can you do phd after mba

Is it Possible to Get My PhD After My MBA?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Need an MBA to Get a PhD?

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

The Difference Between a DBA and a PhD 

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

Get Your MBA or DBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

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

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

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

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

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Why a Doctorate in Business Administration Is Becoming More Valuable

Sponsor content from upGrad.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mba to phd: what is the recommended path.

Dr. Nick Dahan, Professor and Director, Online MBA California State University at Monterey Bay College of Business

As you are planning out your education and career, you may be considering furthering your education beyond an MBA with a doctorate degree in a business-related field. This is a big decision, given that it is likely a three- to six-year commitment that would affect your career and your family, both emotionally and financially. Be sure to make this decision after taking some time for careful consideration.

Here are a few key questions to ask in order to help with the MBA to PhD decision process.

Why Do You Need a Doctorate?

This is the most important question.

If you have substantial executive experience and you are interested in teaching in higher education, you may be eligible for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’ (AACSB) “bridge” program , which helps executives become effective instructors. This program is designed for highly seasoned business leaders who are only interested in teaching, not pursuing research. They can teach in business schools either part-time or full-time in a contractual teaching-focused position (called non-tenure track, or clinical, or professor of teaching). In that case, a doctorate is not needed at all.

If the only reason to pursue a doctorate is to study a business discipline or to deepen your quantitative skills beyond what is possible in an MBA (even one with a concentration), you may want to consider a graduate certificate or a master of science (MSc). They offer the opportunity to take three to 12 courses with a narrower focus, such as data analytics, human resources management, project management, digital marketing, etc. A certificate or MSc is a great complement to an MBA, especially if your MBA consisted of, say, 10 courses covering 10 different business disciplines, with little opportunity to go deeper on any particular subject.

It must also be stressed that boosting earnings is rarely a strong reason to pursue a doctorate in business if you already hold an MBA or MSc in a business subject. As careers in the private sector are more lucrative and typically do not require a doctorate (other than a few corporate economist and financial positions where a PhD is a must), the financial return on the investment into a business PhD may actually be negative if you plan to go into academia compared to a private-sector career with an MBA. As an example, through a successful career in the private sector, a business executive may well earn more than $200K annually five or 10 years after completing their master’s degree in business, whereas it is highly unlikely that a business academic with a PhD will ever reach that salary level. However, while significantly increasing your earnings may not be the main reason, there are obviously plenty of other valid reasons for pursuing a doctorate.

Valid reasons to go from an MBA to a PhD include:

• Ensuring you achieve the deepest level of expertise on a subject matter, which can then be leveraged in the private sector, public sector, and consulting. Sometimes a graduate certificate or even an MSc is not enough for the kind of career you seek out
• Getting the opportunity to teach in higher education, either part-time as an adjunct while keeping your full-time job in business, or full-time by switching from a business career to academia. If the latter, the choice is often motivated by seeking a second career that allows more freedom and flexibility (stable employment and great benefits are important perks).
• For marginalized populations , it may be an important way to be given the respect they deserve. And business doctorate programs face a serious underrepresentation of minorities, in part because many programs do not offer scholarships and assistantships (instead, they are money-making programs for the universities), which decreases the likelihood of minority enrollment . Fortunately, there are initiatives to redress the situation and grow a pipeline of minority PhDs that can ultimately join academia, such as McNair fellowships in business , and The PhD Project .

Which Kind of Doctorate?

Not all doctorates are created equal. You have to choose one that matches your career goals:

Doctorate in Education (EdD)

This is not a doctorate in business per se. As such, it is very unlikely to lead to a full-time position at a four-year college nowadays. However, it can be useful in consulting, in specialized areas of Human Resource Management (adult education/training), or to pursue a leadership career in education (high school and school district, or on the administrative side of higher education such as Dean of students, Vice-Provost, etc.).

Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

In business fields, there are DBA and Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) (EDBA/DBA) programs.

DBA programs are more practically oriented, focusing on conducting applied research. For example, a project the DBA student investigates in their professional context, as “action-research” that can be implemented quickly and deliver concrete benefits to their organization. Because the focus is on research that can be implemented in organizations, rather than published in academic journals to promote knowledge in the discipline, the DBA is well-suited for a career as a consultant. It could also be used to land a full-time position as an academic or a leader at a community college, where there is no expectation of conducting and publishing academic research.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

PhD programs are more academic in content, typically providing even deeper training in research skills and subject matter, which often implies that they take longer to complete. A PhD first and foremost prepares students for a career in academia, specifically to be a professor or an academic leader, such as executive director, academic dean, provost, or president.

PhD programs focus on unique, theory-based research and publication of the findings of that research in academic journals and scientific books. If you are interested in a full-time academic career at a four-year college or university, a PhD is the degree for you. Of course, a PhD can also be leveraged in other careers such as consulting.

What Kind of Program?

Residential or online? Full-time or part-time? Every option exists.

If you aspire to mostly focus on teaching and therefore want to work at a college with a teaching emphasis, your PhD program options are broader than if you want to ultimately work at a business school where research expectations are more central. You have to select a doctoral program that will prepare you for the kind of academic career you aspire to: mostly teaching? A mix of teaching and research? Mostly research? Typically, the more prestigious the business school, the more emphasis is placed on research in its doctoral program.

If you want to be an academic, the more traditional route is to join a full-time residential PhD program where you can focus entirely on your studies and priming your research pipeline in order to prepare for a full-time academic position. Typically, seats are scarce at these PhD programs as it is extremely costly for universities to run these programs; they have to pay their most experienced professors to teach doctoral seminars to a very small number of students (often five to 10) who often have their tuition fully covered and get a scholarship or assistantship on top of that (often earning around $20K annually). If you are aiming to be hired as a faculty at a premier accredited school (AACSB-accredited for North America 1 , while in Europe EQUIS is another accreditation that is also prestigious), earning a PhD from a similarly accredited business school would be helpful (although outside of the USA there are quite a few prestigious business schools that are not AACSB or EQUIS accredited).

Some PhD and almost all DBA programs are part-time, offering students the option to keep working in parallel to their studies, but in that case, students have to pay tuition, which can add up to very substantial amounts over three to six years.

Finally, some programs are online rather than in person. In that category, a lot of DBA programs are either hybrid (each course has both an online and an in-person component) or mostly online with a small residency requirement (e.g., one weekend every semester). While it is not impossible to get a full-time academic position at a four-year college with a doctorate from a non-AACSB accredited business school, it is significantly harder, at least in North America. So, it is important to note that so far only one AACSB-accredited business school offers a fully online PhD program—University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Start with Your Online MBA

Many roads lead to a doctorate in business, and upon completion it paves the way to a variety of careers. Therefore, this must be a personal decision based on your professional aspirations and work/life constraints. It is highly advisable to get in touch with professionals who successfully leveraged their doctorate in their careers, such as consultants or academics, in order to better understand the risks, challenges, and rewards of pursuing a doctorate, and the latest trends in their field.

Before moving on for a doctorate, however, you will want to pursue your MBA. Create the career and the life you want with the Responsible Business Online MBA from California State University, Monterey Bay. Keep advancing your career work as you earn your MBA with our 100% online curriculum which focuses on the increasing role and importance of responsible business .

About the Author

Dr. Nicolas (Nick) Dahan is a Full Professor of International Business and Strategy, and Director of the MBA program at CSUMB, College of Business.

He has worked as a full-time faculty at a number of institutions, both in the USA (most recently prior to CSUMB at Temple University-Fox School of Business) and France. He also has extensive adjunct teaching experience with American institutions, including George Washington University, Tulane University, Baruch College-CUNY, as well as top French business schools (ESSEC, ESCP Europe, Sciences Po), and executive education.

His scholarly work has been published in journals such as Business & Society, International Business Review, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Business Research, Human Relations, Long Range Planning, and Strategic Organization.

He has worked at several French firms, and has acted occasionally as a consultant for multinational enterprises as well as trade associations in either public affairs or international entrepreneurship/marketing.

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PhD Programs

• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management

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 five areas of study: Accounting and Management , 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)  , management  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

Is It Necessary to Get a PhD After MBA?

• Blog Summary

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

Solution: A PhD in Management

Careers for graduates with a phd in management, feasible online phd in management for working professionals, why choose our online phd in management course.

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

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

Importance of Business Leaders in Africa

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

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

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

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

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

Why Should You Consider a PhD After MBA?

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

• Gain a Competitive Edge over Your Peers

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

• Hone Your Skills and Specialize

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

• Meet Role Models and Network with Specialists

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

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

• Become a Scholar

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

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

• Move up in the Career Ladder

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

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

Why Should You Consider an Online Management Course?

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

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

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

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

• Management Consultant

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

• Business Professor

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

• Policy Analyst

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

• Chief Executive Officers

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

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

• Organizational Change Manager

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Enroll PhD in Management at Taksha Smartlabz in association with the University of Central Nicaragua and make your career growth

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Can You Do a PHD After an MBA? Pros and Cons.

As an MBA graduate, I considered whether to obtain a more specialized degree or go for any job in the very tough job market. I thought about Ph.D. too. Here I lay out my thoughts based on experience and research I made for myself on this topic. 

You can do a Ph.D. after MBA, but it is unnecessary for a solid career in business. Ph.D. after MBA may provide a valuable leverage tool for your scientific job if you want to go deeper into any field of science, including technical or social science.

In most instances, you obtaining a Ph.D. after MBA does not make sense. But in a few cases, Ph.D. after MBA may offer new opportunities. Let us analyze below when receiving a Ph.D. after MBA may make sense at all.

Is MBA higher than a Ph.D.?

MBA is a master’s degree, while a Ph.D. is a doctorate. Ph.D. is a higher degree than MBA. Therefore, some MBA students or graduates may decide to take their education to the next level and go into a Ph.D. program. 

Does a Ph.D. guarantee a job?

Here are the negatives if you do Ph.D. after MBA. Having MBA and Ph.D. alone will not necessarily make you more employable. It may limit your employment options to a narrow field. Choose carefully. And being a Ph.D. means that you will be overqualified for most starting positions in the industry (with a caveat, read below). 

