why do mba after phd

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Is it useful to do an MBA after PhD?

I have heard of people who have gone on to pursue an MBA after their doctorates. What are the advantages/downsides of this?

Wouldn't the companies recruiting them after MBA value their doctorate experience less compared to the experience gained at an MNC? Is there a risk of them being valued as "failed" doctorates?

• graduate-school
• business-school

• 6 MBAs and PhDs are two different things. If you want to run a business, do an MBA. –  Dave Clarke Commented Jun 1, 2012 at 8:24
• It really depends on the degree and what you ultimately intend to do... What do you plan to get your PhD in, and how do you plan to use an MBA as part of your future plans? –  Paul Commented Jun 2, 2012 at 14:13
• 1 Nature just had an article about it: nature.com/naturejobs/science/articles/10.1038/nj7523-523a –  Gimelist Commented Nov 4, 2014 at 22:39

4 Answers 4

There are several cases where PhDs do an MBA. Some of them are:

• Bored of research as a whole.
• Irritation with academia and poor scope in Industry.
• Want to earn money.
• For furthering responsibilities at the university where one is a professor. If you do some looking around, a high amount of Deans to have an MBA along with a PhD.

No degree ever goes waste. Most people with PhD and MBA acquire director positions in companies.

• 26 "no degree ever goes waste" [citation needed] –  JeffE Commented Jun 2, 2012 at 5:43
• 1 "Most people with PhD and MBA acquire director positions in companies." That seems insanely hard to believe. –  xLeitix Commented Jan 4, 2014 at 16:07

A qualification regardless of level and field of study is never a waste, one needs to realize how to use it wisely and appropriately. As we navigate life we shift perspective and interests, our education choices therefore need to reflect this. Ph.D provides sound research focus, MBA provides sound business and leadership focus. The two combined is a great and electrifying combination.

• 4 A qualification regardless of level and field of study is never a waste — [citation needed] –  JeffE Commented Jan 3, 2014 at 17:08
• @JeffE I can indeed think of many examples where a qualification was indeed a waste. However, a (good) MBA is not usually one of those cases. –  xLeitix Commented Jan 4, 2014 at 16:06
• 2 Right. A good MBA is not one of those cases. But many (if not most ) MBAs are not good . –  JeffE Commented Jan 4, 2014 at 20:08

PhD = specialist in a subject, research skills, critical mind MBA = Broad generalist, management, problem solving

The focus and scope is not the same. Also like it was said most researchers who want to climb the ladder need to take the management track which often require an MBA. Put simply an MD is an MD but a hospital manager needs to be an MD and MBA.

Also to teach at a business school other than math or economics you normally need an MBA. Best is a Phd/MBA but while a lowly MBA can teach that is not usually the case for a PhD.

• If a person is smart they will market their experience during the acquisition of their PhD as also providing them with the problem solving and management skill sets. If you are going to be successful in research or business these are good things to have. –  ryetochondria Commented Nov 5, 2014 at 1:10

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Is an MBA Degree Really Worth It?

• Liza Kirkpatrick

The right and wrong reasons to pursue one.

Getting an MBA (Master of Business Administration) takes a lot of time, money, and effort. So it’s important to really think about whether or not it is worth your while to pursue one. Here are some things to consider.

• The right reasons: To hone skills like influence, empathy, and building business strategies; to help you make a career pivot; to accelerate the pace of your professional development; to expand and diversify your professional network.
• The wrong reasons: You’re looking for a magic pill that will give you more money or power; you’re bored in your current role; you don’t know what you want.

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

To MBA, or not to MBA? For many young professionals, that is the question.

• Liza Kirkpatrick is the Assistant Dean of Career Services at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

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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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Should You Get an MBA?

For many professionals, getting an MBA seems like the next logical step to advancing their career. The benefits of an MBA are applicable regardless of your industry or area of professional focus. However, some individuals may wonder if it’s worth it to pursue an MBA, given the commitment and expense involved. For those who plan to work in a managerial capacity, with financial institutions, or who have entrepreneurial aspirations, an MBA can help build the leadership skills required to succeed in these arenas.

The benefits of graduating with a Wharton MBA, specifically, are numerous. Over 98% of Wharton MBA graduates are offered jobs and nearly 94% accept job offers at graduation. In addition to a wider range of job opportunities and increased earning potential, a Wharton MBA can help you connect with a diverse group of professionals and become part of an extensive global alumni network.

The Benefits of an MBA

Completing an MBA program demonstrates a commitment to learning, improving, and applying skills that can help a company succeed. Additionally, professionals with MBAs feel a greater sense of confidence in their marketability, as well as the wealth of information they can bring to various endeavors. These are just a few of the advantages of getting an MBA. 

1. Greater Awareness of a Global Market

Earning an MBA puts you in close contact with other students from around the world who have different work experiences and perspectives on the global economy. In addition to learning from professors, MBA students can expand their knowledge of other industries in the U.S. and abroad. 

2. Improving Communication Skills

Effective communication is a fundamental skill required for professionals to succeed. While communication may be considered a “soft skill” compared to “hard skills” such as constructing a P&L model, it’s no less valuable. An MBA can help hone verbal and written communication skills, allowing you to successfully convey concepts to different people at different levels of an organization to ensure everyone is able to work together toward a common goal. 

3. Expand Your Professional Network

Earning an MBA makes you part of a global network of nearly 100,000 alumni, giving you access to respected and intelligent professionals you may not have otherwise had a chance to connect with. Beyond being part of a broader community, you’ll also have the opportunity to build relationships with other professionals in the classroom and beyond.

4. Increased Job Opportunities

In a highly-competitive job market, an advanced degree can help set an applicant apart from their peers. From energy to consumer products to start-ups, an MBA can be an asset in any industry. Employers typically look to hire or promote a candidate with an MBA because they have skills in marketing and finance that others within the organization may lack. This allows them to hit the ground running with various initiatives and help their company increase profits. 

5. Better Time Management

Earning an MBA requires juggling extracurriculars alongside a challenging course load — not to mention other personal and professional pursuits. Getting an MBA can help you manage your time effectively, which is not only an in-demand skill among employers, but a valuable life skill, as well.

