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General Business Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management
Capella's online PhD in General Business Management will build your knowledge of business theory, research, and practice. Master critical concepts through specialized courses and intensive in-person learning experiences in areas such as strategic management, marketing, accounting, and finance. This program is designed to elevate your capacity to lead, teach, or consult in global corporate settings and sharpen your confidence as a modern scholar-practitioner of business.
Classes start January 6
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 11 Core courses
- 12 max transfer credits
- 5 Elective courses
- 3 Virtual Residencies
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
- ACBSP-accredited
Reduce your tuition by $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore business management courses
- This program requires a total of 90 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete 11 core courses, five elective courses, three virtual residencies, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation
Show all descriptions
BMGT8006
Business Principles and Practices
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply theories of organization to critically analyze the organization as an arrangement of systems to develop a holistic understanding of its interrelated, interdependent functions. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8008
Ethics and Leadership in Global Environments
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the ethics theory and practice, ethical decision making, and the leader's role in creating an ethical environment in global business. Learners also explore the ways cultural intelligence fosters multicultural and ethical thinking.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8016
Strategic Management and Practice
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine theories associated with effective strategy development, integration, and implementation across all functional areas of business operations. Learners study the skills required of strategic thinkers and leaders in today's complex global business environment and practice applying them to solve contemporary business issues.
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
The PhD in General Business Management equips you with a practical, ethical, interdisciplinary approach to doing business in the global era. Apply an advanced understanding of leadership, financial management, and social responsibility to address contemporary challenges and drive business forward.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply leadership theories and techniques in the field of business management using advanced communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills
- Evaluate the efficacy of business principles and systems theories to effect change in global and diverse environments
- Synthesize interdisciplinary business knowledge and ethical concepts and models to advance the theory and practice of global business management
- Exhibit proficiency in academic research, writing, and critical thinking skills
- Conduct ethical scholarly research through innovative or traditional methods in the field of business management
- Synthesize emerging trends
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the PhD in Business Management cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$985 per credit, $5,000 quarterly tuition max, 75 coursework credits, 12 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2955 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2955
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2955 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2955
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $985/credit 13 quarters |
$63,061.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,955.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,955/quarter 6 quarters |
$17,730.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$83,746.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$63,746.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Savings 20 quarters |
$66,021.00 |
Completes dissertation in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $985/credit 13 quarters |
$63,061.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,955.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,955/quarter 8 quarters |
$23,640.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$89,656.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$69,656.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Savings 22 quarters |
$71,931.00 |
Completes dissertation in 12 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $985/credit 13 quarters |
$63,061.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,955.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,955/quarter 12 quarters |
$35,460.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$101,476.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$81,476.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Savings 26 quarters |
$83,751.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
PhD in Business Management admission requirements
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
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What can you do with a PhD in General Business Management degree?
Your education can help you reach your goals, professionally and personally. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in General Business Management.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time business faculty
- Full-time business faculty
- Dean or associate dean of a business program
- Director
- President
- Vice president
- Business consultant
- Chief officer (executive, operations, learning, technology)
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Consulting firm
- Corporation
- Nonprofit organization
- Public and private education
- Government—local, state, federal
- Manufacturing
- Health care organization
- Insurance firm
- Small business
- Non-governmental organization
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.