Is it Possible to Get My PhD After My MBA?

MBA graduate contemplating PhD degree

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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Stylish black man working in front of computer, PhD after MBA

Can You Do a PHD After an MBA? Pros and Cons.

As an MBA graduate, I considered whether to obtain a more specialized degree or go for any job in the very tough job market. I thought about Ph.D. too. Here I lay out my thoughts based on experience and research I made for myself on this topic. 

You can do a Ph.D. after MBA, but it is unnecessary for a solid career in business. Ph.D. after MBA may provide a valuable leverage tool for your scientific job if you want to go deeper into any field of science, including technical or social science.

In most instances, you obtaining a Ph.D. after MBA does not make sense. But in a few cases, Ph.D. after MBA may offer new opportunities. Let us analyze below when receiving a Ph.D. after MBA may make sense at all.

Is MBA higher than a Ph.D.?

MBA is a master’s degree, while a Ph.D. is a doctorate. Ph.D. is a higher degree than MBA. Therefore, some MBA students or graduates may decide to take their education to the next level and go into a Ph.D. program. 

Does a Ph.D. guarantee a job?

Here are the negatives if you do Ph.D. after MBA. Having MBA and Ph.D. alone will not necessarily make you more employable. It may limit your employment options to a narrow field. Choose carefully. And being a Ph.D. means that you will be overqualified for most starting positions in the industry (with a caveat, read below). 

Secondly, MBA and then Ph.D. on your CV may raise many flags if you decide to change your career or industry in the future. The sooner you want to change your career, the worse it will look. The question would be: “you did your MBA, then you did your Ph.D. after an MBA…do you know what you are doing?”

A ph.D. is not necessarily helpful for a career. Some people go for Ph.D. because they want to become professors teaching classes in universities. But professor jobs are scarce, and with lower college enrolments, it is becoming increasingly hard to find a teaching job. In short:  YOU WILL NOT FIND A TENURED PROFESSOR JOB AFTER Ph.D. ANYMORE . Hopefully, I made that clear enough. 

On the other hand, PhDs may be valued by different exiting or emerging educational institutions, including those private ones, providing online programs or courses. 

In my humble opinion Ph.D. often should be pursued in the area in which you have a strong urge and desire to work for the next couple of decades doing research. 

Because getting a Ph.D. is quite a pain, it takes years, and you will be grossly underpaid while doing it. I would also look at the demand for specialists in the respective field of your Ph.D. 

Getting into a top Ph.D. university program is challenging. Often, they require terminal degrees like MSC, MA, MS rather than MBA. Therefore, instead of Ph.D. MBA graduates may go for a DBA and still get into corporate world management after that. 

Still, PhDs can get a job in the industry because they have a solid reputation as research and analysts.  

I suggest that if you decide to pursue Ph.D., make sure that your field of research is congruent with your previous MBA degree, other education, work, or relevant experience valuable to a potential employer. Congruency will bind everything together nicely, total leverage. 

But read on to find out which Ph.D. I think it may be helpful in your career. Please do not take my word for it, as I believe the global economy is changing rapidly. Yet, I see some strong trends that are likely to continue for decades ahead, presenting some viable Ph.D. career options. 

Note that academia is saturated, and even PhDs have a hard time finding academic jobs. Said that Ph.D. could take even a master’s level position or other senior position in the industry if his or her Ph.D. area is a good match.

If you decide to obtain Ph.D. after MBA, then I suggest choosing a topic that can have practical application in the industry for better transition and good pay. 

There are many practical fields for Ph.D. after MBA. 

Which Ph.D. after an MBA may be a good option?

Ph.D. is a heavily research-oriented degree. By researching, a Ph.D. student divulges very deep into the narrow topic, like in a rabbit hole, and becomes a super-expert in that topic. 

Thus, selecting a Ph.D. topic for future employment is a significant decision for an MBA student. Because you already have spent 2-4 years getting an MBA degree. Now, what will 5-6 years of Ph.D. give you at this point?

I think Ph.D. is an excellent choice for those MBA’s who want to go into science. Ph.D. makes a person quite employable in science, especially if that science field is related to MBA or previous work or educational experience. 

Note, when I say science, in addition to natural sciences, I also mean new types of science. That includes fields like data science, or AI or machine learning, social science. 

If you check any major job site, it will tell you a complete story about whether it makes sense to get your Ph.D. after MBA. For example, MBA in finance, economics, or statistics from a reputable business school plus a Ph.D. in finance, economics, statistics, or mathematics may help you find an exciting position in one of the major league financial institutions, hedge funds, or banks. Why? Because these fields are practical rather than purely theoretical.

Ph.D. after MBA Specific Examples

If you are keen on coding and have some programming or engineering background, and as an MBA, you want to switch into a niche of machine learning or AI in business industries, you may get your Ph.D. in AI or machine learning. That still can get you hired in the financial sector if you want because the financial sector uses AI and machine learning a lot these days. 

MBA in finance, economics, or accounting, coupled with a Ph.D. in AI or machine learning, may present you as a valuable candidate in the modern digital high-tech world of finance and the business field generally. 

Recruiters are pretty mechanical sometimes. They see MBA on top of the relevant work experience and assume you can potentially hold a managerial position far from the truth.

Note that you will need a programming work background and a Ph.D. in those tech areas if you want to go this route. But salaries can be pretty lucrative – in hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. 

If you type “Ph.D.” and “MBA” in a search field on any major job search engine (site), you will see that some positions show a preference for someone with an MBA and Ph.D. in some analytical or quantitative field. 

You will see demand in some quite exotic narrow fields like revenue science or equity research, social science. Often positions require natural science or programming-related Ph.D., but there is a fair share of those require Ph.D. in either quantitative or business topics. Hence, let us see which type of Ph.D. is better for MBA students. 

Does it help to obtain a business-related Ph.D. after MBA?

Obtaining a business-related Ph.D. after an MBA may provide some value for those who want to go deeper into research or teaching in the business area. For example, a Ph.D. in organizational behavior management may help you land a job in fields anywhere from social science to HR. 

MBA + Ph.D. in economics or finance with quantitative aspect may land you an analytical or lead job in a significant financial institution or international organization. But note that PhDs in economics and finance maybe a little bit saturated in the job market. 

Actuarial sciences or accounting fields also hire PhDs. Check your local job search engine for details. 

I have heard that Ph.D. in accounting is a relatively undersaturated area, and companies are happy to hire accounting PhDs with accounting work experience. Underlying MBA in such a case may be an excellent background addition to a resume showing managerial ability. 

I have also heard about companies hiring PhDs in Global Leadership and Change, for example. I am not sure what their practical managerial work background was, but it must have been extended for such a position. Ph.D. was likely just significant leverage on his or her CV. 

Other areas of potential employment and thus Ph.D. research topics can include business development, business strategy, strategy management, competitive intelligence, and more. 

If you have read some of my other blog posts related to business education, you probably noticed that I am a proponent of practical, specific, education which gives specific tangible skills. 

That is why I am a proponent of going deeper into quantitative areas of education. Quantitative are very transferrable skills. Smart, introverted people with quantitative skills may have a better shot at a fascinating, well-paying analytical job.

Other avenues for MBA and Ph.D. holders

For example, have you heard of such an exotic path as quantitative marketing? Now you did. Marketing analytics can involve quite a bit of calculation and data mining. Ph.D. in quantitative marketing after MBA can land you a job in a financial, economics, or marketing type of position, just because of the quantitative aspect of that type of Ph.D. 

Note that many quantitative Ph.D. programs in reputable institutions require quantitative background or education. For example, Ph.D. in finance may require a background MBA in finance, economics, or mathematics.

Did you know that social science is considered a STEM area? I found at least one position requiring a Ph.D. in social science with MBA.

The most important note is that you must LOVE the subject or broad field of your Ph.D. Otherwise, it does not make sense to pursue one because you will drop out anyway. 

One major caveat for obtaining a Ph.D. after MBA is that employers quite often also want multi-year practical work experience in a related area. Therefore, seeking valuable work experience is a better strategy than obtaining a Ph.D. after MBA. But everything has its exceptions, especially for quantitative types of jobs.  

Here is an excellent video by the Ph.D. professor about the pros and cons of doing a Ph.D. after an MBA.

How long to get a Ph.D. after an MBA?

On average, Ph.D. after an MBA takes 4-5 years to complete. 

Conclusion.

If you want to obtain Ph.D. after MBA, then you need to think it through. I mean, you must be a thinker and researcher at this point. Check job sites, talk to your professors, other students. See what they say about potential opportunities for MBA/PhDs. 

Would I do it? Probably not. Unless it would be a heavily quantitative area with potential practical industry application in finance or technology, if anything, I would instead go for a specialized MS in the subject area related to MBA or technology. 

But that is only my 5 cents. Your goals may be different. 

Some sources .

Question and Answer forum for K12 Students

Doing A PhD After MBA

Doing a Ph.D. After MBA | Eligibility Criteria, Career Scope, Employment And Salary

Doing A Ph.D. After MBA: The ‘road less taken’ can be simply called for Ph.D. after MBA. Not many people is seen to pursue a Ph.D. in Commerce; as it is a field that does not attract and relatively unknown many pursuers.

In the academic field, Ph.D. after MBA is more useful than a professional one. initially; The ROI and opportunity cost for this course are also not up to par, however, by saying that, it does not mean that the course is not worth it or useless. If a Ph.D. is done right then it can be quite rewarding.

Ph.D. after MBA or Management

  • Ph.D. Course Duration after MBA

Eligibility Criteria for Ph.D. After MBA

Can one do a ph.d. after mba, after mba available top ph.d. courses, how to do a ph.d. after mba, ph.d. after mba in india, can i actually do a ph.d. after distance mba, ph.d. after mba – in distance education.

  • Ph.D. After MBA Abroad – Entrance Exams & Admission Process
  • Top-Most Abroad Universities for Pursuing PhD after MBA
  • Best Countries to Study PhD after MBA Abroad
  • Ph.D. After MBA in USA

Ph.D. After MBA in Australia

Ph.d. after mba in germany, ph.d. after mba finance.

  • Scope Of Ph.D. after MBA in Finance

Ph.D. in Management

  • Career Scope, Employment, and Salary for Doing a Ph.D. after MBA
  • FAQ’s on Doing A Ph.D. after MBA

As one may expect it to be, Ph.D. after MBA may not be as advantageous. After getting done with an MBA, rather than pursue a Ph.D., many prefer to increase their work experience, but if you are interested in doing research in the field of your interest, a Ph.D. may be the perfect course for a person to take up.

Ph.D. researchers or individuals also get a chance to do individual research and study, apart from the extensive knowledge which the course provides, which puts them quite apart from other managers.

  • The course requires a lot of dedication and rigorous hard work in Ph.D.
  • A lot of time needs to be invested by someone with a Ph.D., which can be tedious.
  • The Ph.D. course combines practical application with theoretical knowledge.
  • There are many practical methods and approaches like field studies, econometrics, experimental methods, etc., which are mostly used during Ph. D.s.
  • For those who want to teach Management, Ph.D. is for them.
  • The profession of the Professor is most sought after and reputable.
  • Ph.D. researchers also work as consultants in top firms.
  • Ph.D. increases their analytical skills and trains researchers.
  • Because of their skillset, positions in analytics are offered commonly to Ph.D. researchers.
  • One may not quite earn much before getting tenure, and the growth is considerably slow.

Do Refer: Career Objective for MBA

Ph.D. After MBA or Management

Ph.D. Course Duration After MBA

Depending on the research topic, methodologies, and time and labor investment, the duration for Ph.D. after MBA may vary.

On average, it may take 4 to 5 years for the completion of a Ph.D.. Depending on the country and institution, the duration may also vary.

Country Duration (Average)

  • India –  3 years
  • USA – 5-7 years
  • UK – 3-4 years
  • Australia – 4-6 years
  • Germany – 3-5 Years

Eligibility Criteria for a Ph.D. after an MBA must be an MBA degree, as one may assume. But that’s not so.

There are many other criteria for eligibility, as well. To pursue a Ph.D. after MBA, one must fulfill being eligible for a Ph.D. after MBA, and the following are the criteria.

  • One must have an acceptable TOEFL or IELTS exam score to prove their proficiency in the English language.
  • One must also have a respectable, which may vary as per the university of GRE/GMAT score.
  • Students must also submit their essays, transcript and SOP.
  • Letters of Recommendation are required. At least 2 to 3 times to be submitted by the aspiring student.
  • Oftentimes, an interview is conducted either online via video call or physically to test student’s eligibility and knowledge.
  • Students must have a thesis statement or an idea and a dissertation ready.
  • It is crucial that the students are well versed to have a clear idea and what they want to do about their objectives.
  • The acceptance rate at top-rated Business Schools is around 3 to 5%.

Yes, one actually can do a Ph.D. after MBA. There are various business schools worldwide that offer Ph.D. programs after an MBA, which can be pursued.

For the MBA itself, some years of work experience is required by many schools. The Student may already have the direction they want to take in their life by choosing to pursue an MBA.

A Ph.D. after an MBA is not quite a popular choice, but many students still decide to pursue the research either for better opportunities or out of interest. To pursue a Ph.D., the criteria for eligibility include more than 50% or more marks in your post-graduation, and students are also required to take up an entrance exam. The field of Ph.D. is open for the Student or for anyone who has done an MBA.

A student may choose from several Ph.D. courses after MBA. Due to its vast scope, there is no dearth of specialization in the field of management.

As the Ph.D. in Management is an unexplored field, each research in each area is equally important.

There are several available courses one may take, like:

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Human Resource Management
  • Commercial Law
  • Operational Research
  • Healthcare and Management
  • Organizational Behaviour
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Political Science

For students who actually want to do a Ph.D. after their MBA is done, there are many options. It is important that for the duration of 2 years, the MBA course the candidate has done.

The students must choose their work and field of interest in that direction and also most important.

Students always have the choice to pursue a Ph.D. in abroad or India. The application process for both remains more or less the same. To do a Ph.D. after an MBA abroad, one has to additionally give language proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL and exams like GMAT or GRE.

For India, exams like CAT are applicable.

Ph.D. After MBA or Management

  • One must have a good score in their CAT exam and a two-year MBA degree.
  • For admission in their Ph.D. courses, GATE or even UGC NET may be required at some top IIMs.
  • A Ph.D. may actually vary from 3 to 5 years on average, and it is important to note that the duration.
  • In the first year of Ph.D., the candidates are trained in research methodologies and subjects, etc. and are mostly dedicated to the coursework.
  • In the second year, one may choose the area in which they will be conduction research and their specialization.
  • It is often advisable that students actually choose the area for research in which they have specialized during their MBA. It is, however, not quite compulsory.
  • A Ph.D. thesis is the most essential part of any Ph.D., and during their second year only, it is important that students start developing it.
  • In the third year, after they have researched and collected data, a student is asked to present their thesis statement.
  • After the first six months of the third year, students are free to write their research papers and Ph.D. and do their research.
  • The whole process can be quite time-consuming, but the only trick here is to be very resilient.
  • Yes, you can obviously do a Ph.D. after a distance MBA.
  • The institute must be recognized by the UGC.
  • Universities are not allowed to differentiate between the degrees.
  • The degree earned and mentioned in the eligibility criteria must be in tandem.
  • As the process for regular courses, the application process is as same.
  • Candidates must submit their essays, SOPs, mark sheets, documents, etc., like any other regular candidate.
  • Mostly on entrance exams and interviews, the admission in a Ph.D. program is based.
  • Over the ones who did pursue their degrees via distance education mode, Some institutes may prefer regular students.
  •  The decision is solely based on the discretion of the university to select a candidate or not.

In Distance Education, one can definitely do a Ph.D. after MBA, but few things actually need to be taken into consideration.

It is important and mandatory that the institution from where the candidate has pursued their MBA in Distance education form is recognized by any other supreme commission as relevant to the country or by the UGC.

Also, for the Ph.D. program, one is applying to, the degree must match the eligibility criteria as well.

Ph.D. After MBA Abroad – Entrance Exams & Admission Process:

If you are actually planning to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA, especially from abroad, then the following points will help and guide you through the application process and entrance exams:

  • For global universities, the application process is very different from the universities of India. You actually don’t have to give any entrance exam to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA from abroad; rather, the GMAT / GRE score is needed to submit.
  • Previous project and research work matter, LORs, SOPs, and a lot when you are actually looking to pursue a Ph.D. abroad. They increase the chances of getting selected by making your profile strong.
  • For Ph.D. programs, most of the universities have a 3-5% acceptance rate. Thus, it is vital to make your application strong; get in touch with experts if you need any help regarding the same.
  • You need to work on your specific thesis, submit it in the provided duration as the curriculum more or less remains the same in Ph.D., and complete your Ph.D. after MBA.

Top-Most Abroad Universities for Pursuing Ph.D. after MBA

For better assistance at the time of your research on Ph.D. Courses after completion of MBA, we have enlisted some of the significant academic universities that are globally famous for their advanced specialized courses on Ph.D. after MBA:

Best Countries to Study Ph.D. after MBA Abroad

Most of the popular abroad destinations for Ph.D. studies are UK, USA, Australia, Germany, and Canada. These countries are notable for their research doctoral courses so choosing the best country to study Ph.D. is a crucial decision. So, decide carefully by doing deeper research about the course and universities in all countries. Let’s have a glance at the top countries to study Ph.D. after MBA and their popular research universities below for some idea:

Ph.D. After MBA in the USA

Ph.D. after MBA in the USA is the most popular place; because of a highly research-friendly environment, it especially is a great place to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA.

The USA offers students unlimited data and resources to facilitate their research as it is home to the top business schools. The amenities are quite good here, which are provided to Ph.D. researchers.