Questions You Might Be Asking About an MBA

If you’re considering getting an MBA, you likely have a lot of questions about the benefits of earning an MBA, as well as the process involved. Here are some of the most common questions students have when considering an MBA. 

How does an MBA help your career?

An MBA can enhance your marketability as a professional and increase the quality and quantity of job opportunities. Over 98% of Wharton MBA graduates are extended full-time job offers. An MBA also helps you build business leadership skills, as well as a professional network. Wharton graduates are part of an extensive alumni community — over 99,000 strong in 153 countries. Learn more about the value of a Wharton MBA .

How does an MBA affect your salary?

One of the benefits of getting an MBA is an increase in earning potential . Why get a Wharton MBA? The median annual base salary of Wharton MBA graduates was $150,000 in 2019 and is consistently the highest across all MBA Programs. Those who earn an MBA can expect to make 28% more than those without an advanced degree. 

What does an MBA teach you?

Professionals who graduate with an MBA will learn business fundamentals such as leadership, communication, and critical thinking and analytical skills. Delving further into the curriculum, a Wharton MBA balances a core curriculum that focuses on accounting, ethics, finance, marketing, and macro/micro economics with electives that help build leadership skills, including networking, student conferences, and advanced student projects. 

What can you get an MBA in?

There’s more to an MBA than just the advanced degree itself. At Wharton, there are 19 MBA majors , including Finance, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Health Care Management, and Organizational Effectiveness. Students whose interests do not neatly fit into one of Wharton’s existing 19 majors have the opportunity to craft an individualized MBA major tailored to an interdisciplinary path of study.

How much does an MBA cost?

The cost of a two-year MBA program varies, however, the estimated total cost for a Wharton MBA is $224,948. Depending on whether you opt for room and board on-campus, the cost can be approximately $44,000 less. Veterans and current members of the military may also be eligible for additional awards benefits to offset the cost of tuition. Similarly, exceptional students may also qualify to be part of the Wharton Fellowship Program. Learn more about tuition and financial aid at the Wharton School. 

When should you get your MBA?

There is no right or wrong time to get your MBA, rather it’s up to each individual. Most MBA students have at least five years of experience in the workforce before committing to an MBA program. The Wharton MBA application process takes place at three different times during the year, making it convenient for students to apply to the program. Visit our Application Timelines & Deadlines page to learn more. 

Get answers to more frequently asked questions at the Wharton School’s Admissions FAQ page. 

Why Get an MBA at Wharton?

While an MBA can open new doors for you, a Wharton MBA comes with several distinct advantages. For over 130 years, Wharton has held a reputation as “the finance school.” Today, Wharton upholds that reputation, leading the way with innovative courses and research surrounding global finance, alternative investments, and other groundbreaking avenues in the world of finance. Beyond reputation, there are several other reasons to choose a Wharton MBA. 

1. An Extensive Worldwide Alumni Network

Not only will you learn alongside a select group of professionals in the classroom, but you’ll also expand your professional network to include the 100,000 Wharton MBA alumni around the world in 153 countries. You’ll gain a broader, more interconnected perspective on business issues and how they impact the global economy. 

2. Increased Earning Potential

Wharton MBA graduates can expect a median annual base salary of $150,000 and can expect to earn nearly $3 million over the course of 20 years. Over 98% of those who earn a Wharton MBA are offered a job, and alumni currently hold positions at Fortune 100 companies and/or renowned organizations such as Apple, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DuPont, IBM, General Mills, Morgan Stanley, and more.

3. Lifelong Learning

The lessons learned while earning a Wharton MBA extend beyond the time you spend in the classroom. In addition to a world-class education, Wharton MBA students are able to take part in a wide variety of extracurricular activities , interacting with current students and alumni and fostering deeper relationships. Wharton also offers best-in-class career resources for MBA alumni, supporting you at various stages throughout your career and helping you stay connected.  

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 .

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!

Become a Business & Management Professional

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Doing A PhD After MBA: Universities, Programs, Benefits

• Updated on  
• Jun 3, 2024

Higher studies often encompass the decision of pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s and then, if you feel like delving deeper into your chosen field, a doctorate degree.

When it comes to the vast domain of commerce, a PhD is commonly chosen by those wanting to explore the academic arena. Working professionals don’t usually opt for a PhD given the extensive amount of time it demands and also because it has more academic use.

So, if you have recently completed your Master of Business Administration, choosing a PhD might require some thinking to finally arrive at the right decision. This blog aims to elaborate on what a PhD after MBA entails and how it can advance you further in your career journey.

This Blog Includes:

Phd after mba in india, benefits of phd after mba, top phd programs after mba, eligibility, phd after mba abroad – admission process & entrance exams , phd after distance mba, phd after mba in finance, top universities for phd after mba abroad, top countries to study phd after mba, career scope & employment sectors.

Want to pursue PhD after MBA in India? There are colossal benefits of PhD after an MBA that can equip you with a competitive edge in the management and business world as well as the research and professional exposure you need to aim for high-salary managerial profiles in India and abroad.

Here’s what you need to know about PhD after MBA in India:

• Eligibility : You must have completed a 2-year MBA degree to apply for PhD in India along with qualifying for UGC-NET or GATE exam to gain admission at top business schools and universities in India.
• Duration : In India, you can complete your PhD after MBA in 3-5 years depending upon the program and university.
• Requirements : For PhD after MBA in India, you must have GATE/ UGC-NET / CSIR-NET scores, a research proposal ready along with letters of recommendation and optional work experience to increase your chances of admission.
• PhD in Management
• 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
• Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi
• Benaras Hindu University
• Indian Institutes of Management Studies (IIMs)
• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• National Institute of Management, Calcutta

Also Read: PhD Scholarships in India

As the highest academic degree in theoretical disciplines, a PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is perfect for those seeking a greater depth of knowledge in a specific area of interest. Going for a PhD after MBA can be beneficial for a plethora of reasons, some of which are given in a rundown below:

• Get a Competitive Edge over MBA
• Master Research Skills and Methodologies
• Inclination Towards Academic Arena
• Chance to Become a Professor
• Become an Academician at Business School

Also Read: Research Institutes in India

The average duration of PhD after MBA is approximately 5-7 years where the 1st year is more theoretical but from the beginning of the second year, you can pick specializations as per your choice. In Business and Management, there is an array of specialised PhD courses that one can choose from. Here are the top specialisations to pursue PhD after MBA:

• PhD in Entrepreneurship
• PhD in Commerce
• PhD in Accounting
• PhD in Economics
• PhD in Commercial Law
• PhD in Human Resource Management
• PhD in Operational Research
• PhD in Marketing
• PhD in Healthcare and Management
• PhD in Organizational Behaviour
• PhD in Finance
• PhD in Chemistry
• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Engineering
• PhD in Political Science
• PhD in Education
• PhD in Statistics
• PhD in Psychology

Though the specific prerequisites might vary from one university to another, there are some general criteria for PhD after MBA or any other postgraduate program that every candidate needs to fulfil.

