hr phd salary

Earning A Ph.D. In Human Resources: Everything You Need To Know Before Enrolling

Updated: Jul 6, 2023, 12:37pm

A Ph.D. in human resources will allow you to pursue executive,upper-management or academic roles. Read on to learn why you might pursue a Ph.D. in human resources.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

What Is a Doctorate in Human Resources?

A doctorate in human resources, or a Ph.D. in human resources, is the terminal degree in the field, meaning it is the highest degree level you can attain. Doctoral degree holders in human resources are preeminent experts, driving the field forward through research and teaching.

A Ph.D. in human resources takes up to eight years to complete. Doctoral programs begin with two years of intensive coursework before students declare a concentration and focus on developing and defending a dissertation. Ph.D. students spend several years working on their dissertations before graduating.

Degree Finder

What can you do with a doctorate in human resources.

A doctorate in human resources qualifies you for the most advanced and high-level roles in the HR field. You are also qualified to pursue positions in research and academia, setting you apart from master’s degree holders. You can find work as a human resources professor at a university or as an industrial-organizational psychologist . Salary information via the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) .

Below, we cover four careers available for doctoral degree holders in human resources.

Human Resources Professor

Job Growth (2021-2031): +6% Median Annual Salary: $88,790 Job Description: Human resources professors work within business departments at colleges and universities. Job duties include teaching undergraduate students, mentoring Ph.D. candidates and performing research to advance the HR field.

Chief Executive

Job Growth (2021-2031): +6% Median Annual Salary: $189,520 Job Description: Chief executives work at the highest management level within some of the largest companies in the world. Job titles include chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief technology officer or chief information officer. Professionals with a doctorate in human resources bring knowledge of management, leadership and best practices in big-picture company culture.

Human Resources Manager

Job Growth (2021-2031): +7% Median Annual Salary: $130,000 Job Description: Human resources managers take charge of HR departments at any company. They can work in many industries, including the nonprofit sector, healthcare and information technology, where they oversee hiring, firing, compensation, benefits and training.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Job Growth (2021-2031): +4% Median Annual Salary: $139,280 Job Description: Industrial-organizational psychologists study the effects of applied psychological principles on the business and managerial world. They perform research and provide actionable advice to workplace management. You must have a Ph.D. or doctoral degree to practice independently as a psychologist.

What’s the Difference Between an MBA in Human Resources and a Doctorate in Human Resources?

An MBA in human resources and a Ph.D. in human resources are very different degrees. An MBA with a concentration in human resources covers broad business foundations like marketing, finance and economics alongside HR coursework. An MBA in HR qualifies graduates for many jobs due to their overarching business education.

Where an MBA provides breadth, a Ph.D. in human resources provides depth. A Ph.D. requires students to complete significant research and writing. Ph.D. students become human resources experts as they spend most of their degree conducting HR-specific research.

Compared to MBA graduates, doctoral degree holders are more limited in what business careers they can pursue; however, doctoral degrees qualify graduates to seek nearly any position in the HR field.

Admission Requirements for a Doctorate in Human Resources

Admission requirements for Ph.D. programs in human resources vary widely, moreso than undergraduate and graduate programs. Prospective students must meet a minimum GPA and generally need a master’s degree in the field. They must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose detailing their intended research focus or the faculty members they’d like to research alongside.

Many Ph.D. programs admit small cohorts and require applicants to complete an admission interview. Some programs also require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores.

Common Courses in a Human Resources Ph.D. Program

Behavioral sciences.

A behavioral sciences seminar covers major theories and methodologies in psychology, such as cognitive processes and behavioral interactions. This course introduces students to research design and methodologies at the doctoral level.

Current Issues in Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior and industrial-organizational psychology are key components of a Ph.D. in human resources. This survey course covers the spectrum of contemporary research in organizational behavior and its practical applications to companies around the world.

Organization Theory

This course delves into various theories on organizational performance and how Ph.D. graduates can apply them when entering the HR field. Students discuss, compare and contrast multiple models in organizational theory.

Survey of Social Psychology

This course surveys the major theories and research in the social psychology field. Social psychology studies how thoughts, behaviors and feelings change based on norms and other people and plays a crucial role in human resources.

Dissertation

A dissertation is the culminating requirement for Ph.D. candidates. In most cases, Ph.D. candidates must write a paper based on their original research, after which they must defend their dissertation to a panel of faculty members. This requirement takes years to complete, making it difficult to pinpoint exact completion timelines for Ph.D. programs.

Featured Online Schools

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Ph.D. in Human Resources

What can you do with a ph.d. in human resources.

A Ph.D. in human resources prepares you for high-level human resources positions or roles in academia, such as research or teaching. In tandem with professional experience, graduates can pursue CEO jobs. Doctoral degree holders can also pursue licensure to practice or conduct research as industrial-organizational psychologists.

Is a doctorate in HR worth it?

Whether a doctorate in HR is worth it depends on your career goals. If you want to pursue careers in academia and research, a Ph.D. in human resources is the right fit for you. These degrees can lead to HR professor and industrial-organizational psychologist positions.

In contrast, you do not need a doctoral degree to become a human resources manager, although it can help. However, financially, you are likely better off pursuing an MBA in human resources for HR management careers.

• Best Online Accounting Degrees
• Best MBA In Finance Online
• Best Online Finance Degrees
• Best Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees
• Best Online Master’s In Finance
• Best Online MBA Programs
• Best Ph.D. In Leadership Online Programs
• How To Become A CPA
• How To Become A Financial Advisor
• How To Become An Accountant
• How To Become An Investment Banker
• Possible Jobs With A Business Management Degree
• How To Choose A Career In Marketing
• What Can You Do With An Accounting Degree?
• Alternatives To An MBA
• Earning A Business Administration Bachelor’s Degree
• Earning A Bachelor’s In Marketing
• Bookkeeping vs Accounting
• Should You Get An MBA In Finance?
• Earning A Finance Degree
• Earning An Online MBA In Accounting

How To Become A Real Estate Agent: Job Outlook And Certifications

Best Online M.B.A. Accelerated Programs Of 2024

Best Online Associate Degrees In Business Management Of 2024

Where To Earn An Online Ph.D. In Marketing In 2024

Best Online Ph.D. In Management Of 2024

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

TOP 20 PHD IN HUMAN RESOURCES PROGRAMS

• Published October 6, 2018
• Last Updated January 22, 2023

Find Your Degree!

This article features the top 20 Ph.D. Programs in Human Resources.

Human resources is a flexible and lucrative career choice. In this field, graduates can land a position at any degree level. And many jobs in human resources only require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, a doctorate in human resources is needed for high-level leadership roles in the field. 

A Ph.D. in human resources typically takes three to five years to complete. And these doctoral programs are often rigorous and competitive. At many colleges, only a handful of applicants are accepted into the Ph.D human resources programs. However, those that do often enjoy full tuition, stipends, and other financial assistance. 

In this post, we’ve listed some of the best doctoral programs for human resources in the nation. Some are highly competitive on-campus doctoral degree programs only available to full-time students. Others offer more flexible human resources online options. If you’re considering pursuing a Ph.D. program in human resources, this list of the best doctoral programs has you covered. 

Ph.D. Human Resources Methodology

To identify the top 20 Ph.D. human resources programs, we started with a search on NCES College Navigator. From there, we created a list of colleges offering doctoral programs in human resources.

From our list, we created a rating system (seen below) to select our top 20 Ph.D. in human resources programs. Where there were ties, we favored the doctoral programs with the lower graduate tuition rate. Please note that the tuition rates listed are based on in-state costs per academic year. The costs for non-residents or for online doctorate degree students may differ.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less= 3 Points
• Greater than 15:1= 1 Point

Average Graduate Tuition Rate

• Less than $15,000 per year= 5 Points
• Between $15,000 and $20,000 per year= 3 Point
• More than $20,000 per year= 1 Point

Overall Graduation Rate

• Greater than 80%= 3 Point
• 80% or Less= 1 Point

Below are 20 schools that offer the best human resources doctoral programs:

Summary of Top 10 Ph.D. Human Resource Programs:

Ranking the Top 20 PhD Programs in Human Resources

#20 – regent u n iversity – virginia beach, virginia.

Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,590

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 5

Regent University offers a Human Resources online online doctorate degree. Students in this doctoral degree program will earn a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. This human resources program requires a total of 60 credit hours. There are five concentrations to allow students to customize the program to align with their academic goals. They include:

• Ecclesial Leadership
• Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Human Resource Development
• Individualized Studies
• Organizational Leadership

The online doctorate degree program prepares students to influence organizations as leaders, scholars, and teachers. And they will focus on both leadership theory and practices. This research-based degree is taught from a Christian worldview. Some of the core courses include:

• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Contemporary Perspectives in Organizational Leadership Theory
• Organizational Theory & Design
• Group Behavior

To be considered for the doctoral degree, candidates must have a master’s degree in HR or a related field. 

Related: Online Master’s in Human Resources in Virginia

#19 – Cornell University – Ithaca, New York

MS/Ph.D. in Human Resources 

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $29,500

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 7

The next doctoral degree program is through Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. This Master’s Degree to Ph.D. in Human Resources focuses not only on HR but on several related fields. Students in the program will earn both a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in human resources.

The program is designed for close collaboration among faculty and students. Only about 25 students are part of each year’s cohort. And this allows candidates to work on joining publications and advanced research projects. An impressive student to faculty ratio of 9:1 ensures you will get the personalized attention you need. Some of the PhD human resources courses may include:

• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Labor Relations Strategy 
• Navigating Power Relationships
• Diversity and Cross-Cultural Teams
• Coaching Skills for Leaders
• Organizational Behavior: Managing Change
• Negotiation Skills
• Agile Project Management Approaches

Candidates admitted to Cornell’s Human Resources Master’s Degree and Ph.D. program can expect full funding and placement support.

#18 – University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management

For more information: University of Pittsburgh

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $24,118

The University of Pittsburgh has one of the nation’s best Ph.D. in human resources programs. This OBHR program focuses on contemporary topics in human resource management. And students develop a multidisciplinary understanding of core foundations in the field. Students in this doctoral degree program learn to be effective and foreward-thinking human resources managers.

The program is offered through the Katz Graduate School of Business. And it follows a unique mentorship model. Doctoral students work with faculty to co-author research articles and complete projects. Generally, only two new candidates are accepted each year. This allows doctoral students to receive one-on-one faculty attention. Some of the courses in this human resources management Ph.D. include:

• Foundations of Organizational Behavior
• Psychology of Small Groups
• Analysis of Variance
• Applied Regression Analysis
• Work and Organizations
• Structural Equation Modeling

Most students can complete the doctoral degree program in five years. This includes two years of coursework and comprehensive exams. The final three years involve dissertation research, overview, and defense.

The HR Doctoral Program provides a generous financial aid package. Admitted human resource PhD students receive $27,000 per academic year plus an annual fellowship of $10,000.

Related: Online Master’s in Human Resources in Pennsylvania

#17 – Michigan State University – East Lansing, Michigan

Ph.D. in Human Resources and Labor Relations

For more information: Michigan State University

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $19,714

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Michigan State University features a Ph.D. in human resource management. This rigorous program develops professional HR and labor relation scholars. And candidates learn the skills needed to become high-level human resources managers. Students will be part of a vibrant culture of faculty and peers. And together, they will work to conduct meaningful research. There are four major components of the curriculum. They include:

• Required plus elective coursework
• An independent research paper
• A comprehensive exam
• A dissertation

Doctoral students will need a minimum of 60-semester credits to graduate. However, some transfer credits may be approved on a case-by-case basis. Admission is competitive, with a limited number of prospective students admitted each year. However, those that are accepted receive full funding. This includes tuition, health insurance, and research support. The program is strictly full-time, so it represents a significant commitment.

#16 – University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Ph.D. in OLPD Human Resource Development

For more information: University of Minnesota

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,844

U of M offers a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development. This human development track prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities. Possible future roles include:

• Faculty at a university or college
• Executive consultant or coach
• Director of organization development and learning
• Director of organizational effectiveness

This 72-credit doctoral degree program can be completed in three to five years of full-time study. New students are admitted in the fall semester. Forty-eight hours of HRD coursework plus 24 thesis credits are required. The work includes the following:

• Departmental core courses
• Professional socialization seminar
• Doctoral research seminar
• Research courses (including qualitative and quantitative courses)
• Specialization courses

To apply, students must have a master’s degree in HR or a related field. Financial assistance options are available for Ph.D. students. They include federal financial aid, loans, grants, fellowships, and assistantships. 

#15 – Sullivan University – Louisville, Kentucky

Ph.D. in Management – Human Resource Leadership

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,840

Sullivan University offers a Human Resources Online PhD. in Management. This doctoral degree is designed to prepare candidates for leadership roles in their organizations. Students will focus on both research and practical skills. And they can customize the online doctorate degree with one of four concentrations:

• Strategic Management
• Conflict Management
• Human Resource Leadership
• Information Technology Management

For the Human Resource Leadership concentration, students will take core management courses. Plus, they will take classes related to concentration. Some courses for this human resources online degree include:

• Organizations and External Environments 
• Human Capital Management 
• Managing Innovation and Change in Organizations
• Workforce Analytics and Technology 

The impressive student to faculty ratio of 9:1 ensures all candidates receive personalized instruction. In addition, many students partner with faculty on research, writing, and presentation projects. Sullivan also encourages a cohort model for this online doctorate degree. This allows candidates to develop connections among fellow students, instructors, and other HR professionals.

This online human resources doctorate program is highly flexible. No on-campus residencies are required. And students can complete the program full or part-time.

