University of Memphis

What you'll study

This PhD programme combines advanced coursework, research methods training, teaching experience and an original dissertation. Early stages emphasise core theory and quantitative methods; later stages focus on specialised seminars and dissertation research under faculty supervision.

• Core theoretical fields — organisational behaviour, strategic management, operations management and supply chain strategy, depending on student focus.
• Quantitative and empirical methods — advanced statistics, econometrics, structural equation modelling, longitudinal analysis, and design of experiments for management research.
• Research methods and pedagogy — research design, academic writing, grant preparation, and supervised teaching practicum or assistantships.
• Seminars and elective topics — topics seminar in contemporary management theory, behavioural decision-making, service operations, supply chain analytics, sustainability in operations, and technology and innovation management.
• Comprehensive exams and proposal — students normally complete comprehensive examinations or portfolio assessments and defend a dissertation proposal before advancing to candidacy.
• Dissertation — original empirical or theoretical research culminating in a written dissertation and public defence, typically supported by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised master’s degree in business, management, operations research, economics, engineering or a closely related field; exceptionally qualified applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and relevant research experience may be considered. A solid quantitative background is important, demonstrated through prior coursework (for example in statistics, econometrics, operations research or applied mathematics) or professional experience.

• Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A research statement or statement of purpose outlining academic interests, research experience and proposed areas of study.
• Curriculum vitae highlighting research, publications, teaching experience and quantitative skills.
• Letters of recommendation, typically two or three, from academic or professional referees who can comment on research potential.
• Standardised test scores (GRE or GMAT) may be requested depending on background; international applicants will also need to meet English language proficiency requirements.

Admission is selective and considers academic preparation, research fit with faculty expertise, and potential for scholarly contribution. Funding and assistantship offers are competitive and typically awarded at admission for qualified candidates.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a range of careers that value strong research, analytical and teaching skills. Common career paths include:

• Academic positions — tenure-track and visiting faculty roles in business schools, departments of management or operations, and interdisciplinary programmes.
• Research roles — positions in industry research labs, think tanks, and policy institutes focusing on operations, supply chains, organisational studies and strategy.
• Consulting and analytics — specialist roles in management consulting, operations strategy, supply chain optimisation, and data-driven decision-making units.
• Senior industry roles — leadership positions in operations, logistics, supply chain management or organisational development in private and public sector organisations.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers doctoral students access to the Fogelman College of Business & Economics, which is home to faculty actively publishing in top management and operations journals. The university’s location in Memphis — a global logistics and transport hub — provides rich applied-research opportunities in supply chain and operations.

• Research-active faculty and mentorship — small cohorts and close faculty supervision help students develop research agendas and publication records.
• Industry connections — proximity to major logistics firms and regional businesses facilitates applied projects, data access and collaborative opportunities.
• Doctoral training environment — structured seminars, methodological workshops and teaching assistantships build both research and pedagogical competence.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration — opportunities to work with scholars across economics, engineering, health services and data science on cross-cutting management problems.

Overall, the programme is suited for candidates seeking rigorous research training, practical engagement with operations and supply-chain challenges, and preparation for scholarly or high-level applied careers.