  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • The University of California
  • Columbia University
  • Kellogg School of Management
  • The University of Chicago
  • Washington University
  • Cornell University
  • University of Michigan

Ph.D. after MBA in Australia is also home to many great universities, and it is a very pleasant place to be at.

Ph.D. programs after MBA are offered by many great B-schools present. For applying practical methods, there is a lot of scopes and here because of the way corporates and businesses are run here.

Students will be provided with quite a lot of opportunities to collect primary as well as secondary data and conduct researches.

  • Australian National University
  • UNSW Sydney
  • University of Western Australia
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Queensland
  • Monash University
  • University of Adelaide
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Canberra

Probably the best place to pursue a Ph.D. after an MBA in Germany because of the varieties of facilities like the grant which are made available for students studying.

Germany has the best management programs and boasts of some of the best universities in the world as well. Many universities in Germany offer great guidance to students to help them in their research work and Ph.D. in management.

  • University of Berlin
  • University of Hamburg
  • Technical University of Munich
  • Heidelberg University
  • Humboldt University of Berlin
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  • RWTH Aachen University
  • University of Freiburg
  • Bielefeld University

One of the topmost and popular specializations is a Ph.D. after MBA in Finance. The scope is vast, and the opportunities are quite endless.

Though the subject for those interested may seem challenging, it has a plethora of research ideas and opportunities.

Expertise in subjects like Mathematics and Economics is required by Ph.D. in Finance.

The top universities which are offering this program are:

  • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
  • Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
  • The Centurion University of Technology and Management
  • Birla Institute of Technology and Science
  • Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi
  • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

Scope Of Ph.D. After MBA in Finance

Opportunities after opportunities are present in Ph.D. after MBA in Finance. There is a wide and deep scope of opportunities, and many companies to hire because of their skill and both practical and theoretical knowledge do look out for such candidates. Top companies seek to recruit candidates who have completed their  Ph.D. in Finance and  like the ones mentioned below .

  • TATA Consultancy
  • Genpact Technologies Ltd

One of the highest degrees of academic awarded in the study of management is a Ph.D. in management. For those seeking teaching careers and academic research as professors or faculty in the field of management at business schools worldwide, a Ph.D. in Management degree was designed.

Following are some Benefits of PhD after MBA

  • Helps you become a better thinker:  More than just consume what has been taught in the classes, a good Ph.D. in Management program encourages you to do more – it teaches you to become a good thinker and create more. One will achieve newer levels of critical thinking by moving past passive learning, which you can apply in new ways in your field of interest as well as your career.
  • To gain an edge:  A Ph.D. in Management is essential and immediately marketable, especially in today’s workforce, provide an asset that will give you a competitive advantage. A Ph.D. in Management proves the expertise in your field of study; you have an impressive level of credibility and a lifelong commitment to learning which will help you fulfill your professional goals.
  • Become a competitive scholar-practitioner:  A Ph.D. in Management will give you the confidence and knowledge but present at them instead of just attending academic conferences. You’ll discover your write a dissertation, may find yourself authoring peer-reviewed articles published in your field’s leading journals, and may have a scholarly voice.
  • Skills enhancement:  A Ph.D. in Management can actually help you enhance valuable skills and gain that are universally applicable to any kind of field. They are empowering you to make more of an impact in your current role by giving you expertise outside of your organization by the degree, which in turn helps people around you as well. You may find colleagues turning to you for guidance, Once you begin your studies.

Ph.D. in Management

Career Scope, Employment, and Salary for Doing a Ph.D. After MBA

Somewhere between 8 Lakhs to 18 Lakhs per annum, Ph.D. after MBA salary in India is depending upon whether you explore the academic domain working as a lecturer or academician or working in a corporate sector.

For graduates with a Ph.D. in Commerce-related specializations and Management below, we have elucidated upon the major employment sector:

  • Teaching: A Ph.D.’s most popular career path post is that of becoming a professor or teacher. Most Ph. D.s in management or business pursue it in the first place to pursue a career in particular academics. Further, to hire Ph.D.’s like business school professors, most of the research universities prefer. Suppose you aim to become a part of Ivy League schools or other prestigious academic institutions because of this striking combination coupled with a few years of professional experience. In that case, you should definitely go for a Ph.D. degree after MBA. It can make you an ideal candidate for the position of lecturer or university professor at a business school. Nearly 75% of business ‘Ph.D. after MBA’ graduates at business schools become faculty members, to give a rough statistical description, and roughly 25% take jobs in the industry.
  • Research: A Ph.D. involves extensive analysis and is quite a data-driven degree and in-depth assessment as it constitutes various submissions of a multiple research thesis as its incremental element. If you have planned to pursue a career in research, but combining it with a Ph.D. might give you the knowledge and expertise of both the research world as well as corporate, and an MBA is more of a route of professional to take. You can further enter various research sectors with a versatile skill set by getting the taste of both these areas, which will prove extremely useful in carrying out path-breaking contributions and case studies with the potential of bringing a newer light to the commercial industry.
  • Corporate Sector: As a common myth, you might be told that in the professional world, a doctorate degree is of no use, but it is quite the opposite as a Ph.D. after an MBA can furnish you with the outstanding business acumen to fit the role of business consultants and analysts. As many of the doctoral scholars move further to become professors or researchers, only a small proportion of them head towards the industry. As this degree provides aspirants with the understanding of employing Ph.D. s derive wisdom from their theoretical and unique methodologies for analysis, which, when combined with the pragmatic training obtained during MBA, marks for a marvelous body of knowledge. You can explore varied prospects in entrepreneurship ventures as well as companies like SEC, JP Morgan Chase, McKinsey, and Morgan Stanley, which are known to hire Ph. D.s frequently.

FAQ’s on Doing A Ph.D. After MBA

Question 1. What Ph.D. should I get after my MBA?

Answer: For students who want to do a Ph.D. after their MBA is done, there are many options. The MBA course the candidate has done must be for the duration of 2 years, and it is important. The most common career path after that is chosen is teaching.

Question 2. Is an MBA higher than a Ph.D.?

Answer: Compared to a Ph.D. that takes 4-6 years, you can complete your MBA in 1- 2 years. It allows them to start their career far sooner for the student, so the MBA is considered advantageous.

Question 3. Can I do a Ph.D. while working?

Answer: Yes, you can do a Ph.D. while working, but this can only happen if you are keen to work. Working full time and doing a Ph.D. is not easy; you won’t make progress without constant effort.

Question 4. Can I do a Ph.D. at 40?

Answer: Yes, you can do a Ph.D. at the age of 40; most of the person who does this are mostly in the education sector. The only problem that comes up is that not all programs will be open for you.

  • Harvard Business School →
  • Doctoral Programs →

PhD Programs

  • Accounting & Management
  • Business Economics
  • Health Policy (Management)
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has five areas of study: Accounting and Management , Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , management  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

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The field of finance covers the economics of claims on resources. Financial economists study the valuation of these claims, the markets in which they are traded, and their use by individuals, corporations, and the society at large.

At Stanford GSB, finance faculty and doctoral students study a wide spectrum of financial topics, including the pricing and valuation of assets, the behavior of financial markets, and the structure and financial decision-making of firms and financial intermediaries.

Investigation of issues arising in these areas is pursued both through the development of theoretical models and through the empirical testing of those models. The PhD Program is designed to give students a good understanding of the methods used in theoretical modeling and empirical testing.

Preparation and Qualifications

All students are required to have, or to obtain during their first year, mathematical skills at the level of one year of calculus and one course each in linear algebra and matrix theory, theory of probability, and statistical inference.

Students are expected to have familiarity with programming and data analysis using tools and software such as MATLAB, Stata, R, Python, or Julia, or to correct any deficiencies before enrolling at Stanford.

The PhD program in finance involves a great deal of very hard work, and there is keen competition for admission. For both these reasons, the faculty is selective in offering admission. Prospective applicants must have an aptitude for quantitative work and be at ease in handling formal models. A strong background in economics and college-level mathematics is desirable.

It is particularly important to realize that a PhD in finance is not a higher-level MBA, but an advanced, academically oriented degree in financial economics, with a reflective and analytical, rather than operational, viewpoint.

Faculty in Finance

Anat r. admati, juliane begenau, jonathan b. berk, greg buchak, antonio coppola, peter m. demarzo, darrell duffie, steven grenadier, benjamin hébert, arvind krishnamurthy, hanno lustig, matteo maggiori, paul pfleiderer, joshua d. rauh, claudia robles-garcia, ilya a. strebulaev, vikrant vig, jeffrey zwiebel, emeriti faculty, robert l. joss, george g.c. parker, myron s. scholes, william f. sharpe, kenneth j. singleton, james c. van horne, recent publications in finance, behavioral responses to state income taxation of high earners: evidence from california, beyond the balance sheet model of banking: implications for bank regulation and monetary policy, fee variation in private equity, recent insights by stanford business, “geoeconomics” explains how countries flex their financial muscles, car loans are a hidden driver of the ride-sharing economy, public pensions are mixing risky investments with unrealistic predictions.

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Doing A PhD After MBA: Universities, Programs, Benefits

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  • Updated on  
  • Jan 17, 2024

doing a phd after mba

Higher studies often encompass the decision of pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s and then, if you feel like delving deeper into your chosen field, a doctorate degree. When it comes to the vast domain of commerce, a PhD is commonly chosen by those wanting to explore the academic arena. Working professionals don’t usually opt for a PhD given the extensive amount of time it demands and also because it has more academic use. So, if you have recently completed your Master of Business Administration, choosing a PhD might require some thinking to finally arrive at the right decision. This blog aims to elaborate on what a PhD after MBA entails and how it can advance you further in your career journey.

This Blog Includes:

Phd after mba in india, benefits of phd after mba, top phd programs after mba, eligibility, phd after mba abroad – admission process & entrance exams , phd after distance mba, phd after mba in finance, top universities for phd after mba abroad, top countries to study phd after mba, career scope & employment sectors.

Want to pursue PhD after MBA in India? There are colossal benefits of PhD after an MBA that can equip you with a competitive edge in the management and business world as well as the research and professional exposure you need to aim for high-salary managerial profiles in India and abroad. Here’s what you need to know about PhD after MBA in India:

  • Eligibility : You must have completed a 2-year MBA degree to apply for PhD in India along with qualifying for UGC-NET or GATE exam to gain admission at top business schools and universities in India.
  • Duration : In India, you can complete your PhD after MBA in 3-5 years depending upon the program and university.
  • Requirements : For PhD after MBA in India, you must have GATE/ UGC-NET / CSIR-NET scores, a research proposal ready along with letters of recommendation and optional work experience to increase your chances of admission.
  • PhD in Management
  • PhD in Organizational Behaviour/Management
  • PhD in Behavioural Finance
  • PhD in Applied Statistics
  • PhD in Information Technology/Data Analytics
  • PhD in Market Analysis and Research
  • Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi
  • Benaras Hindu University
  • Indian Institutes of Management Studies (IIMs)
  • Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
  • National Institute of Management, Calcutta

Also Read: PhD Scholarships in India

As the highest academic degree in theoretical disciplines, a PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is perfect for those seeking a greater depth of knowledge in a specific area of interest. Going for a PhD after MBA can be beneficial for a plethora of reasons, some of which are given in a rundown below:

  • Get a Competitive Edge over MBA
  • Master Research Skills and Methodologies
  • Inclination Towards Academic Arena
  • Chance to Become a Professor
  • Become an Academician at Business School

Get a Competitive Edge over MBA with a PhD Though many would tell you that with a PhD after MBA you can only ground yourself in the academic world, this is not the case in reality. If you don’t see yourself fitting the position of a lecturer or a professor, you can explore varied prospects in the corporate sector. A doctoral degree in a business or management specialisation imparts you with a deep-embedded and insightful knowledge of the commercial world. An MBA also gives you a unique and practical glimpse of this domain. The combination of these two can be potentially utilised by opting for the role of a consultant or analyst for entrepreneurial ventures, business giants or even hedge funds and investment-related firms.

Master Research Skills and Methodologies To begin with, a PhD is research-extensive by nature and demands individuals to submit their original thesis to conclude this degree. It challenges scholars to break away from the limited amount of knowledge of their field and delve deeper into whichever specialization they have chosen to study. So, a PhD after an MBA would importantly require you to be passionate about research, have an innate curiosity towards your field and be ready to devote yourself for a longer period of time to your thesis.

Inclination Towards Academic Arena Another reason why many graduates aspire for a PhD after MBA is when they are planning to make a career as an academician . Since one needs to exhaust many years to this degree, you can pursue the profile of an assistant professor at the university itself while getting mentored for your research thesis. Further, by completing a PhD, you would be deemed eligible for the position of a professor at an academic institution though some universities or colleges might demand you to qualify for a teaching exam.

The average duration of PhD after MBA is approximately 5-7 years where the 1st year is more theoretical but from the beginning of the second year, you can pick specializations as per your choice. In Business and Management, there is an array of specialised PhD courses that one can choose from. Here are the top specialisations to pursue PhD after MBA:

  • PhD in Entrepreneurship
  • PhD in Commerce
  • PhD in Accounting
  • PhD in Economics
  • PhD in Commercial Law
  • PhD in Human Resource Management
  • PhD in Operational Research
  • PhD in Marketing
  • PhD in Healthcare and Management
  • PhD in Organizational Behaviour
  • PhD in Finance
  • PhD in Chemistry
  • PhD in Computer Science
  • PhD in Engineering
  • PhD in Political Science
  • PhD in Education
  • PhD in Statistics
  • PhD in Psychology

Though the specific prerequisites might vary from one university to another, there are some general criteria for PhD after MBA or any other postgraduate program that every candidate needs to fulfil. The primary requirement is that of a master’s degree in the related discipline (from a recognised institution) in which one is applying for a doctoral degree, if you are applying for a PhD in Business Administration, you need to have completed a postgraduate course like, MBA, MIM, amongst others. Along with these, you will be required to submit the following documents:

  • GATE/CSIR-NET/UGC-NET Scores for Indian universities
  • Research Proposal
  • Letters of Recommendation (Academic and/or Professional)
  • GRE, English proficiency test scores such as IELTS , TOEFL , etc. and SOP and LOR s to apply for PhD after MBA abroad
  • An Updated Resume or CV
  • Academic Transcripts

If you are planning to pursue PhD after MBA from abroad then the following points will guide you through the application process and entrance exams: 

  • The application process for global universities is very different from Indian universities. You don’t have to give any entrance exam to pursue a PhD after MBA from abroad, rather, you need to submit a GMAT / GRE score. 
  • LORs, SOPs and previous projects and research work matter a lot when you are looking to pursue PhD abroad. They make your profile strong and increase the chances of getting selected. 
  • Most universities have a 3-5% acceptance rate for PhD programs. Thus, it is essential to make your application strong, if you need any help regarding the same, get in touch with Leverage Edu experts.
  • The PhD curriculum more or less remains the same, you need to work on your thesis and submit it in the provided duration to complete your PhD after MBA.

Also Read: How to Get PhD Funding?

Yes, it is possible to apply for PhD after distance MBA but if you are aiming for a doctoral course, you must pursue your MBA from a UGC-accredited university or college. To apply for a PhD after a Distance MBA, you must be able to provide valid transcripts as well as mark sheets from your MBA thus it is essential to check the certification of the institution before studying for an MBA.

MBA in Finance professionals often opts for a PhD to pursue a career in research or academia. Finance is one of the most popular specialisations for PhD after MBA and students can choose from various subjects like Financial Management, Financial Analysis, Financial Modelling, etc. To pursue PhD in Finance in India, you will have to qualify for UGC NET , NMIMS or NIPER JEE while you will have to qualify GRE for universities abroad. Let’s take a look at the universities for PhD after MBA in Finance:

  • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade , New Delhi
  • National Institute of Technology, Silchar
  • Department of Management Studies-IIT Madras
  • Alliance School of Business, Bangalore
  • Ahmedabad University
  • Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management

Here are the major careers for PhD after MBA in Finance:

  • Statistician
  • Financial Analyst
  • Chartered Financial Analyst
  • Stock Broker
  • Budget Analyst
  • Financial Researcher

Numerous renowned business schools and universities across the globe offer specialised PhD programs in varied fields of Business, Commerce and Management. To help you further in your research, we have listed down some of the major academic institutions that are internationally popular for their offered specialised courses for those aspiring to pursue a PhD after MBA:

Many study destinations like the UK, USA, Australia and Canada are renowned for their research doctoral courses so selecting the right country to study PhD is an important decision you must carefully take. Let’s take a look at the top countries to study PhD after MBA and their popular research universities:

PhD after MBA in the UK

Here are the major universities to study PhD in the UK:

  • University of Bradford
  • SOAS University of London
  • Cardiff Metropolitan University
  • University of Birmingham
  • Queen’s University Belfast
  • University of Kent
  • Hult International Business School

Also Read: PhD Scholarships in the UK

PhD after MBA in the USA

Popular for its STEM courses as well as top-ranked business schools, the top universities for PhD in the USA are:

  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of Columbia
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Cornell University
  • Kellogg School of Management

PhD after MBA in Canada

Canada is another renowned destination for PhD programs and offers a plethora of specialisations in business and management. Here are the popular universities for PhD in Canada :

  • University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia
  • McGill University
  • McMaster University
  • University of Montreal
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Ottawa
  • University of Calgary

Also Read: PhD in Canada with Scholarship

PhD after MBA in Australia

The land of Kiwis is internationally lauded for its focus on research education and high-ranked entrepreneurial programs. Check out the top universities for PhD in Australia :

  • The University of Queensland  
  • The University of Western Australia  
  • University of Wollongong 
  • Queensland University of Technology  
  • Swinburne University of Technology  
  • University of Tasmania 
  • University of Sydney

PhD after MBA in New Zealand

If you are looking for affordable PhD courses after completing MBA, New Zealand is the best place for you. Take a look at the popular universities for PhD in New Zealand :

  • The University of Otago
  • University of Canterbury
  • Lincoln University
  • The University of Auckland
  • Victoria University of Wellington

Adding the renowned academic degree of PhD to your list of qualifications, there are a plethora of career opportunities awaiting you. Since a doctoral degree in business-related disciplines provides you with an insightful acumen into the commercial arena, you will be equipped with the knowledge of data analysis and business trends and organisational problems. Further, you will be skilled with research methods such as econometrics, experimental methods, field studies, modelling etc. So, with a PhD after MBA, you will not only be a perfect candidate for academic profiles but you can also explore plentiful prospects in the corporate world.