#14 – University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

Ph.D. in Business Administration: Human Resource Management

For more information: University of Illinois at Chicago

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,927

UIC offers a Ph.D. in Business Administration with an HRM Emphasis. Students in the program will explore a variety of topics related to HR. They will also gain professional research skills. The doctorate in human resources program is offered to full-time students only. And it requires a four to five-year commitment. Human resources students are required to take seminars in:

• Human Resources
• Organizational Development
• Research Methods
• Education Psychology
• Electives 

Admission to the HR business administration program is highly competitive. As a result, only a few new students are admitted each year. This maintains high student-faculty interaction. Students work with peers and faculty on several research projects throughout the program. And almost all students graduate having their research work published in peer-reviewed journals.

#13 – Bellevue University – Bellevue, Nebraska

Ph.D. in Human Capital Management

For more information: Bellevue University

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $10,980

Bellevue University offers an executive-level Ph.D. in Human Capital Management. This doctoral program approaches HR from a unique angle. Students are taught to treat employees as valuable assets. And they learn how to invest in and serve the workforce to align with business goals. They also gain a psychological understanding of organizational dynamics and leadership. 

A total of 51 credit hours are needed to meet the requirements for this doctoral degree. Students work through the program by completing four learning modules and a dissertation. They will collaborate with expert faculty and peers from all over the country. Some of the courses in this Ph.D. program include:

• Human Capital Development and Productivity
• Economics of Human Capital Valuation Issues
• Human Learning and Decision Making
• Research in Organizations
• Introduction to Human Capital Modeling and Research

The dissertation involves an applied research project. And students will use this project to address a real-world problem in an organization. The dissertation Chair must approve the topic and research plan. However, it is generally conducted in an organization to which the student has access. 

Students can complete the doctoral degree program entirely online. Candidates must have at least five years of professional experience. And they will also need to have a master’s degree in HR or a related field. 

#12 – Colorado State University – Denver, Colorado

Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies

For more information: Colorado State University

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,834

Colorado State University offers a hybrid Ph.D. in Education and HR Studies. Students in this program will complete some classes online. However, they will also need to meet bi-weekly on Saturday mornings. These classes take place at the CSU extended campus in Denver. The program focuses on organizational learning, performance, and change. Candidates will develop skills in research, analysis, decision-making, and more. A few of the courses include:

• Organizational Learning, Performance, Change
• Workforce Development
• Theory and Practice of Change 
• Scenario Planning in Organizations
• Social, Cultural, and Political Foundations of the Workplace 

Students work closely with faculty mentors on their coursework. And they will also collaborate with mentors to develop and complete their dissertation research. While some classes are in person, the online portion also facilitates collaboration. Students follow a cohort of about 20 students. And they complete small group activities that are an integral part of the program.

The program is selective, and the school chooses a diverse group of candidates each year. Applicants should have significant work experience in the field. Throughout the program, they will be challenged to present their research at conferences. And they will also be publishing their research in relevant publications. The entire program can be completed in four years or less. 

#11 – Old Dominion University – Norfolk, Virginia

Ph.D. Occupational and Technical Studies concentration, Human Resources – Training emphasis

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,207

Old Dominion University offers a unique online Ph.D. in Human Resources. It’s an occupation and technical studies concentration. However, there is a human resources training emphasis. This program prepares students to work as training and development specialists in a number of industries. Several publications have ranked it as one of the Best Online Human Resources doctorate programs. 

The program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. And there are two summer residencies required. These are each two weeks long and take place on the Norfolk campus. However, other than the residencies, no other campus visits are required. Online students will complete core courses, electives, and a dissertation. Some of the courses for this human resources online program include:

• Trends and Issues of Economic and Workforce Development
• Principles and Practices of Human Performance Technology
• Research Design and Analysis
• Human Performance Assessment
• Instructional Systems Design

Courses are organized into online learning modules. Each has a defined learning objective and must be completed on time. However, there is still a lot of flexibility with this online human resources program. Candidates can complete some classes on their own time. And other classes will meet at specified times online. You can log in from anywhere with a high-speed internet connection. 

See Also: 5 Careers for a Human Resources PhD Graduate

#10 – University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Capital Development

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,094

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Ph.D. in Human Capital Development. This internationally-recognized program provides a think-tank environment. And it prepares candidates to work across a range of industries. This is one of the most affordable PhD programs on our list.

Students interact with faculty who bring real-world instruction into the classroom. Plus, all candidates gain a thorough understanding of topics such as:

• Organizational Culture
• Performance Improvement
• Change Leadership
• Human Capital Analytics
• Strategic Planning

The program is not a fully online human resources degree. Instead, it is offered in a hybrid format. It combines on-campus learning with online instruction. A minimum of 54 graduate hours are required to complete the program. Some of the courses include:

• Workforce Development Models 
• Change Leadership in Human Capital Development 
• Advanced Workforce Analysis 
• Design & Development for Performance Improvement
• Research in Human Capital Development 
• Emerging Technologies for Human Capital Development 

The program is offered through the School of Leadership. Federal financial aid is available. However, students should also consider research or teaching assistantships. The university has 900 assistantships available in all areas. Assistants receive tuition waivers and stipends to help cover the costs of their education and research. 

Related: Online Master’s in Human Resources in Mississippi

#9 – University of Texas at Tyler – Tyler, Texas

Ph.D. in Human Resource Development

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,264

The University of Texas at Tyler offers a Ph.D. in HR Development. This 60-credit-hour program is designed to help candidates advance the HR profession. And it teaches strong leadership skills for those pursuing government, industry, and education roles. This is a partially online human resources program that requires only five campus visits per semester. The rest of the program can be completed online. Students will conduct research in HR practice and theory. And they will work with faculty and cohorts on various projects. 

The program is offered through the Soules College of Business. To be considered, students must have a master’s in HR or a related field. They must also have a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on their previous coursework. Admission takes place in the fall of each year. Some of the courses in the online human resources program include:

• Leadership Theory and Practice
• Talent Management and Development
• Foundations of Qualitative Research
• Proposal Development
• Organizational Consulting
• Organizational Intervention Approaches

Candidates will take a Proficiency Examination after completing all coursework. They will then complete a dissertation of original research. This requires a minimum of 12 credits. Students have five years to complete the program after being admitted as candidates. Federal Financial aid and other financial support is available for this PhD program. However, at under $6,300 per academic year, it is one of the most affordable PhD programs on our list.

#8 – Rutgers University – New Brunswick, New Jersey

Ph.D. in Industrial Relations & Human Resources

For more information: Rutgers University

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $18,180

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 9

Rutgers University has an excellent HR doctorate program. It is offered through the School of Management and Labor Relations. Students in the program graduate with a Ph.D. in Industrial Relations and Human Resources (IRHR). And this program qualifies graduates for roles in research or academia. Students will work closely with leading scholars to develop their skills. There are two primary areas of focus:

• Human Resource Management
• Labor, Work, and Society

Students may also pursue an optional sociology concentration. 

This is a full-time on-campus program. And it includes coursework and an apprenticeship component. Students will conduct research side by side with peers and faculty. And this requires a significant time commitment. However, most students can complete the degree in about five years. Some of the courses include:

• Human Resources: Micro Foundations
• Organization Theory
• Multilevel Theory and Research 
• Global Human Resource Management
• Knowledge Management
• Corporate Governance

Candidates are expected to be involved in research throughout the program. Each student is assigned a research advisor who will provide annual assessments. 

#7 – Johnson & Wales University – Providence, Rhode Island

Doctor of Business Administration – Organization Development

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,706

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Johnson & Wales University offers a DBA with a concentration in Organization Development. This program is ideal for those seeking a Ph.D. in human resources online. The degree teaches the research and practical skills needed for high-level leadership roles. Students learn to address complex business challenges and become innovators in their organizations. 

This human resources online program requires no campus visits. Students work with a group of cohorts from different industries. And they will have the opportunity to collaborate on a variety of projects. Cohorts generally include 12 to 18 students. This way, candidates are ensured personalized attention from faculty members. Some of the courses include:

• Organizational Strategy and Design
• Innovation and Change
• Contemporary Leadership Issues
• Executive Decision-Making
• Research Design

Online students can complete the degree in three years by following the prescribed sequence. The program culminates in a written dissertation and oral defense. However, the university has a unique lock-step dissertation model. This model is designed to guide students smoothly through the dissertation process. 

All faculty members hold terminal degrees and are human resource professionals in their fields. Candidates will receive ongoing career development assistance from their faculty mentors. And they will establish a network of support that will assist them long after graduation. 

See Also: The Top 10 Best HR MBA Programs

#6 – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Champaign, Illinois

Human Resources Ph.D.

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $14,635

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Ph.D. in human resources. And it is considered one of the top phd programs for HR in the country. This program is excellent for students who want to pursue an academic career in employee relations. New students are accepted into the program each fall. Some of the courses include:

• Employment Relations Systems
• Workplace Dispute Resolution
• Negotiation in Human Resource Decisions
• Organization Fundamentals for HR
• Successful Change Management
• HR Planning and Staffing
• Diversity Issues in Recruiting and Staffing

This program encompasses the interests and backgrounds of a wide range of individuals. And students will develop collaborative relationships with many of these individuals. These HR professionals include those in industrial relations, human resources, economics, education, and more. 

All doctorate in human resources students are awarded a substantial financial aid package. It includes a tuition waiver, stipend, and research support. Doctoral students may also receive financial support for travel to conferences.

#5 – Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio

Ph.D. in Management and Human Resources

For more information: The Ohio State University

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,560

OSU features Management and Human Resources Ph.D. program. It is designed to train students to become top-class researchers in management. In addition, the program offers specializations in the following:

• Entrepreneurship
• International Business

Students can expect to study HR from theoretical perspectives. These are rooted in psychology, sociology, and management. The human resources program is designed as a full-time program due to its academic rigor. However, students can complete their degrees in four years. 

The Ph.D. program at OSU has a unique structure. Students will need to complete 80 credit hours, including:

• 21 required seminars within the department
• 12 required statistics courses
• 12 “breadth” courses outside of the department
• 20 other elective courses
• 15 dissertation credits

Students will also complete a year-long assistantship and exams in years one and two. In addition, they will complete their dissertations in years three and four, including an oral defense. And candidates will teach one course independently each of those years. 

OSU strives to offer its doctorate in human resource students full tuition support. In addition, most doctoral students can receive a Graduate Assistant (GA) Fellowship. The fellowship covers insurance, tuition, and a monthly stipend. Generally, students with acceptable academic performance can continue receiving support each year. The amount of funding is determined each year by the Department Chair. 

#4 – University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin

For more information: University of Wisconsin

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,728

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a Ph.D. in human resources. It is one of the most affordable PhD programs on our list. This program is ideal for students seeking a career in research and teaching. And students typically achieve placements as assistant professors at leading research universities. Candidates can choose from five key research areas, including:

• Organizational Development/Behavior
• Organizational Theory

Candidates need a total of 32 credits to complete the program. And new students begin by taking two years of coursework. The courses are selected with the help of an advisor and Ph.D. coordinator. At the end of the second year, students will take preliminary exams. Following this, they will begin working on their dissertations. 

Some of the coursework may be taken outside of the business school. The courses will depend on the student’s specific research interests. However, they may include coursework in statistics, sociology, psychology, economics, and other areas.

All HR Ph.D. students receive a generous funding package. In addition, top-performing candidates may be considered for additional scholarships and fellowships. In general, most candidates are eligible to receive the funding for five years. 

#3 – Northcentral University – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management

Average Graduation Tuition Rate: $10,260

Northcentral University offers another one of the best HR phd programs in the nation. Human Resources Management Doctorate. This is a research-based degree program. And it is designed for students who want to pursue leadership roles in the public or private sectors. Candidates will develop valuable critical thinking and research skills. And they will be ready to contribute to the body of knowledge in the HR field. 

This human resources management online program is highly flexible. So it is ideal for students who can’t commit to earning their Ph.D. on campus. There are no residencies or campus visits required. There are also no GRE/GMAT requirements. Courses are taught by a 100 percent doctoral faculty. Some of the courses in this 60-hour online human resources program include:

• Human Resources Management in the 21st Century
• Compensation and Benefits
• Labor Relations in Human Resources Management
• Legal Issues in Human Resources Management
• Organizational Development in Human Resource Management

Students can complete this online learning program in as little as 38 months. However, Northcentral gives students up to seven years to earn the degree. Northcentral offers six full-tuition scholarships to incoming graduate students. Federal financial aid, grants, and student loans are also available. 

The school offers a unique one-on-one learning model. This ensures that candidates get all the personal support and guidance they need to succeed. Online students have access to excellent resources as well. Some of these include:

• Virtual Education Support Center
• Virtual Center for Health and Wellness
• NCU Online Library 
• Academic Success Center
• Dissertation Center
• Tech Support

#2 – Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana

OB and Human Resource Management Ph.D.

For more information: Indiana University

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,909

Our next runner up for the top HR phd programs is at Indiana University. IU offers an Organizational Development and Human Resources Management Ph.D. This doctoral degree requires a full-time commitment, and no part-time students are accepted. The curriculum includes six seminars and various courses in research methodology and statistics. Some of these include:

• Human Resource (HR) Management
• Strategic Management 
• Theoretical Foundations of Strategy

Ph.D. in HR Students also complete three courses in a minor field of their choice. This can include economics, psychology, sociology, or another related area.

Admission to the doctorate in human resources program is competitive. Only a few new prospective students are accepted each year. And at any given time, there are only about 12 students in the program. Most doctoral students are eligible for a range of financial assistance programs. These include fee remissions, research appointments, fellowships, and grants. 

