Ph.D. In Management

Who Gets One and What to Expect

Completing a Ph.D. in management online catapults graduates into the highest echelons of the discipline and qualifies professionals to take on advanced, highly specialized roles in areas of business, research, and academia. Ideal candidates possess a master's degree in addition to ample experience in the field.

Prospective doctoral students in management must also demonstrate a commitment to furthering the field and engaging in original research. If this sounds like you, read on to learn more about the benefits of a Ph.D. in management online, common careers and salaries, typical coursework, graduation requirements, and professional organizations.

Reasons to Pursue an Online Ph.D. in Management

There are numerous reasons an individual may pursue a management doctorate online. Some may want to boost their salaries, while others simply want to gather more knowledge and skills in the arena. We take a look at some of the most popular reasons for gaining this qualification below.

What Can I Do With an Online Doctorate in Management?

Graduates of Ph.D. in management online programs compete at the highest levels for careers that require a mix of practical experience and advanced education. Some individuals may want to stay in the business world as senior-level executives or management consultants for large companies. Others may decide to educate the next generation of management professionals by working as a university professor or pursuing original research to advance the field.

Job titles can vary widely, but all require applicants who have spent years honing their knowledge and skills to perform tasks that those with bachelor's or master's degrees may not understand.

Common Career Paths & Salaries

A Ph.D. in management online helps you compete for the most in-demand and highest paying jobs in a variety of fields. Whether working in retail, education, real estate, finance, or manufacturing, a Ph.D. signals to employers that you possess advanced knowledge of managerial concepts.

• Management Analyst

  Also known as consultants, these professionals help companies identify management issues, and propose methods and frameworks for improving effectiveness and efficiency.

  Average Annual Salary: $83,610

• Management Professor

  Working in colleges and universities, professors give lectures, assign readings, grade papers and exams, offer mentorship, and help students decide on professional paths.

  Average Annual Salary: $78,470

• Chief Management Officer

  As a C-Level executive, CMOs work alongside CEOs and other top professionals to guide their organizations. They provide managerial oversight and ensure other department heads adequately serve the needs of the company.

  Average Annual Salary: $104,980

• Management Researcher

  These professionals engage in high-level, independent, and unique research that helps advance the discipline. They conduct surveys and interviews, gather data, and develop new methodologies.

  Average Annual Salary: $78,507

• Financial Manager

  Financial managers oversee the monetary health and growth of their organizations, set departmental budgets, create financial goals, and set strategies for income growth and retention while lowering costs.

  Average Annual Salary: $127,990

Management Ph.D. Program Requirements and Outcomes

Before committing a substantial amount of money and time to a Ph.D. in management online, most prospective students may want to know how long it takes and what to expect from their program. Most schools require applicants to supply an application, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a personal essay, and an outline of research goals. Particularly competitive programs may also require an interview with a faculty member or alumnus.

The majority of these programs are 70-90 credits, and take approximately 4-5 years of full-time study. Part-time learners usually need seven years to graduate. While almost all coursework can be completed through distance learning, some departments may require degree-seekers to visit campus occasionally to take part in learning intensives and meet their peers and professors. Check with your admission counselor if unsure about in-person requirements.

Common Courses

Courses highlighted in this section give prospective students a sense of what they might learn while enrolled in a Ph.D. in management online. Individuals looking for a more detailed plan of study should reach out to their prospective schools. Some programs may also offer specializations.

• Organizational Behavior

  This course readies learners to identify common organizational and human behaviors that can affect a company's productivity and efficiency. Students explore topics around group dynamics, motivation, managerial styles, the role of power and politics, and how to effectively engage conflict resolution techniques.

• Strategic Management

  This course introduces students to the benefits of strategic planning when it comes to management and leadership. They discuss topics around creating competitive advantages, formulating effective organizational strategies, and how members of boards can help or hinder growth.

• Cross-Cultural Management

  This course emphasizes the importance and power of diverse workforces, while also tackling some of the behavioral and cultural differences to be aware of when managing staff. Individuals planning to work in multinational companies greatly benefit from course content.

• Utilization of Business Analytics

  Learners discover the powerful roles that raw data and information can play in both identifying organizational issues and creating a competitive advantage. Students consider the role of data analysis in both everyday and strategic decision-making processes and build skills in managing data experts.

• Managing Corporate Responsibility

  With a focus on the ethics of business, this course looks at how organizations and leaders can help their companies grow morally. Learners consider questions around giving back to the community, developing local partnerships, and creating volunteer programs for staff members.

Other Requirements

While coursework is an important component of the online Ph.D. in management, students must meet several other requirements in order to graduate. Not all schools mandate each of the steps outlined below; some may allow learners to choose from a culminating project or dissertation, depending on how they plan to use the degree after graduating.

• Field Experience

  Also known as an internship, these experiences help students build skills and network with others in the discipline. Field experiences usually last 1-2 semesters and require learners to write reflections about the company, organizational issues, and hands-on application of knowledge.

• Culminating Project

  Typically favored by those who want to work in professional settings, culminating projects leverage the knowledge gained in the program to address an issue or problem related to management. These may involve creating case studies, interviewing employees and employers, and analyzing data.

• Dissertation

  Favored by those who want to work in research and/or academic positions, dissertations require students to research and write a long-form paper filled with original, primary research. Learners must defend their dissertation before a panel of readers and provide answers to any outstanding questions.

Skills and Competencies

Online Ph.D. in management programs prepare graduates to succeed in a myriad of professional and academic settings. The list below outlines a few of the skills and competencies students develop during their time in a doctoral program.

Management Professional Organizations

Joining a management professional association benefits individuals across the spectrum. As you review the list of organizations below, take time to find the association that best speaks to your interests and career goals. Some may focus more on continuing education and certification programs, while others maintain local chapters and networking events.

If you want to get the most out of your membership, look for ways to get involved. Many of these groups allow members to serve on committees, become board members, present at the annual conference, or speak to student groups about various managerial careers.