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Your interests and goals may span multiple academic disciplines or areas of expertise. That is why the Stanford MBA Program empowers you to combine studies. This flexibility offers a rich and valuable academic experience.

Generally, about 20 percent of Stanford MBA students take advantage of a joint or dual degree to complement their MBA. As a student, you may also take courses in any department or graduate school at Stanford University.

Joint Degrees

Your Stanford joint degrees must be conferred simultaneously upon completion of degree requirements for both programs. While in the Stanford MBA Program, you may not pursue concurrently more than one additional degree. Learn more about joint degree programs below.

Hilary Bartlett

“It is not at all an overstatement to say that my four years in the joint JD/MBA program at Stanford have been life-changing. Committed professors and inspiring peers have challenged me to expand my vision of what is possible for myself and for the world. I am graduating with greater confidence, a clearer sense of self, and an excitement for what the future holds. Not only do I dream bigger as a result of my time at Stanford, but my dreams feel more attainable. I am leaving Stanford with so much more than the foundational skill set I was seeking.”

Owen Wurzbacher

“The GSB’s joint degree program allowed me to explore the intersection of two passions: investing and education. It provided the flexibility to study both fields and illustrated the opportunities for applying business skills to education in an informed way. Using tools developed and relationships built, I look forward to influencing the education field and inspiring a love of learning in young people during my career.”

Dual Degrees

Interested in an additional discipline that is not represented in our joint degree programs? You can pursue a master’s degree from another Stanford program along with your MBA. While in the Stanford MBA program, you may not pursue concurrently more than one additional degree.  

You may pursue a dual degree with any graduate program at Stanford University. Candidates must apply to and be accepted by the other program separately, and then notify Stanford GSB. You may apply concurrently to both programs or apply to the dual degree program during your first year as an MBA student; some graduate programs also permit you to apply in your second year. As with joint degrees, you may only pursue one additional degree while in the MBA program.

Justin Norden

“After starting medical school at Stanford, I decided to pursue an MBA at the GSB to develop the skills to become a leader at the intersection of health care, technology, and medicine. Business school has not only taught me many valuable leadership skills, but also opened my eyes to think about problems in completely new ways. The best part about the GSB, however, has been getting to know and learn from so many wonderful classmates.”

Study Opportunities Outside Stanford

Stanford MBA students may also pursue degrees with certain professional schools at other universities. Check with each school regarding its policy and timeline.

Eligible Degree Programs & Requirements

• Harvard Kennedy School: MPA, MPA-ID, or MPP
• Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS): MA
• Princeton School of Public and International Affairs: MPA
• Yale Law School: JD
• Yale Medical School: MD

You may enroll in either a joint or dual degree with another graduate program at Stanford or a degree from an external university, but not both.

Degree Requirements

Paths to completion by school, harvard kennedy school, johns hopkins sais, and princeton school of public and international affairs.

You must spend five quarters of full-time study at Stanford GSB. The combined degree programs must be completed in one of the following timelines. Note that some programs may require a particular academic path in order to successfully complete both degrees.

Yale Medical School and Yale Law School

You must spend five quarters of full-time study at Stanford GSB and complete at least one year at YMS or YLS first. Consult with YMS or YLS for timeline requirements.

Things to Consider

Benefits of these experiences.

• Completing two degrees in a shorter amount of time while also saving on tuition
• Expanding one’s network outside of Stanford GSB
• Enhancing marketability for certain career opportunities
• Personalizing and individualizing your academic experience to meet your specific learning goals
• Limited capacity for electives that don’t count toward either degree program
• Higher quarterly enrollment load compared to peers pursuing the MBA only
• Possibly not graduating with your MBA cohort (depending upon your program)
• Additional moving expenses and logistical challenges if pursuing a program in a different location
• Not being able to participate in specific activities or courses that occur during a quarter that you are away from Stanford GSB (e.g., Arbuckle Leadership Fellows, View From The Top Leaders, Peer Advisors, TALK coach, Leadership Perspectives course assistants)
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Guide to Masters degrees: MA, MSc, MBA, LLM, ... - Glossary

Author: Claudia Civinini

Claudia has many years of experience as a reporter and writer on international education and student mobility. Originally from Italy, she holds a BA in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Genova; a Graduate Diploma in Education, Secondary Education and Teaching from the Australian Catholic University; and a joint MSc in Educational Neuroscience from UCL and Birkbeck, University of London. Claudia has previously worked as Chief Reporter for the English Language Gazette, as Senior Reporter for the PIE News (Professionals in International Education), and as Reporter for Tes.

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MBA vs PhD – Which advanced degree is better?

In the ever-evolving professional landscape, the pursuit of higher education remains a popular route to advance your career.

But with numerous options available, how do you choose between an MBA and a PhD?

In this blog post, we dive into the unique benefits and opportunities that each of these advanced degrees offers.

From the practical business acumen and leadership skills gained in an MBA program to the deep expertise and research contributions made by PhD holders, the choice ultimately hinges on your long-term goals and personal ambitions.

We’ll explore these two distinct paths, and learn how to make the best decision for your future success.

MBA VS PHD – the debate

A quick summary of a PhD vs MBA:

What Does a PhD Get You? Pros and Cons

A PhD, the highest academic degree achievable, can open numerous doors in the job market, enabling graduates to advance in their careers.

Unlike an MBA, which primarily focuses on corporate and management aspects, a PhD offers expertise in a specific field through rigorous research and study.

As a PhD student, your goal is to contribute new knowledge to your field, be it economics, finance, accounting, or any other discipline, by crafting a thesis that contains original research.

Through the PhD program, you not only earn a valuable qualification but also gain opportunities to publish your work and present at conferences.

These activities can enhance your reputation, making you more desirable to potential employers. The salary of a PhD holder often surpasses that of someone with only an undergraduate degree, as their expertise is in high demand.