#1 – Purdue University – West Lafayette, Indiana

OB & Human Resources PhD

For more information: Purdue University

Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,918

Doctorate in Human Resources Score: 11

Our top phd in human resource management comes from Purdue University. This rigorous PhD HR program is designed for those planning an academic career. Students work closely with faculty to conduct exciting and impactful research in areas like:

• Workplace Fairness and Justice
• Leadership and Teams
• Employer Branding and Recruitment
• International Human Resources
• Counterproductive Work Behaviors
• Workplace Interventions, Training, and Employee Engagement
• Work, Family, Diversity, and Personal Life
• Employee Selection

Students in this Ph.D. program will be immersed in hands-on educational experiences. And they will develop one-on-one learning partnerships with some of the top HR professors in the country. Throughout the PhD program, candidates will have many opportunities to develop their skills. There are seminars, presentations, professional conferences, and other experiences. 

The degree takes four to five years to complete. And it is only available on campus. Prospective students must be ready to commit to the doctoral degree program full-time. This includes being on campus during the academic year plus the summers. Admission is competitive. Typically only two to three candidates are admitted each year. However, tuition costs are waived, and all incoming Ph.D. students receive financial support as paid employees. 

This concludes our ranking of the best PhD in human resources programs.

• Chat with a Live Advisor Live Chat
• 1-800-NAT-UNIV (628-8648)
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development with an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (California)
• Bachelor of Arts in English
• Bachelor of Arts in History
• Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning
• Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential and Intern Option (CA)
• Master of Arts in Education
• Master of Early Childhood Education
• Education Specialist
• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Education
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
• Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation
• Certificate in Online Teaching (COT) Program
• Online Medical Coding Program
• Building Our Team Through Community Policing
• Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential
• Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Internship Option (California)
• Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (CA Option)
• Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate with Internship Option (CA)
• All Teaching & Education
• Associate of Science in Business
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Science in Data Science
• Master of Public Administration
• Doctor of Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Business
• Post-Master's Certificate in Business
• Graduate Certificate in Banking
• Certificate in Agile Project Management
• All Business & Marketing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (California)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Second Bachelor Degree (California)
• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Master of Science in Health Informatics
• Master of Healthcare Administration
• Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)
• Doctor of Health Administration
• Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership
• LVN to RN 30 Unit Option Certificate
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
• Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
• Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
• All Healthcare & Nursing
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
• Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis Degree
• Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology
• Master of Arts in Consciousness, Psychology, and Transformation
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Program
• Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
• Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy
• Graduate Certificate in Trauma Studies
• Post-Master's Certificate in Psychology
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Pupil Personnel Services Credential School Counseling (PPSC)
• University Internship Credential Program for Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling (California Only)
• All Social Sciences & Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Engineering Management
• Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
• Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management
• Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity
• All Engineering & Technology
• Associate of Arts in General Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design
• Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
• Master of Arts in English
• Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
• Foreign Credential Bridge Program
• All Arts & Humanities
• Graduate Certificate in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigations
• Bachelor of Public Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Minor in Business Law
• Master of Criminal Justice Leadership
• Master of Forensic Sciences
• Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Doctor of Public Administration
• All Criminal Justice & Public Service
• Paralegal Specialist Certificate Corporations
• Paralegal Specialist Certificate Criminal Law
• Paralegal Specialist Certificate Litigation
• Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
• Juris Doctor
• Associate of Science in Human Biology
• Associate of Science in General Education
• Bachelor of Science in Biology
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
• All Science & Math
• Program Finder
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Program Admissions
• Military Admissions
• Early College
• Credential & Certificate Programs
• Transfer Information
• Speak to an Advisor
• How to Pay for College
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Tuition & Fees
• NU offers a variety of scholarships to help students reduce their financial burden while focusing on achieving their goals. Explore Scholarships
• Office of the President
• Board of Trustees
• Accreditation
• Course Catalog
• Workforce and Community Education
• Academic Schools/Colleges
• Academies at NU
• NU Foundation
• President’s Circle
• Military & Veterans
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
• National Guard & Reservist
• Military Spouses & Dependents
• Military Resources
• NU proudly serves active duty and Veteran students from all branches of the military — at home, on base, and abroad. Military Admissions
• Online Degrees & Programs
• Consumer Information
• Student Login
• Graduation Events
• Student Portal
• Student Bookstore
• Student Resources
• Dissertation Boot Camp
• Show your NU pride and shop our online store for the latest and greatest NU apparel and accessories! Shop Now
• Request Info
• Our Programs

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PhD-HRM)

100% online phd-hrm.

Complete your studies on your own time.

New Start Date Every Monday

Start your first course when it’s convenient for you.

38 Months to your PhD-HRM

Finish your PhD-HRM in just 20 courses.

National and Northcentral have merged, and this program is now offered by NU.  Learn more .

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management

Enhance global business environments with the 100% online Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PhD-HRM) degree program at National University. No GRE/GMAT required. You’ll gain the expert-level knowledge you need to take on leadership positions in the private, public, and non-profit sector. Through this comprehensive doctoral degree, you’ll deepen your understanding of human resource theories and practices, including critical thinking and research skills. 

Advance Your Human Resource Career Completely Online

NU’s PhD-HRM program is centered on the evolution of human resources. You’ll explore extrinsic and intrinsic compensation concepts, how to improve organizational effectiveness, and how to motivate diverse workforces. You’ll also learn how to develop and apply quantitative and qualitative research designs and methodologies. Other focus areas in the PhD in Human Resource Management include working within a unionized environment, legal issues impacting human resources, and how to improve diversity and inclusion. 

NU’s one-to-one learning model will provide you with the guidance, attention, and support you deserve throughout your doctoral education.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

Course Details

• Credit Hours: 60
• Courses: 20
• Estimated Time to Complete: 38 months

The Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PhD-HRM) program can be completed in 60 credits. Each foundational course runs 8 weeks, and dissertation courses run 12 weeks.

Course Sequence

This program can be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation research. If needed, additional courses will be added to the student degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. Students who do not complete their program in accordance with these policies may be dismissed.

Course Name

In this course, you will focus on the development of the human resource function in organizations. From exploring employee recruitment, motivation, performance and various forms of compensation and benefits packages, you will view the human resource function in a strategic role that enhances global business environments.

In this course, you will explore the concepts of extrinsic and intrinsic compensation in the management of today’s diverse and global workforce. The decisions made in these areas, related to compensation and benefits at the Executive and the employee level, can directly impact the strategic nature and direction of the organization.

In this course, you will explore all aspects of labor relations from a human resources perspective. This will include the history, structure, politics, processes, and relationships associated with bargaining units (unions). You will examine how unions can change attitudes and behaviors of both management and employees, as well as the benefits and challenges to working in a human resources position in a unionized environment.

In this course, you will explore how to manage human resources to optimize organizational effectiveness as well as individual outcomes in a global context. You will consider current laws, public policies, recruitment and retention strategies. In addition, you will determine how employees’ concerns and complaints are incorporated into organizational decision-making.

Prerequisites:  *Fundamental requirement in General Management

In this course, you will examine supervisory concepts, laws, regulations and HRM practices used in the 21st Century. You will explore techniques for motivating employees as a supervisor of diverse workforces and evaluate the role of supervisors in organizational planning.

This doctoral course examines the uniqueness of culture and its impact on all areas of organizational operations. This includes such aspects as diversity, global transitioning, accommodations, and cross-national teamwork. The Twenty-First century Human Resources professional must have an open mind and a willingness to suspend judgments, ask questions, and listen to answers.

In this course, you will explore multiple levels of employment, including management, full-time employees, part-time employees, temporary employees, and contracted employees based on the passage and interpretation of laws, whether at the federal, state, or local level. Policies such as employment-at-will, right to work, or termination, and other regulations can change with an act of Congress or a state legislature.

In this course, you will explore how the HRM function creates a more inclusive culture by valuing diversity of its workforce. During the course, you will review organizational decisions on diversity issues in order to learn how to avoid discrimination while improving organizational effectiveness. To gain an awareness of corporate best practices, you will examine HRM’s role in diversity and inclusion cases.

In this course, you will examine how organizational behavior is relevant to HRM. You will explore theories that support and explain causes and outcomes of typical issues in HRM. In addition to individual behaviors in organizations, team dynamics in relation to organizational structures will be discussed in consideration of organizational goals and employee well-being.

In this course, you will explore the strategic role of human resources in organizations. Through an examination of HRM functions, you will determine how these align with the strategic direction of organizations. In addition, you will consider the potential contributions and challenges that HRM might face, especially during organizational change processes. You will then develop HRM initiatives that help achieve organizational goals.

In this course, you will review policy development processes, how these are implemented and the outcomes resulting from policies being deployed. You will consider various forces that affect HR policies including the needs of global environments, organizations, and employees. You will develop policy implementation plans that include the necessary steps, resource allocations, and measurement of outcomes.

In this course, you will engage in the process of scholarly literature reviews and academic writing. With an emphasis on how to (a) conduct effective literature searches, specifically in preparation for the dissertation, (b) develop a plan for writing comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature, and (c) critically review and write about underlying theory/conceptual frameworks, you will develop a foundation for future research. The overarching goal of this course is for you to conduct an exhaustive search of the peer-reviewed research literature in your topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for your dissertation.

In this course, you will cultivate a statistical mindset through learning and nurturing skills needed to perform and interpret univariate inferential statistics. The course will facilitate building your statistical confidence in assessing and performing statistics. The course will cover univariate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, interpretation of statistical output, and introduce skills needed to select statistical tests based on quantitative research questions.

During this course, as a scholar-practitioner, you will build the skills essential for designing quantitative studies; analyzing the data collected in these studies, and interpreting the results of data analyses. You will explore designs and statistical techniques to use with their envisioned dissertation research.

During this course, you will examine qualitative methods for studying human behavior including grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnography, mixed methods, and case studies. You will explore designs and methodologies to use with your envisioned research.

The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is intended to ensure students have mastered knowledge of their discipline prior to candidacy status and demonstrated the ability to design empirical research as an investigator before moving on to the dissertation research coursework. Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize empirical, peer-reviewed research to support all assignments in this course. The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is completed only after all foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed.

Students in this course will be required to complete Chapter 1 of their dissertation proposal including a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study. A completed, committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 is required to pass this course successfully. Students who do not receive approval of Chapter 1 to minimum standards will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of Chapter .

Students in this course will be required to work on completing Chapters 1-3 of their dissertation proposal and receive committee approval for the Dissertation Proposal (DP) in order to pass the class. Chapter 2 consists of the literature review. Chapter 3 covers the research methodology method and design and to includes population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. In this course, a completed, committee-approved Chapters 2 and 3 are required and, by the end of the course, a final approved dissertation proposal (against the minimum rubric standards). Students who do not receive approval of the dissertation proposal will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.

Students in this course will be required to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application, collect data, and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. Students still in data collection at the end of the 12-week course will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to complete data collection and file an IRB study closure form.

In this dissertation course students work on completing Chapters 4 and 5 and the final Dissertation Manuscript. Specifically, students will complete their data analysis, prepare their study results, and present their findings in an Oral Defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, Committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate. Students who do not receive approval for either or both their Dissertation Manuscript or defense can take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of either or both items as needed.

Degree Requirements

The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the doctoral degree for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. The PHD-HRM degree program in the School of Business has the following graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through NU
• Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
• Satisfactory completion of the PHD-HRM Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
• University Approval of Dissertation Manuscript and Oral Defense completed
• Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy
• Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution
• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
• All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their diploma and/or degree posted transcript.

Positions  

• Human resource manager or specialist 
• Postsecondary teacher
• Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialist
• Business partner
• Recruitment/placement specialist
• Human resource employee relations manager
• Business intelligence analyst
• Compensation analyst
• Assistant professor of management (college and university professors, faculty members) 

Work Settings

• Public administration (Federal and State governmental agencies, VA, Forest Service Bureau of Prisons, Environmental Protection Agency, etc.)
• Colleges and Universities seeking academic faculty members
• Professional, scientific, and technical services (Management consulting companies like Deloitte, Accenture, or government contractors offering consulting services) 
• Healthcare (Managed care providers, hospitals, medical facilities, residential care facilities)
• Manufacturing (Aerospace, defense, biotech, pharma, and other large private sector corporations)
• Large retailers like Amazon and Wayfair
• Information Technology
• Finance and insurance

*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond completing this degree program. Many roles may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met.

SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: 4/13/2022). 

DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

DISSERTATION PROCESS

Faculty assist each NU Doctoral candidate to reach this academic goal through a systematic process leading to a high-quality completed dissertation. A PhD-HRM dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of study. This process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of the dissertation.

A doctoral candidate must be continuously enrolled throughout the series of dissertation courses. Dissertation courses are automatically scheduled and accepted without a break in scheduling to ensure that students remain in continuous enrollment throughout the dissertation course sequence. If additional time is required to complete any of the dissertation courses, students must re-enroll and pay the tuition for that course. Continuous enrollment will only be permitted when students demonstrate progress toward completing dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Committee determines progress.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of National University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PhD-HRM) program, you’ll be able to:

• Evaluate human resource theories, concepts, and scholarly research
• Recommend best practices in hiring, retaining, supporting, and motivating employees
• Determine the impact of employment laws in domestic and multinational organizations
• Contribute to the body of theory and practice in human resource management

Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.

To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call  (855) 355-6288  or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply  start your application today

Weekly Course Starts

Finish Your Dissertation!

Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) is a 100% online pathway helping students “All But Dissertation” finish their doctoral degree.

• Block transfer of credit from your previous institution
• Flexible monthly start dates
• Highly trained faculty providing feedback each week on your dissertation
• Strategic support and targeted resources to help you finish

Why Choose National University

• Four-Week Courses
• 190+ Degree Programs
• Online or On-Site
• Year-Round Enrollment
• Military Friendly

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 230,000 alumni worldwide.

