PhD in Strategy

During the first two years of the PhD program, your courses develop the tools you need to produce high-quality research. Sample classes include:

• Economic Foundations of Strategy
• Behavioral Foundations of Strategy
• Organizational Theory Macro-Organizational Behavior
• Seminar in Strategy: Topics might include international business, qualitative approaches to research, social networks, innovation and entrepreneurship, and simulation models.

• You will write an original research paper under the supervision of a faculty member for presentation and critique.

• Research Methods I
• Research Methods II
• Statistics I
• Econometrics

You also take classes in other disciplinary areas such as economics, sociology and psychology. We maintain close ties with the Duke University faculty and you may take approved doctoral level courses at its Fuqua School of Business.

• A comprehensive written examination covers all of the organizational behavior and leadership courses taken in the first two years of the PhD program.
• An oral presentation of your current research

• Full-time research
• With consent of your advisor, you may attend/participate or present at external national or international conferences after your second year.
• Dissertation and Oral Defense is expected prior to the end of your fifth year.
• Preparing for the job market

• You may take any elective course offered by UNC Kenan-Flagler or other UNC or Duke departments with guidance from your advisor.
• Students are invited to participate in all related research seminars and guest speakers offered at UNC Kenan-Flagler.