phd in product management

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Product Management

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Earn a doctorate in Product Management, meet the industry demand for technological expertise

Product Management has undergone a tremendous transformation from its original application and practice as a particular company’s management of the marketplace appeal of a single, commercial brand. Now, at its highest levels, Product Management has expanded to include the application of new technology, not as an option, but as an imperative to remain competitive and viable.

Capitol Technology University’s online PhD in Product Management will prepare you, the business professional, to meet the challenges and maximize the opportunities presented by these sweeping changes. Through this research-based, online doctorate, students engage quickly in research and publishing without the limitations inherent in traditional coursework models. Graduates will be prepared for a variety of leadership roles in business management.

Your expertise will be in high demand among companies seeking to introduce new technologies while mitigating the risk that can accompany such transformations. You’ll be able to deliver solutions that can lower costs, streamline processes, and ensure the highest quality as your organization competes in the global marketplace. Through this uniquely designed doctoral program, you can undertake research that is specific to your professional needs and complete your degree while maintaining your career.

As a doctoral student in Product Management, you’ll enter the program with a research idea and at least a committee chair. After enrollment, you’ll work with your chair and research committee to further develop your research proposal. You’ll then work independently to produce a meaningful body of original research of publishable quality. In the process, you’ll also gain valuable insight into the legal, political, ethical, and social dimensions of your field of study.

This is a research based doctorate PhD degree where you will be assigned an academic supervisor almost immediately to guide you through your program and is based on mostly independent study through the entire program. It typically takes a minimum of two years but typically three years to complete if a student works closely with their assigned academic advisor. Under the guidance of your academic supervisor, you will conduct unique research in your chosen field before submitting a Thesis.

As your PhD progresses, you move through a series of progression points and review stages by your academic supervisor. This ensures that you are engaged in a process of research that will lead to the production of a high-quality Thesis and/or publications and that you are on track to complete this in the time available. Following submission of your PhD Thesis or accepted three academic journal articles, you have an oral presentation assessed by an external expert in your field.

Why Capitol?

Learn around your busy schedule

Program is 100% online, with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you the flexibility needed to balance your studies and career.

Proven academic excellence

Study at a university that specializes in industry-focused education in technology fields, with a faculty that includes many industrial and academic experts.

Expert guidance in doctoral research

Capitol’s doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience in chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You’ll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research project and build credentials in the field. 

Key Faculty

Dissertation Chair | Adjunct Professor

Career Opportunities

Market demand for product management

Those who earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Product Management pursue careers such as:

• Senior Vice President, Product Management
• Product Management Senior Scientist
• Vice President, Channel and Product Management 
• Managing Director, Product Line
• Corporate Product Management Officer
• Product Management Senior Strategist
• Business Development Consultant 

Degree Details

This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.

The student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.

PhD in Product Management - 60 credits

Educational Objectives:

• Students will integrate and synthesize alternate, divergent, or contradictory perspectives or ideas fully within the field of Product Management.
• Prepare students to critically analyze existing theories in Product Management to draw data­ supported conclusions to move the field forward and support the attainment of desired outcomes.
• Prepare students to conceptualize, apply and integrate effective qualitative and quantitative research strategies in Product Management and to develop new information effectively.
• Prepare students to take a leadership role in a field of Product Management while employing the highest levels of ethics, analytics, decision analysis, and data visualization.
• Students will present scholarly work on Product Management via appropriate communication channels.
• Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge and competencies in Product Management.
• Students will execute a plan to complete a significant piece of scholarly research in Product Management.
• Students will evaluate how Product Management affects target populations in local and extended communities.
• Students will address the need for sustainability and Green products.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon graduation:

• Graduates will evaluate the legal, social, economic, environmental, and ethical impact of actions within Product Management and demonstrate advanced knowledge and competency to integrate the results in the leadership decision-making process.
• Graduates will demonstrate a mastery of an area of Product Management research, ethics of research, the stages of the research process, conceptualization and operationalization of research questions, data collection techniques, analytics, qualitative and quantitative methods, measurement, program evaluation research, and research proposal development.
• Graduates will demonstrate the highest mastery of traditional and technological techniques of communicating ideas effectively and persuasively within Product Management.
• Graduates will evaluate complex problems, synthesize divergent/alternative/contradictory perspectives and ideas fully, and develop advanced solutions to Product Management challenges.
• Graduates will contribute to the body of knowledge in the study of Product Management.
• Graduates will assess the impact of modern Product Management nationally and globally.
• Graduates will demonstrate a mastery of the concepts of probability, common distributions, statistical methods, data analysis, analysis of contingency tables, generalized linear models, linking logit and log-linear methods with generalized linear model, analysis of discrete data using state-of-the-art programming languages, and data visualization techniques within Product Management.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

• The application fee is $100
• The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
• Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
• Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
• Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
• High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.

Need more info, or ready to apply?

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Best Doctorates in Product Management: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

The demand for professionals skilled in product management has grown rapidly in recent years. Companies have realized that the creation of a successful product is an investment that requires skillful leadership and management. Having a PhD in Product Management gives you an advantage when pursuing desirable, high-paying product management jobs.

A product management PhD can lead to a career as an industry expert. It can also open the door to higher salaries. This guide offers a look at the best PhDs in Product Management as well as what you can expect for a PhD in Product Management salary.

