Math 561/562)
• Regression (OBA 635)
• Optimization methods (e.g., OSU IE 521)
• Operations management: inventory management, supply chains, service operations, closed-loop operations, operations planning and control, and math programming.
• Information systems: object-oriented design, databases, congestion management, and pricing.
• Statistics: time series analysis, data mining, and advanced econometrics.

*Throughout the duration of the PhD program, all full-time PhD students must enroll in these Operations and Business Analytics research seminars.

Supporting Courses

• First-year MBA courses or equivalent in: accounting, finance, marketing, statistics (and, if deemed necessary: operations management and information services).
• Microeconomics (e.g., Econ 511)
• Linear Algebra (e.g., Math 541)

Specialization Courses

Functional area focus   (choose at least three).

• OBA 533: Information Analysis for Managerial Decisions
• OBA 544: Business Database Management Systems
• OBA 566: Project and Operations Management Models
• OBA 577: Supply Chain Operations and Information
• OBA 588: eBusiness

Research Methods Focus (Choose at Least Three)

• OBA 610: Multivariate Methods
• OSU IE 563: Advanced Production Planning & Control
• OSU IE 521/522: Industrial Systems Optimization I/II
• OSU ST 583: Non-Linear Optimization
• OSU ST 515: Design of Experiments
• OSU ST 543: Applied Stochastic Models
• Math 513: Introduction to (Real) Analysis
• Math 555: Mathematical Modeling
• Math 556: Networks and Combinatorics
• Math 564/565/566: Mathematical Statistics I / II / III
• Econ 523/524/525: Econometrics
• Econ 527: Games and Decisions

Note: the above courses with the OSU prefix are taught at nearby Oregon State University—typical OSU tuition fees are waived for full-time University of Oregon students.

Department of Technology, Operations, and Statistics | Doctoral Program in Operations Management

Doctoral program in operations management.

Overview of the OM Doctoral Program

• Program Requirements
• S ample 5-year Schedule
• Recent Doctoral Courses Offered

Mission To educate and train scholars capable of producing high quality operations management research and to place our graduates as faculty members in top-tier universities. Admissions and performance We enroll an average of two students per year out of many highly qualified applicants. Students admitted typically have GRE scores over 310 with scores in the quantitative section of the GRE exam in the 90th percentile or higher. International students typically have TOEFL scores of 600 or higher. Our students are highly competitive with their peers globally and give talks and invited presentations at national and international conferences. Advising and evaluation The operations management doctoral program coordinator advises all first-year doctoral students. During their first year, students have many opportunities to learn the research interests of departmental faculty by taking classes, attending seminars and enrolling in research practica.  By the beginning of their second year, students will typically have selected an advisor who begins to introduce them to potential research topics. By the middle of their third year, students will have selected a thesis advisor. Each year, every student’s academic progress is reviewed and plans for the following year are considered.  This review includes a formal letter to the student assessing the previous year's work and offering guidance for the following year's work.  All students take a comprehensive written and oral exam during their second year in the program.  Students are expected to defend their thesis proposal by March of their fourth year and students typically defend their completed dissertation at the end of their fourth year or during their fifth year. Research and interaction with faculty Stern's operations management group has historically included faculty with strong operations management and operations research backgrounds. These two disciplines, along with statistics, data science, economics and computer science, continue to have a significant influence on the teaching and research directions of the operations management faculty. In today's business environment, there is a strong interest in using operations to provide a competitive advantage to organizations. Doctoral students in operations management take core courses in optimization theory, stochastic processes, and data science. A wide range of electives based on faculty expertise are offered including inventory theory, game theory, service operations, assortment optimization, supply chain finance and more. Students are also encouraged either to assist faculty members who are actively working with firms or to develop first-hand expertise through individual contacts with industrial organizations. The faculty members focus their research on current and emerging themes in managing operations in today's fast changing economy. They use a combination of analytical, empirical and theory building methodologies to understand: how to design operating systems, contracts and quality systems for the management of decentralized supply chains; best practices in retailing; vehicle routing; call center management; task and workforce scheduling; internet business models and strategies; and how to forecast new product sales. Faculty members hold editorial positions on numerous journals and are active in the major societies such as the Institute for Operations Research and Management Science. As a result of Stern's New York City location, the school and its operations management faculty have strong ties with the world's technology and financial organizations as well as chemical, computer, consumer goods and pharmaceutical companies in the tri-state area. Click on the links on the right to learn how to apply, to attend an information session, and to contact the Stern School Doctoral Office. Wenqiang Xiao Coordinator, Operations Management Doctoral Program TOPS Department

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Program Requirements Doctoral students in operations management are expected to achieve expertise in the areas of operations management and operations research. All students in the NYU Stern doctoral program must demonstrate competence in probability, statistics and microeconomics either through courses taken in a prior degree program or by taking a similar course offered at NYU. As part of the operations management doctoral curriculum, students must also take 3 methodological core courses in the areas of optimization, stochastic processes and data science.  After completing their course requirements, students may enroll in elective courses relevant to their chosen field of research. Recent PhD electives offered by the operations management group include

• Pricing in the Sharing Economy
• Stochastic Inventory Theory
• Supply Chain Finance
• Service Operations Management
• Game Theory
• Choice Models in Operations
• Applied Game Theory

In addition to required coursework, doctoral students must complete 5 research practica prior to graduation. Each research practicum is a 1 credit course graded Pass or Fail in which students work closely with a faculty member to conduct joint research. By working closely with faculty members, students are expected to develop their own independent research skills. After their core coursework is complete, students are required to take written and oral comprehensive exams before October 1st of their third year. Students must also complete a teaching practicum in their third year of studies during which they assist a faculty member in their class preparation. Students are expected to complete their thesis proposal by March of their 4th year and the doctoral program concludes with the proposal, writing and defense of a dissertation. All students are required to complete the doctoral program within six years, however most students graduate within 5 years. A sample 5-year schedule is given below.

Sample 5-year Schedule

Recent Doctoral Courses Offered OPMG-GB.3321.P1 Stochastic Processes OPMG-GB.3392.P1 Pricing in the Sharing Economy OPMG-GB.4317.01 Stochastic Inventory Theory OPMG-GB.4334.01 Convex Optimization OPMG-GB.4313.20 Supply Chain Finance OPMG-GB.4331.20 Service Operations Management OPMG-GB.4306.01 Dynamic Programming OPMG-GB.4321.20 Choice Models in Operations OPMG-GB.4330.01 Linear Programming OPMG-GB.4340.02 Applied Game Theory

Questions about the PhD Program in Operations Management?

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Is it Possible to Get My PhD After My MBA?

In academia, numerous accomplishments can be achieved. You can earn a dual degree and have expertise in multiple fields, or further your career potential by going back to school . But what about progressing from an MBA to a PhD? 

In regards to higher education, many consider earning a PhD, or doctorate degree, the pinnacle of success. Usually, due to passion for a particular industry or subject, a PhD candidate will spend years of rigorous research to unpack its intricacies and become a leading expert in the field.  At the end of their studies, they are able to finally see their work come to fruition when they receive their doctorate and join alongside other scholars. However, is it typical for an MBA graduate to move onto pursuing their PhD? And is there a specific purpose? Are there different types of PhD programs? What is the difference between a PhD and DBA?

To answer the budding question: yes, you can pursue your PhD after earning your MBA, and choosing to earn a doctorate is entirely up to you and your aspirations. To help you better understand if getting a PhD is the right choice, we look at the path an MBA graduate can take to earn their PhD, one of the higher purposes of a doctorate, and the different types of academic programs. 

What is a PhD, and What is it Used For? 

By definition, a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy in a particular discipline, which is why it's also referred to as a doctorate. This focus is typically for individuals highly passionate about a specific subject matter, driven by the pursuit to understand it better through rigorous research. A majority of students seeking their PhD are eager researchers, although there are always exceptions, and each carries out years of highly intensive research to conclude their original thesis and earn their doctorate. 

In terms of translating your education into a career, a doctorate can be used in a plethora of fields, especially if one’s thesis is around a wider subject matter and can be a discipline applied to various industries (take organizational development, for example). For those who are passionate about a career in research, a doctoral degree is a perfect fit. Possibly the most popular field for those with a doctorate is a fruitful career in academia, teaching their subject matter to others interested in the same area. Many graduates become faculty members at business schools upon completing their PhD and provide their expertise to their students. Regardless of which industry you choose, you can be assured that a PhD will provide you with numerous opportunities. 

How Long Does it Take to Progress from an MBA to PhD?

The timeframe for earning your PhD can vary depending on program and location. Many countries have varying timelines of how long the completion of a doctoral program will take. In the United States, the average is around 4-5 years of completion after receiving your Master of Business Administration. 

Do You Need an MBA to Get a PhD?

To be accepted into a doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree. It does not have to be a Master of Business Administration, but it does need to be a master’s of some form. Depending on your area of specialization, it could be advantageous to earn your MBA in pursuit of a PhD if you are planning to embark on a career in business upon completion of your doctorate. Additionally, one important aspect to consider is the program itself. It is important to look into a program’s requirements before applying to meet the eligibility criteria. 

The Difference Between a DBA and a PhD 

For those specifically interested in a career in business, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a highly beneficial doctoral program. A DBA focuses on a broader spectrum of business disciplines, dedicating research toward multiple corporate facets, and practical implementation. On the contrary, a PhD narrows into a specific area of discipline and research, emphasizing theory, and it’s potential implications. While both are heavily centered around research and implementation, a DBA sets business executives and leaders on a path to discover new possibilities for their organizations and businesses. In a way, it allows established business professionals to “trailblaze” the way for new and innovative ideas that can disrupt the market and set a precedent for the future of business.

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At Pepperdine Graziadio, we proudly offer degrees to accommodate business professionals at any stage of their lives and careers. Our full and part-time MBA programs are designed to prepare candidates for a successful career in values-based business leadership. All of our MBA programs offer a personalized learning approach executed by our world-class faculty. Each program is characterized by its top-ranked business curriculum that can be coupled with an academic concentration. 

Our Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program has been carefully designed for the tenured business leader looking to drive groundbreaking innovations. This rigorous program allows candidates to gain in-depth knowledge and finetune their expertise through applied research. Also, executives enjoy learning alongside changemakers in various industries and participating in exclusive opportunities available only to DBA candidates.

Learn more about which programs fit your career aspirations and academic interests.

Learn more about how to achieve your career goals with a degree from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.

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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.

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

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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

September 12 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.

DocNet Recruiting Forum at University of Minnesota

We will be joining the DocNet consortium for an overview of business academia and a recruitment fair at University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

September 25 PhD Program Overview

Docnet recruiting forum - david eccles school of business.

