LET US HELP
Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Human Resource Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management
Capella’s online PhD in Business Management, Human Resource Management equips you with skills to develop winning teams and empower people to do their best work. This program builds on a curriculum of ethics, research, and practice in the human resource field – including a focus on diverse perspectives, new technologies, and emerging trends in the workplace. Our rigorous coursework will help you fuse theory and practice to form a basis for your own research and become an expert in global workforce issues.
Classes start January 6
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 11 Core courses
- 12 max transfer credits
- 4 Specialization courses
- 1 Elective course
- 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 human resource management courses
- This program requires a total of 90 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete 11 core courses, four specialization courses, one elective course, three virtual residencies, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation
Show all descriptions
BMGT8410
Foundations of Human Resource Theory and Practice
4 quarter credits
This course addresses ways in which social and economic changes have transformed human resource management's role in organizations. Learners examine issues that currently impact human resources managers in today's rapidly evolving environment. In addition, learners investigate the theories on which human resource practices have been built to determine their relevance in the 21st-century, information-age workplace. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8412
Creating Adaptive, Innovative Workplaces
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners explore human resource management strategies, tools, and issues related to the changing world of work. Learners analyze the ways in which HR professionals support the creation of innovative, engaging and productive work to meet the needs of the contemporary and future workplaces. Learners also examine the human resource components of employee engagement to include organizational design, leadership, career development, communication, flexibility, and virtual work environments. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8414
Attracting and Retaining Talent
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course evaluate emerging human resource management theories and practices for effectively attracting employees. Learners analyze workforce selection practices for reliability and align performance management strategies to support the organizational mission. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8416
Human Resource Practices for Developing Talent
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners explore human resources management's role in developing talent and evaluate human resource management theories and ethical frameworks associated with individual adult learning, human resource development, succession planning, mentoring, coaching, and performance management. This course emphasizes the theoretical basis of development, compensation, rewards, and motivation in order to better serve organizations and to contribute to the knowledge base in the human resource management field. The course also stresses the importance of evaluating and critiquing current workforce development trends in support of innovative workplace environments. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
This specialization prepares you to lead high-performance teams in diverse business settings. You’ll learn practical solutions to workplace challenges, evaluate new technology trends, and develop a systematic approach to problem-solving in the field.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Synthesize multidisciplinary theories that inform and shape theory and practice to attract, develop, and retain a global work force
- Synthesize emerging trends and technological influences to advance the theory and practice of global Human Resource Management
- Evaluate diverse demographic and cultural perspectives to advance the body of knowledge and practice in global human resource management
- Exhibit proficiency in academic research, writing, and critical thinking skills
- Evaluate ethical theories and frameworks that guide human resources practices in the 21st century
- Integrate research and practices into the development of adaptive and innovative global workplace environments
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and professional 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.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
10 qualities to look for in a career mentor
Finding a career mentor can really help as you develop your professional skills and move up the ladder.
What’s the ROI for a PhD?
Is a PhD worth the investment of time, money, and energy?
What’s it like to be a doctoral student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.
What can you do with a PhD in Human Resource 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 Business Management, Human Resource Management.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time human resource management faculty
- Full-time human resource management faculty
- Dean or associate dean of business program
- Human resource director
- Director/vice president, human resources
- Director/vice president talent acquisition
- Director/vice president labor relations
- Director/vice president EEO and/or diversity
- Director/vice president compensation and benefits
- Director/vice president human resource development
- Chief human resource officer (CHRO)
- Senior human resource manager
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Consulting firm
- Corporation
- Nonprofit organization
- Manufacturing
- Health care organization
- Retail
- Insurance firm
- Small business
- Government—local, state, federal
*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.