From my personal experience, obtaining a PhD can be challenging yet rewarding. It allowed me to explore my chosen field, chemistry, in depth and opened up new avenues for career growth.

However, it is crucial to consider the potential drawbacks before embarking on this journey.

Pursuing a PhD entails a significant time commitment, typically around 3-4 years, and can be quite expensive, as tuition fees for these programs can be steep.

Acquiring a PhD can provide numerous benefits, including expert knowledge, a higher salary, and opportunities for advancement in your field. However, carefully weighing the pros and cons is necessary to determine if it’s the right path for you.

Should you earn an MBA instead for the business world?

Choosing between an MBA and a PhD is a crucial decision that depends on your career goals and personal preferences. While both are advanced degrees, they offer significantly different paths.

I asked an MBA graduate and this is what they said:

Having experienced the MBA program myself, I can vouch for its practical benefits. An MBA focuses on business acumen and managerial skills, enabling you to climb the corporate ladder more quickly than a PhD. With a two-year duration, it’s a faster route to increasing your earning potential and offers a significant return on investment. Business schools emphasize teamwork, entrepreneurship, and ethics, providing graduates with a well-rounded skill set for the business world.

On the other hand, a PhD, such as a PhD in economics or any other discipline, is ideal for those passionate about research and academia. It requires several years of dedicated study, with graduates becoming experts in their niche.

PhD holders often pursue careers as researchers, professors, or consultants.

When considering whether to pursue an MBA or a PhD, weigh the pros and cons of each degree and reflect on your long-term career aspirations. Both options can be rewarding, but they cater to different ambitions and provide distinct opportunities in the professional world.

Is an MBA equal to a PhD and doctorate?

An MBA and a PhD are both advanced degrees, but they are not equal due to their differing purposes and career outcomes.

As someone who has interacted with both MBA and PhD graduates, I’ve seen firsthand the unique benefits of each degree.

An MBA is a professional degree, taking one to two years to complete, and equips students with practical business skills.

This degree is popular among those aiming to climb the corporate ladder in industries like finance, marketing, or consulting.

On the other hand, a PhD is a research-focused degree, requiring several years of dedication and original research contributions.

A PhD in economics or other fields often leads to careers in academia or research. PhD programs are highly competitive and demand an intense commitment to writing a dissertation and advancing knowledge in the discipline.

The debate between MBA vs. PhD highlights the significant differences in their focus and career paths.

While both degrees can be obtained at a business school, they cater to different ambitions and provide distinct opportunities. The choice between an MBA or a PhD depends on one’s end goal, work experience, and personal preferences.

So What’s Better, a PhD or MBA?

When considering whether to pursue a PhD or an MBA, it’s essential to evaluate your:

• personal interests,
• career goals,
• financial commitment involved in each degree.

A PhD offers the opportunity to deeply explore a specific subject, contribute to the advancement of knowledge in that field, and establish yourself as an expert.

However, the process is often lengthy and demanding, taking up to five or six years of intense research and dedication.

The payoff might not always be immediate in terms of career prospects, as academia and research can be fiercely competitive arenas.

On the other hand, an MBA equips you with practical business skills and knowledge, often leading to a broader range of job opportunities and potentially higher salaries.

The program’s duration is considerably shorter, usually taking one to two years to complete, and offers a faster return on investment.

An MBA is particularly well-suited for those seeking to climb the corporate ladder, transition into a managerial role, or even launch their own startups.

It’s important to note that some individuals choose to pursue both degrees, combining their research expertise with practical business acumen to excel in various fields.

Does anyone earn both a PhD and an MBA? Why?

Yes, there are indeed individuals who choose to earn both a PhD and an MBA, although this path is less common.

Combining the two degrees can create a unique skill set that is valuable in various fields.

For instance, a PhD holder in a specialized discipline may opt for an MBA to gain practical business skills and a broader understanding of the corporate world, which can be valuable in leadership roles or entrepreneurial endeavors.

Pursuing both degrees also allows for building diverse networks, connecting with professionals in academia and the business world.

Despite the significant time and effort required to obtain both degrees, those who undertake this ambitious path often find themselves well-equipped to navigate multiple career paths and excel in their chosen fields.

MBA vs PhD Career Options

Both advanced degrees can lead to successful careers, but they differ significantly in terms of their focus and job prospects.

An MBA degree, with its emphasis on business administration, prepares graduates for roles such as:

• management consultant,
• marketing manager, or
• finance director.

MBA holders are more likely to climb the corporate ladder quickly and enjoy higher salaries. The MBA program equips students with practical business skills, making them suitable for leadership positions in a wide range of industries.

In contrast, PhDs are more likely to become professors or researchers, with a focus on deepening their expertise in their chosen field. In science that is a very common career goal. 

While the earning potential for PhD holders may not be as high as for those with an MBA, they often find fulfillment in their academic pursuits.

Getting an MBA might be the better option for those eager to advance quickly in the corporate world and who possess a strong passion for business. 

On the other hand, getting a PhD might be more suitable for those who wish to delve into research and contribute to academia.

Wrapping Up

The decision between pursuing an MBA or a PhD is a highly personal one, hinging on individual career goals, personal interests, and the level of time and financial commitment one is willing to make. Both advanced degrees offer unique benefits and opportunities, but they cater to different career paths and ambitions.

An MBA is an ideal choice for those seeking to climb the corporate ladder swiftly, transition into management roles, or launch their own businesses. With a focus on practical business skills, MBA graduates find themselves well-prepared for leadership positions across various industries.

On the other hand, a PhD is geared towards those passionate about research and academia, providing an opportunity to become an expert in a specific field and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. While the journey may be more demanding and time-consuming, the satisfaction of making an impact in one’s chosen discipline can be deeply rewarding.