MIT Sloan PhD Program will be joining the DocNet consortium for an overview of business academia and a recruitment fair at Utah, David Eccles School of Business.

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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Operations Management PhD Specialization

General information.

The Department of Information Systems & Operations Management (ISOM) supports two areas for doctoral study: Information Systems (IS) and Operations Management (OM). Both areas are designed for persons seeking academic and research careers.

The Operations Management area deals with the functional parts of an organization that produce goods and services. The curriculum in Operations Management focuses on the many changes that have occurred in recent years in the way that managers think, plan, and operate supply chains involving manufacturing and service activities. These changes have been driven by dramatic improvements in information technology, the growth and increasing accessibility of global markets, and the necessity to adapt to more sophisticated and quality conscious consumers.

Department Web Site Operations Management Faculty

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree at an accredited university and should have a reasonable training in mathematics and economics. An admission committee of faculty members in the Information Systems and Operations Management Department reviews all completed applications. While the committee considers all relevant factors in its recommendations, important factors include past academic performance, GMAT scores (which are usually above 650 for successful applicants), and previous work experience. The GRE exam can be substituted for the GMAT but the GMAT is strongly preferred. In some cases we may request a personal interview.

Recommended Preparation Prior to Entry

It is assumed that students entering the operations management area are knowledgeable in advanced calculus, linear algebra, basic statistics, and a high level programming language. Any student who is deficient in these areas should consider taking appropriate courses prior to entering the program.

Operations Management Area Faculty Coordinator

Prof. Apurva Jain, Operations Management Area Faculty Coordinator, would be glad to answer your questions. Contact him by phone at 206-685-4970 or by email at [email protected] .

Student Advising

The Department’s Doctoral Review Committee will guide new students until they establish a supervisory committee. Students are required to establish a supervisory committee by the end of their first year. The supervisory committee assists the student in choosing appropriate courses, approves course of studies, and monitors the student’s progress.

Course Requirements for Operations Management Major

The following courses are required of all OM majors. The number of credits for each course is indicated in parentheses after the course number.

All OM students must enroll in the doctoral seminar (OPMGT 599) until all coursework is completed and the OM area examination is successfully completed; after completing this milestone, we strongly encourage all students to continue participating in the doctoral seminar.

Before the area exam, all students are also required to take at least two of the courses in the OM research course sequence, listed below. After the area exam, we strongly encourage all students to continue taking the rest of the courses in the sequence.

Research Methods Minor Area Requirements

All students majoring in Operations Management must select Research Methods as one of their minor areas. The Research Methods area is designed to insure that all students are knowledgeable with research tools needed to conduct high-level research in Operations Management. All students must obtain a minimum of 12 credits in a specialization field to satisfy for the minor requirement.

The requirements listed below are viewed as minimal preparation for conducting doctoral level research; we strongly recommend that students expand their research methods area beyond the courses listed below. Certain substitutions of courses, upon approval from the chair of the supervisory committee may be allowed.

Microeconomics

Optimization / Mathematical Programming

Probability Theory / Stochastic Processes / Queuing / Simulation

Statistical Analysis / Inference

Other Suggested Courses

Other Minor Area Requirements

In addition to Research Methods, OM students must select one additional minor area depending on his or her interest. Possible minor areas include:

Administrative Behavior and Organizational Theory Business Policy Economics Health Services Industrial Engineering Information Systems Statistics

Typical Course Schedule

Second Year

Course Requirements for Operations Management Minor

Doctoral students who select Operations Management as a minor area are required to take a minimum of three courses from the following list.

Other Operations Management Requirements

Written Area Examination In the summer of the second year, after completing all coursework in his or her major area, each student will take a written area examination consisting of questions contributed by a number of appropriate area faculty and administered by the chair of the student’s Supervisory Committee. The grade for the exam will be one of the following: pass for doctoral degree, fail for doctoral degree but pass for master’s degree, fail. If appropriate, the departmental faculty members in the Supervisory Committee may require additional work and/or classes as a condition of passing the examination. If the student fails the examination, he or she can take the examination one additional time after satisfying deficiencies.

Summer Research Paper In order to demonstrate competency and ability to conduct research in OM, each student is required to write a research paper in the summer of the first year or the second year. The work is to be supervised and graded by the chair of the student’s Supervisory Committee (if one has not been formed, then an appropriate departmental faculty member) in the student’s Supervisory Committee on a pass or fail basis. The departmental faculty members in the Supervisory Committee may require additional work as a condition for passing the paper.

General Examination After successfully completing the written area exam, each student takes a general (oral) examination. Members of the Supervisory Committee administer this examination. Typically, this examination involves a defense of the student’s dissertation proposal; however, the chair of the Supervisory Committee determines the precise format of the general examination.

Dissertation After successfully completing the general examination, the student is admitted to candidacy and continues work on his/her dissertation research. A Reading Committee guides the student in working with the dissertation. It is also expected that the student will present their research to the Information Systems and Operations Management Department at the doctoral seminar.

Final Examination When the dissertation is completed, the Supervisory Committee administers a final defense or final examination.

Operations Management

Effective solutions for complex business problems..

The operations of a firm involve acquiring productive resources and the configuration of a productive system, then utilizing them to produce goods and services. The decisions at every level are complex. Operations Management helps to deliver solutions for even the most challenging business decision.

Making tough business decisions demands both realistic modeling of these decision problems and knowledge of the development of new theory and techniques. Our program stresses a balanced approach to the subject while familiarizing you with the latest methodologies. Students are expected to understand the real context within which operational decisions are made, and to develop skills in modeling these problems. The emphasis is on the study of complex, large- scale systems needing integrated solutions.

• Meet Ops Mgmt Faculty

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Program outline: operations management, the first year.

The first year is designed to provide you with solid training in mathematical programming and probabilistic modeling. You’ll also build your analytic and research skills while exploring basic issues faced by operations mangers. Students are expected to achieve an A- or better in five required courses, and achieve a B+ in all other courses; this serves as the Preliminary Requirement. Students will begin pursuing research during the summer of their first year, choosing two research questions by the end of the spring term. By August 31, students should deliver initial drafts of the papers addressing these questions. The initial drafts will be evaluated and successful completion of the initial drafts requirement will constitute passing the First-Year Paper.

The Second Year

The second year is novel for doctoral programs in operations management. Students work on two individual research topics in conjunction with the faculty. These papers provide the bridge from class work to research. These papers are due by May 31 of the second year, successful completion of this paper constitutes passing the Second Year Papers in Operations Management. In addition, students will gain depth in the Operations Management courses and seminars. Students are also required to write a Qualifying Exam paper, due by November 30 of the third year. This paper is usually a more in-depth version of one of the papers used for the second-year papers.

The Third Year and Beyond

Students continue to take PhD seminars in OMG and should complete all the minor requirements. The students must work with faculty advisors to determine additional courses that might be beneficial to their training.

Required Courses.

The Course Catalog contains degree requirements and course descriptions. Please refer the Simon Registrar's website for the current Course Catalog. Classes occur in the Simon Business School and also in closely related areas including the University of Rochester Economics Department and the Computer Science Department.

Simon Registrar

Course Catalog

PhD Operations Management Courses

The course provides an introduction to stochastic processes. Topics include the Poisson process, renewal theory, Markov chains, semi-Markov and Markov renewal processes, and regenerative processes.

This course will study advanced topics in stochastic processes, with emphasis on problem modeling and computation. The following topics will be covered: models using discrete time Markov chains, optimal stopping and discrete time Markov chains, models using continuous time Markov chains, Markov decision processes for discrete time Markov chains, and if time permits, diffusion processes/martingales.

This course introduces students to research areas in Computers and Information Systems (CIS) and Operations Management (OM). Multiple lectures will be dedicated to each topic, covering the necessary mathematical background, primary analysis techniques, and important, seminal, or recent papers within each area. The course aims to attain the following objectives: learn about what constitutes research in CIS and OM, develop critical thinking about academic papers, familiarize students with new research areas, provide opportunity to think about new research problems, and practice constructing and delivering academic talks.

This course introduces unconstrained and constrained optimization in finite dimensional spaces. Topics include convex sets and functions, Kuhn-Tucker theory, Lagrangian duality, parametric continuity, dynamic programming, and parametric monotonicity.

Prerequisite: Some knowledge of linear algebra and functions of a real variable

Prerequisite: Linear Algebra and functions of a real variable

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PhD after MBA: Courses, Colleges, Duration, Salary, Scope, Abroad

Bhaskar Nandi

PhD after MBA is a doctorate-level program offered in various MBA specializations such as PhD Finance, PhD Marketing, PhD Operation Management, PhD Human Resource Management, and others.

The minimum eligibility criteria for PhD after MBA is a 2-Year MBA degree with qualifying either UGC-NET or  GATE Exam . Along with the minimum qualifying score, a research proposal, letter of recommendation and work experience increase the chance of getting admission to the Top MBA Colleges. It usually takes 5 years to complete a PhD after an MBA in India, while the duration of PhD after MBA abroad can be as long as 4 to 7 Years.

FMS New Delhi, BHU, IIMs, and IITs are the top MBA colleges that are known for their PhD programs after MBA. PhD after MBA has a vast scope in teaching and research professions. The average PhD after an MBA salary ranges from INR 2,00,000 - INR 14,00,000.

Also Check:

Table of Content

• PhD after MBA: Course Highlights
• Advantages of PhD after MBA
• PhD after MBA: Top Specializations

3.1 PhD Finance after MBA

3.2 PhD Marketing after MBA

3.3 PhD Operations Management after MBA

3.4 PhD Organization Behaviour after MBA

3.5 PhD Business Management after MBA

3.6 PhD Human Resource Management after MBA

3.7 PhD Commerce and Management after MBA

3.8 PhD Management studies after MBA

3.9 PhD Disaster Management after MBA

3.10 PhD Banking and Finance after MBA

• PhD after MBA in Abroad
• PhD after MBA: FAQs

PhD After MBA: Highlights

Benefits of PhD after MBA

Before we go into details of every Ph.D. after MBA program, we shall look into the advantages and benefits of PhD after MBA and why is PhD after MBA a great career option.

• Ph.D. after MBA provides the opportunity to conduct research, conduct in-field study of concepts and specializations that couldn't have been possible during MBA.
• MBA Degree  in itself provides lucrative career options, but after Ph.D., MBA degree becomes much more valuable.
• The research during PhD after MBA leads to awareness of the new business insights and trends worldwide, which helps in managing business more efficiently.
• A person with PhD degree after MBA can make lucrative compensations. A top MBA College professor makes millions more than just an MBA degree holder.
• Ph.D. after MBA allows working in the field of research in management, finance, or business which puts them apart from any other managers pursuing only an MBA.
• PhD after MBA in Management opens the door to becoming a professor in leading business schools, which is the most sought-after career.
• After doing Ph.D. after MBA, candidates can work as consultants in top firms, because of their skill sets and research methodologies.
• PhD after MBA candidates can also work as analytics consultants as they are preferred over any other degree holders because of their skills and experience in research.

