The Lundquist College of Business Doctoral Program in Management trains students to become researchers and educators in strategic management with a focus on technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
Students have unsurpassed intellectual freedom. Our faculty are open-minded to the pursuit of novel research questions, approaches, and contexts. We do demand that our students create sound theoretical arguments, gather unique datasets, analyze them rigorously, and consider managerial implications. We expect and enable our students to make a real contribution through both publishing and teaching.
The management PhD program accepts applications on a biannual schedule. We are not currently accepting applications for fall 2025. The application window for fall 2026 will open mid-September 2025.
Management PhD Program Coordinator
Associate Professor Ralph Heidl
Program Structure
The management PhD program requirements include approximately two years of coursework, completion of first- and second-year research papers, a comprehensive exam, and the dissertation.
Coursework
Students complete at least 17 courses during the first two years in residence. These include at least:
- Five graduate level courses in statistics or research methodology
- Four PhD seminars or readings courses taught by management faculty
- Six graduate level courses in the behavioral sciences
Students who have met their course requirements, but not yet passed their comprehensive exams, are encouraged to continue taking any doctoral seminars offered by the management department.
First- and Second-Year Papers
Students write and present research papers at the end of the first and second years of the program. These papers follow the format of the top journals and should represent original theoretical frameworks worthy of pursuing for publication consideration in such journals. The second-year summer paper is expected to be more substantive than the first-year summer paper and entails the collection and analysis of original data.
Comprehensive Exam
Each student is required to take the qualifying examination after completing two years of coursework. The qualifying exam is usually conducted over two days during the summer after the second year. Passing the qualifying exam is a celebratory milestone in the program, as it represents a key hurdle in advancing to candidacy.
Dissertation
The doctoral dissertation is expected to be an original research study that makes a substantial contribution to the management literature. Each student is expected to present the dissertation proposal to the their dissertation committee by the end of their fourth year. The dissertation is expected to be defended in the spring of the fifth year.
Other Program Features
The management PhD program also includes other processes and resources to enhance student productivity and ultimately foster good placement on the academic job market.
Financial Support
Each matriculated student receives a tuition waiver, generous stipend, and access to our expansive graduate student health plan.
Research Assistant Matching
Before each fall term, each PhD student is matched with one or more tenure-track faculty members who serve as the student's research assistant advisors during the year. Matching is done based on mutual interests and preferences. These appointments accelerate the student's growth in skills and productivity in research outcomes.
Office and Technology
Students are assigned a dedicated workspace and a computer to use for their coursework and research. Students are collocated to enhance knowledge sharing, collaboration, and student culture.
Research Funds
PhD students have access to funds from the PhD program for presenting or acting as a discussant at conferences. Funds are also available for professional development workshops and other general research expenses.
Robin and Roger Best Awards
These awards are given for doctoral research and teaching excellence. They include financial rewards for conference presentations, teaching awards, and journal submission and publication milestones.