Top 5 Part-Time PhD in Management Degree Programs 2025

Earning a PhD is a huge academic accomplishment and is considered a ''terminal degree,'' meaning there is no higher level of education one can achieve. A PhD in management can help you earn a higher-paying job, elevate your management skills, or even become a college professor. You can even earn a part-time PhD in management, allowing you to work while enrolled in your program to put your learned skills to use immediately.

Can You Earn a PhD in Management Part-Time?

You can earn a PhD in management part-time, but it requires a lot of self-discipline, study skills, and a good work ethic. Many part-time programs take several years more than a full-time program, and students often have to balance work, school, and family commitments.

Can I Earn My Part-Time PhD in Management Online?

There are several high-quality part-time management PhD programs featured online. These online programs often allow students to study at their own pace and offer more flexibility for working students. Online programs typically don't offer the same funding opportunities as in-person ones, but they may afford students lower tuition due to being fully online.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Management PhD?

Part-time PhD programs can take anywhere from five to eight years to complete. This is due to the nature of part-time programs. However, asynchronous programs may allow students to study at a faster pace and finish their part-time PhD in management in as little as four years.

Best Part-Time PhD Programs in Management

Below are some of the best management PhD programs, including a part-time PhD in human resources management and a high-quality executive PhD.

1. National University

National University's PhD in human resource management can be completed 100% online and at your own pace. With only 20 courses, you can earn this PhD in just over three years. The online format offers flexible scheduling, allowing students to start the program at any time throughout the calendar year, thanks to National University's rolling admissions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,272 per credit
• Program length: 38 months
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech's executive PhD is available in a hybrid format designed for working adults, with any on-campus meetings in Alexandria, VA, scheduled for the weekends. There are several concentrations available, including finance, management, and marketing. Many PhD students are full-time executives or managers looking to grow their skills.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,934 per credit
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Sullivan University

This 100% online PhD in management emphasizes practicing skills and encourages students to conduct pilot studies that could help guide their dissertation research. Ebooks and 24/7 tutoring are included in the price of your tuition.

Sullivan University keeps its class sizes small so that students have access to mentorship from experienced, practicing faculty members.

• Estimated tuition cost: $660 per credit
• Program length: 36 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Walden University

Walden University offers a hybrid PhD in human resource management with only four short residency requirements on campus in Minneapolis, MN. Other than those brief residencies, the program is entirely online. Walden University is highly flexible, allowing students to complete their PhD in anywhere from three to eight years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $780 per credit
• Program length: Between three and eight years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Bellevue University

Bellevue University's online PhD in human capital management is designed for working human resource professionals and executives looking to broaden their knowledge and skill sets. Students can expect to become proficient in statistics, different leadership styles, and more essential skills. The curriculum includes numerous projects, such as writing a business plan proposal, to prepare students for their dissertations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $825 per credit
• Program length: Three to five years
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

At Learn.org, we have a rigorous set of criteria with which we rank schools. The programs listed above all meet the following requirements to be featured on our site:

• Accreditation: All programs on Learn.org are accredited and nationally recognized. This ensures a high-quality education for students, as well as employer recognition and job opportunities upon graduation.
• Program flexibility: We look for flexible PhD programs designed for working adults. Earning a PhD is a significant monetary and time commitment, so we feature schools that are flexible, reliable, and accommodating of real-world responsibilities.
• Program reputation: Learn.org features programs with a good reputation to ensure that students get a high-quality education. When considering a program's reputation, we look at accreditation, faculty retention, scope of practice, graduate stories, and more.

FAQs About Flexible PhD in Management Programs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about PhD in management programs, including potential salaries, overall program cost, and more.

How Much Does a Part-Time PhD in Management Cost?

PhD programs vary greatly in cost, ranging from only $660 per credit to almost $2,000 per credit. However, seeking out student loan programs and scholarships can help you reach your academic dreams.

Is a PhD in Management a Good Investment?

A PhD in management is a good investment if you are looking to get into a high-paying field. If your career goal is to become a professor, CEO, CFO, or similar manager, a PhD in management is a good investment for you.

Which PhD Is Most in Demand in Management?

The current most in-demand PhDs in management are human resource management, finance, and project management. A part-time PhD in project management, finance, or human resource management can help you land a job in these sought-after branches of management.

What Is the Highest Salary I Can Earn With a PhD in Management?

The top salaries offered for PhD graduates range from $200,000 to $300,000 per year. Executive management positions in high-paying fields, such as healthcare, typically have the highest salaries.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Earning a PhD is a huge accomplishment, and one that can be made more affordable by studying online. Learn.org features countless high-quality, low-cost online programs that can help you achieve your educational dreams.