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Earning A Ph.D. In Human Resources: Everything You Need To Know Before Enrolling

Updated: Jul 6, 2023, 12:37pm

A Ph.D. in human resources will allow you to pursue executive,upper-management or academic roles. Read on to learn why you might pursue a Ph.D. in human resources.

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What Is a Doctorate in Human Resources?

A doctorate in human resources, or a Ph.D. in human resources, is the terminal degree in the field, meaning it is the highest degree level you can attain. Doctoral degree holders in human resources are preeminent experts, driving the field forward through research and teaching.

A Ph.D. in human resources takes up to eight years to complete. Doctoral programs begin with two years of intensive coursework before students declare a concentration and focus on developing and defending a dissertation. Ph.D. students spend several years working on their dissertations before graduating.

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What can you do with a doctorate in human resources.

A doctorate in human resources qualifies you for the most advanced and high-level roles in the HR field. You are also qualified to pursue positions in research and academia, setting you apart from master’s degree holders. You can find work as a human resources professor at a university or as an industrial-organizational psychologist . Salary information via the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) .

Below, we cover four careers available for doctoral degree holders in human resources.

Human Resources Professor

Job Growth (2021-2031): +6% Median Annual Salary: $88,790 Job Description: Human resources professors work within business departments at colleges and universities. Job duties include teaching undergraduate students, mentoring Ph.D. candidates and performing research to advance the HR field.

Chief Executive

Job Growth (2021-2031): +6% Median Annual Salary: $189,520 Job Description: Chief executives work at the highest management level within some of the largest companies in the world. Job titles include chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief technology officer or chief information officer. Professionals with a doctorate in human resources bring knowledge of management, leadership and best practices in big-picture company culture.

Human Resources Manager

Job Growth (2021-2031): +7% Median Annual Salary: $130,000 Job Description: Human resources managers take charge of HR departments at any company. They can work in many industries, including the nonprofit sector, healthcare and information technology, where they oversee hiring, firing, compensation, benefits and training.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Job Growth (2021-2031): +4% Median Annual Salary: $139,280 Job Description: Industrial-organizational psychologists study the effects of applied psychological principles on the business and managerial world. They perform research and provide actionable advice to workplace management. You must have a Ph.D. or doctoral degree to practice independently as a psychologist.

What’s the Difference Between an MBA in Human Resources and a Doctorate in Human Resources?

An MBA in human resources and a Ph.D. in human resources are very different degrees. An MBA with a concentration in human resources covers broad business foundations like marketing, finance and economics alongside HR coursework. An MBA in HR qualifies graduates for many jobs due to their overarching business education.

Where an MBA provides breadth, a Ph.D. in human resources provides depth. A Ph.D. requires students to complete significant research and writing. Ph.D. students become human resources experts as they spend most of their degree conducting HR-specific research.

Compared to MBA graduates, doctoral degree holders are more limited in what business careers they can pursue; however, doctoral degrees qualify graduates to seek nearly any position in the HR field.

Admission Requirements for a Doctorate in Human Resources

Admission requirements for Ph.D. programs in human resources vary widely, moreso than undergraduate and graduate programs. Prospective students must meet a minimum GPA and generally need a master’s degree in the field. They must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose detailing their intended research focus or the faculty members they’d like to research alongside.

Many Ph.D. programs admit small cohorts and require applicants to complete an admission interview. Some programs also require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores.

Common Courses in a Human Resources Ph.D. Program

Behavioral sciences.

A behavioral sciences seminar covers major theories and methodologies in psychology, such as cognitive processes and behavioral interactions. This course introduces students to research design and methodologies at the doctoral level.

Current Issues in Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior and industrial-organizational psychology are key components of a Ph.D. in human resources. This survey course covers the spectrum of contemporary research in organizational behavior and its practical applications to companies around the world.

Organization Theory

This course delves into various theories on organizational performance and how Ph.D. graduates can apply them when entering the HR field. Students discuss, compare and contrast multiple models in organizational theory.

Survey of Social Psychology

This course surveys the major theories and research in the social psychology field. Social psychology studies how thoughts, behaviors and feelings change based on norms and other people and plays a crucial role in human resources.

Dissertation

A dissertation is the culminating requirement for Ph.D. candidates. In most cases, Ph.D. candidates must write a paper based on their original research, after which they must defend their dissertation to a panel of faculty members. This requirement takes years to complete, making it difficult to pinpoint exact completion timelines for Ph.D. programs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Ph.D. in Human Resources

What can you do with a ph.d. in human resources.

A Ph.D. in human resources prepares you for high-level human resources positions or roles in academia, such as research or teaching. In tandem with professional experience, graduates can pursue CEO jobs. Doctoral degree holders can also pursue licensure to practice or conduct research as industrial-organizational psychologists.

Is a doctorate in HR worth it?

Whether a doctorate in HR is worth it depends on your career goals. If you want to pursue careers in academia and research, a Ph.D. in human resources is the right fit for you. These degrees can lead to HR professor and industrial-organizational psychologist positions.

In contrast, you do not need a doctoral degree to become a human resources manager, although it can help. However, financially, you are likely better off pursuing an MBA in human resources for HR management careers.

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Ph.D. Program in Human Resources

Cornell university’s ilr school: a world leader in human resource management.

Cornell University is among the world’s most prestigious research universities — and its ILR School is the HR Studies leader. Cornell ILR focuses on the world of work with doctoral programs not only in HR, but also related fields such as organizational behavior, dispute resolution, labor relations, public policy and social statistics.

In a 2009 poll posted on the Academy of Management's HR Division listserv, members were asked, “If you were advising a top-notch student interested in pursuing a graduate degree in HR, what three schools would you recommend?” Scholars ranked ILR’s HR program as their top pick , citing Cornell’s program more frequently than any other.

Why Cornell’s Human Resources Ph.D. Program?

• Unmatched program breadth and depth
• Access to top scholars
• Guaranteed full funding
• Academic careers at top-notch universities

An Alumnus Perspective

“I had an awesome experience at Cornell. The professors were terrific, as were my fellow Ph.D. students. I could not have been better prepared to launch my career in teaching and research in human resource management.”

— Jeff Ericksen, Assistant Professor, School of Labor and Industrial Relations, Michigan State University (HR Ph.D. graduate)

Application Deadline: December 15th 

Contact information.

For more information on Cornell's Ph.D. in Human Resources program, please contact:

ILR Graduate Programs Office Cornell University 218 Ives Hall Ithaca, NY 14853

ph: (607) 255-1522 fax: (607) 254-5225 email: [email protected]

• Enroll & Pay
• Prospective Students
• Current Students

Ph.D. in Human Resource Management

Program information.

The doctoral program in human resource management (HRM) prepares students for success in research universities as faculty members specializing in human resources. Doctoral students work closely with faculty to gain research and teaching expertise in the various functions and activities carried out as part of HRM, including the relationship between these practices and organizational strategies, cultures, and performance.

Many HRM scholars specialize or focus on more micro-level work, such as researching the impact of specific HR practices (e.g., selection or training techniques) on individual-level measures of satisfaction or performance. Alternatively, macro-level HR (i.e., “strategic HRM”) scholars study the effects of systems of HR policies and practices on organizational-level outcomes. KU faculty have expertise at both levels, as evidenced by publications in prestigious outlets.

Application deadlines

Priority: December 15

Final: January 10

• Application requirements

Doctoral students work closely with faculty to gain research expertise in the various functions and activities carried out as part of HRM with a focus on the attraction, selection, retention, development, motivation, and utilization of individuals in organizations.

Part of our mission is to develop effective teachers. To that end, all doctoral students are required to teach at least two sections as independent instructors. The school and university prepare and reward doctoral students for excellence in teaching through various programs and awards.

Program details

Human resource managment core courses.

A graduate course in economics: BE 701: Business Economics OR BE 917: Advanced Managerial Economics OR ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics

Note: BE 917: Business Economics, is preferred. Students coming into the program directly from an undergraduate degree may consider substituting BE 701: Business Economics, or ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics. In the event a student has taken a graduate economics course prior to enrolling as a KU doctoral student, she/he may waive the requirement and substitute either an elective doctoral content course or a statistics/research methods course for this requirement.

MGMT 905:  Management Research Methods

MGMT 916: Major Management Theories

MGMT 950: Seminar in Human Resource Management I

MGMT 951: Seminar in Human Resource Management II

MGMT 953: Seminar in Organizational Behavior I OR         MGMT 954: Seminar in Organizational Behavior II

MGMT 956: Seminar in Strategic Management I OR      MGMT 957: Seminar in Strategic Management II

MGMT 998: Independent Study

MGMT 952: Special Topics in Human Resource Management (offered and required when there are 3 or more students in years 1 & 2 of the program)

Statistics/Research Methods Courses

At least four courses with advisor approval

At least two or more courses with advisor approval

For more information, view a detailed list of courses in the academic catalog.

• Comprehensive exams
• Dissertation proposal
• Dissertation defense

Some students can complete the program in four years.

Program faculty

• Howard Fitch/Fred Ball Professor
• Management and Entrepreneurship academic area

• Associate Professor

• Neeli Bendapudi Professor of Management

Human Resource Management doctoral students

• Ph.D. Student

• Ph.D. Candidate

TOP 20 PHD IN HUMAN RESOURCES PROGRAMS

• Published October 6, 2018
• Last Updated July 19, 2024

Find Your Degree!

This article features the top 20 Ph.D. Programs in Human Resources.

Human resources is a flexible and lucrative career choice. In this field, graduates can land a position at any degree level. And many jobs in human resources only require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, a doctorate in human resources is needed for high-level leadership roles in the field. 

A Ph.D. in human resources typically takes three to five years to complete. And these doctoral programs are often rigorous and competitive. At many colleges, only a handful of applicants are accepted into the Ph.D human resources programs. However, those that do often enjoy full tuition, stipends, and other financial assistance. 

In this post, we’ve listed some of the best doctoral programs for human resources in the nation. Some are highly competitive on-campus doctoral degree programs only available to full-time students. Others offer more flexible human resources online options. If you’re considering pursuing a Ph.D. program in human resources, this list of the best doctoral programs has you covered. 

Ph.D. Human Resources Methodology

To identify the top 20 Ph.D. human resources programs, we started with a search on NCES College Navigator. From there, we created a list of colleges offering doctoral programs in human resources.

From our list, we created a rating system (seen below) to select our top 20 Ph.D. in human resources programs. Where there were ties, we favored the doctoral programs with the lower graduate tuition rate. Please note that the tuition rates listed are based on in-state costs per academic year. The costs for non-residents or for online doctorate degree students may differ.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less= 3 Points
• Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate

• Less than $15,000 per year= 5 Points
• Between $15,000 and $20,000 per year= 3 Point
• More than $20,000 per year= 1 Point

Overall Graduation Rate

• Greater than 80%= 3 Point
• 80% or Less= 1 Point

Below are 20 schools that offer the best human resources doctoral programs:

Summary of Top 10 Ph.D. Human Resource Programs:

Ranking the Top 20 PhD Programs in Human Resources

#20 – regent u n iversity – virginia beach, virginia.

Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,590

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 5

Regent University offers a Human Resources online online doctorate degree. Students in this doctoral degree program will earn a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. This human resources program requires a total of 60 credit hours. There are five concentrations to allow students to customize the program to align with their academic goals. They include:

• Ecclesial Leadership
• Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Human Resource Development
• Individualized Studies
• Organizational Leadership

The online doctorate degree program prepares students to influence organizations as leaders, scholars, and teachers. And they will focus on both leadership theory and practices. This research-based degree is taught from a Christian worldview. Some of the core courses include:

• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Contemporary Perspectives in Organizational Leadership Theory
• Organizational Theory & Design
• Group Behavior

To be considered for the doctoral degree, candidates must have a master’s degree in HR or a related field. 

Related: Online Master’s in Human Resources in Virginia

#19 – Cornell University – Ithaca, New York

MS/Ph.D. in Human Resources 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $29,500

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

The next doctoral degree program is through Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. This Master’s Degree to Ph.D. in Human Resources focuses not only on HR but on several related fields. Students in the program will earn both a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in human resources.

The program is designed for close collaboration among faculty and students. Only about 25 students are part of each year’s cohort. And this allows candidates to work on joining publications and advanced research projects. An impressive student to faculty ratio of 9:1 ensures you will get the personalized attention you need. Some of the PhD human resources courses may include:

• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Labor Relations Strategy 
• Navigating Power Relationships
• Diversity and Cross-Cultural Teams
• Coaching Skills for Leaders
• Organizational Behavior: Managing Change
• Negotiation Skills
• Agile Project Management Approaches

Candidates admitted to Cornell’s Human Resources Master’s Degree and Ph.D. program can expect full funding and placement support.

#18 – University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management

For more information: University of Pittsburgh

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $24,118

The University of Pittsburgh has one of the nation’s best Ph.D. in human resources programs. This OBHR program focuses on contemporary topics in human resource management. And students develop a multidisciplinary understanding of core foundations in the field. Students in this doctoral degree program learn to be effective and foreward-thinking human resources managers.