The best choice depends on your long-term goals, professional aspirations, and personal preferences. Reflecting on these factors, researching each degree thoroughly, and seeking advice from professionals and peers can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your ambitions and aspirations. Whichever path you choose, both an MBA and a PhD can be instrumental in unlocking a world of possibilities and shaping your future career.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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What’s the difference between an MBA vs an MSc?

• Posted by Stafford Global
• Categories MBA Articles & Blogs
• Date June 11, 2020

Table of Contents

What is an mba, what is taught on an mba, what is an msc, mba vs an msc.

An MBA and an MSc are both Masters level degree programmes and a necessary academic requirement before pursuing a PhD or a DBA Doctorate Degree. In the United Kingdom an MBA and an MSc are both considered to be a level 7 academic qualification. Choosing between the two can be tricky, so this article explains the differences between them.

MBA – an acronym for Masters in Business Administration – is a postgraduate business management degree designed to develop leadership and management skills . It originated in 1908 in the United States of America during a time of heavy industrialisation, when companies and businesses were implementing Scientific Management theories in an attempt to boost production and efficiency.

Founded by Frederik Winslow Taylor, Scientific Management attempted to apply Science to the management process. Although an obsolete school of thought by the 1930s, its themes of logic, empiricism, rationality, work ethics and the concept of ‘knowledge transfer’ are still considered important today.

An MBA course teaches the core elements needed to manage a business; Human Resource Management, Finance, Marketing, Operations Management and Strategic Management.

As technology changed the world, so it did the MBA. Social Media has added innumerable challenges to business, forcing an organisation to adhere to intrinsic and societally imposed principles. This has resulted in contemporary MBA degrees now including topics on Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Ethics and People Management. An evolution from Scientific Management where people were often viewed as units of labour.

While the subjects mentioned are a general pathway, many MBA courses also offer specialisation pathways via elective modules. Specialised MBA suit professionals pre-disposed or confident about a particular management function. The elective modules help provide further context on that function. For example, a general pathway would be a Part-time MBA , whereas a specialised pathway would be an Online MBA in Healthcare or an Online MBA in Project Management .

MSc is an abbreviation of Master of Science, a Masters level degree once awarded to the Sciences; engineering, medicine, statistics etc. Today the MSc covers a breadth of subjects including the Arts, Business and Humanities. A little known fact is that the precursor to the MBA was actually an MSc – the Master of Science in Commerce from the Wharton School 1 .

All MBA degrees cover the core business elements but this isn’t the case with an MSc. A Master of Science teaches a specialised set of skills and depending on the subject, can include little or no business elements. For eg, an Online Masters in Data Science or a Masters in Psychology .

MBA vs an MSc #1: Work Experience

An MBA suits professionals who have accumulated 4 to 6 years of work experience, with at least 2 in a supervisory or managerial capacity. In contrast – depending on the chosen MSc – no prior work experience may be necessary.

MBA vs an MSc #2: Depth vs Breadth

The MBA teaches a macro, holistic view of business and its respective functions. The MSc provides depth, skewing towards the micro or technical elements of the chosen field. For eg, an MBA in HR would include modules relating to Finance or Leadership, whereas an Online MSc in HR is entirely devoted to the subject of Human Resource Management.

MBA vs an MSc #3: Course Duration

Of course, this depends on the university you decide to join, but normally, the course duration is affected by the mode of learning.

A full time MBA is usually completed between 18 and 24 months, and an online part time MBA can be completed between 24 months and 5 years.

A full time MSc is usually completed in 12-15 months full time and can be extended to around 4 years if it is an online part time degree.

MBA vs an MSc #4: Cost of Studying

The cost of studying varies greatly from one university to another. The more prestigious and the higher rank a university is, the more you will need to pay.

The cost of an MBA can vary for $ 10,000 to over $ 100,000 but MSc’s are normally cheaper. It all depends on the university but generally, an MSc’s costs 2/3rd of an MBA and sometimes less.

MBA vs an MSc #5: Career prospects

Professionals looking to advance to a General Manager, Managing Director or a CEO position should consider an MBA course. Leadership has a significant impact on an organisation and is a vital management skill business leaders must learn. MSc graduates tend to specialise in their function and prefer to pursue roles such as Head of Department, Director of Marketing, CFO etc.

MBA vs an MSc #6: Academic requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related subject is the minimum requirement for either course. However, many universities provide work-based entry routes for candidates without a bachelors degree, as long as they can prove sufficient work experience.

Interested in studying an MBA or MSc? Speak to a Higher Education Consultant

• Donald Stabile (1 January 2007).  Economics, Competition and Academia: An Intellectual History of Sophism Versus Virtue . Edward Elgar Publishing. pp. 101–. ISBN 978-1-84720-716-6.

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MBA/PhD with the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The joint-degree program offers an MBA in combination with a PhD in the sciences or humanities from the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

An MBA may be pursued in combination with a PhD in one of a wide array of  areas of study , in the biological sciences, engineering and applied sciences, the humanities, the physical sciences, and social sciences. An MBA/PhD is not available in the  management disciplines .

Students typically complete both degrees in approximately seven years, rather than the eight or more that would be required if the degrees were pursued separately. Programs are highly customized to fit each student's individual course of study, and are generally determined at the time of admission. Students must complete one full year at Yale SOM, during which they complete the integrated MBA curriculum, and one year taking courses at both schools. Students typically begin their full year at Yale SOM after PhD qualifying exams have been passed.

Students receive financial support from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences during the semesters in which they are enrolled there. They pay tuition during the three semesters during which they are enrolled at Yale SOM.

Learn more about admission to the Yale School of Management. Learn more about admission to the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

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Postgraduate (MSc, MA, MBA and PhD) Programs in Management

Find your perfect postgrad program search our database of 30,000 courses.

