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Where To Earn A Ph.D. In Project Management Online In 2024

Published: Feb 22, 2024, 1:47pm

Whether you’re looking to teach at the university level or advance to the highest position available in your business or industry, a Ph.D. in project management can help get you there. Advanced project management skills equip you to plan, lead and deliver successful projects of varying sizes.

Ph.D. programs typically focus on research and lead to academia. Because online project management degrees are relatively rare at the Ph.D. level, it’s uncommon for universities to offer Ph.D.s in project management online. We found one accredited, nonprofit university that offers this degree and meets our ranking criteria.

Keep reading to discover where you can earn an online Ph.D. in project management and how to decide whether online learning is right for you.

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Capitol Technology University

At Capitol Technology University , you can choose from more than 40 online doctoral programs, including an online Ph.D. in project management. In this program, you’ll learn to oversee projects from conception to completion in industries of all sizes and landscapes. You’ll complete the program asynchronously and 100% online, with no residency requirements at Capitol Tech’s Maryland campus.

The Ph.D. program offers two pathways: a dissertation track and a publication track. Learners in the dissertation track must produce and defend a doctoral dissertation to graduate. The publication track requires students to publish three academic journal articles.

Capitol Tech charges $950 per credit for its doctoral program courses. Retired military service members receive a tuition discount of $50 per credit, and active-duty military receive a $100-per-credit discount.

At a Glance

• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $100
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Project management future demands, strategies for project management
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

Degree Finder

How to find the right online ph.d. in project management for you.

How do you choose an online degree program? Let’s dive in.

Consider Your Future Goals

When deciding on an online doctorate in project management, you should compare schools, programs and degree types. To help guide you, consider how each option contributes to your specific project management career goals.

For example, if you hope to teach or work in research, a Ph.D. in project management would align best with your goals, whereas a D.B.A. in project management may better suit a project manager seeking to advance their career in business and management.

You can also compare how different schools and programs would support your career path. Does one school offer more interesting research opportunities or faculty with more relevant experience? What type of career services, mentorship opportunities and professional networks are available to doctoral students? Find a program that best serves your unique interests.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

A Ph.D. in project management will test not only your commitment and work ethic but also your wallet. Capitol Technology University charges $950 per credit for its 60-credit Ph.D. in project management, bringing the total tuition cost to $57,000. Plus, the university does not offer fellowships or remote teaching assistantships as funding options.

To help fund your graduate education, apply for federal student aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Along with federal loans and grants, the FAFSA may qualify you for national, institutional and third-party scholarships.

Should You Enroll in a Ph.D. of Project Management Online?

Online learning has made doctoral degrees more accessible, with fewer travel and schedule restrictions, but is distance learning right for you? To answer this, you need to think about your preferred learning style.

Many online programs, including Capitol Tech’s online Ph.D. in project management, feature asynchronous delivery, meaning there are no set class times. While this creates more flexibility, it also puts a greater demand on your time management and organization skills. Asynchronous programs also tend to have less interaction and structure than traditional on-campus programs.

If that doesn’t work for you, you may prefer a synchronous online program with scheduled and live classes. You can also look into hybrid programs that combine online and on-campus learning.

Accreditation for Online Ph.D.s in Project Management

Schools and programs may opt to undergo an accreditation process that evaluates their educational quality, processes and outcomes. Accreditation provides students and employers with quality assurance. Plus, you need to attend an accredited higher education institution to qualify for federal student aid.

Institutional accreditation must come from an accrediting organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). You can find a list of accredited colleges in CHEA’s database .

Doctoral programs in project management can also apply for programmatic accreditation. Project management programs typically fall under the business umbrella, so business-specific programmatic accreditors—including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education—may accredit project management degrees .

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Our Methodology

We scored one accredited, nonprofit college offering an online project management Ph.D. in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of January 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduation student fees
• Alternative tuition plans
• Median federal loan debt
• Percentage of students in loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Program being ranked has 100% coursework available online
• Total graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation
• Nonprofit status

We listed the only school in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Ph.D.s in Project Management

Can i do a ph.d. in project management.

Yes, you can earn a Ph.D. in project management. Online project management Ph.D. programs are rare, however.

Are online Ph.D.s respected?

Yes, an online Ph.D. is respected and accepted as long as it comes from a reputable, accredited institution. Distance programs typically cover the same content and award the same degrees as on-campus programs, just through a different delivery format.

What is the fastest online Ph.D. for project management?

The fastest online Ph.D. for project management depends on your course load and how quickly you can complete the thesis or publication requirements. Most Ph.D. programs take about five years to complete. The fastest doctoral program in project management, however, is a D.B.A., which takes about three years to complete.

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The Doctorate of Philosophy in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Project Management is designed for advanced graduate students with strong academic credentials who seek to focus on a specific research subject in depth. The program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours and combines advanced-level coursework with a doctoral dissertation. The PhD program is residential. UMD does not offer an online PhD program in Project Management.

Doctoral students will have many opportunities to research relevant theoretical and practical problems in major project-based industries including engineering and construction, real estate planning, government services, and others for use in their dissertations.

Every doctoral student is supervised by a designated professor and benefits from his or her personal guidance. A committee of other professors formed with expertise similar to the student’s topic of study will also be available for support.

The PhD program is designed with a foundation of five core courses and electives as needed to support their dissertation. Core courses and PM electives are shown below.

There is a set of pre-approved graduate elective courses that could be substituted for a project management graduate program elective. Learn more at: Pre-Approved Electives .

Core Courses

• ENCE 627 Project Risk Management
• ENCE 661 Project Cost Accounting & Finance
• ENCE 662 Fundamentals of Project Management
• ENCE 664 Legal Aspects of Engineering Design & Construction
• ENCE 665 Managing Project Teams: Improving Individual and Team Performance

Elective Courses

• ENCE 602 Project Procurement Management
• ENCE 604 Sustainability Fundamentals for Project Managers
• ENCE 606 Graduate Introduction to Project Scheduling
• ENCE 607 Mastering Agile Project Management
• ENCE 622 Construction Automation & Robotics
• ENCE 623 Advanced Project Scheduling
• ENCE 625 Project Administration
• ENCE 666 Cost Engineering and Control

Ready to apply?

• View admission requirements
• View application
• Meet your advisor: Anna Damm

Project Management Center for Excellence • A. James Clark School of Engineering • ©2024 University of Maryland

The GAC and PMI logos are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. For the full list of PMI’s legal marks, please contact the PMI Legal department.