Secondly, MBA and then Ph.D. on your CV may raise many flags if you decide to change your career or industry in the future. The sooner you want to change your career, the worse it will look. The question would be: “you did your MBA, then you did your Ph.D. after an MBA…do you know what you are doing?”

A ph.D. is not necessarily helpful for a career. Some people go for Ph.D. because they want to become professors teaching classes in universities. But professor jobs are scarce, and with lower college enrolments, it is becoming increasingly hard to find a teaching job. In short:  YOU WILL NOT FIND A TENURED PROFESSOR JOB AFTER Ph.D. ANYMORE . Hopefully, I made that clear enough. 

On the other hand, PhDs may be valued by different exiting or emerging educational institutions, including those private ones, providing online programs or courses. 

In my humble opinion Ph.D. often should be pursued in the area in which you have a strong urge and desire to work for the next couple of decades doing research. 

Because getting a Ph.D. is quite a pain, it takes years, and you will be grossly underpaid while doing it. I would also look at the demand for specialists in the respective field of your Ph.D. 

Getting into a top Ph.D. university program is challenging. Often, they require terminal degrees like MSC, MA, MS rather than MBA. Therefore, instead of Ph.D. MBA graduates may go for a DBA and still get into corporate world management after that. 

Still, PhDs can get a job in the industry because they have a solid reputation as research and analysts.  

I suggest that if you decide to pursue Ph.D., make sure that your field of research is congruent with your previous MBA degree, other education, work, or relevant experience valuable to a potential employer. Congruency will bind everything together nicely, total leverage. 

But read on to find out which Ph.D. I think it may be helpful in your career. Please do not take my word for it, as I believe the global economy is changing rapidly. Yet, I see some strong trends that are likely to continue for decades ahead, presenting some viable Ph.D. career options. 

Note that academia is saturated, and even PhDs have a hard time finding academic jobs. Said that Ph.D. could take even a master’s level position or other senior position in the industry if his or her Ph.D. area is a good match.

If you decide to obtain Ph.D. after MBA, then I suggest choosing a topic that can have practical application in the industry for better transition and good pay. 

There are many practical fields for Ph.D. after MBA. 

Which Ph.D. after an MBA may be a good option?

Ph.D. is a heavily research-oriented degree. By researching, a Ph.D. student divulges very deep into the narrow topic, like in a rabbit hole, and becomes a super-expert in that topic. 

Thus, selecting a Ph.D. topic for future employment is a significant decision for an MBA student. Because you already have spent 2-4 years getting an MBA degree. Now, what will 5-6 years of Ph.D. give you at this point?

I think Ph.D. is an excellent choice for those MBA’s who want to go into science. Ph.D. makes a person quite employable in science, especially if that science field is related to MBA or previous work or educational experience. 

Note, when I say science, in addition to natural sciences, I also mean new types of science. That includes fields like data science, or AI or machine learning, social science. 

If you check any major job site, it will tell you a complete story about whether it makes sense to get your Ph.D. after MBA. For example, MBA in finance, economics, or statistics from a reputable business school plus a Ph.D. in finance, economics, statistics, or mathematics may help you find an exciting position in one of the major league financial institutions, hedge funds, or banks. Why? Because these fields are practical rather than purely theoretical.

Ph.D. after MBA Specific Examples

If you are keen on coding and have some programming or engineering background, and as an MBA, you want to switch into a niche of machine learning or AI in business industries, you may get your Ph.D. in AI or machine learning. That still can get you hired in the financial sector if you want because the financial sector uses AI and machine learning a lot these days. 

MBA in finance, economics, or accounting, coupled with a Ph.D. in AI or machine learning, may present you as a valuable candidate in the modern digital high-tech world of finance and the business field generally. 

Recruiters are pretty mechanical sometimes. They see MBA on top of the relevant work experience and assume you can potentially hold a managerial position far from the truth.

Note that you will need a programming work background and a Ph.D. in those tech areas if you want to go this route. But salaries can be pretty lucrative – in hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. 

If you type “Ph.D.” and “MBA” in a search field on any major job search engine (site), you will see that some positions show a preference for someone with an MBA and Ph.D. in some analytical or quantitative field. 

You will see demand in some quite exotic narrow fields like revenue science or equity research, social science. Often positions require natural science or programming-related Ph.D., but there is a fair share of those require Ph.D. in either quantitative or business topics. Hence, let us see which type of Ph.D. is better for MBA students. 

Does it help to obtain a business-related Ph.D. after MBA?

Obtaining a business-related Ph.D. after an MBA may provide some value for those who want to go deeper into research or teaching in the business area. For example, a Ph.D. in organizational behavior management may help you land a job in fields anywhere from social science to HR. 

MBA + Ph.D. in economics or finance with quantitative aspect may land you an analytical or lead job in a significant financial institution or international organization. But note that PhDs in economics and finance maybe a little bit saturated in the job market. 

Actuarial sciences or accounting fields also hire PhDs. Check your local job search engine for details. 

I have heard that Ph.D. in accounting is a relatively undersaturated area, and companies are happy to hire accounting PhDs with accounting work experience. Underlying MBA in such a case may be an excellent background addition to a resume showing managerial ability. 

I have also heard about companies hiring PhDs in Global Leadership and Change, for example. I am not sure what their practical managerial work background was, but it must have been extended for such a position. Ph.D. was likely just significant leverage on his or her CV. 

Other areas of potential employment and thus Ph.D. research topics can include business development, business strategy, strategy management, competitive intelligence, and more. 

If you have read some of my other blog posts related to business education, you probably noticed that I am a proponent of practical, specific, education which gives specific tangible skills. 

That is why I am a proponent of going deeper into quantitative areas of education. Quantitative are very transferrable skills. Smart, introverted people with quantitative skills may have a better shot at a fascinating, well-paying analytical job.

Other avenues for MBA and Ph.D. holders

For example, have you heard of such an exotic path as quantitative marketing? Now you did. Marketing analytics can involve quite a bit of calculation and data mining. Ph.D. in quantitative marketing after MBA can land you a job in a financial, economics, or marketing type of position, just because of the quantitative aspect of that type of Ph.D. 

Note that many quantitative Ph.D. programs in reputable institutions require quantitative background or education. For example, Ph.D. in finance may require a background MBA in finance, economics, or mathematics.

Did you know that social science is considered a STEM area? I found at least one position requiring a Ph.D. in social science with MBA.

The most important note is that you must LOVE the subject or broad field of your Ph.D. Otherwise, it does not make sense to pursue one because you will drop out anyway. 

One major caveat for obtaining a Ph.D. after MBA is that employers quite often also want multi-year practical work experience in a related area. Therefore, seeking valuable work experience is a better strategy than obtaining a Ph.D. after MBA. But everything has its exceptions, especially for quantitative types of jobs.  

Here is an excellent video by the Ph.D. professor about the pros and cons of doing a Ph.D. after an MBA.

How long to get a Ph.D. after an MBA?

On average, Ph.D. after an MBA takes 4-5 years to complete. 

Conclusion.

If you want to obtain Ph.D. after MBA, then you need to think it through. I mean, you must be a thinker and researcher at this point. Check job sites, talk to your professors, other students. See what they say about potential opportunities for MBA/PhDs. 

Would I do it? Probably not. Unless it would be a heavily quantitative area with potential practical industry application in finance or technology, if anything, I would instead go for a specialized MS in the subject area related to MBA or technology. 

But that is only my 5 cents. Your goals may be different. 

Some sources .

Question and Answer forum for K12 Students

Doing a Ph.D. After MBA | Eligibility Criteria, Career Scope, Employment And Salary

Doing A Ph.D. After MBA: The ‘road less taken’ can be simply called for Ph.D. after MBA. Not many people is seen to pursue a Ph.D. in Commerce; as it is a field that does not attract and relatively unknown many pursuers.

In the academic field, Ph.D. after MBA is more useful than a professional one. initially; The ROI and opportunity cost for this course are also not up to par, however, by saying that, it does not mean that the course is not worth it or useless. If a Ph.D. is done right then it can be quite rewarding.

Ph.D. after MBA or Management

• Ph.D. Course Duration after MBA

Eligibility Criteria for Ph.D. After MBA

Can one do a ph.d. after mba, after mba available top ph.d. courses, how to do a ph.d. after mba, ph.d. after mba in india, can i actually do a ph.d. after distance mba, ph.d. after mba – in distance education.

• Ph.D. After MBA Abroad – Entrance Exams & Admission Process
• Top-Most Abroad Universities for Pursuing PhD after MBA
• Best Countries to Study PhD after MBA Abroad
• Ph.D. After MBA in USA

Ph.D. After MBA in Australia

Ph.d. after mba in germany, ph.d. after mba finance.

• Scope Of Ph.D. after MBA in Finance

Ph.D. in Management

• Career Scope, Employment, and Salary for Doing a Ph.D. after MBA
• FAQ’s on Doing A Ph.D. after MBA

As one may expect it to be, Ph.D. after MBA may not be as advantageous. After getting done with an MBA, rather than pursue a Ph.D., many prefer to increase their work experience, but if you are interested in doing research in the field of your interest, a Ph.D. may be the perfect course for a person to take up.

Ph.D. researchers or individuals also get a chance to do individual research and study, apart from the extensive knowledge which the course provides, which puts them quite apart from other managers.

• The course requires a lot of dedication and rigorous hard work in Ph.D.
• A lot of time needs to be invested by someone with a Ph.D., which can be tedious.
• The Ph.D. course combines practical application with theoretical knowledge.
• There are many practical methods and approaches like field studies, econometrics, experimental methods, etc., which are mostly used during Ph. D.s.
• For those who want to teach Management, Ph.D. is for them.
• The profession of the Professor is most sought after and reputable.
• Ph.D. researchers also work as consultants in top firms.
• Ph.D. increases their analytical skills and trains researchers.
• Because of their skillset, positions in analytics are offered commonly to Ph.D. researchers.
• One may not quite earn much before getting tenure, and the growth is considerably slow.

Do Refer: Career Objective for MBA

Ph.D. Course Duration After MBA

Depending on the research topic, methodologies, and time and labor investment, the duration for Ph.D. after MBA may vary.

On average, it may take 4 to 5 years for the completion of a Ph.D.. Depending on the country and institution, the duration may also vary.