PhD After MBA: Top Specializations

There are various specializations available in which you can pursue a PhD after MBA. Some of the top PhD specializations that work best in favor of your MBA degree are mentioned below:

PhD Finance after MBA

• PhD Finance  is a research-oriented course that gives the student an excellent academic career. 
• Students go for Ph.D. Finance after completing  MBA Finance .
• There are a few business schools like IIMs, FMS New Delhi, ISB, and IIT that do provide Ph.D. in Finance. 
• PhD Finance deals with the advanced study of Valuation of Shares, Privatization and Globalization, Cost and Management Accounting, etc.

PhD Marketing after MBA

• PhD Marketing  is a 5 Year doctorate program to prepare students to teach and perform research in marketing and related fields.
• Admission to this course is done on the basis of the entrance exam and personal interview. Any candidate with a postgraduate degree in a relevant course is eligible to apply for PhD after MBA in Marketing.
• PhD Marketing is highly competitive and offers job opportunities such as Market Research Analyst, Marketing Communications Leader, Marketing Executive, etc. with an average salary of INR 2,00,000 - INR 10,00,000.

PhD Operation Management

• PhD Operation Management  is a 5 Year doctoral course which deals with the control of operations and processes in an organization.
• PhD after MBA in operations management offers jobs in MNCs, Corporate Houses, and Manufacturing sector companies.
• The minimum eligibility is MBA/PGPM or PGDM in Operation Management with a minimum aggregate of 55%.

PhD Organization Behaviour after MBA  

• PhD Organization Behaviour  is a 5 Year doctorate degree dealing with human behavior at various organizations.
• A candidate with a Master’s degree or an M.Phil. in the respective field of study with a minimum aggregate of 55% is eligible for PhD after MBA in Organization Behaviour.
• After successful completion of Ph.D. Organization Behaviour course, the candidates can find employment in firms like Academic Institutions, Colleges, Finance, Marketing, Information Technology, etc. with an average salary of INR 4,00,000 - INR 8,00,000.

PhD Business Management after MBA

• PhD Business Management  is a 5-Year doctorate program that deals with activities that are involved in running a business such as leading, monitoring, organizing, and planning.
• A master’s degree with relevant subjects and a minimum aggregate of 50% or more makes a student eligible for PhD after MBA in Business Management.
• PhD in Business Management graduates can seek employment in areas like Colleges and universities, Finance, information technology, Banking, Management, Operations, Supply chain management, MNCs, Product development, Human resources, etc. with an average salary of INR 4,00,000 - INR 8,00,000.

PhD Business Administration after MBA

• PhD Business Administration  is a 5 Years doctorate program that imparts knowledge on building an analytical understanding of business principles.
• A masters’ degree in any business-related field makes you eligible for PhD after MBA in Business Administration.
• The candidates can work as Administration Manager, Events Executive, Business Administrative Executive, etc. with an average salary of INR 7,00,000 - INR 17,00,000.

PhD Human Resource Management after MBA

• Ph.D.  in Human Resource Management  is a 5 Year doctorate program that deals with teaching processes and policies that organizations follow to maximize productivity and efficiency. 
• It teaches students the necessary skills to become a human resource managers.
• A master’s degree in a relevant field from a UGC recognized university or foreign university makes a candidate eligible for Ph.D. after MBA in Human Resource Management.
• A candidate can become an HR Manager, HR Executive, or HR Consultant with an average salary of INR 6,00,000 - INR 11,00,000.

PhD in Commerce and Management after MBA

• PhD Commerce and Management  is a 5 Year doctorate program aimed at teaching commerce and business management.
• To pursue Ph.D. after an MBA in Commerce and Management, a candidate must hold a masters’ degree,  MBA , or MPhil with a minimum aggregate of 55%.
• Candidates can seek employment in leading sectors such as Finance, Management, Commerce, etc. with an average salary of INR 3,00,000 - INR 40,00,000.

PhD Management Studies after MBA

• PhD Management Studies  is a 5 Year doctorate program that aims to teach students about management and organizational skills.
• A masters’ degree in a related stream of management studies with a minimum aggregate of 50-60% makes a candidate eligible for Ph.D. after MBA in Management Studies.
• The course enables students to seek employment in leading sectors of Retail, Marketing, Sales, Business, Consultancies, etc. with an average salary of INR 2,00,000 - INR 20,00,000.

PhD Disaster Management after MBA

• PhD Disaster Management  is a 5-Year doctorate program dealing with the field of Environment and Disaster Management.
• The eligibility criteria of the program are qualifying Master’s degree or M.Phil in the relevant field with a minimum of 55% aggregate and a minimum work experience of 5 years.
• Although the course curriculum is different from an MBA program, it has a lot of scope for MBA students to work in areas like defense, insurance, chemical industries, natural disaster management, etc. with an average salary of INR 2,50,000 - INR 12,00,000.

PhD Banking and Finance after MBA

• PhD Banking and Finance  is a 5 Year doctorate program in Banking and Finance formulated to help students in understanding the major areas of domestic and international banking, economics, and investment.
• A masters’ degree in any relevant field from a recognized university is the minimum eligibility criteria for PhD after MBA in Banking and Finance.
• Students can get jobs at Colleges and Universities, Stock Exchanges, Banks, etc. with an average salary of INR 1,80,000 - INR 6,00,000. 

PhD After MBA Abroad

PhD after MBA has a lot of scopes abroad as well. Abroad there is a greater advantage in terms of its recognition and scope.

Tabulated below are top business schools abroad that offer PhD after an MBA.

PhD After MBA: FAQs

Ques. Can PhD be done after MBA?

Ans . Yes, PhD can be done after MBA. To pursue PhD, a candidate must hold a masters’ degree in relative fields with a minimum aggregate of 50-60%.

Ques. What are the PhD courses after an MBA?

Ans. PhD in Finance, Management Studies, Business Management, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, and Marketing are some of the popular courses after MBA.

Ques. Is a PhD better than an MBA?

Ans. If you want to pursue a career in research, or you want to become a professor in top business schools then a PhD is better after an MBA degree.

Ques. Does a PhD after an MBA make sense?

Ans. Yes, PhD after MBA completely makes sense as it gives you an upper hand when it comes to better job opportunities, and also in teaching professions.

Ques. What is the procedure to get admission into a PhD after an MBA?

Ans. A candidate is required to have a master’s degree in a relevant field, with a minimum aggregate of 50-60%. They are also required to take entrance exams, whichever is applicable followed by a personal interview.

Ques. What are the job opportunities after PhD?

Ans. Candidates can work as Finance Managers, Managing Directors, Market Research Analysts, Customer Services Managers, Professors, Chief Operating Officers, etc. after a PhD in MBA-related subjects.

Ques. What are the benefits of a PhD after an MBA?

Ans. The benefits of a PhD after an MBA are:

• PhD allows working in the field of research in management, finance, or business which puts them apart from any other managers pursuing only an MBA.
• PhD candidates can work as consultants in top firms, because of their skill sets and research methodologies.
• PhD candidates can also work as analytics consultants as they are preferred over any other degree holders because of their skills and experience in research.

Ques. Can I do a PhD after an MBA in HR?

Ans. Yes, you can do a PhD after an MBA in Human Resource Management as it offers good opportunities to work as HR manager, executive, consultant, etc.

Ques. What is the duration of PhD after an MBA?

Ans . The duration of PhD after an MBA  is 5 years.

Ques. Can I do a PhD from IIM?

Ans. Yes, IIMs offer PhD programs after MBA in Human Resource Management, Business Management, Business Administration, etc.

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Doing A PhD After MBA: Universities, Programs, Benefits

• Updated on  
• Jun 3, 2024

Higher studies often encompass the decision of pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s and then, if you feel like delving deeper into your chosen field, a doctorate degree.

When it comes to the vast domain of commerce, a PhD is commonly chosen by those wanting to explore the academic arena. Working professionals don’t usually opt for a PhD given the extensive amount of time it demands and also because it has more academic use.

So, if you have recently completed your Master of Business Administration, choosing a PhD might require some thinking to finally arrive at the right decision. This blog aims to elaborate on what a PhD after MBA entails and how it can advance you further in your career journey.

This Blog Includes:

Phd after mba in india, benefits of phd after mba, top phd programs after mba, eligibility, phd after mba abroad – admission process & entrance exams , phd after distance mba, phd after mba in finance, top universities for phd after mba abroad, top countries to study phd after mba, career scope & employment sectors.

Want to pursue PhD after MBA in India? There are colossal benefits of PhD after an MBA that can equip you with a competitive edge in the management and business world as well as the research and professional exposure you need to aim for high-salary managerial profiles in India and abroad.

Here’s what you need to know about PhD after MBA in India:

• Eligibility : You must have completed a 2-year MBA degree to apply for PhD in India along with qualifying for UGC-NET or GATE exam to gain admission at top business schools and universities in India.
• Duration : In India, you can complete your PhD after MBA in 3-5 years depending upon the program and university.
• Requirements : For PhD after MBA in India, you must have GATE/ UGC-NET / CSIR-NET scores, a research proposal ready along with letters of recommendation and optional work experience to increase your chances of admission.
• PhD in Management
• PhD in Organizational Behaviour/Management
• PhD in Behavioural Finance
• PhD in Applied Statistics
• PhD in Information Technology/Data Analytics
• PhD in Market Analysis and Research
• Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi
• Benaras Hindu University
• Indian Institutes of Management Studies (IIMs)
• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• National Institute of Management, Calcutta

Also Read: PhD Scholarships in India

As the highest academic degree in theoretical disciplines, a PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is perfect for those seeking a greater depth of knowledge in a specific area of interest. Going for a PhD after MBA can be beneficial for a plethora of reasons, some of which are given in a rundown below:

• Get a Competitive Edge over MBA
• Master Research Skills and Methodologies
• Inclination Towards Academic Arena
• Chance to Become a Professor
• Become an Academician at Business School

Also Read: Research Institutes in India

The average duration of PhD after MBA is approximately 5-7 years where the 1st year is more theoretical but from the beginning of the second year, you can pick specializations as per your choice. In Business and Management, there is an array of specialised PhD courses that one can choose from. Here are the top specialisations to pursue PhD after MBA:

• PhD in Entrepreneurship
• PhD in Commerce
• PhD in Accounting
• PhD in Economics
• PhD in Commercial Law
• PhD in Human Resource Management
• PhD in Operational Research
• PhD in Marketing
• PhD in Healthcare and Management
• PhD in Organizational Behaviour
• PhD in Finance
• PhD in Chemistry
• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Engineering
• PhD in Political Science
• PhD in Education
• PhD in Statistics
• PhD in Psychology

Though the specific prerequisites might vary from one university to another, there are some general criteria for PhD after MBA or any other postgraduate program that every candidate needs to fulfil.