Here are the top job profiles you can explore after pursuing PhD after MBA:

  • Research Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Management Consultant
  • Business Development Consultant
  • Entrepreneur
  • Professor /Lecturer
  • Academician
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The salary of PhD after MBA in India is somewhere between INR 7 Lakhs to 17 Lakhs per annum depending upon whether you work in the corporate sector or explore the academic domain working as a lecturer or academician.

We have elucidated upon the major employment sector for graduates with a PhD in Management and Commerce-related specialisations below:

Teaching The most popular career path post a PhD is that of becoming a professor. Most PhDs in business or management pursue it in the first place to pursue a career in academics. Further, most of the research universities prefer to hire PhDs as business school professors. If you are aiming to become a part of a prestigious academic institution or especially Ivy League school, you should definitely go for a PhD after MBA because this striking combination coupled with a few years of professional experience can make you an ideal candidate for the position of a university professor or lecturer at a business school. To give a rough statistical description, nearly 80% of business ‘PhD after MBA’ graduates become faculty members at business schools, and roughly 20% take jobs in the industry.

Research A PhD is quite a data-driven degree and involves extensive analysis and in-depth assessment as it constitutes submission of a research thesis as its incremental element. If you have been planning to pursue a career in research , an MBA is more of a professional route to take but combining it with a PhD might give you knowledge of both corporate as well as the research world. Getting a taste of both these areas, you can further enter the research sector with a versatile skill set which will prove extremely useful in carrying out path-breaking case studies and contributions with the potential of bringing the commercial industry in a newer light.

Corporate Sector As a common myth, you might be told that a doctorate degree is of no use in the professional world, but it is quite the opposite as a PhD after MBA can furnish you with the quintessential business acumen to fit the role of business consultant and analyst. As many doctoral scholars move further to become professors or researchers, only a small proportion of their heads towards the industry. As this degree provides aspirants with the understanding of employing PhDs to derive wisdom from their theoretical and unique methodologies for analysis, which when combined with the pragmatic training obtained during the MBA, marks for a marvellous body of knowledge. You can explore varied prospects in entrepreneurship ventures as well as companies like SEC, JP Morgan Chase, McKinsey and Morgan Stanley which are known to hire PhDs frequently.

Anyone with an MBA degree can pursue a PhD. In fact, it’s a good idea to do PhD after MBA if you are interested in exploring the arena of academics or research and you can also pursue opportunities in consulting firms in the corporate sector. Also, the top B-Schools such as Columbia University, Yale University, Harvard University, INSEAD, and London Business School have most professors with a PhD degree. So, if you aim to teach at top business schools in the world, pursuing PhD after MBA is indeed a good decision.

The exact duration of PhD depends on the specialization as well as the university, the fact whether it’s part-time or full-time, and other factors. Doing a PhD after MBA usually takes 4-5 years but relying upon varied factors, be it your chosen course or institution, it can take less than 3 years and as long as 7-8 years to complete.

Yes. You can do a PhD in Psychology after MBA. However, you will need 55% marks in your MBA discipline to qualify for a PhD in Psychology after MBA.

A PhD in Business is often referred to as a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) which is usually considered as the sequel of the MBA and is the highest form of management degree. Pursuing a doctorate in Business or its related specializations would provide you with an enhanced insight into the commercial arena after which you can target higher-level career profiles ranging from a business analyst to a consultant or you can pursue academic positions which is another beneficial route to take.

The essential prerequisite for a PhD is to have a master’s degree along with the minimum marks specified by the academic institution you are applying for. With an MBA, you are eligible to pursue a PhD in commerce-related disciplines while opting for a doctorate in other domains might depend on the criteria provided by the particular university.

The answer to this question is explained well in the points given below: 1. Yes, you can do PhD after a distance MBA 2. Your degree must be from a UGC-recognized institution 3. The application process remains the same as for the regular degree holders 4. Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements 5. Some universities prefer candidates with regular MBA degrees.

Going for a PhD after MBA will equip you with one of the best educational combinations in the world. It might not be the easiest of programs to pursue but the benefits are going to be fruitful for your professional journey. If you are planning to pursue a doctoral degree and don’t know how to go about it, sign up for a 30-minute career counselling session with our experienced team of mentors and experts at Leverage Edu and we’ll guide through the process of choosing the right PhD program and university that fits your interests and aspirations and can provide you with extensive exposure and opportunities to soar ahead in your career.Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

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14 comments

I like your article great content. Thank you

Hi Akash, we are glad to know that you liked our blog. If you need any further assistance regarding the admission process to any PhD course abroad, get in touch with our experts and we will help you build an awesome career.

Great post.

We are glad to know that you liked our work! Don’t forget to share it with your friends who are looking for PhD courses after MBA.

I have done MBA. My specialization is marketing (major) & human resource(minor).I want to know which specialization should I choose for PhD or Can I choose other specialization like social work, political science,etc.

Hi Abhishek, to know which PhD specialization would suit you the best, reach out to our experts at – 88262 00293. You can also register for a free career counselling here – https://leverageedu.com/admissions/study-abroad-admission/ .

Nice blog thanks for sharing.

Hi Thomas, thanks for your feedback! Check out our blog on PhD entrance exams to know more about the ways for pursuing this course – https://leverageedu.com/blog/phd-entrance-exams/ .

Very good article. In my opinion, having a PhD will make you more likely to earn a higher salary over someone with just a Master’s degree. Nowadays more professionals are doing PhD research programs for a better career.

Thank you for the feedback and for sharing your opinion, Rohan!

Thank you very much for your elaboration on Ph.D. after MBA. I would like to know which specializations are available here in the USA.. Thank you.

Hi George, To know about the specializations of your choice, get in contact with our experts at 1800572000.

Hello I’m Amir I done MBA 3.5year and I want to study PhD directly after MBA can u guide me forther I continue which subjects

Hi Amir, To get our profile evaluated for pursuing a PhD after MBA, give us a call on 1800572000 and our experts will guide you about the same.

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PhD after MBA

Education is a five-course meal with PhD as the ultimate dessert at the end of it all. Having said that, not all fields of study have had a long history of crowning a doctorate degree. It has traditionally been the highest degree in the sciences, and social sciences.

Somewhere in the middle of the previous century, though, business schools began to switch their focus from a purely vocational bend towards research oriented training, leading to what we now know as PhD in business, or management.

However, if you were to compare the share of Management PhDs in the US, for instance, with PhDs from other fields, the number is far from stellar, though marginally growing with each year. The picture below summarizes the rising number of Business Doctorate recipients between the years 1986 – 2016, as per NSF.gov . The corresponding percentages reflect the share of doctorate holders with respect to the total number of doctoral graduates. (Updated table from 2021 is available here )

For instance, in 2016, 22.9% of the total 54,904 doctoral recipients graduated with a PhD in Life Sciences, while Business Management PhDs accounted for only 2.8% of the entire body of Dr. XYZs graduating that year. In 2021, this percentage for Business Management majors was 1.3% and for Life Sciences was 22.6%.

So, clearly, this is a road less traveled as compared to your streamlined PhD, after MS, route.

PhD after MBA

The natural question, that follows, is what eludes PhD, in Business, from your everyday household fame?One of the possible reasons being that most business degrees have a lot more commercial capacity as compared to an academic one. Individuals who have an aptitude for business and have secured an MBA from any of the top few tiers of B-schools, generally follow the blazing path of success marked by their predecessors.

The most cited reason, for avoiding the path of business research is the ROI for the years invested, and the cost of opportunity lost while pursuing a semi-decade long journey towards the degree.

With the MBA degree taking a couple of years with average starting salaries north of $90,000, it is not a shocker to realize why some people would rather continue gaining work experience, and the fat paychecks, sans the PhD and its associated delayed gratification, if any (read Average MBA Starting Salary ).

That being the obvious reason, there is clearly another significant factor keeping most business graduates away from a doctoral path – research is not their calling.

This brings us to the next question.  

Why PhD after MBA?

What makes a PhD after MBA an attractive option? The thrill of research. The PhD program offers an opportunity to conduct independent study, scholarly research, and obtain an in-depth knowledge of a specialized field, which would be otherwise only superficially available to the more practical, commercially useful MBA degree.

The research training provides an awareness of the cutting-edge developments and the ability to evolve new insights at solving business problems. Doctoral graduates have years of experience in data analysis and data driven decision making, they are practiced with various research methodologies such as modeling, experimental methods, econometrics, field studies, and more.

As long as the individual has an aptitude for research, the real-world experiences of an MBA degree can motivate him to study relevant business problems.

The most common career path, offered after a PhD post MBA, is teaching. Faculties involved in active research, being an attractive indicator of b-school excellence, prompts a lot of well-known MBA, or other business programs, to hire PhDs as b-school professors.

QS Business School Rankings, for instance, takes in academic reputation and research paper citations into consideration for overall ranking. So does Financial Times MBA, EMBA and Online MBA Rankings. UT Dallas has a business school ranking list based solely on publication statistics in 24 leading business research journals.

Clearly, there is a competitive advantage afforded to PhD job applicants compared to MBAs, when it comes to protecting the interests of business schools. Success, in teaching and research, can lead to some very lucrative compensations.

Salaries, for some of the top b-school faculties, can be in the millions. (Read How much do top business school professors get paid? )

Other golden opportunities may even lead MBA+PhDs into consulting work in either well-known firms, or their own entrepreneurial ventures. PhDs derive wisdom from their theoretical, and uniquely devised methodologies for analysis, which when combined with the experiential training obtained during MBA, makes for a tremendous body of knowledge.

Hedge Funds are extremely selective about their recruits. While a lot of hedge funds believe in practical expertise more than academic experience, they are still known to hire PhDs to fill their analyst positions. Besides CFAs, MBAs, and other Master’s candidates, nearly 3% of hedge fund employees have a PhD.  

What kind of specializations are available to PhDs in Business?

PhD in Business Management, or its close kin Doctor in Business Administration (Harvard HBS), follows a variety of areas of study, often in collaboration with other departments. Some of those specializations are listed below (gathered from various b-school curricula, viz. Stanford GSB , Wharton , HBS ).

  • Accounting: Research focuses on solving issues, related to accounting, using economics, decision theory, and statistical inference.
  • Business Economics: This specialization combines economic analysis with business. The areas of focus may range from Behavioral Economics, Development Economics, Urban Economics, Risk Management, Economic Analysis & Policy, Organizations & Markets, Corporate Governance, and more.
  • Finance: Research focus, such as in Wharton, is set on Asset Pricing, and Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Macroeconomics, etc.
  • Marketing: Research focus lies on solving marketing management issues faced by companies. Areas of study usually involve behavioral decision making, economics, industrial organization, statistics, management science, and more.
  • Operations, Information & Technology: This area of research, such as in Stanford GSB, studies management of systems, processes, and networks. They include health care systems, product design, manufacturing, information systems, decision-making, operations management, etc.
  • Organizational Behavior: Research on concepts of psychology and sociology and their impact on behavior within complex organizations.
  • Management: The specialization deals with management and leadership challenges.
  • Strategy: Research studies the heart of what sustains and develops industries with competitive advantage.

The above list is not exhaustive and every b-school tailor their research target to set their competitive edge, so to speak. The other common specializations include, Ethics & Legal Studies, Health Care Management, Applied Economics, Decision Sciences, Human Resource Management, and more.  

Employment Options of Business PhD Graduates

While a majority of doctoral graduates find positions as faculties in reputable business schools, a fraction of them carry on in post-doctoral studies or head towards industry positions. Firms like McKinsey, Morgan Stanley, SEC, and more, are known to hire PhDs regularly.

Nearly 80% of graduating doctoral students are employed as faculty members in various business schools over the world, with the rest 20% employed in various industry positions. We have compiled the following table to reflect the employers of past PhD candidates from reputed business schools, mainly Wharton, HEC Paris, and Chicago Booth.  

Business School with Popular Research Programs

UT Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management has created a business school ranking based on publications in 24 leading business journals, mentioned here . Some of the top research schools, assessed between 2012-2016, based on the ranking, are listed below.  

  The two related degrees of a Business PhD, in addition to an MBA, provide a set of well-rounded skills that are quite unique. These skills are not just desirable in mentors of the future business leaders, but also play a significant rolein gaining a thorough insight of the world of business management.

Recommended reading for the curious reader:

  • PhD in Management Abroad
  • Fully funded PhD, with stipend in Europe
  • Is a PhD worth it?
  • PhD in USA for international students
  • How to choose your PhD topics?

  Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7

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16 thoughts on “PhD after MBA”

Hi I have done BCA+MCA from IGNOU. I got 92 percentage in BCA and 84 percentage in MCA. I have also worked as Software developer while doing my MCA for 3.5 years in a small start- up firm. I want to do MS in Computer Engineering. My question do top and middle tier American universities accept degrees from IGNOU (although it is a distance education IGNOU is recognised by government of India under act of parliament ) So Is my degrees from ignou valid for admission for MS in top american universities

Hi, I am pursuing PhD in India on the topic Organisational behaviour. But i am interested to do in USA. please tell me the ways if i can apply in some of the university’s. I am in US at present. kindly help me

Hello, I am name is Ankita, I have completed my Masters in Microbiology (Pune University). And I have been working in CSIR-URDIP as a patent analyst for the last 2 years now. As the place I am working at doesn’t give any kind of security in future, I have been off lately thinking about either apply for PhD abroad or MBA or do some courses regarding patent analysis abroad. Can you please give me any suggestion regarding what to do at this stage ?

@Dheeraj: There are some universities who consider IGNOU degrees. But it depends on which course you’re applying for. So best to check with them directly. We have some inputs for the MBA degree here: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2014/02/17/mba-after-correspondence-courses-distance-education/

@Sanam: You’d probably have to reset the call and start afresh. Specially if your current work has little or no overlap with what you plan to do in the US.

@Ankita: The decision would hinge on what you want to do after the degree. For a business oriented role, an MBA works best. For academic roles, a PhD works better.

Hello.. I have done MBA(HR & MK)in 2018.. I wanna take admission for phd in IIT’s.. Plz suggest me how can apply for this Thnks

Hi, I have done MBA ( management and leadership) in 2018 from Keiser university, Fl . I want to start PhD in supply chain. Please suggest me how can I apply for this. Thanks

Hi myself Rupak Debnath I have done MBA in MARKETING and HR and now I want to pursue PhD degree from IGNOU. My question is will it be right enough to opt a higher degree from open University and how much can I be benefited from the decision I have taken?? Please reply without any hesitation……….. waiting for your valuable reply………. Thanks

hi, I have done my MBA in HR and now i want to pursue phd in economics in hyderabad central university. am i eligable to apply and if yes , how to do that. kindly please let me know. regards, bindu yamini.

Could you please guide which PHD Programm will be approraite post “MBA in Consultancy Management”

hi i have completed my B.tech in mechanical engineering+ now i completed my MBA in Marketing& finance now i want to do phd in the operational manger field pls suggest something…

Pros and cons of doing PhD in Business Management after M.Com

Hi I had completed my mba in marketing in 2005 now i want to do p.hd from Canada.. Pls suggest…

Am Naveen an International Business Marketing Consultant having completed PGDM in Marketing + IT and hold BBM in International Business and seek a PHD in similar field. Alternatively, am working a Managing Partner for a Jewel Store too. As am traveling on a daily basis I want to complete my PHD to teach full-time at universities or colleges worldwide. Thanks

Assalam o Alakom I have don my MBA 3.5 year and HR Now to pursue PHD .am i eligable to apply for PHD..how to do that. kindly pleas i want to brief me in detail explain trough whatsaf way +923428966603 regards, Muhammad Hanzala

Sir,Can I eligible for phd program(Europe countries).After completion of mba(open degree) program in india.

Hi, I am Ankit from India, I did complete my MBA with Finance in 2016 and I have 4 year experience in same profile. Now I am looking Phd program in Finance in USA.

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Career Options and Jobs After MBA

An MBA qualifies you for a career in business as well as several other fields. In this guide, we explore a number of MBA specialisations, some of the common careers they may help you qualify for, and average salary data for those positions in India.

[Featured image] An MBA student in a white shirt holds a clipboard while standing outside on a university campus.

Earning your Master of Business Administration (MBA) is worth celebrating. An MBA qualifies you for a career in business as well as several other fields. This two-year programme is usually completed after a bachelor's degree. In this guide, we explore a number of MBA specialisations, some of the common careers they may help you qualify for, and average salary data for those positions in India. 

*All salary data is sourced from Glassdoor India as of September 2023.

Jobs after an MBA Finance

Before entering an MBA finance programme, you’ll need strong foundations in maths and accounting. While studying for your MBA in finance, you’ll learn about the functions of finance, managerial economics, capital structures, budgeting, risk analysis, cash management, and more. You will also complete a final MBA project, a study, report, analysis, or faux portfolio. 