The primary requirement is that of a master’s degree in the related discipline (from a recognised institution) in which one is applying for a doctoral degree, if you are applying for a PhD in Business Administration, you need to have completed a postgraduate course like, MBA, MIM, amongst others.

Along with these, you will be required to submit the following documents:

• GATE/CSIR-NET/UGC-NET Scores for Indian universities
• Research Proposal
• Letters of Recommendation (Academic and/or Professional)
• GRE, English proficiency test scores such as IELTS , TOEFL , etc. and SOP and LOR s to apply for PhD after MBA abroad
• An Updated Resume or CV
• Academic Transcripts

Also Read: Part Time PhD

If you are planning to pursue PhD after MBA from abroad then the following points will guide you through the application process and entrance exams: 

• The application process for global universities is very different from Indian universities. You don’t have to give any entrance exam to pursue a PhD after MBA from abroad, rather, you need to submit a GMAT / GRE score. 
• LORs, SOPs and previous projects and research work matter a lot when you are looking to pursue PhD abroad. They make your profile strong and increase the chances of getting selected. 
• Most universities have a 3-5% acceptance rate for PhD programs. Thus, it is essential to make your application strong, if you need any help regarding the same, get in touch with Leverage Edu experts.
• The PhD curriculum more or less remains the same, you need to work on your thesis and submit it in the provided duration to complete your PhD after MBA.

Also Read: How to Get PhD Funding?

Yes, it is possible to apply for PhD after distance MBA but if you are aiming for a doctoral course, you must pursue your MBA from a UGC-accredited university or college. To apply for a PhD after a Distance MBA, you must be able to provide valid transcripts as well as mark sheets from your MBA thus it is essential to check the certification of the institution before studying for an MBA.

MBA in Finance professionals often opts for a PhD to pursue a career in research or academia. Finance is one of the most popular specialisations for PhD after MBA and students can choose from various subjects like Financial Management, Financial Analysis, Financial Modelling, etc. To pursue PhD in Finance in India, you will have to qualify for UGC NET , NMIMS or NIPER JEE while you will have to qualify GRE for universities abroad. Let’s take a look at the universities for PhD after MBA in Finance:

• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade , New Delhi
• National Institute of Technology, Silchar
• Department of Management Studies-IIT Madras
• Alliance School of Business, Bangalore
• Ahmedabad University
• Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management

Here are the major careers for PhD after MBA in Finance:

• Statistician
• Financial Analyst
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Stock Broker
• Budget Analyst
• Financial Researcher

Numerous renowned business schools and universities across the globe offer specialised PhD programs in varied fields of Business, Commerce and Management. To help you further in your research, we have listed down some of the major academic institutions that are internationally popular for their offered specialised courses for those aspiring to pursue a PhD after MBA:

Many study destinations like the UK, USA, Australia and Canada are renowned for their research doctoral courses so selecting the right country to study PhD is an important decision you must carefully take. Let’s take a look at the top countries to study PhD after MBA and their popular research universities:

PhD after MBA in the UK

Here are the major universities to study PhD in the UK:

• University of Bradford
• SOAS University of London
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• University of Birmingham
• Queen’s University Belfast
• University of Kent
• Hult International Business School

Also Read: PhD Scholarships in the UK

PhD after MBA in the USA

Popular for its STEM courses as well as top-ranked business schools, the top universities for PhD in the USA are:

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Columbia
• University of Wisconsin
• Cornell University
• Kellogg School of Management

PhD after MBA in Canada

Canada is another renowned destination for PhD programs and offers a plethora of specialisations in business and management. Here are the popular universities for PhD in Canada :

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University
• McMaster University
• University of Montreal
• University of Alberta
• University of Ottawa
• University of Calgary

Also Read: PhD in Canada with Scholarship

PhD after MBA in Australia

The land of Kiwis is internationally lauded for its focus on research education and high-ranked entrepreneurial programs. Check out the top universities for PhD in Australia :

• The University of Queensland  
• The University of Western Australia  
• University of Wollongong 
• Queensland University of Technology  
• Swinburne University of Technology  
• University of Tasmania 
• University of Sydney

PhD after MBA in New Zealand

If you are looking for affordable PhD courses after completing MBA, New Zealand is the best place for you. Take a look at the popular universities for PhD in New Zealand :

• The University of Otago
• University of Canterbury
• Lincoln University
• The University of Auckland
• Victoria University of Wellington

Adding the renowned academic degree of PhD to your list of qualifications, there are a plethora of career opportunities awaiting you. Since a doctoral degree in business-related disciplines provides you with an insightful acumen into the commercial arena, you will be equipped with the knowledge of data analysis and business trends and organisational problems.

Further, you will be skilled with research methods such as econometrics, experimental methods, field studies, modelling etc. So, with a PhD after MBA, you will not only be a perfect candidate for academic profiles but you can also explore plentiful prospects in the corporate world.

Here are the top job profiles you can explore after pursuing PhD after MBA:

• Research Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Business Development Consultant
• Entrepreneur
• Professor /Lecturer
• Academician
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The salary of PhD after MBA in India is somewhere between INR 7 Lakhs to 17 Lakhs per annum depending upon whether you work in the corporate sector or explore the academic domain working as a lecturer or academician.