A century ago, management was considered a subject relevant to business and non-business concerns (such as governmental units). Then, it became largely the province of business, to the impoverishment of business (which could have benefited from the learning available via non-business organisations) and of non-business concerns (which could have benefited from the lessons of business). In recent years, the pendulum has swung back and management is considered highly relevant to all sorts of organisations.

Management of people, projects, budgets, relationships, and so on is what managers do. It may be a bit fancy to describe people in their early 20s, most without people reporting to them or budgets to spend, as managers. But many are on their way to becoming managers. And many choose to start their managerial careers – whether in the private or public sectors – by doing a Masters in Management degree. Rather than wait to get the experience necessary to qualify for an MBA, they opt for a masters degree that they can do straight from university.

Management trends

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MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences

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A joint degree that blends science, business & ethics

A joint degree with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students are affiliated with Harvard Medical School through the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology.

The 21st Century will be the century of transformational discoveries in the life sciences. To bring these discoveries to patients, the world needs business leaders working at the intersection of science and society, with deep understanding of biotechnology, life sciences, and management. To meet this need, the MS/MBA Biotechnology: Life Sciences Program at Harvard University builds upon students’ existing biotech and life sciences knowledge and equips them with the latest business and scientific insights. This empowers them to lead transformative organizations that will advance new drug discoveries and therapeutics.

The curriculum emphasizes developing effective business models in the life-sciences, leading life sciences companies, understanding the ethical implications of new therapeutics, and the importance of equitable access to these discoveries. It leverages the entire resources of Harvard University and works closely with the Greater Boston area, one of the largest biotech clusters in the world.

Key organizations comprising the Harvard health and life science community include, the HBS Health Care Initiative (HCI), HBS Blavatnik Fellowship in Life Science Entrepreneurship, the Harvard Biotech Club, the HBS Health Care Club (HCC), the Harvard Health Innovation Network (HHIN), and the Pagliuca Harvard Life lab, among many others. Watch this webinar to learn more about the joint degree program.

Overview  

Curriculum  , faculty & advisors  , admissions & financial aid  , frequently asked questions  .

The MS/MBA Biotech program is part of a larger community of health care interested students, faculty and alumni at HBS; around the University; and in the greater Boston area, which is one of the largest biotech clusters in the world. Through courses like the Life Sciences, Ethics, and Management seminar, students interact with industry leaders, who discuss challenges they have faced in their various roles.

Key organizations comprising the health and life science community at Harvard include:

• HBS Health Care Initiative (HCI) – The Initiative fosters and promotes faculty research, supports the development of high-impact educational programs and creates an interconnected HBS health care community.
• HBS Blavatnik Fellowship in Life Science Entrepreneurship - The Fellowship offers HBS alumni and Harvard-affiliated postdocs the opportunity to create new ventures around promising life science technologies while developing their leadership talents.
• Harvard Biotech Club – This student organization is on a mission to bridge the gap between industry and academia and provide the education, skills, and network for students to become future leaders in biotech.
• HBS Health Care Club (HCC) – One of the largest student clubs at HBS, the HCC plans an annual conference and numerous networking events for students interested in all industries in this sector.
• Harvard Health Innovation Network (HHIN ) – HHIN’s mission is to promote health care innovation and entrepreneurship across the Harvard ecosystem including its schools and hospitals.
• Harvard i-Lab and Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab – Harvard i-Labs are part of an innovation ecosystem that exists to support Harvard students and select alumni in their quest to explore the world of game-changing entrepreneurship.
• HBS Health Alumni Association (HBS HAA) – The equivalent of the HCC, but for alumni, the HBS HAA has regional programing around the world to help alums stay connected with the school and each other.

Prospective students should be fascinated by the intersection of biotech, pharma, and business. Successful candidates for the program will hold an undergraduate degree in biology (or another life science) and/or have significant workplace experience in biotechnology or life sciences. Candidates with advanced degrees such as an MS, MD, or PhD are warmly welcomed to apply.

If you are unsure whether your background has prepared you sufficiently, consider your familiarity with the topics covered in Molecular Biology of the Cell by Alberts et al. Students are expected to be knowledgeable with that level of material. Additionally, students should be comfortable engaging with primary scientific literature.

MS/MBA News  

Bridging Science and Business: My Summer Internship at Eli Lilly

• 12 Dec 2023
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African American Student Union Spotlight on Joint Degrees

• 09 Mar 2023

Q&A with the HBS Armed Forces Alumni Association, MBA Class of 2023

• 27 May 2022

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BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD - what do they all mean?

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD (and more) are abbreviations of British degrees.

They reflect the specific level and discipline of a qualification achieved at university.

While most courses are conducted on a full-time basis, there are options for part-time, distance learning and other flexible learning arrangements.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most common qualifications and ones that Aberystwyth University offers.

• BA = Bachelor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• BSc = Bachelor of Sciences;
• BENG = Bachelor of Engineering (Software, Robotics and Physics);
• LLB = Bachelor of Law.

Achieved after 3 to 4 years of study. The extra year (for a 4 year course) can be from a year studying abroad or a year working in industry.

Integrated-Masters:

• MARTS = Masters of Arts;
• MBIOL = Masters of Biology;
• MCOMP = Masters of Computer Science;
• MENG = Masters of Engineering;
• MMATH = Masters of Mathematics;
• MPHYS = Masters of Physics;
• MSCI = Masters of Sciences and Humanities.

4 years course (3-year Bachelors, 1 year Masters) that enables you to secure a loan for the full duration rather than having to fund a Masters degree separately.

• MA = Masters of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• MSc = Masters of Sciences;
• MBA = Masters of Business Administration;
• MPhil = Masters of Philosophy: Advanced research Masters degree;
• MRes = Masters of Research: Contains some taught and research elements;
• LLM = Masters of Law.

