strategic management phd requirements

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• Program Requirements

Students in the program are expected to master graduate-level microeconomic theory and econometrics. In addition, they are expected to devote substantial time to mastering one additional complementary discipline, such as psychology, sociology, or political science, and developing expertise in research methodologies suited to their particular interests, such as qualitative analysis, designing effective fieldwork, and analysis of survey data.

Students in the Strategy doctoral program work closely with faculty in the Strategy Unit. In addition to the doctoral program in Strategy, the Strategy unit offers a program in Business Economics , which is designed to attract students interested in pursuing research using a purely economics-based methodology.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our programs are full-time degree programs which officially begin in August. Students are expected to complete their program in five years. Typically, the first two years are spent on coursework, at the end of which students take a field exam, and then another three years on dissertation research and writing.

The program requires a minimum of 13 semester long doctoral courses. Students in the Strategy program complete courses in the areas of business management theory, economic theory, quantitative research methods, academic field seminars, and two MBA elective curriculum courses. In addition to HBS courses, students may take courses at other Harvard Schools and MIT.

Research & Dissertation

Students in strategy begin research in their first year typically by working with a faculty member. By their third and fourth years, most students are launched on a solid research and publication stream. The dissertation may take the form of three publishable papers or one longer dissertation.

Examples of thesis research include: the relationship between non-market experience and the use and outcome of patent strategies by pharmaceutical firms; the antecedents and consequences of corporate strategy decision-making, specifically focusing on divestitures and governance; the impact of religion on individual financial choices and institutional structures; innovation in emerging markets; and the causal effect of incentive policy reform, expatriates and social relationships on innovation.

Dafna Bearson

Rowan Clarke

“ Students in the program come from diverse backgrounds ranging from computer science to psychology. It's really fascinating how different our worlds views are! ”

Current HBS Faculty

• Juan Alcacer
• Laura Alfaro
• Bharat N. Anand
• Julie Battilana
• Ethan S. Bernstein
• Ramon Casadesus-Masanell
• Prithwiraj Choudhury
• David J. Collis
• Leemore S. Dafny
• Mattias E. Fibiger
• Carolyn J. Fu
• Shane M. Greenstein
• Boris Groysberg
• Jonas Heese
• Rebecca M. Henderson
• Ebehi Iyoha
• William R. Kerr
• Tarun Khanna
• Rembrand M. Koning
• Michael Luca
• Alexander J. MacKay
• Deepak Malhotra
• Cynthia A. Montgomery
• Frank Nagle
• Felix Oberholzer-Gee
• Joseph Pacelli
• Lynn S. Paine
• Sophus A. Reinert
• Meg Rithmire
• Jan W. Rivkin
• Charlotte L. Robertson
• Maria P. Roche
• Clayton S. Rose
• Raffaella Sadun
• George Serafeim
• Ariel D. Stern
• Jorge Tamayo
• Eric J. Van den Steen
• Dennis A. Yao
• David B. Yoffie

Current Strategy Students

• Jackson Anderson
• Ana Antolin
• Dafna Bearson
• Daniel J. Brown
• Liz Calder
• Rowan Clarke
• Innessa Colaiacovo
• Leila Doumi
• Laura Katsnelson
• Aticus Peterson
• Joey Ryu
• Kyle Schirmann
• Yifei Wu
• Haiyang Zhang

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, nataliya langburd wright, 2023, hyunjin kim, 2020, jasmina chauvin, 2018, mike teodorescu, 2018, f. christopher eaglin, 2022, j. yo-jud cheng, 2019, cheng gao, 2018, young hou, 2021, do yoon kim, 2019, christopher poliquin, 2018.

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Ph.D. in Strategic Management

Program information.

The doctoral program in strategic management prepares students for success in research universities as faculty members specializing in strategic management. Research in strategic management concerns how firms and organizations gain competitive advantage over rival firms or organizations. The field emphasizes a blend of knowledge about economics, sociology and psychology to understand firm strategy and strategic decision-making.

Important sub-fields within the discipline include research on developing firm resources, competitive interactions, relational governance, strategic decision-making, innovation, entrepreneurship and organizational learning. The field is increasingly focusing on research issues within the context of globalization and international business.  

Application deadlines

Priority: December 15, 2023

Final: January 10, 2024

• Application requirements

Doctoral students work closely with faculty to gain research expertise in the various functions and activities carried out as part of SM with a focus on developing firm resources, competitive interactions, relational governance, strategic decision-making, innovation, entrepreneurship, and organizational learning.

Part of our mission is to develop effective teachers. To that end, all doctoral students are required to teach at least two sections as independent instructors. The school and university prepare and reward doctoral students for excellence in teaching through various programs and awards.

Program details

Strategic management core courses.

A graduate course in economics: BE 701: Business Economics OR BE 917: Advanced Managerial Economics OR ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics

Note: BE 917: Business Economics, is preferred.  Students coming into the program directly from an undergraduate degree may consider substituting BE 701: Business Economics, or ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics. In the event a student has taken a graduate economics course prior to enrolling as a KU doctoral student, she/he may waive the requirement and substitute either an elective doctoral content course or a statistics/research methods course for this requirement.

MGMT 905: Management Research Methods

MGMT 916: Major Management Theories

MGMT 956: Seminar in Strategic Management I

MGMT 957: Seminar in Strategic Management II

MGMT 950: Seminar in Human Resource Management I OR      MGMT 951: Seminar in Human Resource Management II

MGMT 953: Seminar in Organizational Behavior I OR      MGMT 954: Seminar in Organizational Behavior II

MGMT 998: Independent Study

MGMT 958: Special Topics in Strategic Management (offered and required when there are 3 or more students in years 1 & 2 of the program)

Statistics/Research Methods Courses

At least four courses with advisor approval

At least two or more courses with advisor approval

More information:

View a detailed list of courses in the Academic Catalog .

Requirements

Area of concentration.

Most students typically will select the specific area to which they are admitted (strategic management) as their concentration. However, an aspirant, with the assistance of his or her faculty advisor and the area faculty, may propose an interdisciplinary area of concentration that is a combination of the traditional business disciplines.

An aspirant may also propose an interdisciplinary area of concentration that includes emphases such as international business, law and economics. 

Research methodology

For successful qualifier assessment, the student’s program of study should include adequate preparation in research methodology.

• Comprehensive exams
• Dissertation proposal
• Dissertation defense

Some students can complete the program in four years.

Program faculty

• Edmund P. Learned Professor
• Management and Entrepreneurship academic area

• Assistant Professor

• Frank T. Stockton Professor

• William & Judy Docking Professor of Strategy

Strategic management doctoral students

• Ph.D. Candidate

• Ph.D. Student

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Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

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This 20-month MBA program equips experienced executives to enhance their impact on their organizations and the world.

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PhD Program

Program overview.

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Rigorous, discipline-based research is the hallmark of the MIT Sloan PhD Program. The program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their fields of research—those with outstanding intellectual skills who will carry forward productive research on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.

Start here.

Learn more about the program, how to apply, and find answers to common questions.

Admissions Events

Check out our event schedule, and learn when you can chat with us in person or online.

Start Your Application

Visit this section to find important admissions deadlines, along with a link to our application.

Click here for answers to many of the most frequently asked questions.

PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous:  MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.

PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science. Our nine research groups correspond with one of the academic areas, as noted below.

MIT Sloan PhD Research Groups

Behavioral & policy sciences.

Economic Sociology

Institute for Work & Employment Research

Organization Studies

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management

Economics, Finance & Accounting

Accounting  

Management Science

Information Technology

System Dynamics  

Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the Operations Research Center .  

PhD Program Structure

Additional information including coursework and thesis requirements.

MIT Sloan Predoctoral Opportunities

MIT Sloan is eager to provide a diverse group of talented students with early-career exposure to research techniques as well as support in considering research career paths.

Rising Scholars Conference

The fourth annual Rising Scholars Conference on October 25 and 26 gathers diverse PhD students from across the country to present their research.

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The goal of the MIT Sloan PhD Program's admissions process is to select a small number of people who are most likely to successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

What We Seek

• Outstanding intellectual ability
• Excellent academic records
• Previous work in disciplines related to the intended area of concentration
• Strong commitment to a career in research

MIT Sloan PhD Program Admissions Requirements Common Questions

Dates and Deadlines

Admissions for 2024 is closed. The next opportunity to apply will be for 2025 admission. The 2025 application will open in September 2024. 

More information on program requirements and application components

Students in good academic standing in our program receive a funding package that includes tuition, medical insurance, and a fellowship stipend and/or TA/RA salary. We also provide a new laptop computer and a conference travel/research budget.

Funding Information

Throughout the year, we organize events that give you a chance to learn more about the program and determine if a PhD in Management is right for you.

PhD Program Events

May phd program overview.

During this webinar, you will hear from the PhD Program team and have the chance to ask questions about the application and admissions process.

June PhD Program Overview

July phd program overview, august phd program overview.

Complete PhD Admissions Event Calendar

Unlike formulaic approaches to training scholars, the PhD Program at MIT Sloan allows students to choose their own adventure and develop a unique scholarly identity. This can be daunting, but students are given a wide range of support along the way - most notably having access to world class faculty and coursework both at MIT and in the broader academic community around Boston.

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Profiles of our current students

MIT Sloan produces top-notch PhDs in management. Immersed in MIT Sloan's distinctive culture, upcoming graduates are poised to innovate in management research and education.

Academic Job Market

Doctoral candidates on the current academic market

Academic Placements

Graduates of the MIT Sloan PhD Program are researching and teaching at top schools around the world.

view recent placements 

MIT Sloan Experience

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The PhD Program is integral to the research of MIT Sloan's world-class faculty. With a reputation as risk-takers who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional, they are engaged in exciting disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that often includes PhD students as key team members.

Research centers across MIT Sloan and MIT provide a rich setting for collaboration and exploration. In addition to exposure to the faculty, PhD students also learn from one another in a creative, supportive research community.

Throughout MIT Sloan's history, our professors have devised theories and fields of study that have had a profound impact on management theory and practice.

From Douglas McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y distinction to Nobel-recognized breakthroughs in finance by Franco Modigliani and in option pricing by Robert Merton and Myron Scholes, MIT Sloan's faculty have been unmatched innovators.

This legacy of innovative thinking and dedication to research impacts every faculty member and filters down to the students who work beside them.

Faculty Links

• Accounting Faculty
• Economic Sociology Faculty
• Finance Faculty
• Information Technology Faculty
• Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER) Faculty
• Marketing Faculty
• Organization Studies Faculty
• System Dynamics Faculty
• Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management (TIES) Faculty

Student Research

“MIT Sloan PhD training is a transformative experience. The heart of the process is the student’s transition from being a consumer of knowledge to being a producer of knowledge. This involves learning to ask precise, tractable questions and addressing them with creativity and rigor. Hard work is required, but the reward is the incomparable exhilaration one feels from having solved a puzzle that had bedeviled the sharpest minds in the world!” -Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship

Sample Dissertation Abstracts - These sample Dissertation Abstracts provide examples of the work that our students have chosen to study while in the MIT Sloan PhD Program.

We believe that our doctoral program is the heart of MIT Sloan's research community and that it develops some of the best management researchers in the world. At our annual Doctoral Research Forum, we celebrate the great research that our doctoral students do, and the research community that supports that development process.

The videos of their presentations below showcase the work of our students and will give you insight into the topics they choose to research in the program.

How Should We Measure the Digital Economy?

2020 PhD Doctoral Research Forum Winner - Avinash Collis

Watch more MIT Sloan PhD Program  Doctoral Forum Videos

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Program Details

Program requirements.

• Complete 36 credit hours
• Serve as a teaching or research assistant
• Yearly paper presentation
• Pass preliminary examination
• Write and defend dissertation

Funding is available for up to five years, provided the student maintains satisfactory progress in the program. Funding beyond five years is up to the discretion of the department. For more information, review our funding package.

The Strategic Management doctoral curriculum consists of 36 total credit hours completed over four-five years.  The curriculum is broken down into four focus areas: major specialization, research methods (choose one), minor specialization, and managerial skills.  Managerial skills courses may be waived for individuals who have completed equivalent master’s-level coursework. Please contact our Admissions Specialist for more information. For detailed descriptions of the courses, please visit Purdue’s online Course Catalog .

• To satisfy this requirement, students should complete 6 credit hours from related fields. Minors can be designed by students with help from their advisor.

Graduate Assistantship Appointments

Graduate research assistant (ra), graduate teaching assistant (ta).

Graduates of Purdue’s Strategic Management PhD program have gone on to secure placements at the following institutions:

• University of Utah
• University of Florida
• Louisiana State
• University of Hawaii
• Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Coastal Carolina University
• Tilburg University
• Hong Kong Baptist University
• McMaster University
• Chinese University of Hong Kong
• University of Pennsylvania
• Vanderbilt University
• Northern Illinois University
• University of New South Wales

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[email protected]

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Bulletin 2023-2024, business administration/strategic management phd.

FOX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Learn more about the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration .

About the Program

The PhD in Business Administration program, with a concentration in Strategic Management, engages the student in advanced research and scholarship. The primary emphasis of the program is to prepare future faculty members for successful academic careers.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Full-time study is required.

Accreditation: The PhD in Business Administration program, with a concentration in Strategic Management, is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Job Prospects: The program is primarily dedicated to producing well-trained researchers who will work in academic positions.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students are not permitted to take doctoral courses.

Financing Opportunities: Typically, all PhD students receive financial assistantship in the form of full tuition remission and a stipend in return for offering services as a Research Assistant (RA) or Teaching Assistant (TA). The level of support is based on the concentration, the applicant’s qualifications, and other competitive considerations. Students may also receive remuneration for conference travel, publications and academic achievement.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Applications must be submitted AND complete (i.e., all required materials must be received and verified by Fox Staff) by Dec. 5 to be considered.    Applications received after this deadline are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and dependent on availability. 

APPLY ONLINE to this Fox graduate program .

Letters of Reference: Number Required:  2

From Whom:  Letters of recommendation should be obtained from evaluators, typically college/university faculty or an immediate work supervisor, who can provide insight into your abilities and talents, as well as comment on your aptitude for graduate study.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:  A master's degree is not required, but preferred.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:  The equivalent of a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college is required. For three-year degrees, mark sheets must be evaluated by WES or another NACES organization.