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• PhD in Business Management
• Project Management

Project Management Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management

Capella's online PhD in Business Management, Project Management prepares you to strategize and lead projects in a wide range of global and complex business environments. Learn current and emerging project management methodologies, contemporary leadership theories and practices, and communications approaches to help you grow as an effective leader. Become a driving force in the field as you develop high-level research skills, culminating in a dissertation that advances project management as a whole.

The mission of Capella University’s PhD in Business Management specialization in Project Management is to promote the development of business-focused knowledge and research skills necessary to effectively lead projects in one’s professional career.

Virtual Residencies

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

Research mentor

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

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

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

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

Comprehensive exam

Dissertation

• ACBSP-accredited

Reduce your tuition by $20,000

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

Courses and skills

Explore project management courses.

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

View all courses

What you'll learn

This program solidifies your ability to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close projects in a range of global business settings. You’ll learn how to evaluate different approaches to project management, develop your own research, and add critical knowledge to the field.

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

• Synthesize multi-disciplinary theories that inform and shape the theory and practice of project management
• Fuse research and practice to contribute new knowledge to the field
• Apply ethical leadership strategies in diverse project management settings
• Exhibit proficiency in communication, research, writing, and critical thinking skills for successful project management
• Evaluate functional and cross-functional management approaches for projects, programs and portfolios ranging from operational to strategic, small to complex, and local to global

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

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in business management cost.

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

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

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

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

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$985 Per quarter credit

75 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

$2955 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

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

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

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

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

About cost scenarios

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

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

Cost scenarios

*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.

Get the details

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

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

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

$5,000 quarterly tuition maximum

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

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

10% military discount 

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

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

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

The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in project management is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).*

See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

To meet a PMI-GAC accreditation requirement, student achievement data can be found here.

The GAC Accredited Program seal is a mark of Project Management Institute, Inc.

*The FlexPath option for the project management specializations are not accredited by PMI-GAC.

How to apply

Phd in business management admission requirements.

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

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

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International Student Requirements

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

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

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

Learn more about  international student admissions .

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What support does capella offer online students.

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

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What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

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

Career exploration

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

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

Related job titles to explore*

• Adjunct or part-time project business faculty
• Full-time business faculty
• Dean or associate dean of business program
• Business researcher
• Program manager
• Program director
• Vice president of project management
• Senior project manager
• Director of project management
• Director of program office

Employment settings to explore

• Land-based or online college or university
• Community college
• Corporation
• Manufacturing
• Health care organization
• Defense contractor
• Government—local, state, federal
• Nonprofit organization
• Consulting firm

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

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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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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.

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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

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• 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.

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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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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Project Management

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Earn a Doctorate in Project Management and become an asset to any and every organization.

The PhD in Project Management provides a path for the highest mastery of managing business processes in competitive local, national, and global industries. Project management is a multi-disciplinary profession that encompasses the design, process, and goals for your company projects, making you an asset to any employer. As a leader in project management, you will develop the mastery needed to determine scope and feasibility, manage time and resources, tackle deadlines, meet customer expectations, lead teams, effectively use technology, and provide business expertise throughout the many complex phases of project completion.

The PhD in Project Management program is structured for experienced professionals in this field with an appropriate undergraduate degree. Within the program, students will conduct original research in an approved area of Project Management. 

As your PhD progresses, you will move through a series of progression points and review stages by your academic supervisor. This ensures that you are engaged in research that will lead to the production of a high-quality thesis and/or publications, and that you are on track to complete this in the time available. Following submission of your PhD Thesis or accepted three academic journal articles, you will have an oral presentation assessed by an external expert in your field. 

Why Capitol?

Expert faculty guidance in doctoral research

Capitol’s doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience in chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You’ll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research project and build credentials in the field.

Proven academic excellence

Study at a university that specializes in industry-focused education in cyber and technology-based fields, nationally recognized for our academic excellence in our programs.

Program is 100% online

Our PhD programs are offered 100% online with no in-person residency required.

Key Faculty

Vice President

Dissertation Chair

Dissertation Chair/Adjunct Professor

Director of Graduate Programs

Career Opportunities

Market demand for Project Management expertise

Graduates will contribute significantly to the creation of new knowledge and ideas, and will be prepared for in-demand roles such as a trusted subject matter expert, researcher, technician, manager, or professor.

Degree Details

This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.

The student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.

Doctor of Philosophy in Project Management Courses  

Total Credits: 60  

PROJECT MANAGEMENT DOCTORAL CORE: 30 CREDITS 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT DOCTORAL RESEARCH AND WRITING: 30 CREDITS 

Educational Objectives:  

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical connections and evolutions in Project Management. 

2. Incorporate the theoretical and practical applications of Project Management to design an original research project. 

3. Apply the Project Management framework to current issues in the world. 

4. Critically compare and contrast theories of Project Management and identify the appropriate connections. 

5. Communicate findings, both in a written and oral format, to a variety of audiences. 

6. Create research works that bring forward new knowledge in Project Management. 

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon graduation, graduates will...  

1. Incorporate the theoretical basis and practical applications of Project Management into their professional work. 

2. Apply research and advance problem-solving skills to their career field. 

3. Be versed in the science to offer economic solutions to Project Management. 

4. Demonstrate the highest mastery of the needs of Project Management globally. 

5. Be ambassadors for research and the advancement of knowledge. 

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

• The application fee is $100
• The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
• Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
• Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
• Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
• High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.

Need more info, or ready to apply?

PhD in Management Program

A phd in management: where business research and education intersect.

Become an industry thought leader while preparing tomorrow’s business leaders.

Our fully funded PhD in Management is designed for ambitious students and professionals interested in a career in university teaching and research.

This residential program, based at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, NY, combines Ivy League rigor and real-world relevance to prepare you for successful careers in academia.

Why Get a PhD in Management?

With a strong focus on management science and applied research, this doctoral degree is ideal for someone looking to teach at the university level and contribute to the greater body of industry knowledge. Pursuing a PhD in Management is also an ideal next step for executives and senior managers who want to make a transition to academia or enhance their research skills for a successful consulting career.

Fully Funded, Highly Flexible: What Makes Cornell’s Management PhD Different?

As you explore PhD programs’ degree requirements, faculty engagement, and campus experience, Cornell stands alone.

In Cornell’s highly flexible program, you’ll choose a specific area of study and build your own dissertation committee. Our program faculty are genuinely interested and invested in your intellectual development. In this small and highly selective program, you will get to know the faculty and your peers well.

The SC Johnson Graduate School of Management is home to leading research centers and a high-impact academic journal; these open you up to unique learning and mentorship opportunities.

