To earn a Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, in human resource management, you must first complete an undergraduate program in the field and then apply to schools that offer the program. While a bachelor’s degree in business administration is available, many schools also accept students with a background in psychology or sociology who want to pursue a PhD in human resource management. You can look for programs that provide a master’s degree as part of a PhD program or programs that provide the two degrees separately. Once you’ve found the schools you want to attend, you’ll need to fill out the necessary application paperwork, which may include taking certain tests and meeting various requirements.
A doctorate in human resource management is a terminal degree in business administration or organization that focuses on people in the workplace. Successful completion of an undergraduate program, usually leading to a four-year degree such as a bachelor’s degree, is often the first step toward this degree. As you near the end of your undergraduate studies, look for schools that offer a graduate program in business administration with a concentration in human resources or organizational management.
There are a few different paths you can take to get your PhD in human resource management. Some schools may offer a master’s degree as a prerequisite for your PhD. There are also schools that offer a single program that will award you a master’s degree while you pursue your PhD. Neither type of program is inherently superior; instead, you should select the school that best meets your educational goals and needs.
Different schools may have different application requirements, which you should learn about as soon as possible to ensure that you can apply on time for the semester you want to attend. Teachers’ letters of recommendation are likely to be required, and some schools may also require professional letters. Many schools also require you to take a test, such as the Graduate Records Examination® (GRE®) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®), before being accepted.
After being accepted into a program leading to a PhD in human resource management, you must complete the required classes and work to earn your degree. This usually entails one or more years of classes focusing on complex business and human resource management issues. Most programs also require you to write and present a dissertation, which is a lengthy research paper based on your original ideas, at the end of your studies. You can earn your PhD in human resource management after successfully presenting and defending your dissertation.