According to the Reserve Bank of India, the country's gross domestic product (GDP) is growing to 8.5 per cent a year [ 1 ]. This growth could add many jobs in the global financial sector over the next decade. You might be qualified for three potential positions with an MBA in finance: financial analyst, finance manager, and bank manager. 

Financial analyst

Average salary: ₹6,10,000

Salary range: ₹4,00,000 to ₹10,00,000

Companies that hire financial analysts in India: eClerx, XL Dynamics, Accenture, and TresVista.

Financial analysts make recommendations to companies about how they can improve their processes based on financial data.

Finance manager

Average salary: ₹15,67,105

Salary range: ₹8,00,000to ₹22,00,000

Companies that hire financial managers in India: Citi, Capgemini, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Wipro, and Amala Food Industries

Finance managers oversee the financial departments of companies to direct budgeting, reporting, and helping the company become more profitable. 

Bank manager

Average salary: ₹27,97,164

Salary range: ₹12,00,000 to ₹48,00,000

Companies that hire bank managers in India: State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Syndicate Bank, Axis Bank, and HDFC Bank. 

A bank manager oversees the daily operations of a bank, such as managing employees, monitoring sales targets, and compiling reports.

Jobs after MBA Marketing

If you’re interested in an MBA emphasising marketing, you’ll need a bachelor's degree in any field, although business or communications would be helpful. While earning your degree, you’ll learn about management, advertising, consumer behaviour, e-commerce, logistics and supply chain, and customer relations management, among other things. 

Many industries require marketing management, from retail stores to hospitals to manufacturing. That creates many potential opportunities for a graduate with an MBA emphasising marketing. Three potential jobs to consider are customer relationship management, media planning, and marketing management. 

Customer relationship management

Average salary: ₹7,55,784

Salary range: ₹4,20,000 to ₹12,00,000

Companies that hire customer relationship managers in India: Bandhan Bank, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, GoMechanic, and ICICI Bank.

A customer relationship manager is responsible for managing a positive relationship between a company and its customers, such as solving problems for customers and reaching out to potential new customers. 

Media planner

Average salary: ₹6,39,783

Salary range: ₹4,00,000to ₹9,00,000

Companies that hire media planners in India: Madison Communications, GroupM, MediaMint, Mindshare, and IPG Mediabrands.

A media planner works with a marketing department to decide where and how to best place ads, such as TV, print, and digital marketing.

Marketing manager

Average salary: ₹11,40,000

Salary range: ₹7,00,000to ₹20,00,000

Companies that hire marketing managers in India: BYJU'S, Amazon, Tata Consultancy Services, IBM, and Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing

A marketing manager oversees the marketing campaigns, including creating strategies and deciding how best to reach customers. 

Jobs after MBA Healthcare Management

It takes two years to earn your Master of Business Administration in healthcare management. You’ll learn about managing different departments within a healthcare setting, such as human resources, finances, and marketing. MBAs in healthcare management also cover systems for measuring quality and managing a revenue cycle. 

India’s healthcare industry is growing rapidly. According to Statista, revenue in the healthcare field is expected to grow more than 10 per cent annually. At that growth rate, the Indian healthcare industry is on track to reach USD 766.40 million by 2027 [ 2 ]. This leaves room for growth in all healthcare sectors, including healthcare management. Two jobs you may be qualified for with an MBA in healthcare administration are hospital administrator and claims manager. 

Hospital administrator

Average salary: ₹9,07,704

Salary range: ₹5,28,000to ₹24,00,000

Companies hiring hospital administrators in India: Apollo Hospitals, Indian Army, Manipal Hospitals, Medanta the Medicity, and Yashoda Hospital.

A hospital administrator oversees the day-to-day operations of a hospital, including medical, clerical, technical, and other staff, in addition to being the liaison between the hospital and other parties such as the board of directors. 

Claims manager

Average salary: ₹8,04,924

Salary range: ₹5,00,000 to ₹10,00,000

Companies hiring claims managers in India: Care Health Insurance, Genpact, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, Tata AIG General Insurance, and Marsh McLennan

A claims manager is a point of contact for a customer and an insurance company, overseeing the claim process. 

Jobs after MBA Retail Management

Earning your MBA in retail management helps you prepare for a career managing retail companies, including customer support, labour relations, budgeting, and other departments. You’ll learn about buying and stocking merchandise, advertising, corporate strategy, how to operate a store, and more. 

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) estimates that the retail sector in India will be worth nearly $2 trillion by 2032, more than doubling since 2020 [ 3 ]. India is also the fourth-largest retail market in the world [ 4 ]. This growth should bring many opportunities for applicants who’ve earned an MBA in retail management. Some potential jobs you might be qualified for with this MBA are retail manager, merchandiser, and marketing executive. 

Retail manager

Average salary: ₹7,96,530

Salary range: ₹5,00,000 to ₹13,00,000

Companies that hire retail managers in India: CarDekho, Decathlon, Hidesign, Vodafone, and Royal Enfield.

A retail manager is responsible for a retail store, from managing store employees to minimising loss due to theft and preparing reports. 

Merchandiser

Average salary: ₹7,75,536

Salary range: ₹5,52,000 to ₹12,00,000

Companies that hire merchandisers in India: Shahi Exports, Fabindia, Laguna Clothing Private Limited, Li & Fung, and Gokaldas Exports.

A merchandiser is responsible for working with vendors to make sure a store has goods to sell and monitoring how customers react to products and other sales data. 

Marketing executive

Average salary: ₹7,32,000

Salary range: ₹3,36,000 to ₹24,00,000

Companies that hire marketing executives in India: Lupin, NoBrokerHood, Alkem Laboratories, Justdial, and Unilever.

A marketing executive works within an organisation's marketing department to help develop marketing strategies and analyse trends. 

Jobs after MBA Human Resource Management 

Another potential specialisation for someone earning a Master of Business Administration is human resource management (HRM). The human resources department of a company looks after the people who work for an organisation. When you earn your MBA in HRM, you’ll learn management methods, communication skills, training and developing staff, ethics, and performance management. 

For insight into the scope of work in human resource management, consider IMARC Group’s projections that the technology industry that supports human resource management will be worth USD 1.6 million by 2028, growing at an average rate of 9.5 per cent annually [ 5 ]. That translates to a growing opportunity for people with MBAs in HRM. Jobs you may be qualified for include human resource manager and staffing director. 

Human resource manager

Average salary: ₹9,00,000

Salary range: ₹6,00,000to ₹15,00,000

Companies that hire human resource managers in India: Tata Consultancy Services, ICICI Bank, Accenture, Infosys, and Cognizant Technology Solutions.

A human resource manager manages hiring, terminating, and training staff in a company. They also serve as the link between employees and management. 

Staffing director

Average salary: ₹5,50,000

Salary range: ₹3,00,000 to ₹7,00,000

Companies that hire staffing coordinators in India: Microsoft, McKinsey and Company, Aruba Networks, Aleron, and Zoho.

A staffing director may have similar job responsibilities to human resource managers but may also be responsible for overall hiring plans and strategies, such as how many employees to recruit.

Jobs after MBA International Business

International business is a specialisation of the Master of Business Administration preparing you for a job in a global world. You will learn about managing different business departments with an emphasis on international policies, such as finance, marketing, human resources, IT, and managing a diverse workforce. Two of the jobs you may be qualified for with an MBA in international business are business development executive and project manager. 

Business development executive

Average salary: ₹8,88,000 

Salary range: ₹3,00,000 to ₹24,00,000 per month

Companies that hire business development executives in India: BYJU'S, Extramarks, Jaro Education, Square Yards, Unacademy.

Business development executives help companies find and retain customers, contributing to the growth and longevity of companies. 

Project manager

Average salary: ₹19,56,000

Salary range: ₹11,00,000 to ₹28,00,000

Companies that hire project managers in India: Infosys, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Wipro, IBM, and Accenture

Project managers oversee projects to ensure they are completed correctly, within budget, and on schedule. 

Options for further education

Although an MBA qualifies you for a wide range of positions, it’s not the highest credential you can earn. If you’re interested in further education, you can choose from various advanced diplomas, doctorates, and certifications. What you choose will likely depend on the fields you’re interested in working in and where you’ve gained your professional experience. 

You could earn your doctorate if you’d like to narrow and strengthen your specialisation. Or you could select several postgraduate diplomas to broaden your qualifications and give you more career options. For example, an MBA graduate interested in marketing can enrol for the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management course from the University of Illinois. 

Article sources

Reserve Bank of India. “ Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for the year 2021-22 , https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=53628.” Accessed February 7, 2023. 

Statista. “ Health Care - India , https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/ecommerce/beauty-health-personal-household-care/health-care/india.” Accessed February 7, 2023. 

BCG. “ Racing towards the next wave of Retail in India , https://web-assets.bcg.com/af/0c/b5995bc6466daf33cf5d2f8bbc81/bcg-x-rai-retail-report-2022.pdf.” Accessed February 7, 2023.

Invest India. “ SECTOR - Retail & E-commerce , https://www.investindia.gov.in/sector/retail-e-commerce.” Accessed February 7, 2023. 

IMARC. “ India Human Resource (HR) Technology Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2028 , https://www.imarcgroup.com/india-human-resource-technology-market.” Accessed February 7, 2023.

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Plan, Prepare & Make the Best Career Choices

Top 10 Career Options After MBA in Finance

The current scenario of globalisation has given rise to the financial ecosystem that is crucial for every firm to establish itself. To effectively manage work related to finance, most businesses or firms require professionals who are experts in finance and know their way around it. Not only this, but the finance industry has also grown exponentially over the years, leading to a demand for finance professionals. An MBA in finance can be a great choice if you are planning to work in the finance industry. You can find various career options after MBA in Finance . Apart from this, online courses and certifications in finance and accounting are an added advantage. Finance and Accounting are crucial aspects of any organisation to grow and stay ahead in the competition.

Top 10 Career Options After MBA in Finance

Finance involves administering, controlling, and reviewing the investment and money resources in any business or corporation. If you are the one looking for a lucrative career option in finance, this article is for you. We have listed the best career options after MBA Finance. This article will also help you determine after completing MBA in finance what to do. So, let us get started.

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What is an MBA in Finance?

Master of Business Administration in Finance is a two-year postgraduate degree programme. One can opt for this MBA specialisation after completing a bachelor's degree. There are several management colleges in India that provide MBA in Finance. This MBA specialisation is quite popular among MBA students as it helps them hone their financial skills, understand various business concepts, and gain knowledge about the country's economy. There are also several job options after MBA Finance across various sectors.

Some of the reasons to pursue an MBA in Finance are given below:

Finance is almost everywhere - No matter which sector you are in, every corporation requires a flow of cash to perform regular activities like payment of salaries, distributing dividends, reinvesting, and many other things. By pursuing online degree courses and choosing an MBA specialization, one has the liberty to work with any organization's finance department.

Finance is considered one of the highest-paid sectors in the country - An MBA degree offers you a handsome salary. A good finance manager can earn an average salary of Rs 992,118 per year. The salary also depends upon the work experience, qualifications, recruiters, and geographic location of the company or the organization. An experienced and skilled candidate can easily earn attractive packages.

Best Colleges for MBA in Finance

Major Subjects of MBA In Finance

The list of the subjects taught in MBA in Financial Markets varies from institution to institution. Some fundamental subjects that are offered by most of the institutions:

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Over the years, there has been a great upheaval in the financial sector, which has resulted in grave financial losses for countries as well as companies. All countries seek skilled financial experts who can deal with financial crises in the future. This rising demand has led to an MBA in finance as one of the most sought-after programmes across the globe.

Also read: Finance vs. Marketing - Which is the Best Specialization in MBA

Top 10 Career Options After Completing MBA Finance Course

Candidates can pursue various online courses & certifications from top providers to make a career in the finance field. Here, we have compiled a list of top career options after MBA Finance.

1. Investment Banker

This is one of the top career options after MBA in Finance. Jobs in investment banking have high demand, and candidates with an MBA in investment banking are preferred. An investment banker is a professional who works for any financial institution, and he has a primary role in raising capital for corporations, governments, and other entities. The responsibilities of an investment banker may also include connecting investors to different fund-needing organisations. The field of investment banking is quite popular as it has high salary prospects. Investment bankers have excellent number-crunching abilities, along with possessing strong verbal and written communication skills.

Also read: How to start a career in Investment Banking

2. Private Equity

This is another one of the best MBA in finance career opportunities. In this domain, there are vast job opportunities for finance professionals. There are many top companies that recruit MBA in finance graduates for job different roles in the field of private equity. Some of the companies are Fullerton, Fidelity Investments, Axis Securities, JP Morgan Chase, Kotak Wealth Management, Bajaj Finserv, ICICI Prudential Asset Management, and Indiabulls Housing Finance, among others.

Also Read : MBA in Finance Career Options: Salary, Placements, Job Opportunities, Scope

3. Financial Analyst

This is amongst the top career options after MBA Finance. Finance Analysts are the heart of almost every corporation in the finance department. Financial Analysts are skilled analysts dealing with financial matters. The primary responsibilities of a financial analyst include Collecting operational data, Establishment of standard costs for different products and services, Providing cost analysis with a detailed suggestion of policies analyzing trends, monitoring financial status, informing managers of variations, and Developing automated accounting practices. The average salary of a Financial Analyst in India is Rs 483,945 p.a.

4. Financial Manager

This is another one of the excellent job options after MBA finance. Financial Managers are individuals who manage a team comprising financial analysts. Their roles and responsibilities include educating team members on best practices and establishing of overall focus within the finance team to relate financial actions to business goals. They also oversee the flow of cash as well as the financial instrument of the organization, Prepare regulatorily and legally mandated reports, Liaise between the upper management and financial team members, and more.

5. Chief Financial Officer

This is the highest position in the financial department. Chief Financial Officer is one of the top job options after MBA in finance. As a CFO, you will directly communicate with C-level executives and the CEO and board of directors. CFOs make the final decisions on financial policies and their implementation. Their roles and responsibilities include coordinating the development and delivery of financial projections, working towards securing funds at critical growth points, and establishing strategic direction and guidelines for the corporations based on their finances. They also take care of the establishment of indicators and some tracking methods for production, quality, productivity, and customer services from a finance perspective, and help in maximizing returns on investment funds. The average salary of a Chief Financial Officer in India is Rs 3,572,867 p.a.

6. Account Manager

People with good experience in finance are preferred for this role. This is amongst the excellent career options after MBA in finance. Account Managers need to be well-versed in a broader organizational perspective to help the organization inform accounting decisions. They help in bridging high-level organizational goals with directives in an accounting department. Their roles and responsibilities include monitoring the daily activities of the accounting department, helping the candidates prepare proper routing and large financial documents and statements, and connecting the overall goals of the organization to the departmental tasks within accounting. They also ensure confidentiality and maintenance of protocol in terms of sensitive financial pieces of information and maintaining educational protocols for the members of the department. The average salary of an Account Manager is Rs 595,909 p.a.

Also Read : Top 10 Companies Hiring MBA in Finance Graduates

7. Corporate Controller

This is amongst the sought-after MBA in finance career opportunities in India. This is not a straight-up finance-centered role. Corporate Controllers perform hybrid roles like overseeing the financial and accounting functions of any corporation. They also perform tasks like invoicing, accounts payable, budgeting, and payroll processing. Their other roles and responsibilities include developing, managing, and executing the accounting functions of any organization, crafting and conforming to the financial reporting protocols and preparing reports for the SEC (Security and Exchange Commission). A Corporate Controller can earn an average salary of Rs 1,350,000 per year.

8. Management Consultant

This is one of the best career options after MBA Finance for students in India. Management Consultants either work for third-party consulting firms or form their own businesses. They offer services like providing data-driven guidance on how someone can run an organization efficiently. They play crucial consulting roles in firms that are planning to restructure or rebuild themselves. Their main roles and responsibilities are conducting research and data gathering for the organization of their client, running workshops and formulating focus groups to implement changes, and testing hypotheses to know what is right and what is not suitable for the client. Management Consultants also lead the team of analysts that help in analyzing the findings and liaise with relevant stakeholders. The average salary of a Management Consultant is Rs 1,270,157 per year.

Also Read : MBA Job Opportunities, Salaries, Top Recruiters, Scope

9. Credit Manager

This is amongst the top career options after MBA finance. Credit Managers are professionals who look after credit management and make decisions regarding credit limits within an organization. The responsibilities of a credit manager include Granting credits, Setting the terms on which the credit is given Recovering the credit when it is due, Building credit score models and determining the rate of interest, and assisting organizations in minimizing bad debts and increasing the revenues from the loans. The average salary of a Credit Manager in India is Rs 616,527 p.a.

10. Hedge Fund Manager

This is one of the best job options after MBA finance in India. Hedge Fund Managers are generally finance experts. They focus on managing the collective investments on behalf of the investors. The candidates seeking this job after MBA must have skills in financial analysis and management. The responsibilities of Hedge Fund Managers include researching different trends in the market, analyzing other investment options and selecting the best areas of investment for the client, developing investment portfolios, and buying and selling assets to maximize financial gains. Hedge Fund Managers are recruited from investment banks, investment consultancies, insurance companies, and asset management companies. The average salary of a Hedge Fund Manager in India is Rs 2,800,000 per annum.

Also read: Funding your MBA: Know all about MBA Education Loan options

The demand for MBA in financial markets has risen in recent years. The reasons include the growing career opportunities in this field. If you are good at Maths and statistics and are interested in the field of finance, then a degree of MBA in finance or online diploma courses in this field can be an excellent choice for you. You can choose from an array of career options after MBA in finance. You would be able to find a lot of support materials for MBA finance courses to work towards improving your knowledge. You can also choose the best finance courses by making an online course comparison .