Country Duration (Average)

• India –  3 years
• USA – 5-7 years
• UK – 3-4 years
• Australia – 4-6 years
• Germany – 3-5 Years

Eligibility Criteria for a Ph.D. after an MBA must be an MBA degree, as one may assume. But that’s not so.

There are many other criteria for eligibility, as well. To pursue a Ph.D. after MBA, one must fulfill being eligible for a Ph.D. after MBA, and the following are the criteria.

• One must have an acceptable TOEFL or IELTS exam score to prove their proficiency in the English language.
• One must also have a respectable, which may vary as per the university of GRE/GMAT score.
• Students must also submit their essays, transcript and SOP.
• Letters of Recommendation are required. At least 2 to 3 times to be submitted by the aspiring student.
• Oftentimes, an interview is conducted either online via video call or physically to test student’s eligibility and knowledge.
• Students must have a thesis statement or an idea and a dissertation ready.
• It is crucial that the students are well versed to have a clear idea and what they want to do about their objectives.
• The acceptance rate at top-rated Business Schools is around 3 to 5%.

Yes, one actually can do a Ph.D. after MBA. There are various business schools worldwide that offer Ph.D. programs after an MBA, which can be pursued.

For the MBA itself, some years of work experience is required by many schools. The Student may already have the direction they want to take in their life by choosing to pursue an MBA.

A Ph.D. after an MBA is not quite a popular choice, but many students still decide to pursue the research either for better opportunities or out of interest. To pursue a Ph.D., the criteria for eligibility include more than 50% or more marks in your post-graduation, and students are also required to take up an entrance exam. The field of Ph.D. is open for the Student or for anyone who has done an MBA.

A student may choose from several Ph.D. courses after MBA. Due to its vast scope, there is no dearth of specialization in the field of management.

As the Ph.D. in Management is an unexplored field, each research in each area is equally important.

There are several available courses one may take, like:

• Entrepreneurship
• Human Resource Management
• Commercial Law
• Operational Research
• Healthcare and Management
• Organizational Behaviour
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Political Science

For students who actually want to do a Ph.D. after their MBA is done, there are many options. It is important that for the duration of 2 years, the MBA course the candidate has done.

The students must choose their work and field of interest in that direction and also most important.

Students always have the choice to pursue a Ph.D. in abroad or India. The application process for both remains more or less the same. To do a Ph.D. after an MBA abroad, one has to additionally give language proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL and exams like GMAT or GRE.

For India, exams like CAT are applicable.

• One must have a good score in their CAT exam and a two-year MBA degree.
• For admission in their Ph.D. courses, GATE or even UGC NET may be required at some top IIMs.
• A Ph.D. may actually vary from 3 to 5 years on average, and it is important to note that the duration.
• In the first year of Ph.D., the candidates are trained in research methodologies and subjects, etc. and are mostly dedicated to the coursework.
• In the second year, one may choose the area in which they will be conduction research and their specialization.
• It is often advisable that students actually choose the area for research in which they have specialized during their MBA. It is, however, not quite compulsory.
• A Ph.D. thesis is the most essential part of any Ph.D., and during their second year only, it is important that students start developing it.
• In the third year, after they have researched and collected data, a student is asked to present their thesis statement.
• After the first six months of the third year, students are free to write their research papers and Ph.D. and do their research.
• The whole process can be quite time-consuming, but the only trick here is to be very resilient.
• Yes, you can obviously do a Ph.D. after a distance MBA.
• The institute must be recognized by the UGC.
• Universities are not allowed to differentiate between the degrees.
• The degree earned and mentioned in the eligibility criteria must be in tandem.
• As the process for regular courses, the application process is as same.
• Candidates must submit their essays, SOPs, mark sheets, documents, etc., like any other regular candidate.
• Mostly on entrance exams and interviews, the admission in a Ph.D. program is based.
• Over the ones who did pursue their degrees via distance education mode, Some institutes may prefer regular students.
•  The decision is solely based on the discretion of the university to select a candidate or not.

In Distance Education, one can definitely do a Ph.D. after MBA, but few things actually need to be taken into consideration.

It is important and mandatory that the institution from where the candidate has pursued their MBA in Distance education form is recognized by any other supreme commission as relevant to the country or by the UGC.

Also, for the Ph.D. program, one is applying to, the degree must match the eligibility criteria as well.

Ph.D. After MBA Abroad – Entrance Exams & Admission Process:

If you are actually planning to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA, especially from abroad, then the following points will help and guide you through the application process and entrance exams:

• For global universities, the application process is very different from the universities of India. You actually don’t have to give any entrance exam to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA from abroad; rather, the GMAT / GRE score is needed to submit.
• Previous project and research work matter, LORs, SOPs, and a lot when you are actually looking to pursue a Ph.D. abroad. They increase the chances of getting selected by making your profile strong.
• For Ph.D. programs, most of the universities have a 3-5% acceptance rate. Thus, it is vital to make your application strong; get in touch with experts if you need any help regarding the same.
• You need to work on your specific thesis, submit it in the provided duration as the curriculum more or less remains the same in Ph.D., and complete your Ph.D. after MBA.

Top-Most Abroad Universities for Pursuing Ph.D. after MBA

For better assistance at the time of your research on Ph.D. Courses after completion of MBA, we have enlisted some of the significant academic universities that are globally famous for their advanced specialized courses on Ph.D. after MBA:

Best Countries to Study Ph.D. after MBA Abroad

Most of the popular abroad destinations for Ph.D. studies are UK, USA, Australia, Germany, and Canada. These countries are notable for their research doctoral courses so choosing the best country to study Ph.D. is a crucial decision. So, decide carefully by doing deeper research about the course and universities in all countries. Let’s have a glance at the top countries to study Ph.D. after MBA and their popular research universities below for some idea:

Ph.D. After MBA in the USA

Ph.D. after MBA in the USA is the most popular place; because of a highly research-friendly environment, it especially is a great place to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA.

The USA offers students unlimited data and resources to facilitate their research as it is home to the top business schools. The amenities are quite good here, which are provided to Ph.D. researchers.

• University of Pennsylvania
• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• The University of California
• Columbia University
• Kellogg School of Management
• The University of Chicago
• Washington University
• Cornell University
• University of Michigan

Ph.D. after MBA in Australia is also home to many great universities, and it is a very pleasant place to be at.

Ph.D. programs after MBA are offered by many great B-schools present. For applying practical methods, there is a lot of scopes and here because of the way corporates and businesses are run here.

Students will be provided with quite a lot of opportunities to collect primary as well as secondary data and conduct researches.

• Australian National University
• UNSW Sydney
• University of Western Australia
• University of Sydney
• University of Melbourne
• University of Queensland
• Monash University
• University of Adelaide
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Canberra

Probably the best place to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA in Germany because of the varieties of facilities like the grant which are made available for students studying.

Germany has the best management programs and boasts of some of the best universities in the world as well. Many universities in Germany offer great guidance to students to help them in their research work and Ph.D. in management.

• University of Berlin
• University of Hamburg
• Technical University of Munich
• Heidelberg University
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• RWTH Aachen University
• University of Freiburg
• Bielefeld University

One of the topmost and popular specializations is a Ph.D. after MBA in Finance. The scope is vast, and the opportunities are quite endless.

Though the subject for those interested may seem challenging, it has a plethora of research ideas and opportunities.

Expertise in subjects like Mathematics and Economics is required by Ph.D. in Finance.

The top universities which are offering this program are:

• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
• The Centurion University of Technology and Management
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science
• Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi
• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

Scope Of Ph.D. After MBA in Finance

Opportunities after opportunities are present in Ph.D. after MBA in Finance. There is a wide and deep scope of opportunities, and many companies to hire because of their skill and both practical and theoretical knowledge do look out for such candidates. Top companies seek to recruit candidates who have completed their  Ph.D. in Finance and  like the ones mentioned below .

• TATA Consultancy
• Genpact Technologies Ltd

One of the highest degrees of academic awarded in the study of management is a Ph.D. in management. For those seeking teaching careers and academic research as professors or faculty in the field of management at business schools worldwide, a Ph.D. in Management degree was designed.

Following are some Benefits of PhD after MBA

• Helps you become a better thinker:  More than just consume what has been taught in the classes, a good Ph.D. in Management program encourages you to do more – it teaches you to become a good thinker and create more. One will achieve newer levels of critical thinking by moving past passive learning, which you can apply in new ways in your field of interest as well as your career.
• To gain an edge:  A Ph.D. in Management is essential and immediately marketable, especially in today’s workforce, provide an asset that will give you a competitive advantage. A Ph.D. in Management proves the expertise in your field of study; you have an impressive level of credibility and a lifelong commitment to learning which will help you fulfill your professional goals.
• Become a competitive scholar-practitioner:  A Ph.D. in Management will give you the confidence and knowledge but present at them instead of just attending academic conferences. You’ll discover your write a dissertation, may find yourself authoring peer-reviewed articles published in your field’s leading journals, and may have a scholarly voice.
• Skills enhancement:  A Ph.D. in Management can actually help you enhance valuable skills and gain that are universally applicable to any kind of field. They are empowering you to make more of an impact in your current role by giving you expertise outside of your organization by the degree, which in turn helps people around you as well. You may find colleagues turning to you for guidance, Once you begin your studies.

Career Scope, Employment, and Salary for Doing a Ph.D. After MBA

Somewhere between 8 Lakhs to 18 Lakhs per annum, Ph.D. after MBA salary in India is depending upon whether you explore the academic domain working as a lecturer or academician or working in a corporate sector.

