can i study phd after mba

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.

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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. 

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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?

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• 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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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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The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

Career Scope & Valuable Reasons to do PhD after MBA

Blog Summary

Unlock the potential of your career with a PhD after MBA in Management. Discover how this esteemed degree can elevate your expertise and impact in the business world. From gaining credibility to refining leadership skills, explore the myriad benefits outlined in our comprehensive guide. Dive deeper into the advantages of online learning and accreditation, ensuring a seamless journey towards your academic and professional aspirations. Join us on a transformative path towards scholarly excellence and practical mastery in management studies.

A rising number of PhD management degree holder

Whether you wish to become an academic teacher or help companies solve critical management issues, a PhD after an MBA degree in management will offer a path to greater credibility, influence, and impact.

PhD degree in a management program is usually grounded in preparing you with the skills and buoyancy you need to complete your thesis.

A PhD in Management empowers professionals in business and corporate to excel as leaders, scholars, and change-makers.

How to Get a PhD in Management

You can join PhD in management after an MBA or easily complete an online doctorate degree in management after your Master’s in Business Management. The pandemic has slowed the world down; schools, colleges, and most services have gone online.

PhD in management online programs were available even before the pandemic. You can complete your doctorate with full support from business experts and at your own pace.

More college graduates decide to pursue a master’s or doctorate degree in management. In recent years, the number of doctoral degree holders has grown to 4.5 million. Prospective students pursuing a PhD in management are increasing because they want to become experts in their chosen field. While there are many reasons to get a PhD after an MBA, it is a fact that you gain more knowledge and pass it on to the upcoming generation.

Benefits of Earning Your PhD after MBA in Management

There are plenty of reasons to pursue a PhD in Management, from gaining a competitive edge to becoming a scholar-practitioner.

Be it contemplating your career or seeking to address your management challenges, a PhD in Management can help you accomplish your goals, personal and professional. Are you wondering how a PhD after an MBA can better transform you, your career, and others? Here it is.

For further insights into the benefits and considerations of pursuing an online PhD in management, we invite our audience to explore our blog titled “ Why Opt for an Online PhD in Management Today .”

Gain a competitive edge   When you choose to move ahead in your career, PhD in Management online program will become a marketable asset that will provide you competitive advantage in today’s fast-moving business world.

• Become a better problem solver A good PhD in Management program inspires you to do more than receive knowledge. It helps you to share knowledge with the whole world. You will also be achieving new levels of critical thinking that you can apply in new and exciting ways in your career and your field of interest.
• Refine your expertise A PhD in management will, through distance or online learning, give you ground in new strategies for leading businesses and people in an increasingly interlinked global society. It is sure to hone your strategy for leading people in an increasingly interwoven international community.
• There may be repetitive questions in your mind as to why get a PhD in business. But the benefits are vivid; you can gain universally applicable skills for uplifting companies in any sector. Also, as you gain inside-out knowledge, you are sure to create a place for yourself in the current role you are in and make a more significant impact. There are chances that even your friends and family members turn to you for advice and guidance on business-related issues.
• Evolve as a scholar-practitioner PhD after an MBA will give you the knowledge and self-confidence to attend academic conferences and present papers. You’ll discover your inner voice as a scholar and write a dissertation.
• A competitive pay You are sure to receive higher pay soon after you finish your PhD in business. There is always a tremendous demand for PhD holders in universities to teach students and the business field for various positions. You can create a difference in your organization and also in your community. By transferring the latest concepts and theories, you can bring changes after your PhD in Management degree.

Choosing the Best Online University

It all starts with choosing the best university to earn a PhD or doctoral degree. Earning a degree can be more feasible and much more valuable if you choose the right online platform to pursue your PhD degree.  

Accredited university

You must ensure you receive a quality education by choosing an accredited university. It could be online or offline, but choosing the right university is recognised and accredited by an accrediting organization.

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What Can You Do with a PhD in Management?

TSL-UCN – The Best University for Online PhD in Management

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The Whys & Hows of a PhD After MBA

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Before anything, what is your reason to do PhD after MBA (Getting to add Dr. before your name doesn’t count!)

A PhD after MBA should be purely based on your interests as it alters the career opportunities that come your way after that. If you had the option to choose between an MBA and MCom after graduation, you would know that the choice was really about a career in corporate management or in academic domain. This is similar, except with higher stakes.

It does not imply that going for a PhD post-MBA will close career opportunities in corporate avenues, but it will certainly shape your career to be better suited for an academic domain, and even your corporate job will have a research undertone to it, such as research analyst or business development consultant that business giants like McKinsey, Endava, Boston Consulting Group, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock Associates, Securities Exchange Commission and Ernst & Young hire.

This blog discusses everything you need to know about PhD options abroad after MBA and how is it a good career option for you.

A PhD or a doctor of philosophy is the highest degree available in any given field and a Doctoral degree in Management does not just give you a competitive edge over an MBA, but also the opportunity to explore boundaries of the subject and conduct original research relating to the management field. The study of management draws from disciplines such as economics, psychology, and sociology. These are interesting disciplines for researching key aspects of management, including organizational behavior, organizational theory and strategy.

What are the Eligibility requirements for a PhD after MBA?

Other than the requirement of holding an MBA degree, the rest of the eligibility criteria are:

1. A good IELTS/TOEFL score to prove your English language proficiency. 2. A GMAT / GRE score is a must, depending upon the university you plan to apply to. 3. Academic transcripts and two-three letters of recommendation are also necessary. 4. More often than not, an interview is conducted either physically or via a video call to assess the student’s ability. 5. Depending on the university, candidates might be required to have a research idea or two ready to present to the university while applying.

How much time does it take to complete a PhD?

A PhD course in Management or Business, on an average, takes around three to five years to complete. The duration of the program and PhD program structure varies depending upon the country and university you select to continue your studies. Usually, the first two years cover the complete coursework that is part of the PhD program.

From the third year on, candidates can devote their time to identifying and working on their research problem, collecting and analyzing data and writing their dissertation thesis. This will be followed by qualifying exams or seminars or thesis defense or combination of the three as a final part of their PhD.

Why pursue a PhD abroad?

PhD is advantageous even in India, but a PhD abroad is loaded with upsides. Many students opt for a PhD abroad because of the following reasons:

✔ Wide Variety of research interests and topics for dissertations to choose from. ✔ World-renowned program supervisors, who are specialists in their academic fields. ✔ Substantial Stipend or Tuition Waiver to PhD students that amounts to $15,000 to $30,000 as compared to 25,000 to 28,000 rupees (less than $384) per annum in India. ✔ Increased facilities and exclusive access to museums, sites, information centers, archives or equipment. ✔ A well-funded network of Public Universities offering a number of academic instructors allowing students to choose from. ✔ Elaborate coursework of two to three years before dissertation research, enabling students to get in-depth knowledge of the subject. ✔ Option for lab rotations for students in their first year to effectively decide the lab they want to do their dissertation work in. ✔ Broad network and increased opportunities for placements in the top firms.

Top PhD programs after MBA

There are plenty of doctoral dissertation areas which are considered to be immediately marketable assets furnishing you with a competitive edge in today’s workforce. Following is the list of top PhD programs post-MBA offered by world ranking universities:

1. Behavioral Science 2. Accounting 3. Economics 4. Management Science & Operations Management 5. Marketing 6. Financial Economics 7. Finance 8. Econometrics and Statistics 9. Accounting & Management 10. Business Economics 11. Health Policy (Management) 12. Management 13. Organizational Behaviour 14. Strategy 15. Technology & Operations Management.

What are the employment opportunities after PhD?

PhD abroad post-MBA is a booster pack that gets you some of the most well-reputed and high-salaried jobs in the world.

A majority of students take up lucrative teaching opportunities in B-schools globally. There are also other esteemed positions including research associate, investment analyst, managing director, senior marketing manager, human resource manager, marketing manager, data analyst, business development manager, associate, business analyst, team leader, consultant and financial economist, that many students go for.

If you are thinking of breaking into academics or want to upgrade your career with a PhD from top universities abroad, we can help. Just a 15-minute session with our admission consultant will help you iron out your worries and give you a clear cut roadmap to chart a course to your dream PhD program. It’s free and absolutely worth your time!

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Doing a Ph.D. After MBA | Eligibility Criteria, Career Scope, Employment And Salary

Doing A Ph.D. After MBA: The ‘road less taken’ can be simply called for Ph.D. after MBA. Not many people is seen to pursue a Ph.D. in Commerce; as it is a field that does not attract and relatively unknown many pursuers.

In the academic field, Ph.D. after MBA is more useful than a professional one. initially; The ROI and opportunity cost for this course are also not up to par, however, by saying that, it does not mean that the course is not worth it or useless. If a Ph.D. is done right then it can be quite rewarding.

Ph.D. after MBA or Management

• Ph.D. Course Duration after MBA

Eligibility Criteria for Ph.D. After MBA

Can one do a ph.d. after mba, after mba available top ph.d. courses, how to do a ph.d. after mba, ph.d. after mba in india, can i actually do a ph.d. after distance mba, ph.d. after mba – in distance education.

• Ph.D. After MBA Abroad – Entrance Exams & Admission Process
• Top-Most Abroad Universities for Pursuing PhD after MBA
• Best Countries to Study PhD after MBA Abroad
• Ph.D. After MBA in USA

Ph.D. After MBA in Australia

Ph.d. after mba in germany, ph.d. after mba finance.

• Scope Of Ph.D. after MBA in Finance

Ph.D. in Management

• Career Scope, Employment, and Salary for Doing a Ph.D. after MBA
• FAQ’s on Doing A Ph.D. after MBA

As one may expect it to be, Ph.D. after MBA may not be as advantageous. After getting done with an MBA, rather than pursue a Ph.D., many prefer to increase their work experience, but if you are interested in doing research in the field of your interest, a Ph.D. may be the perfect course for a person to take up.

Ph.D. researchers or individuals also get a chance to do individual research and study, apart from the extensive knowledge which the course provides, which puts them quite apart from other managers.

• The course requires a lot of dedication and rigorous hard work in Ph.D.
• A lot of time needs to be invested by someone with a Ph.D., which can be tedious.
• The Ph.D. course combines practical application with theoretical knowledge.
• There are many practical methods and approaches like field studies, econometrics, experimental methods, etc., which are mostly used during Ph. D.s.
• For those who want to teach Management, Ph.D. is for them.
• The profession of the Professor is most sought after and reputable.
• Ph.D. researchers also work as consultants in top firms.
• Ph.D. increases their analytical skills and trains researchers.
• Because of their skillset, positions in analytics are offered commonly to Ph.D. researchers.
• One may not quite earn much before getting tenure, and the growth is considerably slow.