“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”

-Francisco R., Class of 2016

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

Frequently Asked Questions

With a PhD in HR, you can pursue various career paths. These include academic positions such as teaching and conducting research in universities, research and development roles in government or private organizations, or leadership roles in HR departments in corporations or non-profit organizations.

Pursuing a PhD in HR depends on your career goals and interests. If you want to become a professor, researcher, or hold high-level positions in HR departments, a PhD from National University can be beneficial. It can also lead to higher salaries and job security.

The Key Grant Scholarship

Do you qualify for a needs-based scholarship? Learn more about the NU Key Grant Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities to unlock the door to your dreams!

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

Search the site

Modal window with site-search and helpful links

Featured Programs

• Business and Management
• Computer Science
• Teaching and Credentials

Helpful Links

• Admissions & Application Information
• Online College Degrees & Programs
• Student Services
• Request Your Transcripts

Terms & Conditions

By submitting your information to National University as my electronic signature and submitting this form by clicking the Request Info button above, I provide my express written consent to representatives of National University and National University affiliates (including City University of Seattle) to contact me about educational opportunities. This includes the use of automated technology, such as an automatic dialing system and pre-recorded or artificial voice messages, text messages, and mail, both electronic and physical, to the phone numbers (including cellular) and e-mail address(es) I have provided. I confirm that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete. I also understand that certain degree programs may not be available in all states. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary.

I understand that consent is not a condition to purchase any goods, services or property, and that I may withdraw my consent at any time by sending an email to [email protected] . I understand that if I am submitting my personal data from outside of the United States, I am consenting to the transfer of my personal data to, and its storage in, the United States, and I understand that my personal data will be subject to processing in accordance with U.S. laws, unless stated otherwise in our privacy policy . Please review our privacy policy for more details or contact us at [email protected] .

By submitting my information, I acknowledge that I have read and reviewed the Accessibility Statement . 

By submitting my information, I acknowledge that I have read and reviewed the Student Code of Conduct located in the Catalog .

National University

Chat Options

10 Best PhD in Human Resources Online Programs

Are you interested in discovering how obtaining a PhD in Human Resources online could open up new and prestigious doors in your career?

Let’s explore how doctorate-level credentials could get you to the top of your field.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Professionals with a doctorate in Human Resources earn an average of between $60,000 and $180,000 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics) in a variety of roles.

Universities Offering a Doctorate in Human Resources Online

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Capital Management. Students must complete 51 credit hours, including 2 residencies and a dissertation, to graduate. Those interested in the program must have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience and a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• PhD in Human Capital Management

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. Colorado State University

Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University was founded in 1870.

The 60-credit PhD in Education and Human Resource Studies – Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change program is offered in cohort format by the university’s School of Education. The program can be completed in 3.75 years. Classes are held in Denver and use online tools as well.

• PhD in Education and Human Resource Studies – Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change

Colorado State  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

3. Liberty University

Established in 1971, Liberty University is a Christian Evangelical institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is ranked among the top online universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

The 60 credit-hour, 100% online DBA in the Human Resources program can be completed in 3 years, with no set log in times. Students can complete coursework at their own pace.

• DBA in Human Resources

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4. National University

Founded in 1971, National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions headquartered in San Diego, California. NU offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management and a PhD in Human Resources Management.

The DBA requires the completion of 16 courses for a total of 48 credit hours. It can typically be completed in 64 months. The PhD requires the completion of 20 courses for a total of 60 credit hours. It can typically be completed in 38 months.

• DBA in Human Resources Management
• PhD in Human Resource Management

National University  is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

5. Regent University

Founded in 1977, Regent University is a Christian institution located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The 60 credit-hour online PhD in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Human Resource Development program has two 4-day residency requirements.

The program consists of core and concentration courses, a capstone project, comprehensive exam, and dissertation, with some face-to-face components.

• PhD in Organizational Leadership – Human Resource Development

Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

6. University of Arkansas

Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas was established in 1871.

The online Doctor of Education in Human Resource & Workforce Development Education (HRW DEd) program, offered by the College of Education & Health Professions, requires students to take the GRE. Students are allowed to take up to 7 years to complete the doctoral degree.

• EdD in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education

The  U of A is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign

Established in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign.

The Ph. in Human Resources program is offered by the School of Labor and Employment Relations. Students must complete 48-64 hours of coursework, a non-credit faculty-student workshop, exams, and a dissertation for graduation.

PhD in Human Resources

The  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

8. University of Texas – Tyler

Located in Tyler, Texas, the University of Texas at Tyler was established in 1971.

The PhD in Human Resource Development program is offered by the university’s Soules College of Business. Students are required to complete 60 credit hours, and GMAT scores are necessary for admission. Coursework can be completed in 2.5 years.

• PhD in Human Resource Development

The University of Texas at Tyler is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

9. Walden University

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Walden University is an online university established in 1971.

The online DBA in Human Resource Management program has a 49-credit-hour requirement for completing the degree, with two face-to-face academic residencies. The program must be completed within 8 years unless the student’s petition for an extension.

• DBA in Human Resource Management

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

10. Wayland Baptist University

Located in Plainview, Texas, Wayland Baptist University is affiliated with the Stalked Plains Baptist Association. It was established in 1906,

The Doctor of Management in Human Resource Management program has a 60-credit-hour requirement consisting of 57 hours of coursework and 3 credit hours of research project work, comprehensive exams, and successful completion of an applied research project.

• Doctor of Management in Human Resource Management

Wayland Baptist University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Online PhD in Human Resources Programs

Pursuing a PhD in Human Resources offers room to focus on a specialty that you find engaging. The fact that you’re pursuing a specialty at a doctorate level means that you should be considered a true expert in your area of focus.

Click on the area that interests you to jump to that part of the page.

• Human Resources

Compensation and Benefits

Employee relations.

• Human Capital Management

Organizational Effectiveness

Organizational leadership.

What does that mean for your career? You could become one of a very select handful of people to be considered for certain roles in organizations.

Be prepared to tackle law, psychology, negotiations, math, and pure business studies!

General human resources covers all of the aspects of managing talent within an organization. This includes everything from bringing in workers who are the right fit to creating pay scales that keep an organization competitive.

Having a doctorate-level specialty in general human resources can help position you to become a vice president of human resources operating at an executive level within an organization.

In particular, it can help equip you to lead the full scope of human resources for major corporations, institutions, and universities.

Compensation and benefits is a very relevant specialty because companies and organizations need to have smart strategies for offering fair and competitive pay and benefits.

Additionally, a company’s benefits package must be managed impeccably to ensure that resources are being used optimally. Becoming an expert can help you become a valuable asset to companies as they seek out ways to balance the need to offer generous perks with the realities of cost.

Optimizing talent is all about managing talent. This is why a specialist in employee relations is such an asset to an organization. Your PhD is can help equip you with the negotiating and strategizing skills to create satisfied, productive employees.

It can also help you become an expert at handling contracts, keeping up with compliance regulations, and developing key internal points that will be communicated across a workforce.

Human Capital Management (HCM)

Human capital management is an emerging specialty that is attracting the attention of more and more employers.

What exactly is human capital management? Obtaining a PhD in this specialty can help you become a master of a comprehensive set of organizational practices that are designed to maximize the business value of employees.

However, the focus is far from seeing employees as impersonal “assets.” The focus of this specialty is actually on recruiting and developing talent through incentives, training, and other value-building strategies.

Do you want to be the one who organizations turn to when they want a fixer? A PhD in organization effectiveness can help you become the go-to person for strategizing how to motivate, optimize, and enhance organizations.

The true skill set for this specialty revolves around achieving the outcomes that organizations want to produce.

Organizational effectiveness may be an ideal specialty if you’re focused on how to become a human resources consultant. The big perk of this is that you’ll likely be brought in when corporations need guidance regarding how to reorient toward specific outcomes.

A specialty in organizational leadership can help you become the person that leaders of corporations and organizations turn to when they want guidance and motivation for how to do what they do better.

Obtaining a PhD can help you become something of a guru to the powerful decision-makers of the corporate world.

Organizational leaders are expected to have the tools to help leaders set strategic goals that impact every level of an organization. They are also expected to bring insights and motivation to the table that will help leaders put new ideas in motion.

Experts in organizational leadership have the unique distinction of being able to guide management approaches that work for both individuals and groups. Expect to be brought in during transitions and growth points.

Common Courses for PhD Human Resources Programs

The path to getting a PhD in Human Resources is often paved with some of the most interesting courses a student can take. You will likely dabble in everything from high-level business theory to motivational psychology by the time you emerge as an expert in your field.

Everything you study will probably have a distinct people-oriented angle! Here’s a look at some of the courses you may take as a Human Resources PhD student:

• Compensation and Benefits cover in-depth how to build and manage full-scale compensation and benefits with considerations given to legal requirements and accounting principles.
• Conflict Resolution covers effective ways to communicate and bring forth resolutions when people within a workplace come to the table.
• Workplace Ethics dives into the legal and ethical requirements in workplace settings.
• Employment Law is designed to equip students with the right tools to walk into situations that require action or mediation.

You should have well-rounded expertise that covers core topics like management, compensation models, and employee relations when finished with your program.

Your courses will also help you gain familiarity with important workplace topics, such as sexual harassment in the workplace, employee theft, union regulations, employee morale, bonuses, and retirement.

Dissertation seminars are also included in most PhD in Human Resources curriculums. You can work toward doing independent, cutting-edge research that may ultimately contribute to the human resources field!

PhD in Human Resources Careers

A PhD in Human Resources is a particularly robust area of study because it opens up possibilities in both the corporate and academic worlds. Many people who pursue this path do so because they want to reach executive-level positions.

Others would like to teach business classes on an academic track.

Being a vice president of human resources on the executive team of a large corporation is typically the goal that people have in mind when they pursue a PhD in human resources.

Roles as a human resources leader for a school district, hospital, university, or municipal government are all on the table.

A PhD in Human Resources may also be attractive to those who are interested in providing executive and leadership training on a consulting basis. You might start your own consulting practice, publish books, and host workshops.

Additionally, a PhD can qualify you to pursue teaching positions within the business departments at colleges and universities.

PhD in Human Resources Salary

Let’s discuss what salaries can look like for those who reach the upper echelons on the human resources profession. Yes, the pay can be generous once you get to this level.

Here’s a look at average salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Chief Human Resources Officer: $185,950
• Compensation and Benefits Manager: $125,130
• Human Resources Manager: $121,220
• Training and Development Manager: $115,640
• Professor of Business Administration: $88,010
• Human Resources Specialist: $63,490

Those who chose to parlay their expertise into careers focused on teaching or consulting may earn income through published works and paid workshops.

Professional Organizations for Those With an HR Doctorate Degree

As a leader in your profession, you’ll probably want to become engaged with other professionals through professional organizations. The field of human resources has some of the most robust professional organizations around.

Here’s a look at groups to consider for everything from personal development to networking:

• The Academy of Human Resources Development (AHRD) serves thousands of HR professionals around the world by fostering the development and study of theories, practices, techniques, and processes in the field of human resources.
• The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world’s largest organization for professionals tasked with seeking and fostering workplace talent. Members have access to valuable resources that can be practically applied in their workplaces.
• HR People + Strategy is a network of executives and HR thought leaders that offers access to exchanges, research, and publications.
• The International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) is a resource-rich organization that provides members with access to educational and certification programs. Additionally, members can access a professional community and invitations to conferences.
• The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) is a volunteer-based organization that offers community and career services.
• The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) promotes and lobbies on behalf of the HR profession. Additionally, this organization provides members with networking and certification opportunities.

Becoming connected with a professional organization is vital for those seeking prominent roles within the HR industry. One of the big perks of professional membership is that you will be invited to attend regional and national events. You may even be rewarded and recognized by an organization!

The certifications that are offered by highly recognized and regarded HR organizations can demonstrate the practical skills that accompany your PhD in human resources.

Certification and Licensure Following a Doctorate in Human Resources

Is it necessary to pursue certification and licensure after completing a human resources PhD program? Doing so can certainly make your online degree in human resources more valuable by demonstrating practical knowledge to accompany your academic pursuits.

Here’s a look at the certifications that are considered to be the most relevant:

• A Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) demonstrates one’s ability to develop strategies, lead groups, build influence, analyze performance metrics, and match HR goals to organizational goals upon receiving a passing score on the SHRM-SCP exam.
• A Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) showcases a proficiency in strategy and policymaking upon receiving a passing score on the SPHR exam.
• A Senior Professional in Human Resources — International (SPHRi) showcases a mastery of high-level policymaking upon receiving a passing score on the SPHRi exam.

These certifications are considered to be résumé boosters for applicants applying to high-level HR leadership positions. Preparing for certification can be a very useful experience for adding very relevant and actionable skills and knowledge to your professional toolkit.

Accreditation for a Doctorate in Human Resources

Many people seeking HR PhDs focus exclusively on schools and programs with regional accreditation. You may be wondering if this is what you should also be doing if you’re about to pursue a degree that will position you to be an HR leader.

There’s no denying that a school with regional accreditation offers benefits that could help your degree to appear more impressive to employers. Regional accreditation requires very strict evaluation guidelines. This generally makes your degree more valuable by default.

Don’t forget that regional accreditation could be very important if you end up switching schools! That’s because your credits will transfer more easily if you begin your studies at a regionally accredited institution.

A school’s federal accreditation is all that’s necessary to participate in federal financial aid programs that are available to students.

