# Online Doctorate in Management
> | Program Level | Field of Study | Program Name | Average Program Length | Total Credits | Course Length | Credits per Course | Estimated Cost per Course | Programmatic Accreditation | Specializations |
| -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- |
| Doctorate Degree | Business | Doctor of Management | Varies | 54 credits | 8 weeks | 3 credits | $2,635 | ACBSP | Organizational Leadership, Information Systems and Technology |
[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=DM)
## Doctor of Management
Don’t just think outside the box — remove it. Our Doctor of Management (DM) equips you with the critical thinking skills to find creative solutions to complex problems, so you can bring out the best of your leadership skills. Courses are just 8 weeks long, so they won’t get in the way of your busy life.
## Specialize your DM degree with one of two elective tracks
-
**Organizational Leadership and Decision-Making**: Develop the leadership skills to drive organizational performance, lead through change and foster ethical decision-making in today's evolving digital environment.
-
**Information Systems and Technology Leadership**: Gain the skills to leverage information systems and technology initiatives to support strategic decision-making, align organizational goals and drive improved performance.
Ignite Your Passion
Start when you're ready
[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)
Courses
---
## Browse courses for your online management degree
Education should hold practical value. That’s why our courses meet rigorous academic standards and provide you with skills and knowledge immediately applicable to your career.
Look for this icon to see which skills you’ll learn in a course.
### Core Courses
### General Education Courses
### Electives
>
18 Core Courses
Here’s where you’ll pick up the bulk of your program-specific knowledge. By the time you finish these courses, you should have the confidence and skills needed in this field.
## Doctoral degree program requirements
- The minimum credits to obtain your doctoral degree is 54 credits
- The doctoral degree program length can vary by specific program requirements
- Students may be required to complete extension courses to allow ample time to satisfy the dissertation and project requirements for their program of study. Additional courses may require additional cost and time.
Our doctoral support team is here to guide you every step of the way. Speak to our dedicated doctoral enrollment representative for questions on your program timeline.
[602-544-3737](tel:16025443737)
[602-544-3737](tel:1-602-544-3737)
## Two dissertation pathways. One rigorous doctoral experience.
University of Phoenix doctoral students may complete their business management dissertation through one of two pathways: traditional or applied. Both follow the same curriculum, credit hours, academic rigor, faculty guidance, Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements and oral defense process. The primary difference is the type of research conducted and how the findings are communicated.
### How do the dissertation pathways differ?
**How do the dissertation pathways differ?**
| | Traditional dissertation | Applied dissertation |
|---|---|---|
| Typically appropriate when Typically appropriate when | Typically appropriate when The study explores problems of knowledge grounded in scholarly literature | Typically appropriate when The study investigates a defined problem of practice within an organizational or professional setting |
| Research focus Research focus | Research focus Research investigates problems of knowledge to advance scholarly understanding | Research focus Research explores problems of practice to generate evidence that informs professional practice and decision-making |
| Study context Study context | Study context Research may involve organizations or professional settings, but the problem is not bounded to a single organizational context | Study context Research is centered on a defined problem of practice within a specific organizational or professional setting |
| Final deliverable Final deliverable | Final deliverable Five-chapter dissertation manuscript | Final deliverable Applied research report, executive summary and supporting deliverables |
| Primary audience Primary audience | Primary audience Scholarly and academic audiences | Primary audience Academic or professional audiences |
Traditional dissertation
**Typically appropriate when**The study explores problems of knowledge grounded in scholarly literature
**Research focus**Research investigates problems of knowledge to advance scholarly understanding
**Study context**Research may involve organizations or professional settings, but the problem is not bounded to a single organizational context
**Final deliverable**Five-chapter dissertation manuscript
**Primary audience**Scholarly and academic audiences
Applied dissertation
**Typically appropriate when**
The study investigates a defined problem of practice within an organizational or professional setting
**Research focus**
Research explores problems of practice to generate evidence that informs professional practice and decision-making
**Study context**
Research is centered on a defined problem of practice within a specific organizational or professional setting
**Final deliverables**
Applied research report, executive summary and supporting deliverables
**Primary audience**
Academic or professional audiences
This comparison is intended as a general guide. The appropriate pathway depends on your research topic, methodology and the feasibility of your study. Doctoral faculty can help determine which pathway best aligns with your research.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)
### The dissertation journey: step by step
Both dissertation pathways follow the same five-phase process for developing and completing doctoral research. The activities and deliverables within each phase vary based on the pathway.