Do Refer: Career Objective for MBA

Ph.D. Course Duration After MBA

Depending on the research topic, methodologies, and time and labor investment, the duration for Ph.D. after MBA may vary.

On average, it may take 4 to 5 years for the completion of a Ph.D.. Depending on the country and institution, the duration may also vary.

Country Duration (Average)

• India –  3 years
• USA – 5-7 years
• UK – 3-4 years
• Australia – 4-6 years
• Germany – 3-5 Years

Eligibility Criteria for a Ph.D. after an MBA must be an MBA degree, as one may assume. But that’s not so.

There are many other criteria for eligibility, as well. To pursue a Ph.D. after MBA, one must fulfill being eligible for a Ph.D. after MBA, and the following are the criteria.

• One must have an acceptable TOEFL or IELTS exam score to prove their proficiency in the English language.
• One must also have a respectable, which may vary as per the university of GRE/GMAT score.
• Students must also submit their essays, transcript and SOP.
• Letters of Recommendation are required. At least 2 to 3 times to be submitted by the aspiring student.
• Oftentimes, an interview is conducted either online via video call or physically to test student’s eligibility and knowledge.
• Students must have a thesis statement or an idea and a dissertation ready.
• It is crucial that the students are well versed to have a clear idea and what they want to do about their objectives.
• The acceptance rate at top-rated Business Schools is around 3 to 5%.

Yes, one actually can do a Ph.D. after MBA. There are various business schools worldwide that offer Ph.D. programs after an MBA, which can be pursued.

For the MBA itself, some years of work experience is required by many schools. The Student may already have the direction they want to take in their life by choosing to pursue an MBA.

A Ph.D. after an MBA is not quite a popular choice, but many students still decide to pursue the research either for better opportunities or out of interest. To pursue a Ph.D., the criteria for eligibility include more than 50% or more marks in your post-graduation, and students are also required to take up an entrance exam. The field of Ph.D. is open for the Student or for anyone who has done an MBA.

A student may choose from several Ph.D. courses after MBA. Due to its vast scope, there is no dearth of specialization in the field of management.

As the Ph.D. in Management is an unexplored field, each research in each area is equally important.

There are several available courses one may take, like:

• Entrepreneurship
• Human Resource Management
• Commercial Law
• Operational Research
• Healthcare and Management
• Organizational Behaviour
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Political Science

For students who actually want to do a Ph.D. after their MBA is done, there are many options. It is important that for the duration of 2 years, the MBA course the candidate has done.

The students must choose their work and field of interest in that direction and also most important.

Students always have the choice to pursue a Ph.D. in abroad or India. The application process for both remains more or less the same. To do a Ph.D. after an MBA abroad, one has to additionally give language proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL and exams like GMAT or GRE.

For India, exams like CAT are applicable.

• One must have a good score in their CAT exam and a two-year MBA degree.
• For admission in their Ph.D. courses, GATE or even UGC NET may be required at some top IIMs.
• A Ph.D. may actually vary from 3 to 5 years on average, and it is important to note that the duration.
• In the first year of Ph.D., the candidates are trained in research methodologies and subjects, etc. and are mostly dedicated to the coursework.
• In the second year, one may choose the area in which they will be conduction research and their specialization.
• It is often advisable that students actually choose the area for research in which they have specialized during their MBA. It is, however, not quite compulsory.
• A Ph.D. thesis is the most essential part of any Ph.D., and during their second year only, it is important that students start developing it.
• In the third year, after they have researched and collected data, a student is asked to present their thesis statement.
• After the first six months of the third year, students are free to write their research papers and Ph.D. and do their research.
• The whole process can be quite time-consuming, but the only trick here is to be very resilient.
• Yes, you can obviously do a Ph.D. after a distance MBA.
• The institute must be recognized by the UGC.
• Universities are not allowed to differentiate between the degrees.
• The degree earned and mentioned in the eligibility criteria must be in tandem.
• As the process for regular courses, the application process is as same.
• Candidates must submit their essays, SOPs, mark sheets, documents, etc., like any other regular candidate.
• Mostly on entrance exams and interviews, the admission in a Ph.D. program is based.
• Over the ones who did pursue their degrees via distance education mode, Some institutes may prefer regular students.
•  The decision is solely based on the discretion of the university to select a candidate or not.

In Distance Education, one can definitely do a Ph.D. after MBA, but few things actually need to be taken into consideration.

It is important and mandatory that the institution from where the candidate has pursued their MBA in Distance education form is recognized by any other supreme commission as relevant to the country or by the UGC.

Also, for the Ph.D. program, one is applying to, the degree must match the eligibility criteria as well.

Ph.D. After MBA Abroad – Entrance Exams & Admission Process:

If you are actually planning to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA, especially from abroad, then the following points will help and guide you through the application process and entrance exams:

• For global universities, the application process is very different from the universities of India. You actually don’t have to give any entrance exam to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA from abroad; rather, the GMAT / GRE score is needed to submit.
• Previous project and research work matter, LORs, SOPs, and a lot when you are actually looking to pursue a Ph.D. abroad. They increase the chances of getting selected by making your profile strong.
• For Ph.D. programs, most of the universities have a 3-5% acceptance rate. Thus, it is vital to make your application strong; get in touch with experts if you need any help regarding the same.
• You need to work on your specific thesis, submit it in the provided duration as the curriculum more or less remains the same in Ph.D., and complete your Ph.D. after MBA.

Top-Most Abroad Universities for Pursuing Ph.D. after MBA

For better assistance at the time of your research on Ph.D. Courses after completion of MBA, we have enlisted some of the significant academic universities that are globally famous for their advanced specialized courses on Ph.D. after MBA:

Best Countries to Study Ph.D. after MBA Abroad

Most of the popular abroad destinations for Ph.D. studies are UK, USA, Australia, Germany, and Canada. These countries are notable for their research doctoral courses so choosing the best country to study Ph.D. is a crucial decision. So, decide carefully by doing deeper research about the course and universities in all countries. Let’s have a glance at the top countries to study Ph.D. after MBA and their popular research universities below for some idea:

Ph.D. After MBA in the USA

Ph.D. after MBA in the USA is the most popular place; because of a highly research-friendly environment, it especially is a great place to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA.

The USA offers students unlimited data and resources to facilitate their research as it is home to the top business schools. The amenities are quite good here, which are provided to Ph.D. researchers.

• University of Pennsylvania
• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• The University of California
• Columbia University
• Kellogg School of Management
• The University of Chicago
• Washington University
• Cornell University
• University of Michigan

Ph.D. after MBA in Australia is also home to many great universities, and it is a very pleasant place to be at.

Ph.D. programs after MBA are offered by many great B-schools present. For applying practical methods, there is a lot of scopes and here because of the way corporates and businesses are run here.

Students will be provided with quite a lot of opportunities to collect primary as well as secondary data and conduct researches.

• Australian National University
• UNSW Sydney
• University of Western Australia
• University of Sydney
• University of Melbourne
• University of Queensland
• Monash University
• University of Adelaide
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Canberra

Probably the best place to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA in Germany because of the varieties of facilities like the grant which are made available for students studying.

Germany has the best management programs and boasts of some of the best universities in the world as well. Many universities in Germany offer great guidance to students to help them in their research work and Ph.D. in management.

• University of Berlin
• University of Hamburg
• Technical University of Munich
• Heidelberg University
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• RWTH Aachen University
• University of Freiburg
• Bielefeld University

One of the topmost and popular specializations is a Ph.D. after MBA in Finance. The scope is vast, and the opportunities are quite endless.

Though the subject for those interested may seem challenging, it has a plethora of research ideas and opportunities.

Expertise in subjects like Mathematics and Economics is required by Ph.D. in Finance.

The top universities which are offering this program are:

• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
• The Centurion University of Technology and Management
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science
• Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi
• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

Scope Of Ph.D. After MBA in Finance

Opportunities after opportunities are present in Ph.D. after MBA in Finance. There is a wide and deep scope of opportunities, and many companies to hire because of their skill and both practical and theoretical knowledge do look out for such candidates. Top companies seek to recruit candidates who have completed their  Ph.D. in Finance and  like the ones mentioned below .

• TATA Consultancy
• Genpact Technologies Ltd

One of the highest degrees of academic awarded in the study of management is a Ph.D. in management. For those seeking teaching careers and academic research as professors or faculty in the field of management at business schools worldwide, a Ph.D. in Management degree was designed.

Following are some Benefits of PhD after MBA

• Helps you become a better thinker:  More than just consume what has been taught in the classes, a good Ph.D. in Management program encourages you to do more – it teaches you to become a good thinker and create more. One will achieve newer levels of critical thinking by moving past passive learning, which you can apply in new ways in your field of interest as well as your career.
• To gain an edge:  A Ph.D. in Management is essential and immediately marketable, especially in today’s workforce, provide an asset that will give you a competitive advantage. A Ph.D. in Management proves the expertise in your field of study; you have an impressive level of credibility and a lifelong commitment to learning which will help you fulfill your professional goals.
• Become a competitive scholar-practitioner:  A Ph.D. in Management will give you the confidence and knowledge but present at them instead of just attending academic conferences. You’ll discover your write a dissertation, may find yourself authoring peer-reviewed articles published in your field’s leading journals, and may have a scholarly voice.
• Skills enhancement:  A Ph.D. in Management can actually help you enhance valuable skills and gain that are universally applicable to any kind of field. They are empowering you to make more of an impact in your current role by giving you expertise outside of your organization by the degree, which in turn helps people around you as well. You may find colleagues turning to you for guidance, Once you begin your studies.

Career Scope, Employment, and Salary for Doing a Ph.D. After MBA

Somewhere between 8 Lakhs to 18 Lakhs per annum, Ph.D. after MBA salary in India is depending upon whether you explore the academic domain working as a lecturer or academician or working in a corporate sector.