Achieved after graduation from Bachelors level, usually 1-2 years duration.

• PhD = Doctor of Philosophy: for a range of disciplines.

Achieved after graduating from Masters level, usually 3-8 years duration.

A wide range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Further-Research courses – across the Arts and Sciences – are available at Aberystwyth.

Is it Possible to Get My PhD After My MBA?

In academia, numerous accomplishments can be achieved. You can earn a dual degree and have expertise in multiple fields, or further your career potential by going back to school . But what about progressing from an MBA to a PhD? 

In regards to higher education, many consider earning a PhD, or doctorate degree, the pinnacle of success. Usually, due to passion for a particular industry or subject, a PhD candidate will spend years of rigorous research to unpack its intricacies and become a leading expert in the field.  At the end of their studies, they are able to finally see their work come to fruition when they receive their doctorate and join alongside other scholars. However, is it typical for an MBA graduate to move onto pursuing their PhD? And is there a specific purpose? Are there different types of PhD programs? What is the difference between a PhD and DBA?

To answer the budding question: yes, you can pursue your PhD after earning your MBA, and choosing to earn a doctorate is entirely up to you and your aspirations. To help you better understand if getting a PhD is the right choice, we look at the path an MBA graduate can take to earn their PhD, one of the higher purposes of a doctorate, and the different types of academic programs. 

What is a PhD, and What is it Used For? 

By definition, a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy in a particular discipline, which is why it's also referred to as a doctorate. This focus is typically for individuals highly passionate about a specific subject matter, driven by the pursuit to understand it better through rigorous research. A majority of students seeking their PhD are eager researchers, although there are always exceptions, and each carries out years of highly intensive research to conclude their original thesis and earn their doctorate. 

In terms of translating your education into a career, a doctorate can be used in a plethora of fields, especially if one’s thesis is around a wider subject matter and can be a discipline applied to various industries (take organizational development, for example). For those who are passionate about a career in research, a doctoral degree is a perfect fit. Possibly the most popular field for those with a doctorate is a fruitful career in academia, teaching their subject matter to others interested in the same area. Many graduates become faculty members at business schools upon completing their PhD and provide their expertise to their students. Regardless of which industry you choose, you can be assured that a PhD will provide you with numerous opportunities. 

How Long Does it Take to Progress from an MBA to PhD?

The timeframe for earning your PhD can vary depending on program and location. Many countries have varying timelines of how long the completion of a doctoral program will take. In the United States, the average is around 4-5 years of completion after receiving your Master of Business Administration. 

Do You Need an MBA to Get a PhD?

To be accepted into a doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree. It does not have to be a Master of Business Administration, but it does need to be a master’s of some form. Depending on your area of specialization, it could be advantageous to earn your MBA in pursuit of a PhD if you are planning to embark on a career in business upon completion of your doctorate. Additionally, one important aspect to consider is the program itself. It is important to look into a program’s requirements before applying to meet the eligibility criteria. 

The Difference Between a DBA and a PhD 

For those specifically interested in a career in business, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a highly beneficial doctoral program. A DBA focuses on a broader spectrum of business disciplines, dedicating research toward multiple corporate facets, and practical implementation. On the contrary, a PhD narrows into a specific area of discipline and research, emphasizing theory, and it’s potential implications. While both are heavily centered around research and implementation, a DBA sets business executives and leaders on a path to discover new possibilities for their organizations and businesses. In a way, it allows established business professionals to “trailblaze” the way for new and innovative ideas that can disrupt the market and set a precedent for the future of business.

Get Your MBA or DBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

At Pepperdine Graziadio, we proudly offer degrees to accommodate business professionals at any stage of their lives and careers. Our full and part-time MBA programs are designed to prepare candidates for a successful career in values-based business leadership. All of our MBA programs offer a personalized learning approach executed by our world-class faculty. Each program is characterized by its top-ranked business curriculum that can be coupled with an academic concentration. 

Our Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program has been carefully designed for the tenured business leader looking to drive groundbreaking innovations. This rigorous program allows candidates to gain in-depth knowledge and finetune their expertise through applied research. Also, executives enjoy learning alongside changemakers in various industries and participating in exclusive opportunities available only to DBA candidates.

Learn more about which programs fit your career aspirations and academic interests.

Learn more about how to achieve your career goals with a degree from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.

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Course Overview

An MPhil/PhD is an advanced postgraduate research degree that requires original research and the submission of a substantial dissertation of up to 100,000 words. At Birkbeck, you are initially registered on an MPhil and you upgrade to a PhD after satisfactory progress in the first year or two. You need to find a suitable academic supervisor at Birkbeck, who can offer the requisite expertise to guide and support you through your research. Find out more about undertaking a research degree at Birkbeck .

The MPhil/PhD Management is ideal for those who wish to pursue academic careers involving teaching and research in management, or to further careers in consultancy or policy work. You will be required to be highly motivated, well organised, prepared to learn your subject in depth, and able to engage constructively and critically with a range of academic research related to your topic to complete an independent research project. 

Birkbeck has particular strengths in the study of innovation and entrepreneurship; marketing; labour economics and industrial relations; international business; corporate governance and corporate social responsibility; strategy as practice, organisation theory, information systems strategy, social networks, and trust within organisations; corporate finance and financial reporting; and the management and regulation of sport. Our research draws on the methods and theories of various social science disciplines - principally economics, psychology and sociology, but also geography and political science. 

During the first year you are required to take four modules for credit:  Research Philosophy ,  Qualitative Research Methods , Organization Theory and Quantitative Methods for Finance and Business . After these modules comes completion of your Research Prospectus, which includes a preliminary literature review and a plan for the rest of your thesis research. This is due in June of the first year for full-time students, or of the second year for part-time students.

