PhD in Strategic Management

The PhD program in Strategic Management is designed for individuals who are committed to scholarly research that contributes to literature on strategic management theory and practice. 

The fundamental question that drives strategic management is: Why do some firms outperform others? Students in our PhD program uncover the reasons for success and failure among organizations. Their research helps guide the field, and sets students on a path toward an academic research career.

To ensure the success of the student, the doctoral program offers:

• Mentor-apprenticeship research relationships that pairs students with faculty who share their interests
• Rigorous coursework that equips students with the intellectual tools to investigate questions in meaningful and nuanced ways
• A supportive climate that supports each student's passionate pursuit of professional goals
• World-class faculty who are active researchers with visibility in the field’s top journals

The structure of our program engages students in the research process early and often—encouraging students to collaborate with faculty in the creation of articles for publication. Each year, we host eminent research faculty from around the world for research talks and campus visits. We invite academically motivated, creative and open-minded candidates to apply.

Giuseppe Labianca
Berthiaume Chaired Professor of Leadership

• Access to Berthiaume Behavioral Research Lab with eye-tracking, facial analysis, and GSR technology
• Quality, personalized mentorship with 1:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Faculty are focused on understanding reasons for success and failure among organizations

• Application Deadline: December 15

  Reach out to PhD Coordinator Giuseppe Labianca at glabianca@umass.edu for more information.

Your roadmap to a PhD—designed to help you make a lasting impact through research and scholarship.

Years 1 & 2: Coursework

• Students complete 45 credits of coursework and milestone exams, building a foundation in strategic management theory and research methods
• Flexibility to customize much of the curriculum across the university
• Sample courses include four seminars in strategic management, experimental & casual inference methods, international management, regression & advanced modeling, AI & innovation, predictive analytics & machine learning, human capital, and qualitative & mixed methods

Years 3 & 4 : Dissertation & Teaching

• Focus on dissertation proposal, research, and defense
• Teaching requirement up to three to four courses, gaining valuable classroom experience

Take the next step by contacting our admissions team!

To apply, you'll need: 

• GRE or GMAT scores
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement and resume
• Short essay response
• Letters of recommendation
• English proficiency scores (if applicable)

For questions, contact doctoral_program@isenberg.umass.edu.