1. 1. Identify the problem
2. 2. Refine the study
3. 3. Develop the framework
4. 4. Finalize the design
5. 5. Analyze, communicate findings
1. Identify the problem
#### 1. Identify the problem
Establish a strong foundation for your research by identifying a meaningful problem of knowledge or practice and start drafting your research plan.
Traditional Dissertation
Identify a research problem grounded in scholarly literature and draft your research plan.
Applied Dissertation
Identify a defined problem of practice within an organizational or professional setting and draft a research plan aligned with that context.
Faculty guide you as you establish alignment among your research problem, purpose, research questions, study design, conceptual framework and the feasibility of your proposed study.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)2. Refine the study
#### 2. Refine the study
Continue developing your study by refining key research elements, validating alignment and confirming your research is ready to move forward.
Traditional Dissertation
Refine your research problem, purpose statement and research design while strengthening the scholarly foundation for your study within existing literature.
Applied Dissertation
Refine your applied research plan while validating organizational alignment, research feasibility and ethical readiness.
Faculty guide you as you refine your study and confirm it’s aligned, feasible and ready for the next phase.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)3. Develop the framework
#### 3. Develop the framework
Strengthen the conceptual foundation for your study by synthesizing research and demonstrating why your research problem matters.
Traditional Dissertation
Develop your literature review and theoretical framework by synthesizing scholarly research related to your research problem.
Applied Dissertation
Develop a concept manuscript that positions your problem of practice within broader professional, disciplinary and systemic contexts.
Both pathways strengthen the conceptual foundation for rigorous doctoral research while preparing you to conduct ethical research through Human Subjects Protection training.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)4. Finalize the design
#### 4. Finalize the design
Finalize your research design by preparing your study for ethical review, required approvals and data collection.
Traditional Dissertation
Complete your dissertation proposal, obtain the necessary approvals and prepare your study for IRB review before beginning data collection.
Applied Dissertation
Complete your applied research methods package and prepare your study for IRB review and implementation within the approved research setting.
Working with your dissertation committee, you'll finalize your research design and prepare your study for ethical review and data collection.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)5. Analyze, communicate findings
#### 5. Analyze & communicate findings
Analyze your findings, communicate your research and complete the final requirements of your doctoral study.
Traditional Dissertation
Complete your dissertation manuscript, interpret your findings and defend your research before the dissertation committee.
Applied Dissertation
Complete your applied research report, executive summary and dissemination plan before defending your research and communicating findings to scholarly, professional and organizational audiences.
Complete your doctoral journey by demonstrating the quality and impact of your research through a successful oral defense.
[View dissertation pathway guide](https://multimedia.phoenix.edu/cms/202661590)
### Dedicated doctoral support
Questions about our dissertation pathways? The College of Doctoral Studies has a dedicated team of enrollment representatives and academic counselors who are ready to answer all your questions.
[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)
Tuition
---
## Paying for school
Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships.
[Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#doctoral)
### Doctoral cost per course
$2,635 / course
Cost breakdown
Cost per credit
Credits per course
Resource fee
**$810**
x3
+ $205
---
Estimated cost per course
$2,635
**What affects the overall cost of my program?**
Your full program cost can vary by:
- **Savings opportunities.** With our Tuition Guarantee commitment, you can count on fixed, affordable pricing for your entire postgraduate degree program. You can apply for the Doctoral Scholarship, which offers up to $3,000 for new students and alumni pursuing their doctoral degree at University of Phoenix.
**Earn your doctoral degree faster and for less with eligible savings opportunities:**
[Explore doctoral degree scholarships](/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships.html)
---
[Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#doctoral)
### Other ways to save on time and tuition
Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch.