Find your bootcamp match

The best doctorates in product management will help students earn an excellent salary following graduation and become great product managers in their chosen fields or enter the world of academia as skilled teachers and researchers.

What Is a PhD in Product Management?

A PhD in Product Management is a postgraduate degree that prepares students to become experts at managing products, usually in retail environments. Students will be required to complete advanced courses in product management before graduating as well as conduct original research in the field and produce and defend a thesis.

How to Get Into a Product Management PhD Program: Admission Requirements

The main requirement to get into a product management PhD program is a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution. You would need to prove completion of the degree program and provide transcripts from each institution you previously attended. You will also likely have to present letters of recommendation.

In addition, the majority of PhD in Product Management programs require prospective students to take a standardized test such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Some graduate schools require students to have work experience so you must provide a resume. International students will also have to submit English proficiency test scores.

PhD in Product Management Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university or college
• Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
• GMAT/GRE scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume detailing educational and professional experience
• English proficiency exam scores

Product Management PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Product Management?

It is hard to get into a PhD program in product management, especially the ones at prestigious universities. Many well-known and accredited schools have rigid admissions for PhD applicants and are highly selective. Excelling in your undergraduate or master’s degree may give you a better chance of gaining acceptance.

How to Get Into the Best Universities

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Best PhDs in Product Management: In Brief

Best universities for product management phds: where to get a phd in product management.

The best universities for product management PhDs have been accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Since PhD programs rely heavily on research and teaching work, the best universities in product management also focus on research. Below are 10 of the top universities to consider if you want to pursue a PhD in Product Management.

Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the country’s top universities offering high-quality degree programs. It features over 450 graduate degree programs and certificates and is home to some of the country’s best researchers in various fields of study. ASU is also one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the United States. 

PhD in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management

Arizona State University’s PhD program in business administration with a concentration in management will give students a chance to gain current and relevant knowledge on organizational behavior and strategic management. It is offered under ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business and places emphasis on research and teaching.

PhD in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management Overview

• Program Length: 5 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $6,457/semester (in state); $12,699/semester (out of state); $15,575/ semester (international)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Federal financial aid, fellowships and awards, teaching and research assistantships, loans

PhD in Business Administration with a Concentration in Management Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 
• Graduate admission application and application fee
• GMAT scores
• Official transcripts from previously attended schools
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Resume with an employment summary
• Proof of English proficiency (international students)

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university with a student body of over 14,500. It offers outstanding graduate and undergraduate education and research via seven schools and colleges. The university has a strong focus on interdisciplinary work, as many of its courses combine multiple disciplines.

PhD in Operations Management

The PhD in Operations Management from Carnegie Mellon University is designed to provide students with the tools they need to develop scientific solutions to the problems currently faced by operations managers. You will be dealing with a broad range of topics, such as supply chain management, new product development, inventory control, and others. 

PhD in Operations Management Overview

• Program Length: 2-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 3-5%
• Tuition: $47,000/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: The program is fully funded by the university through the ​​William Larimer Mellon Fellowship, except for the annual activity and transportation fees; other fellowship programs and scholarships

PhD in Operations Management Admission Requirements

• Scanned copies of all transcripts from previous institutions attended
• 3 completed Tepper School of Business evaluation forms
• Application fee of $90
• TOEFL, DET, or IELTS (non-native English speakers)

Located in New York City, Columbia University is one of the most distinguished research universities in the US. This Ivy League university has three undergraduate schools, 13 graduate and professional schools, and more than 100 research centers and institutes. 

PhD in Management

Columbia University’s PhD in Management is offered at the Columbia Business School and focuses on basic social science knowledge and research. Doctoral students are trained for academic research careers and select one of three subfields: organizational behavior, organizational theory, and strategy. 

PhD in Management Overview

• Program Length: 5-6 years
• Acceptance Rate: Less than 5%
• Tuition and Fees: $38,688/semester (full residence of more than 6 points)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Doctoral candidates are fully funded for their first four years; merit-based fellowships, assistantships, tuition exemption, research grants

PhD in Management Admission Requirements

• Online application 
• Official transcripts
• Application fee of $100 
• 2-5 letters of recommendation 
• Enrollment commitment deposit 
• TOEFL/IELTS (international applicants)

Duke University is a private research university in North Carolina. It is home to 16,780 students, including 6,789 undergraduates and 9,991 graduate and professional students. In the Fall of 2021, Duke University conferred 4,007 graduate and professional degrees.

Duke University’s PhD in Operations Management is offered via the Fuqua School of Business. It focuses on training doctoral students to produce original research in the field. The doctoral program aims to provide the skills and tools necessary to prepare students for academic careers or work as consultant product managers. 

• Program Length: 4-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 2-8%
• Tuition and Fees: $69,775/year (years 1-3); $17,775/year (years 4-6)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: The graduate school covers the tuition and fees for students’ first five years; full or partial scholarships, fellowship stipends, training programs, and research, graduate, and teaching assistantships 
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended 
• 3 letters of recommendation 
• Statement of purpose 
• Undergraduate GPA
• English language proficiency test (nonnative English speakers)

Georgia Institute of Technology started as a trade school. When the school began to focus on advanced technological and scientific research, it changed its name to reflect these efforts to solve real-world problems. Today, Georgia Tech is one of the largest industrial and engineering research agencies in the South, with more than 100 interdisciplinary research units. 