Financial Aid for an Online PhD in Human Resources

You’re probably looking into ways to pay for a PhD in Human Resources if you feel that completing this level of education is what’s necessary to help you reach your career goals. PhD programs can be more expensive per course than other programs like a master’s in human resources online degree program .

Fortunately, PhD students have a wide variety of funding resources beyond what’s available for undergraduate students to look into. This includes things like fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and grants.

A student studying for a PhD in Human Resources may have access to federal grants, federal loans, private loans, and institution-provided tuition assistance. There is a good chance that you will pay much less than what a college or university lists as its full-time tuition cost.

Can You Get a PhD in HR?

Yes, several colleges and universities offer PhD programs in HR. The human resources programs of most schools are closely aligned with business and management programs.

There’s a good chance that you will be taking the majority of your courses through a school’s business department. Additionally, psychology and finance courses may be a part of your full curriculum.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Human Resources?

Most PhD programs for HR require students to complete between 60 and 90 credits. The length of time it takes to finish your program will depend on your full-time or part-time status.

Most students are able to complete a PhD in Human Resources within five years. Keep in mind that you will probably be required to complete research for a lengthy, involved dissertation. Due to this, traditional or online accelerated human resources degree programs aren’t an option for students who are pursuing a PhD.

If completion speed is a primary focus for you, then you may want to consider pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in Human Resources instead. DBA programs are professional doctorates and in many cases they don’t require a dissertation .

Is a PhD in Human Resources Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in human resources is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in management occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include business professor, training and development manager, human resources manager, compensation and benefits manager, and chief human resources officer.

If you’re researching a PhD in Human Resources, you may have decided this is the field where you can build a career on your talent and skills.

It’s true that a PhD in Human Resources isn’t for everyone who works in the HR field. This degree often attracts those who want to be at the top of the industry.

Yes, a PhD in human resources may be worth it for someone who would like to pursue high-level HR roles within operations. This degree can help equip you to be a decision-maker and makes pursuing your PhD an especially worthwhile adventure!

• Degrees Associate Degrees Bachelor's Degrees Master's Degrees Doctorate Degrees Online Programs Online Associate Degrees Online Bachelor's Degrees Online Master's Degrees Online Doctorate Degrees Degrees by State Top Ranked Schools
• Subjects All Subjects and Degree Programs Agricultural Studies Architecture Design Biological Sciences Business Management Computer Science Culinary and Cosmetic Services Engineering Health Professions and Medical Services Humanities and Liberal Arts Legal Studies Mechanical and Electrical Repair Media Related Communications Physical Science Psychology School Administration Transportation and Distribution Services Visual and Performing Arts
• Careers Career Aptitude Tests Career Planning Career Profiles Career Roadmaps Career Training FAQs Education and Career FAQs Job Resume FAQs Salary FAQs
• Resources All Articles All Videos Scholarships

In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask you enter in the text you see in the image below so we can confirm your identity as a human. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

ABOUT LEARN.ORG

• Privacy Policy
• © Copyright 2003- 2024 Learn.org, all rights reserved.

Subscribe to Student Saver

Free breaking news and coverage of savings in education

• About WES Home
• Get an Evaluation
• International Students, Immigrants & Job Seekers
• Evaluations & Fees
• Required Documents

WES Advisor Blog

• Degree Equivalency
• WES iGPA Calculator®
• For Refugees & Displaced Persons
• WES Gateway Program
• Institutional Professionals
• Higher Education
• Licensing Bodies
• Tools for Partners
• WES Global Talent Bridge®
• IMPRINT Coalition
• Skilled Immigrant Integration Program
• Global Talent Leadership Network
• WES Global Talent Bridge® Blog
• Global Higher Education Institutions
• Training & Events
• Philanthropy
• About the Fund
• Partner with the Fund
• Insights Blog
• World Education News & Reviews
• Research Reports
• WES Global Talent Bridge Blog
• WES Mariam Assefa Fund Blog
• Important WES Notices

Trusted Advice for Academic and Professional Success

Salary Difference Between Master’s and Ph.D. Degrees

Tuesday | July 22, 2014 | by Xiao Lu

When undergraduates are thinking about studying abroad for an advanced degree in the U.S., they have two options: apply to a master’s degree or doctoral degree program. Here we will talk about the differences between master’s and Ph.D. degree programs and also compare the lifetime earnings of both degrees in respective occupations.

What Are Master’s Degrees?

A master’s degree is the first level of graduate study designed to give you a solid education in a specialized field after you finish a bachelor’s degree. It usually requires one to two years of full-time study. Master’s degrees tend to be a more career-oriented program. Upon completion, graduates are expected to have advanced knowledge within a specialized field and have analytical, evaluation, and professional application skills. One disadvantage is that there are limited scholarships for international students who are master’s candidates in the U.S.

What Are Ph.D. Degrees?

Ph.D. is an abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy, which is a doctoral degree. Obtaining a Ph.D. degree means you have an exclusive specialty in your field. Ph.D. candidates are expected to engage in thought experiments, reason about problems, and solve problems in sophisticated ways . Students can apply for a Ph.D. program directly after completing a bachelor’s degree, while some schools also require a master’s degree before entering a Ph.D. program. The exact number of years varies from four to eight years, which highly depends on the field, the student’s research topic, and the student’s skills. A Ph.D. degree also requires students to pass comprehensive exams and a large scholarly project called a dissertation .

For international students, financial aid opportunities might be a big motivation to apply for a Ph.D. degree. Schools recognize that those trying to acquire their doctoral degree need more assistance due to the length of study.

Salary Differences Between Master’s and Ph.D. Graduates

After looking at the different commitments the two degree programs require, you may also want to look at the average salaries for master’s and Ph.D. graduates. Below is an income chart from the United States Census Bureau about employee’s work-life earnings that refer to different occupations and education levels attained.

Note: This chart is for 25 to 64-year-olds who are working full-time, year-round. Source: www.census.gov

Overall, the average life earnings of doctorate holders are higher than other degree holders within the same industries. However, the life earning gap between master’s and Ph.D. holders varies on different majors or fields of study. For example, in biological science occupations, a Ph.D. holder earns 27 percent more than that of a master’s holder. Whereas in some other fields, such as business, there is only a small difference of 8 percent.

If you are looking for ways to improve your career, obtaining an MBA degree may be worthwhile financially as graduates receive similar work-life earning as Ph.D. graduates. But if you’re looking to pursue a Ph.D. degree within a highly focused field, then check out the top 50 U.S. colleges with the most international graduate students.

So, consider pursuing a Ph.D. degree if you truly love your field, enjoy your studies, and want the benefits and prestige associated with the doctoral degree. If you are looking for a change in field, industry, or a promotion, then getting your master’s might be enough.

Do you want to further your education and need funding? Check out our free Funding Your Education e-guide.

Xiao Lu is a Marketing Associate at World Education Services.

• News & Resources
• 2019-20 Salary Data

Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Salaries

Data loading.

Below are tenured/tenure-track faculty salaries from the 2018-19 Faculty in Higher Education Survey conducted by The College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). Findings detailed aggregate salary information from 847 institutions for 171,487 full-time tenure-track faculty. Order complete survey results .

Filter Results By:

Agriculture, agriculture operations, and related sciences.

Natural Resources and Conservation

Architecture and Related Services

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender and Group Studies

Communication, Journalism and Related Programs

Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Personal and Culinary Services

Engineering

Engineering Technologies and Engineering Related Fields

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

Legal Professions and Studies

English Language and Literature/Letters

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Library Science

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Mathematics and Statistics

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Theology and Religious Vocations

Physical Sciences

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Service

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

Social Sciences

Transportation and Material Services

Visual and Performing Arts

Health Professions and Related Programs

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

History General

2018-19 TENURED/TENURE-TRACK FACULTY SALARIES SURVEY ©2019 by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). All rights reserved. Per Department of Justice Safe Harbor Guidelines, statistics will not display when the number of Institutions is less than 5 (too few data) or, if weighted statistics are selected, when one institution's data comprise more than 25% of the total (unbalanced data).

* 4 or fewer institutions reported

Stay Updated!

Sign up for the Insider Update , our newsletter for higher ed professionals.

• Majors & Careers
• Online Grad School
• Preparing For Grad School
• Student Life

Top 10 Highest Paying PhD Degrees in 2024

The highest possible degree you can get in any field is a doctorate or a PhD. Obtaining a doctoral degree can help to greatly further your career, but unfortunately, PhDs aren’t always that easy to earn. The average time a doctoral candidate spends to receive their PhD is anywhere from seven to ten years, and during this time, it also becomes a balancing act.

However, if you manage to earn your PhD, you stand to increase your salary by a significant amount. Chances are, you might also find more opportunities in the future.

The best doctorate degrees are always the ones that you’re passionate about. But, if you find yourself asking, “what should I get my PhD in?,” this list of the highest paying PhDs might just help you out if you’re looking to have a lucrative career.

Looking to get a master’s instead? Check out: Highest Paying Master’s Degrees You Can Get in 2024

Table of Contents

What’s the Best PhD to Get?

If you’re trying to figure out the best-paid PhD, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 fields with the highest earning potential.

Here are some quick facts:

• The PhD with the highest mid-career salary is in Chemical Engineering , with an average salary of $146,000 . This field also has a pretty good early career, with the average salary sitting at $96,100 .
• When it comes to the highest early career earnings, a PhD in Computer Science  is your best bet since the average salary is $118,000 . This field also has one of the highest $145,000 .

It’s worth noting that your earning potential in any given field can also depend on your location. For example, a doctorate in computer science might earn you more money in San Francisco or other similar tech hubs. The best PhD degrees, at least for earning potential, can depend on where you intend to work.

Here are the best PhD degrees by salary, ranked from lowest to highest.

Of course, the best doctorate degree for you depends on your particular situation. When answering the question “what should I get my PhD in?,” consider your preferences and interests as well as what you want to do in the future.

Top 10 Highest Paying PhD Degrees

The salary figures of the highest-paid PhD degrees depicted in this article were taken from PayScale and BLS.gov , based on data of those with PhDs.

10) Statistics

Salary in Early Career: $105,000

Salary in Mid Career: $131,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 33%, much faster than average

Statisticians collect and analyze data via various statistical methods. They help various businesses, organizations, and even the healthcare industry collect and interpret data so they can solve problems, strategize, and plan ahead.

If you want a career as a statistician, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree at a minimum. Having a PhD in Statistics can help increase your earning potential by giving you an advantage over your peers.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) has the job outlook for mathematicians and statisticians growing by a projected 33% rate throughout 2020-2030. According to their website , this is a much faster growth rate than the average growth other fields are experiencing. It appears that statistics  qualifies for the most in-demand PhD degree — on this list, at least. Therefore we can suggest it as the best PhD for jobs, since it’ll be pretty easy to find one once you graduate.

9) Biomedical Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $88,100

Salary in Mid Career: $133,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 6%, on the low end of average

In simple terms, biomedical engineering is the fusion of engineering, medicine, and biology. In particular, in this field, problem-solving techniques and principles used by engineering are applied to the fields of biology and medicine for healthcare. It’s an interdisciplinary field that is growing in popularity over time.

Biomedical engineering is continually evolving thanks to the constant pursuit of knowledge. Because of this, the field continues to grow and can always use people who know theory and are well versed in the life sciences.

Getting a PhD in this field can open up opportunities for you in a variety of areas. You can work in research, at universities, in manufacturing, and even in hospitals. A doctorate is required if you want to work in research or at universities.

The BLS  states that jobs in the biomedical engineering field are projected to grow at a 6% rate over the following seven years.

Salary in Early Career: $93,700

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 7%, about average

If you’re interested in becoming a physicist, you’ll definitely need a PhD . Most careers for physicists, particularly in research and academia, require you to have a doctoral degree in the field. You can become a research advisor, a physics professor, a (lead) physicist, or a researcher.

According to the BLS , the job outlook for physicists is looking good. The projections are positive, sitting at a 7% increase until 2024, and this rate is on par with the average national growth rate for most occupations.

7) Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $93,600

Salary in Mid Career: $137,000

The world always needs engineers. However, a doctoral degree is not always necessary if you want to work as an engineer — unless, of course, you want to work in research. Research opportunities in the engineering field are only given to PhD candidates or graduates.

You can choose to go for a general track or a specialty such as materials science, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, and chemical engineering. If you have a PhD in engineering , you can take positions like project manager, engineering director, and specialty positions like aerospace engineer or chemical engineer.

6) Physical Chemistry

Salary in Early Career: $73,600

Salary in Mid Career: $138,000

Although the early career salary for PhD graduates of physical chemistry is one of the lowest on this list, it ramps up and is one of the highest-earning on this list in the mid-career.

But what exactly is physical chemistry?

Physical chemistry is a branch of chemistry that applies the theories and techniques of physics to chemical systems (or the study thereof). It’s the study of the behavior of matter on the atomic and molecular levels. Alongside this, physical chemistry is also the study of chemical reactions.

As a physical chemist, you’ll most likely work in labs and research facilities. These research opportunities are awarded only to those with PhDs, and a PhD can also open the door for even more lucrative careers in high-tech or materials science.

The job growth and outlook for physical chemists are below average. However, the average annual wage makes it one of the most profitable ones.

5) Pharmacology

Salary in Early Career: $75,400

Salary in Mid Career: $141,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: -2% decline

Pharmacology is the study of drugs and drug actions, or how drugs work within the body. It’s a branch of biology, medicine, and the pharmaceutical sciences. Having a PhD in pharmacology can help you find careers in research.

PhD programs  in this field often build upon other areas, such as biochemistry, molecular bio, cell bio, physiology, and neuroscience. Depending on the track you choose, you can become a researcher in a particular field.

Pharmacology can also lead you to a career as a pharmacist.