Explore Finance Certification Courses By Top Providers

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

The duration of an MBA in Finance is two years. It is divided into four semesters, which mostly include an internship in the first year.

Individuals from any stream can pursue an MBA in finance. Accounts and economics are not mandatory subjects in your class 12th or graduation if you plan to pursue this degree.

Studying an MBA in finance is as challenging as learning any other MBA program. But the fact that specialization in finance requires extra focus on Maths and statistics is why some people feel a stricter degree.

An MBA in finance offers a variety of career opportunities to the candidates. These include Financial Managers, Business analysts, credit managers, hedge fund managers, chief financial officers, financial analysts, and others.

Although all kinds of MBA specializations give you a good career scope, the leading and the highest paying MBA specializations degrees include Finance, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Operations, International Business, and Luxury Management, among others. Depending on one's skill and interest, one can opt for any of these specializations and make a promising career after MBA.

The fundamental subjects covered in MBA in finance courses include micro and macroeconomics basics in specific business administration, accounting, financial analysis, investment analysis, portfolio management, and more. 

An MBA course is right because it offers a more flexible course curriculum. However, students who are seeking a career specifically in finance can opt for master's in finance. There is no right or wrong; it all depends on the needs and requirements of the individual.

Both of these courses are postgraduate degrees in the field of management. However, an MBA is mostly a degree program offered by universities, while PGDBA is a postgraduate diploma provided by B schools/institutes.

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A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

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Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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Top 7 Courses after MBA Finance in 2024 (With Highest salary)

The ever-evolving world of finance demands professionals who can continuously learn and adapt to new challenges. As an MBA Finance graduate, you already possess a strong foundation in financial management, but there’s always more to learn. With an array of specialized courses and certifications available, it’s essential to know which ones can provide the most significant boost to your career.

This article aims to present the top courses that MBA Finance graduates can pursue in India to enhance their career prospects and knowledge. We will discuss the benefits of undertaking these additional courses, factors to consider when choosing a course, and the top institutions offering these programs. Let’s dive into the world of opportunities that await you!

Why Pursue Additional Courses After an MBA Finance?

Upskilling is vital for staying relevant and competitive in the dynamic financial industry. Pursuing specialized courses after an MBA Finance can provide you with numerous benefits, including:

  • Competitive advantage: With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, having additional certifications will distinguish you from your peers and enhance your employability.
  • Diversifying skill sets : As finance evolves, so do the skills required by professionals. Acquiring new skills and qualifications can open up new career opportunities and broaden your horizons.
  • Staying updated: The financial sector is constantly changing, and it’s crucial to stay abreast of the latest industry trends, techniques, and tools. Additional courses can help you keep pace with these changes and maintain your expertise.

Top Courses to Pursue after an MBA Finance

Chartered financial analyst (cfa).

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program is a globally recognized and highly respected certification for finance professionals, administered by the CFA Institute. It focuses on investment management, including portfolio management, financial analysis, and wealth management. The program consists of three levels and typically requires 2-4 years to finish.

Why Pursue CFA After MBA Finance?

Pursuing a CFA after an MBA Finance can demonstrate a deep understanding of investment analysis and portfolio management, making you more competitive in the job market.

Cost of doing CFA

₹4 Lakh to ₹5 Lakh approximately

Average Salary After CFA

CFA charterholders in India can expect an average annual salary ranging from ₹10 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs, depending on factors like experience and job role.

Job Opportunities After CFA

The CFA designation can open up various job opportunities in the financial industry, such as investment analyst, portfolio manager, wealth manager, risk manager, financial consultant, and research analyst. CFA charterholders are also in demand in investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, private equity firms , and financial consulting firms.

For more details: CFA Jobs in India – Scope, Salary, and Recruiters

Top Institutions Offering CFA Coaching

Some of the top institutions offering CFA preparation courses in India include:

  • IMS Proschool
  • Edupristine
  • CFA Institute’s Official Learning Platform

Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

The Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification, offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), is a prestigious designation for risk management professionals. The program covers topics such as market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and risk management in investments. The course consists of two parts, and candidates can complete it within 1-2 years.

Why Pursue FRM After MBA Finance?

Pursuing an FRM after an MBA Finance showcases your expertise in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating financial risks, making you a valuable asset to employers in the finance industry.

Cost of doing FRM

The cost of the FRM Program varies depending on when you register for the exam. The one-time enrollment fee is $400, and the standard registration fee for each part ranges from $550 to $750. Additional costs may apply for preparation courses offered by various institutions.

Average Salary After FRM

In India, professionals who have earned the FRM certification can anticipate an average yearly salary between ₹8 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs, which varies based on elements such as their experience, job position, and geographical location.

Job Opportunities After FRM

The FRM certification can open up various job opportunities in the financial industry, such as risk analyst, credit risk manager, market risk manager, operational risk manager, and risk consultant. FRM-certified professionals are in demand in banks, investment firms, insurance companies, consulting firms, and regulatory agencies.

For more details, read: FRM Jobs in India – Scope, salary and Recruiters

Top Institutions Offering FRM Coaching

Some of the top institutions offering FRM preparation courses in India include:

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The CMA certification, offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), concentrates on management accounting, financial analysis, planning, and decision-making. The course has two parts which can be completed within 12-18 months.

Why Pursue CMA After MBA Finance?

Pursuing a CMA after an MBA Finance enhances your skills in strategic financial planning and analysis, setting you apart from your peers and increasing your value to potential employers.

Cost of doing CMA

The cost of the CMA Program includes a one-time IMA membership fee ($245 for professionals, $39 for students) and an entrance fee ($250). The standard exam fee for each part is $415 for professionals and $311 for students. Additional costs may apply for preparation courses offered by various institutions.

Average Salary After CMA

Professionals in India who have attained the CMA certification can anticipate an average yearly salary between ₹7 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs, which varies based on elements such as their experience, job position, and geographical location.

Job Opportunities After CMA

The CMA certification can open up various job opportunities in the financial industry, such as management accountant, financial analyst, financial controller, finance manager, and chief financial officer. CMA-certified professionals are in demand in corporations, consulting firms, and government agencies.

Top Institutions Offering CMA Coaching

Some of the top institutions offering CMA preparation courses in India include:

  • EduPristine
  • Miles Education

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, provided by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB), is a highly regarded credential globally acknowledged for financial planning professionals. The program covers topics such as financial planning, which includes investment planning, insurance planning, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. The course consists of multiple modules which can be completed within 12 to 18 months.

Why Pursue CFP After MBA Finance?

Pursuing a CFP after an MBA Finance demonstrates your expertise in creating comprehensive financial plans tailored to individual clients’ needs, making you a valuable asset to employers in the financial industry.

Cost of doing CFP

The expense of the CFP Program encompasses a one-time registration fee (₹12,000), module fees (₹18,000 per module), and examination fees (₹5,000 per exam).Additional costs may apply for preparation courses offered by various institutions.

Average Salary After CFP

In India, professionals who have earned the CFP certification can anticipate an average yearly salary between ₹6 lakhs to ₹18 lakhs, which varies based on elements such as their experience, job position, and geographical location.

Job Opportunities After CFP

The CFP certification can open up various job opportunities in the financial industry, such as financial planner, wealth manager, investment advisor, insurance planner, and estate planner. CFP-certified professionals are in demand in banks, wealth management firms, insurance companies, and financial planning consultancies.

Top Institutions Offering CFP Coaching

Some of the top institutions offering CFP preparation courses in India include:

  • International College of Financial Planning (ICoFP)
  • Ambition Learning Solutions

Financial Modeling and Valuations

Financial Modeling and Valuation is a globally recognized skill for professionals aspiring to get into core finance jobs. The certification covers topics such as Excel-based financial modeling, business valuation, and financial analysis. The course consists of multiple modules and can be completed within 4-6 months.

Why Pursue FMV Course After MBA Finance?

Pursuing an FMVA after an MBA Finance showcases your expertise in creating financial models, valuing businesses, and analyzing financial data, making you a valuable asset to employers in the finance industry.

Cost of doing FMV Course

The cost of the FMV Program can range from $400 to $500, which depends upon the institution and the level of details of the particular course.

Average Salary After FMV Course

Professionals who have obtained the FMVA certification in India can expect an average yearly salary ranging from ₹8 lakhs to ₹22 lakhs, which varies based on factors such as their experience, job role, and location.

Job Opportunities After FMV Course

The FMVA certification can open up various job opportunities in the financial industry, such as financial analyst, financial modeler, valuation analyst, investment banker, and equity research analyst. FMVA-certified professionals are in demand in investment banks, private equity firms, hedge funds, and financial consulting firms.

Top Institutions Offering FMV Course

Some of the top institutions offering FMV course in India include:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The CPA certification, offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), is a highly respected credential for accounting professionals worldwide. The program covers topics such as auditing, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, and business environment and concepts. The course consists of four sections and can be completed within 12-18 months.

Why Pursue CPA After MBA Finance?

Pursuing a CPA after an MBA Finance enhances your skills in accounting, financial reporting, and auditing, making you a valuable asset to employers in the finance and accounting industries.

Cost of doing CPA

The cost of the CPA Program includes a one-time application fee ($150-$200, depending on the jurisdiction) and an examination fee for each section ($226.15 per section). Additional costs may apply for preparation courses offered by various institutions.

Average Salary After CPA

In India, professionals who have earned the CPA certification can expect an average yearly salary ranging from ₹8 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs, which varies based on factors such as their experience, job role, and location.

Job Opportunities After CPA

The CPA certification can open up various job opportunities in the financial and accounting industries, such as public accountant, auditor, tax consultant, financial analyst, and financial controller. CPA-certified professionals are in demand in accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Top Institutions Offering CPA Coaching

Some of the top institutions offering CPA preparation courses in India include:

  • Becker Professional Education
  • Wiley CPAexcel

Advanced Management Program (AMP) or PhD in Finance

The Advanced Management Program (AMP), also called PhD in Finance is an executive education program designed for experienced finance professionals seeking to broaden their understanding of finance and leadership. The program covers topics such as corporate finance, financial strategy, risk management, and leadership development. The course duration varies depending on the institution, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months.

Why Pursue AMP After MBA Finance?

Pursuing an AMP in Finance after an MBA Finance can help you develop strategic thinking, enhance decision-making abilities, and improve leadership skills, making you a more effective leader in the finance industry.

Cost of doing AMP

The cost of the AMP in Finance varies depending on the institution and program duration. It can range from ₹2 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs or more. Some institutions may offer scholarships or financial aid to help cover the program fees.

Average Salary After AMP

Professionals who complete an AMP in Finance can expect an average annual salary ranging from ₹15 lakhs to ₹35 lakhs or more, depending on factors like experience, job role, and location.

Job Opportunities After AMP

The AMP in Finance can open up various job opportunities in the financial industry, such as finance director, chief financial officer, financial consultant, and senior finance manager. Professionals who complete an AMP in Finance are in demand in corporations, banks, investment firms, and financial consulting firms.

Top Institutions Offering AMP

Some of the top institutions offering Advanced Management Programs in Finance in India and globally include

  • Indian School of Business (ISB)
  • Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore
  • Harvard Business School (HBS)

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Course

  • Personal interests and career goals : It’s essential to choose a course that aligns with your interests and long-term career objectives.
  • Time commitment and course duration: Consider the time you can dedicate to the program and how it fits into your schedule.
  • Financial investment : Evaluate the cost of the course, including tuition, study materials, and examination fees, to ensure it aligns with your budget.
  • Reputation and accreditation of the institution offering the course : Research the credibility of the institution providing the course and whether it is accredited by relevant industry organizations.

Continuous learning is critical for staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of finance. By pursuing top courses after your MBA Finance in India, you can enhance your career growth and maintain a competitive edge in the financial industry.

By selecting the appropriate program, you can broaden your range of expertise and open up fresh opportunities in the finance industry. The journey to success never ends, so embrace the challenge and keep learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

If your MBA is from top 20 MBA Colleges and you have a good campus placement then you should take that ahead otherwise you can consider the latter option.

The candidates have a wide range of job options with an MBA in finance. These professionals include chief financial officers, business analysts, credit managers, hedge fund managers, and financial analysts, among others.

phd options after mba finance

CA Yash Jain

Bain & Co. 5000+ Students Trained in the field of Investment Banking, FRM & CFA

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Pursuing a PhD After an MBA in the USA: What You Need to Know

May 15, 2023

A stack of books and a graduation cap

If you’re considering pursuing a PhD after completing an MBA in the USA, there are a number of factors to take into account. Not only will you need to choose the right program, but you’ll also need to balance work and study, secure funding, and explore career opportunities once you’ve completed your degree. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what you need to know when pursuing a PhD after an MBA in the USA.

The Advantages of Combining an MBA and a PhD in the USA

Top universities in the usa for mba-phd joint programs, how to choose the best mba-phd joint program in the usa, the application process for mba-phd joint programs in the usa, the importance of research experience for mba-phd joint programs in the usa, funding options for mba-phd joint programs in the usa, balancing work and study: tips for pursuing an mba-phd joint program in the usa, career opportunities after completing an mba-phd joint program in the usa, potential salary increase with an mba-phd combination in the usa, future trends and growth opportunities for phds with an mba in the usa.

One of the main advantages of pursuing both an MBA and a PhD is that it can give you a competitive edge in the job market. You’ll have the practical business skills offered by an MBA, as well as the research and analytical expertise provided by a PhD. This unique combination can be highly attractive to employers, particularly those in industries that require both business acumen and technical expertise, such as finance, healthcare, and technology.

Another advantage of combining an MBA and a PhD is that it can open up a wider range of career opportunities. With an MBA, you may be limited to certain roles within a company, such as management or consulting. However, with a PhD, you can pursue careers in academia, research, or even entrepreneurship. This versatility can be especially valuable in today’s rapidly changing job market.

Additionally, pursuing both degrees simultaneously can save time and money compared to pursuing them separately. Many universities offer joint MBA/PhD programs that allow students to complete both degrees in less time than it would take to complete them separately. This can also result in cost savings, as students may be eligible for scholarships or other financial aid that would not be available if they pursued the degrees separately.

If you’re interested in pursuing an MBA and a PhD, there are a number of top universities in the USA that offer joint programs designed for students like you. Some of the best schools to consider include the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each school offers a slightly different focus, so it’s important to research each program carefully to determine which one is the best fit for your goals and interests.

One benefit of pursuing a joint MBA-PhD program is the opportunity to gain both practical and theoretical knowledge in your field of study. These programs often combine coursework with research opportunities, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world problems. Additionally, many joint programs offer funding and resources for students to conduct their own research, which can be a valuable experience for those interested in pursuing careers in academia or research.

Also read: Pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering in USA

When choosing an MBA-PhD joint program in the USA, there are a number of key factors to consider. These include the program format (e.g. full-time, part-time, online), the curriculum and course offerings, the faculty and research opportunities, and the program’s reputation and rankings. It’s also important to consider the program’s location and any networking or internship opportunities available, as these can be key to securing post-graduation employment.

Another important factor to consider when choosing an MBA-PhD joint program is the program’s focus and specialization. Some programs may have a specific focus, such as entrepreneurship or healthcare management, while others may offer a more general business education. It’s important to choose a program that aligns with your career goals and interests.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the program’s cost and financial aid options. MBA-PhD joint programs can be expensive, so it’s important to research the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. Many programs offer financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships to help offset the cost, so be sure to explore these options as well.

The application process for MBA-PhD joint programs can be detailed and time-consuming. Typically, applicants must submit a range of materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and GRE or GMAT scores. It’s important to carefully review the application guidelines for each program you’re interested in and to meet all deadlines to ensure your application is considered.

In addition to the required materials, some MBA-PhD joint programs may also require applicants to complete additional essays or interviews. It’s important to research each program thoroughly to understand their specific requirements and expectations. Additionally, it’s recommended that applicants have relevant work experience and a strong academic background to increase their chances of being accepted into these highly competitive programs. Finally, it’s important to note that the application process for MBA-PhD joint programs can take several months, so it’s important to plan accordingly and stay organized throughout the process.

Research experience is highly valued in MBA-PhD joint programs because it helps prepare students for the rigorous research demands of a PhD program. Students with research experience are often better equipped to handle the complex research challenges they’ll face, and may be more likely to secure research assistantships and other funding opportunities.

Furthermore, research experience can also help MBA-PhD joint program students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in both academia and industry. Through research projects, students learn how to analyze data, identify patterns, and draw conclusions, skills that are highly valued in the business world. Additionally, research experience can help students build a strong network of contacts in their field, which can be invaluable when seeking job opportunities or collaborating on future research projects.

There are a number of funding options available to students pursuing MBA-PhD joint programs in the USA. These include scholarships, grants, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. It’s important to research each funding option carefully to determine which ones you are eligible for and to apply for as many as possible to help offset the cost of tuition and expenses.

One popular funding option for MBA-PhD joint programs is through employer sponsorship. Many companies offer tuition reimbursement or financial assistance for employees pursuing advanced degrees. This can be a great way to gain valuable work experience while also furthering your education.

Another funding option to consider is taking out student loans. While this should be a last resort, it can be a viable option for those who are unable to secure enough funding through scholarships or other means. It’s important to carefully consider the terms and interest rates of any loans before accepting them, and to have a solid plan for repayment after graduation.

One of the biggest challenges in pursuing an MBA-PhD joint program is balancing work and study. It’s important to prioritize your time and stay organized, setting aside dedicated time for both work and study. Consider taking advantage of flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, to help manage your workload. And don’t forget to take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly.