Business Simulation Lab

The Debra Paget and Jeffrey Berg Business Simulation Lab facilitates in-person and online behavioral research related to decision-making and problem-solving.

Discover More About BSL

Our Three-Pronged Approach to a PhD in Management

The Johnson School’s doctoral degree in management combines the best of theory and practice, building on a three-pronged foundation:

Hands-on Experience

Develop your research and analytical skills. You’ll work with classmates to examine existing literature and theories for class deliverables, which will often include your own original research.

Customizable Curriculum

Design your own academic pathway. You’ll choose one of six primary areas of study and create your own dissertation committee.

University-Wide Coursework

Draw on the expertise from across Cornell. You’ll get to select graduate-level courses from schools and colleges devoted to law , hospitality , engineering , labor relations , and other fields.

At a Glance: Cornell’s Fully Funded PhD in Management

The fully residential, fully funded PhD in Management program includes a tuition waiver and a stipend for living expenses. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

Degree Awarded

PhD in Management

Program Location

Ithaca, NY, with options in New York City

Program Format

Foundational coursework, original research, and six potential areas of study

Hear from Our Community

“PhD is a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with great people is paramount. At Cornell, I’ve found a place where amazing people come together, supporting my research and personal growth. Choosing Cornell means joining a community that knows how important it is to work with exceptional people to excel in the program.” – Elina Hur PhD ’23

Customize Your Path: Our Areas of Study

When you apply to the Johnson School’s PhD in Management, you will select a primary area of study. Choosing a concentration allows you to gain specialized skills and knowledge while growing a portfolio of original research.

Examine the role of accounting information in firms and financial markets. PhD-level research at Cornell explores topics such as how firms report information to investors, how accounting information is used to manage firms, and the nature of auditing.

Strategy & Business Economics

Use modern tools and methodologies to gain a better understanding of the world. PhD students in this area explore many aspects of economics including industrial, behavioral, labor, and organizational.

Dive deep into the financial structure and issues of organizations. Your research might look at how conflicts of interest affect corporate policy, how investor psychology affects asset pricing, or how to detect price bubbles.

Learn how theories from operations research, economics, psychology, and sociology intersect to inform corporate and consumer decisions. Your PhD studies will explore both quantitative and behavioral perspectives of marketing.

Management & Organizations

Prepare for a research-focused career in academia or industry. This versatile concentration develops skilled, innovative, analytical researchers through a broad curriculum and close faculty collaboration.

Operations, Technology, & Information Management

Develop the technical skills and behavioral analysis knowledge you need to address high-impact managerial decisions. This focus area also offers an option to complete coursework at Cornell Tech in New York City.

Idea Generation to Publication: A Career in Teaching and Research

The majority of our PhD in Management students pursue careers in academia. After graduation, many land tenure-track teaching positions at top-tier business schools and continue to advance knowledge through original research. Johnson School PhD students often field multiple offers and see starting salaries range from $150,000 to $250,000.

Finding Your Place at Cornell: Meet Our Current PhDs

Students from around the United States and across the globe arrive at the Johnson School to earn their PhD in Management—and their diverse research interests, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences make for a vibrant, enriching learning environment.

MEET CURRENT PHD STUDENTS

Research and Placements: Making an Impact in the Management Field

After earning the PhD in Management, our alumni go on to teach and inspire future leaders at top-tier institutions. Not only do they teach and conduct research alongside some of the most brilliant minds in business, but they also advance the field through publishing in leading journals and presenting their work at industry conferences.

Recent PhD in Management Placements

• Piyush Anand, PhD ’21, assistant professor of marketing, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University
• Guarav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, assistant professor, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh
• Eunjee Kim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
• Sarah Lim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Xuege Lu, PhD ’22, assistant professor, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
• Subrina Shen, PhD ’21, assistant professor, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin

Recent Research Publications

• “ Do Real Estate Values Boost Corporate Borrowing? Evidence from Contract-Level Data ” in the Journal of Financial Economics (2022) — Gaurav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, with Murillo Campello, Robert A. Connolly, and Eva Steiner
• “ Converging Tides Lift All Boats: Consensus in Evaluation Criteria Boosts Investments in Firms in Nascent Technology Sectors ” in Organization Science (2021) — Xirong (Subrina) Shen, PhD ’21, with Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, and Pamela S. Tolbert 
• “ Initial and Longer-Term Change in Unit-Level Turnover Following Leader Succession: Contingent Effects of Outgoing and Incoming Leader Characteristics ” in Organization Science (2020)— Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, with John Hausknecht and Lisa Dragoni

“ Does Regulatory Jurisdiction Affect the Quality of Investment-Adviser Regulation? ” in American Economic Review (2019) — Alan Kwan, PhD ’17, with Ben Charoenwong and Tarik Umar

Our Faculty: Accomplished Researchers, Dedicated Teachers

When you join the PhD in Management program at the Johnson School, you’ll be part of a learning community comprising more than 100 accomplished academics and thought leaders. 

Not only will you take courses with renowned professors from across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, but you also will have the opportunity to build your own faculty committee—a group that will become instrumental as you select your dissertation topic and embark on your original research.

Faculty Spotlight: Learn from Leading Thought Leaders

Throughout the PhD program—from foundational coursework to your dissertation—you’ll work closely with dedicated teacher-scholars like these:

Kristina Rennekamp

Dr. Rennekamp’s research focuses on financial accounting from a behavioral perspective. She’s widely published, with work appearing in leading academic journals such as The Accounting Review , Contemporary Accounting Research , and The Journal of Financial Reporting .

Karan Girotra

Dr. Girotra studies the digital transformation of companies, whether it’s looking at emerging tools and practices or exploring new business models. He’s frequently interviewed in an array of mainstream business media outlets, including Bloomberg BusinessWeek , Fortune , and Forbes .

Kaitlin Woolley

Dr. Woolley studies the psychological processes behind consumer motivation. She’s an award-winning educator and researcher with work published in academic journals and national media outlets including the Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing Research , and The Wall Street Journal .

EXPLORE JOHNSON SCHOOL FACULTY

What You’ll Learn: Curriculum Overview

As you pursue your PhD in business management, you’ll begin with a set of foundation courses and progress into advanced coursework in your area of interest. Through it all, your faculty committee will help make sure you’re on the right track.

Foundational Management Coursework

Early in your doctoral program, you will complete foundational coursework in management and other fields. Many of these will focus on the research process and prepare you for your dissertation.