The average early career wages for pharmacists are low because it can depend on location or position. For example, pharmacists who work at grocery stores or drug stores often earn less than their entry-level researcher counterparts.

Unfortunately, the current rate of growth for this field is -2%  from 2020-2030. So while there will still be opportunities, it may be harder to find a job.

4) Electrical Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $103,000

Salary in Mid Career: $144,000

If you have a PhD in electrical engineering, you stand to earn quite a good amount of money. Electrical engineering has one of the highest average early-career salaries and one of the highest mid-career to boot.

Electrical Engineering is the application and study of mathematics  and physics combined with electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity. This discipline deals with the research and design of systems, equipment, and devices that use electricity. The results of electrical engineering are seen in day-to-day life. The advances humanity has made in the field have resulted in modern-day staples like the radio and the television.

A doctorate in engineering can help you go into research. If you are more of an idea generator, you can pursue a career in invention and product development. This discipline had plenty of opportunities in various fields such as transportation, computing, manufacturing, and aviation.

3) Computer Science

Salary in Early Career: $118,000

Salary in Mid Career: $145,000

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 22%, much faster than average

Computer Science is one of the highest-paying fields, both in early and mid-career salary averages. A doctorate in this field allows graduates to become experts in certain computer science subfields. If you want to get a PhD in this field, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or a master’s in computer science .

If you choose to research in this field, you’ll need a doctorate to qualify for research opportunities. You can also find non-academic careers as an information research scientist, a hardware engineer, programming, and even robotics. It truly comes as no surprise that Computer Science is one of the best-paid PhD programs considering technology continues to progress over the years.

The job outlook for this field is expected to grow by 22%  until 2030, making it one of the best and most in-demand PhDs on this list

2) Organic Chemistry

Salary in Early Career: $83,400

Salary in Mid Career: $146,000

Organic chemistry shares a spot with #1 for the highest-paying PhD, at least for mid-career salaries. However, early wages are lower, which earns this field its #2 spot on this list.

If you want to pursue a career in organic chemistry, earning a PhD in this field can get you a research position, and you may even find yourself leading a research team. However, to qualify for advanced research positions, you’ll need a PhD in the field from an accredited institution whose programs are approved by the ACS or the American Chemical Society.

You may also find jobs in academia as a professor.

1) Chemical Engineering

Salary in Early Career: $96,100

BLS 2020-2030 Job Growth Outlook: 9%, on the high end of average

Sitting at number one on this list is chemical engineering. This branch of engineering combines various fields into one, and you’ll see physics, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, and math . This interdisciplinary field helps solve problems related to fuel, food, chemicals, or drugs.

If you earn a PhD in chemical engineering, you may find yourself prepared with expert-level knowledge of the current research findings, practices, and the core fundamentals of the field. After you graduate, you may find opportunities in research and academia and find jobs in areas like biotechnology.

Paying for Your PhD

One obstacle that many doctoral candidates run into is the cost of earning a PhD. If you find yourself wondering how you can afford to pay for your PhD, there are a few common ways you can ease the financial load.

• Student loans  – Many PhD candidates take out student loans to help them afford the tuition and living expenses while working on their doctorate full (or even part) time. You can choose to take out a loan for the full tuition plus living costs, or you can take a smaller loan to cover only a part of the expenses.
• Scholarships, grants, and fellowships  – Savvy PhD candidates seek out scholarships, grants, and fellowship opportunities to help them pay off their tuition and living expenses more easily.

Related: Graduate School Scholarships Guide

• Seek financial support from your employer – Some employers help support their employees’ education by offering partial or full scholarships as they seek higher education. This option may not always be possible, of course, as it depends on the field you are pursuing and whether it has any relation to your current place of employment.
• Teach where you are studying  – One of the most common ways doctoral students earn extra financial support for their studies is through teaching — particularly at the school in which they are studying. Teaching can help students cut down on tuition costs as many educational institutions may offer lower rates for their studies. Some colleges and universities will even offer teaching assistant positions that offer flexibility and enough compensation to cover part of the tuition costs.

Already decided on going to grad school? Here’s everything you need to apply .

Frequently Asked Questions

Which phd has the highest salary.

According to this list of the highest paying PhD degrees, the current most lucrative PhD is Organic Chemistry.

Can PhDs make a lot of money?

Yes, but the road there can be long and winding. There are also many factors that can affect how much you earn, such as your location, industry, position, and even your employer. Additionally, “a lot of money” is relative — what do you consider a lot of money? It may benefit you to check out salary information on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website or on websites like PayScale or Salary.com. Check if the average earnings meet your expectations before making your decision on your PhD.

Is a PhD worth it for salary increases?

The BLS says that in 2020, those with a PhD earned median weekly salaries more than 20%  more than those with just a bachelor’s degree. It can depend on the field and the position, but this does appear to be the case generally. Data also shows that doctorate holders can earn significantly more over their lifetimes. For example, male PhDs earn as much as $1.5 million more  compared to high school graduates. Female PhDs earn $1.1 million more on average.

Do PhDs get paid more than master’s degree holders?

Yes. According to the World Education Services ( WES ), doctorate holders do earn more than those with master’s degrees. However, how much more they earn depends on their field. For example, engineering PhDs only earn 7% more than master’s degree holders in the field. However, in the field of psychology, you can earn up to 33% more if you have a PhD rather than a master’s.

Does job location matter when considering the highest paying doctorate degrees?

In any form of employment, your location matters. In fact, aside from your field or line of work, your location may be the next biggest determinant of your salary. The same is true even if you don’t have a PhD. For example, if you work in the field of information technology or computer science, you’ll most likely have a higher salary in places like San Francisco or Seattle.

You’ll likely find plenty of PhDs in some of the most lucrative industries in a certain city or state. IT and Computer Science PhD holders will often find the highest-paying opportunities in tech hubs  around the country. Geologists will find the highest-paying work in areas rich in natural resources. Researchers, on the other hand, will likely find the best-paying work in areas with research universities and institutions.

Many of the highest-earning jobs for PhDs are located in cities or states where their specific industry is highly supported.

Are there any degrees higher than a PhD?

Nope! The PhD, also known as the doctorate or doctoral degree, is the highest possible academic degree you can earn. PhDs are specialized degrees often earned through research. They demonstrate an extremely high level of understanding of the subject and expertise in your field. A lot of people who earn their PhD usually go on to stay in academia to teach or continue their research.

Choosing the Best Doctoral Degrees

It’s not always about answering the question, “What’s the highest paying PhD?” In the end, choosing the best doctoral degree for you comes down to a matter of preference and interest.

Earning a PhD is seldom easy — but with hard work, you can set yourself up for a bright future ahead with a lucrative yet fulfilling career.

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The Best Academic Planners for 2024/2025
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 18 Best Scholarships for Black Students in 2024-2025
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 25 Best Gifts for Nursing Students in 2024

Top 20 Cheapest Online PhD Programs in 2024

10 best online doctoral programs in education [2024], related posts.

• How New Grads Research Companies to Find Jobs

• Experience Paradox: Entry-Level Jobs Demand Years in Field

• Grad Trends: Interest in Artificial Intelligence Surges

Applying to Big Tech This Year? Here’s How to Ace It.

73% of job seekers believe a degree is needed for a well-paying role–but is it?

Tech Talent Crunch: Cities with More Jobs Than Workers

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

• Computer Science Graduate Admission Trends: Annual Results
• The Best Academic Planners for 2024/2025

© 2024 TheGradCafe.com All rights reserved

• Partner With Us
• Results Search
• Submit Your Results
• Write For Us

3 High Paying Careers in Human Resources

Human resources professionals help organizations hire new employees, administer compensation and benefits plans, and train current employees. They make sure organizations run smoothly by handling employee disputes and strengthening the company’s workforce. But is HR a good career?

“While a bachelor’s degree is the entry-level educational requirement for most human resources careers, the field’s top positions often require a graduate degree.”

The field of human resources offers several routes to career advancement and increased earning potential. While the median HR salary for entry-level roles exceeds $61,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median HR manager salary exceeds $116,000.

While a bachelor’s degree is the entry-level educational requirement for most human resources careers, the field’s top positions often require a graduate degree. For example, a Ph.D. in human resources or a Ph.D. in leadership prepare HR professionals for top executive roles like chief human resources officer or vice president of human resources. In these roles, the average human resources salary can exceed $150,000 per year.

Three High-Paying Careers in Human Resources

Chief human resources officer.

Average Salary: $152,996 – PayScale

Chief human resources officers (CHROs) report to an organization’s chief executive officer on all human resources matters, including staffing, training, and compensation. They create the organization’s internal HR practices and regulations while also ensuring compliance with government laws. As top executives, CHROs supervise the entire organization’s human resources staff, from HR specialists to HR managers.

Organizations rely on CHROs to meet their workforce needs. This includes recruiting new employees and training current employees to improve performance. CHROs also develop staff retention policies and oversee performance reviews. They research the effectiveness of retention and bonus policies while making sure the organization addresses morale problems.

Most chief human resources officers spent 8-10 years as human resources managers before moving into the CHRO role. They bring strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills to their job. Many employers prefer to hire CHROs with a graduate degree.

Vice President of Human Resources

Average Salary: $136,940 – PayScale

Vice presidents of human resources are top executives within their organization. They create human resources policies, review the organization’s compliance with labor laws, and oversee employment contracts. VPs may also negotiate contracts and represent their organization during business dealings with a union or non-unionized employees.

Human resources vice presidents closely monitor personnel issues in their company. They set the policies around recruitment, hiring, firing, and addressing HR complaints. As top-level executives, HR VPs also work closely with other executives to meet the organization’s goals.

The role requires a strong attention to detail, extensive human resources experience, and legal experience. VPs may consult with their organization’s legal department on employee handbooks, contracts, and personnel policies. HR professionals may work for several years as human resources specialists or HR managers before becoming human resources vice presidents. Many organizations expect candidates to hold a graduate degree.

Compensation and Benefits Manager

Average Salary: $88,870 – PayScale

Compensation and benefits managers (CBMs) specialize in managing an organization’s employee compensations and benefits. As executives within the human resources department, they make sure employees receive fair pay and administer health benefits and retirement plans. These managers also carefully follow laws and regulations on pay and benefits.

Within the field of compensation and benefits, some specialize in compensation and an organization’s pay structure. They analyze competitor salaries and research the market to make sure the organization offers competitive pay rates. Others may focus on the benefits side of human resources, acting as the administrator for an organization’s employee benefits program. Like compensation managers, they research and monitor market trends to make their benefits competitive.

The position requires strong interpersonal, research, and communication skills. Compensation and benefits managers must explain benefits packages and compensation plans to employees. Most positions require work experience in compensation and benefits, and many employers prefer candidates with a graduate degree.

Other Human Resources Titles to Consider

Hr director.

Average Salary: $88,610 – PayScale

Human resources directors act as the head of the HR department, connecting human resources staff with executives within the organization. They handle day-to-day issues related to benefits, hiring, and training, while also monitoring their organization’s long-term HR goals. HR directors must also make sure their organization follows employment laws and regulations.

As executives, HR directors manage budgets, plan for their department, and manage human resources initiatives. Many positions require a graduate degree and HR experience. Professional certifications can also help HR directors.

Training and Development Manager

Average Salary: $76,020 – PayScale

Training and development managers help organizations increase their workforce’s effectiveness and efficiency. They oversee training programs, lead workshops to educate employees about procedures, and develop team-building exercises. These managers also train new employees in an organization’s policies.

Specialists in training and development may bring a background in human resources, business, or psychology. As managers, they supervise employees and communicate with top executives within the organization, including HR executives.

Labor Relations Specialist

Average Salary: $71,149 – PayScale

Labor relations specialists advise executives on the relationship between employees and management. They help companies resolve labor disputes by overseeing negotiations and creating collective bargaining agreements. Labor relations specialists may also lead training sessions in labor relations.

Many labor relations specialists work in HR departments and report to human resources managers. In diverse fields, labor relations specialists help organizations reach agreements with unionized and non-unionized workers. The career generally requires a bachelor’s degree, though some employers prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree.

General Salary Information for Human Resources

Human resources specialists.

Human resources professionals with a bachelor’s degree and limited professional experience can enter the field as human resources specialists. The median human resources salary for HR specialists is nearly $62,000 per year, with the top 10% earning over six figures, according to the BLS. With experience or a graduate degree, human resources specialists can move into supervisory and managerial positions.

Source: BLS

Human Resources Managers

By moving to the management level, human resources specialists can increase their earning potential. In 2019, HR managers earned a median annual salary of nearly $117,000, according to the BLS. Typically, HR managers bring several years of experience in human resources or a graduate degree in their field. Titles like HR director also fall into this category.

Embrace the convenience of online learning and shape your own path to success.

Explore schools offering programs and courses tailored to your interests, and start your learning journey today.

Salaries for Human Resources Manager with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Human Resources Manager with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is $117,108 - $125,001 . Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

• Study Abroad Get upto 50% discount on Visa Fees
• Top Universities & Colleges
• Abroad Exams
• Top Courses
• Read College Reviews
• Admission Alerts 2024
• Education Loan
• Institute (Counselling, Coaching and More)
• Ask a Question
• College Predictor
• Test Series
• Practice Questions
• Course Finder
• Scholarship
• All Courses
• B.Sc (Nursing)

PhD Human Resource Management Eligibility, Distance Learning, Colleges, Admission, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Jobs, Salary 2024

Ahana Bhaduri

Content Writer

PhD in Human Resource Management is a 3-5 year doctoral program in the field of human resource management. The course is offered at a number of colleges across India. The focus of this program is on training the students on aspects such as organizational skills, training and developmental skills, decision-making skills and communication skills. 