Another important tip for balancing work and study in an MBA-PhD joint program is to build a support system. This can include family, friends, colleagues, and classmates who can offer encouragement, advice, and assistance when needed. It’s also helpful to connect with alumni and professionals in your field who have gone through similar experiences and can provide valuable insights and guidance. By building a strong support system, you can stay motivated and focused on your goals, even during the most challenging times.

Graduates of MBA-PhD joint programs are well-positioned for a variety of exciting career opportunities. Some go on to work in academia, conducting research and teaching courses related to business and management. Others may work in consulting, finance, or technology, using their unique blend of business and analytical skills to solve complex problems and drive innovation.

Additionally, graduates of MBA-PhD joint programs may also pursue careers in government or non-profit organizations, where they can apply their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on society. They may work in areas such as public policy, international development, or social entrepreneurship. The interdisciplinary nature of the MBA-PhD joint program equips graduates with a diverse set of skills and perspectives, making them valuable assets in a wide range of industries and sectors.

Studies have shown that students who combine an MBA and a PhD can earn significantly higher salaries than those with just an MBA or just a PhD. This is because the combination of business and research skills is in high demand in a number of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. While salaries may vary depending on the industry and location, the potential for higher earnings is certainly a draw for many students considering this path.

Furthermore, the combination of an MBA and a PhD can also lead to more job opportunities and career advancement. Graduates with this dual degree are often sought after for leadership positions in their respective fields, as they possess a unique set of skills that allow them to effectively manage teams, conduct research, and make strategic business decisions. In addition, many companies offer tuition reimbursement or other incentives for employees who pursue advanced degrees, making it a financially feasible option for those looking to further their education and career.

The future looks bright for PhDs with an MBA in the USA. As technology continues to advance and industries become more complex, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with a unique blend of business and technical skills. This trend is expected to continue long into the future, meaning that graduates of MBA-PhD joint programs are well-positioned to take advantage of a wide range of exciting career opportunities and contribute to meaningful and impactful research.

One area where PhDs with an MBA are particularly in demand is in the field of healthcare. With the aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, there is a growing need for professionals who can navigate the complex healthcare landscape and develop innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes. Graduates of MBA-PhD programs with a focus on healthcare management are well-equipped to meet this demand and make a real difference in the lives of patients.

Another area where PhDs with an MBA can make a significant impact is in the field of sustainability. As concerns about climate change and environmental degradation continue to grow, businesses are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. Graduates of MBA-PhD programs with a focus on sustainability can help companies develop and implement effective sustainability strategies, while also conducting research that advances our understanding of the complex environmental challenges we face.

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Is It Necessary to Get a PhD After MBA?

  • Blog Summary

A PhD in management enables you to gain a competitive edge, hone your skills, network with industry professionals and students worldwide, become a scholar and move up the career ladder. You can specialize in accounting, economics, marketing, finance, ethics and legal studies, healthcare management, etc. PhD in management helps you pursue jobs like a management consultant, professor, policy analyst, CEO and organizational change manager. The online programs from TSL-UCN adopt advanced teaching methodologies to improve your learning capacity, an international curriculum with global recognition, experienced faculty, mentors and academic heads, access to extensive learning resources and guidance for dissertation. Gain proficiency to become an excellent decision maker and thought leader.

Solution: A PhD in Management

Careers for graduates with a phd in management, feasible online phd in management for working professionals, why choose our online phd in management course.

MBA has been a gold standard for business and management professionals to seek for a long time. But, is there any degree that would add more value to an MBA graduate ? Have you ever thought of a PhD after MBA ?

Yes, you can take your career a step further in the world of business and management by enrolling yourself in a PhD in management . Whether pursuing a role in academics, research, or simply adding more value to your resume, a PhD in management would be an indispensable qualification one can undertake. If you are wondering what you would gain by enrolling in a PhD after MBA , keep reading.

Importance of Business Leaders in Africa

Africa has always had the potential to become the next global super continent, and the day of success is yet to come. Strong business leaders and innovators are pivotal in the growth of any country. One cannot overstate the importance of good leaders as they will utilize the resources and human potential to churn out productivity and goodwill. With nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35 from over 54 countries. One-third are still unemployed. It is estimated that almost 10 million managers must manage these working-class people to effectively improve the continent’s growth.

With rising global needs and the need to reduce reliance in a single country, many multinational conglomerates are looking to base on other countries to diversify their dependence. Good leaders are needed now more than ever to run these companies and suffice the mutually beneficial opportunities.

A PhD in management is a pathway to specialization or even sub-specialization, depending upon the candidate’s MBA. PhD after MBA would allow professionals to tackle specific research areas and answer questions with the potential relevance to the business world. Here are some of the fields of PhD after MBA specializations:

  • Decision and analysis sciences
  • Ethics and legal studies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Organizational behavior
  • Health care management
  • Human resource
  • Operations research and management
  • Information technology management

Business schools are always in need of highly qualified and tenured business professionals who have a PhD. They require them to engage in research as their school rankings are highly influenced by the number of PhD-qualified faculty. Though a PhD in management is sought after by those interested in an academic or a research career, it is also beneficial to other business and management sectors.

Why Should You Consider a PhD After MBA?

Now you know that you can pursue a PhD after MBA now. You might ask us what the benefits of PhD are after MBA. In that case, let us explain as there are various benefits of PhD after MBA.

  • Gain a Competitive Edge over Your Peers

Be it an on-campus or an online PhD in management degree ; it becomes an immediate marketable qualification that will give you a competitive edge among your peers in the modern workforce. A PhD will add a layer of credibility which bolsters your expertise in the eyes of a potential or your current employer. A PhD will also help you achieve your career goals irrespective of teaching, research, consulting, or anything else entirely.

  • Hone Your Skills and Specialize

With a PhD in management , candidates will be able to hone in on their skills and specialize in the field they are interested in. The degree can also empower you to impact your current role by giving you expertise outside of your organization by providing research projects that may tackle various aspects in other industries. The time and the vast opportunities at hand will allow candidates to define themselves as they see fit.

  • Meet Role Models and Network with Specialists

While pursuing a PhD in management , you will have the chance to meet and interact with many industry professionals with similar views, leading to many future collaborations and mutually beneficial business and academic endeavors.

Your classmates will also be your competition and colleagues in the future. Excellent opportunities will present themselves to you via academic conferences, which provide ideal opportunities to meet new like-minded professionals and scholars to expand your network.

  • Become a Scholar

Pursuing a PhD is the pinnacle of learning in any given discipline. Students often work with the fringes of understanding and develop on it for others. A PhD will allow one to truly become a thinking man’s scholar beyond the specific knowledge of the discipline, paving the way for other thinkers to lay their foundation in the future.

The scholarly works are not merely limited to transferable knowledge but also research that can transcend many lifetimes. One would write decorations, reviewing articles, and publish in your field’s journals. A PhD in management can aid you places you never conceived possible, advancing you as much a scholar in the most real sense.

  • Move up in the Career Ladder

As a PhD graduate, you get the chance to switch to different specialties and move up the career ladder if you are inclined. Many executive board level positions open up to specialized professionals who have the appropriate qualification and experience. Candidates will also serve as prominent consultants of the industry to help organizations develop a definitive well through strategy.

As one can see, the benefits of doing a PhD in management are in abundance; one only has many to gain by opting for a PhD in management as PhD management jobs in the academic and research sector are not the only options on offer to the graduates but also others such as;

Why Should You Consider an Online Management Course?

Online management courses have become the norm in recent times as more and more reputed business schools worldwide have started to offer online management courses for students worldwide.

One can also take up PhD courses in management online from your home’s comfort at a predefined flexible phase. Online PhD in management programs offer students a comprehensive program often based on in-class programs to help students get the most out of their sessions. The classes are set up as per the student’s agreed schedule and the board, allowing them to pursue their PhD in management courses without compromising their job or business.

A doctoral degree program in management imparts several skills that can be utilized as a part of a corporate organization, autonomously as a consultant, or even working in the public policy field with the government or an NGO. These are a few of the jobs you might want to pursue following the completion of your program.

After completing your program, you will be well-equipped to become an instructor in the business or management field yourself. You could also enter the private market as a member of a company or as an external consultant brought in to improve processes.

  • Management Consultant

Companies seldom need to look for experts who can help them drive further success as they hire business consultants to collaborate with the organization to identify the appropriate business solutions. They may also build relationships with vendors and create programs that can meet a company’s business goals. Consultants can deal with various organizational issues. Still, they will routinely need to be both analytical in their approach to the data and collaborative in dealing with people.

  • Business Professor

Business professors work at university level business schools and are typically expected to lecture students in their area of expertise. Professors are also often called upon to perform their independent research to publish in academic journals. A PhD in Management qualifies an individual for instructing students in business at the college level through lectures and the development of appropriate exercises, and the use of regular assessments.

  • Policy Analyst

Some of the skills acquired as a part of doctoral work in management are transferable to the public policy field, like data analysis and setting business policies. As a policy analyst, you will be tasked to review, collaborate, and provide feedback with policies and aid in developing new proposals. This role requires analysts to perform an in-depth analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data during policy development.

  • Chief Executive Officers

Developing strategic plans for organizations is the prime purpose of the executives. These professionals consider the time required to implement change, the processes involved, and the overall costs. Executives also oversee various departments and cultivate positive relationships throughout the organization to enhance performance.

One of the advantages of the doctorate in management is the ability to enter a wide variety of fields after completing your program. This flexible degree suits both the independent-minded who want to act as consultants or prefer a consistent corporate environment.

  • Organizational Change Manager

Many organizations are now hiring change managers. These professionals are innovators who analyze and implement practical and critical organizational changes to improve the business. Change managers are also responsible for helping transition an organization to a new process, technical system, or an entirely new business model.

These professionals are accountable for researching, planning, and implementing a variety of changes. Usually, they organize critical meetings composed of organizational leaders and present their findings backed up by factual research data outlining the benefits the organization will receive if they proceed with the change.

In an academic partnership with the University of Central Nicaragua, Taksha Smartlabz (TSL-UCN) offers an acclaimed online PhD in management. This online PhD course is provided on a par with the regular program. It blends online learning flexibility, coupled with hands-on training to help students meet their professional goals and grow as a thought leader in your chosen field of work.

Choosing our online PhD in management course is a solid decision on any front. Learn more by reading further:

  • The program is crafted to help students develop both professional and personal skills.
  • More emphasis is given to developing enhanced scholarly skills through research, publishing articles, and book reviews.
  • TSL-UCN utilizes and implements various new teaching methodologies and tools that will enhance the student’s learning capacity and abilities.
  • Gain the proficiency to become an excellent decision-maker and a thought-leader.
  • TSL-UCN offers a well-structured, international standard curriculum that is internationally recognized.
  • A unique, well-thought-out block-based learning methodology known as BRICS-backed up by a state-of-the-art learning and management system.
  • Complete the PhD courses in management with ease with the support of our highly experienced global faculty, student mentors, and academic heads.
  • Access to a complete repository of course and supporting materials accessible virtually anywhere or anytime.
  • Students are also offered thesis and dissertation support as well as access to e-journals throughout their program duration.

With that, we hope that you now will be able to see what’s next after an MBA and how it can be valuable to your career as a business and management professional. Good luck!

Become a Business & Management Professional

Enroll PhD in Management at Taksha Smartlabz in association with the University of Central Nicaragua and make your career growth

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PhD after MBA

Hi Uotians, I was not that excited about exploring PhD domain before I had a realtime conversation with the one who is already pursuing from IIM Kozhikode. There are tons of opportunities available once you pursue a PhD after MBA. Let’s explore more about Why PhD after MBA, Eligibility Criteria and Career Scope.

The following information is pertaining to the PhD after an MBA from India – specifically to IIMs. We will add more information about PhD after MBA from Abroad as well.

PhD after MBA in India

Why do a PhD after MBA?

After successful completion, the PhD program can open tons of opportunities in domains like academics, corporate, research, consulting, etc.

The jobs roles available are Management Consultant, Business Professor, Policy Analyst, etc.

Eligibility Criteria for a PhD after MBA

The scores of CAT 2018, CAT 2019 and CAT 2020 are considered valid for application to the PhD. Program in 2021.

Standard Test Score not required if an applicant is:

  • PGP Alumni of any IIM
  • PGPX/PGP-PMP Alumni of any IIM where such courses are offered

(Part-time/Distance Learning programs of IIM are not taken into consideration)

How to do a PhD after MBA?

  • The candidate must fit into Eligibility criteria as discussed
  • The candidate is required to take the CAT exam. The NRIs and foreign students can apply through GMAT.
  • The following table will help you understand the exams accepted instead of CAT

Stipend for PhD after MBA

  • The stipend for IIMs varies in the range of Rs. 30,000
  • The is an additional amount entitled that covers expenses of attending international conference or workshops, etc.

*We will be adding more information to this article, please post your questions in the comment section.

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Home  >  News & Articles  >  PhD after MBA: In India, Admissions 2024, Entrance Exams, Fees

phd options after mba finance

Sheeza Khan

Updated on 20th February, 2024 , 8 min read

PhD after MBA: In India, Admissions 2024, Entrance Exams, Fees

A PhD after an MBA is an advanced program where you can become a doctor in a specific area of business Finance, Marketing, Operations, or Human Resources. To qualify, you generally need a 2-year MBA degree and you should pass exams like  UGC-NET or   GATE . Having a good score, a research plan, recommendations, and work experience make it more likely to get into a top MBA college. It usually takes 3-5 years to finish a PhD after MBA in India, but it could be 4-7 years abroad.

Also read: Top PhD Entrance Exams in India 

In the realm of MBA dreams, institutions like  FMS New Delhi ,  BHU , the prestigious IIMs, and the ingenious IITs stand tall as the elite havens for pursuing a PhD after your MBA adventure. 

Further Reading: IIT Madras PhD Admission 2023

Venturing into the realm of a PhD after MBA opens doors to the realms of teaching and delving deep into the realms of research. Many of you might be wondering about the average salary package spanning from INR 2,00,000 to INR 14,00,000.

More PhD Courses: 

More about MBA: 

PhD After MBA: Course Details

Phd-after-MBA

Also read:  GATE Study Material

Why pursue PhD after MBA?

Pursuing a PhD after an MBA in India can offer several compelling benefits:

  • Deep Expertise: A PhD allows you to specialize and delve deeply into a specific area of business, enhancing your expertise and knowledge in your chosen field.
  • Research Opportunities : A PhD program provides you with the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in business and management, potentially leading to valuable insights and innovations.
  • Academic Career : If you aspire to an academic career, a PhD is often a requirement for becoming a professor at universities and business schools, allowing you to educate the next generation of business leaders.
  • Career Advancement : A PhD can set you apart in the job market, opening doors to higher-level positions and leadership roles in both corporate and non-corporate sectors.
  • Personal Fulfillmen t: Undertaking a PhD is a journey of personal growth and intellectual challenge, allowing you to engage deeply with your chosen subject matter and develop critical thinking skills.
  • Networking : Doctoral programs provide opportunities to connect with experts in your field, fellow students, and professionals, expanding your professional network.
  • Enhanced Problem-Solving: PhD programs often cultivate advanced problem-solving skills, which can be applied to complex business challenges.

Also Read:  Tips to prepare for UGC Net

More MBA Courses: 

Who should pursue PhD after MBA?

Eligibility criteria for pursuing a PhD after an MBA in India can vary depending on the specific university, institute, and program. However, there are general requirements that are commonly applicable:

  • MBA Degree : Candidates must hold a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) degree from a recognized university or institute. This demonstrates a foundational understanding of business and management concepts.
  • Minimum Marks: Many institutions require candidates to have obtained a certain minimum percentage or  grade point average (GPA) in their MBA program. This threshold can vary, but it's typically around 55% or equivalent.
  • Relevant Subjects : The candidate's MBA specialization should align with the field of study they wish to pursue for their PhD for instance, if you want to pursue a PhD in Marketing, your MBA specialization should have been in Marketing.
  • Entrance Exam: Some universities and institutes may require candidates to clear a relevant entrance examination specific to the PhD program they are interested in. This could involve subject-related questions, research aptitude, and general knowledge.
  • Research Proposal: Applicants are often required to submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of research. This proposal should demonstrate a clear research question, objectives, methodology, and potential contribution to the field.
  • Work Experience : While not always mandatory, having relevant work experience can be advantageous, especially for certain specialized PhD programs. It can demonstrate practical knowledge and a real-world perspective on the subject.
  • Interview:  Some institutions may conduct interviews as part of the selection process. This is an opportunity for candidates to discuss their research interests and demonstrate their commitment to the program.
  • Qualifying Examinations : In some cases, candidates might need to qualify for national-level exams such as  UGC-NET (University Grants Commission - National Eligibility Test) or  GATE  (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) to be eligible for certain PhD programs.

PhD after MBA: PhD Finance Course Details

PhD in Finance is a research-focused program offering strong academic prospects. Typically pursued after an MBA in Finance , it's available at esteemed institutions such as IIMs, FMS New Delhi , ISB , and IIT. The program delves into topics like Share Valuation, Privatization, Globalization, and Management Accounting.

Further Reading: MBA Finance Syllabus & Subjects 

PhD after MBA: PhD Marketing Course Details

PhD in Marketing is a 3-year program aimed at training students for teaching and research in marketing and related domains. Admission is based on entrance exams and interviews. Candidates with relevant postgraduate qualifications, including an MBA in Marketing, can apply. The program offers diverse career paths, like Market Research Analyst, Marketing Communications Leader, and Marketing Executive.