Advanced Coursework in Your Concentration Area

As you progress in the PhD in Management program, you’ll take electives and advanced courses that align with your research area of interest; these classes can be in the Johnson School and across Cornell.

Your Dissertation: Creating Original Research

During the final part of the program, you begin work on your dissertation—the culmination of your original research. You choose the topic of research in conjunction with your committee.

VIEW PROGRAM SPECIFICS

Beyond Business: Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Dialogue

Tap into the experience and expertise of faculty members from across Cornell University.

Management is a broad science. Business leaders serve in a variety of roles in industries of all kinds: healthcare, consumer goods, agriculture, biotechnology, media, and consulting to name just a few. At Cornell, you can enrich your education and expand your research opportunities by taking courses and finding mentors beyond the college of business.

Explore fields like computer science, psychology, sociology, communication, engineering, and data science—and then connect the dots back to your management research.

Interact with peers and professors from other disciplines by participating in student organizations and special interest groups or by attending public lectures, workshops, and networking events.

Admissions Overview: How to Apply to the Management PhD Program

The ideal candidate for the Johnson School’s doctorate degree in management will have a strong record of academic excellence, a solid understanding of the research process, and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. An MBA or master’s degree is not a requirement for admission. 

Our admissions page offers more details about program prerequisites, selection criteria, requirements, deadline information, and a checklist of materials you need to submit with your application.

Connect With Cornell Admissions

The Johnson School admissions team is available to answer your questions about the program and the application process. Stop in or reach out by phone or email today.

253-D Sage Hall Johnson Graduate School of Management Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-6201

Phone: 607-255-5340 Email: Graduate Research Programs Office

The Cornell Campus: Where You Will Learn, Grow, and Thrive

Learn, grow, and thrive on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States. As a PhD student, you’ll spend a lot of time in Sage Hall, a Gothic-style building dating back to 1875. You’ll find more high-tech learning spaces just off campus at the Breazzano Family Center for Business Education. You’ll also have access to the innovative campus of Cornell Tech in New York City—particularly relevant to students focused on technology and information management. 

Attending Cornell also means you’ll call Ithaca, NY, home for about five years. Our eclectic downtown is full of eateries, shops, activities, and all of the amenities you’d need for everyday life. When you’re not in class or studying, you can explore all that the Finger Lakes region has to offer.

PhD in Management FAQ: What You Need to Know

Before you apply to a research-focused graduate program, you’re likely to want to do some deep research of your own. For instance, how does a fully funded PhD in Management work? What’s the typical completion time?

We have a robust Frequently Asked Questions section to help you learn more about our program, the admissions process, and dissertation requirements. For our international applicants, you’ll also find specific details about earning your PhD in Management.

May I speak to someone about my interest in the program and visit?

You are welcome to reach out to any professor with whom you see a good research fit. Our website also has a wealth of information about the program.

Is an interview part of the process?

We offer interviews only to a few applicants after their first screening.

May I talk to a professor or advisor?

You are welcome to contact any professor with whom you see a research match. Faculty are more likely to respond to specific research queries.

I have questions; may I write to this program email address?

Yes. Our response time will vary. We are not able to answer detailed questions that are better assessed by faculty during the application process.

May I schedule a campus tour?

Admissions does not offer campus tours for PhD program applicants. However, you may arrange an appointment with a faculty member.

Fraud alert – beware of third-party post-doc scams.

Cornell University recently has been made aware of fraudulent activity targeting overseas students and researchers, including at least one third party website falsely stating that it is offering a postdoctoral or visiting scholar program in association with Cornell. These scams, which may seek to obtain money and/or personal details from interested applicants, are fraudulent. 

Cornell wishes to warn the public about these fraudulent activities being perpetrated purportedly in the name of Cornell, and/or its officials. Please be advised that: 

• Cornell does not, nor has it, worked in collaboration with third-party companies or organizations to offer postdoctoral or research certificate programs.
• Third parties do not collect tuition or fees on behalf of Cornell.
• Cornell does not work with or endorse such organizations including, but not limited to, Shanghai Lufei Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 上海璐斐教育科技有限公司) and Shenzhen Guoyan Era Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 深圳市国研时代教育科技有限公司).

Cornell’s postdoctoral positions are listed on the Academic Career Opportunities website and postdoctoral fellowship programs are available for viewing. If you suspect a third party of falsely advertising a Cornell program, please notify [email protected]. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Start the Application Process Today

Ready to apply to our highly selective, fully funded PhD in Management? We look forward to learning more about you and your research goals. Start the application process today at the Cornell Graduate Admissions website. [You’ll first need to register for an account or log in to an existing one.]

• Find Your Perfect PhD
• Finding a PhD

Find Your PhD, Fast Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest. Search Now

• When looking for PhD research projects, a great place to start is with our comprehensive and up-to-date database .
• Speak with lecturers within your area of interest about potential PhD opportunities they may have.
• Attend Postgraduate Events . Whilst there, speak to current PhD students and career advisors to get an awareness of what PhD projects are on offer.
• Visit the postgraduate section of university websites and the PhD Research Council section of the GOV.UK website

Finding A PhD

Searching for PhD research projects can sometimes feel like daunting process. Often, it’s difficult to know where to find a PhD position or where to even start.

To make this searching process as easy as possible for you, we’ve curated a collection of the best places to search for PhD projects. By using our recommended collection, you should hopefully gain a greater insight into where your interests lie and which programme is best suited for you.

Our Comprehensive and Up-To-Date Directory

We can’t create a list of great resources and not include ourselves! At DiscoverPhDs, our primary aim is to connect great students to great PhD projects. To enable this, we provide a comprehensive database of PhD projects offered from universities all across the UK.

We regularly add to our database to ensure you’re getting the latest opportunities and the most relevant information and programme details. On top of this, we’ve created our database to be as easy to use as possible; all our PhD listings provide a direct ‘apply’ link or contact email address of the lead supervisor. This enables you to:

• Request further information about any aspect of the position,
• Enquire about the specific applications process,
• Connect directly with the supervisor

Universities Websites

Search on the website of the universities you are interested in as some many only be listing PhD research projects internally or may link you to other opportunities such as Professional Doctorate Programmes. As examples, have a look at the research pages of The University of Cambridge , Cardiff University , University of Leicester , Sheffield University and The University of Glasgow .

Your Current Supervisor

If you’re currently undertaking a research project or dissertation as part of your undergraduate or master’s degree, it would be a good idea to speak to your current supervisor. Not only would you have already built a good rapport with them, but having worked with you they will have a good idea on what PhD positions would utilise your strengths or best interest you. In fact, a noticeable percentage of past and current PhD students came into their PhD programme because of being recommended by their undergraduate supervisor. Your supervisor will be well-connected – make sure you take advantage of these opportunities.