Statement of Goals:  In 500 to 1,000 words, describe your specific interest in Temple's program, research goals, career goals, and academic and research achievements.

Standardized Test Scores: GMAT/GRE: Required. GMAT scores are preferred. Test results cannot be more than five years old. Although the applicant’s test score is an important factor in the admissions process, other factors, such as the ability to conduct research as demonstrated by academic research publications and whether your indicated research interests match with those of our faculty, are also taken into consideration.

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree in a country where the language of instruction is English, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 90
• IELTS Academic: 7.0
• Duolingo: 110
• PTE Academic: 68

Resume:  Current resume or CV required.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements: Number of Credits Required to Earn the Degree:  48

Required Courses: 1

Students require approval from their mentor and the Concentration Director for all course selections, including those dropped and/or added. 

The program of study may be individualized to a significant degree for the student's best professional and scholarly development. With approval from the Concentration Director, students may take other electives to match their research interests.

Of the 6 required research credits, a minimum of 2 credits of BA 9999 must be taken. The other 4 credits may be taken in any combination of  BA 9994 ,  BA 9998 , and  BA 9999 . Given that 6 credits constitute the minimum requirement, additional credits may be needed to fulfill the degree program's culminating experiences. Doctoral students must maintain continuous enrollment from matriculation to graduation.

Additional Requirements: Statistics Competency Examination: An assessment of proficiency in statistical theory and methodology is made at the end of the first year in the program. Students who fail the Statistics competency exam on the first attempt must sit for reexamination prior to the Fall term of their second year. A second failure results in dismissal from the program. No third attempt is permitted.

Teaching Experience: Students are required to teach for at least one term.

Culminating Events: Preliminary Examination: The purpose of the preliminary examination is to demonstrate critical and interpretive knowledge of current research. The subject areas are determined, in advance, by the faculty of the department. The preliminary exam should be completed no more than one term after the student completes the coursework component of the program. Students who are preparing to write their preliminary examinations should confirm a time and date with their departmental advisor.

The members of the student's department write the questions for the preliminary exam. The student must answer every question on the examination in order to be evaluated by the Department Committee. The evaluators look for a breadth and depth of understanding of specific research areas, a critical application of that knowledge to specific phenomena, and an ability to write technical prose. Each member votes to pass or fail the student. In order to pass, a majority of the committee members must agree that the exam has been satisfactorily completed.

Proposal: The dissertation proposal demonstrates the student's knowledge of and ability to conduct the proposed research. The proposal should consist of the context and background surrounding a particular research problem, an exhaustive survey and review of literature related to the problem, and a detailed methodological plan for investigating the problem.

The proposal should be completed and approved no more than one year after completing coursework. Upon approval, a timeline for completing the investigation and writing process is established.

Dissertation: The doctoral dissertation is an original empirical study that makes a significant contribution to the field. It should expand the existing knowledge and demonstrate the student's knowledge of both research methods and a mastery of their primary area of interest. Dissertations should be rigorously investigated; uphold the ethics and standard of the field; demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the primary area of interest and the broader field of business; and be prepared for publication in an academic journal.

The Doctoral Advisory Committee is formed to oversee the student's doctoral research and is comprised of at least three Graduate Faculty members. Two members, including the Chair, must be from the student's department. The Chair is responsible for overseeing and guiding the student's progress, coordinating the responses of the committee members, and informing the student of their academic progress.

The Dissertation Examining Committee evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense, including the student's ability to express verbally their research question, methodological approach, primary findings and implications. The Dissertation Examining Committee votes to pass or fail the dissertation and the defense at the conclusion of the public presentation. This committee is comprised of the Doctoral Advisory Committee and at least one additional faculty member from outside the department.

If any member decides to withdraw from the committee, the student shall notify the Chair of the Dissertation Examining Committee and the PhD Managing Director. The student is responsible for finding a replacement, in consultation with the Chair. Inability to find a replacement shall constitute evidence that the student is unable to complete the dissertation. In such a case, the student may petition the PhD Managing Director for a review. Once review of the facts and circumstances is completed, the Director will rule on the student's progress. If the Director rules that the student is not capable of completing the dissertation, the student will be dismissed from the program. This decision may be appealed to the Senior Associate Dean. If dismissed, the student may appeal to the Graduate School.

Students who are preparing to defend their dissertation should confirm a time and date with their Dissertation Examining Committee and register with the Graduate Secretary at least 15 days before the defense is to be scheduled. The Graduate Secretary arranges the time, date and room within two working days, and forwards to the student the appropriate forms. After the Graduate Secretary has scheduled the defense, the student must send to the Graduate School a completed "Announcement of Dissertation Defense" form, found in TUportal under the Tools tab within "University Forms," at least 10 days before the defense. The department posts flyers announcing the defense, and the Graduate School announces the defense on its website.

Program Web Address:

https://www.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/business-administration-phd-bu-ba-phd

Department Information:

Fox School of Business and Management

1801 Liacouras Walk

701 Alter Hall (006-22)

Philadelphia, PA 19122

[email protected]

215-204-5890

215-204-7678

Fax: 215-204-1632

Submission Address for Application Materials:

https://apply.temple.edu/FOX/Account/Login

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Fox PhD Admissions

[email protected]

Concentration Director:

Vivek Tandon

[email protected]

215-204-3090

PhD Managing Director:

Vinod Venkatraman, PhD

Associate Professor, Marketing

[email protected]

215-204-1409

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PhD Program

Wharton’s PhD program in Management is flexible and interdisciplinary, applying social science disciplines and research methods to management problems. It offers specializations in strategy, international business, organizational behavior and theory, and human resource management.

The faculty has a broad range of interests ranging from the behavior of individuals and groups to organizational strategy. Major areas of faculty research currently include: human resources and competitiveness; foreign strategic investments and international cooperative relationships; organizational learning and adaptation; technology adoption, diffusion, and transfer within and across organizations; and new venture formation, growth, and corporate entrepreneurship.

Each student draws on the faculty’s diverse expertise and varied interests to develop a program uniquely suited to his or her interests. The program encourages students to gain research experience by working closely with faculty on a variety of projects. Recent placements include the Harvard Business School, INSEAD, New York University, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, University of Michigan and the University of Texas.

• Program Information
• Evaluation Guidelines
• PhD Curriculum
• Course Schedule
• Current Students
• Postdoctoral Researchers

Additional Program Information

• Q&A for Potential Applicants
• Visiting Doctoral Student Policy

For Current Students

Doctoral Programs Resources

• Doctoral Forms Library
• Doctoral Inside: Policies and Procedures
• Doctoral Inside: Resources for Current PhD Students
• International Students and Scholar Services
• Independent Study Course Approval Form

Management PhD Guidelines and Requirements

• Guidelines on Overlapping Topics for Course Papers
• First Year Exam Guidelines
• Second Year Exam Guidelines
• Second Year Paper Requirements

Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship Requirements

SME focuses on the management of organizations from a top or general management perspective. It addresses both the external relations between the organization and its environment and the internal processes of organizational adaptation and change. Students develop an individual program of study in consultation with their faculty adviser. The program combines coursework with active involvement in faculty research, research seminars, and opportunities for teaching.