The primary requirement is that of a master’s degree in the related discipline (from a recognised institution) in which one is applying for a doctoral degree, if you are applying for a PhD in Business Administration, you need to have completed a postgraduate course like, MBA, MIM, amongst others.

Along with these, you will be required to submit the following documents:

• GATE/CSIR-NET/UGC-NET Scores for Indian universities
• Research Proposal
• Letters of Recommendation (Academic and/or Professional)
• GRE, English proficiency test scores such as IELTS , TOEFL , etc. and SOP and LOR s to apply for PhD after MBA abroad
• An Updated Resume or CV
• Academic Transcripts

Also Read: Part Time PhD

If you are planning to pursue PhD after MBA from abroad then the following points will guide you through the application process and entrance exams: 

• The application process for global universities is very different from Indian universities. You don’t have to give any entrance exam to pursue a PhD after MBA from abroad, rather, you need to submit a GMAT / GRE score. 
• LORs, SOPs and previous projects and research work matter a lot when you are looking to pursue PhD abroad. They make your profile strong and increase the chances of getting selected. 
• Most universities have a 3-5% acceptance rate for PhD programs. Thus, it is essential to make your application strong, if you need any help regarding the same, get in touch with Leverage Edu experts.
• The PhD curriculum more or less remains the same, you need to work on your thesis and submit it in the provided duration to complete your PhD after MBA.

Also Read: How to Get PhD Funding?

Yes, it is possible to apply for PhD after distance MBA but if you are aiming for a doctoral course, you must pursue your MBA from a UGC-accredited university or college. To apply for a PhD after a Distance MBA, you must be able to provide valid transcripts as well as mark sheets from your MBA thus it is essential to check the certification of the institution before studying for an MBA.

MBA in Finance professionals often opts for a PhD to pursue a career in research or academia. Finance is one of the most popular specialisations for PhD after MBA and students can choose from various subjects like Financial Management, Financial Analysis, Financial Modelling, etc. To pursue PhD in Finance in India, you will have to qualify for UGC NET , NMIMS or NIPER JEE while you will have to qualify GRE for universities abroad. Let’s take a look at the universities for PhD after MBA in Finance:

• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade , New Delhi
• National Institute of Technology, Silchar
• Department of Management Studies-IIT Madras
• Alliance School of Business, Bangalore
• Ahmedabad University
• Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management

Here are the major careers for PhD after MBA in Finance:

• Statistician
• Financial Analyst
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Stock Broker
• Budget Analyst
• Financial Researcher

Numerous renowned business schools and universities across the globe offer specialised PhD programs in varied fields of Business, Commerce and Management. To help you further in your research, we have listed down some of the major academic institutions that are internationally popular for their offered specialised courses for those aspiring to pursue a PhD after MBA:

Many study destinations like the UK, USA, Australia and Canada are renowned for their research doctoral courses so selecting the right country to study PhD is an important decision you must carefully take. Let’s take a look at the top countries to study PhD after MBA and their popular research universities:

PhD after MBA in the UK

Here are the major universities to study PhD in the UK:

• University of Bradford
• SOAS University of London
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• University of Birmingham
• Queen’s University Belfast
• University of Kent
• Hult International Business School

Also Read: PhD Scholarships in the UK

PhD after MBA in the USA

Popular for its STEM courses as well as top-ranked business schools, the top universities for PhD in the USA are:

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Columbia
• University of Wisconsin
• Cornell University
• Kellogg School of Management

PhD after MBA in Canada

Canada is another renowned destination for PhD programs and offers a plethora of specialisations in business and management. Here are the popular universities for PhD in Canada :

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University
• McMaster University
• University of Montreal
• University of Alberta
• University of Ottawa
• University of Calgary

Also Read: PhD in Canada with Scholarship

PhD after MBA in Australia

The land of Kiwis is internationally lauded for its focus on research education and high-ranked entrepreneurial programs. Check out the top universities for PhD in Australia :

• The University of Queensland  
• The University of Western Australia  
• University of Wollongong 
• Queensland University of Technology  
• Swinburne University of Technology  
• University of Tasmania 
• University of Sydney

PhD after MBA in New Zealand

If you are looking for affordable PhD courses after completing MBA, New Zealand is the best place for you. Take a look at the popular universities for PhD in New Zealand :

• The University of Otago
• University of Canterbury
• Lincoln University
• The University of Auckland
• Victoria University of Wellington

Adding the renowned academic degree of PhD to your list of qualifications, there are a plethora of career opportunities awaiting you. Since a doctoral degree in business-related disciplines provides you with an insightful acumen into the commercial arena, you will be equipped with the knowledge of data analysis and business trends and organisational problems.

Further, you will be skilled with research methods such as econometrics, experimental methods, field studies, modelling etc. So, with a PhD after MBA, you will not only be a perfect candidate for academic profiles but you can also explore plentiful prospects in the corporate world.

Here are the top job profiles you can explore after pursuing PhD after MBA:

• Research Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Business Development Consultant
• Entrepreneur
• Professor /Lecturer
• Academician
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The salary of PhD after MBA in India is somewhere between INR 7 Lakhs to 17 Lakhs per annum depending upon whether you work in the corporate sector or explore the academic domain working as a lecturer or academician.

We have elucidated upon the major employment sector for graduates with a PhD in Management and Commerce-related specialisations below:

Also Read: Branches of Chemistry

Anyone with an MBA degree can pursue a PhD. In fact, it’s a good idea to do PhD after MBA if you are interested in exploring the arena of academics or research and you can also pursue opportunities in consulting firms in the corporate sector. Also, the top B-Schools such as Columbia University, Yale University, Harvard University, INSEAD, and London Business School have most professors with a PhD degree. So, if you aim to teach at top business schools in the world, pursuing PhD after MBA is indeed a good decision.

The exact duration of PhD depends on the specialization as well as the university, the fact whether it’s part-time or full-time, and other factors. Doing a PhD after MBA usually takes 4-5 years but relying upon varied factors, be it your chosen course or institution, it can take less than 3 years and as long as 7-8 years to complete.

Yes. You can do a PhD in Psychology after MBA. However, you will need 55% marks in your MBA discipline to qualify for a PhD in Psychology after MBA.

A PhD in Business is often referred to as a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) which is usually considered as the sequel of the MBA and is the highest form of management degree. Pursuing a doctorate in Business or its related specializations would provide you with an enhanced insight into the commercial arena after which you can target higher-level career profiles ranging from a business analyst to a consultant or you can pursue academic positions which is another beneficial route to take.

The essential prerequisite for a PhD is to have a master’s degree along with the minimum marks specified by the academic institution you are applying for. With an MBA, you are eligible to pursue a PhD in commerce-related disciplines while opting for a doctorate in other domains might depend on the criteria provided by the particular university.

The answer to this question is explained well in the points given below: 1. Yes, you can do PhD after a distance MBA 2. Your degree must be from a UGC-recognized institution 3. The application process remains the same as for the regular degree holders 4. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements 5. Some universities prefer candidates with regular MBA degrees.

Related Reads

Going for a PhD after MBA will equip you with one of the best educational combinations in the world. It might not be the easiest of programs to pursue but the benefits are going to be fruitful for your professional journey.

If you are planning to pursue a doctoral degree and don’t know how to go about it, sign up for a 30-minute career counselling session with our experienced team of mentors and experts at Leverage Edu and we’ll guide through the process of choosing the right PhD program and university that fits your interests and aspirations and can provide you with extensive exposure and opportunities to soar ahead in your career.

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14 comments

I like your article great content. Thank you

Hi Akash, we are glad to know that you liked our blog. If you need any further assistance regarding the admission process to any PhD course abroad, get in touch with our experts and we will help you build an awesome career.

Great post.

We are glad to know that you liked our work! Don’t forget to share it with your friends who are looking for PhD courses after MBA.

I have done MBA. My specialization is marketing (major) & human resource(minor).I want to know which specialization should I choose for PhD or Can I choose other specialization like social work, political science,etc.

Hi Abhishek, to know which PhD specialization would suit you the best, reach out to our experts at – 88262 00293. You can also register for a free career counselling here – https://leverageedu.com/admissions/study-abroad-admission/ .

Nice blog thanks for sharing.

Hi Thomas, thanks for your feedback! Check out our blog on PhD entrance exams to know more about the ways for pursuing this course – https://leverageedu.com/blog/phd-entrance-exams/ .

Very good article. In my opinion, having a PhD will make you more likely to earn a higher salary over someone with just a Master’s degree. Nowadays more professionals are doing PhD research programs for a better career.

Thank you for the feedback and for sharing your opinion, Rohan!

Thank you very much for your elaboration on Ph.D. after MBA. I would like to know which specializations are available here in the USA.. Thank you.

Hi George, To know about the specializations of your choice, get in contact with our experts at 1800572000.

Hello I’m Amir I done MBA 3.5year and I want to study PhD directly after MBA can u guide me forther I continue which subjects

Hi Amir, To get our profile evaluated for pursuing a PhD after MBA, give us a call on 1800572000 and our experts will guide you about the same.

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Is It Necessary to Get a PhD After MBA?

Blog Summary

A PhD in management enables you to gain a competitive edge, hone your skills, network with industry professionals and students worldwide, become a scholar and move up the career ladder. You can specialize in accounting, economics, marketing, finance, ethics and legal studies, healthcare management, etc. PhD in management helps you pursue jobs like a management consultant, professor, policy analyst, CEO and organizational change manager. The online programs from TSL-UCN adopt advanced teaching methodologies to improve your learning capacity, an international curriculum with global recognition, experienced faculty, mentors and academic heads, access to extensive learning resources and guidance for dissertation. Gain proficiency to become an excellent decision maker and thought leader.

MBA has been a gold standard for business and management professionals to seek for a long time. But, is there any degree that would add more value to an MBA graduate ? Have you ever thought of a PhD after MBA ?

Yes, you can take your career a step further in the world of business and management by enrolling yourself in a PhD in management . Whether pursuing a role in academics, research, or simply adding more value to your resume, a PhD in management would be an indispensable qualification one can undertake. If you are wondering what you would gain by enrolling in a PhD after MBA , keep reading.

