Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, intensive research methods training and an original doctoral dissertation. Early coursework builds a foundation in research design and quantitative methods, followed by specialised seminars in management and operations topics. Students typically move from core classes to qualifying exams and then to dissertation proposal and completion under the guidance of a supervisory committee.

• Core research methods: advanced statistics, multivariate analysis, panel data, structural equation modelling, experimental and quasi-experimental design.
• Management theory and seminars: organisational theory, leadership and HR, strategic management, organisational behaviour and micro- and macro-level perspectives on organisations.
• Operations and decision sciences: operations management, supply chain strategy, service operations, inventory and production theory, stochastic models and optimisation.
• Electives and cross-disciplinary options: courses from finance, marketing, information systems or economics to support interdisciplinary research questions.
• Doctoral milestones: qualifying/comprehensive examinations, dissertation proposal defence, original empirical or theoretical dissertation and final defence.
• Professional development: pedagogy and teaching practicum, conference presentation experience, and publishing-led research mentoring.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic preparation and research potential. Typical requirements include:

• A relevant master's degree (often an MBA or a master's in a business discipline) or equivalent; exceptional applicants with a strong bachelor's degree and research experience may be considered.
• Transcripts showing strong graduate and undergraduate performance in business, economics, mathematics or related fields.
• Evidence of quantitative proficiency — coursework in statistics, econometrics, operations research or related methods.
• A curriculum vitae outlining research experience, publications (if any), and relevant professional background.
• A research statement describing interests, potential dissertation topics and alignment with faculty expertise.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can attest to research potential.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or prior education in English, where applicable.
• Applicants may be asked to submit GRE or GMAT scores where required by the admissions committee; specific requirements should be confirmed with the department.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Business Administration (Management and Operations) pursue a range of careers centred on research, teaching and senior leadership. Common pathways include:

• Academic positions as tenure-track faculty in business schools, typically in management, operations or decision sciences departments.
• Research roles in think tanks, government agencies and non-profit organisations focused on organisational effectiveness, public management or supply chain resilience.
• Senior research and analytics roles in industry — for example, operations research scientist, supply chain director, strategic analytics lead or chief operations officer roles that require deep analytical and research skills.
• Consulting positions where advanced research methods and domain expertise inform strategy, operations improvement and organisational change projects.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University offers a research-oriented environment within a business college that holds recognised accreditation and emphasises faculty-student mentorship. The university provides opportunities to work closely with faculty who publish in management, operations and analytics journals, and to gain teaching experience in undergraduate and graduate courses.

• Faculty expertise: doctoral students benefit from supervisors with research strengths across organisational behaviour, strategy, supply chain management and quantitative methods.
• Research support: access to research resources, data sources, workshops and conference travel support to build a publication record.
• Teaching and professional development: structured opportunities to develop pedagogical skills and practical experience teaching business courses.
• Collaborative environment: interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments and centres enhances applied and theoretical research opportunities.

Prospective applicants should contact the Department of Management and the Graduate School for detailed guidance about fit with faculty research, funding opportunities and application procedures.