Students must take a minimum of 20 credits (it is strongly recommended that students take 24 credits) of SME PhD seminars which include: 1) required core seminars in strategy, entrepreneurship, organization theory, and research methods, and 2) elective offerings in behavioral strategy, international management, non-market strategy and technology strategy. Students are encouraged to take additional supporting courses offered by the department such as the Theory Building and Research Design courses (MGMT 8101 and 8104). Students should also complete GRAD 8101 (Teaching in Higher Education) and APEC 8211 (Econometric Analysis I). As part of the supporting field requirements, students must take a strong methods sequence, which can be tailored to individual needs. They are strongly encouraged to develop a good understanding of the fundamentals in a particular discipline (e.g., economics, sociology, political science, etc.). All department PhD seminars and methods coursework must be taken A-F.

The department offers the following PhD core and elective courses regularly:

Core courses:, seminar(s) in strategy (4 credits).

Review of research on the bases and characteristics of organization strategy.

Seminar(s) in Organizational Theory (4 credits)

Major theories and current research on organizational and inter-organizational topics from a macro perspective.

Seminar(s) in Entrepreneurship (4 credits)

Review of research on new venture creation and opportunity realization in new and existing firms.

Seminar(s) in Research Methods (4 credits)

Methods to articulate and answer research questions, and make causal inference.

Elective Courses:

Seminar in international management (2 credits).

Overview of the field of international management research.

Seminar in Behavioral Strategy (2 credits)

Focus on managers' decision-making processes and behaviors.

Seminar in Non-Market Strategy (2 credits)

Firms' engagement with political, legal and social stakeholders, and the antecedents and consequences of such non-market strategies.

Seminar in Technology Strategy (2 credits)

Survey of research on technology and innovation related phenomena, including firms' patent and knowledge-building approaches, technological alliances and portfolios, and technology standards and platforms.

Other Topic in Strategy as designed by professors

At the end of their first year in the doctoral program, students must complete two requirements: an Article Review Exam and an Oral Article Presentation. In the Article Review Exam each student must independently prepare a short written critique of one published research paper from a field journal assigned to them. In the short Oral Article Presentation, they are required to successfully defend their critique before a faculty panel.

During the summer after the students’ second-year in the program, they take an in-house, open-note exam covering three days. The first two days of the exam typically cover strategy, entrepreneurship, organization theory, and research methods; the last day typically covers two of the four electives including behavioral strategy, international business, non-market strategy, and technology strategy.

The Second Year Paper is due after the second summer in the program and is an original research requirement that involves an empirical paper that demonstrates the student’s original research efforts. The purpose of the Second Year Paper is to assess each student’s scholarly development and his/her ability to identify and investigate theoretically rich, important issues in a way that will significantly expand current knowledge. Guidelines for the second-year paper will be provided by the PhD coordinator.

The oral exam usually occurs during the student’s third year in the program, typically by the end of fall semester of the third year. The format will be a presentation of the second year paper to the oral prelim committee who will then evaluate the student's work.

Can occur within one semester of passing the oral prelim, but preferably no later than two semesters before a student plans to graduate or leave for placement.

Preferably this will occur prior to the student leaving for placement.

Students are expected to get involved in research with department faculty as quickly as possible. Each year, students will be assigned as a faculty RA, but the PhD student should also seek out additional opportunities to engage in research with faculty. They are also expected to attend all department-organized research colloquia, job talks, and workshops. Students are required to serve as teaching assistants and are expected to teach at least one section of a course. They will meet with the PhD Coordinator in the fall and spring semesters of each year to discuss progress goals and receive feedback on performance. For more information students may refer to the SME PhD PhActs , an informal student-maintained handbook that offers an overview of the management field as well as descriptions of specific courses that might help students develop an individual course plan.

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Academic Catalog

Doctor of Philosophy Business Administration with a Concentration in Strategic Management (PhD)

Jing Zhang, Graduate Program Director Katrina Davenport, Graduate Program Manager

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in business administration (Ph.D.) is a scholarly, research-based program with a professional orientation. The objective of the program is to prepare individuals of superior promise and potential for careers in higher education as faculty members engaged in teaching and research and for high level administrative and research careers in the private and public sectors. Persons completing the degree program must have demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of international business, research methods, and high potential for making significant contributions to their field of specialization in business.

The Ph.D. degree requires competence in basic disciplines of international business, research tools, and in one of the following concentrations: finance, information technology, marketing, or strategic management.

Admission Requirements

Work for the doctoral degree is usually preceded by the successful completion of a Master’s degree in a business-related field (i.e., MBA) from a recognized AACSB-accredited college or university. The applicant must submit an application, official transcripts of all college or university-level work, provide Graduate Management Admission Test scores taken within the last five years, and provide three letters of recommendation, two from academic references, which attest to the individual’s academic potential and ability for achievement. The applicant must also submit a personal statement of goals, approximately two to three pages, on how the completion of the doctoral program will assist in achieving personal and professional career goals.

The completed application materials will be reviewed by the graduate program director and faculty in the major area of study. They will evaluate the individual’s abilities and motivation to succeed in the doctoral program. A personal interview may be required before the admission decision can be reached. A recommendation is made by the faculty and a final decision on admission is made by the graduate program director.

Curriculum Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements for the Ph.D. degree and must be considered in preparing the student’s plan of study:

• Satisfactory completion of at least 48 semester hours of course work . (At least 48 hours of post-master’s course work (including dissertation) is a University requirement);
• Demonstrated competency in the following areas: international business, research methods and techniques, and the chosen functional field of business. Passage of a comprehensive examination covering international coursework is required. A student may retake the International Business comprehensive examination only one time;
• Acceptable performance on a written and oral candidacy examination in the major field of study. A student may retake the candidacy examinations only one time;
• Completion of a dissertation representing the candidate’s ability to conduct scholarly, original research. The quality of this research should be such that it would be worthy of publication in a refereed, scholarly journal; and,
• Successful oral defense of the dissertation.

Strategic Management Concentration

International Business Comprehensive Examination to be taken in May after the completion of coursework in the second year of the program.

Field Comprehensive Examination to be taken in August after the completion of coursework in the second year of the program.

Additional Requirements

Retention standards.

To remain in good standing after admission to the program, students must maintain a minimum, cumulative grade point average of 3.20 in all graduate course work completed at the University. Students who fall below this minimum standard will have nine credit hours to remedy this deficiency. Further, students may earn no more than three credit hours with the grade of C. Any student receiving a grade lower than C in a graduate course work will be dismissed from the program.

Time Limitation and Residency

The Ph.D. program assumes that a well qualified and highly motivated student can complete all degree requirements in four years of full-time work. If a student is unable to pursue the degree on a full-time basis, or if the major field is different from previous academic training, more time to complete the degree is usually required. The maximum time allowed to complete all degree requirements is eight calendar years from the date of initial enrollment in the program.

Each student is required to complete at least four regular semesters in full-time residency. These need not be consecutive. Full-time residency is defined as a minimum of nine credit hours per semester.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 12 semester-hour credits (or equivalent) may be transferred from another university (including six hours earned through experiential learning credit options) and applied toward the Ph.D. course requirements. Transfer credit is approved at the discretion of the program director in consultation with the faculty in the student’s major field of study.