The PhD in Operations Management at Georgia Tech is offered through the Scheller College of Business. It is a research-oriented program that trains students for radical innovation and emphasizes learning outside the classroom. You will be using a wide variety of research methods, including modeling, empirical, and behavioral laboratory experiments. 

• Acceptance Rate: 21%
• Tuition: $586/credit (in state); $1,215/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships, outside sponsorships, veteran benefits, tuition waivers
• Undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) overall GPA 
• Essay 
• Transcripts from previous institutions attended

Harvard University is an Ivy League research university established in 1636. It is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States and one of the world's most prestigious universities. There are 35,276 students studying at the school but getting into Harvard can be difficult. 

PhD in Technology and Operations Management

Harvard Business School's PhD in Technology and Operations Management offers students the opportunity to pursue their interests in various disciplinary areas. The program is designed to help students develop valuable skills for organizations across various industries. Students are trained in multiple disciplines, including operations research, operations management, and economics.

PhD in Technology and Operations Management Overview

• Acceptance Rate: 4%
• Tuition and Fees: $46,200/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: The program is fully funded for five years

PhD in Technology and Operations Management Admission Requirements

• Online application form 
• Resume 
• Statement of purpose
• Transcripts
• $105 application fee
• Writing sample (optional, not more than 10 pages)
• TOEFL/IELTS scores (non-native English speakers)

Founded in 1831, New York University is one of the most prominent research universities in the world. NYU is home to more than 65,000 students and undertakes nearly $1 billion in research every year. In 2021, it had 18,300 graduate and professional students enrolled in its degree programs. 

New York University’s PhD in Operations Management is offered through the Leonard N. Stern School of Business. Doctoral students will have sufficient training in operations management and operations research and take core courses in optimization theory, stochastic processes, and data science. 

• Tuition and Fees: Fully funded, except for a small portion of registration fees (currently $275/semester)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: NYU Stern PhD programs are fully funded, The Fred Renwick Doctoral Fellowship Program
• Essay (optional)
• Letters of recommendation 
• GRE (preferred)/GMAT scores
• Official transcripts for the institutions included in your online application 
• Application fee of $100

Northwestern University is a research university that is home to more than 50 university research centers and 90 school-based centers. It has a total of $893 million in annual research awards in various areas such as ​​neuroscience, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and drug discovery. 

The PhD in Operations Management at Northwestern University is offered through the Kellogg School of Management. Students will be trained to evaluate strategic issues when it comes to operations design and the tactical problems of executing processes so that they can be successful in both business and engineering. 

• Program Length: Approximately 5.5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Tuition: $18,689/quarter 
• PhD Funding Opportunities: The PhD program is fully funded for five years, teaching and research assistantships, tuition scholarships
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Transcripts from each school you attended 
• “Courses Taken” form
• GRE/GMAT scores
• Application fee of $95

Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina is an innovative, inclusive public institution that continues to be recognized as one of the finest research universities in the nation. In 2021, it had 35,388 students enrolled, with 6,726 graduate students and 1,881 professional students. It is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as an R1 “very high research activity” institution. 

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PhD in Production/Operations Management

The PhD in Production/Operations Management at the University of South Carolina prepares students for careers in university teaching and research. It is offered through the Darla Moore School of Business and is designed for students or product managers who want to pursue an academic career in research, business, and government.

PhD in Production/Operations Management Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $6,867/semester (full time, in state), $572.25/credit (part time, in state); $14,880/semester (full time, out of state), $1,240/credit (part time, out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: 100% tuition coverage for all courses approved on the student’s Program of Study, plus graduate assistantships, PhD Scholars Program, UofSC Rising Star Fellowship program

PhD in Production/Operations Management Admission Requirements

• GMAT/GRE scores 
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTEA 
• At least 2 letters of recommendation 

The University of Texas at Austin is home to over 52,000 students and 3,000 teaching faculty. It offers programs across its 18 colleges and schools. The university has continuously proved itself as a vital component of the state through its leading research, which attracts more than $650 million in funding annually. 

PhD in Information, Risk, and Operations Management

The University of Texas at Austin’s PhD in Information, Risk, and Operations Management under the McCombs School of Business focuses on business applications. Students can choose to specialize in data science, information systems, operations management, or statistics. Students in operations management are trained to use analytical and empirical methods for strategic operational issues.

PhD in Information, Risk, and Operations Management Overview

• Program Length: 4-6 years
• Tuition and Fees: See school’s tuition tables
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, special grants, assistant instructor appointment, federal loans

PhD in Information, Risk, and Operations Management Admission Requirements

• GRE/GMAT test scores
• Bachelor’s degree
• 3.0 GPA 
• Letters of reference 
• Personal statements
• Application fee of $65 (US residents)/$90 (International)
• Department application form
• TOEFL/IELTS (non-native English speakers)

Can You Get a PhD in Product Management Online?

Yes, you can get a PhD in Product Management online. Various schools offer this doctoral degree online, such as Capitol Technology University, Indiana State University, Walden University, Sullivan University, and Bellevue University.

Best Online PhD Programs in Product Management

How long does it take to get a phd in product management.