Further Reading: MBA in Marketing

PhD after MBA: PhD Organizational Behavior Course Details

PhD in Organizational Behavior is a 3 to 5-year program studying human behavior in organizations. Eligibility requires a master’s or MPhil degree with a 55% minimum aggregate after an MBA in Organizational Behavior. Graduates can secure positions in Academic Institutions, Colleges, Finance, Marketing, IT, etc., with average salaries ranging from INR 4,00,000 to INR 8,00,000.

PhD after MBA: PhD Business Management Course Details

PhD in Business Management is a 3-year program focusing on business operations like leadership, organization, and planning. Eligibility requires a master’s degree with relevant subjects and a minimum aggregate of 50% or more, post-MBA in Business Management.

PhD after MBA: PhD HR Management Course Details

PhD in Human Resource Management is a 3 to 5-year program focusing on teaching organizational processes for productivity enhancement. It prepares students for HR management roles, requiring a master’s degree from a UGC-recognized or foreign university post-MBA in HR Management. 

PhD after MBA: PhD Management Studies Course Details

PhD in Management Studies is a 3-year program imparting management and organizational skills. Eligibility requires a master's degree in a related field with 50-60% aggregate, post-MBA in Management Studies.

Further Reading: BMS Course Details 

PhD after MBA: PhD Banking and Finance Course Details

PhD in Banking and Finance is a 3-year program designed to provide comprehensive knowledge in domestic and international banking, economics, and investment. A master's degree from a recognized university is the minimum eligibility for PhD after MBA in Banking and Finance. Graduates can secure positions in educational institutions, stock exchanges, banks, etc., with average salaries ranging from INR 1,80,000 to INR 6,00,000.

Further Reading: MBA Finance Jobs 

PhD after MBA: PhD Disaster Management Course Details

PhD in Disaster Management is a 3-year program focused on Environment and Disaster Management. Eligibility entails a master’s degree or M.Phil in the relevant field with at least 55% aggregate and 5 years of work experience.

Also Read: PhD in IGNOU

PhD after MBA: PhD Commerce and Management Course Details

PhD in Commerce and Management is a 3-year program focusing on commerce and business management education. To qualify for PhD after MBA in Commerce and Management, candidates need a master's degree, MBA, or MPhil with at least 55% aggregate.

Further Reading: BMS Subjects & Syllabus

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Career options after Ph.D in Finance

  • Thread starter senoz
  • Start date 10/27/09

senoz

I am doing Ph.D in Finance. The structure of the program and the courses that I am taking does not give me much chance to apply my knowledge in c++ , stochastic calculus and other math topics. So I think I am losing much of my quantitative skills instead of improving them. You guys are working at hedge funds and investment banks. I was wondering if you guys meet people with Finance Ph.D and what do they do? I know about Peter Carr but I am pretty sure that today he would hire someone with Ph.D in Physics or Math instead of Finance. I am taking courses on Econometrics, Options, Futures Market, Market Microstructure etc. and I am using SAS or Matlab. In short I would like to know how much chance do I have in Wall St. with a Ph.D in Finance and what my options are besides quantitative analyst positions. I know this is a site for quants so I don't mind if you remove this thread or do not answer my questions. Thanks anyway.  

Market Crises= Gray Hair

It's my understanding that only something like 100 Finance PhDs get created every year outside of maybe a few programs, and something like 80-90 of them will go into academia for an easy life of teaching MBA classes and doing research 30-40 hours/week and collecting a solid, six-figure paycheck in many cases. If you're one of the 10-20 foolishly throwing away that wonderful lifestyle to go into industry, I'd like to think you'll get into almost any interview for a quant job. Whether you'll get an offer or not will probably depend on the interview, but you'll have a lot of doors open to you. The company I worked for (before it capitulated in September) required all of its quants to have PhDs in Finance, Physics or a hard science, Math, Econ, or Comp. Sci- these jobs weren't available to typical financial engineering masters'. Other options for finance PhDs will probably involve investment banking research, risk management, or M&A/IPO work at a typical investment bank. Basically, almost every front-office door will be open to you. If you're at any sort of disadvantage because you're not a Math PhD right now, the Finance PhD will serve you extremely well in ten years. There are fewer Finance PhDs out there, which makes your status, well, unique. Also, if there is another market-crash, you've got a built-in put for academia.  

IlyaKEightSix

Hmmm...SAS I heard is used a bit in Wall Street, though I myself much prefer R to that or MatLab, which seems to be liked by OR types since it has every known heuristic known to man pre-implemented. On the downside, MatLab is slow. SAS, however, is almost as fast as C/ C++ (there's like a 50% speed improvement from SAS to C++ ) As far as your stoch calc/ C++ ...ouch. As with any topic, if you don't use it, you lose it. And odds are, the more difficult the subject, the shorter its half-life, at least in my opinion. As for job options...you can become a finance professor teaching a bunch of financial theory to a bunch of "if we major in finance, we'll know how to get rich" students. As for quantitative positions and those that trade the more quantitative instruments (options/futures/etc...), as far as I see, firms want engineers/math/physics majors for that. In short...I wish you luck. Edit: Unless you want to work in academia teaching MBA and undergrad finance courses. It's just that I consider that purgatory. And if GoIllini says you've got X amount of doors open to you, he knows better than I do. But I see math (and its applied variant)/CS/physics/hard quant science PhDs specified.  

chaoticrambler

chaoticrambler

IlyaKEightSix said: Hmmm...SAS I heard is used a bit in Wall Street, though I myself much prefer R to that or MatLab, which seems to be liked by OR types since it has every known heuristic known to man pre-implemented. On the downside, MatLab is slow. SAS, however, is almost as fast as C/ C++ (there's like a 50% speed improvement from SAS to C++ ) As far as your stoch calc/ C++ ...ouch. As with any topic, if you don't use it, you lose it. And odds are, the more difficult the subject, the shorter its half-life, at least in my opinion. As for job options...you can become a finance professor teaching a bunch of financial theory to a bunch of "if we major in finance, we'll know how to get rich" students. As for quantitative positions and those that trade the more quantitative instruments (options/futures/etc...), as far as I see, firms want engineers/math/physics majors for that. In short...I wish you luck. Click to expand...

DanM

Math Student

Peter Carr has a PhD in Finance, a BCom in Accounting/Econ, and an MBA. So it isn't completely undoable to gain entry into quantitative finance - though I'm sure he's an exception, rather than the rule.  

Stefan Zota

I agree with GoIllini about value of Finance PhD. In fact I know 2 people working on Wall Street with such a degree. They are in good positions (focused more on econometrics side) and they have pretty safe jobs. The option to teach is always something worthwhile. Many other sciences graduate large number of PhD and few open tenure spots (e.g. Math, Computer Science, Physics).  

Stefan Zota said: I agree with GoIllini about value of Finance PhD. In fact I know 2 people working on Wall Street with such a degree. They are in good positions (focused more on econometrics side) and they have pretty safe jobs. The option to teach is always something worthwhile. Many other sciences graduate large number of PhD and few open tenure spots (e.g. Math, Computer Science, Physics). Click to expand...

Andy Nguyen

Andy Nguyen

Forget about tenured track at a top 20 school in any field. The Math dept of Bronx Community College (CUNY) received over 200 CVs a few years ago when it advertised an open tenured-track assistant professorship. Positions like that are now far and few between.  

Andy said: Forget about tenured track at a top 20 school in any field. The Math dept of Bronx Community College (CUNY) received over 200 CVs a few years ago when it advertised an open tenured-track assistant professorship. Positions like that are now far and few between. Click to expand...
cinoglan said: In short I would like to know how much chance do I have in Wall St. with a Ph.D in Finance and what my options are besides quantitative analyst positions. Click to expand...
Andy said: I read somewhere that Finance PhD programs will reject you out right if you ever mention going to industry when you apply. Maybe it's true for the few top programs only and the idea of Finance PhD is going into academia? Click to expand...
chaoticrambler said: I think you are mistaken. Click to expand...
As for job options...you can become a finance professor teaching a bunch of financial theory to a bunch of "if we major in finance, we'll know how to get rich" students. As for quantitative positions and those that trade the more quantitative instruments (options/futures/etc...), as far as I see, firms want engineers/math/physics majors for that. Click to expand...
As for quantitative positions and those that trade the more quantitative instruments (options/futures/etc...), as far as I see, firms want engineers/math/physics majors for that. Click to expand...

I think the price tag on PhDs from top 25 programs is a little bit higher (near $200K). But there's a little more risk in going for the PhD. Since someone else is paying your tuition and living expenses, there tends to be little less tolerance for shortcomings at any point along the way (thus the high salaries). And don't underestimate the quant-ness of PhDs in finance. Most take courses in optimization, real analysis, linear algebra, a series in statistics, and maybe some stochastic calculus. The grad school curriculum in fiance and economics is far from the linear supply and demand curves from undergrad. What I think most finance/econ PhD programs lack is numerical methods, which I guess is by design, because the goal tends to be theoretical research.  

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Phd after mba.

No logo Blog Cover .png 04 Baibhav Ojha PhD After MBA

PhD Courses after MBA offer an opportunity to specialise and research in a particular topic and to pursue a career in academia and research as well as in corporates. While there are only a handful of students who take up this route, it is highly rewarding both in terms of remuneration and designation. Further, owing to the research-oriented expertise in particular fields, PhD holders are also offered positions in various research organisations, think tanks, government departments [in policy making], etc. In this article, we shall present and elaborate in brief, the several PhD courses after MBA available for candidates.

PhD after MBA: Key Points

The following table lists the key fundamental points related to the PhD Course for MBA .

  • PhD Programs for MBA Graduates are undertaken under a supervisor/professor who belongs to the same field and holds expertise in the area the student wishes to pursue his/her PhD.
  • Typically, PhD Courses For MBA Students takes anywhere between 3-6 years to be completed, it may extend beyond that as well.
  • The structure of PhD Courses For MBA Students consists of rigorous coursework in the first 2 years, after which the candidate focuses on preparation of his thesis and dissertation. In the earlier stage, the candidate also performs literature review, research and analysis, etc.
  • During the latter phase, he may be required to perform field work, laboratory experiments, case studies, surveys, etc.
  • Throughout PhD Programs for MBA Graduates, the candidate may have gain expertise over research methodologies, statistical and mathematical tools, probability, software, etc.

Benefits of PhD after MBA

There are significant benefits of PhD after an MBA provides you not least a pedestal for a fruitful career in research, academics and further in policy-making, administration and corporate sector.

  • An Environment of Pursuing Research: In a PhD Course for MBA Students, you will take up certain topics from management, finance, operations, business analytics, communication, etc. Them, with the help of tools and resources and under guidance from a supervisor, you aim to research and come up with some new insights and explanations. You will be able to take advantage of state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
  • A Settled Career Academics: PhD scholars after completing their degrees are hired as research associates, research assistants and professors and move onto research-oriented jobs such as research assistants, research associates, professors, post-doctorates, etc., after completing their PhD giving them a solid backing in the academic field. Many take up professorships after 5-10 years in the industry as consultants, advisors, head of various bodies.
  • International Collaboration: Institutions and Organisations regularly work together with other accomplished researchers and organisations through research programs, short courses, workshops, conferences, exchange programs, research internships, assistantships, etc. and provide research output as well as build a global network. Moreover, you will get a chance to learn from your peers and travel extensively as well during PhD Courses For MBA students.
  • Financially Rewarding: One of the major Benefits of PhD After MBA is that research programs reward research scholars handsomely through fellowships, scholarships, etc. In India, the JRF and Maulana Azad Fellowships are two popular ones. Moreover, project-based funding is also widely available
  • Corporate Sector is Always Open: After completing PhD Programs for MBA , candidates have developed a high degree of research and academic insight which is always in high demand in  companies to work out plans and policies. This includes scaling up of a business, situational decision making, problem-solving, critical analysis, awareness of the newest trends, etc. These positions are in constant touch with top-level management and have a strong hand in the realisation of the company’s goals and objectives.
  • Significant Requirement in Policy Making: PhD Courses after MBA prepare scholars for policy-making jobs at policy-making bodies of the government and other think tanks. They are invite and collaborate with PhD scholars to provide in-depth analysis and insights in policy-making issues. This can be related to anything from understanding the loopholes in the stock market to making the real estate industry more transparent.

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There are many different types of PhD programs you can choose to pursue after completing your MBA . Depending on your MBA specialization, you may want to consider a PhD in business, economics, or even a related field such as sociology or psychology. No matter what field you choose, a PhD will give you the opportunity to conduct research at the highest level, teach at the collegiate level, and consult with businesses and organizations. Let’s dive into various PhD course options post the following MBA specializations:

PhD Courses after MBA HR

Phd courses after mba finance, phd courses after mba marketing.

PhD Courses after MBA Operations

PhD after MBA in Canada

Home page Link Baibhav Ojha PhD After MBA

  • Course Offerings of PhD courses after MBA HR:
  • PhD courses after MBA HR are usually offered in labour relations, industrial relations, employee satisfaction, turnover and retention, training and development, leave policy, minimum wages policies, promotion and transfer , etc. Other broader topics include organisational behaviour, decision making , etc.
  • Course offerings of PhD courses after MBA Finance:
  • PhD courses after MBA Finance dives deep mechanics of the finance field concerning themes such as risk management, insurance, stock markets, regulatory practices, international markets, trends in financial markets of countries, different financial instruments , etc.
  • Career options of PhD after MBA Finance include positions on Financial Advisory Boards, Financial analyst, academia and research organisations, think tanks, consultancies, public accounting firms, amongst others.
  • The curriculum of a Finance PhD course for MBA students involves a good blend of theoretical knowledge and practical implementation through case studies, research projects, etc.
  • PhD Subjects after MBA in Finance: Here are a few PhD Subjects after MBA in Finance you must take note of-

Note: These PhD Subjects after MBA in Finance must be taken as an example only. Actual subjects may vary depending on your course.

  • Course Offerings of PhD courses after MBA Marketing:
  • PhD courses after MBA Marketing involves research into the subject of marketing, that is, digital marketing, market research, business analytics, feasibility and viability marketing tools and resources, advertising, marketing campaigns, customer relationship management, grievance redressal, case studies , etc.
  • In addition to academic and research positions like professorships and assistantships, PhD scholars also move into organisations on executive roles to oversee marketing, advertising departments.

PhD After MBA in Operations

  • Course Offerings of PhD after MBA in Operations:
  • In PhD After MBA in Operations, you will tackle topics such as logistics, quality and inventory management, project execution and control, measurement and evaluation, consumer behaviour, trends in operations management, global operations, case studies , etc.
  • Operations PhD Programs for MBA Graduates open up gates towards progressing towards the top level of management ladder in the corporate sector as well academic research in various universities, governmental arms and research organisations.
  • Further, there are various positions of advisors and consultants who are regularly in touch with governments for inputs on various issues.
  • One of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world, PhD after MBA in Canada offers industry-leading research facilities and resources.
  • Home to top institutions in the world, it provides greater opportunities for collaboration and cooperation for PhD after MBA in Canada.
  • Canada’s university ecosystem is a major driver of research output in the country, second only to the private sector.
  • Here are a few of the highly appreciated courses of PhD after MBA in Canada you must take a look at.

Coaching page link Baibhav Ojha PhD After MBA

How costly is it to study for a PhD after MBA in Canada?

The Tuition fees of various universities vary according to the location, course objectives and other factors. Typically, the tuition fees for international students is higher than that of domestic students.

The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management charges the same for international as well as domestic students for its PhD program

The University of British Columbia, in comparison, charges USD $5,760 annual for its PhD program. Similarly, PhD tuition fee at the University of Manitoba is USD $7,700 per year.

Scholarships for PhD Courses after MBA in Canada

Although tuition fees are high for PhD Programs for MBA in Canada, there are many available scholarship/fellowships/grants options that help in reducing the cost of living considerably. Take a look at the official websites for authentic funding opportunities. Some popular ones are:

  • The University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship
  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
  • The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

PhD courses after MBA Abroad: Eligibility

To apply for a PhD after MBA at foreign universities, you must follow certain fundamental guidelines, a few key ones have been enumerated in the given pointers. The below-mentioned guidelines may change as per the university, location, course structure and objectives.

  • Equivalent postgraduate degree in any relevant discipline, for instance, a Master’s in Business Administration in Marketing’ if you wish to pursue a PhD in Marketing. A relevant master’s degree is a string recommendation.
  • Minimum scores in qualifying postgraduate degree. Typically it follows a 10 pointer scale or 4 pointer scale.
  • GRE/GMAT test scores, if required. For a management-oriented course application, GMAT is highly recommended though GRE is also extensively recognized at many universities.
  • IELTS/TOEFL/PTE exam scores as confirmation of proficiency in the English Language. Obtaining an over 7+ band score is normally sufficient to be considered.

PhD Courses after MBA Abroad: Application Process

The primary admission cycle customarily begins in September/October and ends in February/March of the subsequent year. This is carried in phases of Early, Regular and Late Admission Rounds . If you are interested in a scholarship, apply in the early phase. There is other admissions cycles as well.

  • Narrow down your options according to the supervisor, university and career objectives. Pick three top level, three medium level and two low level [for backup] universities.
  • Satisfy the eligibility prerequisites as mentioned in the university guidelines [Supervisor Recommendation, Equivalent qualifying degree, relevant industry experience, etc.]
  • Research Proposal/Statement: This outlines the area and topic of research you want to pursue along with the names of the professors you wish to work under the guidance of. It is important that you select such professors after going through their work and whether they belong to your area of specialisation.
  • Submit GMAT/ GRE test scores together with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores [as required].
  • Application Set [Passport, Curriculum Vitae/Resume, Statement of Purpose/ Personal Statement/Statement of Intent, Writing Sample, Two/Three Letters of Recommendation, College Transcripts, Experience Letter (if required), Financial Support Statement/Funding Essay (if applying for scholarships/funding), etc.].
  • Letters of Recommendation must be from your professors, supervisors, etc. who attest to your skills, research intent and suitability towards the sought PhD program.
  • Pay Application Fee.
  • Next, you may be called for a Personal Interview/Group Discussion/Writing Task [if required]
  • After review, the application will be confirmed, waitlisted or rejected usually within 2-3 months of applying.
  • Pay the required Tuition Fees or Blocking Fees.
  • Submit Student Permit Application.

