Ph.D. in Management – Doctoral Degree in Management Science
Advance knowledge and shape the future of organizational theory, strategy, and leadership with a Ph.D. in Management from the Lally School of Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Our doctoral degree in management science is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for scholars seeking academic, research, or high-level consulting careers.
For the Fall 2026 semester, students will be admitted to the following disciplines:
- Information Systems
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
The Ph.D. in Management at RPI is ideal for candidates passionate about original research and critical inquiry in business disciplines. This STEM-designated Ph.D. program develops scholars equipped to tackle emerging challenges in global business through interdisciplinary, data-driven, and theoretical approaches.
As a student in this doctoral management program, you’ll focus your research in one or more areas, including:
- Strategic Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Information Systems
- Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Finance and Accounting
Coursework includes:
- Management theory and organizational frameworks
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Scholarly writing and publishing
- Advanced electives aligned with your research interests
The Lally Ph.D. is a 72-credit program, and it takes five years to complete. For details, please see the catalog:
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate competency, both theoretically and methodologically, in their area of specialization.
- Demonstrate proficiency in conducting original research and contribution to knowledge.
- Demonstrate ability to write and present academic research papers in scholarly settings, such as academic conferences.
- Demonstrate ability to write high-quality papers for submission to academic journals.
- Demonstrate effective presentation and speaking skills in the classroom and in professional academic and business settings.
Graduates of RPI’s Ph.D. in Management go on to become:
- Tenure-track faculty at top universities
- Research scientists in think tanks and consulting firms
- Corporate innovation advisors
- Policy researchers and strategic analysts
Alumni have joined institutions like Lehigh University, Bentley University, and international academic and research organizations.
Applicants to the doctoral program in management should have:
- A strong academic record (preferably with a master’s in business, economics, or related fields)
- Research interests aligned with faculty expertise
- Academic writing samples or publications
FAQs About the Ph.D. in Management
Yes, the Ph.D. in Management is STEM-designated, enabling international students to qualify for extended OPT and engage in quantitative, technology-driven research.
Students typically receive research mentorship, assistantships, and opportunities to publish and present at global conferences.
It blends analytical rigor with innovative management philosophy to produce thought leaders in academia and industry.
Hilal Pataci '23
University of Texas at San Antonio - Assistant Professor
Additional Recent Placements
Shailesh Divey '22 - University of Alabama - Postdoctoral Fellow
Liang Zhao ’21 - Northeastern University - Visiting Assistant Professor
Huimin Chen '19 - UMass Lowell - Assistant Professor
Chaoqun Deng '18 - University of Missouri - Assistant Professor
Joseph Cabral '18 - Louisiana State University - Assistant Professor
Majeed Simaan '18 - Stevens Institute of Technology - Assistant Professor