For graduates with a Ph.D. in Commerce-related specializations and Management below, we have elucidated upon the major employment sector:

• Teaching: A Ph.D.’s most popular career path post is that of becoming a professor or teacher. Most Ph. D.s in management or business pursue it in the first place to pursue a career in particular academics. Further, to hire Ph.D.’s like business school professors, most of the research universities prefer. Suppose you aim to become a part of Ivy League schools or other prestigious academic institutions because of this striking combination coupled with a few years of professional experience. In that case, you should definitely go for a Ph.D. degree after MBA. It can make you an ideal candidate for the position of lecturer or university professor at a business school. Nearly 75% of business ‘Ph.D. after MBA’ graduates at business schools become faculty members, to give a rough statistical description, and roughly 25% take jobs in the industry.
• Research: A Ph.D. involves extensive analysis and is quite a data-driven degree and in-depth assessment as it constitutes various submissions of a multiple research thesis as its incremental element. If you have planned to pursue a career in research, but combining it with a Ph.D. might give you the knowledge and expertise of both the research world as well as corporate, and an MBA is more of a route of professional to take. You can further enter various research sectors with a versatile skill set by getting the taste of both these areas, which will prove extremely useful in carrying out path-breaking contributions and case studies with the potential of bringing a newer light to the commercial industry.
• Corporate Sector: As a common myth, you might be told that in the professional world, a doctorate degree is of no use, but it is quite the opposite as a Ph.D. after an MBA can furnish you with the outstanding business acumen to fit the role of business consultants and analysts. As many of the doctoral scholars move further to become professors or researchers, only a small proportion of them head towards the industry. As this degree provides aspirants with the understanding of employing Ph.D. s derive wisdom from their theoretical and unique methodologies for analysis, which, when combined with the pragmatic training obtained during MBA, marks for a marvelous body of knowledge. You can explore varied prospects in entrepreneurship ventures as well as companies like SEC, JP Morgan Chase, McKinsey, and Morgan Stanley, which are known to hire Ph. D.s frequently.

FAQ’s on Doing A Ph.D. After MBA

Question 1. What Ph.D. should I get after my MBA?

Answer: For students who want to do a Ph.D. after their MBA is done, there are many options. The MBA course the candidate has done must be for the duration of 2 years, and it is important. The most common career path after that is chosen is teaching.

Question 2. Is an MBA higher than a Ph.D.?

Answer: Compared to a Ph.D. that takes 4-6 years, you can complete your MBA in 1- 2 years. It allows them to start their career far sooner for the student, so the MBA is considered advantageous.

Question 3. Can I do a Ph.D. while working?

Answer: Yes, you can do a Ph.D. while working, but this can only happen if you are keen to work. Working full time and doing a Ph.D. is not easy; you won’t make progress without constant effort.

Question 4. Can I do a Ph.D. at 40?

Answer: Yes, you can do a Ph.D. at the age of 40; most of the person who does this are mostly in the education sector. The only problem that comes up is that not all programs will be open for you.

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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.

Master of Business Administration [MBA] : 738 answered questions

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● Top Answer By Rahul Pandey on 17 Aug 20

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27 Courses after MBA you can Consider to Upgrade Your Career

If you have completed your MBA, congratulations! You now have a strong network and are exposed to new career opportunities. But sometimes, a general management degree may not be enough for you to dive deeper into a specific area of interest. That is why there are several well-known courses after MBA that you can opt for. If you are wondering why you should pursue a course after MBA, let us inform you that an MBA degree is one of the most sought-after programs worldwide. This means that you will face stiff competition to stand out from your peers.

Here is where a course can help you. Once you complete a short-term course after MBA, you have icing on your cake. A good course indicates the extra effort you have put in to be the best in the business. That never goes out of notice!

Now that we have your attention, let us inform you that we have curated a list of 27 courses after MBA that you choose from. Are you excited?

Also read: Jobs Opportunities after MBA in India 2021- Complete List of Career, Scope, salary and Post MBA Degree

In this blog, we will cover the following topics:

1. Different courses after MBA that you can apply

2. commonly asked questions.

In this section, we will cut to the chase and discuss 27 different short courses after MBA that will give you the boost to speed up your career. Do stick with us until the end, as we will also discuss the various questions you might have upon reading these course options!

Let’s begin.

I. ISB Certificate Programme in Business Analytics (CBA)

The ISB Certificate Programme in Business Analytics or CBA is also known as the Advanced Management Programme in Business Analytics or AMPBA. This is a short-term course after MBA for mid-career professionals with 2-15 years of experience. The duration of the program is 15 months.

This Indian School of Business course is an excellent opportunity for you to balance your work and your pursuits. This program combines classroom learning with technology-aided learning platforms. This program also uses foundational projects with different modules to help you learn real-world solutions to business problems.

Also read: Indian School of Business

Typically, for this course after MBA, you will have to be on any of the two campuses of ISB for a 5-day schedule of classroom learning. This occurs every alternate month for 12 months, which can be planned to include a weekend. During the classroom sessions, you would be expected to stay on campus and attend teaching sessions in the morning and guest lectures, projects, and group work in the evening.

For more information, check out ISB’s page .

Also read: ISB YLP: The Guide for Every Fresher’s MBA Dreams!

II. Ph.D. in Management

A Ph.D. in management offered by different IIMs will help you gain a deeper perspective into management. It is an ideal course after MBA, especially for those in the consulting field and those looking for a career in academics. This program is spread across 4-5 years, where you will be dedicated solely to research from your third year.

The Ph.D. in management will offer you research topics across marketing, finance, economics, human resources, etc. Other benefits include a library with various literature, journals, and databases. Along with this treasure of knowledge, you would also enjoy high computing facilities, lodging on campus, fellowship, and money for research!

This program also focuses on improving your business management fundamental and leadership skills to help you stand apart in your industry. You will be involved in monitoring, controlling, leading, planning, and organizing business activities.

To know more about Ph.D. in Management, click on this link .

III. Executive MBA

Designed for working professionals who are in mid-senior level, the Executive MBA is a shorter MBA program that can add the ‘double MBA’ tag on your resume! Several B-Schools in Indian and abroad offer Executive programs that help you interact with the best in the industry to take your career to the next level.

According to HughesEducation.com , the top Indian B-Schools offering Executive MBA programs are listed down below. We have also shared the fees required for each of their Executive MBA programs.

Also read: What is the ROI of an Executive MBA?

IV. Doctor of Business Administration

DBA or Doctor of Business Administration graduates move to become leaders in the industry or the public sector. If you choose this course after your MBA, you will have several career options as a financial analyst, consultant, manager, or director. The DBA also offers courses and specializations in various fields that help you cultivate high-level decision-making and problem-solving skills.

If you are interested in this program, let us inform you that applicants require a minimum of 3.0 GPA or a related master’s degree. While some DPA programs do admit bachelor degree holders with experience, but they would need to complete foundational coursework.

To know about the best Doctor of Business Administration programs across international B-Schools, click on this link .

V. Postgraduate Diploma In Marketing Management

If you wish to succeed in the marketing world, you would need a lot of creativity and proper strategy. While the former is entirely on you, the latter can be taught and understood in a B-School. That is why a management graduate with a marketing degree becomes the choicest candidate.

To know more, you can click this link .

Also read: What to Do After MBA: Here’s How You Can Become a Marketing Manager

VI. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

The APICS CPIM or the Certified in Production and Inventory Management is a globally recognized certification. If you wish to establish yourself in the supply chain division, this certification will help you get that extra boost. In this course, you will get a thorough understanding and knowledge of the production planning and inventory management of a company in global operations.

This certification has five modules with two APICS CPIM exams- Part 1 and Part 2. Each module will require 3.5 hours to complete. As for the fee for the APICS PLUS members, it is $495 per exam, and for CORE members/non-members, it is $690 per exam.

Also, you can prepare for this exam at your convenience, as the entire course materials are available online!

VII. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional or PMP certification is issued by the Project Management Institute or PMI. It is a non-profit organization in the area of project management. This certification is ideal if you wish to be a leading Project manager. It is also a testament that you have what it takes to get the job done, considering the hours of effort you will put in for the certificate.

Now they have a long list of requirements which starts from having 4500 hours leading and directing projects. This is in addition to a four-year bachelor’s degree and 35 hours of project management education. What we can understand is that it is suited for mid-senior level professionals. Now, if you do not have a four-year degree, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent and an addition of 7500 hours of leading and directing projects.

As for the exam, it will be of four hours with 200 multiple-choice questions. The cost involved would be US$405 for members and US$555 for non-members.

For more information, kindly check out PMI’s website.

Also read: Post-MBA Career in IT Project Management

VIII. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

This short-term course after MBA is designed to meet the needs of the finance world and able you with the correct information to handle it. For this course, you only require a bachelor’s degree. Another good news is that if you are a student in your final year of graduation, you can apply for this certification course!

With this certification, you are sure to land a job in investment banking, portfolio management, equity research.

Now, if you are a working professional, you can pursue this program along with your job. All this course will require is that you give over 300 hours to prepare for the three levels.

For more information, you can click on this link.

IX. Financial Risk Management (FRM)

Did you know that FRM is one of the most chosen short-term courses after MBA? This short-term course would be ideal for you if you wish to work for investment banks, corporations, or asset management firms. Also, You do not need to be a mid-senior professional to be eligible to apply for this course. All you need is a minimum of two years of work experience. They also do not have any educational requirements.

Now, GARP offers this program with two levels. They hold the exam twice a year- November and May. All you will need to do is spend an average of 275 hours of preparation for this exam.

For more information, you can check out GARP’s website .

X. Certified Information Systems Auditor or CISA

This short course after MBA is conducted by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). If you are interested in the IT sector, then this certification is meant for you. Firstly, you will need five years of IT audit experience before you are eligible for getting the certification.

The exam is held thrice a year between February to May, June to September, and October to January.

For more information, you can check out ISACA’s website.

XI. Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)

This short-term course after MBA is organized by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) for risk managers. Once you earn this certification, it will help you demonstrate your ability to ensure core business processes in risk management and governance.

However, if you choose to go ahead with this course, you need to work hard as this course does not have a fixed syllabus. As for eligibility, you will need a character certificate signed by an authorized person and a graduate degree and job experience in the finance sector.

This exam is ideal for you if you wish to build a career in credit risk management, risk assurance, quality assurance, audit, etc.

For more information, click on this link.

XII. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

This course after MBA is a global certification for those of you who are interested in the supply chain. This program will help you get holistic information about the production, planning, and stock management of an organization’s operations.

Regarding the syllabus, the materials are available online, which means that you can prepare for this exam at your convenience.

XIII. SAP course

The SAP course after MBA will help you learn about managing financial assets, materials, cost accounting, production operations, personnel, and archived documents of a company. This program is divided into two courses- functional course and technical course. This means that you will be focusing more on coding modules.

XIV. Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA)

This course after MBA is conducted with programming languages like Java, C, C Packages. They also use operating systems like MS Office- Web Design, TALLY, Oracle-VB for information handling. Now, the good news for you is that you can either choose the one-year course (either full-time or part-time) with no previous experience.

XV. NSE’s Certification in Financial Markets

This course after MBA is ideal for those interested in capital markets. It also covers various areas of banking, financial markets, financial services, and financial literacy.