We have elucidated upon the major employment sector for graduates with a PhD in Management and Commerce-related specialisations below:

Also Read: Branches of Chemistry

Anyone with an MBA degree can pursue a PhD. In fact, it’s a good idea to do PhD after MBA if you are interested in exploring the arena of academics or research and you can also pursue opportunities in consulting firms in the corporate sector. Also, the top B-Schools such as Columbia University, Yale University, Harvard University, INSEAD, and London Business School have most professors with a PhD degree. So, if you aim to teach at top business schools in the world, pursuing PhD after MBA is indeed a good decision.

The exact duration of PhD depends on the specialization as well as the university, the fact whether it’s part-time or full-time, and other factors. Doing a PhD after MBA usually takes 4-5 years but relying upon varied factors, be it your chosen course or institution, it can take less than 3 years and as long as 7-8 years to complete.

Yes. You can do a PhD in Psychology after MBA. However, you will need 55% marks in your MBA discipline to qualify for a PhD in Psychology after MBA.

A PhD in Business is often referred to as a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) which is usually considered as the sequel of the MBA and is the highest form of management degree. Pursuing a doctorate in Business or its related specializations would provide you with an enhanced insight into the commercial arena after which you can target higher-level career profiles ranging from a business analyst to a consultant or you can pursue academic positions which is another beneficial route to take.

The essential prerequisite for a PhD is to have a master’s degree along with the minimum marks specified by the academic institution you are applying for. With an MBA, you are eligible to pursue a PhD in commerce-related disciplines while opting for a doctorate in other domains might depend on the criteria provided by the particular university.

The answer to this question is explained well in the points given below: 1. Yes, you can do PhD after a distance MBA 2. Your degree must be from a UGC-recognized institution 3. The application process remains the same as for the regular degree holders 4. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements 5. Some universities prefer candidates with regular MBA degrees.

Related Reads

Going for a PhD after MBA will equip you with one of the best educational combinations in the world. It might not be the easiest of programs to pursue but the benefits are going to be fruitful for your professional journey.

If you are planning to pursue a doctoral degree and don’t know how to go about it, sign up for a 30-minute career counselling session with our experienced team of mentors and experts at Leverage Edu and we’ll guide through the process of choosing the right PhD program and university that fits your interests and aspirations and can provide you with extensive exposure and opportunities to soar ahead in your career.

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14 comments

I like your article great content. Thank you

Hi Akash, we are glad to know that you liked our blog. If you need any further assistance regarding the admission process to any PhD course abroad, get in touch with our experts and we will help you build an awesome career.

Great post.

We are glad to know that you liked our work! Don’t forget to share it with your friends who are looking for PhD courses after MBA.

I have done MBA. My specialization is marketing (major) & human resource(minor).I want to know which specialization should I choose for PhD or Can I choose other specialization like social work, political science,etc.

Hi Abhishek, to know which PhD specialization would suit you the best, reach out to our experts at – 88262 00293. You can also register for a free career counselling here – https://leverageedu.com/admissions/study-abroad-admission/ .

Nice blog thanks for sharing.

Hi Thomas, thanks for your feedback! Check out our blog on PhD entrance exams to know more about the ways for pursuing this course – https://leverageedu.com/blog/phd-entrance-exams/ .

Very good article. In my opinion, having a PhD will make you more likely to earn a higher salary over someone with just a Master’s degree. Nowadays more professionals are doing PhD research programs for a better career.

Thank you for the feedback and for sharing your opinion, Rohan!

Thank you very much for your elaboration on Ph.D. after MBA. I would like to know which specializations are available here in the USA.. Thank you.

Hi George, To know about the specializations of your choice, get in contact with our experts at 1800572000.

Hello I’m Amir I done MBA 3.5year and I want to study PhD directly after MBA can u guide me forther I continue which subjects

Hi Amir, To get our profile evaluated for pursuing a PhD after MBA, give us a call on 1800572000 and our experts will guide you about the same.

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PhD after MBA

I was not that excited about exploring PhD domain before I had a realtime conversation with the one who is already pursuing from IIM Kozhikode. There are tons of opportunities available once you pursue a PhD after MBA. Let’s explore more about Why PhD after MBA, Eligibility Criteria and Career Scope.

The following information is pertaining to the PhD after an MBA from India – specifically to IIMs. We will add more information about PhD after MBA from Abroad as well.

Why do a PhD after MBA?

After successful completion, the PhD program can open tons of opportunities in domains like academics, corporate, research, consulting, etc.

The jobs roles available are Management Consultant, Business Professor, Policy Analyst, etc.

Eligibility Criteria for a PhD after MBA

The scores of CAT 2018, CAT 2019 and CAT 2020 are considered valid for application to the PhD. Program in 2021.

Standard Test Score not required if an applicant is:

• PGP Alumni of any IIM
• PGPX/PGP-PMP Alumni of any IIM where such courses are offered

(Part-time/Distance Learning programs of IIM are not taken into consideration)

How to do a PhD after MBA?

• The candidate must fit into Eligibility criteria as discussed
• The candidate is required to take the CAT exam. The NRIs and foreign students can apply through GMAT.
• The following table will help you understand the exams accepted instead of CAT

Stipend for PhD after MBA

• The stipend for IIMs varies in the range of Rs. 30,000
• The is an additional amount entitled that covers expenses of attending international conference or workshops, etc.

*We will be adding more information to this article, please post your questions in the comment section.

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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 after MBA: Courses, Colleges, Duration, Salary, Scope, Abroad

Bhaskar Nandi

PhD after MBA is a doctorate-level program offered in various MBA specializations such as PhD Finance, PhD Marketing, PhD Operation Management, PhD Human Resource Management, and others.

The minimum eligibility criteria for PhD after MBA is a 2-Year MBA degree with qualifying either UGC-NET or  GATE Exam . Along with the minimum qualifying score, a research proposal, letter of recommendation and work experience increase the chance of getting admission to the Top MBA Colleges. It usually takes 5 years to complete a PhD after an MBA in India, while the duration of PhD after MBA abroad can be as long as 4 to 7 Years.

FMS New Delhi, BHU, IIMs, and IITs are the top MBA colleges that are known for their PhD programs after MBA. PhD after MBA has a vast scope in teaching and research professions. The average PhD after an MBA salary ranges from INR 2,00,000 - INR 14,00,000.

