Research that matters.
The doctoral program in Management is a unique opportunity for students to pursue innovative research that connects theory, knowledge, and business practice together through a transdisciplinary approach. Students engage in dynamic research empowered by the distinct principles of Peter Drucker’s philosophy of management as a human-centered endeavor that empowers the common good.
Our program is typically completed in five years of full-time study. The first three years are typically course-based, following a core curriculum of Drucker management theory, along with business analytics and research methodologies. We offer the opportunity to develop a personalized curriculum based on the student’s interests by taking courses not only within the management program but also in departments across the university, such as economics, organizational psychology, information systems, and more.
The program is academically rigorous, yet flexible, as students work closely with faculty on robust research relevant to critical issues affecting management practices worldwide. Students will produce research, publications, and a dissertation in the final three years of the program.




Program Highlights
- Building on Peter Drucker’s management principles and his legacy of innovation, the PhD will allow you explore and examine important issues in management
- Determine your own pace – take classes while employed and transfer up to 24 units from master’s level coursework completed at an accredited institution
- Learn research methodologies from multiple departments at CGU to create original, transdisciplinary research that breaks new ground
- Your degree is AACSB accredited—the highest standard for business education
Program At-a-glance
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72 units
required units
-
PhD in Management (AACSB Accredited)
degree awarded
-
Hybrid
modality
-
Spring, Fall
program start
-
5 years | full time*
estimated completion time
Faculty
-
Bernie Jaworski
Peter F. Drucker Chair in Management and the Liberal Arts
Research Interests
Client Management, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Strategy
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Kristine Kawamura
Academic Director, Societal and Global Impact
Clinical Professor of ManagementResearch Interests
Responsible management, Care (as a strategic resource), Values-based management systems, Leadership, Organizational strategy and culture, Cross cultural competence, Human performance and resilience
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Jay Prag
Academic Director, MS in Finance Program
Academic Director, PhD in Management Program
Faculty Coordinator, Center for Business & Management of the Arts
Clinical Full ProfessorResearch Interests
Corporate Finance, Investments, Economics of Strategy, Macroeconomics
-
David Sprott
Henry Y. Hwang Dean, Drucker School of Management
Professor of MarketingResearch Interests
Retailing, branding, influence strategies, marketing public policy
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Hideki Yamawaki
Ito Chair of International Business and Professor of Management
Research Interests
Design Thinking, Competitive Strategy, International Business, International Trade, and Foreign Direct Investment
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Gary Gaukler
Full Professor
Research Interests
Analytics, Innovation, Operations management, Management, RFID and sensors, Supply chain management, Technology
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Jeremy Hunter
Associate Professor of Practice
Founding Director, Executive Mind Leadership InstituteResearch Interests
Mindfulness, Self-management, Executive mind
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Katharina Pick
Academic Director, MBA Programs
Clinical Full ProfessorResearch Interests
Organizational behavior, Teams, Organizational theory, Leadership, Corporate governance, Power and influence
Curriculum
The program requires 72 semester units of coursework as follows:
- Great Books of Drucker, 2 units
- Methods courses:
- Foundations of Research, 4 units
- Qualitative Methods, 2 units
- Quantitative Methods, 2 units
- An additional methods course, 4 units
- Doctoral MGT seminars, 8 units
- Doctoral in-person intensives, 4 units
- TNDY course(s), 4 units
- MGT electives, 14 units
- General electives, 28 units
Up to 24 units may be transferred in from a previous Master’s degree.
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
| Academic Prerequisites | You must hold a U.S. equivalent bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Those without a master’s degree are welcome to apply but may be required to complete additional units. Three years of work experience is recommended but not required. The Admission Committee weighs the quality of work experience more heavily than the quantity. Direct management experience is preferred, but not required. |
| Standardized Test Scores | GRE (optional) Applicants who have taken the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test are invited to submit scores but are not required to do so. Applicants who feel that their Grade Point Averages do not adequately represent their ability to succeed in a graduate program may find it helpful to submit GRE scores for consideration. CGU’s school code: |
| Interview | Required Upon review of your application, you may be invited for an interview, which is required for admission. An admission decision will not be issued until the interview is complete. |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2026
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2025
Classes begin – January 20, 2026
Fall 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – February 28th, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – February 28th, 2026
Classes begin – August 24, 2026
Cost & Aid
Tuition and Fees
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.
| Program | 72 units |