Ph.D. in Human Resource Management
Program information
The doctoral program in human resource management (HRM) prepares students for success in research universities as faculty members specializing in human resources. Doctoral students work closely with faculty to gain research and teaching expertise in the various functions and activities carried out as part of HRM, including the relationship between these practices and organizational strategies, cultures, and performance.
Many HRM scholars specialize or focus on more micro-level work, such as researching the impact of specific HR practices (e.g., selection or training techniques) on individual-level measures of satisfaction or performance. Alternatively, macro-level HR (i.e., “strategic HRM”) scholars study the effects of systems of HR policies and practices on organizational-level outcomes. KU faculty have expertise at both levels, as evidenced by publications in prestigious outlets.
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Research
Doctoral students work closely with faculty to gain research expertise in the various functions and activities carried out as part of HRM with a focus on the attraction, selection, retention, development, motivation, and utilization of individuals in organizations.
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Teaching
Part of our mission is to develop effective teachers. To that end, all doctoral students are required to teach at least two sections as independent instructors. The school and university prepare and reward doctoral students for excellence in teaching through various programs and awards.
Program details
Human Resource Managment Core courses
A graduate course in economics: BE 701: Business Economics OR BE 917: Advanced Managerial Economics OR ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics
Note: BE 917: Business Economics, is preferred. Students coming into the program directly from an undergraduate degree may consider substituting BE 701: Business Economics, or ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics. In the event a student has taken a graduate economics course prior to enrolling as a KU doctoral student, she/he may waive the requirement and substitute either an elective doctoral content course or a statistics/research methods course for this requirement.
MGMT 905: Management Research Methods
MGMT 916: Major Management Theories
MGMT 950: Seminar in Human Resource Management I
MGMT 951: Seminar in Human Resource Management II
MGMT 953: Seminar in Organizational Behavior I OR
MGMT 954: Seminar in Organizational Behavior II
MGMT 956: Seminar in Strategic Management I OR
MGMT 957: Seminar in Strategic Management II
MGMT 998: Independent Study
MGMT 952: Special Topics in Human Resource Management (offered and required when there are 3 or more students in years 1 & 2 of the program)
Statistics/Research Methods Courses
At least four courses with advisor approval
Electives
At least two or more courses with advisor approval
For more information, view a detailed list of courses in the academic catalog.
Year 1
- Coursework
- Research
Year 2
- Coursework
- Research
Year 3
- Comprehensive exams
Year 4
- Dissertation proposal
Year 5
- Dissertation defense
Some students can complete the program in four years.