Importance of Business Leaders in Africa

Africa has always had the potential to become the next global super continent, and the day of success is yet to come. Strong business leaders and innovators are pivotal in the growth of any country. One cannot overstate the importance of good leaders as they will utilize the resources and human potential to churn out productivity and goodwill. With nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35 from over 54 countries. One-third are still unemployed. It is estimated that almost 10 million managers must manage these working-class people to effectively improve the continent’s growth.

With rising global needs and the need to reduce reliance in a single country, many multinational conglomerates are looking to base on other countries to diversify their dependence. Good leaders are needed now more than ever to run these companies and suffice the mutually beneficial opportunities.

Solution: A PhD in Management

A PhD in management is a pathway to specialization or even sub-specialization, depending upon the candidate’s MBA. PhD after MBA would allow professionals to tackle specific research areas and answer questions with the potential relevance to the business world. Here are some of the fields of PhD after MBA specializations:

• Decision and analysis sciences
• Ethics and legal studies
• Entrepreneurship
• Organizational behavior
• Health care management
• Human resource
• Operations research and management
• Information technology management

Business schools are always in need of highly qualified and tenured business professionals who have a PhD. They require them to engage in research as their school rankings are highly influenced by the number of PhD-qualified faculty. Though a PhD in management is sought after by those interested in an academic or a research career, it is also beneficial to other business and management sectors.

Why Should You Consider a PhD After MBA?

Now you know that you can pursue a PhD after MBA now. You might ask us what the benefits of PhD are after MBA. In that case, let us explain as there are various benefits of PhD after MBA.

• Gain a Competitive Edge over Your Peers

Be it an on-campus or an online PhD in management degree ; it becomes an immediate marketable qualification that will give you a competitive edge among your peers in the modern workforce. A PhD will add a layer of credibility which bolsters your expertise in the eyes of a potential or your current employer. A PhD will also help you achieve your career goals irrespective of teaching, research, consulting, or anything else entirely.

• Hone Your Skills and Specialize

With a PhD in management , candidates will be able to hone in on their skills and specialize in the field they are interested in. The degree can also empower you to impact your current role by giving you expertise outside of your organization by providing research projects that may tackle various aspects in other industries. The time and the vast opportunities at hand will allow candidates to define themselves as they see fit.

• Meet Role Models and Network with Specialists

While pursuing a PhD in management , you will have the chance to meet and interact with many industry professionals with similar views, leading to many future collaborations and mutually beneficial business and academic endeavors.

Your classmates will also be your competition and colleagues in the future. Excellent opportunities will present themselves to you via academic conferences, which provide ideal opportunities to meet new like-minded professionals and scholars to expand your network.

• Become a Scholar

Pursuing a PhD is the pinnacle of learning in any given discipline. Students often work with the fringes of understanding and develop on it for others. A PhD will allow one to truly become a thinking man’s scholar beyond the specific knowledge of the discipline, paving the way for other thinkers to lay their foundation in the future.

The scholarly works are not merely limited to transferable knowledge but also research that can transcend many lifetimes. One would write decorations, reviewing articles, and publish in your field’s journals. A PhD in management can aid you places you never conceived possible, advancing you as much a scholar in the most real sense.

• Move up in the Career Ladder

As a PhD graduate, you get the chance to switch to different specialties and move up the career ladder if you are inclined. Many executive board level positions open up to specialized professionals who have the appropriate qualification and experience. Candidates will also serve as prominent consultants of the industry to help organizations develop a definitive well through strategy.

As one can see, the benefits of doing a PhD in management are in abundance; one only has many to gain by opting for a PhD in management as PhD management jobs in the academic and research sector are not the only options on offer to the graduates but also others such as;

Why Should You Consider an Online Management Course?

Online management courses have become the norm in recent times as more and more reputed business schools worldwide have started to offer online management courses for students worldwide.

One can also take up PhD courses in management online from your home’s comfort at a predefined flexible phase. Online PhD in management programs offer students a comprehensive program often based on in-class programs to help students get the most out of their sessions. The classes are set up as per the student’s agreed schedule and the board, allowing them to pursue their PhD in management courses without compromising their job or business.

Careers for Graduates with a PhD in Management

A doctoral degree program in management imparts several skills that can be utilized as a part of a corporate organization, autonomously as a consultant, or even working in the public policy field with the government or an NGO. These are a few of the jobs you might want to pursue following the completion of your program.

After completing your program, you will be well-equipped to become an instructor in the business or management field yourself. You could also enter the private market as a member of a company or as an external consultant brought in to improve processes.

• Management Consultant

Companies seldom need to look for experts who can help them drive further success as they hire business consultants to collaborate with the organization to identify the appropriate business solutions. They may also build relationships with vendors and create programs that can meet a company’s business goals. Consultants can deal with various organizational issues. Still, they will routinely need to be both analytical in their approach to the data and collaborative in dealing with people.

• Business Professor

Business professors work at university level business schools and are typically expected to lecture students in their area of expertise. Professors are also often called upon to perform their independent research to publish in academic journals. A PhD in Management qualifies an individual for instructing students in business at the college level through lectures and the development of appropriate exercises, and the use of regular assessments.

• Policy Analyst

Some of the skills acquired as a part of doctoral work in management are transferable to the public policy field, like data analysis and setting business policies. As a policy analyst, you will be tasked to review, collaborate, and provide feedback with policies and aid in developing new proposals. This role requires analysts to perform an in-depth analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data during policy development.

• Chief Executive Officers

Developing strategic plans for organizations is the prime purpose of the executives. These professionals consider the time required to implement change, the processes involved, and the overall costs. Executives also oversee various departments and cultivate positive relationships throughout the organization to enhance performance.

One of the advantages of the doctorate in management is the ability to enter a wide variety of fields after completing your program. This flexible degree suits both the independent-minded who want to act as consultants or prefer a consistent corporate environment.

• Organizational Change Manager

Many organizations are now hiring change managers. These professionals are innovators who analyze and implement practical and critical organizational changes to improve the business. Change managers are also responsible for helping transition an organization to a new process, technical system, or an entirely new business model.

These professionals are accountable for researching, planning, and implementing a variety of changes. Usually, they organize critical meetings composed of organizational leaders and present their findings backed up by factual research data outlining the benefits the organization will receive if they proceed with the change.

Feasible Online PhD in Management for Working Professionals

In an academic partnership with the University of Central Nicaragua, Taksha Smartlabz (TSL-UCN) offers an acclaimed online PhD in management. This online PhD course is provided on a par with the regular program. It blends online learning flexibility, coupled with hands-on training to help students meet their professional goals and grow as a thought leader in your chosen field of work.

Why Choose Our Online PhD in Management Course?

Choosing our online PhD in management course is a solid decision on any front. Learn more by reading further:

• The program is crafted to help students develop both professional and personal skills.
• More emphasis is given to developing enhanced scholarly skills through research, publishing articles, and book reviews.
• TSL-UCN utilizes and implements various new teaching methodologies and tools that will enhance the student’s learning capacity and abilities.
• Gain the proficiency to become an excellent decision-maker and a thought-leader.
• TSL-UCN offers a well-structured, international standard curriculum that is internationally recognized.
• A unique, well-thought-out block-based learning methodology known as BRICS-backed up by a state-of-the-art learning and management system.
• Complete the PhD courses in management with ease with the support of our highly experienced global faculty, student mentors, and academic heads.
• Access to a complete repository of course and supporting materials accessible virtually anywhere or anytime.
• Students are also offered thesis and dissertation support as well as access to e-journals throughout their program duration.

With that, we hope that you now will be able to see what’s next after an MBA and how it can be valuable to your career as a business and management professional. Good luck!

Become a Business & Management Professional

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From mba to phd: the pathway to operation management specialization.

The PhD in Operations Management program focuses on overseeing operational and production processes in organizations. Admission requirements typically include completion of an MBA/PGPM or PGDM program in Operations Management, along with relevant work experience. The program lasts for a minimum of three years and includes coursework and research. Graduates can pursue careers as customer service managers, operations team managers, and more, with average salaries ranging from INR 7 lakhs to 10 lakhs. Top recruiters include multinational corporations and businesses in the manufacturing sector.

Top professional courses on CXO

PhD in Operations Management Course Highlights

What is PhD in Operations Management

• The course requires students to conduct research on one of the school's primary Operation Management topics before presenting their final thesis.
• This course covers a variety of popular study topics, including managerial economics, resource management, operation management, and managerial principles.
• Coursework and a research programme make up the course's two main components.
• The academic work will lay the groundwork needed for the students to conduct their research correctly. It typically includes communication skills and research methodology.
• The students will also have to participate in a viva voce based on their thesis after the completion of their research.
• The programme will equip the students with the necessary skills to effectively oversee the operations of any business and accept demanding positions as operations managers in the future.

Why Study PhD in Operations Management

• High compensation: Candidates who complete a PhD in operation management typically receive greater compensation offers than MBA candidates. Starting salaries typically vary from INR 7,00,000 to INR 10,00,000.
• Opportunities to Work in Top MNCs: Top MNCs regularly seek candidates for operation management positions. Therefore, the candidates will have many career options in these top organisations.
• Strong need in the Job Market: Since operations management is a crucial component of an industry's overall management, there will always be a strong need for PhD candidates in this field.
• Opportunities for employment overseas: These individuals might also be given the chance to work abroad for renowned multinational MNCs.
• Possibilities of beginning your career at a more senior level inside an organisation: Although it will also depend on the candidates' skills, PhD operation management candidates are typically awarded better managerial roles in a business.
• After earning a PhD in operation management, a candidate has the option of working independently as a management researcher and publishing their research papers.

Admission Process

• The majority of colleges use national admission tests, such as UGC-NET, CSIR-UGC-NET, etc.
• However, a number of IITs and certain schools hold their own entrance exams for enrollment in PhD operation management programmes.
• Candidates that pass the admission exam must then go through extra testing and personal interviews to determine who will be chosen in the end.

Application Process

• Step 1: The candidates must apply for both the colleges and entrance tests separately from the application process. Forms are typically made available online by institutions through their websites.
• Step 2: Admission Tests: The majority of the entrance exams for the PhD in Operation Management are taken online. Typically, 10 days before the exam, the admit cards are made available.
• Step 3: Results, cutoffs, and merit lists: The organising organisation will announce the admission exam results.
• Step 4: The shortlisted candidates will be contacted, which entails a personal interview and document verification. If the interview panel is satisfied after a personal interview, the candidates must submit their paperwork for document verification.
• Step 5: Enrollment: If the candidate is deemed to be eligible after the document verification, he or she will be admitted to the programme.

Eligibility Criteria For PhD in Operation Management

• The candidates must successfully complete their Operation Management MBA or PGPM degree. Additionally acceptable are individuals who have a PGDM in operation management.
• To be eligible for a PhD in operation management, candidates must have at least a 55% overall average at the Masters's or Postgraduate Diploma level.
• Candidates with appropriate professional and scholarly expertise will be given top priority.
• The applicants who have letters of recommendation will also benefit.