Also read: Post-MBA careers in Finance: 5 Key Points

XVI. Personality Development

Good speaking skill is a must-have in any industry today. So it is natural that if you opt for the personality development course after MBA, it will help you enhance your communication skills which in turn, will help you present your ideas with confidence. You can even choose to take this course before applying for a job to teach you how to communicate during an interview effectively.

XVII. Society for Human Resource Management

If you wish to impact the HR domain significantly, this course after MBA is well suited for you. This course after MBA HR will help you learn how to find practical solutions to real-world HR problems.

Did you know that HR management is one of the most popular branches in the MBA course? Every company requires a human resource department to act as the bridge between their employees and the management.

Also read: MBA in HR (Human Resource) – All About the Course, Syllabus & Scope

Upon completing this course, in addition to your MBA, you would be ideally suited for the following job roles:

• Recruitment Executive

• HR Executive

• Assistant Manager

• Business Development Manager

• Senior Associate

If you wish to enhance your resume and capabilities further, we are also sharing a few more courses that you can pursue after your MBA in HR.

• Talent Management Practitioner

• Certified Professional in Learning and Performance

• Senior Talent Management practitioner

• Associate Professional in Talent Development

XVIII. Language Course

If you know multiple languages, it offers you the opportunity to connect with different people across borders and truly become a world citizen. As such, several businesses look for people who are well-versed in multiple languages. That is why, many B-Schools too, have realized the importance of knowing different languages.

If you take up a language course after MBA, it helps you stand out amongst the crowd and opens up the possibility for you to get a job in different countries. Now, we do not just mean foreign languages; even if you are well-versed in local languages within India, it will help you form a deeper connection with your clients and customers. Now that is an advantage!

XIX. Coding

Data moves the world. Nowadays, every business is looking to invest in big data, and you utilize this trend as well! If you pursue a coding course after MBA, it will give you a significant edge over your competition as MBAs with digital knowledge are well-suited for large companies. Armed with the information about technology, you will be able to create a more significant impact in your industry and your organization.

XX. AWS- Amazon Web Services

A few years ago, a cloud would have a different meaning. But now, with several key players in cloud services, you would be ideally suited if you pursue this course after your MBA. The reason is simple. Several businesses need in-house club services, and you can offer them an edge with your MBA as well.

XXI. Inbound Marketing Certification Course

Marketing is another key factor of a successful business. With an inbound marketing certification, you can market yourself as an ideal choice for different companies. The reason is simple: you will be better equipped with information about inbound marketing approaches and getting holistic training in content creation, communication, etc. This is especially relevant now, considering the digital boom we are all experiencing together.

XXII. Marketing Management Professional Course

This course will help you develop your strategic thinking, which in turn, will be a valuable asset for any company. Several international and national B-Schools like Kellogg School of Management and ISBM offer this course which utilizes marketing skills to create an impact.

XXIII. Data Science

With the dawn of the digital age, there is a lot of information that can be analyzed to understand customer behavior and create a product that suits their needs. These extensive data extracted from sources like log files, financial transactions, and social media need an expert to comprehend their meaning.

If you are one such professional who loves crunching data, then a career in Data Science is right. If you take up this course after your MBA, it would only enhance your resume and give your prospective employers another reason to consider you for the job.

If you have pursued an MBA in Information Technology or other related fields, you can enroll in a data science course after MBA.

XXIV. Fellow Programmes in Management from IIM’s

The Fellow Programmes in Management from IIMs is a doctoral management program. This program will help you with thorough research and interdisciplinary understanding in different areas of business management, such as corporate strategy, production management, economics, and social sciences.

XXV. Second MBA from an international business school

Now, this is an interesting trend that you might not have noticed. Several MBA graduates who pass out from Indian B-Schools wish to take their careers to a greater height. But they do not opt for a part-time course that might not help them significantly; they choose to get another MBA from International B-Schools.

A second MBA can be lucrative, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of them being the cost. At this stage, if you are in your 40s and you wish to pursue another MBA, you will also have to consider your family and how you will manage this transition. We would suggest thinking it through and then make a decision.

Also read: MBA in India vs. MBA Abroad

XXVI. Operations Management

This branch of Business Administration works with managing the operations and analyzing the success and failure rates. If you take up an operations management course after your MBA, you will be responsible for improving the company’s sustainability. You will find yourself working in the planning department, plant operations, logistics, etc. The different types of job roles that you can find yourself in are as follows:

• Manager for Supply Chain

• Manager for Sales and Operations

• Vice President for Infrastructure Operations

XXVII. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is the go-to marketing solution now. With the Covid situation, more businesses are currently focusing on a bigger digital marketing team that can leverage this situation to churn out relatable content for different products and services. Suppose you have completed your MBA in Marketing, then a digital marketing course after MBA is just what you need to strengthen your resume. Also, with digital marketing, you can think of starting your venture someday.

Also read: Top 10 CEOs with an MBA Degree

Now, a word of caution here, you need to be careful while selecting an institute to complete your digital marketing course.

We hope these 27 courses after MBA will help you get in-depth knowledge about your specific field. We are sure your resume and capabilities will ensure that you stand apart from the crowd.

If you are yet to apply for your GMAT or MBA, you can know more about GMAT preparation in 2021 and MBA applications , or you can check our YouTube channel .

Additionally, if you specifically need help with your MBA Application Interview Prep , reach out to us, and we will be happy to help. Click on the image below for further information on the MBA Interview Prep process.

Is Your Profile Good Enough For An MBA

Is phd possible after mba.

Yes, you can pursue a PhD after your MBA. However, you should know about the eligibility factor. You would require 50% or more marks in your post-graduation.

Which MBA course has highest salary?

Your salary would depend on the various factors- experience, B-School reputation, your skills. However, some of the courses with the highest salaries are:

• Healthcare Management
• International Business
• Information Technology

Which MBA is most in demand?

The most popular MBA is the general management program. However, apart from them, the popular MBA programs are:

• International Management
• Finance Leadership

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PhD After MBA – Step by Step Guide 2022

Written by   piyush bhartiya , mba.

PhD after MBA can simply be called the ‘road less taken.’ Not many people pursue a PhD in Commerce , it is a field that is relatively unknown and does not attract many pursuers.

PhD after MBA is more useful in the academic field than a professional one. The ROI and opportunity cost for this course are also not up to the par initially, however, it does not mean that the course is not worth it, a PhD can be quite rewarding if done right.

Table of Contents

PhD After MBA

PhD after MBA may not be as advantageous as one may expect it to be. After getting done with an MBA, many prefer to increase their work experience rather than pursue a PhD; but if you are interested in doing research in the field of your interest, PhD may be the perfect course for you to take up.

Apart from the extensive knowledge which the course provides, PhD researchers also get a chance to do individual research and study which puts them apart from other managers. 

• PhD is a rigorous course that requires a lot of dedication and hard work.
• It can be tedious as there is a lot of time one needs to invest in a PhD
• The PhD course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.
• There are many practical approaches and methods like field studies , experimental methods , econometrics , etc. which are used during PhDs. 
• It is a course for those who want to teach Management . 
• The profession of the Professor is most reputable and sought after.
• PhD researchers also work as consultants in the top firms.
• PhD trains researchers and increases their analytical skills.
• Positions in analytics are offered commonly to PhD researchers because of their skillset.
• The growth is considerably slow and one may not earn much before getting tenure.

Benefits of phd after mba

While we’re in the specifics of each PhD after MBA school, let’s have a look at the benefits of PhD after MBA and why it’s such a good career choice:

• PhD after MBA allows students to undertake research and perform in-field studies of ideas and specialities that you couldn’t do during your MBA.
• MBA degrees give profitable employment opportunities in and of itself, but after obtaining a PhD, MBA degrees become considerably more useful.
• The research conducted during a PhD following an MBA helps to raise knowledge of new business insights and trends throughout the world, which aids in more effective company management.
• Having an MBA degree, a person with a PhD can earn a lot of money. A top MBA College lecturer earns millions more than someone with an MBA degree.
• PhD after MBA permits them to work in the field of management, finance, or business research, setting them distinct from other managers who have just completed an MBA.

PhD Courses after MBA

PhD Finance

• PhD Finance is a research-based programme that prepares students for a successful academic career.
• After earning an MBA in Finance, students pursue a PhD in Finance.
• PhD finance focuses on advanced topics such as share valuation, privatisation and globalisation, cost and management accounting, and so on.

PhD Marketing

• PhD Marketing is a three-year doctoral degree that prepares students to teach and do research in the disciplines of marketing and allied fields.
• The entrance test and personal interview are used to determine admission to this programme. After completing an MBA in Marketing, any applicant with a postgraduate degree in a related field is entitled to apply for a PhD.
• PhD Marketing is a highly competitive field, with jobs such as Market Research Analyst, Marketing Communications Leader, Marketing Executive, and others paying between INR 2,00,000 and INR 10,00,000.

PhD Organization Behaviour

• PhD Organization Behaviour is a three- to five-year doctoral programme that studies human behaviour in organisations.
• A candidate for a PhD following an MBA in Organization Behaviour must have a Master’s degree or an M.Phil. in the relevant subject of study with a minimum aggregate of 55%.
• Candidates can get work in organisations such as Academic Institutions, Colleges, Finance, Marketing, Information Technology, and others after successfully completing the Ph.D. Organization Behaviour programme, with an average pay of INR 4,00,000 – INR 8,00,000.

PhD Business Management

• PhD Business Management is a three-year doctoral degree that focuses on actions such as leading, monitoring, coordinating, and planning that are involved in operating a business.
• A master’s degree in related fields with a minimum aggregate of 50% or higher qualifies a student for a PhD after completing an MBA in Business Management.
• PhD in Business Management graduates can find work in areas such as colleges and universities, finance, information technology, banking, management, operations, supply chain management, MNCs, product development, human resources, and more, with average salaries ranging from INR 4,00,000 to INR 8,00,000.
• PhD in Management

PhD in management is one of the highest academic degrees awarded in the study of management. A PhD in Management degree was designed for those seeking academic research and teaching careers as faculty or professors in the field of management at business schools worldwide.

Following are the advantages of doing PhD in Management :

• To gain a competitive edge: A PhD in Management is an immediately marketable asset that will give you a competitive edge in today’s workforce. A PhD in Management proves that you have an impressive level of credibility, proving expertise in your field of study and a lifelong commitment to learning which will help you fulfill your professional goals.
• Helps you become a better thinker: A good PhD in Management program encourages you to do more than just consume what has been taught in the classes – it teaches you to create it and become a good thinker. By moving past passive learning, you’ll achieve newer levels of critical thinking that you can apply in new ways in your career and field of interest.
• Skills enhancement: A PhD in Management can help you gain and enhance valuable skills that are universally applicable to any field. The degree can also empower you to make more of an impact in your current role by giving you expertise outside of your organization, which in turn which helps people around you as well. Once you begin your studies, you may find colleagues turning to you for guidance.
• Become a scholar-practitioner: A PhD in Management will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to not only attend academic conferences but present at them. You’ll discover your scholarly voice, write a dissertation, and may find yourself authoring peer-reviewed articles published in your field’s leading journals.