For graduates with a Ph.D. in Commerce-related specializations and Management below, we have elucidated upon the major employment sector:

• Teaching: A Ph.D.’s most popular career path post is that of becoming a professor or teacher. Most Ph. D.s in management or business pursue it in the first place to pursue a career in particular academics. Further, to hire Ph.D.’s like business school professors, most of the research universities prefer. Suppose you aim to become a part of Ivy League schools or other prestigious academic institutions because of this striking combination coupled with a few years of professional experience. In that case, you should definitely go for a Ph.D. degree after MBA. It can make you an ideal candidate for the position of lecturer or university professor at a business school. Nearly 75% of business ‘Ph.D. after MBA’ graduates at business schools become faculty members, to give a rough statistical description, and roughly 25% take jobs in the industry.
• Research: A Ph.D. involves extensive analysis and is quite a data-driven degree and in-depth assessment as it constitutes various submissions of a multiple research thesis as its incremental element. If you have planned to pursue a career in research, but combining it with a Ph.D. might give you the knowledge and expertise of both the research world as well as corporate, and an MBA is more of a route of professional to take. You can further enter various research sectors with a versatile skill set by getting the taste of both these areas, which will prove extremely useful in carrying out path-breaking contributions and case studies with the potential of bringing a newer light to the commercial industry.
• Corporate Sector: As a common myth, you might be told that in the professional world, a doctorate degree is of no use, but it is quite the opposite as a Ph.D. after an MBA can furnish you with the outstanding business acumen to fit the role of business consultants and analysts. As many of the doctoral scholars move further to become professors or researchers, only a small proportion of them head towards the industry. As this degree provides aspirants with the understanding of employing Ph.D. s derive wisdom from their theoretical and unique methodologies for analysis, which, when combined with the pragmatic training obtained during MBA, marks for a marvelous body of knowledge. You can explore varied prospects in entrepreneurship ventures as well as companies like SEC, JP Morgan Chase, McKinsey, and Morgan Stanley, which are known to hire Ph. D.s frequently.

FAQ’s on Doing A Ph.D. After MBA

Question 1. What Ph.D. should I get after my MBA?

Answer: For students who want to do a Ph.D. after their MBA is done, there are many options. The MBA course the candidate has done must be for the duration of 2 years, and it is important. The most common career path after that is chosen is teaching.

Question 2. Is an MBA higher than a Ph.D.?

Answer: Compared to a Ph.D. that takes 4-6 years, you can complete your MBA in 1- 2 years. It allows them to start their career far sooner for the student, so the MBA is considered advantageous.

Question 3. Can I do a Ph.D. while working?

Answer: Yes, you can do a Ph.D. while working, but this can only happen if you are keen to work. Working full time and doing a Ph.D. is not easy; you won’t make progress without constant effort.

Question 4. Can I do a Ph.D. at 40?

Answer: Yes, you can do a Ph.D. at the age of 40; most of the person who does this are mostly in the education sector. The only problem that comes up is that not all programs will be open for you.

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The Whys & Hows of a PhD After MBA

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Before anything, what is your reason to do PhD after MBA (Getting to add Dr. before your name doesn’t count!)

A PhD after MBA should be purely based on your interests as it alters the career opportunities that come your way after that. If you had the option to choose between an MBA and MCom after graduation, you would know that the choice was really about a career in corporate management or in academic domain. This is similar, except with higher stakes.

It does not imply that going for a PhD post-MBA will close career opportunities in corporate avenues, but it will certainly shape your career to be better suited for an academic domain, and even your corporate job will have a research undertone to it, such as research analyst or business development consultant that business giants like McKinsey, Endava, Boston Consulting Group, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock Associates, Securities Exchange Commission and Ernst & Young hire.

This blog discusses everything you need to know about PhD options abroad after MBA and how is it a good career option for you.

A PhD or a doctor of philosophy is the highest degree available in any given field and a Doctoral degree in Management does not just give you a competitive edge over an MBA, but also the opportunity to explore boundaries of the subject and conduct original research relating to the management field. The study of management draws from disciplines such as economics, psychology, and sociology. These are interesting disciplines for researching key aspects of management, including organizational behavior, organizational theory and strategy.

What are the Eligibility requirements for a PhD after MBA?

Other than the requirement of holding an MBA degree, the rest of the eligibility criteria are:

1. A good IELTS/TOEFL score to prove your English language proficiency. 2. A GMAT / GRE score is a must, depending upon the university you plan to apply to. 3. Academic transcripts and two-three letters of recommendation are also necessary. 4. More often than not, an interview is conducted either physically or via a video call to assess the student’s ability. 5. Depending on the university, candidates might be required to have a research idea or two ready to present to the university while applying.

How much time does it take to complete a PhD?

A PhD course in Management or Business, on an average, takes around three to five years to complete. The duration of the program and PhD program structure varies depending upon the country and university you select to continue your studies. Usually, the first two years cover the complete coursework that is part of the PhD program.

From the third year on, candidates can devote their time to identifying and working on their research problem, collecting and analyzing data and writing their dissertation thesis. This will be followed by qualifying exams or seminars or thesis defense or combination of the three as a final part of their PhD.

Why pursue a PhD abroad?

PhD is advantageous even in India, but a PhD abroad is loaded with upsides. Many students opt for a PhD abroad because of the following reasons:

✔ Wide Variety of research interests and topics for dissertations to choose from. ✔ World-renowned program supervisors, who are specialists in their academic fields. ✔ Substantial Stipend or Tuition Waiver to PhD students that amounts to $15,000 to $30,000 as compared to 25,000 to 28,000 rupees (less than $384) per annum in India. ✔ Increased facilities and exclusive access to museums, sites, information centers, archives or equipment. ✔ A well-funded network of Public Universities offering a number of academic instructors allowing students to choose from. ✔ Elaborate coursework of two to three years before dissertation research, enabling students to get in-depth knowledge of the subject. ✔ Option for lab rotations for students in their first year to effectively decide the lab they want to do their dissertation work in. ✔ Broad network and increased opportunities for placements in the top firms.

Top PhD programs after MBA

There are plenty of doctoral dissertation areas which are considered to be immediately marketable assets furnishing you with a competitive edge in today’s workforce. Following is the list of top PhD programs post-MBA offered by world ranking universities:

1. Behavioral Science 2. Accounting 3. Economics 4. Management Science & Operations Management 5. Marketing 6. Financial Economics 7. Finance 8. Econometrics and Statistics 9. Accounting & Management 10. Business Economics 11. Health Policy (Management) 12. Management 13. Organizational Behaviour 14. Strategy 15. Technology & Operations Management.

What are the employment opportunities after PhD?

PhD abroad post-MBA is a booster pack that gets you some of the most well-reputed and high-salaried jobs in the world.

A majority of students take up lucrative teaching opportunities in B-schools globally. There are also other esteemed positions including research associate, investment analyst, managing director, senior marketing manager, human resource manager, marketing manager, data analyst, business development manager, associate, business analyst, team leader, consultant and financial economist, that many students go for.

If you are thinking of breaking into academics or want to upgrade your career with a PhD from top universities abroad, we can help. Just a 15-minute session with our admission consultant will help you iron out your worries and give you a clear cut roadmap to chart a course to your dream PhD program. It’s free and absolutely worth your time!

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PhD after MBA

Education is a five-course meal with PhD as the ultimate dessert at the end of it all. Having said that, not all fields of study have had a long history of crowning a doctorate degree. It has traditionally been the highest degree in the sciences, and social sciences.

Somewhere in the middle of the previous century, though, business schools began to switch their focus from a purely vocational bend towards research oriented training, leading to what we now know as PhD in business, or management.

However, if you were to compare the share of Management PhDs in the US, for instance, with PhDs from other fields, the number is far from stellar, though marginally growing with each year. The picture below summarizes the rising number of Business Doctorate recipients between the years 1986 – 2016, as per NSF.gov . The corresponding percentages reflect the share of doctorate holders with respect to the total number of doctoral graduates. (Updated table from 2021 is available here )

For instance, in 2016, 22.9% of the total 54,904 doctoral recipients graduated with a PhD in Life Sciences, while Business Management PhDs accounted for only 2.8% of the entire body of Dr. XYZs graduating that year. In 2021, this percentage for Business Management majors was 1.3% and for Life Sciences was 22.6%.

So, clearly, this is a road less traveled as compared to your streamlined PhD, after MS, route.

The natural question, that follows, is what eludes PhD, in Business, from your everyday household fame?One of the possible reasons being that most business degrees have a lot more commercial capacity as compared to an academic one. Individuals who have an aptitude for business and have secured an MBA from any of the top few tiers of B-schools, generally follow the blazing path of success marked by their predecessors.

The most cited reason, for avoiding the path of business research is the ROI for the years invested, and the cost of opportunity lost while pursuing a semi-decade long journey towards the degree.

With the MBA degree taking a couple of years with average starting salaries north of $90,000, it is not a shocker to realize why some people would rather continue gaining work experience, and the fat paychecks, sans the PhD and its associated delayed gratification, if any (read Average MBA Starting Salary ).

That being the obvious reason, there is clearly another significant factor keeping most business graduates away from a doctoral path – research is not their calling.

This brings us to the next question.  

Why PhD after MBA?

What makes a PhD after MBA an attractive option? The thrill of research. The PhD program offers an opportunity to conduct independent study, scholarly research, and obtain an in-depth knowledge of a specialized field, which would be otherwise only superficially available to the more practical, commercially useful MBA degree.

The research training provides an awareness of the cutting-edge developments and the ability to evolve new insights at solving business problems. Doctoral graduates have years of experience in data analysis and data driven decision making, they are practiced with various research methodologies such as modeling, experimental methods, econometrics, field studies, and more.

As long as the individual has an aptitude for research, the real-world experiences of an MBA degree can motivate him to study relevant business problems.

The most common career path, offered after a PhD post MBA, is teaching. Faculties involved in active research, being an attractive indicator of b-school excellence, prompts a lot of well-known MBA, or other business programs, to hire PhDs as b-school professors.

QS Business School Rankings, for instance, takes in academic reputation and research paper citations into consideration for overall ranking. So does Financial Times MBA, EMBA and Online MBA Rankings. UT Dallas has a business school ranking list based solely on publication statistics in 24 leading business research journals.

Clearly, there is a competitive advantage afforded to PhD job applicants compared to MBAs, when it comes to protecting the interests of business schools. Success, in teaching and research, can lead to some very lucrative compensations.

Salaries, for some of the top b-school faculties, can be in the millions. (Read How much do top business school professors get paid? )

Other golden opportunities may even lead MBA+PhDs into consulting work in either well-known firms, or their own entrepreneurial ventures. PhDs derive wisdom from their theoretical, and uniquely devised methodologies for analysis, which when combined with the experiential training obtained during MBA, makes for a tremendous body of knowledge.