Jobs After PhD in Operations Management

• Operations Team Leader
• Senior Operations Manager
• Assistant Customer Service Manager
• Assistant Operations Manager
• Production Manager
• Retail Store Manager

Future Scope of PhD Operations Management

• The candidates may conduct more research in the area of interest. A candidate may pursue a Doctor of Management degree after conducting additional research in this field.
• The candidates have the opportunity to work as independent scholars and publish original works on operation management.
• They can also launch a business or their own association.
• The candidates might work at a variety of management colleges and universities as professors and lecturers.
• To extend their studies in this field, individuals may potentially enrol in prestigious universities abroad.

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UCL School of Management

University college london, phd in management.

Start date:  September 2024 Duration: 5 years (1 year MRes + 4 years PhD) Fees:  We offer fully funded scholarships to all admitted students Application deadline: 01 February 2024 (17:00 UK time). A late submission window closes on 05 April 2024 (17:00 UK time), although we encourage you to apply early as places are limited and applications are subject to close sooner if places are filled. Entry:  Minimum of a first class bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. International students, please note that UCL’s English language requirement for this programme is a ' Level 1 ' (IELTS and TOEFL are the preferred test, however others on the UCL recognised test list will be accepted if required) - further details regarding this can be found on the  UCL English Language Requirements  page.

PhD students pursue their studies in one of the Operations & Technology, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Analytics, and Organisations & Innovation groups. All four groups offer a unique education and research experience to a small number of highly motivated students, with the intent of preparing them for scholarly careers at the highest level.

PhD studies in Operations and Technology

Across the different research themes , there is a shared interest in management science, operations management and business technologies. Topics of interest include R&D management, innovation and new product development, service systems, supply chain management and healthcare operations. For candidates in this area, a degree in engineering (e.g. industrial, electrical, computer, mechanical etc), economics, mathematics, statistics or operational research is preferred. 

PhD studies in Strategy and Entrepreneurship

S&E faculty research  focuses on understanding what makes firms successful, how they cope with a complex and dynamic environment, and what leads to new business formation and growth. Doctoral training involves close collaboration between the doctoral student and faculty members on shared research interests, coursework at UCL and other institutions, and independent research. Doctoral students also benefit from the S&E group’s collaborative research community, a lively program of research speakers from other institutions, and links with researchers worldwide. Topics of interest include digitization, big data analytics, machine learning, information environment, platform ecosystems, new organisational forms, learning, innovation, competition, interorganisational relationships, corporate strategy, entrepreneurial strategy, entrepreneurship for development, social innovation. 

PhD studies in Marketing and Analytics

Topics of interest in this group include branding, retailing, advertising, pricing, product development, marketing channels, business marketing, marketing strategy and e-commerce. The researchers in this group use diverse quantitative methodologies that include big data analytics, regression analysis, choice models, field experiments and Bayesian econometrics.

PhD studies in Organisations and Innovation

O&I faculty research focuses on understanding individual and team outcomes within organisations. Group members engage with a variety of perspectives and approaches including network research, experiments and ethnographies. There is a shared interest in the topics of creativity, innovation, social networks and diversity. For applicants to the PhD programme, prior training in social science (e.g. social psychology, sociology or economics) is highly relevant. 

PhD studies in Financial Economics

Our MRes and PhD Programme in Financial Economics with UCL's Department of Economics now has more information about how to apply and what you can expect from the programme on a brand new programme page, please see the specific entry requirements and programme structure here . 

PhD Structure

• The programme typically consists of five years of full-time study, starting with one year of modules registered as MRes. These modules are typically advanced postgraduate modules to provide rigorous methodological training to prepare students for their PhD research. Along with the School’s modules, students typically take some of these from other UCL departments (e.g., Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology), the London Business School, Bayes Business School, and Imperial College Business School.
• In addition to methods modules, students also undertake a first-year research project under the tutoring and supervision of a faculty member later in the MRes year (Term 3 + Summer period).
• Progression from MRes to PhD is not automatic . Superior performance in taught modules and independent, original research is required for progression from MRes to PhD.
• Our highly selective and small-sized PhD programme ensures that each student receives personal attention and guidance from our faculty members throughout their doctoral study. The close mentorship process forms the foundations of a successful academic career. 
• We expect our PhD graduates to have as their goal an academic career as a faculty member in a top business school or engineering department of a world-class university
• PhD applications are reviewed once a completed application form has been submitted online . 

Students take a total of 180 credits in the MRes year. This is made up of the MRes Research Project:

• MSIN0135 - MRes Research Project: 8,000-10,000 words . 105 credits.

Students take 75 credits of taught modules, of which the following three are compulsory modules:

• MSIN0131 - Research Presentation and Critical Writing Skills . 15 credits
• MSIN0132 - Seminar in Organisation Theory . 15 credits
• MSIN0240 - Designing Management Research Projects.  15 credits

Finally, students choose elective modules (15 credits each) among those offered by the School of Management, other UCL Departments (e.g., Economics, Psychology), and partner universities in London.

Students can take additional (non-credit) modules at UCL and our partners schools in the remaining years to complement their learning, but there is no requirement to take modules after the MRes year.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and class discussion based on case studies and other activities. Student performance is assessed through simulations, presentations, coursework, group projects, class participation, and examinations. 

Students typically study 3 compulsory modules over Terms 1 and 2. Students will also typically study 2 optional modules which may take place in Terms 1, 2 or 3. Students will also undertake a substantial research project, which would usually be undertaken over Terms 2 and 3. 

Each taught module is delivered over 10 weeks, with 3 contact hours per week comprising lecture content and interactive components. 

In addition, students typically spend approximately 6-8 hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study to further develop the skills and knowledge covered in lectures and seminars. The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the weekly activities being undertaken.

Why choose us

What our students say:.

'The UCL School of Management PhD programme is designed to provide students with skills that lead to academic excellence. Candidates are part of a dynamic and vibrant group and benefit from the programme's flexibility, as they can choose from a wide range of disciplines. The frequent cooperation with world-leading faculty members enhances our knowledge and skills and ultimately leads to high-quality research output, laying the foundations for a subsequent successful academic career.' 

UCL School of Management has forged a reputation for world-leading research in management studies with 95% of the School’s research deemed to be world-leading or internationally excellent, the second highest percentage of any business school in the UK, according to the 2021 REF. 

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Applications

Applying for our mres/phd programme.

Entry requirements and admissions criteria:

We seek to recruit highly motivated, ambitious students with strong educational backgrounds. The ideal candidate will have a first-class Bachelor's degree from the UK or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard from a leading university. We encourage students from a wide variety of backgrounds (e.g, engineering, economics, business, mathematics/statistics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, among others) to apply to our programme. Also, notice that a Master’s or graduate level degree is not required for admission, you can apply with only an undergraduate (e.g. bachelors) degree. 

In your personal statement you are expected to suggest one or more faculty members as potential supervisors. On the application form you may see that it states that it is preferred that you contact potential supervisors beforehand – you do not need to do so. In fact, applicants are discouraged from randomly contacting individual faculty members or potential supervisors when applying to our programme. All applications are first evaluated by a joint admissions committee, so contacting potential supervisors separately will not increase your chances.

All MRes/PhD applicants are normally expected to take either a GMAT test or GRE test (UCL's institution code is 3344, but also make sure you include a scanned copy of your test result on your online application), although the School has no minimum score requirements.  

We also require you to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores if English is not your first language. Our School requires a “Level 1” English qualification which corresponds to:

• IELTS: Overall grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
• TOEFL: Score of 92, plus 24/30 in the reading and writing subtests and 20/30 in the listening and speaking subtests.  

Application Deadline

The application window closes 01 February 2024 (17:00 UK time) and a late submission window closes on 05 April 2024 (17:00 UK time). We advise those interested in the programme to apply before 01 February 2024, as those applying in the late submission window will only be considered if there are still places remaining.

Application Procedure

Apply via UCL Postgraduate Admissions System here . When starting the application, you must select the MRes option. In addition to filling out the online application form, please upload a copy of the following documents:

• Official Transcripts of Grades / Course marks
• A 2-3 page personal statement or research proposal* that clearly indicates: (i) which research group you are interested in (i.e., Organisations & Innovation, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Analytics or Operations & Technology, (ii) your research interests and preliminary research ideas, (iii) potential faculty member(s) you may want to work with (this is a suggested list, you don’t need to contact potential supervisors beforehand), and (iv) your motivation to do a PhD.
• Your  GRE / GMAT  score report**
• Your IELTS/TOEFL score report, if English is not your first language.

* While submission of a full research proposal is not required, you can send us one if you have already written it up.

** You can submit your application even if you don’t have a GRE/GMAT score —simply indicate when you plan to take the test.

Funding/Scholarships

We offer fully funded five year MRes/PhD scholarships in the UCL School of Management to all admitted students. The scholarship is open to all nationalities. It covers all tuition fees, and includes an annual stipend of £25,000, which is tax-free.

Additional costs 

This programme does not have any compulsory additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying.  

Students may have the opportunity to participate in conferences in the UK and internationally. The UCL School of Management provides MRes/PhD students with an annual budget for conferences, which students will use to cover the travel, accommodation, food and other costs whilst at conferences, in line with UCL’s expenses policy. 

Apply today

For queries about the MRes/PhD Programme that are not addressed on our web pages, please contact [email protected] .

Register for More Information

Frequently Asked Questions about the UCL School of Management MRes/PhD Programme

Programme Information

Application process, admissions requirements, further information.

If you have any other questions regarding the programme that are not addressed on our web pages please email the programme team ( [email protected] )

Call us at +91 8583841032 / +91 9038007115

Phd courses after mba.

PhD Courses after MBA offer an opportunity to specialise and research in a particular topic and to pursue a career in academia and research as well as in corporates. While there are only a handful of students who take up this route, it is highly rewarding both in terms of remuneration and designation. Further, owing to the research-oriented expertise in particular fields, PhD holders are also offered positions in various research organisations, think tanks, government departments [in policy making], etc. In this article, we shall present and elaborate in brief, the several PhD courses after MBA available for candidates.

PhD Courses after MBA: Key Points

The following table lists the key fundamental points related to the PhD Course for MBA.

• PhD Programs for MBA Graduates are undertaken under a supervisor/professor who belongs to the same field and holds expertise in the area the student wishes to pursue his/her PhD.
• Typically, PhD Courses For MBA Students takes anywhere between 3-6 years to be completed, it may extend beyond that as well.
• The structure of PhD Courses For MBA Students consists of rigorous coursework in the first 2 years, after which the candidate focuses on preparation of his thesis and dissertation. In the earlier stage, the candidate also performs literature review, research and analysis, etc.
• During the latter phase, he may be required to perform field work, laboratory experiments, case studies, surveys, etc.
• Throughout PhD Programs for MBA Graduates, the candidate may have gain expertise over research methodologies, statistical and mathematical tools, probability, software, etc.