Tip: Don’t just limit your discussion to your own personal supervisor. All supervisors are within their field of work because they have a natural passion for research and teaching. As such, most supervisors will be more than happy to help any student who wishes to follow in their footsteps and make their own impact.

Postgraduate Events

Nearly all universities hold regular Postgraduate Fairs and Open Days. As part of these events, current postgraduate students may be on hand to share their experiences of their projects and university. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only find out what PhDs the university is offering but to find out more about their facilities, research labs and library collection, etc. Given that you will be heavily relying on these resources during your PhD, it’s important that you know what’s provided by each university. Hearing student stories about what PhD life is really like, what to expect from supervisors and some of the challenges that current students have encountered can be really useful in your decision making process.

Besides the above, career advisers may also be available at these events. Speaking to them will help you understand what you can do with a PhD, whether a PhD is right for you, what degree class you’re expected to hold and how best to prepare for research projects. Seeing as they would have helped many PhD candidates through the decision-making process before, they will provide you with some invaluable insight that you would otherwise be oblivious to.

To help bring all Postgraduate Fairs and Open Days offered across all universities together, we’ve created a helpful Postgraduate Events page which we highly recommend you check out.

Research Councils

Research councils are nationally funded agencies which offer sponsored PhD research projects (also known as a PhD studentship). Different research councils cover different areas of research, these include:

• The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC),
• The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council ( BBSRC ),
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC),
• The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council ( EPSRC ),
• Natural Environment Research Council ( NERC ).

The GOV.UK website has a full list of nationally-funded research councils available online. You can find further details on these councils on the GOV.UK website.

Although our database includes PhD programmes offered by these research councils, it would be a good idea to regularly browse the website of the ones you are particularly interested in case they list some internal only. These councils play an important role in supporting and encouraging doctoral researchers and they regularly hold calls for applications for PhD funding. If you or your potential supervisor have a PhD project proposal defined but need funding, then applying to these calls may become a key first milestone in your postgraduate research journey.

For example, the EPSRC offers a Doctoral Training Partnership programme in which a research student is given funding to pursue postgraduate study with a research question that aligns with the Councils core engineering and physical sciences themes. These awards often have eligibility criteria linked to them, impacting which postgraduate research students can apply; an international student, for example, may not be able to apply to a certain UK based scholarship scheme but there are several other options that can still help you fund your doctoral research; this may involve taking out a postgraduate loan (or more specifically a postgraduate doctoral loan).

To make this searching process as easy as possible for you, we’ve curated a collection of the best places to search for a PhD. By using our recommended collection, you should hopefully gain a greater insight into where your interests lie and which programme is best suited for you.

Further Resources

As you continue your search of PhD research projects, be sure to check our our PhD advice articles, including how to prepare for your PhD application, and interviews with current and past doctoral students. Many of the people we’ve interviewed have completed degrees within a STEM discipline; they offer a wide range of advice on their individual approaches to applied research and independent study, as well as sharing some the impact their work has had. Many have continued the research of their projects within academia after finishing, whilst some have developed successful careers in industry and business sectors.

It’s worth noting that when you apply to undertake doctoral study, you may first be registered as an MPhil researcher, depending on the specific doctoral programme you apply for, officially become a full PhD student after passing an upgrade viva. At the upgrade stage, some students do decide to graduate with an MPhil research degree rather than pursuing further PhD study however this is less common.

We hope the above list will help you find the perfect PhD position and earn your doctoral degree.

If you have any recommendations besides these resources, please let us know at [email protected] so we can look to add it.

If you’re ready to start your search for your PhD, start now with our  PhD database .

Browse PhDs Now

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10 Best Online Doctorate in Project Management [PhD & DBA Guide]

If you’re looking to play a direct role in managing the scope, budget, and timeline of a project, then an online doctorate in project management may be a good fit for you.

This degree may lead you to an exciting career path that offers flexibility coupled with the potential to work in several different sectors.

With an online PhD in Project Management, you may be well suited to pursue rewarding career options in teaching, research, or business. You may have the opportunity to work on projects that allow you to utilize advanced management, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Project Management Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Bellevue University

Bellevue University’s PhD in Human Capital Management program is divided into four distinct categories imperative for students’ understanding of the field.

These include measuring, analyzing, and assessing human capital effectiveness, human capital leadership, and introduction to measurement, linking human capital to organizational outcomes and strategic human capital management and productivity.

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. Capella University

Capella University’s PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management is an ACBSP accredited program. The program has 11 core courses and allows a maximum of 12 transfer credits.

Students learn about contemporary leadership theories and practices, complexity theories for improving projects, risk management techniques, and current and emerging methodologies.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Colorado Technical University

Students enrolled in Colorado Technical University’s Doctor of Management program have five concentration options from which to choose, or they can remain in the general track. Students will benefit from in-person symposium experiences and dissertation courses that are built into the curriculum. Most students complete the program in 3 years.

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

4. George Fox University

There are three concentration choices in George Fox University’s Doctor of Business Administration program: accounting, marketing, and management.

Students who pursue management will take a mixture of core business, education and teaching, and management-specific courses and complete a dissertation. They’ll also be required to come to campus a total of six times.

George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

5. Grand Canyon University

Students in the Doctor of Business Administration program at Grand Canyon University can select the management emphasis to learn about the complexities of management, law in business management, proposing organizational restructuring, and how to address complex issues in management.

Courses include business literature, designing organizational structures, and business economics.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Liberty University

The 60 credit Doctor of Business Administration in Project Management program at Liberty University can be completed entirely online in about 3 years.

The program is accredited by the ACBSP and features a Christian-centric curriculum. There are no standardized test scores required for admission, and a dissertation isn’t required to graduate.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7. National University

National University’s Doctor of Business Administration in Project Management program puts heavy emphasis on leadership, team building, and the processes involved in overseeing projects.

The curriculum covers a lot of management-related material, such as bid negotiation and contracts, cost control, budget management, risk assessment, cost estimates, and performance reporting.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

8. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University’s Doctor of Business Administration in Management program requires 57 total credits for completion.

Graduates should be able to provide original, intellectual contributions to business management fields, synthesize the global implications of research, and demonstrate a high level of proficiency in written, oral presentation, and critical thinking skills.

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

9. University of Maryland Global Campus

Students enrolled in the online Doctor of Business Administration program at University of Maryland Global Campus will receive advanced training in the fields of organizational leadership, change and sustainability, and management theory and strategic thinking.

