PhD Strategic Management at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Programme overview

The strategic management PhD develops scholars who ask why some firms outperform others and prepares them for academic research careers through mentor-apprentice research relationships with faculty.

What you will study

Rigorous coursework and early, ongoing collaboration with faculty on publishable research (e.g. strategic human capital competitive advantage, inter-group conflict, uncertainty in strategic decision-making). Programme completion requires a minimum of 63 credit hours (45 course credits, 18 dissertation credits), three semesters of teaching, a comprehensive exam in major and minor fields, a dissertation prospectus, dissertation and final oral defense.

Career pathways

Academic research careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

PhD in Business Administration (Isenberg doctoral programme): Applicants must hold a degree from an accredited US institution or foreign equivalent with acceptable GPAs and submit GMAT or GRE scores (required; waived only for a US-earned JD, PhD or MD). Expected prerequisites: calculus, matrix algebra, probability and statistics, regression; intermediate micro and macroeconomics; introductory accounting, finance, marketing, business policy, operations, public policy and business law (may be made up after entry). English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) required unless waived (e.g. degree from US or listed English-speaking countries). Fall admission only; applications due December 15 for priority consideration; interview recommended October-March. Admits 2-3 students per area per year.

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.

Intake: Fall only (December 15 priority deadline)

Duration: 5 years (funded); minimum 63 credit hours

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