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Admissions & Financial Support

Interested in applying to one of our fully funded PhD Programs? Before you begin, learn more about our application requirements. Please note that applicants are only required to possess a bachelors degree. Undergraduate applicants in their senior year are welcome to apply.

Required Application Materials

  • Completed online application form
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts for all college/university degrees and courses Self-reported transcripts are accepted for both all programs at the application stage. Applicants must upload copies of his/her transcripts to the online application system. Hard copy transcripts will only be required if admitted to a program, prior to enrollment.
  • Current GRE or GMAT scores (see details below)
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (non-native English speakers see details below)
  • Three letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source). Recommendation letters must be submitted online through the online application system. Hard copy recommendation letters will not be accepted.
  • $105 application fee via credit card
  • Optional writing sample. This is optional but highly recommended. It should largely be your own work and you should be prepared to discuss the content and your contributions. It should be no more than 10 pages of text, plus references.

GRE & GMAT

All applicants are required to take either the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Submitted test scores are valid for no longer than five years. If you are applying for admission for Fall 2025, we will accept at-home versions of the GRE. You may submit scores from tests taken no earlier than January 5, 2020. There is no minimum test score requirement, and admissions committee does not have a preference in tests. It may be helpful to note that other programs may have a preference between the GRE and the GMAT, so be sure to investigate this.

We accept both valid GMAT 10th Edition scores and scores from the new GMAT Focus exams. As writing is an essential component of the PhD program, all students must submit an official writing assessment. As the GMAT Focus lacks a writing section, HBS will contact you at the interview stage about taking the separate GMAC Business Writing Assessment if you submit a GMAT Focus score. If self-reporting GMAT Focus scores, please enter GMAT as the test Type and Subtype and input your scores and percentiles for only the quantitative and verbal sections of the GMAT Focus in the test score section of the application. Then upload a copy of your GMAT Focus score report in the Additional Materials section of the application.

  • Institution Codes for PhD Programs
  • GMAT: HRL-X8-30

A department code is not required for score submission.

International Applications

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold a Bachelor degree or its equivalent from an institution at which English is the language of instruction must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Submitted scores are valid for no longer than two years. If you are applying for admission for Fall 2025, we will accept at-home versions of the TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic. You may submit scores from tests taken no earlier than January 5, 2023. The committee prefers scores of at least 100 on the TOEFL internet-based test and at least 7.5 on the IELTS test. Applicants are strongly encouraged to choose the TOEFL internet-based test when possible.

Institution Codes for Toefl score reports PhD programs: 3451

Instructions for submitting IELTS score reports Designate Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as a recipient of your test results. Our address, for the record only, to identify us in the IELTS system, is 1350 Massachusetts Ave. Smith Campus Center 350, Cambridge, MA 02138. Paper test report forms will not be accepted at this address.

Accomodations for natural disasters or other extenuating circumstances

Reapplicants.

Applicants who applied last year are considered reapplicants. Those reapplying must submit a completely new application. The new application must include all required documents to be provided by the applicant - we will not re-use material previously submitted. These materials include an updated statement of purpose, transcripts, test score reports, updated letters of recommendation, the application fee, and any other supporting materials

Please note, Harvard University will accept no more than three applications from any one individual over the course of their lifetime. If your 2025 application is incomplete and you are denied admission, GSAS will not count it toward our lifetime limit of three total applications that an individual may submit due to the global pandemic.

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PhD in Business Administration & Management

Boston University’s PhD in Business Administration & Management program trains scholars to develop and test management theories that contribute to management education and practice. Students acquire advanced knowledge of literature and theory in their major area of specialization as well as solid grounding in a minor (for example, a social science discipline such as sociology, economics, or political science) that broadens their foundation. Students also gain theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced research skills, essential for publishing in leading academic journals.

The PhD in Business Administration & Management program ensures that students develop an appreciation of the role of their research domain in managerial and organizational contexts and can translate their learning from scholarly research into effective teaching. Our faculty, which has earned worldwide recognition for its scholarly and applied research, is the school’s major resource for doctoral education. Their commitment to advancing management knowledge through research published in top journals, and improving the quality of teaching, enables them to effectively mentor doctoral students, who, in close collaboration with faculty, are part of the intellectual capital of the school.

Learning Outcomes

The PhD curriculum has the following learning goals. Students will:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of literature, theory, and methods in their field.
  • Be prepared to teach at the undergraduate or master’s level in a business school.
  • Produce original research of quality appropriate for publication in scholarly journals.

After matriculation into the PhD program, a candidate for the degree must register for and satisfactorily complete a minimum of 64 graduate-level units at Boston University. More courses may be needed, depending on departmental requirements.

PhD in Business Administration & Management Curriculum

The curriculum provides the graduate with a combination of major and minor foci which incorporates both the depth and breadth of knowledge and research skills required to contribute to management research. It creates the capacity for learning and innovation in the face of rapid changes in the social, economic, technical, and political contexts of management. The curriculum has the following specific learning goals:

Students must:

  • Acquire advanced knowledge of theory and methods in their area of specialization (the major).
  • Gain sound knowledge of theory and methods in an area other than their specialization (the minor).
  • Acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced research skills.
  • Have adequate preparation to teach at the undergraduate or master’s level in a business school.
  • Be capable of independently producing original research of quality appropriate for publication in scholarly journals.

Course Requirements

The minimum course requirement is 16 courses (64 units).