The program utilizes the cohort method of instruction and requires 48 total credits for completion.

University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

10. Walden University

Walden University’s Doctor of Business Administration in Project Management program is a comprehensive program that combines foundational, core business and business strategy courses with specialization and research methods courses.

There are also required courses in doctoral writing and doctoral mentoring. Two face-to-face academic residencies must also be completed before graduation.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Online Doctorate in Project Management Programs

With an online doctorate in project management, you may find yourself with oversight and control of full project management responsibilities. These responsibilities may include project scope, budgeting, time management, and quality control.

At times, your responsibilities may extend to managing and supervising other teams or individuals who are contributing to a project. Other contributing roles include construction managers, operations managers, and logistics support personnel.

In many cases, the final degree you obtain may be granted as a doctorate of business administration in project management. This depends, though, on the school and program you choose to attend when pursuing a PhD in Project Management online.

The curriculum in an online project management PhD program may cover advanced project management principles, quality control, and human resource management practices.

Courses may also include an in-depth review of qualitative and qualitative research design and analysis methodologies. With a Ph.D., you may be well prepared to pursue a career as a professor or teacher, researcher, top-level executive, project manager, or consultant.

These positions may exist in various industries, such as academia, pharmaceuticals, engineering, marketing, software, and government. Depending on your previous work experience and education, you may qualify for positions like architectural and engineering manager, construction manager, or industrial production manager.

While these positions can benefit from the expertise you may gain in a project management PhD program, they may also require previous work experience or education in a relevant field.

For example, previous work experience as an engineer coupled with a PhD in Project Management may prove to be a valuable combination for architectural and engineering managers.

Project Management Careers & Salaries

Becoming a Doctor of Project Management may provide you the opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths and enjoy flexibility in your professional life. Project management is a skill set that can benefit all types of industries, including those in business, nonprofit, and government.

With your online business degree in project management, you may find positions in education, science, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, engineering, marketing, and software development. Other industries that may value your expertise could include federal, state, and municipal governments as well as nonprofits and NGOs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , not only are there a number of different career paths available with a Ph.D. in Project Management, but many careers also boast a higher than average annual salary.

Many positions in the realm of project management are predicted to experience job growth for the decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this includes positions like top executive (4% growth), general and operations managers (6%), business operations specialists (6%), and postsecondary business teachers (12%).

Other positions like management analysts and operations research analysts are poised to experience significant growth at 11% and 25% respectively.

PhD in Project Management Curriculum

The curriculum offered in many project management PhD programs aims to build on intermediate project management principles and provide you with a new level of expertise, all while developing advanced research skills. Some courses may be similar to those of an online graduate certificate in project management and are listed here.

• Advanced Concepts of Project Management : This course is an in-depth look at various project management methodologies for overseeing a variety of project types, from simple to complex and from local to global.
• Projects as Complex Adaptive Systems : You’ll examine practices to ensure the success of complex and challenging projects, including a look at executing and monitoring projects as well as quality assurance.
• Advanced Risk Management : You’ll explore potential risks that can be faced during the project management process and discuss methods to mitigate the impact risks have on the final outcome of a project.
• Program and Portfolio Management : This course evaluates various portfolio management practices to improve the execution of complete projects from beginning to end, including alignment with business values through to effective quality control mechanisms.
• Qualitative Research Design : This course takes a look at qualitative research design best practices as it relates to project management.
• Quantitative Research Techniques : You’ll examine quantitative research techniques utilized in project management research initiatives, including best practices and ethical considerations.
• Operations Management : This course reviews methods that are commonly used in the management of operations personnel and business processes within private organizations and nonprofits.
• Global Project Management : You’ll take a look at project management from a global perspective, including cultural and political implications, global distribution, and the role of geography in the management process.
• Human Resource Management : You’ll examine key human resource management practices and discuss the use of training, development, and performance management as it relates to project management.
• Quality Management and Control : This course explores methods to evaluate and improve the quality of processes, production, and products, including an understanding of the impact that quality has on customer relations.

In addition to required coursework, most project management doctorate programs culminate in either a dissertation or capstone project that is a requirement of graduation.

Admissions Requirements

Depending on the school you’re applying to, some admission criteria may include those listed below.

• Masters degree from an accredited institution
• Reference letters that speak to your professional and academic experience
• Proof of funding for your PhD education
• GRE or GMAT scores, if required

In some cases, schools may prefer that your masters degree is completed in a specific educational area to accept you into their program.

Additionally, a growing number of schools now no longer require GRE or GMAT scores as part of the application process. This is true for both doctorate programs but also for online masters in project management no GMAT programs. So, you may want to double check the specific requirements of the institutions you’re interested in attending.

Accreditation

When an academic program is accredited, its curriculum has undergone extensive review and has met a certain level of academic quality.

The accreditation status of a program can impact your ability to qualify for financial aid, obtain employment, and register as a member of relevant professional associations. So, the accreditation status of an academic program is of particular importance when applying to PhD programs in project management.

You can find more information about the accreditation status of programs you’re interested in attending via the US Department of Education ‘s website.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are various financial aid options that can help qualifying students reduce the financial aspect of a graduate degree.

Federal and state grant and loan programs are aid options that may work for you, and scholarships are another avenue of funding that may help with your tuition costs. You can find more information and apply for financial aid through the US Department of Education ‘s website.

Many postsecondary schools that offer PhD programs in project management may also offer their own funding packages to students. While packages vary from one school to the next, they often include financial support to cover tuition costs and living expenses while completing your degree.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Project Management?

There is a range of positions and career paths available to you with a doctorate in project management, including positions in leadership, project management, teaching, and research.

With your PhD, you may be able to find a position with an employer or branch out and start your own business. Some common career options may include chief executive positions in manufacturing, healthcare, social assistance, or government.

Other career opportunities with a degree in project management include operations specialties manager, industrial production manager, general and operations manager, postsecondary teacher, management analyst, operations research analyst, and business operations specialist.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Project Management Online?

Traditionally, PhD programs take approximately 3 to 5 years to complete if you’re attending on a full-time basis. This time frame includes the completion of coursework and your research-based dissertation.

In some cases, you may be able to complete your PhD in less time. This may depend on the structure and sequencing of the program you choose to attend as well as your ability to transfer credits or count professional experience towards credit hours.

What Is the Difference Between Construction Management vs. Project Management?

While construction management and project management may seem similar, the scope of project management is much wider than that of construction management. Construction managers have a more specific area of expertise and are highly knowledgeable in various areas of construction.