In general, it takes four to five years to complete a PhD in Product Management. However, this can vary based on the program you choose and whether it is a full-time or part-time program. Your specific school and program may also have requirements regarding how long it takes to complete your degree.

Most people who complete a PhD in Product Management program choose to do so through full-time study over four years, but it is possible to do it part-time over six years. This includes time spent completing coursework, conducting research, writing papers, and preparing for your qualifying exam and dissertation defense.

Is a PhD in Product Management Hard?

Yes, a PhD in Product Management is hard. The requirements for admission to the program are numerous and include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores. Schools offering PhD programs in product management are very selective and only accept a handful of students.

The program itself requires rigorous training and a significant commitment from students. Students will have to complete unique research on a topic related to their field of study, which requires a lot of focus and time because conducting experiments and analyzing data sets is required.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Product Management?

It costs an average of $19,314 per year in tuition and fees to get a PhD in Product Management , according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, this number will depend on the grad school you attend. A PhD in Product Management offered by public schools typically costs $12,171 per year, while private institutions’ annual tuition and fees average $25,929.

How to Pay for a PhD in Product Management: PhD Funding Options

The PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Product Management include teaching and research assistantships, tuition scholarships, fellowship programs, or loans. Many universities offer full tuition and fees funding for part or all of the PhD program, and sometimes even cover students’ housing costs.

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What Is the Difference Between a Product Management Master’s Degree and PhD?

The difference between a product management master’s degree and a PhD is the education offered and the career options available for students after graduation. Graduates of both programs will have the opportunity for a successful career in product management in the corporate world, with additional opportunities in academia for PhD holders.

A Master’s Degree in Product Management is intended for those seeking a career outside of academia. Graduates can become product managers and will have a considerable advantage in the job market.

A PhD in Product Management does not necessarily prepare students for a product manager role. It focuses on the experimental methods for the product development process, managing innovative products, and other strategic operations. The program will prepare you for a research or teaching career through independent study.

Master’s vs PhD in Product Management Job Outlook

Master’s Degrees and PhDs in Product Management will help you gain a competitive edge in the job market. Those with a master’s degree can find jobs as product managers, economists, and instructional coordinators in different industries.

Those with a PhD in Product Management can land top executive roles, such as business managers, in which they will develop strategies and oversee budgets. However, most PhD graduates in product management have positions in the academic world as professors. You can also become a researcher for various industries and organizations.

Difference in Salary for Product Management Master’s vs PhD

A doctorate holder in product management can expect to earn about $121,000 annually , according to PayScale. Jobs for these graduates include chief executive officer, vice president of operations, and director of a department or team. Meanwhile, students who graduate with a product development master’s degree earn an average of $94,000 a year and work in positions such as senior manager or program manager.

Related Product Management Degrees

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Why You Should Get a PhD in Product Management

You should get a PhD in Product Management because you will gain a competitive edge to become a leader in the field of product management. This advanced degree will help your career, especially if you want to switch from the corporate world to the academic world. Below are five reasons why you should get a PhD in Product Management.

Reasons for Getting a PhD in Product Management

• Develop your critical thinking capabilities. The vast amount of research involved in earning a PhD in Product Management will help you think independently and intensively. A PhD encourages active learning so that you can apply new and exciting methods and solutions for organizations.
• Hone your skills and expertise. A PhD in Product Management will teach you new skills and strategies for managing and developing products. This includes new and advanced statistical methods for analyzing relevant factors such as consumer behavior in order to build strong market strategies.
• Become a scholar-practitioner. A PhD will help give you the authority and confidence to become a leader in your field. This may happen through writing a doctoral dissertation and other research-based articles and getting them published in academic journals and being invited to present at academic conferences.
• Access higher salaries. Becoming more skilled and knowledgeable in your field will bring you more opportunities for a higher salary. Many businesses do not hesitate to pay higher wages to individuals with postgraduate degrees, and you can be confident in asking for better compensation too.

Getting a PhD in Product Management: Product Management PhD Coursework

Getting a PhD in Product Management requires rigorous training and coursework. Doctoral degree programs require that students take advanced core courses and electives. Aside from this, some schools will require you to attend doctoral seminars and conferences. Below are some of the more common requirements when pursuing a PhD in Product Management.

Research Writing

For many students, their thesis or dissertation will be the most taxing, complex piece of writing they ever undertake. Through a focus on the mechanics of writing, with tips for research-based papers, this course helps students turn months’ or even years’ worth of research into a compelling piece of writing ready for publication.

Stochastic Foundations

This course teaches stochastic foundations and processes for application in the business field. Students learn about various modeling concepts for financial investments. They are trained in completing competitive analyses of queuing systems and other analysis processes to help business stakeholders make sound decisions.

Advanced Optimization

The advanced optimization course will help students gain an extensive array of optimization techniques for complex decision-making and problem-solving. Students will be using modeling concepts and applications of linear, nonlinear, and dynamic programming models.

Economics or Microeconomics

Economics or microeconomics will help product managers analyze the relationship between businesses and the markets with which they interact. This course trains PhD students in consumer psychology and psychological processes so that businesses and internal stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding the innovation of their products or services.

