Benedictine University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced theoretical study of human resource management with rigorous empirical research methods. Typical components include coursework in strategic human resource management, organisational behaviour and development, employment law and ethics, compensation and benefits, and labour relations. Core research training covers qualitative and quantitative methods, advanced statistics, program evaluation, and psychometrics, preparing students to design and conduct independent research.

After completing taught and methods coursework, students progress to comprehensive examinations and a supervised dissertation that contributes original research to the field. Modules and topics commonly encountered include:

• Advanced HR Theory: contemporary perspectives on HRM, the role of HR in strategy, and international HR issues.
• Research Methods: qualitative methods, survey design, multivariate statistics, structural equation modelling and longitudinal analysis.
• Organisational Development and Change: OD theories, change interventions, leadership and culture change.
• Talent Management and Workforce Analytics: recruitment and selection, succession planning, HR metrics and analytics.
• Industrial and Employment Relations: collective bargaining, labour law, dispute resolution and public policy implications.
• Compensation, Benefits and Performance Management: designing reward systems and aligning performance systems with strategy.
• Dissertation Research: independent, original research under faculty supervision leading to a doctoral thesis and oral defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a recognised master’s degree in human resources, business, industrial/organisational psychology, management or a closely related discipline, with strong academic performance. Relevant professional experience in HR or related organisational roles is highly valued and may be required for some applicants.

Standard application materials include:

• Official transcripts from prior degree(s).
• A current curriculum vitae outlining academic and professional experience.
• A personal statement or statement of research interests describing career goals and proposed research themes.
• Letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional referees.
• Where applicable, scores from recognised graduate tests may be requested; international applicants will typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Applicants should expect an interview with programme faculty as part of the selection process. Admission is competitive and based on evidence of research potential and fit with available faculty supervisors.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Human Resources Management and Services pursue a variety of careers across academia, industry and consulting. Common career paths include:

• Academic roles: tenure-track or visiting faculty positions in HRM, management or business schools, and roles in higher education research centres.
• Senior HR leadership: chief HR officer, director of talent management, head of organisational development or senior compensation and benefits roles.
• Consulting and advisory services: working with organisations on organisational change, workforce analytics, leadership development and HR strategy.
• Policy and research positions: roles in think tanks, labour organisations, government agencies or non-profit organisations focusing on employment policy and workforce development.
• Executive education and training: designing and delivering leadership development and executive learning for organisations.

Why study at Benedictine University

Benedictine University offers a learning environment grounded in the liberal arts and the Benedictine tradition, emphasising ethical leadership and service. The university’s campus environment and relatively small class sizes support close mentoring relationships with faculty, which is especially important in doctoral study.

Located within easy reach of a major metropolitan area, the university provides opportunities for applied research and professional engagement with a wide range of public and private organisations. Doctoral students benefit from a practitioner-oriented approach to HR scholarship, access to faculty with both academic and industry experience, and resources for conducting field-based research and applied projects.

The programme is structured to balance rigorous academic training with applied relevance, preparing graduates to contribute to scholarship and to lead evidence-based HR practice in organisations and communities.