Candidacy Examination

The examination qualifying the doctoral student for candidacy for the Ph.D. in business administration is comprehensive in nature and designed to test the student’s knowledge of subject matter in the major field, international business, and the ability to engage in independent research. These examinations are given in two parts:

• international business and
• field of study.

The International Business Exam is a written exam scheduled for the third week of May and may be taken by a student in good standing after the student has completed BUSN 800 , FIN 862 , MGMT 821 , and  MKTG 826 . The candidacy examination in the field of study is scheduled at the beginning of fall semester classes. Students in good standing may take the Field of Study Examination after completing all courses in their field which are to be taken during the first two years of the program. See Curriculum. The Field examination contains both a written and oral component. The written portion is administered first. After successful completion of the written examination, the student sits for an oral examination, which includes topics discussed in the written examination and any additional materials that the advisory committee feels are appropriate. The student will be expected to perform well on both the written and oral components of the examination. Rather than being merely pro forma, the oral examination is a serious and integral part of the qualifying procedure for candidacy. A student must pass both the written and oral sections. The candidacy examinations are prepared and evaluated by the examination committees composed of the graduate faculty who are primarily responsible for teaching doctoral courses in international business and the field of study. The results of all examinations are reported to the student and program director.

Dissertation

The dissertation represents the final stage in obtaining the doctoral degree and provides evidence of the student’s ability to conduct independent scholarly research. To effectively initiate, conduct, and conclude the dissertation phase of the program, the candidate must:

• form a dissertation committee;
• develop and defend a dissertation proposal;
• complete the dissertation research and report the results in writing; and
• orally defend the dissertation.

Dissertation Committee

The dissertation committee is formed by the student with the approval of the program director. The committee’s purpose is to supervise the selection of the dissertation topic, constructively critique the research methodology, and serve as a guidance body until its completion. The committee should have at least three members, one of whom is from outside the department of the major field of study. The chair of the committee will be from the candidate’s major field and be an authority in the field of specialization chosen for the dissertation research. The proposal, dissertation, and the final oral defense of the dissertation must have the majority approval of the members of the dissertation committee and subsequent approval by the program director and dean of the college.

Dissertation Proposal Defense

A candidate will select a topic for dissertation research under the guidance of his/her committee. The candidate will defend a proposal for the dissertation demonstrating the originality of the research, requisite literature review, and the methodology that will be used in conducting the research. The committee will judge the merits of the proposal, making any suggestions and/or additions as deemed necessary, and approve the proposal in writing, providing copies to the program director.

Dissertation Research and Preparation

Progress on the dissertation should be reported on a periodic basis to the chair of the dissertation committee and the appropriate members. In most instances, research results, drafts of the manuscript, and guidance will be forthcoming between the committee and the candidate during the research phase. While preparing the dissertation, candidates must be continuously enrolled for a minimum of one credit hour per semester. The total number of credit hours for the dissertation shall be no less than 18 and no more than 24 credit hours. Advice or assistance from committee members should not be expected unless the candidate is officially enrolled. General regulations and procedures governing the submission of the doctoral dissertation are provided in the University Guide for Preparation of Theses and Dissertations available from the Office of the University Registrar.

Oral Dissertation Defense

The objective of the oral defense of the dissertation is to explore with the candidate the methodological and substantive contributions of the dissertation. Through this process, the examiners and the candidate reach a common understanding of the research area and can mutually agree upon its merits for publication. Majority approval by the examiners constitutes successful completion of the defense of the dissertation. The Doctor of Philosophy in business administration will be awarded upon successful completion of this examination and all other program requirements within the eight-year time limit.

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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

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Main Content

Strategic Management

A world-class, distinctive program.

The PhD Program in Strategic Management prepares students for research-oriented careers, and it is considered among the top programs in the world. Among these elite programs, it is distinctive for coupling rigorous discipline-based training with an interdisciplinary approach to the most important strategic questions of our days.

View the Rotman Strategy PhD Brochure

Contact the PhD Program at Rotman

Contact the Strategic Management PhD Coordinator Nico Lacetera

Strengths of the Program

The PhD Program in Strategic Management prepares students for research-oriented careers. The structure of the program reflects, on the one hand, its interdisciplinary philosophy, and on the other hand, our belief in rigorous discipline-based training.

Admission to the Program

Admission to the Strategy PhD program is competitive, with the number of qualified applicants largely exceeding the number of available places. Our admissions decisions weigh a number of factors including academic background, research experience, test scores, aspirations, and fit with the research interests of our faculty.

Program Structure and Requirements

The Rotman PhD program in Strategic Management includes required courses (in theory and methods) “depth” courses, optional personalized courses, a research project, comprehensive examinations and a dissertation.

Current PhD Students

Meet Strategic Management's current PhD students!

Meet the Rotman Strategic Management faculty.

Testimonials

Below are the testimonials from recent graduates from the Strategic Management area at Rotman School of Management.

Where are They Now?

Strategic Management has had many graduates over the years and we are very proud of the accomplishments they made in their careers.

Policy and Strategic Management

Programs & Courses › Specializations

Our PhD Program: Navigating the Frontiers of Strategic Thought

The PhD in Strategic Management at the Schulich School of Business fuses rigorous scholarship with real-world influence. Our program champions intellectual curiosity and boundary-pushing research in economic and organizational issues as they pertain to firm strategy. Housed within a group that embraces open inquiry, we empower students to pioneer strategic dialogues addressing today’s emerging business issues. Ultimately, our graduates emerge as thought leaders driving meaningful strategic insights and business impact.

In this program, you can extend your horizons beyond core strategy. With our close connections to other disciplines within Schulich, such as Sustainability, Organizational Behavior and Operations Management & Information Systems, as well as across the university, such as Sociology, Political Science, Computer Science and Psychology, students are encouraged take courses across various departments. This interdisciplinary perspective enriches your research lens. Moreover, Schulich is based in Toronto, a diverse global business hub rich with opportunities. Our proximity to key industry clusters provides significant access to research collaborations.

Our emphasis is on fostering independent research and close student-faculty collaboration. We provide full funding packages that cover tuition and a generous stipend for up to five years. This financial support allows students to fully immerse in impactful research.

Our Students’ Success Stories

Our PhD graduates have secured faculty appointments at highly respected institutions across the globe. Below is a list highlighting some of our graduates’ placements:

• Indiana University Bloomington
• University of Calgary
• University of Waterloo
• University of San Francisco
• McMaster University
• University of Sydney
• Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
• University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Faculty Expertise: Exploring New Frontiers in Strategy

  Our diverse faculty spearhead research across critical domains, addressing critical and contemporary challenges while exploring forward-looking themes such as, among others:

• Digital Platforms and Ecosystems
• Entrepreneurship
• Management of Technology and Innovation
• Ethics and Stakeholder Relationships
• Artificial Intelligence in Strategic Management
• Organizational Learning and Adaptation
• International Business and Globalization
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Strategic Decision-making

Come join our faculty in shaping and advancing the field!

Specialization Details by Category

Study options.

Student admission is restricted to full-time study exclusively for the first four years. It is not recommended to be working outside of the PhD program during your studies. Students must be able to participate in the PhD program in Toronto.

Choose a study option to view its details and requirements

Available delivery options

• Full-time 48 to 72 months

Location(s)

• Keele Campus Toronto

The requirements to successfully complete the program are outlined below in “Curriculum Overview.”

