Human Resource Development Ph.D.

The Soules College of Business offers a unique doctoral degree that focuses on human resource development (HRD) with a specialization in organization development and change (ODC) in the context of business and industry that integrates a strategic management perspective. The program is offered in an on-campus format that is designed to prepare human resource development scholars with a unique understanding of HRD within the context of business and management.

Doctoral Program Outcomes

The graduates of this program will be able to contribute to research and application in the areas of improving individual, group/team, and organizationperformance, developing leadership talent within organizations, and leading and facilitating change in organizations with  culturally diverse workforces.

The doctoral program outcomes for candidates who successfully complete the program:

1. Integrate knowledge from HRD and related disciplines to support the development of researchers and scholars for diverse settings;
2. Conduct original research in HRD to contribute to research, theory and practice;
3. Create, synthesize and disseminate original research about the discipline in a variety of publication and conference venues;
4. Enhance  HRD leadership capability in a variety of workplace settings including business and industry, education, and healthcare;  and,
5. Collaborate with national and international leaders to promote the discipline.

Admission Requirements

The following criteria must be met for entry into the program:

1. Master's degree in HRD, business administration, management or related field from a college or university approved by a recognized regional accrediting body.
2. 3.0 GPA (on 4.0 scale) on all previous academic coursework.
3. Submission of GMAT scores (in some cases the GRE may be accepted in lieu of the GMAT) taken within 5 years at time of application to the program.
4. Submission of a career statement that articulates the purpose for pursing the Ph.D. in HRD, describes potential research interests, and articulates how the attainment of the degree will influence future career goals.  
5. Submission of a complete resume or curriculum vita.
6. Submission of three original letters of recommendation that address the applicant's potential as a Ph.D. scholar in HRD.
7. Submission of a writing sample or a writing sample under timed conditions may also be scheduled.
8. Participation in an interview with program faculty on the admissions committee.