Ph.D. in Human Resource Management

Program information

The doctoral program in human resource management (HRM) prepares students for academic careers at leading research universities. Students engage closely with faculty mentors to build deep expertise in both research and teaching, exploring how HR practices influence and are shaped by organizational strategies, cultures, and performance.

The program is tailored to help students build the skills and scholarly network needed for a successful academic career. As a doctoral student, you will be part of a collaborative research community, one that encourages students to also work with faculty in the Organizational Behavior and/or Strategic Management domains when shared research interests exist.

Program faculty study HRM from multiple perspectives. At the micro-level, KU faculty study how specific HR practices (e.g., selection or training techniques) relate to individuals’ attitudes, behaviors, and performance. At the macro-level HR (e.g., “strategic HRM”) current faculty members investigate how HR systems and policies affect organizational-level outcomes. Program faculty are active contributors to multiple domains, publishing in top-tier journals such as Academy of Management, Journal of Applied Psychology, and Strategic Management Journal. 

The doctoral program does not require any specific academic preparation beyond an undergraduate degree. Students with formal training in a variety of disciplines (e.g., business, economics, psychology, communications, statistics, sociology, and many others) can be successful in the program.