PhD Course Duration After MBA        

The duration for PhD after MBA may vary depending on the research topic , methodologies, and investment of time and labour .

On average, the completion of PhD may take 4 to 5 years . The duration may also vary depending on the country and institution.

Eligibility For PhD After MBA

Though particular requirements differ by university, there are some fundamental requirements for a PhD following an MBA or any other postgraduate study that every applicant must meet. The fundamental qualification for a doctorate degree is a master’s degree in the corresponding subject (from a recognised institution). If you want to apply for a PhD in Business Administration, for example, you must have completed a postgraduate course like an MBA or MIM. In addition to this, you will be required to submit the following papers:

• One must have a good IELTS or TOEFL exam score to prove their English language proficiency . 
• One must also have a respectable GRE / GMAT score, it may vary as per the university.
• Students must also submit their essays, SOP , and transcript.
• At least 2 to 3 Letters of Recommendation are required to be submitted by the student. 
• Often times, an interview is conducted either physically or online via video call to test student’s knowledge and eligibility.
• Students must have a dissertation ready and a thesis statement or an idea.
• It is important that the students are well versed with what they want to do and have a clear idea about their objectives.
• At top-rated Business Schools, the acceptance rate is around 3 to 5%

Can I do a PhD after MBA?

Yes , one can do a PhD after MBA . There are Various Business Schools all over the world that offer PhD programs that can be pursued after an MBA.

For the MBA itself, many schools require some years of work experience. By the time a student may choose to pursue an MBA, they may already have the direction they want to take in their life.

A PhD after an MBA is not a popular choice but many students still decide to pursue the research either out of interest or for better opportunities. To pursue a PhD, the eligibility criteria include 50% or more marks in the post-graduation, and students are also required to take up an entrance exam. For anyone who has done an MBA, the field of PhD is open for them.

Also Read: MBA Study Material

After MBA PhD Courses

There are several PhD courses after MBA which a student may choose. There is no dearth of specialization in the field of management due to its vast scope.

Each research in each area is equally important as the PhD in Management is quite an unexplored field.

There are several courses one may take, like:

• Entrepreneurship
• Decision Sciences 
• Human Resource Management
• Organizational behaviour

How to do PhD after MBA?

There are many options for students who want to do a PhD after their MBA is done. It is important that the MBA course the candidate has done is for the duration of 2 years . Along with these basic requirements and minimum qualifying scores, letters of recommendation, research proposal and work experience aids in increasing the chances of getting admission into top universities. In India, it could take between 3 t o 5 years to complete PhD after MBA while abroad, it can take anywhere between 4 to 7 years.

It is also most important that the students must choose their field of interest and work in that direction only.

Students have the choice to pursue a PhD in India or abroad . The application for both remains more or less the same. To do a PhD after MBA abroad , one has to additionally give exams like GMAT or GRE and language proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL .

For India, exams like CAT are applicable.

PhD After MBA in India

There are several advantages to pursuing a PhD after an MBA, including gaining a competitive advantage in the management and business worlds, as well as the research and professional experience required to pursue high-paying managerial positions in India and overseas.

What you should know about pursuing a PhD in India after completing an MBA:

• Duration : In India, depending on the curriculum and university, you can earn your PhD after an MBA in 3-5 years.
• Eligibility :To apply for a PhD in India, you must have finished a two-year MBA programme and passed the UGC-NET or GATE test, as well as qualify for admission to India’s top business schools and universities.
• Requirements : To boost your chances of getting a PhD after an MBA in India, you’ll need GATE / UGC – NET / CSIR – NET scores, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and optional job experience.
• Indian Institutes of Management Studies (IIMs)
• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• National Institute of Management, Calcutta
• Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi
• Benaras Hindu University
• 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

NOTE: It is often advisable that students choose the area for research in which they have specialised during their MBA. It is however not compulsory.

PhD After MBA In Distance Education

One can do a PhD after MBA in Distance Education but few things need to be taken into consideration.

It is important that the institution from where the candidate has pursued their MBA in Distance education form is recognised by the UGC or any other supreme commission, as relevant to the country.

Also, the degree must match the eligibility criteria as well for the PhD program one is applying to.

Can I do a PhD after Distance MBA?

• Yes, one can do a PhD after a distance MBA.
• The institute must be recognised by UGC.
• Universities cannot differentiate between the degrees.
• The degree earned must be in tandem with the degree mentioned in the eligibility criteria. 
• The application process is as same as the process for regular courses.
• Candidates must submit their mark sheets, documents, essays, SOP s, etc. like any other regular candidate.
• The admission in a PhD program is based mostly on entrance exams and interviews. 
• Some institutes may prefer regular students over the ones who pursue their degrees via distance education mode.
•  The decision to select a candidate or not is solely based on the discretion of the university.

Best College to Study PhD After MBA

There is a lot of scope for pursuing PhD after MBA abroad . There is also a greater advantage of its scope and recognition in countries abroad.

Some of the top business schools around the world that offers PhD after MBA are as follows:

PhD After MBA in USA

PhD after MBA in USA is the most popular place, it especially is a great place to pursue a PhD after MBA because of a highly research-friendly environment.

The USA is home to the top business schools and offers students with unlimited data and resources to facilitate their research. The amenities provided to PhD researchers are quite good here as well.

• University of Pennsylvania
• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• The University of California
• Columbia University
• Kellogg School of Management 
• The University of Chicago
• Washington University 
• Cornell University
• University of Michigan

Also Read: PhD in USA

PhD after MBA in Australia is a very pleasant place to be at and it is also home to many great universities.

PhD After MBA in Australia

There are many great B-schools that offer PhD programs after MBA . There is a lot of scope for applying practical methods here because of the way businesses and cor[orates are run here.

Students will have a lot of opportunities to conduct researches and collect primary as well as secondary data.

• University of Sydney
• University of Melbourne
• University of Queensland
• Australian National University
• UNSW Sydney
• University of Western Australia
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Canberra
• Monash University
• University of Adelaide

PhD After MBA in Germany

PhD after MBA in Germany is probably the best place because of the many facilities like the grant which is available for students.

Germany boasts of some of the best universities in the world and has the best management programs as well. Many universities in Germany offer PhD in management and great guidance to students to help them in their research work.

• Technical University of Munich
• Heidelberg University
• University of Berlin
• University of Hamburg
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• University of Freiburg
• Bielefeld University
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• RWTH Aachen University

PhD After MBA In UK

UK is the home to many of the top business schools in the world the following are some of the top universities in UK that offer PhD after MBA:

• University of Warwick: Warwick Business School
• Durham University Business School
• University of Nottingham: Business School
• The University of Edinburgh: Business School
• Cranfield School of Management
• Leeds University: Business School
• University of Exeter: Business School
• Lancaster University Management School
• University of Birmingham: Business School
• University of Glasgow: Business School

PhD After MBA In Canada

Canada is one of the top sought after countries for pursuing higher studies and the following are some of the top Business schools in Canada offering PhD after MBA:

• McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management
• University of Toronto Joseph L. Rotman School of Management
• University Of British Columbia Sauder School Of Business
• Western University – Ivey Business School
• HEC Montréal
• York University Schulich School Of Business
• Smith School of Business – Queen’s University

PhD After MBA In Finance

PhD in Finance gives students an excellent academic career as it is a research-oriented course 3 year course . Students usually pursue PhD in Finance after graduating with an MBA degree in Finance.

PhD in Finance deals with the advanced study of Management Accounting, Valuation of Shares, Cost, Privatization and Globalization, etc.

The minimum academic requirement for applying for a PhD in Finance is Post Graduation in courses with a minimum aggregate of 55% in Accountancy, Economics or Mathematics 

Students are also required to obtain the minimum qualifying marks in entrance exams such as UGC NET, RMAT, JNUEE, GTU PhD Entrance Exam.

PhD in Finance requires expertise in subjects like Mathematics and Economics .

The top universities offering this program are:

• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
• Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi
• Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
• The Centurion University of Technology and Management
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science

Scope Of PhD After MBA in Finance

PhD after MBA in Finance has opportunities after opportunities. There is a wide scope of opportunities and many companies look out for such candidates to hire because of their skill and both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Students once graduated with a PhD in Finance after MBA often find work as Stockbroker , Statistician , Finance Manager, Corporate Banking Executive , etc.

Top companies like the ones mentioned below seek to recruit the candidates who have completed their PhD in Finance.

• TATA Consultancy
• Genpact Technologies Ltd

PhD After MBA In HR

PhD in Human Resource Manage ment is a doctorate program spread over 3 to 5 years and deals with the policies and teaching processes that organisations follow to maximise efficiency and productivity. It also teaches the candidates the necessary skills required to become an efficient human resource manager.

The minimum academic requirement for applying for a PhD in HR is Post Graduation in courses with a minimum aggregate of 55% from an Indian institute or a recognised foreign institute.

Students are also required to obtain the minimum qualifying marks in entrance exams such as UGC NET, CSIR NET, JNUEE

Scope Of PhD After MBA in HR

Students once graduated with a PhD in HR after MBA often find work as Human Resource Manager. HR Executive, HR Consultant, Training Coordinator, Training Manager, Recruitment Consultant, Personnel Manager, HR Director, etc.

PhD After MBA In Marketing

PhD in Marketing is a doctorate program spread over 3 years to prepare students to perform research in marketing fields and also a career in the academic field.

The minimum academic requirement for applying for a PhD in Marketing is Post Graduation in courses with a minimum aggregate of 55% from an Indian institute or a recognised foreign institute along with a follow up interview as required by the institute.

Students are also required to obtain the minimum qualifying marks in entrance exams such as  UGC NET, CSIR NET, ICMR JRF

Scope Of PhD After MBA in Marketing

Students once graduated with a PhD in Marketing after MBA often find work as Brand Manager, Market Research Analyst, Marketing Executive, Marketing Manager, New Product Manager, Teacher & Lecturer, Tell Caller/Tele sales, etc

PhD After MBA Salary

Obtaining a PhD after MBA also aids increasing a person’s salary and it can be anywhere between an average salary of INR 2,00,000 to- INR 14,00,000. Graduates can also opt to work in corporate firms or as Professors in MBA universities.

