Georgetown University

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous coursework, research training and dissertation work to develop independent scholars. Early years emphasise core methodological and theory foundations: microeconomics for business, advanced statistics and econometrics, research design, and specialised seminars in management and operations.

• Core coursework — research methods (quantitative and qualitative), advanced statistics, organisational theory, microeconomic foundations for managerial decision-making.
• Management-area seminars — topics such as organisational behaviour, strategic management, leadership, negotiation and decision-making, innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Operations-area seminars — operations management, supply chain analytics, production and service operations, stochastic models, optimisation and data-driven decision-making.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options — students may take elective courses across the business school and other schools at Georgetown (for example economics, computer science, public policy) to tailor skills and theories to their research questions.
• Research practicum and teaching — early engagement in faculty-supervised research projects, presentation in research workshops, and participation in teaching assistantships to build pedagogical experience.
• Qualifying examinations and dissertation — after coursework, students complete comprehensive or qualifying exams and advance to candidacy, followed by an original doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision that contributes to the literature in management and/or operations.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and targets applicants with strong academic preparation and clear research potential. Typical expectations include:

• Academic record — a bachelor’s degree is required; many successful applicants hold a master’s degree in a related field. Strong undergraduate performance in quantitative and business-related coursework is important.
• Research experience — demonstrated interest in research through prior projects, thesis work, published papers or research assistantships strengthens applications.
• Standardised tests — the programme may require or consider standardised test scores (such as the GRE or GMAT) depending on application policies; applicants should consult current guidance from the department.
• Supporting materials — a research-focused statement of purpose outlining proposed research interests, a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential.
• Fit and preparation — applicants should identify faculty with compatible research interests and demonstrate readiness for rigorous methodological coursework (quantitative skills are especially important for operations-focused work).

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of research and leadership roles. Common career paths include:

• Academic careers — tenure-track faculty positions in business schools and departments of management, operations, organisational behaviour or related disciplines.
• Industry research — research scientist or analytics roles in technology, manufacturing, healthcare and finance where advanced methods in operations and management are applied to organisational challenges.
• Consulting and practice — strategy and operations consulting roles that require deep analytical and research skills to solve complex organisational problems.
• Policy and think tanks — research and advisory positions at policy institutes, government agencies and international organisations that value rigorous evidence on organisational or operations questions.
• Leadership in analytics and innovation — senior roles in product management, operations leadership, or organisational development where strategic research informs decision-making.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown’s PhD in Business Administration draws on the McDonough School of Business’s emphasis on global perspective, ethical leadership and rigorous scholarship. Located in Washington, DC, students benefit from proximity to policy institutions, international organisations and a diverse corporate community that provide opportunities for applied research and collaboration.

The programme offers close mentorship from faculty active in management and operations research, a collaborative doctoral community, and access to interdisciplinary resources across the university. Doctoral students receive training aimed at publishing in top journals, presenting at conferences, and developing the teaching and professional skills needed for successful academic and research careers.