Also Check:

Table of Content

• PhD after MBA: Course Highlights
• Advantages of PhD after MBA
• PhD after MBA: Top Specializations

3.1 PhD Finance after MBA

3.2 PhD Marketing after MBA

3.3 PhD Operations Management after MBA

3.4 PhD Organization Behaviour after MBA

3.5 PhD Business Management after MBA

3.6 PhD Human Resource Management after MBA

3.7 PhD Commerce and Management after MBA

3.8 PhD Management studies after MBA

3.9 PhD Disaster Management after MBA

3.10 PhD Banking and Finance after MBA

• PhD after MBA in Abroad
• PhD after MBA: FAQs

PhD After MBA: Highlights

Benefits of PhD after MBA

Before we go into details of every Ph.D. after MBA program, we shall look into the advantages and benefits of PhD after MBA and why is PhD after MBA a great career option.

• Ph.D. after MBA provides the opportunity to conduct research, conduct in-field study of concepts and specializations that couldn't have been possible during MBA.
• MBA Degree  in itself provides lucrative career options, but after Ph.D., MBA degree becomes much more valuable.
• The research during PhD after MBA leads to awareness of the new business insights and trends worldwide, which helps in managing business more efficiently.
• A person with PhD degree after MBA can make lucrative compensations. A top MBA College professor makes millions more than just an MBA degree holder.
• Ph.D. after MBA allows working in the field of research in management, finance, or business which puts them apart from any other managers pursuing only an MBA.
• PhD after MBA in Management opens the door to becoming a professor in leading business schools, which is the most sought-after career.
• After doing Ph.D. after MBA, candidates can work as consultants in top firms, because of their skill sets and research methodologies.
• PhD after MBA candidates can also work as analytics consultants as they are preferred over any other degree holders because of their skills and experience in research.

PhD After MBA: Top Specializations

There are various specializations available in which you can pursue a PhD after MBA. Some of the top PhD specializations that work best in favor of your MBA degree are mentioned below:

PhD Finance after MBA

• PhD Finance  is a research-oriented course that gives the student an excellent academic career. 
• Students go for Ph.D. Finance after completing  MBA Finance .
• There are a few business schools like IIMs, FMS New Delhi, ISB, and IIT that do provide Ph.D. in Finance. 
• PhD Finance deals with the advanced study of Valuation of Shares, Privatization and Globalization, Cost and Management Accounting, etc.

PhD Marketing after MBA

• PhD Marketing  is a 5 Year doctorate program to prepare students to teach and perform research in marketing and related fields.
• Admission to this course is done on the basis of the entrance exam and personal interview. Any candidate with a postgraduate degree in a relevant course is eligible to apply for PhD after MBA in Marketing.
• PhD Marketing is highly competitive and offers job opportunities such as Market Research Analyst, Marketing Communications Leader, Marketing Executive, etc. with an average salary of INR 2,00,000 - INR 10,00,000.

PhD Operation Management

• PhD Operation Management  is a 5 Year doctoral course which deals with the control of operations and processes in an organization.
• PhD after MBA in operations management offers jobs in MNCs, Corporate Houses, and Manufacturing sector companies.
• The minimum eligibility is MBA/PGPM or PGDM in Operation Management with a minimum aggregate of 55%.

PhD Organization Behaviour after MBA  

• PhD Organization Behaviour  is a 5 Year doctorate degree dealing with human behavior at various organizations.
• A candidate with a Master’s degree or an M.Phil. in the respective field of study with a minimum aggregate of 55% is eligible for PhD after MBA in Organization Behaviour.
• After successful completion of Ph.D. Organization Behaviour course, the candidates can find employment in firms like Academic Institutions, Colleges, Finance, Marketing, Information Technology, etc. with an average salary of INR 4,00,000 - INR 8,00,000.

PhD Business Management after MBA

• PhD Business Management  is a 5-Year doctorate program that deals with activities that are involved in running a business such as leading, monitoring, organizing, and planning.
• A master’s degree with relevant subjects and a minimum aggregate of 50% or more makes a student eligible for PhD after MBA in Business Management.
• PhD in Business Management graduates can seek employment in areas like Colleges and universities, Finance, information technology, Banking, Management, Operations, Supply chain management, MNCs, Product development, Human resources, etc. with an average salary of INR 4,00,000 - INR 8,00,000.

PhD Business Administration after MBA

• PhD Business Administration  is a 5 Years doctorate program that imparts knowledge on building an analytical understanding of business principles.
• A masters’ degree in any business-related field makes you eligible for PhD after MBA in Business Administration.
• The candidates can work as Administration Manager, Events Executive, Business Administrative Executive, etc. with an average salary of INR 7,00,000 - INR 17,00,000.

PhD Human Resource Management after MBA

• Ph.D.  in Human Resource Management  is a 5 Year doctorate program that deals with teaching processes and policies that organizations follow to maximize productivity and efficiency. 
• It teaches students the necessary skills to become a human resource managers.
• A master’s degree in a relevant field from a UGC recognized university or foreign university makes a candidate eligible for Ph.D. after MBA in Human Resource Management.
• A candidate can become an HR Manager, HR Executive, or HR Consultant with an average salary of INR 6,00,000 - INR 11,00,000.

PhD in Commerce and Management after MBA

• PhD Commerce and Management  is a 5 Year doctorate program aimed at teaching commerce and business management.
• To pursue Ph.D. after an MBA in Commerce and Management, a candidate must hold a masters’ degree,  MBA , or MPhil with a minimum aggregate of 55%.
• Candidates can seek employment in leading sectors such as Finance, Management, Commerce, etc. with an average salary of INR 3,00,000 - INR 40,00,000.

PhD Management Studies after MBA

• PhD Management Studies  is a 5 Year doctorate program that aims to teach students about management and organizational skills.
• A masters’ degree in a related stream of management studies with a minimum aggregate of 50-60% makes a candidate eligible for Ph.D. after MBA in Management Studies.
• The course enables students to seek employment in leading sectors of Retail, Marketing, Sales, Business, Consultancies, etc. with an average salary of INR 2,00,000 - INR 20,00,000.

