PhD in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management

The Katz Organizational Behavior and Human Resources (OBHR) Program focuses on key contemporary topics related to the management of work in organizations. Our faculty are at the forefront of research examining how work and knowledge are conceptualized and managed in organizations, employee and group factors that drive organizational success, organizational and societal influences on a broad range of worker outcomes, and the role of social responsibility in organizational and employee performance. We specialize in both quantitative and qualitative methods, and data collection from laboratory, archival, and field-based sources. Through rigorous coursework, our students develop a multi-disciplinary understanding of the core theoretical foundations of the OBHR fields, as well as the methodological grounding to undertake rigorous empirical research.

Research

A program grounded in research methods and strategies, with a mentorship model, that gives students an esteemed personal foundation.

By reading highlights of their research you will see why Katz faculty is internationally recognized as experts in their fields and have published in prestigious academic journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, and Organization Science.

We like to conduct research in collaboration with our students. Doctoral students co-author research articles with faculty, work with faculty on data collection, and analysis and join in sponsored research projects.

Placements

Our graduates have been placed at excellent universities around the world. We usually accept two new students per year so that we are able to give them a great deal of one-on-one faculty attention so that they can develop as young scholars.

Resources

Our faculty are principal investigators (PIs) or co-principal investigators (co-PIs) on numerous research grants. Doctoral students often work with faculty on these grants and receive support for their own research. Doctoral students are also involved with research centers directed by OBHR faculty, as well as other research programs at the Katz School. These include:

Curriculum

Year 1 Curriculum: Fall Term

An exploration of critical thinking.

Course
BOAH 3002 Foundations of Organizational Behavior
PSYED 2019 STAT 2 Analysis of Variance
PSYED 2410 Applied Regression Analysis

Year 1 Curriculum: Spring Term

A thorough examination of research methods.

Course
BUSADM 3013 Work and Organizations
PSY 2155 Psychology of Small Groups
PSYED 2030 Experimental Design
PSYED 2416 Applied Multivariate Analysis

Year 1 Curriculum: Summer Term

Research paper with faculty guidance.

Course
BORG 3030 Workshop in OBHR: Summer Paper
BORG 3099 Readings in OBHR

Year 2 Curriculum: Fall Term

A continued study in critical thinking and research methods.

Course
CMU 0894 Research Methods Behavioral Science
BORG 3005 Innovation in Organizational Change
CMU 0702 Behavioral Economics

Year 2 Curriculum: Spring Term

A further dive into major concentrations, critical thinking, and research methods.

Course
BUSADM 3021 Behavioral Science Research Practicum
PSYED 3417 Structural Equation Modeling
CMU 0891 Special Topics in Organizational Behavior Theory

Year 2 Curriculum: Summer Term

A comprehensive independent study.

Course
BORG 3010 Independent Study in OBHR: Comprehensive Exam Registration

Year 3 Curriculum: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms

Fully concentrated work on dissertation and service as teaching assistant.

Course
BUSADM 3199 (9 Dissertation Credits)
FTDF 0000 Full-Time Dissertation Study

Years 4 and 5 Curriculum: All Terms

Teach and enter the job market to defend your dissertation.

Course
FTDF 0000 Full-Time Dissertation Study

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

I came to Pitt because of its inclusive environment, renowned professors, productive peers, and a great opportunity to advance my scholarly interest in innovation and strategy. 

Jingning Ao

PhD, Strategy and Entrepreneurship

The Katz Ph.D. program gives the opportunity to grow into a well-rounded academic. The relationships with faculty allowed me to learn while honing and cultivating interesting and insightful research.

Mikhail Gordon

PhD, Business Analytics and Operations