#### Transfer credits
Your prior eligible college credits can lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. As a transfer-friendly university, we accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions.
[Transfer your credits](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html)
#### Employer tuition benefits
Are you employed? Check to see if your employer has an alliance agreement with us for education benefits. This can help you save money while gaining skills that could apply to your job.
[Check employer benefits](/tuition-financial-aid/employer-tuition-benefits.html)
#### Military savings
If you’re an active-duty service member in the U.S. Armed Forces or an eligible spouse or dependent, you may be eligible for a lower, military tuition rate and can save on tuition.
[Get military savings](/military.html)
#### We can help you get started
Chat with an experienced advisor who can guide you through tuition, financial aid, scholarships, transfer credits and more.
[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)PreviousNext
1. View 1
2. View 2
Budget & borrow
## How to pay for college
Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan.
[Explore federal financial aid](/tuition-financial-aid/federal-financial-aid.html)
Careers & Outcomes
---
## What can you do with a Doctor of Management?
Discover where your degree might take you and make informed choices about your future.
**A DM can prepare you to be a:**
- Management analyst
- Management consultant
- Organizational development consultant
Our practitioner doctorate prepares you for leadership in your profession. [How is this degree different from a PhD?](/online-doctoral-degrees/phd-vs-practitioner-doctorate.html)
## Ready to get started?
Start your application for free or request additional information.
[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)
## What you’ll learn
When you earn your online degree, you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job. You’ll learn how to:
-
Integrate the Scholar Practitioner Leader (SPL) Model throughout the doctoral journey and beyond.
-
Cultivate a leadership identity that reflects a mature and strategic understanding of the tenets of effective management praxis.
-
Develop doctoral research that identifies and addresses opportunities for innovation in complex managerial contexts
9%Growth
According to the [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm), job growth for management analysts is projected to be **much faster than average** between ((edu.BLSyears)).
((edu.BLSdisclaimer))
Admissions
---
## Apply for free – no application fee, no obligation.
Starting your degree is a big decision — and we want you to feel great about it. That’s why we remove obstacles from your application.
- No GMAT/GRE
- No admissions essay or letter of intent
- No academic or professional references
- We’ll request transcripts at no cost to you, when possible, and we accept eligible credits from over 5,000 accredited institutions.
[Explore admission requirements](/admissions.html)
[Embedded content](https://www.youtube.com/embed/3ohc3WEqbos?rel=0&controls=1&fs=0&modestbranding=1&cc_load_policy=1)
×
How to enroll at University of Phoenix
Gabriel G., Enrollment Rep
## Receive 1-on-1 support
You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 85% of our surveyed students.[1]
[1] Transactional Survey, September 2022-August 2023 (23,739 respondents)
Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today.
**Call us at 844-937-8679 or chat with us 7 days a week.**
[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)
## Receive 1-on-1 support
You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 90% of our surveyed students.[1] Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today.
[1] Transactional Survey, August 2021-22 (18,645 respondents)
**Call or chat with us 7 days a week.**
[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)
Doctoral Student Experience
---
### Integrated dissertation from day one
Once your program starts, you’ll begin your dissertation with support from practitioner faculty, a dissertation committee and a peer team. You’ll also have a resource repository to help you complete it with confidence.
[Browse resources](https://www.phoenix.edu/research/resources.html#students)
### Explore and inquire with the Research Hub
Our Research Hub is a community of researchers who exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence and research innovation. Browse publications or view our centers and Career Institute®.
[Go to Research Hub](/research.html)
### Drive change with actionable learning
Our programs incorporate lifelong learning, social and workplace contribution, and the ability to exert positive influence. You’ll learn how to become an aspiring leader who can impact decision-making and drive change.
[Explore our learning model](/research/resources/the-scholar-practitioner.html)
### Connect with your scholarly community
Your success is important to us. We host events to support your research, doctoral studies and networking. Join us for our Doctoral Journey Colloquium, Research Summit or an upcoming workshop or webinar.
