Program Overview

Introduction to the Ph.D. in Management Program

The Ph.D. in Management at the Paul Merage School of Business is designed to prepare students for careers in scholarly research and teaching at the university level. This full-time program provides a strong foundation in both methodological and theoretical training, enabling students to pursue their own areas of interest.

Program Overview

Candidates work closely with Merage School faculty and, when appropriate, collaborate with faculty from other academic units on campus. Program requirements include acquiring a broad knowledge of core management disciplines, demonstrating strong research skills, and completing a dissertation that makes a contribution to knowledge in the chosen area of study. Additionally, the program includes a teaching requirement, supported by an ongoing seminar in pedagogy, to provide training about course development and delivery.

Admission Requirements

The Paul Merage School of Business admits students to the Ph.D. program exclusively for the fall quarter, with an application deadline of January 4. This program requires a full-time commitment and welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. While having a masters degree is preferred, students may be admitted directly after completing their baccalaureate degree. Suitable undergraduate majors include:

• Psychology
• Political science
• Business or public administration
• Mathematics
• Computer sciences
• Economics
• Sociology
• STEM disciplines Additionally, students with strong academic backgrounds in fields not typically associated with management, such as the natural sciences, humanities, and the arts, are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Potential candidates are those eager to gain a broad knowledge of core management disciplines and demonstrate strong research skills by completing a dissertation. As part of the application process, Ph.D. applicants are encouraged to submit a previously developed paper, such as a research report, research essay, or case study that may reflect their interests and capabilities. In addition to the usual University of California requirements for admission to graduate study, students must provide:

• The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) verbal and quantitative parts
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
• Statement of purpose
• Minimum of three references, of which two should be from academic sources

Coursework and Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. Program in The Paul Merage School of Business is divided into phases, Qualifying and Dissertation.

Phase I (Qualifying)

Phase I provides students with a comprehensive introduction to their fields of emphasis, management disciplines, and methodological tools, to be completed within nine quarters. Each student is assigned an academic faculty advisor from their specialization to help acclimate them to the Merage School Ph.D. program, assist with planning coursework, and oversee their academic progress during the first two years.

Course Requirements

The Merage School doctoral courses are organized into two categories: Theoretical Breadth and Research Methods. Courses may be added as faculty determine necessary.

1. Specialization requirement: Two courses in the student's primary area of specialization, one of which must be a Ph.D.-level seminar.
2. Breadth requirement: Four breadth courses, including at least two from the School-wide menu and two additional Ph.D.-level courses relevant to their academic area.
3. Research skills requirements: Two courses that emphasize research skills that contribute to the development of research capabilities, as determined by the faculty in the area of specialization.
4. Two Courses:

• MGMTPHD 297A - Doctoral Proseminar
• MGMTPHD 297B - University Teaching

Phase II (Dissertation)

This phase requires the completion of a significant original research project and a dissertation which demonstrates the candidate's creativity and ability to launch and sustain a career in research. Phase II is expected to be completed in six quarters. During this phase, students enroll in 12 units of Individual Study under their Faculty Advisors supervision for research/dissertation work until they defend their dissertation and graduate.

Teaching Requirements

All degree candidates are required to complete the Teaching Development course MGMTPHD 297B. The objective of the course is to ensure that our Ph.D. students are adequately prepared to assume academic teaching responsibilities upon completion of their programs.

Normative Time to Degree

The normative time for advancement to candidacy is three years. The normative time for completion of the Ph.D. is five years, and the maximum time permitted is six years.