Hedge Funds are extremely selective about their recruits. While a lot of hedge funds believe in practical expertise more than academic experience, they are still known to hire PhDs to fill their analyst positions. Besides CFAs, MBAs, and other Master’s candidates, nearly 3% of hedge fund employees have a PhD.  

What kind of specializations are available to PhDs in Business?

PhD in Business Management, or its close kin Doctor in Business Administration (Harvard HBS), follows a variety of areas of study, often in collaboration with other departments. Some of those specializations are listed below (gathered from various b-school curricula, viz. Stanford GSB , Wharton , HBS ).

• Accounting: Research focuses on solving issues, related to accounting, using economics, decision theory, and statistical inference.
• Business Economics: This specialization combines economic analysis with business. The areas of focus may range from Behavioral Economics, Development Economics, Urban Economics, Risk Management, Economic Analysis & Policy, Organizations & Markets, Corporate Governance, and more.
• Finance: Research focus, such as in Wharton, is set on Asset Pricing, and Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Macroeconomics, etc.
• Marketing: Research focus lies on solving marketing management issues faced by companies. Areas of study usually involve behavioral decision making, economics, industrial organization, statistics, management science, and more.
• Operations, Information & Technology: This area of research, such as in Stanford GSB, studies management of systems, processes, and networks. They include health care systems, product design, manufacturing, information systems, decision-making, operations management, etc.
• Organizational Behavior: Research on concepts of psychology and sociology and their impact on behavior within complex organizations.
• Management: The specialization deals with management and leadership challenges.
• Strategy: Research studies the heart of what sustains and develops industries with competitive advantage.

The above list is not exhaustive and every b-school tailor their research target to set their competitive edge, so to speak. The other common specializations include, Ethics & Legal Studies, Health Care Management, Applied Economics, Decision Sciences, Human Resource Management, and more.  

Employment Options of Business PhD Graduates

While a majority of doctoral graduates find positions as faculties in reputable business schools, a fraction of them carry on in post-doctoral studies or head towards industry positions. Firms like McKinsey, Morgan Stanley, SEC, and more, are known to hire PhDs regularly.

Nearly 80% of graduating doctoral students are employed as faculty members in various business schools over the world, with the rest 20% employed in various industry positions. We have compiled the following table to reflect the employers of past PhD candidates from reputed business schools, mainly Wharton, HEC Paris, and Chicago Booth.  

Business School with Popular Research Programs

UT Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management has created a business school ranking based on publications in 24 leading business journals, mentioned here . Some of the top research schools, assessed between 2012-2016, based on the ranking, are listed below.  

  The two related degrees of a Business PhD, in addition to an MBA, provide a set of well-rounded skills that are quite unique. These skills are not just desirable in mentors of the future business leaders, but also play a significant rolein gaining a thorough insight of the world of business management.

Recommended reading for the curious reader:

• PhD in Management Abroad
• Fully funded PhD, with stipend in Europe
• Is a PhD worth it?
• PhD in USA for international students
• How to choose your PhD topics?

  Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7

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16 thoughts on “PhD after MBA”

Hi I have done BCA+MCA from IGNOU. I got 92 percentage in BCA and 84 percentage in MCA. I have also worked as Software developer while doing my MCA for 3.5 years in a small start- up firm. I want to do MS in Computer Engineering. My question do top and middle tier American universities accept degrees from IGNOU (although it is a distance education IGNOU is recognised by government of India under act of parliament ) So Is my degrees from ignou valid for admission for MS in top american universities

Hi, I am pursuing PhD in India on the topic Organisational behaviour. But i am interested to do in USA. please tell me the ways if i can apply in some of the university’s. I am in US at present. kindly help me

Hello, I am name is Ankita, I have completed my Masters in Microbiology (Pune University). And I have been working in CSIR-URDIP as a patent analyst for the last 2 years now. As the place I am working at doesn’t give any kind of security in future, I have been off lately thinking about either apply for PhD abroad or MBA or do some courses regarding patent analysis abroad. Can you please give me any suggestion regarding what to do at this stage ?

@Dheeraj: There are some universities who consider IGNOU degrees. But it depends on which course you’re applying for. So best to check with them directly. We have some inputs for the MBA degree here: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2014/02/17/mba-after-correspondence-courses-distance-education/

@Sanam: You’d probably have to reset the call and start afresh. Specially if your current work has little or no overlap with what you plan to do in the US.

@Ankita: The decision would hinge on what you want to do after the degree. For a business oriented role, an MBA works best. For academic roles, a PhD works better.

Hello.. I have done MBA(HR & MK)in 2018.. I wanna take admission for phd in IIT’s.. Plz suggest me how can apply for this Thnks

Hi, I have done MBA ( management and leadership) in 2018 from Keiser university, Fl . I want to start PhD in supply chain. Please suggest me how can I apply for this. Thanks

Hi myself Rupak Debnath I have done MBA in MARKETING and HR and now I want to pursue PhD degree from IGNOU. My question is will it be right enough to opt a higher degree from open University and how much can I be benefited from the decision I have taken?? Please reply without any hesitation……….. waiting for your valuable reply………. Thanks

hi, I have done my MBA in HR and now i want to pursue phd in economics in hyderabad central university. am i eligable to apply and if yes , how to do that. kindly please let me know. regards, bindu yamini.

Could you please guide which PHD Programm will be approraite post “MBA in Consultancy Management”

hi i have completed my B.tech in mechanical engineering+ now i completed my MBA in Marketing& finance now i want to do phd in the operational manger field pls suggest something…

Pros and cons of doing PhD in Business Management after M.Com

Hi I had completed my mba in marketing in 2005 now i want to do p.hd from Canada.. Pls suggest…

Am Naveen an International Business Marketing Consultant having completed PGDM in Marketing + IT and hold BBM in International Business and seek a PHD in similar field. Alternatively, am working a Managing Partner for a Jewel Store too. As am traveling on a daily basis I want to complete my PHD to teach full-time at universities or colleges worldwide. Thanks

Assalam o Alakom I have don my MBA 3.5 year and HR Now to pursue PHD .am i eligable to apply for PHD..how to do that. kindly pleas i want to brief me in detail explain trough whatsaf way +923428966603 regards, Muhammad Hanzala

Sir,Can I eligible for phd program(Europe countries).After completion of mba(open degree) program in india.

Hi, I am Ankit from India, I did complete my MBA with Finance in 2016 and I have 4 year experience in same profile. Now I am looking Phd program in Finance in USA.

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Should you do an MBA after PhD?- Best Career Options

Can you do an mba after phd.

Yes, nothing is restricting you from pursuing an MBA after a PhD. A PhD is the highest degree of education someone can achieve in a particular field. But, even if you have completed a PhD, you might still want to pursue additional degrees. An MBA can boost your career journey. For example, it can help you get a promotion, migrate from academia to industry, or change industries altogether.

Why should you get an MBA after PhD

Work in the industry.

Most PhD graduates opt to stay in academia and pursue a career at a university. However, a PhD does not limit you to the academic world. There are many research-based jobs in the industry. Most skills PhD students learn thought their doctoral program are an asset for companies. For example, students learn how to do research (Research and development positions), data analytics, technical writing, teaching, etc.

Even though it is not always necessary, an MBA can help you make the transition from academia to industry. The skills learned through an MBA are geared toward the industry. Also, an MBA gives you the necessary experience to work in teams and become a manager.

Gain a Promotion

PhD graduates can work in the industry or academia. Due to their high level of education, they can pursue high-level positions at almost any institution. However, some upper management positions may require business expertise. Then, if your PhD is not based on a business field, you can consider pursuing an MBA and getting that promotion

Change Industries

Some professionals decide they want a career change after many years of working in one particular industry. However, they are not looking forward to taking a pay cut or a junior-level position. An MBA can help those professionals seamlessly change industries. MBA programs cover a wide range of business fields, from the management of information systems to human resources and marketing. Therefore, MBA graduates can choose any of those fields as a new career path.

Best Strategies to get an MBA after PhD

Business school is very expensive. An average 2-year MBA program costs $60,000 in tuition alone [2]. Also, funding for MBA programs is quite difficult to obtain. Teaching Assistant (TA) and Research Assistant (RA) positions are very limited in business school. Therefore, the student must look for scholarships to lower their tuition costs. However, there is an alternate option. Some employers cover tuition expenses as long as the employee demonstrates interest (or shows commitment) in staying in the company afterward. This funding option is also available for people working at Universities. Many Universities offer tuition reduction or waivers for employees.

Program Structure and Length

Standard MBAs take two years to complete. The classes are set up as a full-time program and, in most cases, do not allow you to work during the program. As an experienced professional with a PhD under your belt, you should consider a flexible MBA program. Here are a few options:

Executive MBA: These programs are designed for experienced professionals. You can continue to work and attend courses at night or lunch hours. Also, some universities offer online courses as part of the program (not a fully online degree, just a way to accelerate your studies).

Online Program: You can avoid long commutes and work through classes remotely. These programs allow you to build your schedule and work through courses at your own pace. Also, you will have a lot more Universities to pick from, since your location does not limit you anymore.

Accelerated MBA: These programs are very demanding, but get the job done in a year or less. If you are willing to take a break from work, consider joining an accelerated MBA program. You won’t be able to work fulltime, but you will only be out of the workforce for a year.

A PhD degree takes, on average, 8.3 years to complete in the United States [1]. They are the culprit of higher education, and they tend to be highly specific. For example, when pursuing a PhD in biology, the student does not focus on the whole subject. Instead, they focus on a specialization such as microbiology or genetics. Also, PhD programs are a mix of coursework and research. Students work for years on their dissertations and gain unique research experience.

MBA degrees are completed in 1 to 3 years, and the program is made up of coursework only. An MBA is a well-rounded degree; the coursework covers most business subjects such as marketing, operations, finance, and accounting. Most MBA programs give students to option to pick a concentration or emphasis. In that case, the student builds their expertise in a particular subject. However, the degree is still not as specific as a doctorate.

Related Articles:

GRE vs GMAT

GRE vs GMAT for MBA – Which test should I take?

