Northwestern University

Overview

The PhD in Management and Organizations at Northwestern University delves into the complexities of how individuals, groups, and organizations make decisions and evolve over time. By integrating insights from psychology, sociology, and economics, this program emphasizes rigorous research methodologies to foster impactful scholarship in the field of management.

What you'll study

The program is designed to guide students through various research areas, including:

• Corporate governance
• Computational social science
• Decision making
• Dispute resolution
• Diversity
• Ethics
• Group behavior
• Inequality
• Motivation
• Organizational change
• Organizational design
• Negotiations
• Social movements
• Social networks
• Strategic adaptation and change
• Social responsibility

Students will progress through the program by:

• Year 1 foundation: Establishing a solid theoretical base through coursework and research preparation in psychology and sociology, aimed at developing relevant research skills.
• Research development: Engaging in seminars and supervised research to refine research questions and methodologies.
• Specialized training: Pursuing additional coursework tailored to individual dissertation topics, focusing on empirical, computational, or theoretical approaches.
• Dissertation: Completing an original research dissertation with support from a faculty committee.

Students will also participate in departmental seminars to present their work and collaborate with faculty and peers across various research themes.

Entry requirements

• Degree background: A bachelor's degree (and possibly a master’s degree) in a relevant field such as psychology, sociology, economics, management, or a related area is typically required.
• Academic record: A strong academic performance at the undergraduate and/or graduate level is expected.
• Statement of Purpose: A detailed statement explaining research interests and alignment with the program is required.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended are necessary.
• Resume/CV: An updated resume or CV is required.
• Recommendation letters: Multiple letters from academic referees are usually required.
• Test scores: GRE and/or GMAT scores may be required; applicants should verify current requirements for their admission cycle.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Management and Organizations program can pursue various career paths in academia, research, consulting, and leadership roles within organizations. The program equips students with the analytical and research skills necessary to address complex organizational challenges and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.