The program is offered through the Katz Graduate School of Business. And it follows a unique mentorship model. Doctoral students work with faculty to co-author research articles and complete projects. Generally, only two new candidates are accepted each year. This allows doctoral students to receive one-on-one faculty attention. Some of the courses in this human resources management Ph.D. include:

• Foundations of Organizational Behavior
• Psychology of Small Groups
• Analysis of Variance
• Applied Regression Analysis
• Work and Organizations
• Structural Equation Modeling

Most students can complete the doctoral degree program in five years. This includes two years of coursework and comprehensive exams. The final three years involve dissertation research, overview, and defense.

The HR Doctoral Program provides a generous financial aid package. Admitted human resource PhD students receive $27,000 per academic year plus an annual fellowship of $10,000.

Related: Online Master’s in Human Resources in Pennsylvania

#17 – Michigan State University – East Lansing, Michigan

Ph.D. in Human Resources and Labor Relations

For more information: Michigan State University

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $19,714

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Michigan State University features a Ph.D. in human resource management. This rigorous program develops professional HR and labor relation scholars. And candidates learn the skills needed to become high-level human resources managers. Students will be part of a vibrant culture of faculty and peers. And together, they will work to conduct meaningful research. There are four major components of the curriculum. They include:

• Required plus elective coursework
• An independent research paper
• A comprehensive exam
• A dissertation

Doctoral students will need a minimum of 60-semester credits to graduate. However, some transfer credits may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Admission is competitive, with a limited number of prospective students admitted each year. However, those that are accepted receive full funding. This includes tuition, health insurance, and research support. The program is strictly full-time, so it represents a significant commitment.

#16 – University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Ph.D. in OLPD Human Resource Development

For more information: University of Minnesota

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,844

U of M offers a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development. This human development track prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities. Possible future roles include:

• Faculty at a university or college
• Executive consultant or coach
• Director of organization development and learning
• Director of organizational effectiveness

This 72-credit doctoral degree program can be completed in three to five years of full-time study. New students are admitted in the fall semester. Forty-eight hours of HRD coursework plus 24 thesis credits are required. The work includes the following:

• Departmental core courses
• Professional socialization seminar
• Doctoral research seminar
• Research courses (including qualitative and quantitative courses)
• Specialization courses

To apply, students must have a master’s degree in HR or a related field. Financial assistance options are available for Ph.D. students. They include federal financial aid, loans, grants, fellowships, and assistantships. 

#15 – Sullivan University – Louisville, Kentucky

Ph.D. in Management – Human Resource Leadership

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,840

Sullivan University offers a Human Resources Online PhD. in Management. This doctoral degree is designed to prepare candidates for leadership roles in their organizations. Students will focus on both research and practical skills. And they can customize the online doctorate degree with one of four concentrations:

• Strategic Management
• Conflict Management
• Human Resource Leadership
• Information Technology Management

For the Human Resource Leadership concentration, students will take core management courses. Plus, they will take classes related to concentration. Some courses for this human resources online degree include:

• Organizations and External Environments 
• Human Capital Management 
• Managing Innovation and Change in Organizations
• Workforce Analytics and Technology 

The impressive student to faculty ratio of 9:1 ensures all candidates receive personalized instruction. In addition, many students partner with faculty on research, writing, and presentation projects. Sullivan also encourages a cohort model for this online doctorate degree. This allows candidates to develop connections among fellow students, instructors, and other HR professionals.

This online human resources doctorate program is highly flexible. No on-campus residencies are required. And students can complete the program full or part-time.

#14 – University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

Ph.D. in Business Administration: Human Resource Management

For more information: University of Illinois at Chicago

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,927

UIC offers a Ph.D. in Business Administration with an HRM Emphasis. Students in the program will explore a variety of topics related to HR. They will also gain professional research skills. The doctorate in human resources program is offered to full-time students only. And it requires a four to five-year commitment. Human resources students are required to take seminars in:

• Human Resources
• Organizational Development
• Research Methods
• Education Psychology

Admission to the HR business administration program is highly competitive. As a result, only a few new students are admitted each year. This maintains high student-faculty interaction. Students work with peers and faculty on several research projects throughout the program. And almost all students graduate having their research work published in peer-reviewed journals.

#13 – Bellevue University – Bellevue, Nebraska

Ph.D. in Human Capital Management

For more information: Bellevue University

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $10,980

Bellevue University offers an executive-level Ph.D. in Human Capital Management. This doctoral program approaches HR from a unique angle. Students are taught to treat employees as valuable assets. And they learn how to invest in and serve the workforce to align with business goals. They also gain a psychological understanding of organizational dynamics and leadership. 

A total of 51 credit hours are needed to meet the requirements for this doctoral degree. Students work through the program by completing four learning modules and a dissertation. They will collaborate with expert faculty and peers from all over the country. Some of the courses in this Ph.D. program include:

• Human Capital Development and Productivity
• Economics of Human Capital Valuation Issues
• Human Learning and Decision Making
• Research in Organizations
• Introduction to Human Capital Modeling and Research

The dissertation involves an applied research project. And students will use this project to address a real-world problem in an organization. The dissertation Chair must approve the topic and research plan. However, it is generally conducted in an organization to which the student has access. 

Students can complete the doctoral degree program entirely online. Candidates must have at least five years of professional experience. And they will also need to have a master’s degree in HR or a related field. 

#12 – Colorado State University – Denver, Colorado

Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies

For more information: Colorado State University

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,834

Colorado State University offers a hybrid Ph.D. in Education and HR Studies. Students in this program will complete some classes online. However, they will also need to meet bi-weekly on Saturday mornings. These classes take place at the CSU extended campus in Denver. The program focuses on organizational learning, performance, and change. Candidates will develop skills in research, analysis, decision-making, and more. A few of the courses include:

• Organizational Learning, Performance, Change
• Workforce Development
• Theory and Practice of Change 
• Scenario Planning in Organizations
• Social, Cultural, and Political Foundations of the Workplace 

Students work closely with faculty mentors on their coursework. And they will also collaborate with mentors to develop and complete their dissertation research. While some classes are in person, the online portion also facilitates collaboration. Students follow a cohort of about 20 students. And they complete small group activities that are an integral part of the program.

The program is selective, and the school chooses a diverse group of candidates each year. Applicants should have significant work experience in the field. Throughout the program, they will be challenged to present their research at conferences. And they will also be publishing their research in relevant publications. The entire program can be completed in four years or less. 

#11 – Old Dominion University – Norfolk, Virginia

Ph.D. Occupational and Technical Studies concentration, Human Resources – Training emphasis

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,207

Old Dominion University offers a unique online Ph.D. in Human Resources. It’s an occupation and technical studies concentration. However, there is a human resources training emphasis. This program prepares students to work as training and development specialists in a number of industries. Several publications have ranked it as one of the Best Online Human Resources doctorate programs. 

The program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. And there are two summer residencies required. These are each two weeks long and take place on the Norfolk campus. However, other than the residencies, no other campus visits are required. Online students will complete core courses, electives, and a dissertation. Some of the courses for this human resources online program include:

• Trends and Issues of Economic and Workforce Development
• Principles and Practices of Human Performance Technology
• Research Design and Analysis
• Human Performance Assessment
• Instructional Systems Design

Courses are organized into online learning modules. Each has a defined learning objective and must be completed on time. However, there is still a lot of flexibility with this online human resources program. Candidates can complete some classes on their own time. And other classes will meet at specified times online. You can log in from anywhere with a high-speed internet connection. 

See Also: 5 Careers for a Human Resources PhD Graduate

#10 – University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Capital Development

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,094

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Ph.D. in Human Capital Development. This internationally-recognized program provides a think-tank environment. And it prepares candidates to work across a range of industries. This is one of the most affordable PhD programs on our list.

Students interact with faculty who bring real-world instruction into the classroom. Plus, all candidates gain a thorough understanding of topics such as:

• Organizational Culture
• Performance Improvement
• Change Leadership
• Human Capital Analytics
• Strategic Planning

The program is not a fully online human resources degree. Instead, it is offered in a hybrid format. It combines on-campus learning with online instruction. A minimum of 54 graduate hours are required to complete the program. Some of the courses include:

• Workforce Development Models 
• Change Leadership in Human Capital Development 
• Advanced Workforce Analysis 
• Design & Development for Performance Improvement
• Research in Human Capital Development 
• Emerging Technologies for Human Capital Development 

The program is offered through the School of Leadership. Federal financial aid is available. However, students should also consider research or teaching assistantships. The university has 900 assistantships available in all areas. Assistants receive tuition waivers and stipends to help cover the costs of their education and research. 

Related: Online Master’s in Human Resources in Mississippi

#9 – University of Texas at Tyler – Tyler, Texas

Ph.D. in Human Resource Development

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,264

The University of Texas at Tyler offers a Ph.D. in HR Development. This 60-credit-hour program is designed to help candidates advance the HR profession. And it teaches strong leadership skills for those pursuing government, industry, and education roles. This is a partially online human resources program that requires only five campus visits per semester. The rest of the program can be completed online. Students will conduct research in HR practice and theory. And they will work with faculty and cohorts on various projects. 

The program is offered through the Soules College of Business. To be considered, students must have a master’s in HR or a related field. They must also have a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on their previous coursework. Admission takes place in the fall of each year. Some of the courses in the online human resources program include:

• Leadership Theory and Practice
• Talent Management and Development
• Foundations of Qualitative Research
• Proposal Development
• Organizational Consulting
• Organizational Intervention Approaches

Candidates will take a Proficiency Examination after completing all coursework. They will then complete a dissertation of original research. This requires a minimum of 12 credits. Students have five years to complete the program after being admitted as candidates. Federal Financial aid and other financial support is available for this PhD program. However, at under $6,300 per academic year, it is one of the most affordable PhD programs on our list.

#8 – Rutgers University – New Brunswick, New Jersey

Ph.D. in Industrial Relations & Human Resources

For more information: Rutgers University

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $18,180

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 9

Rutgers University has an excellent HR doctorate program. It is offered through the School of Management and Labor Relations. Students in the program graduate with a Ph.D. in Industrial Relations and Human Resources (IRHR). And this program qualifies graduates for roles in research or academia. Students will work closely with leading scholars to develop their skills. There are two primary areas of focus:

• Human Resource Management
• Labor, Work, and Society

Students may also pursue an optional sociology concentration. 

This is a full-time on-campus program. And it includes coursework and an apprenticeship component. Students will conduct research side by side with peers and faculty. And this requires a significant time commitment. However, most students can complete the degree in about five years. Some of the courses include:

• Human Resources: Micro Foundations
• Organization Theory
• Multilevel Theory and Research 
• Global Human Resource Management
• Knowledge Management
• Corporate Governance

Candidates are expected to be involved in research throughout the program. Each student is assigned a research advisor who will provide annual assessments. 

#7 – Johnson & Wales University – Providence, Rhode Island

Doctor of Business Administration – Organization Development

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,706

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Johnson & Wales University offers a DBA with a concentration in Organization Development. This program is ideal for those seeking a Ph.D. in human resources online. The degree teaches the research and practical skills needed for high-level leadership roles. Students learn to address complex business challenges and become innovators in their organizations. 

This human resources online program requires no campus visits. Students work with a group of cohorts from different industries. And they will have the opportunity to collaborate on a variety of projects. Cohorts generally include 12 to 18 students. This way, candidates are ensured personalized attention from faculty members. Some of the courses include:

• Organizational Strategy and Design
• Innovation and Change
• Contemporary Leadership Issues
• Executive Decision-Making
• Research Design

Online students can complete the degree in three years by following the prescribed sequence. The program culminates in a written dissertation and oral defense. However, the university has a unique lock-step dissertation model. This model is designed to guide students smoothly through the dissertation process. 

All faculty members hold terminal degrees and are human resource professionals in their fields. Candidates will receive ongoing career development assistance from their faculty mentors. And they will establish a network of support that will assist them long after graduation. 

See Also: The Top 10 Best HR MBA Programs

#6 – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Champaign, Illinois

Human Resources Ph.D.

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $14,635

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Ph.D. in human resources. And it is considered one of the top phd programs for HR in the country. This program is excellent for students who want to pursue an academic career in employee relations. New students are accepted into the program each fall. Some of the courses include:

• Employment Relations Systems
• Workplace Dispute Resolution
• Negotiation in Human Resource Decisions
• Organization Fundamentals for HR
• Successful Change Management
• HR Planning and Staffing
• Diversity Issues in Recruiting and Staffing

This program encompasses the interests and backgrounds of a wide range of individuals. And students will develop collaborative relationships with many of these individuals. These HR professionals include those in industrial relations, human resources, economics, education, and more. 

All doctorate in human resources students are awarded a substantial financial aid package. It includes a tuition waiver, stipend, and research support. Doctoral students may also receive financial support for travel to conferences.

#5 – Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio

Ph.D. in Management and Human Resources

For more information: The Ohio State University

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,560

OSU features Management and Human Resources Ph.D. program. It is designed to train students to become top-class researchers in management. In addition, the program offers specializations in the following:

• Entrepreneurship
• International Business

Students can expect to study HR from theoretical perspectives. These are rooted in psychology, sociology, and management. The human resources program is designed as a full-time program due to its academic rigor. However, students can complete their degrees in four years. 