Benefits of PhD after MBA

There are significant benefits of PhD after an MBA provides you not least a pedestal for a fruitful career in research, academics and further in policy-making, administration and corporate sector.

• An Environment of Pursuing Research: In a PhD Course for MBA Students, you will take up certain topics from management, finance, operations, business analytics, communication, etc. Them, with the help of tools and resources and under guidance from a supervisor, you aim to research and come up with some new insights and explanations. You will be able to take advantage of state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
• A Settled Career Academics: PhD scholars after completing their degrees are hired as research associates, research assistants and professors and move onto research-oriented jobs such as research assistants, research associates, professors, post-doctorates, etc., after completing their PhD giving them a solid backing in the academic field. Many take up professorships after 5-10 years in the industry as consultants, advisors, head of various bodies.
• International Collaboration: Institutions and Organisations regularly work together with other accomplished researchers and organisations through research programs, short courses, workshops, conferences, exchange programs, research internships, assistantships, etc. and provide research output as well as build a global network. Moreover, you will get a chance to learn from your peers and travel extensively as well during PhD Courses For MBA students.
• Financially Rewarding: One of the major Benefits of PhD After MBA is that research programs reward research scholars handsomely through fellowships, scholarships, etc. In India, the JRF and Maulana Azad Fellowships are two popular ones. Moreover, project-based funding is also widely available
• Corporate Sector is Always Open: After completing PhD Programs for MBA, candidates have developed a high degree of research and academic insight which is always in high demand in  companies to work out plans and policies. This includes scaling up of a business, situational decision making, problem-solving, critical analysis, awareness of the newest trends, etc. These positions are in constant touch with top-level management and have a strong hand in the realisation of the company’s goals and objectives.
• Significant Requirement in Policy Making: PhD Courses after MBA prepare scholars for policy-making jobs at policy-making bodies of the government and other think tanks. They are invite and collaborate with PhD scholars to provide in-depth analysis and insights in policy-making issues. This can be related to anything from understanding the loopholes in the stock market to making the real estate industry more transparent.

Book Free 15 Min Guide from our Experts

PhD Courses after MBA HR

• Course Offerings of PhD courses after MBA HR:

• PhD courses after MBA HR are usually offered in labour relations, industrial relations, employee satisfaction, turnover and retention, training and development, leave policy, minimum wages policies, promotion and transfer , etc. Other broader topics include organisational behaviour, decision making , etc.

PhD Courses after MBA Finance

• Course offerings of PhD courses after MBA Finance:

• PhD courses after MBA Finance dives deep mechanics of the finance field concerning themes such as risk management, insurance, stock markets, regulatory practices, international markets, trends in financial markets of countries, different financial instruments , etc.
• Career options of PhD after MBA Finance include positions on Financial Advisory Boards, Financial analyst, academia and research organisations, think tanks, consultancies, public accounting firms, amongst others.
• The curriculum of a Finance PhD course for MBA students involves a good blend of theoretical knowledge and practical implementation through case studies, research projects, etc.
• PhD Subjects after MBA in Finance: Here are a few PhD Subjects after MBA in Finance you must take note of-

Note: These PhD Subjects after MBA in Finance must be taken as an example only. Actual subjects may vary depending on your course.

PhD Courses after MBA Marketing

• Course Offerings of PhD courses after MBA Marketing:

• PhD courses after MBA Marketing involves research into the subject of marketing, that is, digital marketing, market research, business analytics, feasibility and viability marketing tools and resources, advertising, marketing campaigns, customer relationship management, grievance redressal, case studies , etc.
• In addition to academic and research positions like professorships and assistantships, PhD scholars also move into organisations on executive roles to oversee marketing, advertising departments.

PhD After MBA in Operations

• Course Offerings of PhD after MBA in Operations:

• In PhD After MBA in Operations, you will tackle topics such as logistics, quality and inventory management, project execution and control, measurement and evaluation, consumer behaviour, trends in operations management, global operations, case studies , etc.
• Operations PhD Programs for MBA Graduates open up gates towards progressing towards the top level of management ladder in the corporate sector as well academic research in various universities, governmental arms and research organisations.
• Further, there are various positions of advisors and consultants who are regularly in touch with governments for inputs on various issues.

PhD after MBA in Canada

• One of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world, PhD after MBA in Canada offers industry-leading research facilities and resources.
• Home to top institutions in the world, it provides greater opportunities for collaboration and cooperation for PhD after MBA in Canada.
• Canada’s university ecosystem is a major driver of research output in the country, second only to the private sector.
• Here are a few of the highly appreciated courses of PhD after MBA in Canada you must take a look at.

How costly is it to study for a PhD after MBA in Canada?

The Tuition fees of various universities vary according to the location, course objectives and other factors. Typically, the tuition fees for international students is higher than that of domestic students.

The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management charges the same for international as well as domestic students for its PhD program

The University of British Columbia, in comparison, charges USD $5,760 annual for its PhD program. Similarly, PhD tuition fee at the University of Manitoba is USD $7,700 per year.

Scholarships for PhD Courses after MBA in Canada

Although tuition fees are high for PhD Programs for MBA in Canada, there are many available scholarship/fellowships/grants options that help in reducing the cost of living considerably. Take a look at the official websites for authentic funding opportunities. Some popular ones are:

• The University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

PhD courses after MBA Abroad: Eligibility

To apply for a PhD after MBA at foreign universities, you must follow certain fundamental guidelines, a few key ones have been enumerated in the given pointers. The below-mentioned guidelines may change as per the university, location, course structure and objectives.

• Equivalent postgraduate degree in any relevant discipline, for instance, a Master’s in Business Administration in Marketing’ if you wish to pursue a PhD in Marketing. A relevant master’s degree is a string recommendation.
• Minimum scores in qualifying postgraduate degree. Typically it follows a 10 pointer scale or 4 pointer scale.
• GRE/GMAT test scores, if required. For a management-oriented course application, GMAT is highly recommended though GRE is also extensively recognized at many universities.
• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE exam scores as confirmation of proficiency in the English Language. Obtaining an over 7+ band score is normally sufficient to be considered.

PhD Courses after MBA Abroad: Application Process

The primary admission cycle customarily begins in September/October and ends in February/March of the subsequent year. This is carried in phases of Early, Regular and Late Admission Rounds . If you are interested in a scholarship, apply in the early phase. There is other admissions cycles as well.

• Narrow down your options according to the supervisor, university and career objectives. Pick three top level, three medium level and two low level [for backup] universities.
• Satisfy the eligibility prerequisites as mentioned in the university guidelines [Supervisor Recommendation, Equivalent qualifying degree, relevant industry experience, etc.]
• Research Proposal/Statement: This outlines the area and topic of research you want to pursue along with the names of the professors you wish to work under the guidance of. It is important that you select such professors after going through their work and whether they belong to your area of specialisation.
• Submit GMAT/GRE test scores together with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores [as required].
• Application Set [Passport, Curriculum Vitae/Resume, Statement of Purpose/ Personal Statement/Statement of Intent, Writing Sample, Two/Three Letters of Recommendation, College Transcripts, Experience Letter (if required), Financial Support Statement/Funding Essay (if applying for scholarships/funding), etc.].
• Letters of Recommendation must be from your professors, supervisors, etc. who attest to your skills, research intent and suitability towards the sought PhD program.
• Pay Application Fee.
• Next, you may be called for a Personal Interview/Group Discussion/Writing Task [if required]
• After review, the application will be confirmed, waitlisted or rejected usually within 2-3 months of applying.
• Pay the required Tuition Fees or Blocking Fees.
• Submit Student Permit Application.

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Home  >  News & Articles  >  PhD after MBA: In India, Admissions 2024, Entrance Exams, Fees

Sheeza Khan

Updated on 20th February, 2024 , 8 min read

PhD after MBA: In India, Admissions 2024, Entrance Exams, Fees

A PhD after an MBA is an advanced program where you can become a doctor in a specific area of business Finance, Marketing, Operations, or Human Resources. To qualify, you generally need a 2-year MBA degree and you should pass exams like  UGC-NET or   GATE . Having a good score, a research plan, recommendations, and work experience make it more likely to get into a top MBA college. It usually takes 3-5 years to finish a PhD after MBA in India, but it could be 4-7 years abroad.

Also read: Top PhD Entrance Exams in India 

In the realm of MBA dreams, institutions like  FMS New Delhi ,  BHU , the prestigious IIMs, and the ingenious IITs stand tall as the elite havens for pursuing a PhD after your MBA adventure. 

Further Reading: IIT Madras PhD Admission 2023

Venturing into the realm of a PhD after MBA opens doors to the realms of teaching and delving deep into the realms of research. Many of you might be wondering about the average salary package spanning from INR 2,00,000 to INR 14,00,000.

More PhD Courses: 

More about MBA: 

PhD After MBA: Course Details

Also read:  GATE Study Material

Why pursue PhD after MBA?

Pursuing a PhD after an MBA in India can offer several compelling benefits:

• Deep Expertise: A PhD allows you to specialize and delve deeply into a specific area of business, enhancing your expertise and knowledge in your chosen field.
• Research Opportunities : A PhD program provides you with the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in business and management, potentially leading to valuable insights and innovations.
• Academic Career : If you aspire to an academic career, a PhD is often a requirement for becoming a professor at universities and business schools, allowing you to educate the next generation of business leaders.
• Career Advancement : A PhD can set you apart in the job market, opening doors to higher-level positions and leadership roles in both corporate and non-corporate sectors.
• Personal Fulfillmen t: Undertaking a PhD is a journey of personal growth and intellectual challenge, allowing you to engage deeply with your chosen subject matter and develop critical thinking skills.
• Networking : Doctoral programs provide opportunities to connect with experts in your field, fellow students, and professionals, expanding your professional network.
• Enhanced Problem-Solving: PhD programs often cultivate advanced problem-solving skills, which can be applied to complex business challenges.

Also Read:  Tips to prepare for UGC Net

More MBA Courses: 

Who should pursue PhD after MBA?