Scope Of PhD After MBA

PhD after MBA opens up doors to many opportunities such as research in various fields such as f inance, management or business. Along with that, graduates can also opt to work in corporate firms or as Professors in MBA universities

Ans. There are many options for students who want to do a PhD after their MBA is done. It is important that the MBA course the candidate has done is for the duration of 2 years . The most common career path that is chosen is teaching.

Ans. You can complete your MBA in 1- 2 years as compared to PhD which takes 4-6 years. So MBA is considered advantageous as it allows the student to start their career far sooner.

Ans. Yes, you can do PhD while working, but this can only happen if you are keen to work. Working full time and doing PhD is not easy, you won’t  make progress without constant effort.

Ans. Yes, you can do PhD at the age of 40, most of the person who do this are mostly in education sector. The only problem that comes up is that not all programs will be open for you.

Ans: Yes, one can do a PhD after MBA. There are Various Business Schools all over the world that offer PhD programs that can be pursued after an MBA. For the MBA itself, many schools require some years of work experience.

About the Author & Expert

Piyush Bhartiya

Piyush values education and has studied from the top institutes of iit roorkee, iim bangalore, kth sweden and tsinghua university in china. post completing his mba, he has worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, the boston consulting group and focused on building sales and marketing verticals for top mncs and indian business houses., related posts.

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MBA after PhD

• Updated on  
• Jul 4, 2024

A qualification, regardless of level and field of study, will never be a waste; one just needs to realize how to use it wisely and appropriately. As we navigate through life we shift our perspective and interests, our education choices, therefore, need to reflect this.

Usually, students with PhD do not plan to study ahead, but MBA is an opportunity that it is not easy to let go of, especially as it allows professionals to enter the corporate world with great opportunities ahead. In this blog, let us understand what it takes to study MBA after Ph.D . 

This Blog Includes:

Benefits of mba after ph.d., who earns more mba or ph.d., top mba entrance exams, top indian universities for mba, top foreign universities for mba, top 6 countries to study mba after phd.

Ph.D. armed you with tenacity, discipline, critical analysis of information, and knowledge unparalleled by anyone else in the exact topic of your research. It qualified one as a specialist. It provides a sound research focus, whereas MBA on the other hand provides a sound business and leadership focus.

It is understandable that a PhD is the highest degree that one can have, but there is no hard and fast rule that one cannot pursue MBA after completing their PhD. Ph.D. might restrict you in one field and does not let you explore a job in another field.

Also, some upper management positions may require some business expertise and if your Ph.D. is not based in the business field, considering an MBA can give you that push in the business area. An MBA after a PhD not only offers great career opportunities but also guarantees a highly paid job and lets you develop a strong professional network. An

MBA will offer you a wealth of advantages, especially when it’s from a well-reputed business school . There are many good reasons for pursuing an MBA after PhD and here is a detailed guide about how doing an MBA can benefit your career:

• Develop advanced and flexible management skills.
• It gives you greater business network opportunities.
• It helps you make the transition from academia to industry.
• One can start their own company from scratch.

Here is a table containing general differences between an MBA and a PhD

Incorporate sector a Ph.D. holder draws an average salary of 10 Lakhs in India. Whereas with 1 to 4 years of experience, early career MBA salary in India can grow up to 7-8 Lakhs.

There are various MBA entrance exams that are open with admission opportunities in top B-School. The list of top MBA exams is given below:

• National Level: CAT , CMAT , and MAT
• International Level: GMAT, GRE , IELTS , and TOEFL
• University/College Level: XAT , SNAP , IIFT

The table below lists the application dates and exam dates of top MBA exams:

When we talk about MBA in India, the first university which struck our mind is IIM. However, with time numerous universities have made it to the list of top MBA colleges. Below are the top B-Schools in India with their flagship program, entrance exams, and great salary packages post-MBA.

• IIM Ahmedabad
• IIM Bangalore
• IIM Calcutta
• XLRI Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
• Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad
• SPIMJR, Mumbai
• IIM Kozhikode

Pursuing an MBA in a foreign university offers you the opportunity to have a globally recognized degree and explore job opportunities abroad with a higher salary, and career growth. MBA abroad requires a Bachelor’s degree and work experience for at least 4-5 years. Here we have listed some of the top universities you can consider for pursuing an MBA:

• The Wharton School, Pennsylvania
• London Business School, London (UK)
• Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford (MA)
• MIT Management, Cambridge (MA)
• Harvard Business School, Boston (MA)
• UC Berkeley, Berkeley (CA)
• Columbia Business School, New York
• F rankfurt School of Finance & Management, Germany
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

For aspirants who are planning to get an MBA degree, here is the list of best places to study MBA for a successful career in the future:

• United Kingdom
• United States

Also Read: Best Country for MBA

The Ph.D. is a research-oriented path, while MBA is a practice of business. Learning more about non-profit marketing through a business program might help you advance in your career.  An MBA is very general/broad in nature, it covers many subjects, most of which have an entire master’s degree path in and of itself whereas a Ph.D. is so much more about only one thing.

Leading business schools in India like IIMs, XLRI, NMIMS, etc. offer financial help to deserving candidates to complete their management studies. Different universities offer different scholarship programs for students belonging to every category. Candidates who have obtained a first degree of at least upper second class honors standard, or a second-class degree and a Master’s degree or relevant postgraduate qualification are eligible for the Ph.D. scholarships of this program.

The most basic requirement for pursuing an MBA abroad is a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university; preferably a full-time degree from a reputed institute. The second major pre-requisite of a foreign MBA is substantial work experience of a minimum of 3-5 years.

Yes, anyone can pursue an MBA after their doctoral degree. An MBA can boost your career journey, and skills learned through MBA are geared towards the industry.  

Related Reads

We hope you understand that it is possible to study MBA after PhD in this blog. Follow   Leverage Edu India’s no. 1 leading educational platform for related informative blogs. Please put your comments below in the comment section. 

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Learn about MBA programs, applying to them, and what life is like while in one and afterwards. Please make sure to read our rules and wiki before posting.

Am I crazy thinking about an MBA after my PhD?

Long story short, I'm 34, finishing up my thesis but have been working full time in research (non-academia, thought that would be better)... and I hate it. I don't see any career progression, I don't want any future in research, I don't enjoy about 80% of the work. I'm just not made for this. I really should have done an MBA instead of a PhD to begin with, but cest la vie.

I've been looking at one-year programs, and outside of the cost (both cost and opportunity cost, although considering what researchers make I feel like I'll have recouped that in 2 years) and wondering if I'm crazy getting another degree, can't really find a reason why it wouldn't be a good idea.

I have an MPA in Health Policy which has been mildly useful, but I've applied for what feels like a million coordinator and manager jobs and have only ever been hired in research positions, which makes me afraid that I won't be able to make a jump 'across the isle', so to speak. And the thought of working in research for even the next 5 years makes me want to jump from our office building roof.

Because people are going to ask why I got the PhD in the first place... opportunity and youthful foolishness? I work in an environment where lots of people have them (public health) and one consulting project I was working on leant itself perfectly to publishing enough papers to get a PhD. So I've been working full time throughout it all. I was in the UK where there is no coursework and degrees are ~3 years, too, so it wasn't a big chunk of my life.

I'm absolutely also open to other ideas/thoughts. I just want out of where I am now, and am trying to figure out how on earth I can make that happen.

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Important Facts

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

College Vidya Team Dec 11, 2023 3.3K 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.

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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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Home  >  News & Articles  >  PhD after MBA: In India, Admissions 2024, Entrance Exams, Fees

Sheeza Khan

Updated on 20th February, 2024 , 8 min read

PhD after MBA: In India, Admissions 2024, Entrance Exams, Fees

A PhD after an MBA is an advanced program where you can become a doctor in a specific area of business Finance, Marketing, Operations, or Human Resources. To qualify, you generally need a 2-year MBA degree and you should pass exams like  UGC-NET or   GATE . Having a good score, a research plan, recommendations, and work experience make it more likely to get into a top MBA college. It usually takes 3-5 years to finish a PhD after MBA in India, but it could be 4-7 years abroad.

Also read: Top PhD Entrance Exams in India 

In the realm of MBA dreams, institutions like  FMS New Delhi ,  BHU , the prestigious IIMs, and the ingenious IITs stand tall as the elite havens for pursuing a PhD after your MBA adventure. 

Further Reading: IIT Madras PhD Admission 2023

Venturing into the realm of a PhD after MBA opens doors to the realms of teaching and delving deep into the realms of research. Many of you might be wondering about the average salary package spanning from INR 2,00,000 to INR 14,00,000.

More PhD Courses: 

More about MBA: 

PhD After MBA: Course Details

Also read:  GATE Study Material

Why pursue PhD after MBA?

Pursuing a PhD after an MBA in India can offer several compelling benefits:

• Deep Expertise: A PhD allows you to specialize and delve deeply into a specific area of business, enhancing your expertise and knowledge in your chosen field.
• Research Opportunities : A PhD program provides you with the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in business and management, potentially leading to valuable insights and innovations.
• Academic Career : If you aspire to an academic career, a PhD is often a requirement for becoming a professor at universities and business schools, allowing you to educate the next generation of business leaders.
• Career Advancement : A PhD can set you apart in the job market, opening doors to higher-level positions and leadership roles in both corporate and non-corporate sectors.
• Personal Fulfillmen t: Undertaking a PhD is a journey of personal growth and intellectual challenge, allowing you to engage deeply with your chosen subject matter and develop critical thinking skills.
• Networking : Doctoral programs provide opportunities to connect with experts in your field, fellow students, and professionals, expanding your professional network.
• Enhanced Problem-Solving: PhD programs often cultivate advanced problem-solving skills, which can be applied to complex business challenges.

Also Read:  Tips to prepare for UGC Net

More MBA Courses: 

Who should pursue PhD after MBA?