PhD Disaster Management after MBA

• PhD Disaster Management  is a 5-Year doctorate program dealing with the field of Environment and Disaster Management.
• The eligibility criteria of the program are qualifying Master’s degree or M.Phil in the relevant field with a minimum of 55% aggregate and a minimum work experience of 5 years.
• Although the course curriculum is different from an MBA program, it has a lot of scope for MBA students to work in areas like defense, insurance, chemical industries, natural disaster management, etc. with an average salary of INR 2,50,000 - INR 12,00,000.

PhD Banking and Finance after MBA

• PhD Banking and Finance  is a 5 Year doctorate program in Banking and Finance formulated to help students in understanding the major areas of domestic and international banking, economics, and investment.
• A masters’ degree in any relevant field from a recognized university is the minimum eligibility criteria for PhD after MBA in Banking and Finance.
• Students can get jobs at Colleges and Universities, Stock Exchanges, Banks, etc. with an average salary of INR 1,80,000 - INR 6,00,000. 

PhD After MBA Abroad

PhD after MBA has a lot of scopes abroad as well. Abroad there is a greater advantage in terms of its recognition and scope.

Tabulated below are top business schools abroad that offer PhD after an MBA.

PhD After MBA: FAQs

Ques. Can PhD be done after MBA?

Ans . Yes, PhD can be done after MBA. To pursue PhD, a candidate must hold a masters’ degree in relative fields with a minimum aggregate of 50-60%.

Ques. What are the PhD courses after an MBA?

Ans. PhD in Finance, Management Studies, Business Management, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, and Marketing are some of the popular courses after MBA.

Ques. Is a PhD better than an MBA?

Ans. If you want to pursue a career in research, or you want to become a professor in top business schools then a PhD is better after an MBA degree.

Ques. Does a PhD after an MBA make sense?

Ans. Yes, PhD after MBA completely makes sense as it gives you an upper hand when it comes to better job opportunities, and also in teaching professions.

Ques. What is the procedure to get admission into a PhD after an MBA?

Ans. A candidate is required to have a master’s degree in a relevant field, with a minimum aggregate of 50-60%. They are also required to take entrance exams, whichever is applicable followed by a personal interview.

Ques. What are the job opportunities after PhD?

Ans. Candidates can work as Finance Managers, Managing Directors, Market Research Analysts, Customer Services Managers, Professors, Chief Operating Officers, etc. after a PhD in MBA-related subjects.

Ques. What are the benefits of a PhD after an MBA?

Ans. The benefits of a PhD after an MBA are:

• PhD allows working in the field of research in management, finance, or business which puts them apart from any other managers pursuing only an MBA.
• PhD candidates can work as consultants in top firms, because of their skill sets and research methodologies.
• PhD candidates can also work as analytics consultants as they are preferred over any other degree holders because of their skills and experience in research.

Ques. Can I do a PhD after an MBA in HR?

Ans. Yes, you can do a PhD after an MBA in Human Resource Management as it offers good opportunities to work as HR manager, executive, consultant, etc.

Ques. What is the duration of PhD after an MBA?

Ans . The duration of PhD after an MBA  is 5 years.

Ques. Can I do a PhD from IIM?

Ans. Yes, IIMs offer PhD programs after MBA in Human Resource Management, Business Management, Business Administration, etc.

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Ph.D. After Online MBA [Distance, Part-Time] Possible?

College Vidya Team Dec 11, 2023 3.2K Reads

Are you someone who is research-oriented & has a passion for academics? Well, a Ph.D. is surely the best option for you! It will help you explore all the details of your particular field & will make you a master in that. Moreover, your passion for research & innovation will be satisfied with the learnings of this doctorate program. So, what are you waiting for? Just go & grab the opportunity you have dreamt of! Wait a minute, are you questioning your eligibility for the same due to a PG degree in an online MBA? 

Well, this blog is going to be a perfect read for you. Let us clear your doubts by addressing all of the questions that have kept you waiting to join a PhD program for working professionals .

An Overview of Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy or Ph.D. or PhD is a doctorate-level education that requires a high level of dedication & focus. It is one of the most sought-after degrees among the candidates aspiring to become professors or lecturers at the university level. At most universities, the duration of this program ranges between 5 and 7 years. In some universities, this duration reduces to 3-5 years. Candidates who have completed their postgraduation program in any major are eligible to join this doctorate course.

The common entrance exams conducted in India for the PhD program include UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, & IIT JAM. To enroll in a reputed government-approved university for this program, you need to crack any one of these exams with the minimum cut-off marks. To get it from a foreign university, you need to clear the TOEFL & GRE/GMAT exams based on your selected country & course specialization.

After getting enrolled in the course, you need to carry out your course work in terms of research which will be submitted in the form of a thesis/dissertation towards the end of your program. Moreover, you need to clear the viva or the personal interview to get your PhD degree from the university. 

Is Your Online MBA Degree Eligible for a Ph.D. Program?

Online education has taken over the education industry in the past few years. Apart from its positive impact on the learner’s career, there are still a lot of myths associated with it. The number one on that list is that online degrees are less respected in the market & are not considered for higher education.

To settle this argument, we have this simple example of the fact that your online MBA degree does not make you any less eligible for a PhD program. The only thing that matters here is that your online degree must have been completed from a UGC-approved university. With valid documents including a mark sheet, degree, & provisional certificates of online MBA, you can apply for this doctorate-level program. 

Not only in India but international universities also entertain candidates for PhD admission who have completed their online MBA in any specialization.

Top Specializations of Ph.D. After Online MBA

After completing your online MBA program, you will be familiar with the specialization domains with a good future scope & the ones that favor your interests in the business industry. Some of the trending majors in the business field that are quite popular at the doctorate level are listed here. 

The admission process, eligibility criteria, & duration of these above-mentioned doctorate specializations are the same but differ in terms of fee package & curriculum.

Top Colleges for Ph.D. After an Online MBA in India

There is a range of authentic universities that offer doctoral courses even after an online MBA program. These universities not only help you achieve your professional goals but also provide you with global recognition in the business industry. Based on the entrance exams & specializations offered, you can choose your university for this program.

The admission process, fee package, eligibility criteria, curriculum, & duration of the doctorate programs in the business domain differ based on your choice of the university.

Trending Specializations in DBA/Ph.D. After Online MBA

Career Scope of Ph.D. After Online MBA

The most opted career after completing a PhD program even in the business domain is teaching. Nearly 80% of doctorate candidates choose teaching as their profession & the remaining 20% make their way to the corporate sectors.