Eligibility criteria for pursuing a PhD after an MBA in India can vary depending on the specific university, institute, and program. However, there are general requirements that are commonly applicable:

• MBA Degree : Candidates must hold a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) degree from a recognized university or institute. This demonstrates a foundational understanding of business and management concepts.
• Minimum Marks: Many institutions require candidates to have obtained a certain minimum percentage or  grade point average (GPA) in their MBA program. This threshold can vary, but it's typically around 55% or equivalent.
• Relevant Subjects : The candidate's MBA specialization should align with the field of study they wish to pursue for their PhD for instance, if you want to pursue a PhD in Marketing, your MBA specialization should have been in Marketing.
• Entrance Exam: Some universities and institutes may require candidates to clear a relevant entrance examination specific to the PhD program they are interested in. This could involve subject-related questions, research aptitude, and general knowledge.
• Research Proposal: Applicants are often required to submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of research. This proposal should demonstrate a clear research question, objectives, methodology, and potential contribution to the field.
• Work Experience : While not always mandatory, having relevant work experience can be advantageous, especially for certain specialized PhD programs. It can demonstrate practical knowledge and a real-world perspective on the subject.
• Interview:  Some institutions may conduct interviews as part of the selection process. This is an opportunity for candidates to discuss their research interests and demonstrate their commitment to the program.
• Qualifying Examinations : In some cases, candidates might need to qualify for national-level exams such as  UGC-NET (University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test) or  GATE  (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) to be eligible for certain PhD programs.

PhD after MBA: PhD Finance Course Details

PhD in Finance is a research-focused program offering strong academic prospects. Typically pursued after an MBA in Finance , it's available at esteemed institutions such as IIMs, FMS New Delhi , ISB , and IIT. The program delves into topics like Share Valuation, Privatization, Globalization, and Management Accounting.

Further Reading: MBA Finance Syllabus & Subjects 

PhD after MBA: PhD Marketing Course Details

PhD in Marketing is a 3-year program aimed at training students for teaching and research in marketing and related domains. Admission is based on entrance exams and interviews. Candidates with relevant postgraduate qualifications, including an MBA in Marketing, can apply. The program offers diverse career paths, like Market Research Analyst, Marketing Communications Leader, and Marketing Executive.

Further Reading: MBA in Marketing

PhD after MBA: PhD Organizational Behavior Course Details

PhD in Organizational Behavior is a 3 to 5-year program studying human behavior in organizations. Eligibility requires a master’s or MPhil degree with a 55% minimum aggregate after an MBA in Organizational Behavior. Graduates can secure positions in Academic Institutions, Colleges, Finance, Marketing, IT, etc., with average salaries ranging from INR 4,00,000 to INR 8,00,000.

PhD after MBA: PhD Business Management Course Details

PhD in Business Management is a 3-year program focusing on business operations like leadership, organization, and planning. Eligibility requires a master’s degree with relevant subjects and a minimum aggregate of 50% or more, post-MBA in Business Management.

PhD after MBA: PhD HR Management Course Details

PhD in Human Resource Management is a 3 to 5-year program focusing on teaching organizational processes for productivity enhancement. It prepares students for HR management roles, requiring a master’s degree from a UGC-recognized or foreign university post-MBA in HR Management. 

PhD after MBA: PhD Management Studies Course Details

PhD in Management Studies is a 3-year program imparting management and organizational skills. Eligibility requires a master's degree in a related field with 50-60% aggregate, post-MBA in Management Studies.

Further Reading: BMS Course Details 

PhD after MBA: PhD Banking and Finance Course Details

PhD in Banking and Finance is a 3-year program designed to provide comprehensive knowledge in domestic and international banking, economics, and investment. A master's degree from a recognized university is the minimum eligibility for PhD after MBA in Banking and Finance. Graduates can secure positions in educational institutions, stock exchanges, banks, etc., with average salaries ranging from INR 1,80,000 to INR 6,00,000.

Further Reading: MBA Finance Jobs 

PhD after MBA: PhD Disaster Management Course Details

PhD in Disaster Management is a 3-year program focused on Environment and Disaster Management. Eligibility entails a master’s degree or M.Phil in the relevant field with at least 55% aggregate and 5 years of work experience.

Also Read: PhD in IGNOU

PhD after MBA: PhD Commerce and Management Course Details

PhD in Commerce and Management is a 3-year program focusing on commerce and business management education. To qualify for PhD after MBA in Commerce and Management, candidates need a master's degree, MBA, or MPhil with at least 55% aggregate.

Further Reading: BMS Subjects & Syllabus

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can phd be done after mba.

Certainly, it is possible to pursue a PhD after completing an MBA. To embark on a PhD journey, an individual should possess a master's degree in relevant fields, accompanied by a minimum aggregate score of 50-60%.

What are the PhD courses after MBA?

PhD programs in Finance, Management Studies, Business Management, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, and Marketing stand out as prominent choices for further studies following an MBA.

Can I do a PhD from IIM?

Indeed, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) provide PhD programs subsequent to MBA studies in disciplines such as Human Resource Management, Business Management, and Business Administration, among others.

Can I do a PhD after MBA in HR?

Indeed, undertaking a PhD following an MBA in Human Resource Management presents advantageous prospects for embarking on roles such as HR managers, executives, consultants, and various other related positions.

Does a PhD after MBA make sense?

Certainly, pursuing a PhD after completing an MBA is a strategically sound choice, offering distinct advantages in terms of enhanced job prospects and a strengthened position in the realm of teaching professions.

How many years is PhD after MBA?

PhD after MBA is normally for 4 - 6 years.

Deep Expertise, Research Opportunities, Academic Career, Personal Fulfillment and Networking.

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5 Questions with Aniket Aga PhD ’16

Aniket Aga PhD ’16 is Assistant Professor of Geography at SUNY Buffalo. He is the author of Genetically Modified Democracy (Yale, 2021), which won the 2022 Ludwick Fleck Prize from the Society for the Social Studies of Science. With Chitrangada Choudhury, he is the co-director of the documentary film Seed Stories (2024), which has been screened at multiple international film festivals including the Kolkata People’s Film Festival and the Festival delle Terre in Rome. His doctoral thesis was awarded the Sardar Patel Award by the University of California, Los Angeles in 2016, and he won the 2019–20 Bharadwaj-Wolf Prize from the Journal of Peasant Studies for his research on agriculture, political economy, and science and technology studies.

Daevan Mangalmurti: How did you become an anthropologist?

Aniket Aga: My first degree is in electronics engineering from IIT Kharagpur. After I graduated, I worked for two years as a management consultant at McKinsey. I wasn’t charmed by the idea of an MBA, and I had always been interested in the social sciences, but I didn’t know how to get into them. Someone I knew suggested that I try for a PhD in business, and so I applied to US business schools, and came to the University of Southern California. While there I slowly figured out that a sociology or anthropology program would actually be the best fit for me. I reapplied to doctoral programs and was extremely fortunate and privileged to be accepted at Yale. Yale was a great experience. It’s such a vibrant place for South Asian Studies research, with a very strong training in historical anthropology and agrarian studies. Plus there are exciting and interesting visitors from whom one can learn so much.

DM: How did you find your research focus and how has your research evolved?

AA: Before getting into Yale in 2010, I had spent the summer in India in 2009, and at the time, the issue of genetically modified eggplant—“Bt brinjal”—was exploding. I thought to myself, “Here’s a topic that brings together agriculture, science and technology, and politics.” In my first term I approached Shivi [K. Sivaramakrishnan] about this, and he was very receptive to the idea of researching this topic for my dissertation. For my research, I worked for some time in Delhi, doing archival research as well as ethnographic work within government departments. I also did fieldwork with a non-governmental organization in Delhi, in the agricultural laboratories of private companies in Maharashtra, and at a public university in Karnataka. My rural work was in western Maharashtra.

When I went to conduct fieldwork for the first time, I thought I would work in the broad science studies tradition of Bruno Latour. I came back from the field with the realization that questions of political economy remain extremely significant and that the science studies literature is unsatisfactory in terms of its ability to explain exploitation, differentials in power, and the like. For instance, in my book I show how agricultural biotechnology started overshadowing older fields of agricultural sciences. Some of that work requires understanding the kinds of changes happening during the Green Revolution. It requires understanding both global political economic shifts and shifts in the public scientific establishment in India. Latour insists that you trace the threads emerging from a laboratory to understand political and epistemic change. But after my fieldwork, I just did not find that investigative method compelling.

My last five years, which I’ve spent in India, have been extremely generative and fruitful. I’ve come across a range of inspiring movements and figures, some within the academy, but most outside. I’m now looking at how people claim knowledge through the Right to Information Act. How can we understand the right more broadly in terms of its potential to activate struggles over justice and democratization? I hope that this project goes some distance in diagnosing India’s political present. Currently, certain aspects of the political present, such as the cultural politics of the main national parties, are fleshed out. For other aspects, this is less so. I’m interested in understanding the career of an important piece of legislation over the course of 20 years. I hope to use it as a window into certain long-term structural tendencies in Indian political economy. Finally, having just collaborated with Chitrangada Choudhury on  Seed Stories , a film about indigenous rice farming in Odisha, I’m quite excited about using film as a medium for research and public scholarship.

DM: Why did you make  Seed Stories ?

AA: When Chitrangada, the director, conceived of the film, I was drawn to the idea because the kind of agriculture I saw in Odisha was so different from what I had observed in western Maharashtra. In the latter region, a lot of heirloom seeds have been lost and farmers are dependent on external sources for knowledge on farming practices and inputs. Chitrangada and I had written about some of the agricultural dynamics we were seeing in Odisha in the  People’s Archive of Rural India , edited by the noted journalist P. Sainath, which simultaneously publishes stories in multiple regional languages. But the written word doesn’t travel far in largely non-literate communities, for instance, the Indigenous farmers in Odisha we were working with. We thought that a film might be a good way to communicate to multiple audiences and bring our research to rural audiences. And, of course, we wanted to take our work back to the people who had so generously shared their time and insights with us.

DM: Much of your work is concerned with questions of justice. What about those questions motivates you?

AA: Two things: one, I take inspiration from a lot of journalists and activists. Many people dismiss journalists in India as  godi [lapdog] media, failing to see that the people on the ground are in fact doing difficult work and are no more in control of editorial choices than you or I. And second, when I can see that journalists and activists are speaking truth to power, how can I be an academic and not be preoccupied with at least speaking truth, if not speaking truth to power? Fact-finding, reporting, giving prominence to marginalized standpoints, organizing—these are all central planks of any struggle for justice. These tie together academia, journalism, and activism.

DM: What reflections would you want to share with younger scholars?

AA: First, it is important to follow one’s curiosity and become aware of what animates one’s interest in a particular topic. Second, if a career in scholarship is feasible—that is a position of serious responsibility. In that case, there are things that one can do as an individual, such as work towards fulfilling one’s responsibility to the people who enable one’s research. But it’s also important to keep pushing the spaces and structures one inhabits to allow in people who have been and still largely are outside of academic circles.

DM: Thank you!