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can i pursue phd after online mba

Ph.D. After Online MBA [Distance, Part-Time] Possible?

Dec 11, 2023 2.4K Reads

Are you someone who is research-oriented & has a passion for academics? Well, a Ph.D. is surely the best option for you! It will help you explore all the details of your particular field & will make you a master in that. Moreover, your passion for research & innovation will be satisfied with the learnings of this doctorate program. So, what are you waiting for? Just go & grab the opportunity you have dreamt of! Wait a minute, are you questioning your eligibility for the same due to a PG degree in an online MBA? 

Well, this blog is going to be a perfect read for you. Let us clear your doubts by addressing all of the questions that have kept you waiting to join a PhD program for working professionals .

An Overview of Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy or Ph.D. or PhD is a doctorate-level education that requires a high level of dedication & focus. It is one of the most sought-after degrees among the candidates aspiring to become professors or lecturers at the university level. At most universities, the duration of this program ranges between 5 and 7 years. In some universities, this duration reduces to 3-5 years. Candidates who have completed their postgraduation program in any major are eligible to join this doctorate course.

The common entrance exams conducted in India for the PhD program include UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE, & IIT JAM. To enroll in a reputed government-approved university for this program, you need to crack any one of these exams with the minimum cut-off marks. To get it from a foreign university, you need to clear the TOEFL & GRE/GMAT exams based on your selected country & course specialization.

phd options after mba finance

After getting enrolled in the course, you need to carry out your course work in terms of research which will be submitted in the form of a thesis/dissertation towards the end of your program. Moreover, you need to clear the viva or the personal interview to get your PhD degree from the university. 

Is Your Online MBA Degree Eligible for a Ph.D. Program?

Online education has taken over the education industry in the past few years. Apart from its positive impact on the learner’s career, there are still a lot of myths associated with it. The number one on that list is that online degrees are less respected in the market & are not considered for higher education.

To settle this argument, we have this simple example of the fact that your online MBA degree does not make you any less eligible for a PhD program. The only thing that matters here is that your online degree must have been completed from a UGC-approved university. With valid documents including a mark sheet, degree, & provisional certificates of online MBA, you can apply for this doctorate-level program. 

Not only in India but international universities also entertain candidates for PhD admission who have completed their online MBA in any specialization.

Top Specializations of Ph.D. After Online MBA

After completing your online MBA program, you will be familiar with the specialization domains with a good future scope & the ones that favor your interests in the business industry. Some of the trending majors in the business field that are quite popular at the doctorate level are listed here. 

The admission process, eligibility criteria, & duration of these above-mentioned doctorate specializations are the same but differ in terms of fee package & curriculum.

Top Colleges for Ph.D. After an Online MBA in India

There is a range of authentic universities that offer doctoral courses even after an online MBA program. These universities not only help you achieve your professional goals but also provide you with global recognition in the business industry. Based on the entrance exams & specializations offered, you can choose your university for this program.

The admission process, fee package, eligibility criteria, curriculum, & duration of the doctorate programs in the business domain differ based on your choice of the university.

Trending Specializations in DBA/Ph.D. After Online MBA

Career scope of ph.d. after online mba.

The most opted career after completing a PhD program even in the business domain is teaching. Nearly 80% of doctorate candidates choose teaching as their profession & the remaining 20% make their way to the corporate sectors.

The addition of a doctorate-level program to your resume will help you attain stability in your career in terms of finances & designation. The in-depth knowledge of research-oriented business strategies will make you an expert in the business industry. 

Your innovative approach to an organizational issue will help you stand out from the crowd of business professionals. Apart from the research field, here are a few top profiles that you can explore upon completion of your PhD after online MBA. 

The salary package offered to a PhD candidate in India is between 7 to 17 lakhs which varies with their skills & experience in the corporate or academic sector. This package applies to candidates who have completed their doctoral program after their MBA. 

phd options after mba finance

Is There Any Easy Alternative for Regular Ph.D. After Online MBA?

Since we live in an era where digital transformation is at its peak & is creating an impact in almost every sector of the industry, how can we forget about the education industry? Starting from 12th grade to the doctorate program, every level of education is now being offered in flexible modes at authentic government-recognized universities & institutions. These modes include both hybrid & online formats. 

After completing an online MBA program, you can go for two modes of doctorate program, i.e., regular or online. For the regular one, you need to attempt & clear the entrance exams & give a full-time commitment for around 5 years. 

Online PhD courses are introduced by universities to make the higher level of education accessible to all. With a busy work schedule & growing financial needs, everyone can't take up a regular doctorate program & dedicate 3-5 years completely to it. Because of this major reason of time commitment, most of the aspirants step back from taking up this program. 

Thus, universities not only in India but in foreign countries as well are offering online & hybrid doctorate programs with a direct admission process without any tests or interviews. This way these programs become more feasible for working professionals. Moreover, the affordable cost & shorter duration (3 years) attract many individuals who have been planning on a PhD degree for a long time.

At international universities, a PhD in the business domain is referred to as the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) which is the highest qualification in business administration. Upon completion of your online MBA, you can even apply for a DBA program at your chosen foreign university.

Top Trending Articles

Upon completion of your MBA program, you can either go for a job or a regular PhD program or pursue an online/hybrid PhD program along with your job. These choices are available to you even if you have acquired an online MBA from a government-approved university. Moreover, your online MBA degree makes you eligible for a DBA course offered by reputed international universities in regular/online/hybrid mode.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

⭐ what is the correct abbreviation for doctor of philosophy.

Doctor of Philosophy is one of the highest levels of education for many domains. It is denoted either by Ph.D. or PhD. Both the abbreviations are correct & accepted globally.

⭐ Is an online MBA valid for Ph.D. in India?

An online MBA completed from a government-approved university is valid for enrolling in any Ph.D. specialization at an authentic university.

⭐ What is the benefit of completing Ph.D. after online MBA?

A Ph.D. degree will help you gain research skills and methodologies that will help you excel in your career. It will help you make your way towards your dream career of becoming a professor.

⭐ Can I apply for a Human Resource Management specialization in Ph.D. after online MBA?

After fulfilling the specific eligibility requirements, you can apply for a Ph.D. in Human Resource Management at any university.

⭐ Which entrance exams are there to enroll in Ph.D. after online MBA?

For Indian Universities, you need to clear UGC NET/CSIR NET/GATE/IIT JAM but for Foreign Institutions you need to clear language tests like TOEFL or IELTS & subject tests of GRE or GMAT.

⭐ Which are the three top sectors that I can apply to upon completion of my Ph.D. after online MBA?

The three top sectors that actively recruit Ph.D. candidates are Teaching, Research, and Corporate.

⭐ Is DBA similar to Ph.D. after online MBA?

Ph.D. in management or business field equips you with a doctorate in business. DBA is Doctor of Business Administration which is quite common at the international level. Both of them are the same except for their terminology in the national & international markets.

⭐ Can I pursue a Ph.D. after online MBA while working?

Hybrid or Online Ph.D. programs are flexible alternatives to regular Ph.D. courses that can be pursued even after an online MBA.

⭐ Will an online DBA or Ph.D. after online MBA add a “Dr.” title to my name?

Hybrid & online modes of Ph.D. programs are globally recognized & add the prefix “Dr.” to your name upon completion.

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Ph.D After MBA in India: Courses List, Eligibility, Duration, Career Scope

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Mar 4, 2024

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Ph.D. after MBA in India attracts numerous students every year. Find more information about eligibility, courses list, duration, career scope, and much more.

Ph.D After MBA in India: Courses List, Eligibility, Duration, Career Scope

Ph.D. after MBA is a diversified course with various insights shared with the aspirants. The article below throws light upon various questions students would want to understand, right from Can I Do Ph.D. After MBA, to different Ph.D. courses in India and their criteria. The scope for the Ph.D. after MBA is very vivid and broader and helps in developing different skills as well.

  • What kind of specializations are available in Ph.D. after MBA
  • Ph.D. course duration after MBA
  • How to do a Ph.D. after MBA
  • Requirements for applying through Ph.D

Ph.D. After MBA in Distance Education

Benefits of ph.d. after mba.

  • Why Ph.D. After MBA is better option

Career Scope and Employment Sectors

Top colleges for ph.d. after mba, what kind of specializations are available in ph.d. after mba.

There are many specializations offered in Ph.D.which carry along with them great benefits. So check out the most preferred and most popular disciplines offered in Ph.D.:

  • Ph.D. in Commerce
  • Ph.D. in Computer Science
  • Ph.D. in Economics
  • Ph.D. in English
  • Ph.D. in Human Resource Management
  • Ph.D. in Philosophy
  • Ph.D. in Psychology

Other common Ph.D. Specializations after MBA

  • Ph.D. in Accounting
  • Ph.D. in Business Economics
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry
  • Ph.D. in Commercial Law
  • Ph.D. in Education
  • Ph.D. in Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship
  • Ph.D. in Finance
  • Ph.D. in Healthcare and Management
  • Ph.D. in IT
  • Ph.D. in Marketing
  • Ph.D. in Operations
  • Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior
  • Ph.D. in Political Science
  • Ph.D. in Statistics

Ph.D. Course Duration after MBA

The duration of the Ph.D. course duration after an MBA varies from the research topics, methodologies, institutions chosen or the time being invested by aspirants. Most of the time, the course duration also depends on the kind of country students have chosen. On average the completion of Ph.D. courses takes about 4-5 years.

How to do a Ph.D. after MBA?

A Ph.D. after MBA is a career option that is dynamic and vast. The scope for the same is as well increasing. Ph.D. after MBA can be pursued after the completion of an MBA from a recognized university with a duration of two years. Aspirants need to choose their field of research and interest. There are various entrance exams that the aspirants need to take such as CAT, UGC NET and so on.

Requirements for applying through  Ph.D.

Though the specific prerequisites might vary from one university to another, there are some general criteria for a Ph.D. after MBA or any other postgraduate program that every candidate needs to fulfill. The primary requirement is that of a master's degree in the related discipline from a recognized institution in which one is applying for a doctoral degree; if you are using for a Ph.D. in Business Administration, you need to have completed a postgraduate course like, MBA, MIM, among others. Along with these, you will be required to submit the following documents.

  • English proficiency test scores, such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
  • SOP and LORs
  • GRE or GMAT scores
  • An Updated Resume or CV
  • Academic Transcripts

Many students start their work career after the completion of an MBA and so opting for Ph.D. after MBA in Distance Education is easier. There are various criteria institutes consider before admission. It is very important aspirants have completed their MBA from a recognized University(UGC). It's also necessary that the eligibility criteria be met depending on the institution chosen by the aspirants.

Before delving into the specifics of each Ph.D. after MBA program, we'll look at the benefits of a Ph.D. after MBA and why a Ph.D. after MBA is such a great career option.

  • Ph.D. after MBA allows you to conduct research and in-depth study of concepts and specializations that you would not have been able to do during your MBA.
  • MBA degrees provide lucrative career opportunities on their own, but after obtaining a Ph.D., MBA degrees become much more valuable.
  • The research conducted during a Ph.D. after an MBA raises awareness of new business insights and trends around the world, allowing for more efficient business management.
  • A person with a Ph.D. after an MBA can earn a good living. A top MBA College professor earns far more than an MBA degree holder.
  • Ph.D. after MBA allows aspirants to work in the field of research in management, finance, or business, distinguishing them from other managers who only pursue an MBA.

Why Ph.D. after MBA is Better Option?

A Ph.D. is a data-driven degree that involves extensive analysis and in-depth assessment as it consists of submitting a research thesis as it is the essential thing in the assessment element. If you have been planning to pursue a career in research, an MBA is more of a professional route to take but combining it with Ph.D. benefits you with the knowledge of both the corporate and research world.

What makes a Ph.D. after MBA the most popular option? The Doctorate of Philosophy program allows for in-depth knowledge in the specialization field. Research and the most importantly offers an opportunity to conduct independent study, which would otherwise only be limited to the more practical and commercially useful MBA degree. The research training provides an awareness of cutting-edge developments and evolving new insights and solving various problems. Doctoral graduates have years of experience in data analysis and data-driven decision-making; they are practiced with multiple research methodologies.

While most doctoral graduates find positions as faculty in reputable business schools, a fraction of them carry on in post-doctoral studies or head towards industry positions. 

Ph.D. after MBA can furnish you with the quintessential business understanding to fit the role of business consultants and analysts. 

As many doctoral scholars move further to become professors or researchers, only a small proportion of them head towards the industry. Listed below are some of the jobs that one can get after completing their Ph.D.:

  • Scientific Writer 
  • Assistant Professor
  • Research Assistant
  • Chief Research Manager 
  • Senior Professor 
  • Senior Consultant

Ph.D. has scope for working in diverse fields right from the automobile industry to the NGOs. The areas of recruitment are:

  • Chemical and Pharmaceuticals Industry
  • Oil and Gas Industry
  • Research Industry

So as now you are aware of the Ph.D. program, make sure you choose the best specialization that suits that motivates you to push further even harder. Make no mistake in selecting the specialization, so read thoroughly through the article and choose the best.

Some of the top colleges for pursuing a Ph.D. after MBA are listed below:

  • University of Calcutta
  • Amity University
  • Amrita University
  • Delhi University
  • Andhra University
  • Aligarh Muslim University
  • BITS Pilani
  • Manipal Institute of Technology

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5 highest paying jobs you can get with an mba, from research.

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MBAs are broad enough to be easily transferable to multiple industries and roles, especially at ... [+] senior levels

Obtaining your master's degree is a fantastic way to stand out as a candidate when job-hunting, and can open up higher income opportunities for you as a professional, including increasing your chances of being offered a promotion or pay rise.

When you undertake a master's degree with such a broad specialism as the master's of business administration (MBA), you have more scope for flexibility in your career than if you decided to undertake a more narrow, specialized field of study.

This is because of the fact that the knowledge and skills gained from studying your MBA can be applied in a wide variety of contexts and industries, for roles including:

  • Senior management
  • Senior leadership at the executive level
  • Project management
  • Finance management

Many colleges and universities also offer MBA courses with the option to personalize your learning track and specialize in certain fields, which can be an attractive option if you wanted to get the best of both worlds, focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, or marketing for example, while also gaining the broader MBA at the end.

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This option can further help you to be able to command the highest salaries.

At the same time, it's worth noting that a master's degree is not for everyone. It is possible to experience career and financial success without pursuing your MBA. However you may find that some of your choices are limited. Ultimately, you need to decide what's a priority for you.

But what are the highest paying jobs you can secure with an MBA degree?

1. Chief Executive Officer

Of course, this goes without saying. It's commonly expected for a CEO to have a master's degree. That being said, it is possible to climb the ranks entirely with a bachelor's degree alone, grit, and a commitment to professional development training.

A Yahoo Finance story in June 2023 uncovered some shocking data that reveals how our preconceived notions that a master's is needed to achieve success as a CEO, are not altogether accurate. And even if you do need one, going to an Ivy League school is not seen as a non-negotiable or a strong influencing factor by employers.

That being said, an MBA certainly helps to fast-track your path to the highest and best-paid job title of CEO, and gives stakeholders and your board of directors confidence in your leadership abilities.

Average salary: $836,545

2. Start-Up Founder

Next on the list is the role of start-up founder or co-founder. While this might seem to be fairly low pay on the outset (many start-up founders choose to take a small salary so their company grow with its existing capital faster), this can be a highly rewarding role if your start-up venture becomes successful and you go on to exit.

You have a few options available for you to exit—two of these being through an IPO (initial public offering which enables you to publicly trade stocks from your company) or through selling it to another company who will acquire it, based on market worth. Many founders become millionaires after exit, and go on to set up more ventures or become investors.

Your actual salary will hinge on several factors such as how much revenue your business makes, city you're based in, and your headcount, amongst other things.

Average salary: Highly variable depending on company size, revenue, location, market, etc.

You can choose to undertake a specialism when studying for your MBA, making you more niche and ... [+] in-demand by employers within a particular field, such as supply chain for example

3. Management Consultant

If you're not too keen on working right at the top and leading from the helm, then perhaps a less senior role in which you advise CEOs, senior leadership teams, would be best appropriate for your career goals.

One such role is that of a management consultant. There are popular consulting firms such as Bain & Company, BCG, and EY, but you could also work in smaller management consulting firms or set up your own management consultancy as a freelancer.

Average salary: $108,622

4. Investment Banker

Investment bankers advise their corporate clients to help them raise money from capital markets, and also sometimes play a role in the mergers and acquisitions process. Depending on where you study, you can get a specialized finance course as part of your MBA, which further your career within investment banking.

Average salary: $269,904

5. Business Development Manager

Business development managers do exactly what their name implies: develop new business. They research the market and prospect for new clients, identify networking and partnership opportunities, and build relationships with current and existing partners and clients.

An MBA can help you land the most senior leadership posts, and also secure prestigious jobs within ... [+] finance and consulting if people leadership and management is not your thing

While having an MBA is not a necessary prerequisite for becoming a successful business development manager, you may find that your business development strategy skills will sharpen and you will be most likely to receive bonuses if you undertake a master's degree.

Average salary: $139,409

So, is getting your MBA really worth it?

That's for your career and financial goals to decide.

Rachel Wells

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