The Right PhD Program

Find the Right Ph.D. Program: Main Considerations (including funding)

[1]  https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf20301/report

[2] https://www.graduateshotline.com/business-schools/cost-of-doing-mba.html

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PhD After MBA – Step by Step Guide 2022

Written by   piyush bhartiya , mba.

PhD after MBA can simply be called the ‘road less taken.’ Not many people pursue a PhD in Commerce , it is a field that is relatively unknown and does not attract many pursuers.

PhD after MBA is more useful in the academic field than a professional one. The ROI and opportunity cost for this course are also not up to the par initially, however, it does not mean that the course is not worth it, a PhD can be quite rewarding if done right.

Table of Contents

PhD After MBA

PhD after MBA may not be as advantageous as one may expect it to be. After getting done with an MBA, many prefer to increase their work experience rather than pursue a PhD; but if you are interested in doing research in the field of your interest, PhD may be the perfect course for you to take up.

Apart from the extensive knowledge which the course provides, PhD researchers also get a chance to do individual research and study which puts them apart from other managers. 

• PhD is a rigorous course that requires a lot of dedication and hard work.
• It can be tedious as there is a lot of time one needs to invest in a PhD
• The PhD course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.
• There are many practical approaches and methods like field studies , experimental methods , econometrics , etc. which are used during PhDs. 
• It is a course for those who want to teach Management . 
• The profession of the Professor is most reputable and sought after.
• PhD researchers also work as consultants in the top firms.
• PhD trains researchers and increases their analytical skills.
• Positions in analytics are offered commonly to PhD researchers because of their skillset.
• The growth is considerably slow and one may not earn much before getting tenure.

Benefits of phd after mba

While we’re in the specifics of each PhD after MBA school, let’s have a look at the benefits of PhD after MBA and why it’s such a good career choice:

• PhD after MBA allows students to undertake research and perform in-field studies of ideas and specialities that you couldn’t do during your MBA.
• MBA degrees give profitable employment opportunities in and of itself, but after obtaining a PhD, MBA degrees become considerably more useful.
• The research conducted during a PhD following an MBA helps to raise knowledge of new business insights and trends throughout the world, which aids in more effective company management.
• Having an MBA degree, a person with a PhD can earn a lot of money. A top MBA College lecturer earns millions more than someone with an MBA degree.
• PhD after MBA permits them to work in the field of management, finance, or business research, setting them distinct from other managers who have just completed an MBA.

PhD Courses after MBA

Phd finance.

• PhD Finance is a research-based programme that prepares students for a successful academic career.
• After earning an MBA in Finance, students pursue a PhD in Finance.
• PhD finance focuses on advanced topics such as share valuation, privatisation and globalisation, cost and management accounting, and so on.

PhD Marketing

• PhD Marketing is a three-year doctoral degree that prepares students to teach and do research in the disciplines of marketing and allied fields.
• The entrance test and personal interview are used to determine admission to this programme. After completing an MBA in Marketing, any applicant with a postgraduate degree in a related field is entitled to apply for a PhD.
• PhD Marketing is a highly competitive field, with jobs such as Market Research Analyst, Marketing Communications Leader, Marketing Executive, and others paying between INR 2,00,000 and INR 10,00,000.

PhD Organization Behaviour

• PhD Organization Behaviour is a three- to five-year doctoral programme that studies human behaviour in organisations.
• A candidate for a PhD following an MBA in Organization Behaviour must have a Master’s degree or an M.Phil. in the relevant subject of study with a minimum aggregate of 55%.
• Candidates can get work in organisations such as Academic Institutions, Colleges, Finance, Marketing, Information Technology, and others after successfully completing the Ph.D. Organization Behaviour programme, with an average pay of INR 4,00,000 – INR 8,00,000.

PhD Business Management

• PhD Business Management is a three-year doctoral degree that focuses on actions such as leading, monitoring, coordinating, and planning that are involved in operating a business.
• A master’s degree in related fields with a minimum aggregate of 50% or higher qualifies a student for a PhD after completing an MBA in Business Management.
• PhD in Business Management graduates can find work in areas such as colleges and universities, finance, information technology, banking, management, operations, supply chain management, MNCs, product development, human resources, and more, with average salaries ranging from INR 4,00,000 to INR 8,00,000.
• PhD in Management

PhD in management is one of the highest academic degrees awarded in the study of management. A PhD in Management degree was designed for those seeking academic research and teaching careers as faculty or professors in the field of management at business schools worldwide.

Following are the advantages of doing PhD in Management :

• To gain a competitive edge: A PhD in Management is an immediately marketable asset that will give you a competitive edge in today’s workforce. A PhD in Management proves that you have an impressive level of credibility, proving expertise in your field of study and a lifelong commitment to learning which will help you fulfill your professional goals.
• Helps you become a better thinker: A good PhD in Management program encourages you to do more than just consume what has been taught in the classes – it teaches you to create it and become a good thinker. By moving past passive learning, you’ll achieve newer levels of critical thinking that you can apply in new ways in your career and field of interest.
• Skills enhancement: A PhD in Management can help you gain and enhance valuable skills that are universally applicable to any field. The degree can also empower you to make more of an impact in your current role by giving you expertise outside of your organization, which in turn which helps people around you as well. Once you begin your studies, you may find colleagues turning to you for guidance.
• Become a scholar-practitioner: A PhD in Management will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to not only attend academic conferences but present at them. You’ll discover your scholarly voice, write a dissertation, and may find yourself authoring peer-reviewed articles published in your field’s leading journals.

PhD Course Duration After MBA        

The duration for PhD after MBA may vary depending on the research topic , methodologies, and investment of time and labour .

On average, the completion of PhD may take 4 to 5 years . The duration may also vary depending on the country and institution.

Eligibility For PhD After MBA

Though particular requirements differ by university, there are some fundamental requirements for a PhD following an MBA or any other postgraduate study that every applicant must meet. The fundamental qualification for a doctorate degree is a master’s degree in the corresponding subject (from a recognised institution). If you want to apply for a PhD in Business Administration, for example, you must have completed a postgraduate course like an MBA or MIM. In addition to this, you will be required to submit the following papers:

• One must have a good IELTS or TOEFL exam score to prove their English language proficiency . 
• One must also have a respectable GRE / GMAT score, it may vary as per the university.
• Students must also submit their essays, SOP , and transcript.
• At least 2 to 3 Letters of Recommendation are required to be submitted by the student. 
• Often times, an interview is conducted either physically or online via video call to test student’s knowledge and eligibility.
• Students must have a dissertation ready and a thesis statement or an idea.
• It is important that the students are well versed with what they want to do and have a clear idea about their objectives.
• At top-rated Business Schools, the acceptance rate is around 3 to 5%

Can I do a PhD after MBA?

Yes , one can do a PhD after MBA . There are Various Business Schools all over the world that offer PhD programs that can be pursued after an MBA.

For the MBA itself, many schools require some years of work experience. By the time a student may choose to pursue an MBA, they may already have the direction they want to take in their life.

A PhD after an MBA is not a popular choice but many students still decide to pursue the research either out of interest or for better opportunities. To pursue a PhD, the eligibility criteria include 50% or more marks in the post-graduation, and students are also required to take up an entrance exam. For anyone who has done an MBA, the field of PhD is open for them.

Also Read: MBA Study Material

After MBA PhD Courses

There are several PhD courses after MBA which a student may choose. There is no dearth of specialization in the field of management due to its vast scope.

Each research in each area is equally important as the PhD in Management is quite an unexplored field.

There are several courses one may take, like:

• Entrepreneurship
• Decision Sciences 
• Human Resource Management
• Organizational behaviour

How to do PhD after MBA?

There are many options for students who want to do a PhD after their MBA is done. It is important that the MBA course the candidate has done is for the duration of 2 years . Along with these basic requirements and minimum qualifying scores, letters of recommendation, research proposal and work experience aids in increasing the chances of getting admission into top universities. In India, it could take between 3 t o 5 years to complete PhD after MBA while abroad, it can take anywhere between 4 to 7 years.

It is also most important that the students must choose their field of interest and work in that direction only.

Students have the choice to pursue a PhD in India or abroad . The application for both remains more or less the same. To do a PhD after MBA abroad , one has to additionally give exams like GMAT or GRE and language proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL .

For India, exams like CAT are applicable.

PhD After MBA in India

There are several advantages to pursuing a PhD after an MBA, including gaining a competitive advantage in the management and business worlds, as well as the research and professional experience required to pursue high-paying managerial positions in India and overseas.

What you should know about pursuing a PhD in India after completing an MBA:

• Duration : In India, depending on the curriculum and university, you can earn your PhD after an MBA in 3-5 years.
• Eligibility :To apply for a PhD in India, you must have finished a two-year MBA programme and passed the UGC-NET or GATE test, as well as qualify for admission to India’s top business schools and universities.
• Requirements : To boost your chances of getting a PhD after an MBA in India, you’ll need GATE / UGC – NET / CSIR – NET scores, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and optional job experience.
• Indian Institutes of Management Studies (IIMs)
• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• National Institute of Management, Calcutta
• Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi
• Benaras Hindu University
• PhD in Organizational Behaviour/Management
• PhD in Behavioural Finance
• PhD in Applied Statistics
• PhD in Information Technology/Data Analytics
• PhD in Market Analysis and Research

NOTE: It is often advisable that students choose the area for research in which they have specialised during their MBA. It is however not compulsory.

PhD After MBA In Distance Education

One can do a PhD after MBA in Distance Education but few things need to be taken into consideration.

It is important that the institution from where the candidate has pursued their MBA in Distance education form is recognised by the UGC or any other supreme commission, as relevant to the country.

Also, the degree must match the eligibility criteria as well for the PhD program one is applying to.

Can I do a PhD after Distance MBA?

• Yes, one can do a PhD after a distance MBA.
• The institute must be recognised by UGC.
• Universities cannot differentiate between the degrees.
• The degree earned must be in tandem with the degree mentioned in the eligibility criteria. 
• The application process is as same as the process for regular courses.
• Candidates must submit their mark sheets, documents, essays, SOP s, etc. like any other regular candidate.
• The admission in a PhD program is based mostly on entrance exams and interviews. 
• Some institutes may prefer regular students over the ones who pursue their degrees via distance education mode.
•  The decision to select a candidate or not is solely based on the discretion of the university.