Candidates for the Policy & Strategic Management field PhD degree must fulfil the following minimum requirements:

Students must successfully complete the following course requirements:

Required Courses

• DCAD 7100 3.00 LOGICS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH This examines the major philosophical debates in the social sciences and explores the rationale of different approaches to social research. Students learn how to select and develop appropriate research strategies and how to critically examine the use of various research strategies.
• DCAD 7250 3.00 RESEARCH DESIGN This course introduces students to research design, strengthens their reasoning and theoretical development skills, helps them effectively apply a range of empirical methodologies to their own research and critically review empirical studies done by others. Topics include types of variables, relationships, sampling and measurement, survey and field research designs, experimental designs, and alternative designs, and research design biases and artifacts.
• DCAD 7400 3.00 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS This course provides students with detailed exposure to the qualitative research methodologies that have begun to exert a major influence on management research over the last 10 years.

A  3.00 credit graduate level methodological course chosen in consultation with the field’s PhD Program Coordinator.

Another 3.00 credit  graduate level methodological course chosen in consultation with the field’s PhD Program Coordinator.

• DCAD 7610 1.50 GRADUATE COLLOQUIUM IN MANAGEMENT The rules, norms, and standards that surround the field of academics can seem ambiguous, confusing, and opaque to new Ph.D. students in the management disciplines. The purpose of this two-semester course is to provide a means of articulating central themes in this tacit process, and to provide a means of community-building among management-oriented Ph.D. students. Pre-requisite: Open to and required of first- or second-year Ph.D. students in Strategy/Policy and Organization Studies areas.
• DCAD 7600 1.50 GRADUATE COLLOQUIUM IN MANAGEMENT The rules, norms, and standards that surround the field of academics can seem ambiguous, confusing, and opaque to new Ph.D. students in the management disciplines. The purpose of this two-semester course is to provide a means of articulating central themes in this tacit process, and to provide a means of community-building among management-oriented Ph.D. students. Prerequisite: Open to and required of first- or second-year Ph.D. students in Strategy/Policy and Organization Studies areas.

This seminar focuses on the theories and current research in those areas which represent the more accepted and more often researched topics within strategic management. Both "content" and "process" streams are discussed and critiqued. (Offered in alternate years.)

This seminar builds upon SB/PLCY 7010.03 and examines theories and research from some of the newest and most provocative research streams that are beginning to be seen in strategic management. Both "content" and "process" streams are discussed and critiqued. (Offered in alternate years.)

This course introduces students to leading paradigms and current topics in organization theory. Students obtain an intensive overview of "macro" theories in organizational behaviour and develop an ability to assess organization theory and research critically and comprehensively. Class discussions focus on the strengths, weaknesses and contributions of leading-edge theories and topics; and students are encouraged to think creatively about future directions that various topics and theories might take to advance the field's understanding of organizations. By the conclusion of the course, students: (a) are familiar with important sources and references on prevailing issues in organization theory; (b) have a solid grasp of advanced theory and research on a breadth of topics in macro organizational behaviour; (c) have a better understanding of the process of writing theoretical articles; and (d) possess the ability to evaluate critically the contributions of various research streams to the field of organization theory.

This course introduces students to topics and issues relevant to the study of individual and group behaviour. The readings provide an overview of existing research in this area. Students are encouraged to think critically about the contribution of each approach/theory and to develop research ideas and alternative approaches to test specific research questions. In each session students are encouraged to think about: underlying assumptions of theories; relationships with other theories/approaches; research questions answered; interesting unanswered questions; methodological issues and concerns.

Two Elective Courses

Students will take at least two of the following four electives:

• Strategic Management 7090 3.0: Special Topics in Strategic Management

This course focuses on the standards and applications underlying the latest functions and responsibilities of external and internal auditors. The theory of audit evidence and certain basic techniques are used to provide an understanding of auditing methodology. The auditor's responsibility beyond the financial audit and current developments in auditing are also examined. Students may be expected to complete a research paper or project.

Prerequisite: SB/ACTG 5100 3.00.

Prerequisite: SB/ACTG 5101 3.00 for students pursuing the Schulich Diploma in Intermediate Accounting (DIAC).

The course examines the origins and evolution of the field of international business and is designed to provide students an understanding of the various theoretical traditions and methodological approaches used in international business research. It is expected that students will critically evaluate the various schools of thought within the field, and develop their own research agenda related to some specific aspect of international business.

The course offers students the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the rich scholarly research in business and society, with a particular emphasis on its relationship to global governance. Students will develop insights into how one can make a theoretical, methodological, and practical contribution to the management literature through business, society and global governance research.

Research Paper

Students must submit one research paper that synthesizes a particular body of literature and furthers our understanding on a specific topic in strategy. The research paper is a prerequisite to the comprehensive exams and should comprise both a theoretical and an empirical component. Students work closely with a faculty advisor on this paper.

The initial submission of the research paper is due before the end of December of the second year. Students are required to present this paper in the research seminar series, normally during the spring. Students are expected to submit the final version of the paper by May 15 of the second year. The paper is evaluated and must be approved by the research paper’s faculty advisor, the area PhD Coordinator and an additional faculty member.

Comprehensive Examinations

The comprehensive field examination takes place after the summer of the second year. The comprehensive exams are designed to test a student’s breadth of knowledge in the field of strategic management as well as depth of knowledge in select areas. In preparation for their exams, students are given a list of classic readings at the beginning of their program; the list consists of books and journal articles that have defined the field. Students are expected to have a thorough comprehension and understanding of the historical development and the fundamental questions that have guided the discourse in the field. Students are also expected to be thoroughly versed in the current literature and research questions that occupy select areas of the field of strategy. It is assumed that these areas will subsequently define the scope of a student’s dissertation.

Those who fail have the opportunity to retake the exams once, within six months of the date of the first comprehensive exam. Those who fail to pass a second time are not allowed to continue in the PhD program.

The program regards the comprehensive examination as a pivotal point for deciding whether students should be allowed to proceed with their studies or be encouraged to withdraw from the program.

Dissertation Proposal and Oral Defence

Candidates must prepare a written proposal to conduct original dissertation research carried out under the supervision of a supervisory committee, and must defend this to the satisfaction of the thesis supervisor and members of the supervisory committee.

Dissertation and Oral Examination

Candidates must prepare a dissertation based on original research carried out under the supervision of a supervisory committee and submit the results in appropriate dissertation form. After the formal submission of the dissertation, an oral examination is held. It is expected that all or part of the dissertation will be published following professional or scientific review.

We recommend further consultation with your area Ph.D. rep concerning any impending changes to the program requirements and guidance on selecting appropriate optional courses.

Faculty members in the Policy and Strategic Management Area explore many interests within the broad area of policy and strategic management, and are active in a wide range of research projects.

Key areas of research include: international management, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, entrepreneurship and technological innovation, corporate governance, and strategy processes. The faculty members share an interest in addressing important policy issues in an intellectually open environment and their work reflects the School’s distinctive innovative, global and diverse culture.