Project managers generally approach projects from a wider lens with a more generalized skillset. In many cases, a project manager will oversee and supervise a construction manager.

What Is the Difference Between Product Management vs. Project Management?

Product management focuses on the development of products, which may include the creation of new product ideas and plans to fit within an existing product line. Project management operates more broadly and will work from product management concepts to execute the development and release of a product.

This may include sourcing and importing materials, overseeing the actual development of the product, and implementing quality control measures. Project management would also ensure that the product is developed on time, on budget, and within scope.

What Is the Difference Between Operations Management vs. Project Management?

The main difference between operations management and project management is duration and scope.

Project management covers a set, temporary amount of time required to get a project completed. Operations management, on the other hand, is ongoing and deals with the continuous operations of a business, plant, or organization.

Some of the duties may appear similar, such as budgeting, managing direct reports and teams, and resolving problems. The difference is that project management deals with these issues on a project-by-project, short-term basis while operations management is ongoing.

Is a Doctorate in Project Management Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Project Management is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management jobs are set to grow at 5% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Common project management careers in this field include chief executive, operations specialties manager, postsecondary teacher, management analyst, and business operations specialist.

Since nearly all sectors of the economy can benefit from project management expertise, your degree may provide you with the chance to experience a broad selection of industries and business models.

Getting Your Doctorate in Project Management Online

If you like managing, coordinating, and having oversight of large scale projects while helping others work together towards a common goal, then an online PhD program in project management may be a good fit for you.

A career in project management may allow you to work in a variety of industries, from academia to pharmaceuticals, engineering, marketing, software, and government. Positions in the nonprofit sector may also be available.

If you wish to expedite your education, some schools offer accelerated degrees in project management that can help you complete your doctoral studies faster.

Pursuing an online accredited doctoral degree in project management can offer you beneficial returns on your investment and lead to rewarding and lucrative career opportunities.

Unlock new opportunities—click “Find My Program” to discover more.

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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.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

• How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com

How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal

Written by Mark Bennett

You'll need to write a research proposal if you're submitting your own project plan as part of a PhD application. A good PhD proposal outlines the scope and significance of your topic and explains how you plan to research it.

It's helpful to think about the proposal like this: if the rest of your application explains your ability to do a PhD, the proposal demonstrates the actual PhD you plan to do. Of course, being able to effectively plan and explain a research project is one of the key qualifications for being able to complete one, which is why the proposal is such an important part of the PhD application process.

Thankfully, the secret to writing a good research proposal isn't complicated. It's simply a case of understanding what the proposal is for, what it needs to do and how it needs to be put together.

On this page

What is a phd research proposal.

First things first, do you need a research proposal for your PhD? It depends on the kind of project you want to do:

• If your PhD is advertised by a university, you probably won't need to submit a research proposal for it. The broad aims and objectives for your PhD will already be defined: you just need to prove you're the right person to do it.
• But, if you're proposing your own research topic to research within a university's PhD programme, you will need to write a proposal for it (the clue is in the word "proposing")

As a rule, advertised PhDs are very common in STEM subjects, whereas Arts, Humanities and Social Science students are more likely to propose their own PhDs.

Some PhD programmes actually wait and ask students to develop their research proposal during the degree (usually after they've completed some initial training). This is normal in the USA , but it's becoming more common for some UKRI-funded UK PhDs.

For the purposes of this guide we're going to assume that you do need to write a good research proposal for your PhD application. So let's explore what's involved in that.

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What should a research proposal for PhD admission include?

It's natural to be a little intimidated at the thought of structuring a PhD proposal, particularly if you've never written anything like this before.

But here's the thing: a research proposal isn't a fiendish test designed to catch you out and stop you ever doing a PhD. It's actually much more boring than that.

All a research proposal really is is a document that demonstrates three things:

• Your PhD is worthwhile
• Your PhD is feasible
• You are capable of completing it at this university

Or to put it even more simply: the PhD is worth doing, it's doable and you can do it.

Demonstrate your PhD is worthwhile (the what and the why)

A successful PhD project has to make a significant original contribution to knowledge. If it doesn't, it won't meet the criteria for a doctoral degree and will probably fail the viva exam .

Your PhD proposal itself doesn't have to meet those criteria (or pass a viva!) but it does need to indicate that your PhD project eventually will.

It does that by first demonstrating that your research topic is original. That means nobody else has studied this same topic (or one very similar) before.

There are all sorts of ways a PhD can be original. You might examine new data or primary sources, to look at existing material from a fresh perspective, or deal with the impact of new events. It doesn't matter how your project is original, so long as your proposal is really specific about what makes it original.

You also need to explain why your proposed research will be academically significant. To do this properly, you'll need to acknowledge relevant existing scholarship and explain how your research will relate to it. You don't need to be exhaustive at this point, but you should be able to show how your PhD will contribute to its field and – ideally – indicate some of the gaps in knowledge it will aim to fill.

The final step in demonstrating your PhD is worthwhile is to suggest what will become possible as a result of your research. How could other researchers use or build upon your results? What might closing those gaps in academic knowledge mean for audiences outside the unviversity?

Demonstrate your PhD is feasible (the how)

It isn't enough just to show that your research is worth doing; it also needs to actually be doable.

The length of a full-time PhD is around three to four years in most countries (it's longer in for a PhD in the USA , but you don't spend all that time doing research).

Three years may seem like a long time, but researching a PhD is a lot of work and you'll probably spend at least some of your time on other activities like teaching, conference presentations or even publication.

So, one of the things your proposal needs to do is demonstrate that your project is feasible: that it fits within the scope of a PhD.

The most important criteria for this is to be clear about what you plan to do. It should be obvious from your proposal what the scope of your project is – what is and isn't included within it.

You also need to outline how you plan to go about your research. Where will you start and what order do you expect to proceed in? Is the logic for that obvious? If not, it's probably a good idea to explain it.

Finally, you need to explain the methodology you plan to use. This could include techniques for collecting data and sources, theoretical perspectives for analysing them – or both. You may also need to detail specific equipment you expect to use or fieldwork you'll need to undertake (including trips to archives or other external resources).

None of this needs to be exact or completely final. The key word here is 'plan' – but you do need to have one.

Demonstrate that you can complete it at this university (the who and the where)

So far we've thought about the project itself: what makes it worth doing and how it's going to get done. But your proposal also needs to address the who and the where: why are you the right person to carry out this research, and why do you want to do it at this particular university?

The first part of this is easier than it probably looks. Writing a good research proposal demonstrates enthusiasm for your project much more convincingly than simply saying you're very interested in it (a classic case of 'show, don't tell').