Eligibility criteria for pursuing a PhD after an MBA in India can vary depending on the specific university, institute, and program. However, there are general requirements that are commonly applicable:

• MBA Degree : Candidates must hold a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) degree from a recognized university or institute. This demonstrates a foundational understanding of business and management concepts.
• Minimum Marks: Many institutions require candidates to have obtained a certain minimum percentage or  grade point average (GPA) in their MBA program. This threshold can vary, but it's typically around 55% or equivalent.
• Relevant Subjects : The candidate's MBA specialization should align with the field of study they wish to pursue for their PhD for instance, if you want to pursue a PhD in Marketing, your MBA specialization should have been in Marketing.
• Entrance Exam: Some universities and institutes may require candidates to clear a relevant entrance examination specific to the PhD program they are interested in. This could involve subject-related questions, research aptitude, and general knowledge.
• Research Proposal: Applicants are often required to submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of research. This proposal should demonstrate a clear research question, objectives, methodology, and potential contribution to the field.
• Work Experience : While not always mandatory, having relevant work experience can be advantageous, especially for certain specialized PhD programs. It can demonstrate practical knowledge and a real-world perspective on the subject.
• Interview:  Some institutions may conduct interviews as part of the selection process. This is an opportunity for candidates to discuss their research interests and demonstrate their commitment to the program.
• Qualifying Examinations : In some cases, candidates might need to qualify for national-level exams such as  UGC-NET (University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test) or  GATE  (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) to be eligible for certain PhD programs.

PhD after MBA: PhD Finance Course Details

PhD in Finance is a research-focused program offering strong academic prospects. Typically pursued after an MBA in Finance , it's available at esteemed institutions such as IIMs, FMS New Delhi , ISB , and IIT. The program delves into topics like Share Valuation, Privatization, Globalization, and Management Accounting.

Further Reading: MBA Finance Syllabus & Subjects 

PhD after MBA: PhD Marketing Course Details

PhD in Marketing is a 3-year program aimed at training students for teaching and research in marketing and related domains. Admission is based on entrance exams and interviews. Candidates with relevant postgraduate qualifications, including an MBA in Marketing, can apply. The program offers diverse career paths, like Market Research Analyst, Marketing Communications Leader, and Marketing Executive.

Further Reading: MBA in Marketing

PhD after MBA: PhD Organizational Behavior Course Details

PhD in Organizational Behavior is a 3 to 5-year program studying human behavior in organizations. Eligibility requires a master’s or MPhil degree with a 55% minimum aggregate after an MBA in Organizational Behavior. Graduates can secure positions in Academic Institutions, Colleges, Finance, Marketing, IT, etc., with average salaries ranging from INR 4,00,000 to INR 8,00,000.

PhD after MBA: PhD Business Management Course Details

PhD in Business Management is a 3-year program focusing on business operations like leadership, organization, and planning. Eligibility requires a master’s degree with relevant subjects and a minimum aggregate of 50% or more, post-MBA in Business Management.

PhD after MBA: PhD HR Management Course Details

PhD in Human Resource Management is a 3 to 5-year program focusing on teaching organizational processes for productivity enhancement. It prepares students for HR management roles, requiring a master’s degree from a UGC-recognized or foreign university post-MBA in HR Management. 

PhD after MBA: PhD Management Studies Course Details

PhD in Management Studies is a 3-year program imparting management and organizational skills. Eligibility requires a master's degree in a related field with 50-60% aggregate, post-MBA in Management Studies.

Further Reading: BMS Course Details 

PhD after MBA: PhD Banking and Finance Course Details

PhD in Banking and Finance is a 3-year program designed to provide comprehensive knowledge in domestic and international banking, economics, and investment. A master's degree from a recognized university is the minimum eligibility for PhD after MBA in Banking and Finance. Graduates can secure positions in educational institutions, stock exchanges, banks, etc., with average salaries ranging from INR 1,80,000 to INR 6,00,000.

Further Reading: MBA Finance Jobs 

PhD after MBA: PhD Disaster Management Course Details

PhD in Disaster Management is a 3-year program focused on Environment and Disaster Management. Eligibility entails a master’s degree or M.Phil in the relevant field with at least 55% aggregate and 5 years of work experience.

Also Read: PhD in IGNOU

PhD after MBA: PhD Commerce and Management Course Details

PhD in Commerce and Management is a 3-year program focusing on commerce and business management education. To qualify for PhD after MBA in Commerce and Management, candidates need a master's degree, MBA, or MPhil with at least 55% aggregate.

Further Reading: BMS Subjects & Syllabus

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MBA Admission 2024-25: Eligibility, Selection Criteria, Procedure, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Cut Off

MBA Entrance Exams 2024: Dates, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

Can phd be done after mba.

Certainly, it is possible to pursue a PhD after completing an MBA. To embark on a PhD journey, an individual should possess a master's degree in relevant fields, accompanied by a minimum aggregate score of 50-60%.

What are the PhD courses after MBA?

PhD programs in Finance, Management Studies, Business Management, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, and Marketing stand out as prominent choices for further studies following an MBA.

Can I do a PhD from IIM?

Indeed, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) provide PhD programs subsequent to MBA studies in disciplines such as Human Resource Management, Business Management, and Business Administration, among others.

Can I do a PhD after MBA in HR?

Indeed, undertaking a PhD following an MBA in Human Resource Management presents advantageous prospects for embarking on roles such as HR managers, executives, consultants, and various other related positions.

Does a PhD after MBA make sense?

Certainly, pursuing a PhD after completing an MBA is a strategically sound choice, offering distinct advantages in terms of enhanced job prospects and a strengthened position in the realm of teaching professions.

How many years is PhD after MBA?

PhD after MBA is normally for 4 - 6 years.

Deep Expertise, Research Opportunities, Academic Career, Personal Fulfillment and Networking.

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Ph.D After MBA in India: Courses List, Eligibility, Duration, Career Scope

Mar 4, 2024

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Ph.D. after MBA in India attracts numerous students every year. Find more information about eligibility, courses list, duration, career scope, and much more.

Ph.D. after MBA is a diversified course with various insights shared with the aspirants. The article below throws light upon various questions students would want to understand, right from Can I Do Ph.D. After MBA, to different Ph.D. courses in India and their criteria. The scope for the Ph.D. after MBA is very vivid and broader and helps in developing different skills as well.

• What kind of specializations are available in Ph.D. after MBA
• Ph.D. course duration after MBA
• How to do a Ph.D. after MBA
• Requirements for applying through Ph.D

Ph.D. After MBA in Distance Education

Benefits of ph.d. after mba.

• Why Ph.D. After MBA is better option

Career Scope and Employment Sectors

Top colleges for ph.d. after mba, what kind of specializations are available in ph.d. after mba.

There are many specializations offered in Ph.D.which carry along with them great benefits. So check out the most preferred and most popular disciplines offered in Ph.D.:

• Ph.D. in Commerce
• Ph.D. in Computer Science
• Ph.D. in Economics
• Ph.D. in English
• Ph.D. in Human Resource Management
• Ph.D. in Philosophy
• Ph.D. in Psychology

Other common Ph.D. Specializations after MBA

• Ph.D. in Accounting
• Ph.D. in Business Economics
• Ph.D. in Chemistry
• Ph.D. in Commercial Law
• Ph.D. in Education
• Ph.D. in Engineering
• Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship
• Ph.D. in Finance
• Ph.D. in Healthcare and Management
• Ph.D. in IT
• Ph.D. in Marketing
• Ph.D. in Operations
• Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior
• Ph.D. in Political Science
• Ph.D. in Statistics

Ph.D. Course Duration after MBA

The duration of the Ph.D. course duration after an MBA varies from the research topics, methodologies, institutions chosen or the time being invested by aspirants. Most of the time, the course duration also depends on the kind of country students have chosen. On average the completion of Ph.D. courses takes about 4-5 years.

How to do a Ph.D. after MBA?

A Ph.D. after MBA is a career option that is dynamic and vast. The scope for the same is as well increasing. Ph.D. after MBA can be pursued after the completion of an MBA from a recognized university with a duration of two years. Aspirants need to choose their field of research and interest. There are various entrance exams that the aspirants need to take such as CAT, UGC NET and so on.

Requirements for applying through  Ph.D.

Though the specific prerequisites might vary from one university to another, there are some general criteria for a Ph.D. after MBA or any other postgraduate program that every candidate needs to fulfill. The primary requirement is that of a master's degree in the related discipline from a recognized institution in which one is applying for a doctoral degree; if you are using for a Ph.D. in Business Administration, you need to have completed a postgraduate course like, MBA, MIM, among others. Along with these, you will be required to submit the following documents.

• English proficiency test scores, such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
• SOP and LORs
• GRE or GMAT scores
• An Updated Resume or CV
• Academic Transcripts

Many students start their work career after the completion of an MBA and so opting for Ph.D. after MBA in Distance Education is easier. There are various criteria institutes consider before admission. It is very important aspirants have completed their MBA from a recognized University(UGC). It's also necessary that the eligibility criteria be met depending on the institution chosen by the aspirants.

Before delving into the specifics of each Ph.D. after MBA program, we'll look at the benefits of a Ph.D. after MBA and why a Ph.D. after MBA is such a great career option.

• Ph.D. after MBA allows you to conduct research and in-depth study of concepts and specializations that you would not have been able to do during your MBA.
• MBA degrees provide lucrative career opportunities on their own, but after obtaining a Ph.D., MBA degrees become much more valuable.
• The research conducted during a Ph.D. after an MBA raises awareness of new business insights and trends around the world, allowing for more efficient business management.
• A person with a Ph.D. after an MBA can earn a good living. A top MBA College professor earns far more than an MBA degree holder.
• Ph.D. after MBA allows aspirants to work in the field of research in management, finance, or business, distinguishing them from other managers who only pursue an MBA.

Why Ph.D. after MBA is Better Option?

A Ph.D. is a data-driven degree that involves extensive analysis and in-depth assessment as it consists of submitting a research thesis as it is the essential thing in the assessment element. If you have been planning to pursue a career in research, an MBA is more of a professional route to take but combining it with Ph.D. benefits you with the knowledge of both the corporate and research world.

What makes a Ph.D. after MBA the most popular option? The Doctorate of Philosophy program allows for in-depth knowledge in the specialization field. Research and the most importantly offers an opportunity to conduct independent study, which would otherwise only be limited to the more practical and commercially useful MBA degree. The research training provides an awareness of cutting-edge developments and evolving new insights and solving various problems. Doctoral graduates have years of experience in data analysis and data-driven decision-making; they are practiced with multiple research methodologies.

While most doctoral graduates find positions as faculty in reputable business schools, a fraction of them carry on in post-doctoral studies or head towards industry positions. 

Ph.D. after MBA can furnish you with the quintessential business understanding to fit the role of business consultants and analysts. 

As many doctoral scholars move further to become professors or researchers, only a small proportion of them head towards the industry. Listed below are some of the jobs that one can get after completing their Ph.D.:

• Scientific Writer 
• Assistant Professor
• Research Assistant
• Chief Research Manager 
• Senior Professor 
• Senior Consultant

Ph.D. has scope for working in diverse fields right from the automobile industry to the NGOs. The areas of recruitment are:

• Chemical and Pharmaceuticals Industry
• Oil and Gas Industry
• Research Industry

So as now you are aware of the Ph.D. program, make sure you choose the best specialization that suits that motivates you to push further even harder. Make no mistake in selecting the specialization, so read thoroughly through the article and choose the best.