The Ph.D. program at OSU has a unique structure. Students will need to complete 80 credit hours, including:

• 21 required seminars within the department
• 12 required statistics courses
• 12 “breadth” courses outside of the department
• 20 other elective courses
• 15 dissertation credits

Students will also complete a year-long assistantship and exams in years one and two. In addition, they will complete their dissertations in years three and four, including an oral defense. And candidates will teach one course independently each of those years. 

OSU strives to offer its doctorate in human resource students full tuition support. In addition, most doctoral students can receive a Graduate Assistant (GA) Fellowship. The fellowship covers insurance, tuition, and a monthly stipend. Generally, students with acceptable academic performance can continue receiving support each year. The amount of funding is determined each year by the Department Chair. 

#4 – University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin

For more information: University of Wisconsin

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,728

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a Ph.D. in human resources. It is one of the most affordable PhD programs on our list. This program is ideal for students seeking a career in research and teaching. And students typically achieve placements as assistant professors at leading research universities. Candidates can choose from five key research areas, including:

• Organizational Development/Behavior
• Organizational Theory

Candidates need a total of 32 credits to complete the program. And new students begin by taking two years of coursework. The courses are selected with the help of an advisor and Ph.D. coordinator. At the end of the second year, students will take preliminary exams. Following this, they will begin working on their dissertations. 

Some of the coursework may be taken outside of the business school. The courses will depend on the student’s specific research interests. However, they may include coursework in statistics, sociology, psychology, economics, and other areas.

All HR Ph.D. students receive a generous funding package. In addition, top-performing candidates may be considered for additional scholarships and fellowships. In general, most candidates are eligible to receive the funding for five years. 

#3 – Northcentral University – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $10,260

Northcentral University offers another one of the best HR phd programs in the nation. Human Resources Management Doctorate. This is a research-based degree program. And it is designed for students who want to pursue leadership roles in the public or private sectors. Candidates will develop valuable critical thinking and research skills. And they will be ready to contribute to the body of knowledge in the HR field. 

This human resources management online program is highly flexible. So it is ideal for students who can’t commit to earning their Ph.D. on campus. There are no residencies or campus visits required. There are also no GRE/GMAT requirements. Courses are taught by a 100 percent doctoral faculty. Some of the courses in this 60-hour online human resources program include:

• Human Resources Management in the 21st Century
• Compensation and Benefits
• Labor Relations in Human Resources Management
• Legal Issues in Human Resources Management
• Organizational Development in Human Resource Management

Students can complete this online learning program in as little as 38 months. However, Northcentral gives students up to seven years to earn the degree. Northcentral offers six full-tuition scholarships to incoming graduate students. Federal financial aid, grants, and student loans are also available. 

The school offers a unique one-on-one learning model. This ensures that candidates get all the personal support and guidance they need to succeed. Online students have access to excellent resources as well. Some of these include:

• Virtual Education Support Center
• Virtual Center for Health and Wellness
• NCU Online Library 
• Academic Success Center
• Dissertation Center
• Tech Support

#2 – Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana

OB and Human Resource Management Ph.D.

For more information: Indiana University

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,909

Our next runner up for the top HR phd programs is at Indiana University. IU offers an Organizational Development and Human Resources Management Ph.D. This doctoral degree requires a full-time commitment, and no part-time students are accepted. The curriculum includes six seminars and various courses in research methodology and statistics. Some of these include:

• Human Resource (HR) Management
• Strategic Management 
• Theoretical Foundations of Strategy

Ph.D. in HR Students also complete three courses in a minor field of their choice. This can include economics, psychology, sociology, or another related area.

Admission to the doctorate in human resources program is competitive. Only a few new prospective students are accepted each year. And at any given time, there are only about 12 students in the program. Most doctoral students are eligible for a range of financial assistance programs. These include fee remissions, research appointments, fellowships, and grants. 

#1 – Purdue University – West Lafayette, Indiana

OB & Human Resources PhD

For more information: Purdue University

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,918

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 11

Our top phd in human resource management comes from Purdue University. This rigorous PhD HR program is designed for those planning an academic career. Students work closely with faculty to conduct exciting and impactful research in areas like:

• Workplace Fairness and Justice
• Leadership and Teams
• Employer Branding and Recruitment
• International Human Resources
• Counterproductive Work Behaviors
• Workplace Interventions, Training, and Employee Engagement
• Work, Family, Diversity, and Personal Life
• Employee Selection

Students in this Ph.D. program will be immersed in hands-on educational experiences. And they will develop one-on-one learning partnerships with some of the top HR professors in the country. Throughout the PhD program, candidates will have many opportunities to develop their skills. There are seminars, presentations, professional conferences, and other experiences. 

The degree takes four to five years to complete. And it is only available on campus. Prospective students must be ready to commit to the doctoral degree program full-time. This includes being on campus during the academic year plus the summers. Admission is competitive. Typically only two to three candidates are admitted each year. However, tuition costs are waived, and all incoming Ph.D. students receive financial support as paid employees. 

This concludes our ranking of the best PhD in human resources programs.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PhD-HRM)

100% online phd-hrm.

Complete your studies on your own time.

New Start Date Every Monday

Start your first course when it’s convenient for you.

38 Months to your PhD-HRM

Finish your PhD-HRM in just 20 courses.

National and Northcentral have merged, and this program is now offered by NU.  Learn more .

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management

Enhance global business environments with the 100% online Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PhD-HRM) degree program at National University. No GRE/GMAT required. You’ll gain the expert-level knowledge you need to take on leadership positions in the private, public, and non-profit sector. Through this comprehensive doctoral degree, you’ll deepen your understanding of human resource theories and practices, including critical thinking and research skills. 

Advance Your Human Resource Career Completely Online

NU’s PhD-HRM program is centered on the evolution of human resources. You’ll explore extrinsic and intrinsic compensation concepts, how to improve organizational effectiveness, and how to motivate diverse workforces. You’ll also learn how to develop and apply quantitative and qualitative research designs and methodologies. Other focus areas in the PhD in Human Resource Management include working within a unionized environment, legal issues impacting human resources, and how to improve diversity and inclusion. 

NU’s one-to-one learning model will provide you with the guidance, attention, and support you deserve throughout your doctoral education.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

Course Details

• Credit Hours: 60
• Courses: 20
• Estimated Time to Complete: 38 months

The Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PhD-HRM) program can be completed in 60 credits. Each foundational course runs 8 weeks, and dissertation courses run 12 weeks.

Course Sequence

This program can be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation research. If needed, additional courses will be added to the student degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. Students who do not complete their program in accordance with these policies may be dismissed.

Course Name

In this course, you will focus on the development of the human resource function in organizations. From exploring employee recruitment, motivation, performance and various forms of compensation and benefits packages, you will view the human resource function in a strategic role that enhances global business environments.

In this course, you will explore the concepts of extrinsic and intrinsic compensation in the management of today’s diverse and global workforce. The decisions made in these areas, related to compensation and benefits at the Executive and the employee level, can directly impact the strategic nature and direction of the organization.

In this course, you will explore all aspects of labor relations from a human resources perspective. This will include the history, structure, politics, processes, and relationships associated with bargaining units (unions). You will examine how unions can change attitudes and behaviors of both management and employees, as well as the benefits and challenges to working in a human resources position in a unionized environment.

In this course, you will explore how to manage human resources to optimize organizational effectiveness as well as individual outcomes in a global context. You will consider current laws, public policies, recruitment and retention strategies. In addition, you will determine how employees’ concerns and complaints are incorporated into organizational decision-making.

Prerequisites:  *Fundamental requirement in General Management

In this course, you will examine supervisory concepts, laws, regulations and HRM practices used in the 21st Century. You will explore techniques for motivating employees as a supervisor of diverse workforces and evaluate the role of supervisors in organizational planning.

This doctoral course examines the uniqueness of culture and its impact on all areas of organizational operations. This includes such aspects as diversity, global transitioning, accommodations, and cross-national teamwork. The Twenty-First century Human Resources professional must have an open mind and a willingness to suspend judgments, ask questions, and listen to answers.

In this course, you will explore multiple levels of employment, including management, full-time employees, part-time employees, temporary employees, and contracted employees based on the passage and interpretation of laws, whether at the federal, state, or local level. Policies such as employment-at-will, right to work, or termination, and other regulations can change with an act of Congress or a state legislature.

In this course, you will explore how the HRM function creates a more inclusive culture by valuing diversity of its workforce. During the course, you will review organizational decisions on diversity issues in order to learn how to avoid discrimination while improving organizational effectiveness. To gain an awareness of corporate best practices, you will examine HRM’s role in diversity and inclusion cases.

In this course, you will examine how organizational behavior is relevant to HRM. You will explore theories that support and explain causes and outcomes of typical issues in HRM. In addition to individual behaviors in organizations, team dynamics in relation to organizational structures will be discussed in consideration of organizational goals and employee well-being.

In this course, you will explore the strategic role of human resources in organizations. Through an examination of HRM functions, you will determine how these align with the strategic direction of organizations. In addition, you will consider the potential contributions and challenges that HRM might face, especially during organizational change processes. You will then develop HRM initiatives that help achieve organizational goals.

In this course, you will review policy development processes, how these are implemented and the outcomes resulting from policies being deployed. You will consider various forces that affect HR policies including the needs of global environments, organizations, and employees. You will develop policy implementation plans that include the necessary steps, resource allocations, and measurement of outcomes.

In this course, you will engage in the process of scholarly literature reviews and academic writing. With an emphasis on how to (a) conduct effective literature searches, specifically in preparation for the dissertation, (b) develop a plan for writing comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature, and (c) critically review and write about underlying theory/conceptual frameworks, you will develop a foundation for future research. The overarching goal of this course is for you to conduct an exhaustive search of the peer-reviewed research literature in your topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for your dissertation.

In this course, you will cultivate a statistical mindset through learning and nurturing skills needed to perform and interpret univariate inferential statistics. The course will facilitate building your statistical confidence in assessing and performing statistics. The course will cover univariate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, interpretation of statistical output, and introduce skills needed to select statistical tests based on quantitative research questions.

During this course, as a scholar-practitioner, you will build the skills essential for designing quantitative studies; analyzing the data collected in these studies, and interpreting the results of data analyses. You will explore designs and statistical techniques to use with their envisioned dissertation research.

During this course, you will examine qualitative methods for studying human behavior including grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnography, mixed methods, and case studies. You will explore designs and methodologies to use with your envisioned research.

The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is intended to ensure students have mastered knowledge of their discipline prior to candidacy status and demonstrated the ability to design empirical research as an investigator before moving on to the dissertation research coursework. Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize empirical, peer-reviewed research to support all assignments in this course. The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is completed only after all foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed.

Students in this course will be required to complete Chapter 1 of their dissertation proposal including a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study. A completed, committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 is required to pass this course successfully. Students who do not receive approval of Chapter 1 to minimum standards will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of Chapter .

Students in this course will be required to work on completing Chapters 1-3 of their dissertation proposal and receive committee approval for the Dissertation Proposal (DP) in order to pass the class. Chapter 2 consists of the literature review. Chapter 3 covers the research methodology method and design and to includes population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. In this course, a completed, committee-approved Chapters 2 and 3 are required and, by the end of the course, a final approved dissertation proposal (against the minimum rubric standards). Students who do not receive approval of the dissertation proposal will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.

Students in this course will be required to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application, collect data, and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. Students still in data collection at the end of the 12-week course will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to complete data collection and file an IRB study closure form.

In this dissertation course students work on completing Chapters 4 and 5 and the final Dissertation Manuscript. Specifically, students will complete their data analysis, prepare their study results, and present their findings in an Oral Defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, Committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate. Students who do not receive approval for either or both their Dissertation Manuscript or defense can take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of either or both items as needed.

Degree Requirements

The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the doctoral degree for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. The PHD-HRM degree program in the School of Business has the following graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through NU
• Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
• Satisfactory completion of the PHD-HRM Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
• University Approval of Dissertation Manuscript and Oral Defense completed
• Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy
• Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution
• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
• All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their diploma and/or degree posted transcript.

Positions  

• Human resource manager or specialist 
• Postsecondary teacher
• Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialist
• Business partner
• Recruitment/placement specialist
• Human resource employee relations manager
• Business intelligence analyst
• Compensation analyst
• Assistant professor of management (college and university professors, faculty members) 

Work Settings

• Public administration (Federal and State governmental agencies, VA, Forest Service Bureau of Prisons, Environmental Protection Agency, etc.)
• Colleges and Universities seeking academic faculty members
• Professional, scientific, and technical services (Management consulting companies like Deloitte, Accenture, or government contractors offering consulting services) 
• Healthcare (Managed care providers, hospitals, medical facilities, residential care facilities)
• Manufacturing (Aerospace, defense, biotech, pharma, and other large private sector corporations)
• Large retailers like Amazon and Wayfair
• Information Technology
• Finance and insurance

*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond completing this degree program. Many roles may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met.

SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: 4/13/2022). 

DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

DISSERTATION PROCESS

Faculty assist each NU Doctoral candidate to reach this academic goal through a systematic process leading to a high-quality completed dissertation. A PhD-HRM dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of study. This process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of the dissertation.

A doctoral candidate must be continuously enrolled throughout the series of dissertation courses. Dissertation courses are automatically scheduled and accepted without a break in scheduling to ensure that students remain in continuous enrollment throughout the dissertation course sequence. If additional time is required to complete any of the dissertation courses, students must re-enroll and pay the tuition for that course. Continuous enrollment will only be permitted when students demonstrate progress toward completing dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Committee determines progress.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of National University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PhD-HRM) program, you’ll be able to:

• Evaluate human resource theories, concepts, and scholarly research
• Recommend best practices in hiring, retaining, supporting, and motivating employees
• Determine the impact of employment laws in domestic and multinational organizations
• Contribute to the body of theory and practice in human resource management

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Frequently Asked Questions

With a PhD in HR, you can pursue various career paths. These include academic positions such as teaching and conducting research in universities, research and development roles in government or private organizations, or leadership roles in HR departments in corporations or non-profit organizations.

Pursuing a PhD in HR depends on your career goals and interests. If you want to become a professor, researcher, or hold high-level positions in HR departments, a PhD from National University can be beneficial. It can also lead to higher salaries and job security.

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Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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About the Program

The Wisconsin PhD in management and human resources develops scholars in the domain of management.

The program prepares individuals for careers in research and teaching at leading research universities. Our students achieve placements as assistant professors at top research universities.

Core Areas of Research

Student research is supported by faculty in five core areas:

Organizational behavior

Human resources

Organization theory

Students in our PhD program work closely with faculty members to contribute to significant advancements in the theory and practice of management, as evidenced by our recently published journal articles . Our faculty members are renowned scholars, leaders at the Academy of Management and the Strategic Management Society, and editors in top scholarly journals.

Academic Requirements

The admissions process is highly competitive. All students must meet the general PhD requirements of both the UW–Madison Graduate School and the Wisconsin School of Business.

Ideal candidates for our program possess a strong academic background at the undergraduate or graduate level and come from a variety of educational backgrounds. A degree in business is not a prerequisite for doctoral-level study, although such a background may be helpful.

Program Coursework

New students in our PhD program start by taking two years of coursework (a course is typically three credits, and a total of thirty-two credits is required). Courses are selected in consultation with the PhD coordinator and your advisor.

A substantial share of coursework may be undertaken outside of the business school. Students take a diverse array of seminars in the economics, sociology, psychology, statistics, and computer science departments, depending on their specific research interests. These may be theory or methods courses. Required coursework in research methods and statistics includes a minimum of 18 credits.

During the period of coursework, students will work closely with faculty on research projects. These interactions often lead to research collaborations in which the student becomes a co-author on published research.

The Management and Human Resources Department offers a slate of foundational PhD seminars across the group’s core areas of research: strategy, human resource management, organizational behavior, organization theory, and entrepreneurship. The department also offers two research methods seminars. These seminar offerings vary from year to year, although most are offered every second year.

Doctoral students are expected to take all PhD seminars offered by the department. From these courses you will declare primary and secondary concentrations (e.g., strategy is primary and human resources is secondary).

Preliminary exams

Preliminary exams are written at the end of the second year (usually in early summer). The exam takes place over two days and consists of four questions: two regarding your primary concentration, one on your secondary concentration, and one concerning research methods.

Upon passing the preliminary exam, students focus on their own research, developing and defending a dissertation. Throughout the PhD program, students participate as full and active members of our research community. The department runs vibrant internal and external speaker series, with both UW and visiting faculty presenting research. Our PhD students actively participate as speakers, presenting their ongoing research.

See Guide for all course requirements

Faculty Research Interests

Stav Atir Research interests: Knowledge Learning Confidence Judgment and decision making Gender bias View full profile Russell Coff Research interests: Competitive advantage Human capital Strategic management Innovation and creativity View full profile Jonathan Eckhardt Research interests: Student entrepreneurship and technology transfer Technology entrepreneurship Venture finance Entrepreneurship theory View full profile Martin Ganco Research interests: Entrepreneurship Employee mobility Innovation and technology Business strategy Complexity theory View full profile Barry Gerhart Research interests: Compensation Human resource management Incentives Staffing View full profile Florence Honoré Research interests: Entrepreneurship Human capital Employee mobility Strategic alliances Matching models View full profile Anyi Ma Research interests: Agency and community Gender and leadership Choice, control and freedom View full profile Jirs Meuris Research interests: Employee well-being and organizational performance Compensation and benefits Personal finances and financial decision-making Applications of behavioral science to public policy View full profile Alexander Stajkovic Research interests: Leadership and organizational behavior Reinforcement theory Social cognitive theory and self-efficacy Interaction between primed subconscious goals and conscious goals Core confidence View full profile Ann Terlaak Research interests: Business sustainability Corporate social responsibility Organizational learning Behavioral theory of the firm View full profile Charlie Trevor Research interests: Compensation Human resource management Consequences of employee turnover View full profile Chia-Jung Tsay Research interests: Decision-making Implicit biases Performance Expertise Policy View full profile Victoria Zhang Research interests: Social networks Norm-violations Behavioral change Computational social science View full profile Connect With Current Students

We encourage you to contact our doctoral students in management and human resources to hear their perspectives on the Wisconsin PhD Program.

View current student profiles

See Our Placement Results

Graduates of our PhD specialization in management and human resources have accepted tenure-track positions at top research universities.

View recent placements

Chia-Jung Tsay

College of Education and Human Development

Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development

Human resource development PhD

Become an expert in developing individuals and organizations to unleash productivity. This Human Resource Development (HRD) track program prepares you to conduct research and provide sophisticated consultation into how workers acquire new knowledge and skills, relate to one another in complex social environments, and transition to management and leadership positions. You will learn how to see HRD theories and practices in larger economic, social, and political contexts, and you will be able to chart organizational paths for growth in those contexts.  

Your contributions to research will help organizations and systems all over the world better understand ways in which to create fair and equitable environments for their workforces, design programs that support workers and prevent burnout, and promote professional growth and satisfaction in employees.

Doctoral students in Human Resource Development gain the capacity to:

• Teach leadership, adult education, and human resource development courses.
• Serve as training and development consultants on program design and implementation.
• Resolve complex organizational and relational issues through innovative training and performance improvement techniques.
• Develop sophisticated measurements to analyze and diagnose organizational challenges.
• Conduct original research in the field and derive transferable insights and applications for local-to-international clients and industries.
• Faculty at a college or university
• Director of organizational effectiveness
• Head of organizational learning and development
• Executive coach or consultant

Departmental core (16 credits)

Professional socialization seminar

• OLPD 8011—Doctoral Research Seminar I (1 cr) [Take Fall term of first year]

Research courses

• OLPD 8015—Inquiry Strategies in Educational and Organizational Research (3 cr) [Take Spring term of first year]
• Quantitative course (3 cr inside or outside of department; with approval of advisor)
• Qualitative course (3 cr inside or outside of department; with approval of advisor)
• Additional methods courses (6 cr; with approval of advisor)

Total PhD credits required

48 credits of HRD coursework + 24 thesis credits = 72 total credits

Specialization (9 credits)

Courses must have advisor approval.

• One OLPD 8xxx level theory seminar (3 cr)
• Two or three 8xxx level seminars offered by various HRD faculty (2-3 cr each for a total of 6 cr)

Thesis credits (24 credits)

All Ph.D. students are required to register for 24 semester thesis credits after completing the preliminary oral exam. The 24 credits must be taken over two or more terms.

• OLPD 8888—Thesis Credits: Doctoral

Additional Research Courses (9 credits)

In addition to the research/methodology courses mentioned in the department core the following are required for students in the HRD track.

• 3 cr statistics course selected in consultation with advisor
• OLPD 8603— The Capstone Research Experience (6 cr.). This course is offered every other year. When it is offered take six credits over two semesters, three credits to be taken in fall semester and three credits to be taken in spring semester. Is usually taken during the second year or third year if the student is full-time.

Additional coursework (14 credits minimum)

Minimum of 14 credits required. These credits can be used to meet the requirement that a minimum of 12 credits be taken outside the HRD track or for a minor. Courses not specifically listed should have advisor approval.

How to apply

Admission deadline.

Application deadline: December 1 for a Fall semester start.

Fall semester start only.

Applicants may only apply to one OLPD track.

Applications are not complete until ALL required materials and fees have been received. If anything is missing, your application may not be considered. It is strongly recommended to apply at least two weeks before any submission deadlines.

Applications are processed by the Graduate School. A decision for admission notice will be emailed to you once your application is carefully reviewed by the department's admission committee and your transcripts and any credentials (test reports, diploma copies, etc.) are authenticated by Graduate School officials.

Admission Requirements

Degree : Master's degree or equivalent

GPA : Undergraduate 3.0; Graduate 3.5

GRE : Applicants should not submit GRE scores, as they will not be considered in the review process.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores (Not required for U.S. students): 

TOEFL: Internet based = 79 or above (21 writing/19 reading) IELTS = 6.5

Tuition and funding

Tuition information: CEHD | OneStop

Financial aid: CEHD | OneStop

Readmission

If a graduate student in an OLPD program has become inactive they must follow the readmission procedures .

Whether you seek reactivation after accidentally being discontinued this term or want to return after a long absence these are the steps needed to re-apply.

• Complete the proper online readmission application . If you have been away from the program less than five years use the Express Readmission Application and email it to [email protected] . All others must submit the Online Application for Readmission  
• Once received, the department will forward your application to the appropriate admissions committee. Readmission decisions are normally determined by the program’s admissions committee, not any one individual faculty member. Readmission is never guaranteed. Decisions for readmission are based on a review of previous progress toward degree completion, the proposed timeline for completion, the availability of faculty resources, and/or any additional application materials they may request from you. Individual programs/tracks reserve the right to readmit students under the current graduate program requirements, rules, and guidelines. They may also request an applicant to provide additional information prior to making a decision.  
• Once the committee makes their recommendation, the department’s DGS will sign off on the decision and forward the result to the central Graduate Admissions Office for processing. Once processed, you will be notified of the decision.

Individual department programs and tracks reserve the right to require readmitted students to retake coursework if they deem it appropriate. Readmitted students are also required to abide by current time-to-degree policies as determined by the University, which may differ from the policy in place when they first started the degree program.

Individuals seeking readmission to the Ph.D., Ed.D., and M.A. program tracks in the former EDPA, WHRE, and WCFE majors can only reapply to the appropriate program track under the Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD) major name.

Detailed application instructions

Click here to access the online application for admission.

Required fields in the application for admission are: Personal Information, Application Information, Educational Background, Languages, Awards & Activities, Employment/Residence Information, Financial Support, Applicant Statements #1 & #2, Recommendation Letters (limit 2), and  Resume or CV.  All other fields or application materials are optional , but will be taken into consideration if submitted.  

Fees:  Review information about application fees here.

Transcripts : Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material. Click here for more information about transcripts and credentials.

GRE scores are not only not required, they are not considered for applications to this program.

Statement #1, Personal Statement (required): Please provide a statement outlining your immediate educational and long-range career objectives in relation to your chosen field. If there is a particular faculty member with whom you wish to study, please give that person’s name and explain why you want to study with that person. You may also wish to include other information, such as any undergraduate research experience, internships, or other experiences you may have had to document your preparation for advanced study in your chosen field. If you are applying for the Ph.D.—CIDE/Leadership for Intercultural and International Education (LIIE) or the Ph.D—EPL/Executive cohort programs, indicate this in your statement as well. [Please do not exceed two pages.]

Statement #2, Diversity Statement (required): Enrolling and graduating a diverse student body is central to the University of Minnesota’s mission. Please write a statement that identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics, and life experiences you would contribute to your graduate program and to the education of fellow students at the University of Minnesota. You may wish to include examples that address your contribution to the diversity of the student body and illustrate your motivation to succeed by setting high standards for accomplishing intellectual and other goals, overcoming obstacles to achievement, and/or helping others to gain access to the resources necessary for success. [Please do not exceed one page.] 

Statement #3: Extenuating Circumstances (optional): If your grades and/or test scores are not strong, and you would like to provide an explanation, please do so. [Limit 1200 characters.]

Two letters of recommendation (required). The strongest recommendations typically come from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable.

English Language Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) Click here for more information about TOEFL Scores . 

Common Ground Consortium Fellowship: If you wish to be considered for a Common Ground Consortium fellowship for African-American students indicate this by uploading your statement in the "Program Supplementary Information -Upload #1" section. The statement should briefly address the following: Given that the UMN is a public land grant institution, it is imperative that CGC scholars can both benefit personally from their membership in the program as well as further the university’s founding mission to contribute to scholarship that benefits the local and greater communities. Please describe how your participation as a CGC scholar would do the following: (a) enhance your graduate student experience, (b) prepare you for your chosen career, and (c) benefit the public.

We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch.

Organizational Behavior & HR Management

The Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business PhD program in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management (OBHR) will provide you the personalized mentorship and rigorous educational platform from which to launch a successful academic career at a research-oriented university. 

