Ph.D. in Organization Studies
Ph.D. in Organizational Studies
Designed to prepare students for academic careers, the Ph.D. Program in Organization Studies at Boston College is recognized worldwide for its rigorous curriculum and exceptional faculty who are leaders in their fields.
The program emphasizes a strong foundation in organizational theory, research methods, and statistics. Students begin the program with a set of complementary courses in micro- and macro-organizational theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistics, and teaching skills. In the third year, students complete a major empirical research project and teach a course of their own.
Throughout the Ph.D. program, students pursue research on their own and in collaboration with faculty. All students are encouraged to deliver papers at national and international professional conferences, as well as to submit articles for publication in top-tier research journals. Our graduates emerge as creative, independent scholars who can craft and pursue their own research agendas.
Coursework
Ph.D. students take a total of 15 credit hours during the program that includes both 7- and 14-week courses. All students begin the organization studies program with a set of foundational courses in organizational behavior and organizational theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistics, research, 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.
Research and Teaching Assistantship Requirement
Doctoral students at the Carroll School are expected to serve as research assistants, teaching assistants, and/or instructors throughout their studies. Students work for a set number of hours per week, throughout the duration of their Ph.D. programs. In exchange, the Carroll School provides financial support for doctoral students in the form of a stipend and tuition remission.
Sample Schedule
| YEAR 1: FALL |
| Organizational Behavior Statistics I Quantitative Research Methods Research in the Community |
| YEAR 1: SPRING |
| Statistics II Flexible Core Elective |
| YEAR 1: SUMMER |
| Independent Research |
| YEAR 2: FALL |
| Organizational Theory Qualitative Research Methods Flexible Core Elective |
| YEAR 2: SPRING |
| Skills Core (Research I)* Skills Core (Teaching)* Elective |
| YEAR 2: SUMMER |
| Independent Research |
| YEAR 3: FALL |
| Independent Research Flexible Core or Elective* |
| YEAR 3: SPRING |
| Skills Core (Research II)* |
| YEAR 3: SUMMER |
| Dissertation Research |
| YEARS 4 & 5 |
| Dissertation Research and Defense |
*Refers to courses typically taught in 7 weeks.
Electives may be taken from other departments and universities, subject to approval.
Note: The following information reflects data for the entering classes of 2017–2022. Updated September 9, 2022
Class Size
| Year | Size |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| Overall Selectivity | 10% |
Academic & Professional Profile
| Item | Data |
|---|---|
| Average GMAT Score |
706 |
| GMAT 80th Percentile Range |
700-710 |
| Average GRE Score | 319 |
| GRE 80th Percentile Range |
315-327 |
| Average Undergraduate GPA | 3.5 |
| Average Full-Time Work Experience |
4.5 years |
| Students Holding Master's Degree |
45% |
Demographics
| Item | Data |
|---|---|
| Average Age | 29 years old |
| Age Range | 25-35 years old |
| Women | 53% |
| International Students |
7% |
Where do our graduates work?
Babson College
Boston University
EDHEC Business School (France)
Harvard University
IESE Business School (Spain)
Kookmin University (South Korea)
Loyola University New Orleans
New York University
Northeastern University
United States Coast Guard Academy
University of Kentucky
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Boston
University of Michigan
University of Western Ontario (Canada)
University of Virginia
Western Michigan University
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Yonsei University (South Korea)
Ph.D. Admission FAQ
Are international students required to apply for a visa before they apply for admission to the Carroll School?
<p>No, international students do not need to submit visa-related materials at the time of application. However, once you confirm your enrollment, Boston College’s <a href="https://www.bc.edu/content/bc/offices/oiss/">Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)</a> will work with you to ensure that your materials are prepared in a timely fashion to complete your visa application and I-20 appointment.</p>
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Are international students required to submit financial documents with their applications?
<p>No, international students do not need to submit financial documents during the initial application process. Financial documents are only required for enrolled students. You will need to submit your original financial documents after you’ve received the Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF) form.</p>
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Can I visit a Ph.D. class?
<p>Unfortunately, we do not offer Ph.D. class visits through the Graduate Admissions Office. If you would like to gain a better understanding of our Ph.D. programs and meet with current students or faculty members, please contact the Accounting, Finance, or Organization Studies Ph.D. director.</p>
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Do I need to have an interview to be admitted into the Ph.D. program?
<p>Interviews for the Ph.D. program are available by invitation of the Admissions Committee only.</p>
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How much funding will I receive from the Carroll School of Management to pursue my Ph.D. program?
<p>The current level of financial support for doctoral students is $38,000 per year in addition to full tuition remission. A student in good standing may receive this support for a maximum of five years. In return for this support, students serve as research and/or teaching assistants throughout the duration of their Ph.D. programs.</p>
<p>This support is based on the fact that students are expected to devote their full energies to the Ph.D. program during the entire calendar year, not just the academic year.</p>
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How selective is the Ph.D. in Accounting program?
<p>We aim to enroll two to four doctoral candidates each year. We have received around 75 applications to the Ph.D. in Accounting program each year for the past three years. Please review our <a href="/content/bc-web/schools/carroll-school/graduate/phd-programs/phd-accounting.html">class profile</a> to see how your scores and grades compare to those of our current students.</p>
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How selective is the Ph.D. in Finance program?
<p>We aim to enroll four doctoral candidates each year. We have consistently received over 150 applications to the Ph.D. in Finance program each year for the past three years. Please review our <a href="https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/carroll-school/graduate/phd-programs/phd-finance.html">class profile</a> to see how your scores and grades compare to those of our current students.</p>
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How selective is the Ph.D. in Organizational Studies program?
<p>We aim to enroll four doctoral candidates each year. We have consistently received over 150 applications to the Ph.D. in Finance program each year for the past three years. Please review our <a href="https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/carroll-school/graduate/phd-programs/phd-finance.html">class profile</a> to see how your scores and grades compare to those of our current students.</p>
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Application Link & Deadlines
Deadline: January 10, 2023
The non-refundable application fee is $100 USD.
If selected, interviews will take place in late-winter/early-spring.
There is no specific decision notification date for Ph.D. programs. Final decisions are typically available by mid-spring.
CV and Résumé
Your current curriculum vitae should include your education, research, and professional information.
We also require a separate Employment History, using the form provided within the online application.
Recommendations
Recommendations from two individuals who can provide an objective appraisal of your capacity for intensive graduate study and potential for professional success.
Transcripts
Transcripts from every college or university in which you were enrolled in a degree-granting program.
GMAT or GRE Scores
GMAT or GRE scores from within the past five years.
- GMAT school code: 44x-J5-96
- GRE school code: 3033
English Proficiency
TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores from within the past two years (if required). Applicants who submit a language test must meet the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL, iBT, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 100
- IELTS: 7.5
- PTE: 68
Personal Statement
Personal Statement(s), using the guidelines provided in the online application.
Questions
Questions? We'd love to hear from you.
Please Email Graduate Admissions or call us at 617-552-3920.