[Browse events](/research/events.html)
### Dean spotlight
#### Learn from accomplished business professionals
“
My beliefs about teaching are strongly influenced by a learning philosophy shaped by fundamental educational principles encompassing cognitive functioning, adult learning theory and curriculum design and assessment.”
**Herman van Niekerk**
Associate Dean, College of Doctoral Studies
[Learn more about van Niekerk](/about/academic-leadership/associate-dean-herman-van-niekerk.html)
Accreditation
---
## Count on the quality of your education
### programmatic accreditation
Our DM has been reaffirmed for accreditation until 2027 by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), ensuring the quality of your education.
What does that mean in real life?**ACBSP-accredited**business programs are committed to quality standards. The quality of the program is regularly benchmarked against specific criteria that prepare students for the business industry. Accreditation occurs on a 10-year cycle with regular quality reviews.
View the**student achievement report (PDF)**for the University of Phoenix ACBSP-accredited business and accounting programs.
## Doctoral degree articles
- [Alumni Mentor Program Paves the Way for Future Success of Doctoral Students](/blog/alumni-mentor-program.html) — University Life | January 02, 2023 • 7 minutes
- [What is a Doctoral Candidate vs. Doctoral Student](/articles/online-college/what-is-a-doctoral-candidate-vs-doctoral-student) — University Life | April 26, 2023 • 7 minutes
- [Dissertation Help Workshops](/blog/dissertation-help-workshops-can-jump-start-your-doctoral.html) — University Life | September 28, 2022 • 5 Minutes
## Frequently asked questions about this business doctoral degree
### What can you do with a doctorate in management?
With a doctorate of management, you can develop critical and creative thinking skills that could help you improve your decision-making skills in solving complex business problems. From tackling modern managerial and leadership issues to making ethical decisions for your organization, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the complex world of business. A Doctor of Management may prepare you to become a management analyst, management consultant or organizational development consultant.
### What is the benefit of earning a doctorate in management?
If you want to increase your opportunities in business, earning a doctorate of management may be a solid option to help you get where you want to go. A Doctor of Management can help make you a more marketable asset in the competitive leadership, entrepreneurship and business industry.
As a student pursuing a doctorate of management degree, you can hone your professional experience by thinking critically, acting strategically and leading people effectively in our increasingly connected global society. You can prepare for diverse positions in management and enhance your ability to make positive contributions in your chosen field.
### What’s the difference between a doctorate and an MBA?
The most significant difference between earning a doctorate or an MBA is the amount of time you have to invest in a program. A doctorate is the highest degree you can obtain and is available in most academic disciplines. This is an ideal choice if you want to be considered an expert in the field, but it typically requires a more intensive time commitment. If you’re interested in pursuing a leadership role in a business organization and have less time to devote to a program, an MBA may suit you better.
### Which is right for you: DM, DBA or PhD?
When trying to decide whether a Doctor of Management (DM), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is right for you, you must take into consideration what each program offers and the differences between them. We’ll explain the three programs so you can have a better idea of which degree might be best for your specific needs.
A**Doctor of Management**is a specialized degree with a focus on applied research and practice. A DM attracts mid-career professionals who want to pursue careers in upper-level management or executive positions. With a doctorate of management degree, you can develop the advanced research skills and knowledge necessary to help you solve complex problems within your industry. The curriculum covers topics like the applied principles of business, organizational behavior and management systems.
A**Doctor of Business Administration**is a specialized degree with a practical focus that incorporates a multidisciplinary and systems thinking approach. This program attracts business professionals who want to improve their administrative and managerial skills. They want to contribute to the practice of management and solve real-world organizational and business programs. The program combines coursework, research and practical experience to prepare students for leadership roles in businesses and organizations.
A**Doctor of Philosophy**is a specialized degree with an intensive theoretical research focus. A PhD attracts students who would like to pursue a career in academia or conduct research that contributes to business knowledge or theory. A PhD in Management program will have you conducting research with the goal of addressing a gap in knowledge or need in business management. University of Phoenix doesn’t offer PhD programs.
While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
```html
```
```html
```