Satisfactory completion of the modules and the Research Prospectus is necessary for continuing with the degree. Following this you will proceed with data collection, analysis and writing your PhD thesis.  Read our guidance for prospective MPhil/PhD students in management .

Key information

Management mphil/phd: 7 years part-time, on campus, starting 2024-25, management mphil/phd: 4 years full-time, on campus, starting 2024-25.

Find another course:

• We engage in significant collaborative research and have excellent contacts with many public and private sector organisations, professional bodies and researchers at other academic institutions.
• Birkbeck’s research excellence was  confirmed in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework  with 83% of our research rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
• Our academic staff have considerable strengths in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies which have been used in a wide variety of organisational settings. Actively engaged in their own research, they understand how important your research is to you, and aim to provide you with expert supervision and support.
• You will get access to superb library resources, including: Birkbeck Library , including our electronic library, the British Library , Senate House ( University of London) Library and libraries in the Bloomsbury area .

Entry Requirements

Usually, we require a high 2:1 or above for your undergraduate degree and a merit for your master’s. At least one of your previous degrees should be in an area relevant to your proposed research. We will also need to see your degree transcripts, which provide a breakdown of your marks, in addition to your degree certificates. 

In general, we do not admit, directly to the MPhil/PhD, students whose master’s degree is an MBA; we instead recommend our  MRes Management  as preparation for the MPhil/PhD degree. 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement,  we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services  to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our  English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country .

Visa and funding requirements

If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

• Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
• Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules).

For full information, read our visa information for international students page .

Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country .

Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

Management MPhil/PhD: 7 years part-time or 4 years full-time, on campus, starting in academic year 2024-25

Academic year 2024–25, starting october 2024.

Part-time home students: £2,539 per year Full-time home students: £4,786 per year Part-time international students : £7,525 per year Full-time international students: £14,885 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the College Fees Policy .

If you’ve studied at Birkbeck before and successfully completed an award with us, take advantage of our Lifelong Learning Guarantee to gain a discount on the tuition fee of this course.

Fees and finance

PhD students resident in England can apply for government loans of over £26,000 to cover the cost of tuition fees, maintenance and other study-related costs.

Flexible finance: pay your fees in monthly instalments at no extra cost . Enrol early to spread your costs and reduce your monthly payments.

We offer a range of studentships and funding options to support your research.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

International scholarships

We provide a range of scholarships for eligible international students, including our Global Future Scholarship. Discover if you are eligible for a scholarship .

Our research culture

The Birkbeck Business School provides high-quality research that is theoretically informed and socially and practically relevant in the fields of business and management. We engage in collaborative research with other academic institutions and have excellent contacts with many public and private sector organisations and professional bodies.

As a research student, you will receive training in theory and research methodology during your first year (full-time) or first two years (part-time). During the first year you are required to take four modules for credit:  Research Philosophy ,  Qualitative Research Methods , Organization Theory and Quantitative Methods for Finance and Business . You will also complete a Research Prospectus with a review of the key literature of the field and the specific research questions you wish to pursue. You will be invited to attend research student seminars and other research workshops. We offer a wide range of  student support and study facilities .

Find out more about  studying for an MPhil/PhD in Management at Birkbeck.

Read more about  our vibrant research culture .

Follow these steps to apply for the MPhil/PhD Management at Birkbeck:

1. Check that you meet the entry requirements, including English language requirements, as described on this page. 

2. Draft a research proposal (approximately 2,000-3,000 words plus references). A PhD proposal is an outline of your proposed project. It includes an introduction, a literature review/theoretical framing, the research aims/questions and the research methodology. Your research proposal must articulate the fundamental issues or questions you plan to investigate in your research project and should specify the broader area in which your research is situated, making reference to the existing body of knowledge and any ongoing debates on the topic. We will be assessing:

• your expertise in your chosen research area
• your knowledge of the literature
• the feasibility of your project
• the quality and originality of your ideas.

Find out more about writing a research proposal .

3. Contact a potential supervisor for your MPhil/PhD research. Whilst you will certainly develop a few drafts of your research proposal before you submit it to us as part of the application, it is important that it is clear and well-written when you make the first contact with your potential supervisor(s). Once you are ready, you can contact them to share your research proposal and Curriculum Vitae (CV). If they are willing and able to supervise your research, they may be able to help you further refine your proposal before you submit your final application.

You can look at the Find a Supervisor area on this page for an overview,  search our Experts’ Database  or  browse our staff pages  for more in-depth information.

4. Get an agreement in principle with a supervisor before submitting an online application. If you apply without first getting the support of a potential supervisor, your application will be rejected. (Please note: finding a potential supervisor does not guarantee admission to the research degree, as this decision is made using your whole application.)  Find out more about the supervisory relationship and how your supervisor will support your research .

5. Apply directly to Birkbeck, using the online application link on this page. You will need to provide the names and contact details of two referees who can speak to your academic/research abilities.

6. Our course team will be able to offer you advice and support, and guide you through your studies from application to graduation.

• PhD Programme Director:  Dr Konstantinos Chalkias

All research students are initially registered on an MPhil and then upgrade to a PhD after making sufficient progress. 

Find out more about the application process, writing a research proposal and the timeframe . 

Application deadlines and interviews

We admit students to begin only at the start of autumn term (end of September) as the first-year programme is structured around autumn entry.

You should have met with your prospective supervisor and submitted your application online by 15 July. We will try to process later applications, but we need to allow time both for interviews and, where necessary, visa-related paperwork.

If you wish to apply for funding, you will need to apply by certain deadlines. Consult the websites of relevant bodies for details.

Apply for your course

Apply for your course using the apply now button in the key information section .