Dynamic Programming

This course teaches PhD students how to simplify decision-making regarding complex problems by turning them into a series of smaller, simpler problems. Students will study examples that follow a general optimization framework and then think creatively to apply that framework to other problems affecting businesses.

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How to Get a PhD in Product Management: Doctoral Program Requirements

In order to get a PhD in Product Management, you have to satisfy all of the doctoral program requirements. Many PhD programs are fully funded but require you to maintain good academic standing. You will also be required to complete advanced coursework, teach at the undergraduate level, take a comprehensive exam, conduct original research, and write and defend a thesis.

Doctoral students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average in order to remain in good academic standing and receive program funding. You also have to complete all coursework, both courses core and electives, and other degree requirements by the deadlines provided.

Doctoral students are often required to serve as teaching or research assistants while pursuing their PhD in Product Management. Most postgraduate students are preparing for an academic career, and this requirement provides great training to help them learn the teaching skills they will need.

Students will be required to take a comprehensive exam once they have completed the core coursework in product management. The exam will focus on course content and will measure students’ overall knowledge of the field. 

Some programs, like the one at Northwestern University, require the submission of a research paper before the dissertation. You will be responsible for consulting with an advisor throughout the process who will also approve the paper. This will help prepare you to write your dissertation. 

You will be required to present a thesis or dissertation proposal usually by the end of your third year. This is the first step to publishing an original and significant piece of research, which is one of the most important requirements of a PhD program in product management. 

The most important requirement in order to get a PhD in Product Management is a thesis or dissertation. This is a publishable research paper that requires the approval of the department. You will have to successfully defend your thesis in an oral exam.

Potential Careers With a Product Management Degree

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PhD in Product Management Salary and Job Outlook

With a PhD in Product Management you have a good chance of making a six-figure salary shortly after graduating. The degree also gives you access to the highest-ranking jobs in a company, like CEO, with an average salary of $179,520, according to PayScale. The job outlook is also good for doctoral degree holders in this field, with higher-than-average growth expected for most positions.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Product Management?

With a PhD in Product Management, you can have a successful career in the academic world or in business. You can become a scholar or professor or a product manager or top executive in various industries. Below are the best jobs for those with a PhD in Product Management.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Product Management

• Chief Executive Officer
• Finance Manager

What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Product Management?

The average salary for a PhD in Product Management is $121,000, according to PayScale. You can work as a professor or researcher in the academic world, or you can pursue high-paying jobs in the industry like chief executive officer, economist, or financial manager.

Highest-Paying Product Management Jobs for PhD Grads

Best product management jobs with a doctorate.

The best product management jobs with a doctorate are high paying. While some of these jobs do not necessarily demand that someone have a PhD, getting one will open many more doors of opportunity. Below are five of the highest-paying jobs in product management and related fields.

The chief executive officer (CEO) of a company is the highest-ranking executive in the organization. The CEO is responsible for managing company operations and serves as a spokesperson for the company. They represent the interests of stakeholders to outside parties such as investors and customers. 

• Salary with a Product Management PhD: $179,520
• Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 247,100
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Hawaii, Washington, South Dakota, Massachusetts

Financial managers control the finances of a business or organization. They are responsible for analyzing data and advising senior managers on certain company decisions such as ways to maximize profits. They are often known as advisors to top executives, who rely on them for advice on how to spend company funds.

• Salary with a Product Management PhD: $131,710
• Job Outlook: 17% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 64,200
• Highest-Paying States: New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Colorado, District of Columbia

Economists study and analyze the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Economists research economic issues for businesses, governments, and individuals. They may also be called upon to conduct surveys and collect data, analyze data using mathematical models, statistical techniques, and software, and make policy recommendations.

• Salary with a Product Management PhD: $105,630
• Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,600
• Highest-Paying States: New York, District of Columbia, California, New Hampshire, Illinois

Social scientists can work for a variety of different companies and educational or governmental institutions. The goal of their work is to discover new information about the way humans behave. They analyze data using software and summarize it using tables, graphs, and factsheets.

• Salary with a Product Management PhD: $80,890
• Job Outlook: 4% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,200
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Idaho, Iowa

Professors are typically employed by colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education. They instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond high school, and they may also conduct research and publish papers based on their findings.

• Salary with a Product Management PhD: $79,640
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 139,600
• Highest-Paying States: California, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, Maryland

Is a PhD in Product Management Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Product Management is worth it. A Doctoral Degree in Product Management is a great investment for professionals who want to become product managers . You will learn and practice new skills, which will help you get ahead in your field. In addition, having a PhD can help open the door to careers in research or in teaching at the postsecondary level.

Pursuing this degree requires a lot of hard work and dedication on your part, which means that by the time you finish, you will be prepared to take on leadership roles in product management within your company or organization.

A PhD in Product Management will also give you more opportunities for employment than someone without one. You will likely be able to earn more money with this advanced degree because employers will be willing to pay more for someone with such extensive experience and knowledge in their field.

Additional Reading About Product Management

[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/careers/product-management/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-in-product-management/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-become-a-product-manager/

PhD in Product Management FAQ

No, it is not necessary to get a master’s degree before pursuing a PhD in Product Management. However, earning a master’s degree first could give you a chance to finish the PhD faster if the school allows you to apply some of the credits you earned during your master’s program toward the PhD.