The following faculty are accredited by the Schulich School of Business and the Faculty of Graduate Studies for the supervision of doctoral students:

Selected faculty members

Professor of Strategy and International Business; Pierre Lassonde Chair in International Business

Professor of Strategic Management; Executive Director, York Change Leadership (YCL)

Associate Professor of Policy; CIT Chair in Financial Services; Area Coordinator, Policy/Strategy; Director, Financial Services Program

Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management

Professor of Public Policy and Sustainability; Director, BBA/iBBA Programs

Professor of Strategic Management

Professor of Sustainability & Economics; Area Coordinator, Economics

Professor of Strategy; Scotiabank Chair in International Business and Entrepreneurship

Assistant Professor

Professor of Strategic Management and International Business

Professor of Strategic Management; Director, Global Leadership Program; Director, India MBA and Executive MBA Programs

Associate Professor of Strategic Management; Strategic Management Area Coordinator

Professor of Strategic Management; Newmont Endowed Chair in Business Strategy

Career Opportunities

The goal of the PhD program in Policy and Strategic Management is to train students to become productive scholars and teachers who can be placed at research-oriented universities upon graduation.

Placement of Recent Graduates

“Co-authoring with faculty here at Schulich has been instrumental in understanding the process of conducting high-quality research. ” Michael Valente, PhD 2007 Associate Professor of Organization Studies and Sustainability, Schulich School of Business

Student Research

Faculty members in the Policy area at Schulich are highly regarded in their areas of specialization and regularly publish in the top journal of the field, such as Administrative Science Quarterly, Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Strategic Management Journal, Organization Science and Journal of International Business Studies, among others. York University and the Toronto area provide additional access to high calibre faculty and great research opportunities.

Selected Publications

Nudrat Mahmood (2023), “A transactional perspective on Firms, consumers, and social institutions,” Organization Science (with Farjoun, M.)

Jie (Jerry) Yang (2023), “Bundle Up Before You Go: Toward a Bundle Approach to Product Categorization,” Journal of Management , 49(5): 1695-1737 (with Li, S. X.)

Shoeb Mohammad (2023), “The Effect of Skilled Labour Scarcity on Law-abiding Organizational Climates in Emerging Markets: Evidence from Mexico,” Journal of Business Research (with Husted, B.)

Xin (Aurora) Liu (Genin) (2023), “Board experiential diversity and corporate radical innovation,” Strategic Management Journal , 1– 24. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.3499 (with Ma, W., Bhagwat, V., Bernile, G.)

Mohammad Keyhani (2022), “Exploration-Exploitation and Acquisition Likelihood in New Ventures,” Small Business Economic , 58(3), 1475-1496. (with Deutsch, Y., Madhok, A. and M. Lévesque)

Nada Basir (2022), “Collective identity development amid institutional chaos: Boundary evolution in a women’s rights movement in post Gaddafi Libya,” Organization Studies 43 (10), 1607-1628 (with Ruebottom, T. and Auster, E.)

Trish Ruebottom (2022), “Collective identity development amid institutional chaos: Boundary evolution in a women’s rights movement in post Gaddafi Libya,” Organization Studies 43 (10), 1607-1628 (with Basir, N. and Auster, E.)

Xin (Aurora) Liu (Genin) (2022), “Relational assets or liabilities? Competition, collaboration, and firm intellectual property breakthrough in the Chinese high-speed train sector,” Journal of International Business Studies , 53(9), 1895-1923 (with Tan, J., & Song, J.)

Hussein Fadlallah (2021), “What We Talk About When We Talk About Stakeholders,” Business & Society , 00076503211053005. (with Johnson-Cramer, M. E., Phillips, R. A., H., Berman, S. L. and Elms, H.)

Ramya Krishna Murthy (2021), “Overcoming the Early-stage Conundrum of Digital Platform Ecosystem Emergence: A Problem-Solving Perspective,” Journal of Management Studies , 58(7), 1899–1932 https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12748 (with Madhok, A.)

Shoeb Mohammad (2021), “Innovation, Corruption, and Internationalization: Evidence from Firms in Emerging Economies,” Journal of Business Venturing Insights (with Husted, B.)

Xin (Aurora) Liu (Genin) (2021), “State governance and technological innovation in emerging economies: State-owned enterprise restructuration and institutional logic dissonance in China’s high-speed train sector,” Journal of International Business Studies , 52(4), 621-645 (with Tan, J. and Song, J.)

Xin (Aurora) Liu (Genin) (2021), “Interorganizational Knowledge Flows in Academia–Industry Collaboration: The Economic Impacts of Science-Based Firm Innovation,” IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management , doi: 10.1109/TEM.2021.3066386 (with Lévesque, M.)

Hussein Fadlallah (2020), “Governance of Voice in Digital Platforms,” Proceedings of the International Association for Business and Society (Vol. 31, pp. 24-36) (with Phillips, R. A.)

Wan Li (2020), “Disruptive innovation and technology ecosystem: The evolution of the intercohesive public–private collaboration network in Chinese telecommunication industry,” Journal of Engineering and Technology Management , 57 (July-September) (with Tan, J., Wang L. and Zhang, H.)

Wan Li (2020), “Can You Do Kung Fu and Also Act? New Entrants’ Cross-Border Status Attainment in the Creative Industries,” Journal of World Business , 55(3) (with Shipilov, A. and Li, S.)

Shoeb Mohammad (2019), “Law‐abiding organizational climates in developing countries: The role of institutional factors and socially responsible organizational practices,” Business Ethics, Environment, and Responsibility (with Husted, B.W.)

Wan Li (2019), “Tapping into Agglomeration Benefits by Engaging in a Community of Practice”, 2019, with L. Wang and W. Helms, Strategic Organization, 18(4): 617-644 (with Wang, L. and Helms, W)

Wan Li (2019), “Strategic Choices of Exploration and Exploitation Alliances under Market Uncertainty,” Management Decision , 57(11): 3122-3133 (with Wang, L.)

Xin (Aurora) Liu (Genin) (2019), “Spoils from the spoiled: strategies for entering stigmatized markets,” Journal of Management Studies , 56: 1260-1286(with Slade Shantz, A., Fischer, E. and Lévesque, M.)

Recent Dissertation Topics

2022: Hussein Fadlallah – Governance and Responsibilities in the Context of Digital Platforms

2021: Ramya Krishna Murthy – Essays on Platform Sponsor Scope: Implications for Ecosystem Emergence and Growth

2020: Jie (Jerry) Yang – Strategic Categorization, Category Bundle, and Typecasting: Three Essays on Product Categorization

2019: Shoeb Mohammad – Antecedents, Wide-Spread Consequences, and Strategic Implications of Organizational Corruption

2018: Mekki Macaulay Abdelwahab – Determinants of Success of the Open Source Selective Revealing Strategy: Solution Knowledge Emergence

2018: Xin (Aurora) Liu – Strategically Poised: Balancing, Learning, and Innovating in Coopetition Three Essays on the Interplay Between Competition and Cooperation

2016: Nada Basir – Radical Institutional Innovation: A Multilevel Framework

2015: Wan Li – Ambidexterity in Strategic Alliances: How Do Firms Manage Exploration and Exploitation Alliances? An Examination of U.S. High Technology Industries from 1985 to 2009

2014: Mohammad Keyhani – Entrepreneurial Action and Entrepreneurial Rents

Current PhD students in the Policy Area:

as of Fall 2023

• Mohammad Boroumand
• Hyeonchung Henry Lee
• Nudrat Mahmood
• Qasim Saddique
• Pouyan Tabasi Nejad

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Ph.d. admissions, guiding you on your ph.d. admissions journey.

