Ph.D. in Organization Studies

COURSEWORK

PhD students who have previous education in management take a total of 19 courses during the program; students without management education take two additional MBA courses, for a total of 21 courses. All students begin the organization studies program with a set of complementary courses in micro- and macro-organizational theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistics, and teaching skills.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

The comprehensive examination is given at the end of the second year. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate a substantial knowledge of theory and methods involved in the study of organizational behavior and theory.

RESEARCH PROJECT AND DISSERTATION

By the end of the third year, students complete a research paper demonstrating the ability to conduct innovative research in organizational studies. The culmination of the program is the dissertation: a substantial, significant, and original contribution to the body of knowledge in organizational studies that is prepared under the guidance of a dissertation committee of three faculty members.

ASSISTANTSHIP REQUIREMENT

Doctoral students at the Carroll School are expected to serve as research or teaching assistants throughout their studies. Typically, a student works as a research assistant for 15 hours a week during the first two years of the program, then teaches one course per semester or acts as a research assistant in the third and fourth years. In exchange, the Carroll School provides financial support for doctoral students in the form of a stipend and tuition remission.

Sample Schedule

Electives may be taken from other departments and universities, subject to approval. Prior graduate-level coursework in research methods may be submitted for consideration toward fulfillment of some requirements.