Many product managers work in tech companies. Some of the top companies hiring product managers are Google, Adobe, Microsoft, and Cisco Systems.

Yes, product management is a good career path. According to Glassdoor, product manager is one of the top 10 jobs for 2022 . It scores a four-out-of-five job satisfaction rate, which makes it a very rewarding career.

Earning a PhD will help you gain effective problem-solving skills along with very extensive research skills. You will also become familiar with advanced marketing and finance skills and knowledge, which is beneficial if you wish to become a product owner or do other product management for a business organization.

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Tepper School of Business

Ph.D. Program

Doctoral graduates and faculty at the tepper school share an impressive legacy of path-breaking research and global recognition that includes nine nobel laureates. .

As a small, serious-minded program, our Ph.D. students benefit from close working relationships (both academic and social) with faculty, advisors, and classmates. 

There are eight focused fields of study in our doctoral program and we also offer joint Ph.D. degrees in conjunction with other world-class colleges across the university campus.

Apply Now >

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The Tepper Doctoral Program

Areas of study, nobel laureates, current students on the job market >, research for the intelligent future, how do you anticipate and address tomorrow's business needs, today you think boldly. you challenge what you know. and you do the work. tepper's doctoral program hosts the next-generation researchers who will transform society's collective intelligence as we arrive at the intelligent future of business..

Neda Mirzaeian Ph.D. Candidate, Operations Management

"I chose to pursue my Ph.D. at the Tepper School of Business because of the diversity of opportunities it offers. At Tepper, I have been fortunate to work with some of the most prominent professors in my field, and develop the proper skill set for my future career."

Mik Zlatin Ph.D. Candidate, Algorithms, Combinatorics, and Optimization

"At Tepper, I work with amazing people who help me reach my full potential both as a researcher and as a world citizen."

Sae-Seul Park Ph.D. Candidate, Organizational Behavior and Theory

"I chose the Tepper School because its interdisciplinary focus and great access to faculty enable doctoral students to pursue ideas and empirical methods that push the boundaries of research."

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Product Management explores the unique challenges of creating products and bringing them to market.

The role of a product manager has evolved and changed significantly in recent years. Today, high-tech companies widely organize with product managers serving as the central decision and coordination point for all aspects and stages of a product. With the accelerating speed of innovation across most industries, the PM role has been evolving in traditional industries as well. 

This course explores both established and new frameworks that span the product lifecycle, the constituencies that the PM orchestrates, and the skills required to do so successfully. Students develop these skills by applying tools and methodologies to real problems, working with PMs from a sponsor company, and delivering on a project addressing a major product opportunity or challenge. Project work complements a wide range of class topics including product strategy, team management, operations, metrics, roadmaps, ideation methods, resource planning, product requirements, difficult decisions a PM must take, and more.

We select sponsors from leading tech companies at various stages and across industry verticals to partner with us on the projects. Below are examples of the diverse set of challenges that project sponsors bring to us for the class. Students work in groups of five and are partnered with one sponsor to take these very open-ended project ideas and turn them into defined sets of problem statements and solutions to bring value to the sponsor companies and their customers.

Project Examples

• Develop a set of features on an interactive live streaming service to increase value for brands that sponsor creators.
• Research and develop a product for a new financial product targeted at lower-income customers.
• Research and write specifications for ways to create collaborative learning opportunities within a learning management tool.
• Research and write specifications for solutions to re-engage users who have signed up for accounts but are inactive in a leading collaboration platform.

Yossi Feinberg

Who should register.

Product Management ( ALP 305 ) is available to the following students:

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PhD in Management Program

A phd in management: where business research and education intersect.

Become an industry thought leader while preparing tomorrow’s business leaders.

Our fully funded PhD in Management is designed for ambitious students and professionals interested in a career in university teaching and research.

This residential program, based at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, NY, combines Ivy League rigor and real-world relevance to prepare you for successful careers in academia.

At a Glance: Cornell’s Fully Funded PhD in Management

The fully residential, fully funded PhD in Management program includes a tuition waiver and a stipend for living expenses. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

Degree Awarded

PhD in Management

Program Location

Ithaca, NY, with options in New York City

Program Format

Foundational coursework, original research, and six potential areas of study

Why Get a PhD in Management?

With a strong focus on management science and applied research, this doctoral degree is ideal for someone looking to teach at the university level and contribute to the greater body of industry knowledge. Pursuing a PhD in Management is also an ideal next step for executives and senior managers who want to make a transition to academia or enhance their research skills for a successful consulting career.

Fully Funded, Highly Flexible: What Makes Cornell’s Management PhD Different?

As you explore PhD programs’ degree requirements, faculty engagement, and campus experience, Cornell stands alone.

In Cornell’s highly flexible program, you’ll choose a specific area of study and build your own dissertation committee. Our program faculty are genuinely interested and invested in your intellectual development. In this small and highly selective program, you will get to know the faculty and your peers well.

The SC Johnson Graduate School of Management is home to leading research centers and a high-impact academic journal; these open you up to unique learning and mentorship opportunities.

Business Simulation Lab

The Debra Paget and Jeffrey Berg Business Simulation Lab facilitates in-person and online behavioral research related to decision-making and problem-solving.