Admission to this program will be done based on the candidate's performance in the entrance exam which is followed by a personal interview round conducted by the college or university.To be eligible to apply to this course, students must hold a Master’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. The average annual fees for PhD in Human Resource Management course in Indian colleges usually ranges between INR 11,200 and INR 1,02,000. 

On completion of a PhD Human Resource Management program, students have many job opportunities like Human Resource Manager, HR Executive, HR Director, Personnel Manager, etc. The average salary offered to a degree holder in PhD Human Resource Management is around INR 6,00,000 to INR 11,00,000, but this can be higher on the basis of experience and other factors.

PhD Human Resource Management Course Highlights

Highlights for PhD Human Resource Management  program are provided in the table given below:

PhD Human Resource Management: What is it about?

Information and details about the PhD Human Resource Management program are as follows.

• While doing this course, a doctoral student will have to independently research an original topic under the supervision of a guide or supervisor with relevant experience and expertise from among the academic staff of the college or university.
• The PhD program consists of a coursework which has to be completed by the student mostly by the first year of his/her studies.
• The coursework mostly deals with the subject knowledge and the research methodologies to be used while undertaking research later in the course.
• Those with an MPhil qualification get relaxation in coursework, if they have covered those topics during their MPhil itself.
• On successful completion of the coursework, the students need to present a synopsis of the research work that they are going to undertake. At this stage a research guide or supervisor is assigned to support the students with their research work.
• The award of PhD depends a lot upon the quality of the thesis that the students submit. Often the thesis has to be corrected and resubmitted a number of times to internal faculty before being finally submitted to external examiners for scrutiny.
• Based on their thesis, the students are subjected to an oral examination by the external examiners. The students have to defend their thesis and the results that they have inferenced from their research work.
• Apart from the thesis, the students are also expected to publish some research papers.

Why study PhD Human Resource Management?

The goal to attain a PhD in Human Resource Management degree will depend on each individual’s aspirations and goals. Some of the benefits and perks of pursuing PhD Human Resource Management degree program has been mentioned below:

• To experienced professionals, who are in the field of managing human resource, this course provides an opportunity to extend their knowledge in the field and to enhance their skills.
• The course is helpful if one aims to get into leadership roles in their respective organisations.
• By undertaking this course, one can greatly enhance their research skills that can come handy while creating strategies to solve issues related to human resource management.
• It is a worthwhile course for those who are passionate about a teaching career in colleges and universities.
• Human resource management is an upcoming field. With organisations becoming more professional in outlook, there is a demand for human resource professionals in every field, be it private companies or government organizations.
• The curriculum for this course is very interesting and knowledgeable. Students can achieve high success after completing this course.
• On completion of this course, students get lucrative salary packages ranging between INR 6,00,000 and 11,00,000. 

PhD Human Resource Management Admission Process

• Most of the colleges and universities follow an entrance-based process for admission to PhD Human Resource Management courses.
• On cracking the entrance test, candidate’s research topic, proposal, methodology etc. are checked and an interview is held.

Entrance Based Admission

Most of the colleges and universities offer admission to PhD Human Resource Management on the basis of entrance exams like UGC NET, CSIR NET etc.

The step-by-step procedure for entrance-based admission is as follows:

• Step 1: Students have to register on the official website. 
• Step 2: Fill the application form with correct details.
• Step 3: After examination, a cutoff list will be released on the website. Seats will then be allotted to candidates based on their scores in the entrance exam. 
• Step 4: Some colleges also conduct personal interviews and group discussion for admission to this course. 
• Step 5: On meeting all the eligibility criteria, a student will then be offered admission to the course.  

What is the PhD Human Resource Management Eligibility Criteria?

A student must have to be eligible to pursue a certain course. The eligibility criteria for the Ph.D. in Human Resource Management course are the following:-

• The student must complete a Master’s degree or M.Phil degree in HR Management.
• He/she should get a minimum of 55% of the aggregate of marks from any recognized university.
• Must clear cut-off marks in the entrance examination are the prime requirement for getting admission in this course
• The students also have to do well in the Personal Interview round.

Which are the popular PhD Human Resource Management Entrance Exams?

There are many national and state-level entrance exams to appear for the admission into PhD Human Resource Management program. Listed below are some of these popular PhD entrance exams.

• UGC-NET: University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for finding eligibility of candidates for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or Assistant Professor & JRF both, in colleges and universities in India. At the same time, the test is also used for admission to various PhD programs. The test is held twice a year in June and December.
• CSIR-UGC NET: Entrusted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the CSIR-UGC NET is also conducted by the NTA for determining eligibility of candidates for JRF as well as Lectureship/Assistant Professor in colleges and universities in India. Those qualifying the test are also eligible to apply for admission to PhD programs in colleges across India, without having to appear for any entrance test. The exam is held twice a year and the applications are to be made online. The test is held in CBT (Computer Based Test) mode. The test is of 3 hours duration.

The application dates, exam dates and the mode of the exam of the above mentioned exams are provided in the table below.

How to Prepare for a PhD Human Resource Management Entrance Exams?

The syllabus for PhD Human Resource Management entrance exams will vary from college to college. Students are advised to follow the below mentioned tips to excel in entrance exams. 

• The UGC-NET, which is a popular eligibility test for PhD entrance, is a 3-hour test. It has two papers, paper 1 being common for all candidates and paper 2 being subject specific. The paper 1 has 50 MCQ questions and paper 2 has 100 MCQs. The total marks for the test is 300. The test can be given either in English or Hindi.
• As seen from above, the candidates will have to prepare extensively for the test as they will be tested on the subject they are opting for the PhD program as well as on topics that are general in nature.
• For the subject specific paper, the candidates will have to brush up their knowledge on topics related to human resource management.
• Browse through important topics covered in post graduation will be of immense help.
• The candidates can refer to previous year papers to figure out the difficulty level of the questions.
• Practicing sample test papers and appearing for mock tests helps in getting to know the pattern of the tests and getting a hang of the computer based test.

How to get admission to a good PhD Human Resource Management college?

There are a number of colleges that offer a PhD program in Human Resource management. To get admission to a top college or university, one will have to be on the lookout for notifications released by such colleges. One can search for notifications by visiting the college websites from time to time. Following are some of the measures that can be undertaken to get admission to a top college for undertaking this PhD course.

• Students will have to prepare really well for the entrance tests. Only when you qualify the entrance exams with a very good score are their chances for you to get admission. In most cases, the entrance test has a 70% weightage in selection.
• For getting a good score in the entrance tests, the candidates will have to be thorough with their subjects and need to prepare well for the test. 
• The candidates need to do well in the interview part too. Before appearing for the interview, one should brush up some of the important topics related to their field of study. Questions could also be asked about the candidate’s research proposal. So one should prepare about the research proposal too. It helps, if one gets to attend mock interviews, so as to get familiarized with the interview process.
• Past academic achievements and a good academic record goes a long way in getting selected. So make a list of all such achievements and produce them in front of the panel as and when asked to do so.

What is the Syllabus of PhD Human Resource Management?

Although the PhD in Human Resource Management program syllabus varies from college to college, it mostly consists of some common foundation courses that students can select based on their interests.

The common subjects that are included in the structured PhD Human Resource Management syllabus are provided in the table given below: 

Which books can I refer to while pursuing a PhD Human Resource Management program?

Important Books and authors for PhD in Human Resource Management program are:-

Which are the top PhD Human Resource Management Colleges?

The table below shows the best PhD Human Resource Management colleges and universities that offer the course in a full-time mode.

Source: College Websites

PhD Human Resource Management College Comparison

The tabulation below depicts the comparison made among the three top PhD Human Resource Management colleges in India.

PhD Human Resource Management Distance Learning

Sometimes, because of various reasons, one cannot pursue the desired course through regular learning mode, in such cases distance learning mode comes to their rescue. Students can pursue a PhD Human Resource Management program through distance mode. Before taking admission, Students must check for the validity of the course and the college in distance or correspondence mode.

• In order to be eligible for this course through correspondence mode students need to hold a Master’s in relevant discipline from a recognized university. 
• The minimum duration required to complete this course from distance mode is 3 year and the maximum duration of the same is 5 years.
• Admission to PhD HR Management course through correspondence mode is merit-based.
• The average fee for the course ranges from INR 60,000 to INR 3,00,000 annually.

Given below are some colleges which offer this course through distance mode.

PhD Human Resource Management vs PhD Personnel Management & Industrial Relations

PhD Human Resource Management and PhD PM&IR are two different doctoral level courses which are offered by a large number of institutes across India. 

Check the table below for more comparative details:

What are Job Prospects and Career Options after PhD Human Resource Management?

• Job opportunities are very good for this course. Students can get a chance to work in various Govt and Private organizations like the IT Sectors, Marketing, Businesses, Academics, etc. as Human Resource Generalist, Human Resource Manager, Training Coordinator, Deputy Manager, etc. and many more.
• Both Government and Private sector jobs are available for the students after completing this course. Besides working in an organization, they can work as a Professor in the concerned subject in various Universities around the globe.

Tabulation below shows some of the most common PhD Human Resource Management job profiles and career prospects after completing the course are as follows: 

What are the Future Scopes of PhD Human Resource Management?

PhD degree is a doctorate level degree and is the highest educational degree one can earn in the country. Generally one does not pursue further studies post completion of the PhD Human Resource Management degree.

Employability is high and graduates are hired quickly upon completion of their degree in high pay job profiles. With this course, there is no limit to learning and knowledge.

• They have teaching jobs in colleges/universities after this course and then clearing the UGC-NET exam required for becoming a permanent lecturer.
• They have many jobs in IT Sectors, Marketing, Businesses, Academics etc.
• Students can also opt for a DSc (Doctor of Science) degree in any related field. 
• After gaining adequate experience in the related field, PhD Human Resource Management degree holders can work in research laboratories.  
• Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for a lecturer post in Human Resource Management and also to teach in colleges and universities with UGC scales.

PhD Human Resource Management FAQs

Some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to the PhD Human Resource Management program are as follows: 

Ques. How many years does it take to complete PhD Human Resource management?

Ans. If done on a full-time basis, it takes at least 3 years to complete this course. It often takes more than that time because of delay in submission of the thesis by the students.

Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for applying to a PhD Human Resource Management program?

Ans. The minimum criterion is to have a postgraduate degree in the relevant field with at least 55% marks or an equivalent CGPA. There is a relaxation of 5% for SC/ST/OBCs.

Ques. What is the selection procedure for enrolling for PhD Human Resource Management courses?

Ans. The selection of the candidates for the PhD program is done on the basis of an entrance test and personal interview. The candidates’ past academic performance is also reckoned during the selection process.

Ques. Which are some of the popular entrance exams that one needs to appear for while applying for PhD Human Resource Management programs?

Ans. Some of the popular tests for a PhD program are UGC-NET, CSIR-UGC NET and JNUEE. These are online tests which are conducted by the NTA.

Ques. What is the course fee for pursuing PhD Human Resource Management?

Ans. The average course fee ranges from INR 50,000 to 1,50,000. The fees basically depend on the college and whether it is privately owned or a government one.

Ques. What is the role of a Human Resource Manager?

Ans. The role of a Human Resource Manager is a varied one. They have to look into every aspect of managing people like hiring, inducting them, arranging training and development programs, deciding upon the compensation and allotting work as per their skill and training. There are other aspects like maintaining cordial relations between labour and management and coming up with welfare measures for the employees.

Ques. What are some of the job profiles that a student can opt for after completing this course?

Ans. Some of the popular job profiles in the HR field are HR Executive, HR Manager, Training Coordinator, Recruitment Consultant, IR Manager, Welfare Officer, HR Director and so on.

Ques. I have an MPhil in Human Resource Management? Do I need to appear for the entrance test?

Ans. Candidates who have an MPhil degree in Human Resource Management need not to appear for the entrance test. They can directly appear for the interview.

Ques. What is the average salary offered to a fresher in this field?

Ans. For a fresher in this field the average salary usually ranges between INR 6,00,000 and 11,00,000 per annum. 

Ph.D. (Management Studies)

M.phil. (management), ph.d. (business administration), ph.d. (marketing), ph.d. (finance), ph.d. (human resource management) colleges in india.

IIMC - Indian Institute of Management

IIML - Indian Institute of Management

Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, IIT Bombay - [SJMSOM]

KJ Somaiya Institute of Management

Woxsen School of Business - [WSB]

Amity University

Loyola Institute of Business Administration - [LIBA]

Acharya Nagarjuna University - [ANU]

Subscribe to our news letter.

Hourly Wage for Psychologist - Ph.D. Salary in the United States

Hourly wage for psychologist - ph.d. salary.

How much does a Psychologist - Ph.D. make hourly in the United States? The average hourly wage for a Psychologist - Ph.D. in the United States is $56 as of June 27, 2024, but the range typically falls between $51 and $62 . Hourly rate can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

• Paid Annually
• Paid Monthly
• Paid Semimonthly
• Paid Biweekly
• Paid Weekly
• Paid Hourly

Albertsons Pharmacy # 0355 - Carpinteria - Pharmacy Technician - CA - Shift: Flexible

EasyHiring - Carpinteria, CA

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Powerback Rehabilitation - Havre de Grace, MD

Powerback Rehabilitation - Columbia, MD

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Siri InfoSolutions Inc - Orangevale, CA

• View Average Salary for United States
• Select State
• Select City
• Choose Similar Job
• Pick Related Category
• View Cost of Living in Major Cities

What skills does a Psychologist - Ph.D. need?

Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

Leadership: Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.

CPA: A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals, businesses, and other organizations plan and reach their financial goals.