The Ph.D. application for Fall 2025 admissions will open August 1, 2024 in the areas of Accounting, Finance, Strategic Management, Operations Management, and Organizational Behavior. The application deadline is December 15, 2024.

Online Application

Using the online application , you will create a user account for the creation and submission of your application, and from which you may check the status of your submitted application and receipt of your supplemental documentation.

Interested in Rice Business?

Application requirements.

To be considered for admission, the following documents must be received no later than the posted application deadline: 

• Completed online Ph.D. application including a Statement of Purpose and CV/Résumé.
• Three confidential recommendations (academic strongly preferred). Recommendations should be submitted using the online application recommendation feature. After entering your recommender’s contact information into your application, the application system will immediately send an electronic "Recommendation" form to that individual.
• For reviewing purposes, electronic copies of transcript(s) can be uploaded through the online application system to meet the application requirements. (If you are offered admission to Rice, official paper or electronic transcript(s) will be required and should be sent directly to the Rice Jones Graduate School of Business by the issuing institution. Official transcript(s) are required from all undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended.)
• Your official Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score report, or GRE test score report submitted direclty to us (test taker copy not acceptable). This requirement will not be waived.
• To send your official GMAT score report, log on to  http://www.mba.com/mba/ , click “The GMAT” then “GMAT Scores and Score Reports”. The “Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business – PhD Program” code is 3WS-WD-54.
• To send your official GRE score report, log on to  http://www.ets.org , under “Tests” click “GRE”. Under “Test Takers” click “Order Additional Score Reports”. The “Rice U Mgmt PhD Program” code is 6618.

If you did not earn your undergraduate degree in the U.S., English-speaking Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, an official score report of your TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) taken within 2 years of your application date is required (test-taker copy not acceptable).  This requirement is waived for international applicants who have received a Master's degree or a Doctorate from an institution within the U.S., English-speaking Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom by the application deadline.

To send your official TOEFL score report, log on to  http://www.ets.org , under “Tests” click “TOEFL” and then “Test Scores.” The “Rice University-Management PhD Program” code is 6618. 

A non-refundable application fee of $40 payable via credit card or check. Please make checks payable to Rice University. Applications will not be processed without the required application fee.

Please note that applicants may not apply for, or be considered for, more than one program at a time within the Jones Graduate School.

Supplemental Application Materials

While most of your application materials will be submitted electronically via our online application, materials that must be mailed should be addressed to: Melinda Pena PhD Admissions / MS 531  Rice University  Jones Graduate School of Business  6100 Main Street  Houston, TX 77005 

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't see your question answered below? Contact Melinda Pena , Assistant Director Faculty Administration and Ph.D. Program.

The application deadline is December 15, 2024.

Candidates will be notified of admission decisions via email by April 15th. If you do not receive a decision by this date, please reach out to Melinda Pena at [email protected].

Financial assistance is offered in the form of tuition grants, stipends, and research and academic support. Learn more about financial support online.

In most cases, students are expected to be full-time Ph.D. students. Exceptions to this requirement must be approved by the student's chairperson, area advisor, and the director of the Ph.D. program.

While our program is highly competitive, we do not have a minimum GMAT/GRE score requirement.

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PhD Program

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Strategic Management

The objective of the doctoral program coursework is to provide students with the knowledge of their chosen major field through exposure to the current literature as well as to acquaint the student with research methodologies and designs. Students in the PhD program are expected to dedicate themselves to the program full time.

The coursework for a PhD in Strategic Management consists of six seminars in the student’s major (four required and three elective), three courses in research methodology and statistics, and three courses in a minor field of the student's choice. The minor field must be approved by the advisor for the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship and the minor field department. Each doctoral student is also required to take a teaching development seminar. 

Degree Requirements

Required courses.

Students are required to take all four courses.

• J601: Seminar in Strategic Management I
• J602: Theoretical Foundations of Strategy II
• W601: Organization Theory
• Z798: Seminar in Research Methods

Elective Courses

Students must select two from the following:

• D620: Seminar in International Business
• W610: Theoretical Foundations of Entrepreneurship
• Z601: Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Behavior
• Z615: Seminar in Human Resource (HR) Management
• Independent study course approved by the advisor

Research Methods and Statistics

Students must take three courses.

• X610: Statistics for Research
• X611: Statistics for Research
• One other relevant methods or statistics class

Minor Field

Students take at least three courses in the minor field.

Many students take their minor within the Department of Management & Entrepreneurship, in the field of Entrepreneurship or in the field of Organization Behavior/Human Resources Management. Students may not “double count” courses toward the minor and major. Students may also take their minor from a related field inside or outside the Kelley School of Business (e.g., psychology, economics, or sociology).

Teaching Course Requirement

X630: Teaching Development Seminar

Qualifying Exam

All doctoral candidates are required to successfully complete a qualifying examination during the second summer of their residency in the program. This exam will cover both Research Methods and Strategic Management and Organizational Theory.

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Additional resources

Students in the Strategy discipline study the problems and issues facing general managers who must formulate and implement strategies for organizations in uncertain and ambiguous environments. Seminars cover theory and empirical findings related to strategy formulation and implementation, and are intended to familiarize students with the variety of research perspectives relevant to the strategy field. In addition, each faculty member leading a course will ask participants to build upon extant research to develop their own research topics as a first step toward publishing articles.

Strategy students must complete a total of 15 seminars/courses (17 courses if they do not exempt the MBA course requirement).  This includes eight courses in their major area of study within Strategy, at least four courses in research methodology, and at least three courses in a minor area of study.  Students may instead choose to complete eight courses in their major area and seven total courses in research methodology for a research methodology minor. Students should choose individually approved seminars and courses from the enclosed list of Katz seminars and courses, as well as from approved University of Pittsburgh seminars and courses. Finally, on a limited basis students may also cross-register into approved seminars and courses at other institutions to support their overall program of study.  Each program of study must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor and the Director of the Katz Doctoral Program.  Any subsequent seminar/course changes must also be approved.

Strategy doctoral students are provided with up to five years (14 terms) of financial support in the form of Graduate Student Assistantship, Teaching Assistant or Teaching Fellow. Typically students provide research assistance to their faculty mentors for approximately four years and provide teaching and teaching assistance for up to one year.

The following Strategy seminars are offered by the Katz Doctoral Program (subject to student enrollment):  

• BSPP 3010 - INDEP STUDY STRATGC PLNNG POLICY
• BSPP 3011 - STRATEGIC PLANNING SYSTEMS
• BSPP 3012 - RESEARCH IN COMPETITIVE STRATEGY
• BSPP 3013 - FOUNDTNS OF STRATEGY RESEARCH
• BSPP 3014 - RESEARCH IN CORPORATE STRATEGY
• BSPP 3018 - THEORY BUILDING IN MANAGEMENT
• BSPP 3019 - SEMINAR IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
• BSPP 3099 - READINGS STRATEGC PLNNG & POLICY
• BUSADM 3199 - RESEARCH AND DISSERTATION PHD
• FTDF 0000 - FULL-TIME DISSERTATION STUDY