The addition of a doctorate-level program to your resume will help you attain stability in your career in terms of finances & designation. The in-depth knowledge of research-oriented business strategies will make you an expert in the business industry. 

Your innovative approach to an organizational issue will help you stand out from the crowd of business professionals. Apart from the research field, here are a few top profiles that you can explore upon completion of your PhD after online MBA. 

The salary package offered to a PhD candidate in India is between 7 to 17 lakhs which varies with their skills & experience in the corporate or academic sector. This package applies to candidates who have completed their doctoral program after their MBA. 

Is There Any Easy Alternative for Regular Ph.D. After Online MBA?

Since we live in an era where digital transformation is at its peak & is creating an impact in almost every sector of the industry, how can we forget about the education industry? Starting from 12th grade to the doctorate program, every level of education is now being offered in flexible modes at authentic government-recognized universities & institutions. These modes include both hybrid & online formats. 

After completing an online MBA program, you can go for two modes of doctorate program, i.e., regular or online. For the regular one, you need to attempt & clear the entrance exams & give a full-time commitment for around 5 years. 

Online PhD courses are introduced by universities to make the higher level of education accessible to all. With a busy work schedule & growing financial needs, everyone can't take up a regular doctorate program & dedicate 3-5 years completely to it. Because of this major reason of time commitment, most of the aspirants step back from taking up this program. 

Thus, universities not only in India but in foreign countries as well are offering online & hybrid doctorate programs with a direct admission process without any tests or interviews. This way these programs become more feasible for working professionals. Moreover, the affordable cost & shorter duration (3 years) attract many individuals who have been planning on a PhD degree for a long time.

At international universities, a PhD in the business domain is referred to as the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) which is the highest qualification in business administration. Upon completion of your online MBA, you can even apply for a DBA program at your chosen foreign university.

Top Trending Articles

Upon completion of your MBA program, you can either go for a job or a regular PhD program or pursue an online/hybrid PhD program along with your job. These choices are available to you even if you have acquired an online MBA from a government-approved university. Moreover, your online MBA degree makes you eligible for a DBA course offered by reputed international universities in regular/online/hybrid mode.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

⭐ what is the correct abbreviation for doctor of philosophy.

Doctor of Philosophy is one of the highest levels of education for many domains. It is denoted either by Ph.D. or PhD. Both the abbreviations are correct & accepted globally.

⭐ Is an online MBA valid for Ph.D. in India?

An online MBA completed from a government-approved university is valid for enrolling in any Ph.D. specialization at an authentic university.

⭐ What is the benefit of completing Ph.D. after online MBA?

A Ph.D. degree will help you gain research skills and methodologies that will help you excel in your career. It will help you make your way towards your dream career of becoming a professor.

⭐ Can I apply for a Human Resource Management specialization in Ph.D. after online MBA?

After fulfilling the specific eligibility requirements, you can apply for a Ph.D. in Human Resource Management at any university.

⭐ Which entrance exams are there to enroll in Ph.D. after online MBA?

For Indian Universities, you need to clear UGC NET/CSIR NET/GATE/IIT JAM but for Foreign Institutions you need to clear language tests like TOEFL or IELTS & subject tests of GRE or GMAT.

⭐ Which are the three top sectors that I can apply to upon completion of my Ph.D. after online MBA?

The three top sectors that actively recruit Ph.D. candidates are Teaching, Research, and Corporate.

⭐ Is DBA similar to Ph.D. after online MBA?

Ph.D. in management or business field equips you with a doctorate in business. DBA is Doctor of Business Administration which is quite common at the international level. Both of them are the same except for their terminology in the national & international markets.

⭐ Can I pursue a Ph.D. after online MBA while working?

Hybrid or Online Ph.D. programs are flexible alternatives to regular Ph.D. courses that can be pursued even after an online MBA.

⭐ Will an online DBA or Ph.D. after online MBA add a “Dr.” title to my name?

Hybrid & online modes of Ph.D. programs are globally recognized & add the prefix “Dr.” to your name upon completion.

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Why do some people do PhDs after an MBA?

So I was doing my usual linkedin stalking and came across multiple profiles that did this: MBA -> Consulting -> PhD from a B School -> Consulting/ Industry/ Startup

What is the point of doing the MBA, working for a couple of years and then doing the Phd only to return to industry in a non-academic capacity? Couldn't continuing and exiting consulting provide the same opportunities? What kind of career advantages exist?

Also I noticed couple profiles get their MBA from a M7 and end up doing a PhD in a very low ranked business school (T50ish even) or a relatively unknown bschool outside of the US. What is the reason for this significant drop?

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Master of Science in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Engineering Management

MS in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Engineering Management

Master’s in Engineering Management vs. Master of Business Administration: What You Need to Know

22 July, 2024

Securing and performing well in an engineering leadership role generally requires a graduate degree. However, it can be difficult to decide which degree makes the most sense for your strengths, experiences and career goals.

While both a master’s in engineering management (MEM) and a master of business administration (MBA) are intended to provide students with a comprehensive and in-depth education in advanced business topics, they diverge in their core areas of focus, coursework and professional outcomes. Each type of program has distinctive strengths that have the potential to shape the careers of aspiring leaders who want to spearhead technical innovation and change for the good of the world.

MEM and MBA Overview

A master’s in engineering management and an MBA both explore the advanced concepts and skills required to lead business operations effectively. Both degrees typically include studies in core business areas such as finance, data analytics and supply chain management, as well as coursework that enhances interpersonal skills like communication. The result of each is an advanced business education that can prepare graduates to lead diverse teams and address complex challenges.

MEM Coursework

Coursework in a program dedicated to engineering management is designed to fit the unique engineering environment. In engineering organizations or departments, project management processes, supply chain operations and business law often have distinct frameworks that aspiring leaders must understand to successfully complete complex technical projects. By focusing on the intersection of engineering and business, students will prepare for high-level roles requiring technical expertise and management skills.