Finding a supervisor

A critical factor when applying for postgraduate study in management is the correlation between the applicant’s intellectual and research interests and those of one or more potential supervisors.

Find out more about the research interests of our academic staff who may be available to supervise (either as principal supervisor or as co-supervisor) PhD theses:

Accounting and finance

• Christine Guo, BSc, MSc, PhD : CAPM; stochastic differential equations; macro, international and financial economics; valuation of equity.
• Professor Emmanouil Mamatzakis, BSc, MSc, DPhil : accounting and finance; banking and finance; financial econometrics; earnings management; corporate finance; credit risk and financial stability; forecasting; behavioural finance (symmetric-asymmetric loss functions); public finance management; sovereign debt crisis in the euro area; applied micro-econometrics.
• Lorenzo Neri, BA, MSc, PhD : corporate governance; corporate disclosure strategy; earnings management; family business; risk reporting.
• Ellen Pei-yi Yu, BSc, MSocSc, PhD : ESG topics (environmental, social responsibility and governance); ethical investment and asset management; financial institutions management such as hybrid bank capital securities and the design of executive compensation pay.
• Grace (Bo) Peng, BSc, MPhil, PhD : entrepreneurial finance, entrepreneurial exit and international entrepreneurship.
• Panagiota Makrychoriti, BSc, MSc, PhD : monetary policy; international macroeconomics; credit risk; behavioural finance; financial econometrics; systemic risk.

Corporate governance/Corporate social responsibility/Social capital

• Luca Andriani, BA, PGCert, MSc, PhD : informal institutions; pro-social behaviour; social capital; social trust and trust in public institutions; corruption; tax morale.
• Ioanna Boulouta, BEng, MPhil, PhD : corporate responsibility and competitiveness; gender diversity and stereotypes on corporate boards; quantitative methods; social marketing campaigns.
• Professor Suzanne Konzelmann, BA, MIBS, MA, PhD : structuring the role of economic theory and policy; the interface between the financial and real sectors of the economy; industrial organisation and policy; corporate governance, restructuring and policy; the political economics of austerity.
• Arron Phillips, LL.B, PGCHE, LL.M, PhD : whistleblowing, corporate governance, law and governance, business ethics, the interplay between business and social actors, ESG, industrial relations, work conflict, political economy of CSR.
• Richard Tacon, BA, MSc, PhD : social capital, social interaction, social networks; sociology of sport; sport policy and development; corporate governance, especially in non-profit and sport organisations; organisational ethnography.
• Professor Geoff Walters, BSc, MA, PGCE: HE, PhD : corporate governance in sport; board processes; organisational responses to corporate responsibility and sustainability; the governance and management of social partnerships.

Employment relations/Human resources/Labour markets/Education

• Sara Chaudry, BSc, MA, PGCAP, PhD : international human resource management (HRM); diversity and equality management; HRM in the Middle East; HRM in multinational corporations; changing nature of the employment relationship.
• Rebecca Gumbrell-McCormick, BA, MA, PhD : international and European employment relations; international trade unionism and globalisation; equal opportunities and diversity management; employee participation and economic and industrial democracy.
• Ashok Kumar, MSc, DPhil : economic geography and international political economy; globalisation and global value chains; identity formation and social movements; industrial relations and Labour's bargaining power; land economics and urban subjectivity.
• Giambattista Rossi, BA, MSc, PhD : labour and transfer markets in professional sport; role of sport agents, third party ownership in football; sport finance; sport corporate governance.
• Horen Voskeritsian BSc, MSc, PhD : European and comparative industrial relations; collective bargaining and social dialogue; undeclared work and unlawful activities at work; industrial conflict; political economy of work and employment; history and theory of industrial relations.
• Ellen Pei-yi Yu, BSc, MSSocSc, PhD : ESG topics (environmental, social responsibility and governance); ethical investment and asset management; financial institutions management such as hybrid bank capital securities and the design of executive compensation pay.

Entrepreneurship and innovation

• Professor Daniele Archibugi, BA, DPhil : innovation and technological change; global governance and its economic and political management; public policy for services, global commons and science and technology; international organisations and global democracy.
• Muthu (Lasandahasi Ranmuthumalie) De Silva, MBA, PhD : entrepreneurship; co-creation and collaboration; university-business interactions; intermediation and intermediaries; knowledge-based interactions.
• Marion Frenz, Dipl-Kffr, MSc, PhD : innovation, globalisation and economic recovery; the role of internationalisation in innovation; conceptualisation and measurement of absorptive capacity.
• Odile Janne, MA, PhD : multinational enterprises, innovation and economic development; corporate technological and innovation strategies; international patenting strategies; subsidiaries strategy; multinationals, location decisions, geography; regional innovation and growth; multinational networks.
• Chunjia Han, BSc, MSc, PhD : open innovation; user innovation; digital innovation; social media and digital marketing; big data analytics & AI; business model innovation and digital entrepreneurial finance; digitalisation-enabled business transformation.
• Professor Helen Lawton Smith, BSc, DPhil : innovation; entrepreneurship; scientific labour markets; geographies of innovation; university-industry linkages; scientific labour markets; regional, national and international innovation policy frameworks.
• Mu Yang, BSc, PhD : artificial intelligence (AI); big data analytics; social media marketing; digital innovation (blockchain, metaverse); privacy, security and data governance.

