PhD Degree in Strategic Management - About Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26

About This Course

The PhD program in Strategic Management is a rigorous, research-driven doctoral course designed for individuals who are deeply committed to advancing scholarly knowledge in the field of business strategy. At the heart of strategic management lies a fundamental and enduring question: why do some firms consistently outperform others? This program encourages doctoral students to explore the underlying causes of organizational success and failure, generating insights that shape both strategic management theory and real-world practice.

Through systematic and original research, PhD scholars examine how firms make strategic decisions, allocate resources, respond to competitive pressures, and adapt to dynamic environments. Their work contributes meaningfully to academic literature and prepares them for long-term careers as researchers, educators, and thought leaders in the field of strategy.

The DeGroote PhD in Strategic Management offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary learning experience. The program draws on a wide range of academic disciplines, including general strategy, business policy, economics, psychology, sociology, governance, knowledge management, international business, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and organizational behaviour. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to study strategic decision-making from multiple perspectives and develop a well-rounded understanding of complex organizational dynamics.

Academically, the program is structured to build a strong foundation in both theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods. Students receive advanced training in research design, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and academic writing, enabling them to conduct independent, high-quality research. Close faculty mentorship further supports students in refining their research interests and developing impactful doctoral dissertations.

Overall, the PhD in Strategic Management is ideally suited for highly motivated and intellectually curious individuals with a passion for research and critical thinking. Graduates are well-prepared for academic careers at leading universities and research institutions, as well as research-oriented roles in think tanks and policy organizations. By advancing knowledge in strategic management, they contribute to a deeper understanding of how strategic choices influence organizations, industries, and society at large.

Eligibility

Admission to a PhD in Strategy is open to candidates who possess a strong academic background and a clear interest in research-oriented study. To be eligible for this doctoral program, students must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a closely related field from a recognized university. An equivalent qualification approved by the university may also be considered.

In addition to meeting the educational requirements, candidates are required to qualify for an entrance examination conducted at the national or institutional level. Admission is typically granted based on the candidate’s performance in this entrance test, subject to meeting the minimum cut-off marks prescribed by the respective college or university. Shortlisted candidates may also be required to appear for further evaluation rounds, such as a personal interview or research discussion, as part of the final selection process..

PhD Degree in Strategic Management Admission Process

Admission to the PhD in Strategy program is granted strictly on the basis of a candidate’s performance in the entrance examination conducted by the respective college or university, followed by a personal interview. This structured selection process is designed to assess a candidate’s research aptitude, subject knowledge, and suitability for advanced doctoral-level study. The admission cycle for this program generally begins in the month of October each academic year.

Students interested in pursuing a PhD in Strategy can apply through either online or offline modes, depending on the institution’s admission guidelines. For online applications, candidates must visit the official website of the college or university and complete the application form with accurate academic and personal details. After successful registration, shortlisted applicants are usually contacted by the admission authorities and required to visit the institution in person for further procedures. During this stage, candidates must submit essential documents such as postgraduate mark sheets, degree certificates, valid ID proof, and recent passport-size photographs for verification.

Candidates opting for offline application must obtain the application form and prospectus directly from the college or university. After carefully filling out the form, it must be submitted along with the required documents within the specified deadline. Both online and offline applicants are considered equally, provided they meet the eligibility and submission requirements.

Once all applications are received, colleges and universities release their respective cut-off percentages based on entrance examination performance. Only candidates who meet or exceed the prescribed cut-off and fulfill all additional admission criteria set by the institution are considered for final selection. This merit-based admission process ensures that only academically capable and research-oriented candidates are enrolled in the PhD in Strategy program.

Future Scope

A PhD in Strategy is a highly specialized doctoral program that enables students to develop exceptional expertise in the field of management and strategic decision-making. This course is particularly well-suited for individuals who aspire to strengthen their managerial, analytical, and communication skills while working on complex business problems. It is an ideal choice for students who aim to build influential careers in large multinational corporations, academic institutions, or research-driven organizations.

Although a PhD in Strategy is not as widely pursued as some other management specializations, it is a highly job-oriented program with strong long-term career prospects. The course equips students with advanced research capabilities, critical thinking skills, and a deep understanding of business strategy, enabling them to analyze organizational performance, competitive advantage, and market dynamics at an advanced level.

After completing the PhD in Strategy program, graduates can explore a wide range of professional roles across academia, research, and industry. Many students choose academic careers, working as Lecturers or Teachers in management colleges and universities, where they contribute through teaching, research, and mentoring. Others pursue research-oriented roles as independent Researchers or join think tanks and policy institutions.

In the corporate sector, PhD graduates are well-suited for senior-level positions such as Strategy Manager or Consultant. In these roles, they help organizations design long-term strategies, improve competitive positioning, and make data-driven strategic decisions. Some graduates also work as Economists, applying strategic and economic principles to analyze markets, industries, and policy environments.

In terms of compensation, the average salary offered to PhD in Strategy graduates typically ranges between INR 35,000 and INR 65,000 per month. Salary levels vary based on factors such as the reputation of the institution, the candidate’s academic background, and prior professional experience. Candidates with strong research profiles or significant industry exposure often secure higher-paying roles with accelerated career growth. Overall, a PhD in Strategy offers meaningful career opportunities for professionals seeking depth, influence, and long-term advancement in management and strategy.