Course choices must be approved by the department liaison prior to registration each term. The department liaison must also approve whether courses will be accepted as meeting the requirements for classification as major, minor, or research methodology courses. In the fall of the first year, all students are automatically registered for DS 906 Philosophy and Science of Research. All students must take a noncredit teaching intensive prior to the start of their third year.

Research Methodology & Methods Core

Candidates are required to complete five courses in research methods and design. Students, with the advice and approval of department liaisons, will choose these courses. Courses may be taken at the Questrom School of Business or may be selected from appropriate courses offered in other disciplines at the University.

At least two of the five research methodology courses must be taken from the following list of approved Methods Core courses:

  • QST DS 911 Seminar in Macro Organizational Theory
  • QST DS 913 Experimental Design and Methods
  • QST DS 919 Machine Learning Methods for Social Science Research
  • QST DS 925 Methods for Causal Inference in Management Research
  • QST DS 929 Analytical Modeling for Business Research
  • QST MF 930 Advanced Corporate Finance
  • QST MO 923 Field-Studies Seminar

Major Area Courses

Students must acquire advanced knowledge of literature and theory in their area of specialization (the major). Such competence is gained by coursework, participation in seminars, and independent study. Candidates must complete five doctoral courses in the major area and pass a qualifying examination at the end of their coursework.

Minor Area Courses

Students are encouraged to choose a minor that draws on one or more of the social sciences that management theories draw on: for example, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. Minor area courses may be selected from doctoral-level courses, including independent studies, from any department at the  Questrom School of Business (other than the major area), or from other graduate departments at the University. The five-course minor may also be custom-designed as an interdisciplinary conceptual area with the advice and consent of the department liaison. For example, a student may define the minor as “human behavior” and take five doctoral-level courses in psychology, anthropology, and sociology to meet the requirement.

Philosophy and Science of Research

All students are required to take QST DS 906 Philosophy and Science of Research.

Related Bulletin Pages

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Beyond the Bulletin

  • Questrom PhD
  • Questrom PhD Admissions
  • Questrom School of Business Undergraduate Program
  • Minor in Business Administration & Management
  • Minor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • Professional Evening MBA (PEMBA)
  • Online MBA (OMBA)
  • Dual Degree MBA Programs
  • MS in Business Analytics
  • MS in Management Studies
  • Mathematical Finance
  • PhD in Business Administration & Management
  • Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
  • Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology
  • Academic and Student Resources
  • Honorary, Service, and Professional Organizations

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Note that this information may change at any time. Read the full terms of use .

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Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

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Ph.D. Admissions

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Application Requirements

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Statement of Purpose

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Application Fee

$135 application fee for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, $155 application fee for all other applicants

Transcripts

We require a scanned transcript and degree certificate from each college or university you attended, uploaded into the online application.

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Recommendations

Within your application, provide three (3) letters of recommendation, preferably from sources who can assess your potential as a researcher.

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GRE/GMAT Score

Submit official score report for GRE or GMAT (GRE is preferred).

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TOEFL Score (International Applicants Only)

Submit official score report of the TOEFL.

Additional Information

A financial statement for students seeking non-immigrant visas (international applicants only) will be required only after you are offered admission to the program. There is no need to submit it with the application.

Hard copies of official documents and transcripts are NOT required in the application phase. If you are accepted for admission, we will ask you to send official sealed copies of all of your transcripts and degree certificates at that time.

A personal history statement is not required, but you may upload one if you like.

Doctoral Programs

Doctoral programs in accounting, financial economics, marketing, operations, and organizations and management.

The Doctoral Program gives students unparalleled expertise in management. Candidates work under Yale SOM's distinguished faculty, learning side by side with diverse and accomplished scholars.

Deadline: December 15

The application deadline is December 15 of the year in which admission is sought.

Professor

Specializations

Students focus in one of the core disciplines of management, developing in-depth knowledge and pursuing their own research interests: Accounting , Finance , Marketing , Operations , or Organizations and Management .

Application for admission to the Doctoral Program in Management is made through the Yale Graduate School.

Library

Students take foundational PhD-level courses in their areas of specialization, and then choose from a course list that spans the university, drawing from some of the best academic departments in the world.

The program's small size allows senior faculty to take an active role in preparing each student for the job search.

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PhD | Management

phd in management requirements

The Ph.D. in Management

Stern’s Ph.D. program in management prepares students to understand how organizations need to compete in challenging and volatile business environments and how managers must manage in complex and changing workplaces. The training is broad based and interdisciplinary, drawing on the fields of economics, psychology, and sociology. Areas of focus within the management doctoral program at Stern include strategy, the study of the competitive dynamics of firm performance; organizational behavior, the study of the behavior of individual employees and managers within organizations; and organization theory, the study of organizational structures and processes.

Explore Management

Discover our other fields of study.

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

phd in management requirements

Degree Options

View Degree Options

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

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

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

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

Military Friendly School

What Will You Study  in Our Doctorate in Management Online?

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

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

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

Featured Courses

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

Degree Information

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

Why Choose Liberty's Online Degree?

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

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

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

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Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked among Niche.com's Top 5 College Campuses in America

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

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

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

PhD in Organization and Management Degree Options

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

Entrepreneurship

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

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Executive Coaching

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

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

Top 1% For Online Programs

Not sure what to choose?

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

  • Tuition & Aid

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

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

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

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Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online Organization and Management Doctorate

Admission requirements.

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

Preliminary Acceptance

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

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

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

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

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

  • Active Duty
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/Retirees
  • Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there resources available to online students.

As an online student, you can access a wealth of resources through our top-notch library portal.

Is a PhD beneficial?

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

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