Best College to Study PhD After MBA

There is a lot of scope for pursuing PhD after MBA abroad . There is also a greater advantage of its scope and recognition in countries abroad.

Some of the top business schools around the world that offers PhD after MBA are as follows:

PhD After MBA in USA

PhD after MBA in USA is the most popular place, it especially is a great place to pursue a PhD after MBA because of a highly research-friendly environment.

The USA is home to the top business schools and offers students with unlimited data and resources to facilitate their research. The amenities provided to PhD researchers are quite good here as well.

• University of Pennsylvania
• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• The University of California
• Columbia University
• Kellogg School of Management 
• The University of Chicago
• Washington University 
• Cornell University
• University of Michigan

Also Read: PhD in USA

PhD after MBA in Australia is a very pleasant place to be at and it is also home to many great universities.

PhD After MBA in Australia

There are many great B-schools that offer PhD programs after MBA . There is a lot of scope for applying practical methods here because of the way businesses and cor[orates are run here.

Students will have a lot of opportunities to conduct researches and collect primary as well as secondary data.

• University of Sydney
• University of Melbourne
• University of Queensland
• Australian National University
• UNSW Sydney
• University of Western Australia
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Canberra
• Monash University
• University of Adelaide

PhD After MBA in Germany

PhD after MBA in Germany is probably the best place because of the many facilities like the grant which is available for students.

Germany boasts of some of the best universities in the world and has the best management programs as well. Many universities in Germany offer PhD in management and great guidance to students to help them in their research work.

• Technical University of Munich
• Heidelberg University
• University of Berlin
• University of Hamburg
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• University of Freiburg
• Bielefeld University
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• RWTH Aachen University

PhD After MBA In UK

UK is the home to many of the top business schools in the world the following are some of the top universities in UK that offer PhD after MBA:

• University of Warwick: Warwick Business School
• Durham University Business School
• University of Nottingham: Business School
• The University of Edinburgh: Business School
• Cranfield School of Management
• Leeds University: Business School
• University of Exeter: Business School
• Lancaster University Management School
• University of Birmingham: Business School
• University of Glasgow: Business School

PhD After MBA In Canada

Canada is one of the top sought after countries for pursuing higher studies and the following are some of the top Business schools in Canada offering PhD after MBA:

• McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management
• University of Toronto Joseph L. Rotman School of Management
• University Of British Columbia Sauder School Of Business
• Western University – Ivey Business School
• HEC Montréal
• York University Schulich School Of Business
• Smith School of Business – Queen’s University

PhD After MBA In Finance

PhD in Finance gives students an excellent academic career as it is a research-oriented course 3 year course . Students usually pursue PhD in Finance after graduating with an MBA degree in Finance.

PhD in Finance deals with the advanced study of Management Accounting, Valuation of Shares, Cost, Privatization and Globalization, etc.

The minimum academic requirement for applying for a PhD in Finance is Post Graduation in courses with a minimum aggregate of 55% in Accountancy, Economics or Mathematics 

Students are also required to obtain the minimum qualifying marks in entrance exams such as UGC NET, RMAT, JNUEE, GTU PhD Entrance Exam.

PhD in Finance requires expertise in subjects like Mathematics and Economics .

The top universities offering this program are:

• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
• Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi
• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
• The Centurion University of Technology and Management
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science

Scope Of PhD After MBA in Finance

PhD after MBA in Finance has opportunities after opportunities. There is a wide scope of opportunities and many companies look out for such candidates to hire because of their skill and both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Students once graduated with a PhD in Finance after MBA often find work as Stockbroker , Statistician , Finance Manager, Corporate Banking Executive , etc.

Top companies like the ones mentioned below seek to recruit the candidates who have completed their PhD in Finance.

• TATA Consultancy
• Genpact Technologies Ltd

PhD After MBA In HR

PhD in Human Resource Manage ment is a doctorate program spread over 3 to 5 years and deals with the policies and teaching processes that organisations follow to maximise efficiency and productivity. It also teaches the candidates the necessary skills required to become an efficient human resource manager.

The minimum academic requirement for applying for a PhD in HR is Post Graduation in courses with a minimum aggregate of 55% from an Indian institute or a recognised foreign institute.

Students are also required to obtain the minimum qualifying marks in entrance exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, JNUEE

Scope Of PhD After MBA in HR

Students once graduated with a PhD in HR after MBA often find work as Human Resource Manager. HR Executive, HR Consultant, Training Coordinator, Training Manager, Recruitment Consultant, Personnel Manager, HR Director, etc.

PhD After MBA In Marketing

PhD in Marketing is a doctorate program spread over 3 years to prepare students to perform research in marketing fields and also a career in the academic field.

The minimum academic requirement for applying for a PhD in Marketing is Post Graduation in courses with a minimum aggregate of 55% from an Indian institute or a recognised foreign institute along with a follow up interview as required by the institute.

Students are also required to obtain the minimum qualifying marks in entrance exams such as  UGC NET, CSIR NET, ICMR JRF

Scope Of PhD After MBA in Marketing

Students once graduated with a PhD in Marketing after MBA often find work as Brand Manager, Market Research Analyst, Marketing Executive, Marketing Manager, New Product Manager, Teacher & Lecturer, Tell Caller/Tele sales, etc

PhD After MBA Salary

Obtaining a PhD after MBA also aids increasing a person’s salary and it can be anywhere between an average salary of INR 2,00,000 to- INR 14,00,000. Graduates can also opt to work in corporate firms or as Professors in MBA universities.

Scope Of PhD After MBA

PhD after MBA opens up doors to many opportunities such as research in various fields such as f inance, management or business. Along with that, graduates can also opt to work in corporate firms or as Professors in MBA universities

Ans. There are many options for students who want to do a PhD after their MBA is done. It is important that the MBA course the candidate has done is for the duration of 2 years . The most common career path that is chosen is teaching.

Ans. You can complete your MBA in 1- 2 years as compared to PhD which takes 4-6 years. So MBA is considered advantageous as it allows the student to start their career far sooner.

Ans. Yes, you can do PhD while working, but this can only happen if you are keen to work. Working full time and doing PhD is not easy, you won’t  make progress without constant effort.

Ans. Yes, you can do PhD at the age of 40, most of the person who do this are mostly in education sector. The only problem that comes up is that not all programs will be open for you.

Ans: Yes, one can do a PhD after MBA. There are Various Business Schools all over the world that offer PhD programs that can be pursued after an MBA. For the MBA itself, many schools require some years of work experience.

About the Author & Expert

Piyush Bhartiya

Piyush values education and has studied from the top institutes of iit roorkee, iim bangalore, kth sweden and tsinghua university in china. post completing his mba, he has worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, the boston consulting group and focused on building sales and marketing verticals for top mncs and indian business houses., related posts.

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Ph.D After MBA in India: Courses List, Eligibility, Duration, Career Scope

Mar 4, 2024

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Ph.D. after MBA in India attracts numerous students every year. Find more information about eligibility, courses list, duration, career scope, and much more.

Ph.D. after MBA is a diversified course with various insights shared with the aspirants. The article below throws light upon various questions students would want to understand, right from Can I Do Ph.D. After MBA, to different Ph.D. courses in India and their criteria. The scope for the Ph.D. after MBA is very vivid and broader and helps in developing different skills as well.

• What kind of specializations are available in Ph.D. after MBA
• Ph.D. course duration after MBA
• How to do a Ph.D. after MBA
• Requirements for applying through Ph.D

Ph.D. After MBA in Distance Education

Benefits of ph.d. after mba.

• Why Ph.D. After MBA is better option

Career Scope and Employment Sectors

Top colleges for ph.d. after mba, what kind of specializations are available in ph.d. after mba.

There are many specializations offered in Ph.D.which carry along with them great benefits. So check out the most preferred and most popular disciplines offered in Ph.D.:

• Ph.D. in Commerce
• Ph.D. in Computer Science
• Ph.D. in Economics
• Ph.D. in English
• Ph.D. in Human Resource Management
• Ph.D. in Philosophy
• Ph.D. in Psychology

Other common Ph.D. Specializations after MBA

• Ph.D. in Accounting
• Ph.D. in Business Economics
• Ph.D. in Chemistry
• Ph.D. in Commercial Law
• Ph.D. in Education
• Ph.D. in Engineering
• Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship
• Ph.D. in Finance
• Ph.D. in Healthcare and Management
• Ph.D. in IT
• Ph.D. in Marketing
• Ph.D. in Operations
• Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior
• Ph.D. in Political Science
• Ph.D. in Statistics

Ph.D. Course Duration after MBA

The duration of the Ph.D. course duration after an MBA varies from the research topics, methodologies, institutions chosen or the time being invested by aspirants. Most of the time, the course duration also depends on the kind of country students have chosen. On average the completion of Ph.D. courses takes about 4-5 years.

How to do a Ph.D. after MBA?

A Ph.D. after MBA is a career option that is dynamic and vast. The scope for the same is as well increasing. Ph.D. after MBA can be pursued after the completion of an MBA from a recognized university with a duration of two years. Aspirants need to choose their field of research and interest. There are various entrance exams that the aspirants need to take such as CAT, UGC NET and so on.

Requirements for applying through  Ph.D.

Though the specific prerequisites might vary from one university to another, there are some general criteria for a Ph.D. after MBA or any other postgraduate program that every candidate needs to fulfill. The primary requirement is that of a master's degree in the related discipline from a recognized institution in which one is applying for a doctoral degree; if you are using for a Ph.D. in Business Administration, you need to have completed a postgraduate course like, MBA, MIM, among others. Along with these, you will be required to submit the following documents.

• English proficiency test scores, such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
• SOP and LORs
• GRE or GMAT scores
• An Updated Resume or CV
• Academic Transcripts

Many students start their work career after the completion of an MBA and so opting for Ph.D. after MBA in Distance Education is easier. There are various criteria institutes consider before admission. It is very important aspirants have completed their MBA from a recognized University(UGC). It's also necessary that the eligibility criteria be met depending on the institution chosen by the aspirants.

