Can I Pursue a PhD After Completing an Online MBA in HR?

Bhoomi Kaushik
10/02/2025

Can I Pursue a PhD After Completing an Online MBA in HR?

In today's dynamic world of higher education and professional development, many individuals grapple with whether it's possible (or advisable) to pursue a PhD after completing an online MBA, especially in specialized fields like Human Resources (HR). The simple answer is yes; you can pursue a PhD after an online MBA in HR. However, like most educational journeys, there are essential considerations to remember.

Understanding the Journey: MBA vs. PhD

Before diving into the details, it's essential to understand the difference between an MBA and a PhD:

MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a professional degree with advanced business skills, strategic thinking, and leadership techniques. It is often designed to prepare students for management roles or entrepreneurship in the business world.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is an academic and research-based degree. Pursuing a PhD requires dedication to original research, contributing new knowledge to your field, and engaging deeply with theoretical concepts. While an MBA provides practical skills, a PhD is more about developing expertise in a niche area and making a scholarly impact.

So, while an MBA equips you with the tools for leadership and decision-making, a PhD demands high intellectual curiosity and a commitment to research and academia.

Key Considerations for Transitioning from an Online MBA to a PhD

1. Accreditation and Credibility of Your MBA Program

When pursuing further studies, primarily a PhD, the credibility of your prior qualifications is essential. If your online MBA in HR is from an accredited institution, you should generally not face issues when applying for a PhD. However, some highly competitive PhD programs may favour applicants from traditional, on-campus programs. Be sure to research the specific admissions requirements of the PhD programs you're interested in and assess how they view online MBAs.

2. PhD Focus Areas in HR

To pursue a PhD in HR, you must narrow your focus. A PhD in HR typically emphasizes research in organizational behaviour, employee development, labour relations, workforce diversity, compensation and benefits, or HR technology. If your MBA in HR provides a solid foundation in these areas, you will have an advantage, but you may need to build on that knowledge with specialized research interests.

3. Research Experience and Preparation

Unlike an MBA program, which is more application-based, a PhD requires intensive research experience. Many PhD programs expect candidates to have a solid research background, which can sometimes be built during your MBA program through dissertations or capstone projects. If your online MBA didn't include much research or wasn't heavily focused on academic inquiry, you may need additional experience before jumping into a PhD. This could consist of publishing research, working on projects that require a high level of analytical thinking, or even completing additional coursework in research methods.

4. Your Long-Term Career Goals

Consider why you want to pursue a PhD in HR after completing your MBA. A PhD can open doors to academia, consulting, or high-level policy-making careers. However, it's essential to ask yourself if you're genuinely interested in the academic side of HR or if you prefer the applied, practical approach that your MBA provides. If you envision a career as a professor, researcher, or thought leader in HR, a PhD would be a natural next step. On the other hand, an MBA may be sufficient if you're more interested in leadership roles or consulting, and pursuing a PhD might not align with your goals.

Undergraduate Programs	Post Graduate Programs
BBA	MBA
B.Com	M.Com
BCA	MCA
B.Tech	M.Tech
BA	MA
BA-JMC	MA-JMC
B.Lib	M.Lib

5. Time and Commitment

PhD programs can be a significant time commitment, often taking 4 to 7 years to complete. When balancing that with your professional and personal life, it's essential to consider whether you're prepared for the rigorous demands of a PhD. An online MBA likely offered flexibility, but the academic rigour of a PhD, especially in a research-driven field like HR, may require you to dedicate full-time effort over several years.

6. Funding and Financial Considerations

PhD programs, especially those at reputable institutions, can be expensive. Although some programs offer scholarships, teaching assistantships, or stipends, you must carefully evaluate how to finance your studies. If you're shifting from a career-focused MBA path to an academic research-focused PhD, there may be a shift in how you approach funding your education.

7. Eligibility and Admission Requirements for PhD Programs

Admission requirements for PhD programs vary significantly depending on the university and the specific program. While many PhD programs in HR accept candidates with an MBA background, others may require a strong undergraduate academic record, a proven track record in research, or specific standardized test scores (such as the GRE).

Review the specific PhD programs you're interested in and tailor your application accordingly. Some institutions prefer applicants with a strong foundation in research methodology, which is an area of focus during your online MBA if you choose electives or research-intensive projects.

Advantages of Pursuing a PhD after an Online MBA in HR

1. Academic and Professional Prestige

A PhD adds prestige to your qualifications and positions you as an expert. Whether you aim to teach at the university level, conduct research, or advise corporations on HR policies, a PhD provides a deep intellectual foundation.

2. Research Opportunities

The opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research in HR or management is a significant draw for many individuals pursuing a PhD. By combining your real-world experience from your MBA with a rigorous research perspective, you can make a substantial impact in your field.

3. Career Flexibility

A PhD in HR can provide opportunities beyond traditional HR roles, including consulting, policy development, and high-level academic positions. It can also open doors for leadership roles in multinational organizations, government agencies, or NGOs where advanced research and strategy formulation are crucial.

Challenges to Consider

1. Academic Rigor: The shift from an MBA, which is more application-oriented, to the theoretical and research-driven nature of a PhD can be challenging.

2. Time Commitment: A PhD requires several years of focused study, and it can be intellectually and emotionally demanding.

3. Specialization: You may need to research a specific niche within HR to research, which requires significant thought and consideration.

Conclusion:

In short, pursuing a PhD after an online MBA in HR is entirely possible, but it requires a clear vision of your academic and career aspirations. The transition can be seamless with the proper preparation, dedication, and research experience. Remember, your chosen path should align with your long-term career goals—whether in academia, consulting, or executive leadership within HR.

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