Discover More About BSL

Our Three-Pronged Approach to a PhD in Management

The Johnson School’s doctoral degree in management combines the best of theory and practice, building on a three-pronged foundation:

Hands-on Experience

Develop your research and analytical skills. You’ll work with classmates to examine existing literature and theories for class deliverables, which will often include your own original research.

Customizable Curriculum

Design your own academic pathway. You’ll choose one of six primary areas of study and create your own dissertation committee.

University-Wide Coursework

Draw on the expertise from across Cornell. You’ll get to select graduate-level courses from schools and colleges devoted to law , hospitality , engineering , labor relations , and other fields.

Hear from Our Community

“PhD is a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with great people is paramount. At Cornell, I’ve found a place where amazing people come together, supporting my research and personal growth. Choosing Cornell means joining a community that knows how important it is to work with exceptional people to excel in the program.” – Elina Hur PhD ’23

Customize Your Path: Our Areas of Study

When you apply to the Johnson School’s PhD in Management, you will select a primary area of study. Choosing a concentration allows you to gain specialized skills and knowledge while growing a portfolio of original research.

Examine the role of accounting information in firms and financial markets. PhD-level research at Cornell explores topics such as how firms report information to investors, how accounting information is used to manage firms, and the nature of auditing.

Strategy & Business Economics

Use modern tools and methodologies to gain a better understanding of the world. PhD students in this area explore many aspects of economics including industrial, behavioral, labor, and organizational.

Dive deep into the financial structure and issues of organizations. Your research might look at how conflicts of interest affect corporate policy, how investor psychology affects asset pricing, or how to detect price bubbles.

Learn how theories from operations research, economics, psychology, and sociology intersect to inform corporate and consumer decisions. Your PhD studies will explore both quantitative and behavioral perspectives of marketing.

Management & Organizations

Prepare for a research-focused career in academia or industry. This versatile concentration develops skilled, innovative, analytical researchers through a broad curriculum and close faculty collaboration.

Operations, Technology, & Information Management

Develop the technical skills and behavioral analysis knowledge you need to address high-impact managerial decisions. This focus area also offers an option to complete coursework at Cornell Tech in New York City.

Idea Generation to Publication: A Career in Teaching and Research

The majority of our PhD in Management students pursue careers in academia. After graduation, many land tenure-track teaching positions at top-tier business schools and continue to advance knowledge through original research. Johnson School PhD students often field multiple offers and see starting salaries range from $150,000 to $250,000.

Finding Your Place at Cornell: Meet Our Current PhDs

Students from around the United States and across the globe arrive at the Johnson School to earn their PhD in Management—and their diverse research interests, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences make for a vibrant, enriching learning environment.

MEET CURRENT PHD STUDENTS

Research and Placements: Making an Impact in the Management Field

After earning the PhD in Management, our alumni go on to teach and inspire future leaders at top-tier institutions. Not only do they teach and conduct research alongside some of the most brilliant minds in business, but they also advance the field through publishing in leading journals and presenting their work at industry conferences.

Recent PhD in Management Placements

• Piyush Anand, PhD ’21, assistant professor of marketing, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University
• Guarav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, assistant professor, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh
• Eunjee Kim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
• Sarah Lim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Xuege Lu, PhD ’22, assistant professor, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
• Subrina Shen, PhD ’21, assistant professor, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin

Recent Research Publications

• “ Do Real Estate Values Boost Corporate Borrowing? Evidence from Contract-Level Data ” in the Journal of Financial Economics (2022) — Gaurav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, with Murillo Campello, Robert A. Connolly, and Eva Steiner
• “ Converging Tides Lift All Boats: Consensus in Evaluation Criteria Boosts Investments in Firms in Nascent Technology Sectors ” in Organization Science (2021) — Xirong (Subrina) Shen, PhD ’21, with Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, and Pamela S. Tolbert 
• “ Initial and Longer-Term Change in Unit-Level Turnover Following Leader Succession: Contingent Effects of Outgoing and Incoming Leader Characteristics ” in Organization Science (2020)— Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, with John Hausknecht and Lisa Dragoni

“ Does Regulatory Jurisdiction Affect the Quality of Investment-Adviser Regulation? ” in American Economic Review (2019) — Alan Kwan, PhD ’17, with Ben Charoenwong and Tarik Umar

Our Faculty: Accomplished Researchers, Dedicated Teachers

When you join the PhD in Management program at the Johnson School, you’ll be part of a learning community comprising more than 100 accomplished academics and thought leaders. 

Not only will you take courses with renowned professors from across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, but you also will have the opportunity to build your own faculty committee—a group that will become instrumental as you select your dissertation topic and embark on your original research.

Faculty Spotlight: Learn from Leading Thought Leaders

Throughout the PhD program—from foundational coursework to your dissertation—you’ll work closely with dedicated teacher-scholars like these:

Kristina Rennekamp

Dr. Rennekamp’s research focuses on financial accounting from a behavioral perspective. She’s widely published, with work appearing in leading academic journals such as The Accounting Review , Contemporary Accounting Research , and The Journal of Financial Reporting .

Karan Girotra

Dr. Girotra studies the digital transformation of companies, whether it’s looking at emerging tools and practices or exploring new business models. He’s frequently interviewed in an array of mainstream business media outlets, including Bloomberg BusinessWeek , Fortune , and Forbes .