You also don't need to repeat your grades and academic achievements (other parts of your PhD application will cover those). Instead, try to underline experiences that relate to this project. Has a particular module or Masters dissertation topic prepared you with useful subject knowledge or methodological skills? If so, highlight it.

It's also fine, within reason, to be honest about the skills you don't have and to identify your training needs. This shows you're being practical about your project and thinking seriously about what it will require. Just make sure you can realistically acquire the skills and training you need within the time available (this goes back to the feasibility).

Showing your project is a good fit for the university is also relatively simple. There should already be some reasons why you've chosen this university for your PhD so make sure you explain what they are. Perhaps there's a particular supervisor you'd like to work with , or facilities and resources your research could use. The key is to emphasise the fit between the project and the university – so don't just say you want to research there because it's highly ranked .

PhD research proposal structure

Hopefully the above sections have given you a few ideas for the things your proposal needs to include. Let's be honest though, the scariest thing about a proposal isn't deciding what to include: it's actually writing it.

But, if we flip that on its head, we remember that all a research proposal really is is a piece of writing that follows a pretty standard format. And that's a lot less scary.

Research proposal structure

Because proposals for PhD all have to do the same things, they mostly follow a similar structure. Yours will probably go something like this:

• Title – Keep it simple and descriptive: the clever alliteration and quotes can come later when you write up your thesis. For now, you just want the person reading this to know exactly what your research is about and, perhaps, which prospective supervisor to send it to.
• Overview – Start by defining your research question (the what) and explaining how it contributes to current work in your field (the why). This is also a good place to reference one or two pieces of scholarship: the full literature review can wait until your PhD begins, but you should show that you have some understanding of relevant academic research.
• Methodology – Make sure the reader understands the practical and / or theoretical approaches you'll take to your research. What data will you collect, how will you collect it and how will you analyse it? Ideally refer to relevant research methods and models. It's also a good idea to provide some sort of roadmap for how you'll go about things. Don't worry, you can change it later (and you will).
• Outcomes and impact – What will exist as a result of your research (other than just another PhD on a library shelf) and what will it make possible? You don't need to identify every specific outcome from your project (blue sky research is fine) but you should think about what some potential outcomes might be.

You probably won't need to include a specific conclusion - it should be obvious, by now, what your project is doing, how you're going to do it and why that matters. A quick summary sentence is fine though, if you think it will help.

Writing tips

Being able to effectively communicate academic concepts, ideas and results is a key skill for PhD research in all subjects . Think of your proposal as a chance to demonstrate this.

The good news is that the key principles of good proposal writing aren't that different from other work you've probably done as a Bachelors or Masters student:

• Be clear – The person reading your research proposal should know exactly what it is you're proposing to research, with no room for ambiguity and confusion. This is important on a practical level (they need to know where to send it) but it's also important to the success of your application: a confusing proposal suggests a confused project. Try having a friend read it and ask them "do you know what it is I'm proposing to do here?" (even if they don't understand the details).
• Be concise – You will have more ideas than you can include in your proposal. That's fine. Choose the best ones and leave the others for your interview .
• be coherent – Follow something like the structure above. Don't start with your methodology, then say what it is you want to research.

How long should a PhD research proposal be?

Honestly? As long as the university asks for it to be. Most will have guidelines and you should follow them closely if so.

If you honestly can't find a suggested word count for your proposal, then consider asking a prospective supervisor . If you still aren't sure, aim for somewhere between 1,000-2,000 words .

As a very general rule, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are a bit longer than STEM proposals (and a lot of STEM students don't have to write one anyway, as we've explained).

Research proposal for PhD admission - dos and don'ts

Research proposals are a popular topic over on the FindAPhD blog , where we've shared stories of how students wrote theirs , along with mistakes to avoid and a counter-intuitive look at the things a PhD proposal doesn't actually need to do .

Here are a few general tips and mistakes to avoid:

#1 Give yourself enough time to do a good job

Preparing to write a PhD proposal takes time and effort. None of this is wasted as the process of evaluating and framing your ideas for a proposal will improve your project plan immensely. So will the need to decide which ideas to include.

But you need time and space to do that, so make sure you get it. How long it will take to write your PhD proposal is heavily dependent on your personal working style, but you'll likely need to give yourself at least a few weeks to do a good job.

#2 Set out to impress

A good proposal isn't a begging letter. You're approaching the university with a great idea that's going to contribute to and enhance their research. Be honest, be realistic, but don't be unnecessarily humble. They should want you and your project.

#3 Demonstrate original thinking!

You may not need to present original research findings yet, but your proposal does need to present original ideas – and it should be clear why and how those ideas are original.

Make sure you indicate how your project is going to expand, enhance or even correct existing work in your field. Remember that making an "original contribution to knowledge" is a key part of what a PhD is .

#1 Send the same proposal to several universities

A good proposal needs to explain why you want to do your research at a particular university. That's a big part of the feasibility (the fit between project, person and place) and methodology (how are you going to use this university's equipment and archives; when and where will you need to travel).

It's OK to apply to more than one university in parallel, but, in that case, you're writing research proposals .

#2 Use online proposal templates (without evaluating them first!)

It can be tempting to search for PhD proposal samples on the internet, but make sure you evaluate what you find. Some websites may host old proposals from previous PhD students, but there's no way of knowing how relevant these are to your subject and university – or if they were even successful! More 'generic' research proposal examples can offer guidance, but they won't be tailored to your specific project.

The best place to look for a PhD proposal sample is your university. Consider asking your supervisor if they can share a good proposal from a previous student in your subject – or put you in touch with a current student you can ask.

#3 Confuse the proposal with the PhD

We've covered this on the blog , but it's simple enough to include here too.

You're setting out to do a PhD, but you (probably!) haven't done one yet. So you don't need to include research findings, in-depth analysis or a comprehesive literature review. You need to make a case for the research and analysis you want to do.

#4 Ignore your university's help and guidance

The advice on this page is necessarily quite general. We're considering adding guides to writing PhD proposals in specific subjects in future but, for now, the best place to get specific advice for your academic field is probably the university you're applying to.

See if you can get some subject-specific tips by contacting a supervisor , or just checking with the admissions team for your department.

And remember: if they give you a structure and a word count, stick to it.

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We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Getting ready to apply for a PhD? Our guides explain research proposals, references and entry tests for doctoral programmes.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

A checklist of the things you'll need to do when making an international PhD application, from meeting the entry requirements to sorting out your visa.

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