International business

• Professor Kevin Ibeh, BSc, MBA, MSc, PhD : small firm internationalisation and international entrepreneurship; international expansion of developing country/emerging market firms; export behaviour and performance.
• Professor Xiaming Liu, PhD : foreign direct investment; multinational corporations; technology transfer and spill-over; internationalisation and economic growth.
• Benedetta Crisafulli, BA, MA, MSc, PhD : digital marketing, particularly influencer marketing and the effects on consumers; customer experience management; consumer psychology in response to brands’ crises, events of corporate social irresponsibility, negative brand experiences and/or incivility; brand alliances (co-branding); sustainability and circular economy; international marketing.
• Rungpaka Amy Hackley, MSc, PhD : paratextual advertising and promotions; integrated marketing communications (IMC); advertising; product placement; branded content; non-traditional promotions; experiential consumption; brand symbolism; consumer identity; social media; digital communication; media convergence; promotional regulation and ethics; critical marketing; consumer culture research; and death rituals and death consumption.
• Wendy Hein, BA, PhD : consumer behaviour; consumer culture theory (CCT) and interpretive consumer research; gender, identities and consumption practices; ethnography and interdisciplinary research.
• Ammar Sammour, BSc, MSc, PhD : artificial intelligence; financial technology; corporate heritage branding; heritage brand identity; corporate brand experience; brand management, innovation and communication.  
• Olivier Sibai, MA, MSc, PhD : digital marketing; consumer culture theory; transformative consumer research; disharmony in the marketplace; consumer collectives; branding; embodiment and consumption; play and consumption.
• Peter Trim, BSc, MSc, MBA, MEd, PhD, FRSA, FHEA : marketing; strategic marketing; corporate intelligence and national security; international marketing.
• Fred A. Yamoah, BSc, MBA, PhD : sustainability and stakeholder marketing; sustainable product innovation marketing; food poverty; crime and security; personal values and purchase behaviour; sustainable food marketing and health; co-creation and sustainable global value chains; circular economy and strategy marketing management and sustainable supply and value chain management.

Organisation theory, organisational behaviour and strategy

• Abdulrahman Al-Surmi, BSc, PGCert, MBA, PhD : business analytics; decision making; strategic management; strategic alignment; business value of IT and marketing.
• Konstantinos Chalkias, BA, MSc, PhD : strategy as practice (SaP); practice theory; paradox theory; grand challenges; organisation studies of risk and risk management.
• Sorin Piperca, PhD : project management; strategic change; unexpected/disruptive events; complexity; interorganisational collaborations; innovation projects; knowledge production.
• Pamela Yeow, BSc, MSc, PhD : change management; attitude-behaviour gap; leadership and trust; ethics.

Sport management

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【學位縮寫】BA、BBA、BS、MA、MS、MBA、PHD 意思是什麼？

哈囉！我是英文庫的Tanya～ 之前有跟大家聊過 科系英文 、 碩士/博士/大學學位英文 ，這次則是要來告訴大家授予畢業證書時，學位縮寫 BA、BBA、BS、MA、MS、MBA、PHD  的中文意思是什麼。

通常你讀完4年制的大學，獲得的學士學位會稱作 Bachelor degree ，而得到碩士學位會稱為 Master degree ，依照每個科系所屬院的不同，會給予不同的學位。如果看到學位的第一個字縮寫是 B ，就會知道是拿到大學學位，如果是 M 開頭，就會是碩士學位。

先來看看 BA、BBA、BS、MA、MS、MBA、PHD 學位縮寫的中英對照 👇

如果你只是要講學士學位，不分系的話，可以統稱為 undergraduate degree ，碩士、博士學位則為 graduate degree 。舉例來說， BA、BBA、BS 這三個都屬於 undergraduate degree ， MA、MBA、MS、PhD 這四個則是屬於 graduate degree 。

BA 為 Bachelor of Arts 的縮寫，中文指的是文學士，不僅有語文相關會拿到這個學位，語言學、歷史學、文化研究、傳播等，都同樣是拿這個學位喔～如果將 Bachelor of Arts 的 Bachelor 換成 Master ，就會變成 Master of Arts ，縮寫為 MA ，就會變成文學碩士。

BBA、MBA 中文意思

BBA 為 Bachelor of Business Administration 的縮寫，中文指的是商業管理學士，與管理相關的科系，像是企管系、會計系、應用經濟、國企系等，但有時根據課程、主修內容的不同，經濟系或財金有時也會歸到 BS 裡。

跟上述的一樣，將 BBA 裡的 Bachelor 換成 Master 就會變成 Master of Business Administration （ MBA ）指的就是商業管理碩士。

BS 為 Bachelor of Science 的縮寫，中文指的是理學士，像是數學系、化學系，與數學計算、統計、理工、科學相關的系所，通常都會歸 BS 裡。 Master of Science 為理學碩士，縮寫成 MS 。

PhD  的全文為  Doctor of Philosophy ，但並非單指「哲學博士」，而是泛指所有的博士，所以不論你讀哪個科系，最後出來的學位通常都是會標上  PhD 。與博士相關的英文單字通常也會用到 PhD ，像是博士學生就會稱為 PhD student， 已經完成博士課程，但還未交出論文的人，稱作  PhD candidate ，意思為博士候選人。

獲得碩士、大學學位英文例句

如果你想要講自己獲得某個學士學位、碩士學位，那麼你也可以套用下面的句型，用在英文履歷或是英文自我介紹時都可以！

• I earned / got / completed + 學位 + in + 主修科目
• I graduated with + 學位 + from + 學校

I earned / got / completed my MBA  in marketing. 我完成行銷專業的商業管理碩士學位。 I graduated with an MS  from NTU. 我畢業於台大理學碩士學位。

That’s All for Today!

看完這篇文章後，下次也可以看看自己的畢業證書上，領到的學位是什麼～ 也祝福大家都能在求學的路途上順利畢業！ 下次如果有其他的英文問題，記得要再回來英文庫喔～

💛 想知道大學科系、院所的英文說法？可以參考 如何用英文描述自己科系？（含科系中英對照表！） 💛 想知道大學學位、碩士、博士說法，可以參考 【各種學位的英文】碩士/博士/學士的英文? 來搞懂！