Kaitlin Woolley

Dr. Woolley studies the psychological processes behind consumer motivation. She’s an award-winning educator and researcher with work published in academic journals and national media outlets including the Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing Research , and The Wall Street Journal .

EXPLORE JOHNSON SCHOOL FACULTY

What You’ll Learn: Curriculum Overview

As you pursue your PhD in business management, you’ll begin with a set of foundation courses and progress into advanced coursework in your area of interest. Through it all, your faculty committee will help make sure you’re on the right track.

Foundational Management Coursework

Early in your doctoral program, you will complete foundational coursework in management and other fields. Many of these will focus on the research process and prepare you for your dissertation.

Advanced Coursework in Your Concentration Area

As you progress in the PhD in Management program, you’ll take electives and advanced courses that align with your research area of interest; these classes can be in the Johnson School and across Cornell.

Your Dissertation: Creating Original Research

During the final part of the program, you begin work on your dissertation—the culmination of your original research. You choose the topic of research in conjunction with your committee.

VIEW PROGRAM SPECIFICS

Beyond Business: Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Dialogue

Tap into the experience and expertise of faculty members from across Cornell University.

Management is a broad science. Business leaders serve in a variety of roles in industries of all kinds: healthcare, consumer goods, agriculture, biotechnology, media, and consulting to name just a few. At Cornell, you can enrich your education and expand your research opportunities by taking courses and finding mentors beyond the college of business.

Explore fields like computer science, psychology, sociology, communication, engineering, and data science—and then connect the dots back to your management research.

Interact with peers and professors from other disciplines by participating in student organizations and special interest groups or by attending public lectures, workshops, and networking events.

Admissions Overview: How to Apply to the Management PhD Program

The ideal candidate for the Johnson School’s doctorate degree in management will have a strong record of academic excellence, a solid understanding of the research process, and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. An MBA or master’s degree is not a requirement for admission. 

Our admissions page offers more details about program prerequisites, selection criteria, requirements, deadline information, and a checklist of materials you need to submit with your application.

Connect With Cornell Admissions

The Johnson School admissions team is available to answer your questions about the program and the application process. Stop in or reach out by phone or email today.

253-D Sage Hall Johnson Graduate School of Management Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-6201

Phone: 607-255-5340 Email: Graduate Research Programs Office

The Cornell Campus: Where You Will Learn, Grow, and Thrive

Learn, grow, and thrive on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States. As a PhD student, you’ll spend a lot of time in Sage Hall, a Gothic-style building dating back to 1875. You’ll find more high-tech learning spaces just off campus at the Breazzano Family Center for Business Education. You’ll also have access to the innovative campus of Cornell Tech in New York City—particularly relevant to students focused on technology and information management. 

Attending Cornell also means you’ll call Ithaca, NY, home for about five years. Our eclectic downtown is full of eateries, shops, activities, and all of the amenities you’d need for everyday life. When you’re not in class or studying, you can explore all that the Finger Lakes region has to offer.

PhD in Management FAQ: What You Need to Know

Before you apply to a research-focused graduate program, you’re likely to want to do some deep research of your own. For instance, how does a fully funded PhD in Management work? What’s the typical completion time?

We have a robust Frequently Asked Questions section to help you learn more about our program, the admissions process, and dissertation requirements. For our international applicants, you’ll also find specific details about earning your PhD in Management.

May I speak to someone about my interest in the program and visit?

You are welcome to reach out to any professor with whom you see a good research fit. Our website also has a wealth of information about the program.

Is an interview part of the process?

We offer interviews only to a few applicants after their first screening.

May I talk to a professor or advisor?

You are welcome to contact any professor with whom you see a research match. Faculty are more likely to respond to specific research queries.

I have questions; may I write to this program email address?

Yes. Our response time will vary. We are not able to answer detailed questions that are better assessed by faculty during the application process.

May I schedule a campus tour?

Admissions does not offer campus tours for PhD program applicants. However, you may arrange an appointment with a faculty member.

Fraud alert – beware of third-party post-doc scams.

Cornell University recently has been made aware of fraudulent activity targeting overseas students and researchers, including at least one third party website falsely stating that it is offering a postdoctoral or visiting scholar program in association with Cornell. These scams, which may seek to obtain money and/or personal details from interested applicants, are fraudulent. 

Cornell wishes to warn the public about these fraudulent activities being perpetrated purportedly in the name of Cornell, and/or its officials. Please be advised that: 

• Cornell does not, nor has it, worked in collaboration with third-party companies or organizations to offer postdoctoral or research certificate programs.
• Third parties do not collect tuition or fees on behalf of Cornell.
• Cornell does not work with or endorse such organizations including, but not limited to, Shanghai Lufei Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 上海璐斐教育科技有限公司) and Shenzhen Guoyan Era Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 深圳市国研时代教育科技有限公司).

Cornell’s postdoctoral positions are listed on the Academic Career Opportunities website and postdoctoral fellowship programs are available for viewing. If you suspect a third party of falsely advertising a Cornell program, please notify [email protected]. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Start the Application Process Today

Ready to apply to our highly selective, fully funded PhD in Management? We look forward to learning more about you and your research goals. Start the application process today at the Cornell Graduate Admissions website. [You’ll first need to register for an account or log in to an existing one.]