By exposing you to classic and cutting-edge theories , literature streams, research methods, and analytical techniques, we will enable you to conduct exciting and impactful research and to effectively share discovered knowledge with fellow scholars, managers, and students in the U.S. and abroad.  We believe it critical to build your research skills from the outset of your time in our program such that your research record stands out in a highly competitive academic job market.

To that end, we will work one-on-one with you on research projects related to topics such as leadership and teams; work, family, diversity, and personal life; workplace fairness and justice; employee selection; international human resources; stress and burnout; employer branding and recruitment; counterproductive work behaviors; and workplace interventions, training, and employee engagement.

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Most Trusted #4

Morning Consult, 2022

Best Value School #7

The Wall Street Journal / Times Higher Education, 2022

Most Innovative School in the U.S. Top 10

US News and World Report, 2023

Want to Learn More? 

If you would like to receive more information about doctoral study in OBHR, please fill out the form and an Admissions Specialist will be in touch to connect you with a department representative!

Contact us for more information. [email protected]

Program Details

Faculty and Students

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Doctor of Philosophy

Ph.D. Human Capital Management

Deepen your authority as a leader who invests strategically in people.

No GMAT or GRE Required

Learn 100% Online

Build a stronger workforce and stronger culture with human capital management.

Investing in your team—particularly in complex organizations—requires more than a robust HR department. It requires an ability to see employees as assets that need both investment and development.

You’ll find that what you learn at Bellevue University will have immediate applicability to the workplace. In this Ph.D. in Human Capital Management program, you’ll move through four curriculum modules—each designed to build upon the last — and develop relevant career skills that you can put into practice, now.

Advance your HR knowledge and skills with a Ph.D. in human capital management.

By earning your executive-level Ph.D. in Human Capital Management, you’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to influence culture and leadership to better serve business goals. With a Ph.D. in the human resources field, you’ll practice the quantitative and qualitative research skills you need to influence key stakeholders and defend your findings as a thought leader in human capital management.

Network and collaborate with experienced HR and business leaders.

Everyone in this program enters with at least 5 years of professional experience and a master’s degree. That means you won’t just get feedback from expert faculty. You’ll also collaborate with expert peers from across the country who can broaden your perspective on strategic leadership.

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Build executive-level skills in a Ph.D. program that fits your life.

What You’ll Learn

• Demonstrate knowledge of current and emerging human capital related-theories, constructs, public policy and issues.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current and emerging quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Demonstrate knowledge and practical application of univariate and multivariate statistics.
• Design and conduct assessments and measurements regarding individual differences.
• Demonstrate knowledge of social theories, team processes and outcomes, organizational climate, and multi-level issues.
• Demonstrate fluency with theories related to self-regulation, values, rewards, attitudes, motivation and power.
• Demonstrate writing, communication, presentation and publication proficiency.
• Demonstrate knowledge of leadership theories, issues related to the management of employees and the science of influence.
• Demonstrate fluency with problem solving, strategy and creativity literature.
• Create, test and apply financial and accounting models and associated metrics to evaluate the efficacy of human capital.

Career-focused deliverables that have practical application and build to your dissertation.

The dissertation is essential to any Ph.D. program—heightening your skills in research, communication and presentation so you can advance as a thought leader in your field. But, at Bellevue University, we also want you to walk away ready to apply these skills immediately in the workplace. These projects do just that.

Example 1: Business Plan Proposal

During your Human Capital Development and Productivity course (PCAP 720), you’ll deliver a business plan that outlines human capital initiatives to implement to serve business problems.

Example 2: Strategy to Improve Value Congruence, Productivity, and Retention

Your seminar in Technology, Social Learning and Innovation (course PCAP 760) offers a deep dive into how latent human capital variables can be enhanced to improve learning and drive creativity and innovation.

Example 3: Written Report Summarizing Your Studies

The Advanced Analysis and Presentation Methods course (PCAP 850) develops your research and analysis skills as you deliver an executive-caliber report. This will receive both peer and instructor feedback to hone your communication skills for professional publication.

Dissertation: Applied Research Project for an Organization of Choice

Use your Ph.D. dissertation to address a real-world business problem for your organization. You’ll work with a dissertation chair and committee to develop a research topic and plan.

Ph.D. Human Capital Management Courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “ Academic Progress ” for your curriculum requirements.

PhD Requirements (51 Credit Hours)

(Click a course name below to view course details)

Residency 1

This course serves as an introduction to the PhD program. Students will receive an overview of the program, as well as an introduction to faculty and staff. Tutorials are provided for software that is used in the program. Students will be introduced to coursework for PCAP 712 and PCAP 720. Pre-Req: Acceptance into PHD program

Learning Module 1

This course focuses on strategically aligning the management of human-derived capital with organizational objectives. The course will introduce a broad spectrum of topics concerning, human, intellectual, structural, social, and psychological capital. Emphasis will be given to the role and management of organizational knowledge and how such knowledge works in service to the organizational mission.

This course focuses on human capital productivity, Internal and external factors that Impact productivity, data gathering that Informs human capital management. Students will learn to align learning programs and other human capital initiatives with associated business problems, therefore creating an actionable business plan for learning. The Culminating Project for Module 1 is Completion of a written Business Plan for Learning. Pre-req: Acceptance into PHD or Module 1 Certificate

Learning Module 2

This course focuses on the economic principles that are the foundation of human capital management and theory. Differing methods of determining value will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on financial and accounting practices and their applicability in human capital investment decisions.

This course focuses on the science of influence. Students will become knowledgeable on common styles of leadership and their theoretical underpinnings and assumptions. Topics include what leadership is, the challenge leaders face, the effect leadership has, and how leaders build key relationships. Emphasis is placed on leadership knowledge, approach, and application.

This course covers topics in human learning theory, organizational learning theory, decision making, problem solving, and critical thinking. Organizational learning topics include knowledge creation and transfer, learning effectiveness, socio-psychology learning, cultural-learning, and leadership influences. In addition, the course examines the use of critical thinking methods, qualitative and quantitative decision-making, and problem solving methods. Lastly, the course emphasizes skill development in the areas of independent reasoning and impartial judgment.

This course examines how people and technology can be used to increase organizational value by increasing the various forms of capital (human, social, intellectual, structural, and psychological). Emphasis is placed on organizational strategies, particularly human resources strategies that spur innovation and sustain competitive advantage. Pre-req: PCAP 712, 720, 732, 742

This course will guide the student through the development of a research proposal that incorporates theoretical, empirical and practitioner research in the area of human capital management. Students will work directly with peers and scholarly mentor in order to understand a broad spectrum of research approaches. The skills that you will develop in this course are essential for your doctoral completion. Without these skills, neither will you be able to integrate and link your advanced knowledge into organizational practices and culture, nor will you be able to contribute to the academic and professional literature. Pre-req: PCAP 712, 720, 732, 742, 752, 760

Residency 2

This course provides a thorough introduction to coursework in PCAP 810 as well as summaries of other remaining courses in the program. In additions, students will receive individual program progress reviews. Students also will learn about the comprehensive exam and dissertation phases of the program. Advice is provided to enhance progress for the remainder of the program. Pre-Req: PCAP 712, 720, 732, 742, 752, 760, and 772

Learning Module 3

This course focuses on the research process in human capital management. Skills developed include reading and synthesizing existing research, conducting literature reviews, formulating research question, propositions, and hypotheses, assessing appropriate research methods in an organizational setting, collecting primary and secondary data from multiple sources, and using software to analyze data. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies will be discussed. Pre-req: PCAP 712, 720, 732, 742, 752, 760, 772

This course concentrates on leadership and its effect on making human capital management decisions. Topics such as leader styles, ethics, leader emergence, psychopathy in leaders, incentives/motivation/influence, and value creation through leadership will be discussed. Participants will learn about their own leadership style, how to mentor direct reports, communicate across functional areas of the organization, and how to network effectively to achieve organizational change. Pre-req: PCAP 712, 720, 732, 742, 752, 760, 772, 810

This course introduces students to the basic tools and concepts of qualitative research. With this epistemological grounding, the seminar will then explore the core issues in case study research design, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, case study and narrative including methods of structured and focused comparisons of cases, typological theory, case selection, and the use of counterfactual analysis. Next, the seminar will look at the epistemological assumptions, comparative strengths and weaknesses, and proper domain of qualitative study methods and alternative methods. Pre-req: PCAP 712, 720, 732, 742, 752, 760, 772, 810

Learning Module 4

This course examines the linkages between performance, human capital incentives and key performance indicators. Optimization of human capital investments will be analyzed using holistic diagnostic skills. Pre-req: PCAP 712, 720, 732, 742, 752, 760, 772, 810, 820, 832

This course examines selected methods of qualitative and quantitative research methods and design. The course introduces the science and art of collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and describing descriptive data. Selected topics include quasi-experimental design, observational studies, binary logistic regression, exploratory factor analysis, multiple regression, and cluster analysis. Emphasis is placed on presentation techniques that are appropriate for academic and/or practitioner stakeholders. Pre-req: PCAP 712, 720, 732, 742, 752, 760, 772, 810, 820, 832

Students pursuing their Ph.D. in Human Capital Management must successfully pass a formal assessment of learning in the PCAP Program. Pre-req: PCAP 712, 720, 732, 742, 752, 760, 772, 810, 820, 832, 840, 850

Ph.D. Dissertation (18 Credit Hours)

The Dissertation for the Ph.D. in Human Capital Management is an original research project involving the collection and analysis of qualitative or quantitative data. Sources of data may include an existing dataset, collaboration with an organization, or the use of a commercially available survey company. The dissertation chair and committee provide help and guidance in developing a research plan, executing the plan, and writing the results. The dissertation topic and research plan must be approved by the student’s dissertation Chair. The written dissertation must be successfully defended to confer the Ph.D. Degree. Pre-req: PCAP 712, 720, 732, 742, 752, 760, 772, 810, 820, 832, 840, 850, 862

What is the difference between a Ph.D. in Human Capital Management and a Ph.D. in Human Resource Management?

Human resources management focuses on policies and practices to manage a workforce and ensure teams are resourced properly while adhering to employment and labor laws. In contrast, human capital management approaches employees as valuable assets that need investment and development to best serve them in alignment with business objectives.

While both are valuable areas of study, this Ph.D. in Human Capital Management program focuses on the latter—developing a student’s research and analytical capabilities as well as the psychological and cultural understanding of how leadership and organizational dynamics can be designed and influenced to serve an organization’s needs.

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org) .

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.

This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

Become an expert who can impact your business.

100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.

Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.

Find out more about the online experience >

Learn from expert faculty.

Gregory Ashley, Ph.D.

Dr. Greg Ashley brings extensive experience in building curriculum, instruction, and teaching business, economics, and industrial-organizational psychology courses at all academic levels. His special research interests involve social capital, self-awareness, humility, and psychometrics. Dr. Ashley also directs the Bellevue University Ph.D. program in Human Capital.

Lucy Franks, Ph.D.

Dr. Lucy Franks teaches courses in Leadership and Qualitative Methods and supervises dissertations. She is also the Program Director for the Entrepreneurship concentration in the Master of Science in Management Program. For over twenty years she worked in industry, running an Organization Development & Training unit for a major energy firm, and also as an independent consultant to organizations in the human resources area. Her main research interests are in andragogy, curriculum design, and issues of aging in human resources.

Stephen J. Linenberger, Ph.D.

With many years of teaching, course development, research, and training experience, Dr. Linenberger offers expertise in leadership education and practice. He has created and taught courses in social psychology of leadership, leadership ethics, human capital, and organizational leadership. Dr. Linenberger has presented his research at academic conferences and won an international award for his research in leadership education for medical schools. He also has leadership experience from his prior work in human services and retail management.

Paul Poppler, Ph.D.

Dr. Paul Poppler's extensive experience in research, publication, speaking and program/course development enhances the dynamic aspect of the DBA program. His research interests include business policy and strategy, human capital, human resource management, and ethics.

David Vance, Ph.D.

Dr. David Vance combines his economics and business background with his interest in human capital to explore the concept of running learning like a business and to bring standards and best practices in measurement and reporting to the field. He is the author of The Business of Learning (second edition) and co-author of Measurement Demystified. He was Chief Economist for Caterpillar and President of Caterpillar University before becoming the Executive Director of the Center for Talent Reporting, a nonprofit in the human capital measurement and reporting space.

Nicholas Wolff, Ph.D.

Dr. Nick Wolff brings a practical, entrepreneurial perspective to business education and scholarship. His research interests include entrepreneurship, psychometrics, organizational learning, conflict management, and motivation. Dr. Wolff seeks opportunities to foster scenario or game-based learning in his courses. He has authored/co-authored 6 books and has leadership experience from prior work in engineering and business consulting.

Carolyn Youssef-Morgan, Ph.D.