Some of the top colleges for pursuing a Ph.D. after MBA are listed below:

• University of Calcutta
• Amity University
• Amrita University
• Delhi University
• Andhra University
• Aligarh Muslim University
• BITS Pilani
• Manipal Institute of Technology

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Phd-Study-In-Uk

• Applying for a PhD in the UK

Written by Mark Bennett

Planning on applying for a PhD in the UK? This guide covers what’s required to get onto a UK PhD programme and how to submit your application.

UK universities

There are over 150 universities in the UK. The vast majority are public universities , meaning that they receive funding (including budgets for PhD studentships) from the UK Government. All British universities are free to pursue their own research objectives, but the amount of funding each institution receives is partly based on regular assessments of its performance as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) .

A small number of private universities also operate in the UK. They tend to specialise in specific subjects, such as Business or Law.

UK countries

The four parts of the UK each have slightly different higher education systems:

• England is home to the majority of the UK's universities, including the two oldest ( Oxford and Cambridge )
• Scotland is home to 15 of the UK's universities, including four 'ancient universities' ( St Andrews , Glasgow , Aberdeen and Edinburgh ) dating from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries
• Wales has eight universities, all of which are public institutions, dating from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
• Northern Ireland has two universities, each of which operates multiple campuses

The governments of each part of the UK have powers to decide on higher education policy, including fees and funding. But, in practice, PhD research works pretty similarly across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The country that's best for you will depend on the research opportunities available at specific universities.

UK university groups

Some UK universities are organised – officially or unofficially – into different groups. Here are some of the more common ones you may come across, together with what they mean:

• The Russell Group is an association of 24 universities across the UK. The group is self-selecting (it decides on its own members) and positions itself as representing the country's leading research universities. In practice this is broadly accurate as the Russell Group includes some of the best ranked British universities and – perhaps more importantly – awards the majority of UK PhDs.
• The ancient universities are a group of seven institutions that date from the sixteenth century or earlier, including Oxford , Cambridge , St Andrews , Glasgow , Aberdeen and Edinburgh as well as Trinity College Dublin (in Ireland ). 'Membership' of this group isn't based on anything other than chronology (unsurprisingly, new universities can't join) and the ancient universities don't collaborate as such, though some are members of the Russell Group. Of more importance is the fact that some ancient universities award their doctorates as a DPhil rather than a PhD. The degree and its recognition are fundamentally the same.
• The red brick universities are another informal grouping based on history rather than collective organisation. They include nine civic universities founded during the nineteenth-century industrial revolution with the aim of providing education and training for their cities. In contrast to the medieval buildings of the ancient universities, their campuses were built largely from red brick – hence the name.
• The term 'post-92' is sometimes used to describe universities that were originally polytechnics (higher education institutions focussing on teaching and training rather than research) before being granted full university status in 1992. Many of these 'ex-poly' universities actually have long and proud histories and are now some of the UK's most innovative research centres.

There are a few other formal and informal groups, including 'plate glass' universities (founded in the 1960s – the UK has a thing for associating universities with building materials) as well as membership organisations for newer universities such as MillionPlus and GuildHE.

You don't generally need to worry about which group your prospective university is or isn't part of. It's true that some groupings confer a degree of prestige, but universities are invited into the Russell Group because of their research performance and reputation, not the other way around. There are also many excellent universities which haven't chosen to join particular associations.

Accreditation and research quality

The UK takes quality assurance for universities very seriously, with several levels of official recognition and accreditation.

The right to use a university title is protected by law in the UK and can be granted by royal charter, Act of Parliament or similarly official means.

The right to award degrees is also protected. A university must either be a 'recognised body', in which case it can award its own degrees. Or it must be a 'listed body' in which case a recognised body must award degrees on its behalf (listed bodies are often newer universities or specialist colleges with qualifications accredited by more established neighbouring universities).

You can use the UK Government website to quickly check if a university is officially recognised .

UK universities' research quality is separately monitored through an exercise known as the Research Excellence Framework (REF) . This examines the research a university is producing as well as its impact on society in general. The environment and support provided for PhD students is also considered as part of this process. The most recent REF results were published in 2021.

UK university cities

There are excellent universities located across the UK, from London and the South of England to the Scottish Highlands and Islands . With that said, here are a few of the UK's most popular student cities:

• Study in London
• Study in Edinburgh
• Study in Manchester
• Study in Cardiff
• Study in Birmingham
• Study in Sheffield

How to apply for a PhD in the UK

You should apply directly to a university for a place on a UK PhD project or programme. There are two ways to do this:

• Some PhD projects are advertised by universities with set aims and objectives. These are most common in STEM subjects and often have funding attached. You can browse UK PhD adverts here on FindAPhD.
• Other PhD projects are designed by students who put forward a research proposal for the work they would like to do. These are more common in Arts, Humanities and some Social Science subjects. You can browse UK PhD programmes to apply within here on FindAPhD.

It's often a good idea to contact a prospective PhD supervisor before applying, but this isn't usually a necessary step. Universities will usually pair students with the most appropriate supervisor for their project.

We’ve written dedicated guides to applying for a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences , as well as STEM subjects.

Admissions requirements

You will normally need the following to be accepted for a PhD in the UK:

• A suitable undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK 2.1 or higher). A Masters may also be required in some subject areas.
• Evidence of language proficiency (if English is not your first language).
• Evidence that you possess the necessary materials to gain a UK student visa (for international students).
• Other application materials including a research proposal , personal statement or references .

Actual requirements vary between projects and programmes.

Not all UK PhD applications require a formal interview , but this is more common for funded positions or programmes with limited space.

Interviews can often be conducted online. You may be asked to answer some questions about your application and / or give a short presentation on your intended research.

Inidan qualifications in the UK

In July 2022, the UK and Indian governments signed a memoradum agreeing to automatically recognise undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in each other's countries. This means that if you studied your Bachelors or Masters in India and are now applying for a UK PhD, your qualifications will recognised as equivalent to British ones.

It also means that it will be easier for you to seek work in India with a PhD from a UK university!

Find a PhD in the UK

Why not get started browsing some UK PhDs ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to studying a PhD abroad .

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

The seven UK Research Councils provide government studentships for PhD research in different subject areas. Our simple guide explains how this funding works, what you can get and how to apply successfully.

You may be able to get a PhD loan of up to £27,892 for a UK doctorate. Our guide explains eligibility, applications and repayments.

Our guide explains the best ways to fund international PhD study in the UK, with information on all the main scholarships available to you.

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) or Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) provide UK Research Council funded PhD studentships to postgraduate students

The Graduate Route allows international students to stay in the UK for at least two years after graduating. This guide covers everything you need to know, including who is eligible and how to apply.

The Turing Scheme recently replaced the Erasmus programme, but is it any different? Let’s examine the Turing Scheme vs Erasmus debate in detail.

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How long does an MBA take?

Study tips Published 16 Aug, 2024  ·  3-minute read

It can take 2 years of full-time study to complete your Master of Business Administration (MBA) at many business schools around the world. But our MBA gives you more options.

At UQ, you have the flexibility to choose how long it takes to complete your MBA, based on your priorities and professional goals. You can:

• fast-track your studies with our full-time 3-semester program over 1.5 years
• complete a part-time MBA over 2 years to accelerate your career without putting it on hold
• balance your existing commitments by studying at your own pace for up to 10 years.

Suzanne’s full-time MBA experience

For Suzanne Wood, the decision to complete the full-time MBA wasn’t an easy one, but it was the right one. As the full-time primary carer of her 4-year-old daughter, Suzanne paused work to focus on completing her studies.

“It was the perfect time in my life to make that commitment,” she says.

“I had complete tunnel vision. It was an incredible indulgence. I couldn’t have managed it without the enormous support I received from my parents.”

While forfeiting salary to study the full-time MBA was a challenge, Suzanne found the benefits outweighed the costs.

You get out everything you put into the experience. The ability the UQ MBA has given me to design and craft the rest of my life is amazing. My horizons expanded so quickly.

Learn more about Suzanne's UQ MBA experience

Helen’s part-time MBA experience

As a manager in the health industry, Helen Barker used the flexibility of the MBA to her advantage. She successfully balanced studying with parenting two children and working full time to maintain a successful career.

“I found the part-time MBA very flexible,” she says.

“I did half of my MBA before having kids, the other half of the program after. Because my husband was FIFO (fly in, fly out) and away every second week for 7 days, I had to bring my kid into class on weekend sessions and during my industry project course.

“The staff and students were very accommodating. Sometimes I’d be on mute in group meetings that went for 3 hours while I was doing the night-time routine with my children.”

Having a variety of study options  to choose from meant Helen could complete the program on her terms, without having to wait to do any subjects.

Although I had less time to spend on my studies after having kids, it made me appreciate everything I learned that much more.

Tim’s flexible MBA experience

Tim Kuusik moved through the first portion of his studies quickly. But when he came across a career opportunity too good to pass up, his pace slowed. Tim credits the UQ MBA with helping him secure his position as General Manager at ARQ Group, a listed company with a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility.

"I would never have even been shortlisted for the role if I wasn’t studying my MBA, but I got the job," he says.

"Even though I hadn’t graduated yet, I had already developed the leadership skills and confidence to step up to a general management position. That was a pivotal moment for me."

To focus on learning the ropes of his new role, Tim reduced his study load.

I did almost 80% of my course in the first 2 years and 20% in the remaining 4 years. UQ had the flexibility to change with me. I don’t think I would have got that level of support anywhere else.

How long does an MBA take? Choose the UQ MBA for ultimate flexibility.

With part-time and full-time MBA study options available, UQ's flexible MBA empowers you to decide how long it takes.

If your circumstances change along the way, it’s possible to exit the MBA early with a graduate certificate. You must also meet the eligibility criteria.

Learn more by discovering our additional flexibility options and examples of class timetables  to fit your schedule. Contact a member of our friendly MBA team  to discuss the best option for you.

Accelerate your career with the UQ MBA

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You’ll complement your Online Hybrid MBA with in-person Access Weekends  — immersive opportunities to forge close ties with your colleagues, take classes, and participate in professional development activities. Both in Pittsburgh and online, you'll tackle team-based projects, soak up diverse perspectives, and strengthen bonds with faculty and fellow students that will continue throughout your career.

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Working with your own leadership coach , you’ll create a customized leadership development plan to guide you to greater empathy, self-awareness, and effectiveness — preparing you to lead tomorrow’s workforce with insight.

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