Before delving into the specifics of each Ph.D. after MBA program, we'll look at the benefits of a Ph.D. after MBA and why a Ph.D. after MBA is such a great career option.

• Ph.D. after MBA allows you to conduct research and in-depth study of concepts and specializations that you would not have been able to do during your MBA.
• MBA degrees provide lucrative career opportunities on their own, but after obtaining a Ph.D., MBA degrees become much more valuable.
• The research conducted during a Ph.D. after an MBA raises awareness of new business insights and trends around the world, allowing for more efficient business management.
• A person with a Ph.D. after an MBA can earn a good living. A top MBA College professor earns far more than an MBA degree holder.
• Ph.D. after MBA allows aspirants to work in the field of research in management, finance, or business, distinguishing them from other managers who only pursue an MBA.

Why Ph.D. after MBA is Better Option?

A Ph.D. is a data-driven degree that involves extensive analysis and in-depth assessment as it consists of submitting a research thesis as it is the essential thing in the assessment element. If you have been planning to pursue a career in research, an MBA is more of a professional route to take but combining it with Ph.D. benefits you with the knowledge of both the corporate and research world.

What makes a Ph.D. after MBA the most popular option? The Doctorate of Philosophy program allows for in-depth knowledge in the specialization field. Research and the most importantly offers an opportunity to conduct independent study, which would otherwise only be limited to the more practical and commercially useful MBA degree. The research training provides an awareness of cutting-edge developments and evolving new insights and solving various problems. Doctoral graduates have years of experience in data analysis and data-driven decision-making; they are practiced with multiple research methodologies.

While most doctoral graduates find positions as faculty in reputable business schools, a fraction of them carry on in post-doctoral studies or head towards industry positions. 

Ph.D. after MBA can furnish you with the quintessential business understanding to fit the role of business consultants and analysts. 

As many doctoral scholars move further to become professors or researchers, only a small proportion of them head towards the industry. Listed below are some of the jobs that one can get after completing their Ph.D.:

• Scientific Writer 
• Assistant Professor
• Research Assistant
• Chief Research Manager 
• Senior Professor 
• Senior Consultant

Ph.D. has scope for working in diverse fields right from the automobile industry to the NGOs. The areas of recruitment are:

• Chemical and Pharmaceuticals Industry
• Oil and Gas Industry
• Research Industry

So as now you are aware of the Ph.D. program, make sure you choose the best specialization that suits that motivates you to push further even harder. Make no mistake in selecting the specialization, so read thoroughly through the article and choose the best.

Some of the top colleges for pursuing a Ph.D. after MBA are listed below:

• University of Calcutta
• Amity University
• Amrita University
• Delhi University
• Andhra University
• Aligarh Muslim University
• BITS Pilani
• Manipal Institute of Technology

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MBA after PhD

• Updated on  
• Apr 14, 2023

A qualification, regardless of level and field of study, will never be a waste; one just needs to realize how to use it wisely and appropriately. As we navigate through life we shift our perspective and interests, our education choices, therefore, need to reflect this. Usually, students with PhD do not plan to study ahead, but MBA is an opportunity that it is not easy to let go, especially as it allows professionals to enter the corporate world with great opportunities ahead. In this blog, let us understand what it takes to study MBA after Ph.D . 

This Blog Includes:

Benefits of mba after ph.d., who earns more mba or ph.d., top mba entrance exams, top indian universities for mba, top foreign universities for mba, top 6 countries to study mba after phd.

Ph.D. armed you with tenacity, discipline, critical analysis of information, and the knowledge unparalleled by anyone else in the exact topic of your research. It qualified one as a specialist . It provides sound research focus, whereas MBA on other hand provides sound business and leadership focus.

It is understandable that a Ph.D. is the highest degree that one can have, but there is no hard and fast rule that one cannot pursue MBA after completing their Ph.D. Ph.D. might restrict you in one field and does not let you explore a job in another field. Also, some upper management positions may require some business expertise and if your Ph.D. is not based on the business field, considering MBA can give you that push in the business area. MBA after PhD not only offers great career opportunities but also guarantees a highly paid job and also lets you develop a strong professional network. MBA will offer you a wealth of advantages, especially when it’s from a well-reputed business school . There are many good reasons for pursuing MBA after PhD and here is a detailed guide about how doing an MBA can benefit your career:

• Develop advanced and flexible management skills.
• It gives you greater business network opportunities.
• It helps you make the transition from academia to industry.
• One can start their own company from scratch.

Here is a table containing general differences between an MBA and a PhD

Incorporate sector a Ph.D. holder draws an average salary of 10 Lakhs in India. Whereas with 1 to 4 years of experience, early career MBA salary in India can grow up to 7-8 Lakhs.

There are various MBA entrance exams that are open with admission opportunities in top B-School. The list for top MBA exams are given below:

• National Level: CAT , CMAT , and MAT
• International Level: GMAT, GRE , IELTS , and TOEFL
• University/College Level: XAT , SNAP , IIFT

The table below lists the application dates and exam date of top MBA exams:

When we talk about MBA in India, the first university which struck our mind is IIM. However, with time numerous universities had made it to the list of top MBA colleges. Below are the top B-Schools in India with their flagship program, entrance exams, and great salary package post-MBA.

• IIM Ahmedabad
• IIM Bangalore
• IIM Calcutta
• XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
• Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad
• SPIMJR, Mumbai
• IIM Kozhikode

Pursuing an MBA in a foreign university offers you the opportunity to have a globally recognized degree and explore job opportunities abroad with a higher salary, and career growth. MBA abroad requires a Bachelor’s degree and work experience for at least 4-5 years. Here we have listed some of the top universities you can consider for pursuing an MBA:

• The Wharton School, Pennsylvania
• London Business School, London (UK)
• Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford (MA)
• MIT Management, Cambridge (MA)
• Harvard Business School, Boston (MA)
• UC Berkeley, Berkeley (CA)
• Columbia Business School, New York
• F rankfurt School of Finance & Management, Germany
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

For aspirants who are planning to get an MBA degree, here is the list of best places to study MBA for a successful career in the future:

• United Kingdom
• United States

The Ph.D. is a research-oriented path, while MBA is a practice of business. Learning more about non-profit marketing through a business program might help you advance in your career.  An MBA is very general/broad in nature, it covers many subjects, most of which have an entire master’s degree path in and of itself whereas a Ph.D. is so much more about only one thing.

Leading business schools in India like IIMs, XLRI, NMIMS, etc. offer financial help to deserving candidates to complete their management studies. Different universities offer different scholarship programs for students belonging to every category. Candidates who have obtained a first degree of at least upper second class honors standard, or a second-class degree and a Master’s degree or relevant postgraduate qualification are eligible for the Ph.D. scholarships of this program.

The most basic requirement for pursuing an MBA abroad is a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university; preferably a full-time degree from a reputed institute. The second major pre-requisite of a foreign MBA is substantial work experience of a minimum of 3-5 years.

Yes, anyone can pursue an MBA after their doctoral degree. An MBA can boost your career journey, and skills learned through MBA are geared towards the industry.  

We hope you understand that it is possible to study MBA after PhD in this blog. Follow   Leverage Edu India’s no. 1 leading educational platform for related informative blogs. Please put your comments below in the comment section. 

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I quit my Ph.D. program to be a wife and mother at 23. It's not what I expected for my post-college life, but I'm happier.

• After college, I ennrolled in a Ph.D. program I wasn't actually interested in. 
• I eventually dropped out of the program so that I could focus on my husband and being a mother. 
• I am now pregnant, and I'm so happy with my decision.

In high school, I knew college would be an important step toward success and a career. Nonetheless, my deeper desires involved finding "the one" — friends-to-lovers style.

I had a full scholarship to the college of my dreams, but I quickly shifted focus from my studies to my personal development. I wanted to know more about myself than my classes.

And that's what I did. I created a podcast with my friends. I fell in love with my best friend and got my friends-to-lovers romance. We even got married in college. I also discovered my passion for mental health.

But by the end of my senior year, reality started to set in. I became so fearful of graduation because I had no job prospects or future plans. I suddenly realized I would become a stay-at-home wife , and that terrified me even more.

To avoid that, I desperately searched for a career and enrolled in a graduate program I wasn't interested in.

I quickly lost interest in my Ph.D. program

I was among a small number of students who were able to get into a Ph.D. program directly from undergrad.

Related stories

I was an academic in training, which meant having two part-time jobs, doing side research projects, and attending class. I saw my husband less, but he supported the sacrifice as long as I got what I wanted. I started working at 8 a.m. and finished around 7 p.m. I worked on the weekends, too.

The Pinterest-inspired home I hoped to have would have required my creativity and time, both of which are limited resources when you're running the career race. So, we kept the white walls, with no time to hang the framed pictures of our wedding day .

I started therapy during this time, and I was forced to address the fear and anxiety that had pushed me to jump head-first into a career I wasn't sure about. Toward the end of my first semester , I knew this career was not for me. I wasn't able to invest in my marriage. I wasn't able to write creatively on topics that mattered. I wasn't becoming who I wanted to be.

So, I left the program, prompting everyone in my life to wonder why I would leave a school that would earn me the highest degree you can get in academics.

I chose to be a wife and mother instead

After leaving my program, I felt relief, then sadness, and then relief again. Undergrad was about becoming myself, but graduate school showed me the realities of unbecoming — unbecoming a perfectionist, unbecoming a planner, and unbecoming a high-achiever . The pain of unbecoming had given me the freedom to change.

When I let go of grinding toward a career, I learned about my desire to be a mother. I wanted to share the beauties of the world with someone else, someone I created. Now, I'm pregnant .

When I let go of the negative connotations of being a stay-at-home wife, I realized my desire to make my home into a creative and comfortable space. So, I created it. When I let go of the fear of being a wife, I saw my husband as a compassionate, servant, and loving person who needed it in return. Now, I give love freely. When I let go of the fear of people seeing me as wasted potential, I found writing again. So, I write.

This is not what I expected for my post-graduation life , but my life is both better and different than my expectations.

In the year after graduation, I've learned that becoming's shadow is unbecoming. They exist together. The becoming is full of excitement and hope. The unbecoming is full of pain, truth, and even fear. But there's hope on the horizon.

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