Dr. Carolyn Youssef-Morgan is the Redding Endowed Chair of Business and a co-founder of the PhD program in human capital. Dr. Youssef-Morgan’s research focuses on developing and managing positivity in the workplace. She specializes in the development of measurable human resource strengths and positive psychological resources such as confidence, hope, optimism, and resilience, which can lead to improved performance, attitudes, and behaviors. She is a leading researcher, author, speaker and consultant on psychological capital. She is the co-author of Psychological Capital: Developing the Human Competitive Edge [Oxford University Press, 2007], and Psychological Capital and Beyond [Oxford University Press, 2015]. Her authoritative and seminal work on psychological capital has been published in prestigious journals, presented at national and international conferences, and applied in organizations worldwide.

Enter a rigorous Ph.D. program, led by supportive faculty.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Doctoral degrees can be more affordable than you think..

Earning a degree is an investment in yourself. We want to help you make sure it’s a wise one.

2024 / 2025 Academic Year

$810 In-Class or Online Cost Per Credit

(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)

Curious about financial aid? We’ve got the answers.

As a graduate student, you may be eligible for up to $20,500 per year in unsubsidized Direct Student Loans.

And, students often apply for graduate program scholarships through Bellevue University or tuition reimbursement through their employers. Talk to us and we’ll help you explore your options.

Learn more about financial aid >

See how career-focused outcomes make this Ph.D. in human capital worth more than the cost of tuition.

How to apply for the Ph.D. in Human Capital Management program.

An applicant holding a master’s degree with an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. through Bellevue University’s Human Capital Management Program, may enroll as either a certificate of completion student or Ph.D. degree-seeking student. All admission materials must be submitted for review by the Program Director prior to admittance into the Ph.D. program.

• 1. Students can take Modules 1 and 2, which will be correlated to Certificates of Completion if the student chooses not to pursue their Ph.D. Modules 1 and 2 prerequisites for admission into Modules 3 and 4 and full Ph.D. program.
• 2. Possess a graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or a U.S. equivalent degree from a nationally or internationally accredited college or university.
• 3. All applicants for graduate admission to Bellevue University are required to submit an Application for Admission accompanied by a one-time application fee of $100 for graduate programs (This fee is waived for Bellevue University Alumni).
• 4. Provide all official transcripts for Undergraduate and Graduate coursework.
• 5. Have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or better in previous graduate level coursework earned toward the graduate degree.
• 6. Have five years of professional experience.
• 7. International students who do not possess a degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must have a minimum score of 575 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• 8. International credentials must be submitted to World Educational Services (at the applicant's expense) for a formal evaluation.
• 9. GMAT or GRE – not required

Application materials required when applying for the Ph.D. program are outlined below and must be completed prior to admittance into the program:

• 10. Submit a resume.

Please submit all materials to Graduate Admissions at [email protected] .

For Students Seeking Certificates of Completion

An applicant holding a master’s degree may enroll as either a certificate of completion student or PhD degree-seeking student.

Students must complete modules 1 and 2 of the curriculum for admission into the full PhD program (modules 3 and 4). If a student completes the first two modules but chooses not to pursue their PhD, they can receive Certificates of Completion for the first two modules.

Ready to get started? Reach out to admissions.

• Get your questions answered about the Ph.D. Human Capital Management
• Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
• Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities

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• PhD in Business Management
• Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management

Capella’s online PhD in Business Management, Human Resource Management equips you with skills to develop winning teams and empower people to do their best work. This program builds on a curriculum of ethics, research, and practice in the human resource field – including a focus on diverse perspectives, new technologies, and emerging trends in the workplace. Our rigorous coursework will help you fuse theory and practice to form a basis for your own research and become an expert in global workforce issues.

Virtual Residencies

Network with faculty and peers, and gain access to valuable resources to use during your program and beyond, through three doctoral virtual residencies.

Research mentor

Maintain progress through your dissertation; we’ll pair you with an academic mentor who can help you keep your momentum.

Stay on track with your academic goals and dissertation; we’ll help you organize your work into manageable segments.

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

• 11 Core courses
• 12 max transfer credits
• 4 Specialization courses
• 1 Elective course
• 3 Virtual Residencies

Comprehensive exam

Dissertation

• ACBSP-accredited

Reduce your tuition by $20,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Courses and skills

Explore human resource management courses.

• This program requires a total of 90 quarter credits
• You’ll need to complete 11 core courses, four specialization courses, one elective course, three virtual residencies, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation

View all courses

What you'll learn

This specialization prepares you to lead high-performance teams in diverse business settings. You’ll learn practical solutions to workplace challenges, evaluate new technology trends, and develop a systematic approach to problem-solving in the field.

On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

• Synthesize multidisciplinary theories that inform and shape theory and practice to attract, develop, and retain a global work force
• Synthesize emerging trends and technological influences to advance the theory and practice of global Human Resource Management
• Evaluate diverse demographic and cultural perspectives to advance the body of knowledge and practice in global human resource management
• Exhibit proficiency in academic research, writing, and critical thinking skills
• Evaluate ethical theories and frameworks that guide human resources practices in the 21st century
• Integrate research and practices into the development of adaptive and innovative global workplace environments

Review the Capella career exploration guide  to learn more about this program and professional paths to explore.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in business management cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1-2 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$985 per credit,  $5,000  quarterly tuition max, 75 coursework credits, 12 max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$985 Per quarter credit

75 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

$2955 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:

• The program specialization you choose
• Scholarships and finances
• Prior coursework
• Transfer credits
• Employer and/or military benefits
• Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
• Complexity of your dissertation
• Academic performance
• School/work/life balance
• Unexpected life events

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost scenarios

*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are  more ways to save  than you might think.

$5,000 quarterly tuition maximum

Maximize your courseload – take 6 or more credits per quarter and pay just $5,000.* *Cost of each residency is included in the $5,000 quarterly tuition maximum; books, resource kit, travel, lodging, meals, and other expenses are not included.

$20K toward your doctorate Apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward , a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

10% military discount 

Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, guard and reserve members, veterans, their spouses** and dependents. **Starting in July, spouses of veterans can now benefit from a 10% discount on eligible certificates, master’s and doctoral programs and a 15% discount on eligible bachelor’s programs.

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

How to apply

Phd in business management admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
•  Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International Student Requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.

Doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

Enrollment counselors

These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree program and answer all your questions about Capella.

Academic coaches

Through quarterly appointments and as-needed counseling sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

10 qualities to look for in a career mentor

Finding a career mentor can really help as you develop your professional skills and move up the ladder.

What’s the ROI for a PhD?

Is a PhD worth the investment of time, money, and energy?

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.

Career exploration

What can you do with a phd in human resource management degree.

Your education can help you reach your goals, professionally and personally. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Business Management, Human Resource Management.

Related job titles to explore*

• Adjunct or part-time human resource management faculty
• Full-time human resource management faculty
• Dean or associate dean of business program
• Human resource director
• Director/vice president, human resources
• Director/vice president talent acquisition
• Director/vice president labor relations
• Director/vice president EEO and/or diversity
• Director/vice president compensation and benefits
• Director/vice president human resource development
• Chief human resource officer (CHRO)
• Senior human resource manager

Employment settings to explore

• Land-based or online college or university
• Community college
• Consulting firm
• Corporation
• Nonprofit organization
• Manufacturing
• Health care organization
• Insurance firm
• Small business
• Government—local, state, federal

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

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PhD Specialization in Human Resources

The primary goal of the Management and Human Resources PhD program is to develop top-class researchers in the field of management, with specializations in the areas of entrepreneurship, human resource management, international business, organizational behavior and strategic management.

The specialization in Human Resources (HR) is dedicated to understanding how work organizations can perform more effectively by better management of their human resources. That is, we are interested in understanding, identifying, and improving the effectiveness of HR practices (whether in the U.S. or in other countries) in the various functions and activities carried out as part of HR, and determining the optimal fit between these practices and organizational strategies, cultures, and performance.

Important research areas include recruiting, employee selection, performance management, learning, training and development, total rewards (compensation and benefits), and strategic human resource management.

Our faculty studies HR from theoretical perspectives based in economics, psychology, sociology, and management using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Typically, our faculty’s research investigates issues that contribute to the academic discipline as well as inform practice.The emphasis is on studies at the individual, team or group, organizational, and crosslevels of analysis. Our faculty also examines topics that can be considered to be in the realm of organizational behavior including work-family balance, job and work design, and teams. Also, our HR research is not limited to any one type of industry. We study practices within industries such as the middle markets, call centers, the military, restaurants, and hospitals as well as non-profits such as fire departments.

10 Reasons to Choose to Study at OSU

• High Productivity: Our program was ranked #4 in the 2021 TAMUGA management research productivity ranking ( http://www.tamugarankings.com/rankings/2021-2/ ).
• Strong Student-Faculty Ratio: Our PhD program, with 13 faculty members specializing in Organizational Behavior/Human Resources (OB/HR) and a selective cohort of 5-7 doctoral students, ensures personalized attention and mentorship. This structure offers students abundant opportunities to collaborate with a diverse faculty, each contributing unique expertise and skills.
• Benjamin Campbell, Associate Editor at Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal
• Tracy Dumas, Senior Editor at Organization Science
• Jia (Jasmine) Hu, Associate Editor at Journal of Applied Psychology
• Kaifeng Jiang, Associate Editor at Personnel Psychology
• Howard Klein, Editor-in-chief at Human Resource Management
• Tanya Menon, Associate Editor at Management Science
• Raymond Noe, Former Associate Editor at Journal of Organizational Behavior
• Bennett Tepper, Former Associate Editor at Academy of Management Journal
• Steffanie Wilk, Former Senior Editor at Organization Science
• Editorial Board Representation: Our OB/HR faculty members serve on the editorial boards of numerous top-tier outlets, including Academy of Management Journal (2 faculty), Journal of Applied Psychology (3 faculty), Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes (4 faculty), Personnel Psychology (2 faculty), and Journal of Management (4 faculty).
• Five of our esteemed faculty members - Jasmine Hu, Timothy Judge, Howard Klein, Raymond Noe, and Bennett Tepper - have been honored as Fellows of the Academy of Management and/or the Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Each of these distinguished scholars has amassed nearly or over 10,000 citations on Google Scholar.
• Three of our faculty members - Timothy Judge, Howard Klein, and Raymond Noe - hold high rankings on the list of "Most-cited Authors in Popular Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology Textbooks," as per the study by Aguinis et al., 2017.
• Jasmine Hu, Kaifeng Jiang, Timothy Judge, Raymond Noe, Bennet Tepper were recognized as “ World’s Top 2% of the most-cited scholars and scientists ” (2022) 
• Timothy Judge holds the distinction of being the most highly cited academic in the field of business and management among those whose first publication appeared between 1990 and 1999 according to a recent study by Dr. Harzing.
• Jasmine Hu, Timothy Judge, and Bennett Tepper have been recognized as among the most productive and most-cited leadership scholars, as noted in studies by Arici et al., 2021, and Zhao and Li, 2019.
• Our faculty have frequently earned prestigious recognitions such as the 'Best Paper' award (most recently won by Kathleen Keeler in Academy of Management Review in 2021), and the 'Best Reviewer' award (most recently bestowed upon Hun Lee in Journal of Applied Psychology in 2022).
• Our faculty have utilized their expertise to author textbooks in the OB/HR field (e.g., Timothy Judge and Raymond Noe).
• Two of our faculty members, Jasmine Hu and Robert Lount, have been recognized as "Best 40 Under 40 Business School Professors" by Poets and Quants.
• Successful Alumni: Our recent OB/HR alumni hold tenure-track positions at research-intensive institutions, including Sarah Doyle (University of Arizona), Hee Man Park (Penn State University), Seunghoo Chung (Hong Kong Polytechnic University), Carrie Zhang (Wayne State University), and Yuhan Zhan (Florida International University).
• The Fisher Leadership Initiative ( FLI ): With Tim Judge as the executive director, FLI provides additional resources and opportunities for conducting research.
• Networking Opportunities: Our faculty, highly esteemed and well-connected within the field, can assist students in expanding their professional networks. We organize social and professional gatherings on a regular basis.
• Vibrant Location: Columbus is frequently acclaimed as one of the most livable cities in the United States, particularly favored by Millennials and Young Professionals. It is celebrated for its diverse business landscape, dynamic neighborhoods, and an exciting fusion of arts, culture, and culinary delights  (Sources:  Far & Wide , Forbes , NYTimes ,  CommercialCafe ,  ExperienceColumbus ).
• Affordable Living and Strong Financial Support: Residing in Columbus is relatively cost-effective, with the cost of living being lower than the national average. OSU offers a competitive financial support package for PhD students. Furthermore, we have increased the PhD student stipend in 2023, further enhancing the financial benefits of our program.