MBA Coursework

In comparison, traditional MBA coursework has a broader scope that covers advanced business knowledge in a more generalized way. This allows graduates to apply concepts like business analytics, leadership, entrepreneurship and global business to a variety of industries and career paths. While many MBA programs offer specializations related to specific fields, a specific industry context is not typically embedded in core courses.

Typical Student Backgrounds and Goals

Master’s in engineering management and MBA degrees are designed with different students in mind.

MEM students usually have a background in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) and may have work experience in engineering roles. They often enter a master’s program with a desire to gain a greater understanding of business functions within an engineering context. Prospective MEM students may consider this degree to gain the business fundamentals needed to oversee teams and projects effectively. They also likely are seeking the skills to execute high-level strategic plans that support organizational growth and have the potential to increase revenue — a crucial ability in an industry characterized by rapid technological development and change.

Since an MBA serves a broader audience and doesn’t require technical expertise, students can come from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Students with highly technical knowledge and experiences may appreciate sharing a common background with their classmates in an MEM program, while MBA students can learn from the valuable perspectives of fellow students with very different expertise and experiences.

Admission Requirements

While the typical admissions materials and requirements for both degrees may look similar, applicants to MBA and MEM programs will be expected to highlight different aspects of their experiences and accomplishments. For example, an MEM applicant is expected to emphasize their technical knowledge and experience more than an MBA applicant.

*Admissions requirements vary across universities, departments and programs. View our admissions page for the requirements for the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering’s online Master of Science in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Engineering Management.

MEM vs. MBA Curriculum

The core curriculum of a Master of Engineering Management program typically covers**:

• Systems engineering: the elements of engineering projects and how they interact
• Project management: the frameworks, workflows and best practices for ensuring projects stay on track and in line with the budget
• Product management: the process of managing a product’s lifecycle through definition, development, launch, scaling and sunsetting
• Operations and supply chain management: the issues and decisions involved in managing engineering business operations and strategies
• Financial management: the accounting and finance concepts and practices that govern business management
• Data and business analytics: the way in which organizations use technology, software and data to inform strategic planning
• Management communication: the verbal and written skills that are used in presentations and interpersonal interactions
• Intellectual property and business law: the legal issues surrounding the ownership of engineering ideas and designs
• Statistics for management decisions: a mathematical framework for analyzing and evaluating data

**Competencies reflect the curriculum of UCLA Samueli’s online M.S. in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Engineering Management . Core curricula vary by program.

MEMs may also offer opportunities for students to explore topics of interest. For example, UCLA Samueli’s online M.S. in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Engineering Management allows students in their final year of study to take special topics courses that have covered areas such as cybersecurity or technology and policy.

MBA Core Curriculum

MBA core curricula typically include classes in:

• Finance and accounting, providing foundational knowledge in financial reporting, auditing, budgeting and forecasting
• Business strategy, including competitive analysis, strategic planning, and execution
• Organizational behavior, so that students can gain an understanding of group dynamics, motivations and organizational culture
• Marketing management, which may cover strategy, market research and branding
• Leadership, including skills in conflict resolution, team building and managing diverse teams
• Data or business analytics, so that leaders can make data-driven decisions
• Ethics and corporate social responsibility, which may cover topics such as corporate governance, ethical decision making, sustainability practices and the impact of business activities on society
• Global business, for an understanding of business operations in the global marketplace
• Entrepreneurship, which provides insights into techniques and skills required to launch and run new business ventures successfully

MBAs sometimes offer electives that allow students to dive deep into specific areas of interest. These may also be grouped into concentrations or specializations that cover major fields, such as finance, human resources or healthcare.

Program Outcomes

Master’s in engineering and MBA degrees are generally structured to prepare students for leadership positions ranging from management to executive roles.

Graduates of MEM programs may qualify for various roles that involve guiding projects and teams, which require someone who deeply understands engineering concepts, terminology and processes.

This table outlines some of the top management positions, as well as corresponding growth expectancy and average annual salary.

***The job titles and salary information are sourced from Lightcast, whose data come from millions of job postings. Please note that salary will vary by experience, responsibilities, location and other factors. UCLA Samueli does not project job placements and salaries for its graduates.

These are just a sampling of the many potential roles available to those on an engineering management career path. Actual titles and responsibilities vary, as each organization has its own job requirements.

Graduates of master’s in engineering management programs are not limited to only aspiring managers. The high-level technical and leadership skills taught in an MEM program are equally relevant to graduates who are more interested in team contributor roles but who also want the leadership skills needed to spearhead major projects or processes. These roles can include:

• Senior Software Engineer
• Principal Engineer
• Lead Systems Engineer
• Senior Mechanical Engineer
• Senior Electrical Engineer
• Senior Project Engineer
• Senior Data Engineer
• Senior DevOps Engineer
• Senior Quality Assurance Engineer
• Engineering Project Lead

MBA graduates may pursue high-level positions across a wide range of industries and business operations, depending on their areas of interest and specialization. A few examples of these roles — as well as corresponding growth expectancy and average annual salary — are included in this table.

Is a Master’s in Engineering Management Right for You?

Selecting the graduate business degree that most closely aligns with your career aspirations is critical. It is also important to choose a degree program that is designed with industry needs in mind.

The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering offers an online Master of Science in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Engineering Management (MSEOL: ENGR MGMT) that combines technical and business expertise and gives students the tools for lifelong learning. Graduates gain the ability to analyze engineering challenges, develop creative solutions and execute them in line with the frameworks, processes and expectations of the business environment.

The MSOL: ENGR MGMT delivers UCLA’s top-ranked graduate education in a flexible format designed for those working full time.

About the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering

The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering is a tightly knit community of nearly 200 full-time faculty members, more than 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students, as well as 40,000 active alumni. Known as the Birthplace of the Internet, UCLA Samueli is also where countless other fields took some of their first steps — from artificial intelligence to reverse osmosis, from mobile communications to human prosthetics. In 2021, UCLA became the first university to win an XPRIZE, with a UCLA Samueli team awarded a $7.5 million grand prize in the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE. Times Higher Education lists UCLA among the top 10 universities for engineering in the U.S. and top 20 in the world. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the school’s online master’s program No. 1 in the nation.

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To learn more about the Online Master of Science in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Engineering Management , contact an enrollment consultant at (877) 837-8352 or fill out the form below to download a free brochure .

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