PhD Management at Case Western Reserve University

Programme overview

The PhD in Management develops theory-driven scholars for faculty careers, with three specialisations: Accountancy, Designing Sustainable Systems (for Doctor of Business Administration students) and Design and Innovation. Students produce publishable research and prepare for academic appointments.

Faculty: Weatherhead School of Management | Department: Accountancy; Design and Innovation; Designing Sustainable Systems (tracks) | Duration: Accountancy track 64.5 credit hours (about four years); Designing Sustainable Systems 36 credit hours beyond 40.5 DBA credits; Design and Innovation 67.5 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cleveland, OH, United States

What you will study

Accountancy: two years of literature and methods coursework (research methods, qualitative and experimental design, statistics, special topics), a third year of research papers leading to a dissertation proposal, and a fourth year on the dissertation. Designing Sustainable Systems: integrated methods, social ethics and sustainable systems design plus dissertation. Design and Innovation: interdisciplinary research across information systems, marketing, entrepreneurship and strategy.

Career pathways

Scholars in careers as educators and researchers at top levels of their specialisation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Accountancy track: cohort of two candidates every other year; ideal candidates hold an accounting degree and certification with 2+ years of experience; application, official transcripts, GMAT (700+ preferred), TOEFL if non-native, resume, three letters, personal statement, $85 fee. Design and Innovation track: statement of objectives, resume, official transcript, GMAT/GRE taken in last five years, three letters, $85 fee; 3-4 students admitted per year. Designing Sustainable Systems: open only to DBA/DM candidates or alumni, with four essays, two letters, $50 fee. Applications not accepted for 2026 in the Accountancy and Design and Innovation tracks.

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Duration: Accountancy track 64.5 credit hours (about four years); Designing Sustainable Systems 36 credit hour

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