Carnegie Mellon University

Overview

The Joint Ph.D. program in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Change at Carnegie Mellon University is designed to explore the intricate relationships between strategic decision-making, entrepreneurial ventures, and the dynamics of technological advancement. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the analytical skills necessary to research and influence organizations and economies through rigorous training in business, engineering, and social sciences.

What you'll study

Curriculum and training:

• Participants engage in a collaborative Ph.D. experience across multiple academic units, including the Dietrich College of Social and Decision Sciences, the College of Engineering, the Tepper School of Business, and the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.
• The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes structured coursework and research training, fostering expertise in critical areas such as strategy formulation, entrepreneurial processes, and the implications of technological change.
• Courses cover a range of interdisciplinary topics, including innovation economics, organizational behavior, venture creation, strategic management, technology adoption, and quantitative research methodologies.

Research and progression:

• Students work closely with faculty to establish a dissertation research agenda that contributes original insights to the fields of technological change, entrepreneurship, and strategic decision-making.
• Progress in the program typically involves various milestones, including qualifying examinations, dissertation proposal submissions, and defense processes, tailored to each student’s specific committee and program guidelines.
• The culmination of the program is the dissertation, representing a significant scholarly contribution to the understanding of the interplay between technology, entrepreneurship, and strategy.

Interdisciplinary electives:

• Elective courses provide opportunities for students to delve deeper into specialized areas aligned with their research interests, such as innovation strategy, entrepreneurial ecosystems, technology diffusion, and empirical or analytical methods.

Entry requirements

Candidates for the program are expected to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree that offers a solid foundation for doctoral-level study, particularly in quantitative and social science research. Admission requirements, including GPA standards and standardized test scores, may vary based on the applicant’s background and the program’s current policies.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Joint Ph.D. program are well-prepared for a range of career paths, including academic positions in universities, research roles in think tanks, and leadership positions within industry sectors that require a deep understanding of strategy and innovation. The unique blend of skills gained from this program positions graduates to drive impactful change in organizations and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their fields.