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	Aug 19, 2024   NCU Catalog - October 2018     NCU Catalog - October 2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG] | Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resources Management Description of program. The Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PHD-HRM) is a research-based 60-hour program designed to prepare leaders for positions in the private and public sectors of human resource management. Areas such as multiple generations in the workplace, discrimination, equal employment opportunity, employment law, compensation and benefits, labor relations, recruitment, staff retention, and professional development will be studied at a scholarly level. Students will dive into research on the various topics and apply to current day issues in Human Resources.   Learning Outcomes Evaluate human resource theories, concepts, and scholarly research Recommend best practices in hiring, retaining, supporting, and motivating employees Determine the impact of employment laws in domestic and multinational organizations Contribute to the body of theory and practice in human resource management Basis for Admissions Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resources Management program requires a conferred master’s degree and/or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution. Degree Requirements The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the doctoral degree for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. The PHD-HRM degree program in the School of Business has the following graduation requirements: A minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through NCU Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher Satisfactory completion of the PHD-HRM Portfolio University Approval of Dissertation Manuscript and Oral Defense completed Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University All financial obligations to the University paid in full Dissertation Completion Pathway The NCU mission is dedicated to assisting students in achieving their academic aspirations and helping them become valuable contributors to their community and profession. To support our mission, NCU now offers a dissertation completion pathway for students who have successfully completed their doctoral coursework and achieved doctoral candidacy at a previous institution but were unable to complete their dissertation.  NCU’s Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) offers a unique opportunity for students to complete their doctorate in one of the doctoral programs offered at NCU (excluding the PhD in MFT, DMFT, and DHA). Students successfully meeting the entrance and application requirements will complete a minimum of 23 credit hours to earn their doctorate. Click below for more information on the Dissertation Completion Pathway   Time to Completion NCU allows 7 years to complete all doctoral programs of 60 credits or less. Normal time to completion for this program is ~50 months. Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most NCU students are working adults, balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic and finance advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs. The normal time disclosed above reflects the experience of students who may have entered under different program requirements. In the quest for continuous improvement, academic leadership has revised the program to optimize curriculum and pace, facilitate student learning, and improve chances for success. Therefore, the program is now designed for students enrolling today to take advantage of these revised course structures, lengths, and schedules. Dissertation Process Faculty assist each NCU Doctoral candidate to reach this academic goal through a systematic process leading to a high-quality completed dissertation. A PhD-HRM dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of study. This process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of the dissertation. A doctoral candidate must be continuously enrolled throughout the series of dissertation courses. Dissertation courses are automatically scheduled and accepted without a break in scheduling to ensure that students remain in continuous enrollment throughout the dissertation course sequence. If additional time is required to complete any of the dissertation courses, students must re-enroll and pay the tuition for that course. Continuous enrollment will only be permitted when students demonstrate progress toward completing dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Committee determines progress. Course Sequence HRM-7000 - Human Resources Management HRM-7002 - Compensation and Benefits HRM-7003 - Labor Relations HRM-7020 - Workforce Management HRM-7004 - Supervising in the 21st Century HRM-7007 - Cultural Issues HRM-7008 - Legal Issues in Human Resources Management BUS-7200 - Business Statistics BUS-7310 - Introduction to Business Research Design & Methodology Development HRM-7022 - Diversity and Inclusion HRM-7009 - Organizational Behavior in Human Resource Management HRM-7026 - Strategic Human Resource Management HRM-7010 - Human Resource Management Policy and Implementation BUS-7320 - Quantitative Business Research Design & Methodology BUS-7330 - Qualitative Business Research Design & Methodology CMP-9600HRM - Human Resource Management Comprehensive Portfolio DIS-9901A - Components of the Dissertation DIS-9902A - The Dissertation Proposal DIS-9903A - Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection DIS-9904A - The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense 10 Best PhD in Human Resources Online Programs Are you interested in discovering how obtaining a PhD in Human Resources online could open up new and prestigious doors in your career? Let’s explore how doctorate-level credentials could get you to the top of your field. Editorial Listing ShortCode: Professionals with a doctorate in Human Resources earn an average of between $60,000 and $180,000 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics) in a variety of roles. Universities Offering a Doctorate in Human Resources Online Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. 1. Bellevue University Bellevue University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Capital Management. Students must complete 51 credit hours, including 2 residencies and a dissertation, to graduate. Those interested in the program must have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience and a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. PhD in Human Capital Management Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 2. Colorado State University Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University was founded in 1870. The 60-credit PhD in Education and Human Resource Studies – Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change program is offered in cohort format by the university’s School of Education. The program can be completed in 3.75 years. Classes are held in Denver and use online tools as well. PhD in Education and Human Resource Studies – Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change Colorado State  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. 3. Liberty University Established in 1971, Liberty University is a Christian Evangelical institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is ranked among the top online universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The 60 credit-hour, 100% online DBA in the Human Resources program can be completed in 3 years, with no set log in times. Students can complete coursework at their own pace. DBA in Human Resources Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 4. National University Founded in 1971, National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions headquartered in San Diego, California. NU offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management and a PhD in Human Resources Management. The DBA requires the completion of 16 courses for a total of 48 credit hours. It can typically be completed in 64 months. The PhD requires the completion of 20 courses for a total of 60 credit hours. It can typically be completed in 38 months. DBA in Human Resources Management PhD in Human Resource Management National University  is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 5. Regent University Founded in 1977, Regent University is a Christian institution located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The 60 credit-hour online PhD in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Human Resource Development program has two 4-day residency requirements. The program consists of core and concentration courses, a capstone project, comprehensive exam, and dissertation, with some face-to-face components. PhD in Organizational Leadership – Human Resource Development Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 6. University of Arkansas Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas was established in 1871. The online Doctor of Education in Human Resource & Workforce Development Education (HRW DEd) program, offered by the College of Education & Health Professions, requires students to take the GRE. Students are allowed to take up to 7 years to complete the doctoral degree. EdD in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education The  U of A is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 7. University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign Established in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign. The Ph. in Human Resources program is offered by the School of Labor and Employment Relations. Students must complete 48-64 hours of coursework, a non-credit faculty-student workshop, exams, and a dissertation for graduation. PhD in Human Resources The  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 8. University of Texas – Tyler Located in Tyler, Texas, the University of Texas at Tyler was established in 1971. The PhD in Human Resource Development program is offered by the university’s Soules College of Business. Students are required to complete 60 credit hours, and GMAT scores are necessary for admission. Coursework can be completed in 2.5 years. PhD in Human Resource Development The University of Texas at Tyler is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 9. Walden University Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Walden University is an online university established in 1971. The online DBA in Human Resource Management program has a 49-credit-hour requirement for completing the degree, with two face-to-face academic residencies. The program must be completed within 8 years unless the student’s petition for an extension. DBA in Human Resource Management Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. 10. Wayland Baptist University Located in Plainview, Texas, Wayland Baptist University is affiliated with the Stalked Plains Baptist Association. It was established in 1906, The Doctor of Management in Human Resource Management program has a 60-credit-hour requirement consisting of 57 hours of coursework and 3 credit hours of research project work, comprehensive exams, and successful completion of an applied research project. Doctor of Management in Human Resource Management Wayland Baptist University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Online PhD in Human Resources Programs Pursuing a PhD in Human Resources offers room to focus on a specialty that you find engaging. The fact that you’re pursuing a specialty at a doctorate level means that you should be considered a true expert in your area of focus. Click on the area that interests you to jump to that part of the page. Human Resources Compensation and Benefits Employee relations. Human Capital Management Organizational Effectiveness Organizational leadership. What does that mean for your career? You could become one of a very select handful of people to be considered for certain roles in organizations. Be prepared to tackle law, psychology, negotiations, math, and pure business studies! General human resources covers all of the aspects of managing talent within an organization. This includes everything from bringing in workers who are the right fit to creating pay scales that keep an organization competitive. Having a doctorate-level specialty in general human resources can help position you to become a vice president of human resources operating at an executive level within an organization. In particular, it can help equip you to lead the full scope of human resources for major corporations, institutions, and universities. Compensation and benefits is a very relevant specialty because companies and organizations need to have smart strategies for offering fair and competitive pay and benefits. Additionally, a company’s benefits package must be managed impeccably to ensure that resources are being used optimally. Becoming an expert can help you become a valuable asset to companies as they seek out ways to balance the need to offer generous perks with the realities of cost. Optimizing talent is all about managing talent. This is why a specialist in employee relations is such an asset to an organization. Your PhD is can help equip you with the negotiating and strategizing skills to create satisfied, productive employees. It can also help you become an expert at handling contracts, keeping up with compliance regulations, and developing key internal points that will be communicated across a workforce. Human Capital Management (HCM) Human capital management is an emerging specialty that is attracting the attention of more and more employers. What exactly is human capital management? Obtaining a PhD in this specialty can help you become a master of a comprehensive set of organizational practices that are designed to maximize the business value of employees. However, the focus is far from seeing employees as impersonal “assets.” The focus of this specialty is actually on recruiting and developing talent through incentives, training, and other value-building strategies. Do you want to be the one who organizations turn to when they want a fixer? A PhD in organization effectiveness can help you become the go-to person for strategizing how to motivate, optimize, and enhance organizations. The true skill set for this specialty revolves around achieving the outcomes that organizations want to produce. Organizational effectiveness may be an ideal specialty if you’re focused on how to become a human resources consultant. The big perk of this is that you’ll likely be brought in when corporations need guidance regarding how to reorient toward specific outcomes. A specialty in organizational leadership can help you become the person that leaders of corporations and organizations turn to when they want guidance and motivation for how to do what they do better. Obtaining a PhD can help you become something of a guru to the powerful decision-makers of the corporate world. Organizational leaders are expected to have the tools to help leaders set strategic goals that impact every level of an organization. They are also expected to bring insights and motivation to the table that will help leaders put new ideas in motion. Experts in organizational leadership have the unique distinction of being able to guide management approaches that work for both individuals and groups. Expect to be brought in during transitions and growth points. Common Courses for PhD Human Resources Programs The path to getting a PhD in Human Resources is often paved with some of the most interesting courses a student can take. You will likely dabble in everything from high-level business theory to motivational psychology by the time you emerge as an expert in your field. Everything you study will probably have a distinct people-oriented angle! Here’s a look at some of the courses you may take as a Human Resources PhD student: Compensation and Benefits cover in-depth how to build and manage full-scale compensation and benefits with considerations given to legal requirements and accounting principles. Conflict Resolution covers effective ways to communicate and bring forth resolutions when people within a workplace come to the table. Workplace Ethics dives into the legal and ethical requirements in workplace settings. Employment Law is designed to equip students with the right tools to walk into situations that require action or mediation. You should have well-rounded expertise that covers core topics like management, compensation models, and employee relations when finished with your program. Your courses will also help you gain familiarity with important workplace topics, such as sexual harassment in the workplace, employee theft, union regulations, employee morale, bonuses, and retirement. Dissertation seminars are also included in most PhD in Human Resources curriculums. You can work toward doing independent, cutting-edge research that may ultimately contribute to the human resources field! PhD in Human Resources Careers A PhD in Human Resources is a particularly robust area of study because it opens up possibilities in both the corporate and academic worlds. Many people who pursue this path do so because they want to reach executive-level positions. Others would like to teach business classes on an academic track. Being a vice president of human resources on the executive team of a large corporation is typically the goal that people have in mind when they pursue a PhD in human resources. Roles as a human resources leader for a school district, hospital, university, or municipal government are all on the table. A PhD in Human Resources may also be attractive to those who are interested in providing executive and leadership training on a consulting basis. You might start your own consulting practice, publish books, and host workshops. Additionally, a PhD can qualify you to pursue teaching positions within the business departments at colleges and universities. PhD in Human Resources Salary Let’s discuss what salaries can look like for those who reach the upper echelons on the human resources profession. Yes, the pay can be generous once you get to this level. Here’s a look at average salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Chief Human Resources Officer: $185,950 Compensation and Benefits Manager: $125,130 Human Resources Manager: $121,220 Training and Development Manager: $115,640 Professor of Business Administration: $88,010 Human Resources Specialist: $63,490 Those who chose to parlay their expertise into careers focused on teaching or consulting may earn income through published works and paid workshops. Professional Organizations for Those With an HR Doctorate Degree As a leader in your profession, you’ll probably want to become engaged with other professionals through professional organizations. The field of human resources has some of the most robust professional organizations around. Here’s a look at groups to consider for everything from personal development to networking: The Academy of Human Resources Development (AHRD) serves thousands of HR professionals around the world by fostering the development and study of theories, practices, techniques, and processes in the field of human resources. The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world’s largest organization for professionals tasked with seeking and fostering workplace talent. Members have access to valuable resources that can be practically applied in their workplaces. HR People + Strategy is a network of executives and HR thought leaders that offers access to exchanges, research, and publications. The International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) is a resource-rich organization that provides members with access to educational and certification programs. Additionally, members can access a professional community and invitations to conferences. The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) is a volunteer-based organization that offers community and career services. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) promotes and lobbies on behalf of the HR profession. Additionally, this organization provides members with networking and certification opportunities. Becoming connected with a professional organization is vital for those seeking prominent roles within the HR industry. One of the big perks of professional membership is that you will be invited to attend regional and national events. You may even be rewarded and recognized by an organization! The certifications that are offered by highly recognized and regarded HR organizations can demonstrate the practical skills that accompany your PhD in human resources. Certification and Licensure Following a Doctorate in Human Resources Is it necessary to pursue certification and licensure after completing a human resources PhD program? Doing so can certainly make your online degree in human resources more valuable by demonstrating practical knowledge to accompany your academic pursuits. Here’s a look at the certifications that are considered to be the most relevant: A Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) demonstrates one’s ability to develop strategies, lead groups, build influence, analyze performance metrics, and match HR goals to organizational goals upon receiving a passing score on the SHRM-SCP exam. A Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) showcases a proficiency in strategy and policymaking upon receiving a passing score on the SPHR exam. A Senior Professional in Human Resources — International (SPHRi) showcases a mastery of high-level policymaking upon receiving a passing score on the SPHRi exam. These certifications are considered to be résumé boosters for applicants applying to high-level HR leadership positions. Preparing for certification can be a very useful experience for adding very relevant and actionable skills and knowledge to your professional toolkit. Accreditation for a Doctorate in Human Resources Many people seeking HR PhDs focus exclusively on schools and programs with regional accreditation. You may be wondering if this is what you should also be doing if you’re about to pursue a degree that will position you to be an HR leader. There’s no denying that a school with regional accreditation offers benefits that could help your degree to appear more impressive to employers. Regional accreditation requires very strict evaluation guidelines. This generally makes your degree more valuable by default. Don’t forget that regional accreditation could be very important if you end up switching schools! That’s because your credits will transfer more easily if you begin your studies at a regionally accredited institution. A school’s federal accreditation is all that’s necessary to participate in federal financial aid programs that are available to students. Financial Aid for an Online PhD in Human Resources You’re probably looking into ways to pay for a PhD in Human Resources if you feel that completing this level of education is what’s necessary to help you reach your career goals. PhD programs can be more expensive per course than other programs like a master’s in human resources online degree program . Fortunately, PhD students have a wide variety of funding resources beyond what’s available for undergraduate students to look into. This includes things like fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and grants. A student studying for a PhD in Human Resources may have access to federal grants, federal loans, private loans, and institution-provided tuition assistance. There is a good chance that you will pay much less than what a college or university lists as its full-time tuition cost. Can You Get a PhD in HR? Yes, several colleges and universities offer PhD programs in HR. The human resources programs of most schools are closely aligned with business and management programs. There’s a good chance that you will be taking the majority of your courses through a school’s business department. Additionally, psychology and finance courses may be a part of your full curriculum. How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Human Resources? Most PhD programs for HR require students to complete between 60 and 90 credits. The length of time it takes to finish your program will depend on your full-time or part-time status. Most students are able to complete a PhD in Human Resources within five years. Keep in mind that you will probably be required to complete research for a lengthy, involved dissertation. Due to this, traditional or online accelerated human resources degree programs aren’t an option for students who are pursuing a PhD. If completion speed is a primary focus for you, then you may want to consider pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in Human Resources instead. DBA programs are professional doctorates and in many cases they don’t require a dissertation . Is a PhD in Human Resources Worth It? Yes, a PhD in human resources is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in management occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include business professor, training and development manager, human resources manager, compensation and benefits manager, and chief human resources officer. If you’re researching a PhD in Human Resources, you may have decided this is the field where you can build a career on your talent and skills. It’s true that a PhD in Human Resources isn’t for everyone who works in the HR field. This degree often attracts those who want to be at the top of the industry. Yes, a PhD in human resources may be worth it for someone who would like to pursue high-level HR roles within operations. This degree can help equip you to be a decision-maker and makes pursuing your PhD an especially worthwhile adventure! Skip to Content Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management The objective of the doctoral program coursework is to provide students with the knowledge of their chosen major field through exposure to the current literature as well as to acquaint the student with research methodologies and designs. Students in the PhD program are expected to dedicate themselves to the program full time. The coursework for a PhD in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management consists of six seminars in the student’s major (three required and three elective courses), three courses in research methodology and statistics, and three courses in a minor field of the student's choice. The minor field must be approved by the advisor for the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship and the minor field department. Each doctoral student is also required to take a teaching development seminar.  Degree Requirements Required courses. Students are required to take all three courses. Z601 Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Behavior Z615 Seminar in Human Resource (HR) Management Z798 Seminar in Research Methods Elective Courses Students must select three from the following: D620 Seminar in International Business J601 Seminar in Strategic Management I J602 Theoretical Foundations of Strategy II W601 Organization Theory W610 Theoretical Foundations of Entrepreneurship Independent study courses as approved by the advisor Research Methods and Statistics Students must take three courses. X610 Statistics for Research X611 Statistics for Research One other relevant methods or statistics class Minor Field Students take at least three courses in the minor field. Many students take their minor within the Department of Management & Entrepreneurship, in the field of Entrepreneurship or in the field of Strategic Management and Organizational Theory. Students may not “double count” courses toward the minor and major. Students may also take their minor from a related field inside or outside the Kelley School of Business (e.g., psychology, economics, or sociology). Teaching Course Requirement X630 Teaching Development Seminar Qualifying Exam All doctoral candidates are required to successfully complete a qualifying examination during the second summer of their residency in the program. This exam will cover both Research Methods and Organizational Behavior/Human Resources Management. Social media Facebook for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program Twitter for the Kelley School of Business Linkedin for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program Blog for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program Instagram for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program Youtube for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program Vimeo for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program Pinterest for the Kelley School of Business Full-Time MBA Program Additional resources UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN Dean Welcome Faculty & Staff By The Numbers Annual Review LER Seminar Series Student Podcast Institute and Extension Programs School of Labor and Employment Relations Human Resources and Industrial Relations PhD Home / Prospective Students / Human Resources and Industrial Relations PhD The Human Resources and Industrial Relations PhD program at Illinois will provide an invaluable depth of knowledge to begin an academic career in employment relations. Do you enjoy independent research and working in small groups to discover and communicate new ideas? Do you possess an intellectual curiosity about relationships involving: Employee ability, skill, motivation, functional and dysfunctional behaviors, and job performance and satisfaction Work practices and organizational performance (based on financial and market indicators, social responsibility) Human resource practices and their connections with performance Government regulation of employment practices Labor markets, both inside and outside the firm, and their impacts on careers Union-management relations? If so, then you should excel in the Ph.D. program at the School of Labor and Employment Relations because these are just a few of the relationships that are most successful doctoral students have researched in the past few years. Why Illinois? Employment relations encompasses the background and interests of Human Resources and Industrial Relations scholars, labor economists, organizational psychologists, organizational sociologists, legal scholars and labor educators. As a student pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Resources & Industrial Relations, you will develop relationships with LER  faculty  in all of these disciplines, other doctoral and master’s degree students, and alumni colleagues at other universities. You will produce cutting-edge information in the field by learning the craft of research from a tight-knit community of dedicated faculty, students, and alumni who will support and challenge your ideas from multidisciplinary perspectives. All students pursuing a Ph.D. are given a generous financial aid package, including financial support for traveling to professional conferences. LER has its own top-rated library, a very strong information technology infrastructure and office space for all funded doctoral students. Request more information about the Human Resources and Industrial Relations PhD Please email Professor Simon Restubog, Chair of the Ph.D. Advisory Committee, at [email protected] , or Becky Barker, Assistant Dean for Student Services at  [email protected]  to have more information mailed to you. The application deadline for admissions is January 7. Learn more about our program and how we can help accelerate your career: Make Your Gift to the School of Labor and Employment Relations Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Health and Wellness International Parents and Families Research and Innovation Strategic Plan Student Assistance Center Technology Services University of Illinois System 201 IMAGES Career After PhD In Human Resource Management Top 20 PhD in Human Resources Degree Programs in the US Benefits and Challenges of Having a PhD in HR The Latest Research Topics in HR for PhD Engaging PhD Research Topics in Human Resource Management The Top 15 Online PhD in Human Resources Programs in the US COMMENTS Earning A Ph.D. In Human Resources: Everything You Need To ... A doctorate in human resources, or a Ph.D. in human resources, is the terminal degree in the field, meaning it is the highest degree level you can attain. Doctoral degree holders in human ... Ph.D. Program in Human Resources Learn about the world's leading HR Studies program at Cornell University's ILR School. Find out how to apply, what to expect, and what alumni say about the Ph.D. in Human Resources. Best Online Doctorate (PHD) in Human Resources Programs Learn about online doctoral degrees in human resources, including Ph.D. and DBA options, coursework, admission requirements, and career outlook. Compare the best online schools for HR professionals who want to advance their skills and knowledge. Ph.D. in Human Resource Management Learn how to become a faculty member specializing in human resources at a research university. Explore the coursework, timeline, program faculty, and application requirements for this doctoral program at KU. Top 20 PhD in Human Resources Degree Programs in the US Find out the best doctoral programs for human resources in the nation, based on tuition, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation rate. Compare online and on-campus options, concentrations, and courses for Ph.D. in HR. Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management As a graduate of National University's Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PhD-HRM) program, you'll be able to: Evaluate human resource theories, concepts, and scholarly research. Recommend best practices in hiring, retaining, supporting, and motivating employees. Determine the impact of employment laws in domestic and ... PhD in Management and Human Resources Learn about the PhD program in management and human resources at UW-Madison, a leading research university. Explore the core areas of research, academic requirements, faculty profiles, and placement results. PhD in Human Resource Development Learn how to conduct research and provide consultation on HRD theories and practices in complex social environments. This program prepares you to teach, design, and analyze HRD programs and policies for various organizations and systems. PhD in Human Resources Management Programs 2024+ Learn about the benefits, requirements, and career options of a PhD in human resources management. Find out how to choose a research topic, explore popular schools, and access national resources for the field. OBHR Home Learn about the PhD program in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management (OBHR) at Purdue University. This program offers personalized mentorship, rigorous education, and research opportunities in various topics related to OBHR. Ph.D. in Industrial Relations and Human Resources (IRHR) SMLR's PhD program prepares students to pursue jobs in academia, most frequently at top research universities. This program is not designed for working professionals or senior executives looking to remain in industry, take their current careers to the next level, reinvent themselves as professionals or consultants, or who are looking to enhance their skills in applied research. PhD in Human Resource Development The PhD in Human Resource Development is a 60-credit-hour program designed to develop scholars and practitioners who are ready to advance in the profession and serve as leaders in higher education, government and industry. Complete your coursework in as little as two years, with one additional year for writing your dissertation. Online Ph.D. in Human Capital Management By earning your executive-level Ph.D. in Human Capital Management, you'll gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to influence culture and leadership to better serve business goals. With a Ph.D. in the human resources field, you'll practice the quantitative and qualitative research skills you need to influence key stakeholders ... PhD programmes in Human Resource Management in United States Education and Human Resource Studies - Higher Education Leadership. Ph.D. / Full-time / Blended. 27,880 EUR / year. 4 years. Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado, United States. Ranked top 3%. View Programme Information. Add to compare. PhD in Org Behavior & HR Management The Katz Organizational Behavior and Human Resources (OBHR) Program focuses on key contemporary topics related to the management of work in organizations. Our faculty are at the forefront of research examining how work and knowledge are conceptualized and managed in organizations, employee and group factors that drive organizational success ... PhD in Human Resource Management Earn an online doctorate degree in human resource management and learn to develop winning teams and empower people to do their best work. Explore career options, employment settings, and benefits of this ACBSP-accredited program. PhD Specialization in Human Resources The primary goal of the Management and Human Resources PhD program is to develop top-class researchers in the field of management, with specializations in the areas of entrepreneurship, human resource management, international business, organizational behavior and strategic management.The specialization in Human Resources (HR) is dedicated to understanding how work organizations can perform ... Human Resources and Industrial Relations PhD As a student pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Resources & Industrial Relations, you will develop relationships with LER faculty in all of these disciplines, other doctoral and master's degree students, and alumni colleagues at other universities. You will produce cutting-edge information in the field by learning the craft of research from a tight ... Human Resource Management Explore our PhD in Management Human Resource Management specialization. In this specialization, you can apply current theories to conduct research in areas such as the behavioral implications of environments, motivation, and performance on individuals and teams in global environments; strategic human resource management; the role of collaboration and performance of global teams; regulatory and ... Human Resources Management, PhD Description of Program. The Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PHD-HRM) is a research-based 60-hour program designed to prepare leaders for positions in the private and public sectors of human resource management. Areas such as multiple generations in the workplace, discrimination, equal employment opportunity, employment law ... 10 Best PhD in Human Resources Online Programs The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 8. University of Texas - Tyler. Located in Tyler, Texas, the University of Texas at Tyler was established in 1971. The PhD in Human Resource Development program is offered by the university's Soules College of Business. Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management The coursework for a PhD in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management consists of six seminars in the student's major (three required and three elective courses), three courses in research methodology and statistics, and three courses in a minor field of the student's choice. Two State Universities Open PhD Admission 2024-25 for Nearly 400 Seats New Delhi, 17 August 2024: In India there are many State Government Universities, which are controlled by state governments. These institutes offer PhD Programmes. As on 17 August 2024, three are two State Universities have announced PhD Admission for 2024. Aspiring students should track admission information. The total number of seats are 398. List of Universities Offering […] Human Resources and Industrial Relations PhD As a student pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Resources & Industrial Relations, you will develop relationships with LER faculty in all of these disciplines, other doctoral and master's degree students, and alumni colleagues at other universities. You will produce cutting-edge information in the field by learning the craft of research from a tight ... essay homework paper phd project resume review speech study thesis