Choosing the PhD in Management Specialization That’s Right for You

A PhD in Management from Walden University indicates to the professional world that you’re a critical thinker and a thought leader. Not only is our online learning program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), but it offers six dynamic specializations to complement your career goals and aspirations. Also, when it comes to PhD degrees in management, Walden’s online learning program is one of the few of its kind.

While you may already have a good idea which specialization is best for you, it’s good to understand them all in order to make the best decision. Here are two things to consider as you make your choice:

• Give thought to your aspirations, passions, and career goals and look for a specialization that aligns with them.
• Think about research topics you might consider for your dissertation study. The information you gain in your specialization courses can be leveraged as you complete your research.

Below is a brief overview of each specialization within Walden’s online PhD in Management program to provide you with a better understanding of their differences.

21^st Century Finance: Develop and use financial models and theoretical tools to help gain an understanding of some of the most challenging national and international financial problems. You will have the opportunity to analyze case studies, incorporate principles of social and behavioral research, and expand your expertise in financial theories, systems, and practices.

Human Resource Management: Apply the latest theories and analytical tools to conduct original research and add to the body of knowledge in areas such as organizational effectiveness, conflict resolution, human capital development, and strategic human resource management. You will also explore the global and multidisciplinary aspects of human resource management and enhance your ability to develop solutions for strategic human resource initiatives.

Information Systems Management: Broaden your understanding of all aspects of e-commerce systems, security management and risk assessment, and system design. You will also develop your expertise in leading and managing people, processes, and systems, and contribute to positive social change by helping to improve performance through information systems management.

Leadership and Organizational Change: Learn to think critically about conventional organizations and explore new ideas about leadership and change. You will develop alternative conceptualizations of management, develop an understanding of socially conscious leadership, and cultivate 21st-century leadership practices. Concerns about effective organization-building will be balanced by the understanding that a socially responsible leader also strives to create an environment beneficial to employees in increasingly cross-cultural work environments.

Organizational Design and Innovation: From disruptive and agile innovation to artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, leaders in today’s business world need to understand and employ strategies that are in the best interests of their companies and employees. Explore the changes in organizational innovation agility and develop leadership strategies informed by design thinking with a specialization in Organizational Design and Innovation.

Self-Designed: Create your own specialization based on your individual goals and interests in management. Choose specialization courses from other specializations within the program under the guidance of a Walden faculty mentor. Assignments will focus on the practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and the integration of professional practice at the doctoral level.

Depending on your specialization, you will be able to put your PhD in Management to good use with career options that span a number of professional sectors, including private industry, international organizations, and nonprofits. Many graduates choose to teach at the college level, consult, or take a corporate leadership position. In short, earning your online PhD in Management, can open up a great number of opportunities in any number of professional positions.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering an online PhD in Management degree program. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

Walden’s BS in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and PhD in Management programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The MS in Accounting and BS in Accounting programs are also accredited by the ACBSP and have earned the organization’s Specialized Accounting Accreditation.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.