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Project Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management
Capella's online PhD in Business Management, Project Management prepares you to strategize and lead projects in a wide range of global and complex business environments. Learn current and emerging project management methodologies, contemporary leadership theories and practices, and communications approaches to help you grow as an effective leader. Become a driving force in the field as you develop high-level research skills, culminating in a dissertation that advances project management as a whole.
The mission of Capella University’s PhD in Business Management specialization in Project Management is to promote the development of business-focused knowledge and research skills necessary to effectively lead projects in one’s professional career.
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 project 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
| BMGT8430 |
Advanced Concepts of Project Management Methodologies
In this course, learners research literature to identify best practices and evaluate appropriate methodologies leading to successful outcomes for projects and programs ranging from simple to complex. The course emphasizes appropriate methods, tools, and techniques for the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Initiating and Planning processes based on organizational environments, cultural diversity, and global influences. Learners also evaluate expected project outcomes to assure alignment with strategic goals and objectives. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| BMGT8432 |
Projects as Complex Adaptive Systems
Learners in this course examine both seminal and current literature, such as complexity theory, to evaluate the successes and failures of projects and programs in complex and ambiguous environments. This course emphasizes Executing, Monitoring, and Controlling projects and programs based on multidisciplinary theories and applications as defined by the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Learners develop their professional, consultative, and leadership skills for successful project and program outcomes. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| BMGT8434 |
Advanced Risk Management Systems and Research
In this course, learners evaluate and synthesize the use of multidisciplinary theories based on the research and practice of project and program risk management. Learners explore emerging trends, concepts, and methods of project and program risk management systems and research. Topics include evaluating integrated approaches to identifying, analyzing, mitigating, and managing project risks, and identifying strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in project risk management research. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| BMGT8436 |
Dynamics of Program and Portfolio Management
Learners in this course examine emerging trends, concepts, and methods for evaluating and applying program integration and portfolio management techniques and methods used to optimize their overall value. Topics include ethical approaches to program and portfolio management in alignment with business strategic goals and objectives within a global context. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
This program solidifies your ability to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close projects in a range of global business settings. You’ll learn how to evaluate different approaches to project management, develop your own research, and add critical knowledge to the field.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Synthesize multi-disciplinary theories that inform and shape the theory and practice of project management
- Fuse research and practice to contribute new knowledge to the field
- Apply ethical leadership strategies in diverse project management settings
- Exhibit proficiency in communication, research, writing, and critical thinking skills for successful project management
- Evaluate functional and cross-functional management approaches for projects, programs and portfolios ranging from operational to strategic, small to complex, and local to global
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 capstone
- 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.
The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in project management is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).*
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
To meet a PMI-GAC accreditation requirement, student achievement data can be found here.
The GAC Accredited Program seal is a mark of Project Management Institute, Inc.
*The FlexPath option for the project management specializations are not accredited by PMI-GAC.
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 Project 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 Project Management.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time project business faculty
- Full-time business faculty
- Dean or associate dean of business program
- Business researcher
- Consultant
- Program manager
- Program director
- Vice president of project management
- Senior project manager
- Director of project management
- Director of program office
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Corporation
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Health care organization
- Defense contractor
- Government—local, state, federal
- Nonprofit organization
- Consulting firm
*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.