Psychological Evaluations: A psychological evaluation may consist of a series of formal or structured psychological or neuropsychological tests as well as clinical interviews designed to identify and describe emotional, behavioral, or learning problems.

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

What Should I Pay?

Job Description for Psychologist - Ph.D.

Psychologist - Ph.D. evaluates patients for mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Diagnoses disorders, including nature and extent, and determines the appropriate course of treatment for the patient. Being a Psychologist - Ph.D. uses talk therapy to treat patient illness or distress, cannot prescribe medication. Requires a PhD in clinical psychology. Additionally, Psychologist - Ph.D. requires a valid state license to practice. Typically reports to a medical director. The Psychologist - Ph.D. works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. To be a Psychologist - Ph.D. typically requires 10+ years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)... View full job description

Employers: Job Description Management Tool

See user submitted job responsibilities for Psychologist - Ph.D..

Our job description management tool- JobArchitect streamlines your job description process. Say goodbye to the hassle of crafting job descriptions.

Does your employee feel unfair treatment? See our CompAnalyst ® Pay Equity Suite can help you achieve and sustain pay equity with the true end-to-end solution.

Search Job Openings

Salary.com job board provides millions of Psychologist - Ph.D. information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Psychologist - Ph.D. job openings or enter a new job title here.

• Occupational Therapist (OT) Powerback Rehabilitation - Havre de Grace, MD Key information. Title: Occupational Therapist. Location/work environment: In facility. Reporting structure: Reporting to Director of Rehab. Powerback is p... - 2 Days Ago
• Occupational Therapist (OT) Powerback Rehabilitation - Columbia, MD Key information. Title: Occupational Therapist. Location/work environment: In facility. Reporting structure: Reporting to Director of Rehab. Powerback is p... - 2 Days Ago
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Siri InfoSolutions Inc - Orangevale, CA Job: CNA. Required: *12+ Months Experience, CNA License, BLS required. Note- *Please apply to the job, if you meet the required job criteria. Location: *Re... - 5 Days Ago
• Occupational Therapist (OT) Powerback Rehabilitation - Lanham, MD Key information. Title: Occupational Therapist. Location/work environment: In facility. Reporting structure: Reporting to Director of Rehab. Powerback is p... - 7 Days Ago

Career Path for Psychologist - Ph.D.

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Psychologist - Ph.D., the first career path typically progresses to Psychological Services Director.

Company Description

What does a psychologist - ph.d. do, are you an hr manager or compensation specialist.

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

• Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
• Job and employee pricing reports
• Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.

Psychologist - Ph.D. Pay Difference by Location

Psychologist - Ph.D. salary varies from city to city. Compared with national average salary of Psychologist - Ph.D., the highest Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is in San Francisco, CA, where the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is 25.0% above. The lowest Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is in Miami, FL, where the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary is 3.5% lower than national average salary.

Level of Education for Psychologist - Ph.D.

Jobs with different levels of education may pay very differently. Check the Psychologist - Ph.D. salary of your education level.

• Psychologist - Ph.D. Salaries with No Diploma
• Psychologist - Ph.D. Salaries with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate
• Psychologist - Ph.D. Salaries with an Associate's Degree
• Psychologist - Ph.D. Salaries with a Bachelor's Degree
• Psychologist - Ph.D. Salaries with a Master's Degree or MBA
• Psychologist - Ph.D. Salaries with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

Psychologist - Ph.D. Salary by State

Geographic variations impact Psychologist - Ph.D. salary levels, due to various factors, such as cost of living, industries, market demand and company budgets. Click below to see pay differences between states.

Browse All Healthcare - Practitioners Jobs by Salary Level

Browse related job categories with psychologist - ph.d..

A job category is a classification or grouping of job positions that share similar characteristics, functions, or industries. Psychologist - Ph.D. salary varies from category to category. Click below to see Psychologist - Ph.D. salary in different categories.

Take just three simple steps below to generate your own personalized salary report

Understand the total hourly compensation opportunity for a Psychologist - Ph.D., hourly wage plus other pay elements

Average hourly wage.

Core compensation

Average Total Hourly Cash Compensation

Includes base and short-term incentives

Discover how your pay is adjusted for skills, experience, and other factors

How much should you be paid.

For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

Your estimated salary based on up-to-date market data and the factors you selected below

View the Cost of Living in Major Cities

Skills associated with Psychologist - Ph.D.: Group Therapy , Intake Assessment , Recovery Management , Electronic health records (EHR) Software ... More

Recently searched related titles: Entry Level Psychometrician , Entry Level Psychologist , Experimental Psychologist

Recently searched related titles: Safety Investigator Cause Analyst

Jobs with a similar salary range to Psychologist - Ph.D. : Senior Clinical Psychologist , Child Psychologist , Forensic Psychologist

Salary estimation for Psychologist - Ph.D. at companies like : Texas Transplant Physician Group , Health Service Alliance , Liuna Local Union

Jobs with a similar salary range to Psychologist - Ph.D. : Psychology Resident , Supervising Psychologist , Psychologist Phd

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Human Resources Management (HRM) Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Human Resources Management (HRM) Jobs by Salary

Featured content, related degrees by salary.

Degrees in the same industry as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Human Resources Management (HRM), ranked by salary

Avg. Salary $67k — $124k

Avg. Salary $69k — $149k

Avg. Salary $89k

Avg. Salary $59k — $133k

Avg. Salary $62k — $127k

Avg. Salary $68k — $131k

Avg. Salary $90k

Years of Experience

Gender breakdown for doctor of philosophy (phd), human resources management (hrm).

• Updated Terms of Use
• New Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Closed Captioning Policy

Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by  Factset . Powered and implemented by  FactSet Digital Solutions .  Legal Statement .

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. FAQ - New Privacy Policy

Companies are beefing up 'emotional salary' to address today's disengaged workers

Here's what employees must know about culture, career and work-life balance.

Bob Nardelli, Steve Moore caution against overstating jobs created in Biden jobs report

Former Chrysler and Home Depot chairman Bob Nardelli and FreedomWorks senior economist Steve Moore join 'Maria Bartiromo's Wall Street' to discuss the June jobs report and revisions to the April and May jobs reports.

Over 75% of the global workforce is either not engaged or actively disengaged at work, according to a recent   report commissioned by Gallup — and it’s costing the world economy a whopping $8.9 trillion annually. 

As this data demonstrates, boosting employee engagement isn’t an easy feat and some employment analysts are noting that companies are now building up "emotional salary" to increase employee engagement and productivity. 

But what exactly is an "emotional salary"? And how is it impacting the workforce? 

PASSED OVER FOR A PROMOTION? THESE MIGHT BE THE REASONS WHY  

Here’s a deeper dive into this HR trend. 

What is an ‘emotional salary’?

"Emotional salary" includes the non-monetary aspects of a job, such as culture, career and work-life balance. 

"An employee’s emotional salary is the measure of whether they feel rewarded beyond base pay." (iStock / iStock)

"An employee’s emotional salary is the measure of whether they feel rewarded beyond base pay," said Caitlin Nobes, head of workforce research, Achievers Workforce Institute, who is based in Toronto, Canada. 

TIKTOK USERS HOST LIVE ‘CO-WORKING’ SESSIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA APP DURING BUSINESS HOURS 

"Emotional salary is completely separate from monetary compensation, which is needed to meet foundational needs for safety and security," she also said. 

How can ‘emotional salary’ change employees mindsets?

Employee morale is a vital aspect to productivity. 

"Employees who feel their efforts and work go unnoticed are in turn more likely to underperform, disengage and eventually quit," said Nobes. 

Another important component of employee engagement is recognition. 

"Something as simple as recognition, which is an investment in emotional salary, can shift this narrative," Nobes said. 

"Frequent and meaningful recognition is a critical driver of emotional salary, increasing a sense of belonging, engagement and productivity, and lowering the risk of turnover." (iStock / iStock)

"Frequent and meaningful recognition is a critical driver of emotional salary, increasing a sense of belonging, engagement and productivity, and lowering the risk of turnover."

What do employees want in a job package? 

Top motivators for job hunting vary depending on a person’s current financial situation, according to the  Achievers 2024 Engagement and Retention Report , Nobes said. 

"In recent years, inflation and cost-of-living increases have caused 71% of people to say they either struggle to pay their bills or must budget carefully to meet their needs," Nobes told FOX Business. 

Career progression and workplace flexibility are higher priorities than pay for certain employees. 

Not surprisingly, these workers identify compensation as their No. 1 reason to job hunt in 2024, she said.

‘BUSY BRAGGING’ WORKPLACE TREND HAS EMPLOYEES RETHINKING THEIR OFFICE BEHAVIOR: ‘IT DOESN’T IMPRESS PEOPLE' 

However, those who can live comfortably won’t be motivated by higher pay, she said. Career progression and workplace flexibility are higher priorities than pay for these employees. 

"This insight is particularly helpful for industries that already pay high salaries (like finance, technology, and life sciences) who are seeing rampant disengagement rates and skills shortages across their work forces," Nobes also said. 

"Once we can meet our core needs, compensation is not the only or even the primary factor in our job satisfaction." (iStock / iStock)

Predictably, for most people ,  money is a means to an end — not a motivator by itself, experts note.

"Once we can meet our core needs, compensation is not the only or even the primary factor in our job satisfaction," she continued. "Many of us can probably think of a job where we were very unhappy despite relatively high wages."

This is where the concept of "emotional salary" comes into play.  

Job hunters, as well as current employees, can and should negotiate their packages beyond monetary compensation to meet their wants and needs for intangible benefits. 

Nobes said the Achievers’ research shows five ways to increase employees’ emotional salary, which can lead to higher job satisfaction : cultural alignment, recognition, work relationships, feedback and career progress. 

WHY THE VIRAL TREND ‘CHRONOWORKING’ IS MAKING WAVES AMONG EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS

"They’re all interconnected and mutually inclusive," she noted. 

Also, when organizations align their initiatives with employee priorities, employees are happier, healthier and more committed, the research also found. 

This means companies see higher productivity, higher job satisfaction, lower turnover and reduced absenteeism.

How can workers negotiate ‘emotional salary’ perks?

Job hunters, as well as current employees, can and should negotiate their packages beyond monetary compensation to meet their wants and needs for intangible benefits, Nobes said.

"If you’re looking primarily for support and fulfillment, it is important to identify that upfront." (iStock / iStock)

Here are some top strategies.

Do your research . Aim to prioritize the benefits most applicable and interesting to your wants and needs. 

"For example, if you’re looking primarily for support and fulfillment, it is important to identify that upfront," she said. 

Pointing to specific skills you possess and outcomes you've achieved will give you a leg up. 

"Let the employer know this during the interview process and give tangible examples of what this looks like — health/fitness stipend, flexible PTO, regular work events and more."

Showcase your strengths . Present your candidacy in connection to the items that you know are a priority to the organization and role, said Nobes. 

"Pointing to specific skills you possess and outcomes you've achieved will give you a leg up when asking about emotional salary components," she said.

To prepare for the conversation of negotiating your compensation package, practice your methods, said one career expert.  (iStock / iStock)

Manage your expectations . It’s important to recognize that not every company can meet all expectations. Consider the tradeoffs that you make along the way. 

Understand the compensation package . To get a clear picture of the total compensation — which includes your "emotional salary" — LinkedIn career expert Andrew McCaskill, based in Atlanta, Georgia, recommended that those in search of jobs ask pointed questions during the interview process.  

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

You can also speak to other employees about their experiences within the company, he suggested.

Practice your pitch . To prepare for the conversation of negotiating your compensation package, practice your methods. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

"The only way to get comfortable talking about money or benefits that translate to money is to talk about it — so practice talking about yourself and your salary and benefits expectations with friends, family, past colleagues or other professional connections to get a better sense of what to ask and how you want to ask it," said McCaskill. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxbusiness.com/lifestyle

"And for those who are trying to add to their total compensation, whether that means asking for more PTO or for a more flexible schedule, or for your company to invest in your upskilling: The key is practice."

• Share full article

Pay for Lawyers Is So High People Are Comparing It to the N.B.A.

Enormous pay packages are popping up for top lawyers, especially those favored by well-heeled private equity clients.

Credit... Guillem Casasús

Supported by

By Maureen Farrell and Anupreeta Das

• Published July 1, 2024 Updated July 2, 2024

Hotshot Wall Street lawyers are now so in demand that bidding wars between firms for their services can resemble the frenzy among teams to sign star athletes.

Eight-figure pay packages — rare a decade ago — are increasingly common for corporate lawyers at the top of their game, and many of these new heavy hitters have one thing in common: private equity.

In recent years, highly profitable private equity giants like Apollo, Blackstone and KKR have moved beyond company buyouts into real estate, private lending, insurance and other businesses, amassing trillions of dollars in assets. As their demand for legal services has skyrocketed, they have become big revenue drivers for law firms.

This is pushing up lawyers’ pay across the industry, including at some of Wall Street’s most prestigious firms, such as Kirkland & Ellis; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett; Davis Polk; Latham & Watkins; and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. Lawyers with close ties to private equity increasingly enjoy pay and prestige similar to those of star lawyers who represent America’s blue-chip companies and advise them on high-profile mergers, takeover battles and litigation.

Numerous people compared it to a star-centric system like the N.B.A., but others worried that higher and higher pay had gotten out of hand and could strain the law firms forced to stretch their budgets to keep talent from leaving.

“Twenty million dollars is the new $10 million,” said Sabina Lippman, a partner and co-founder of the legal recruiter Lippman Jungers. In the past few years, at least 10 law firms have spent — or acknowledged to Ms. Lippman that they need to spend — around $20 million a year or more to lure the highest-profile lawyers.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Advertisement