Best Online PhD Programs in Operations Management

A PhD in operations management is a terminal degree that equips graduates with the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to lead the operations of businesses and other organizations. The curriculum for a PhD program in operations management typically includes coursework in organizational behavior, decision theory, project management, and statistics. In addition, students must complete a dissertation that entails original research on an operations management topic. PhD in operations management programs prepare students for careers as professors or researchers at academia, or as consultants or executives in private industry. 

At the moment, there doesn’t seem to be any institutions offering the PhD Degree in Operations Management online. We’ll update this list once recognized universities start offering the program online. 

For now, here is a carefully compiled list of some of the top PhD degrees in operations management, taking into account important factors including curriculum, faculty and career opportunities. 

1. Harvard Business School

The PhD in Technology and Operations Management at Harvard Business School is a unique and highly-regarded program that delivers the best knowledge in operations management, at the highest level of study. The program is designed for students who want to pursue careers in academia or research, and it provides them with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in these fields. 

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, from statistical methods and optimization to management science.  Harvard Business School offers the most advanced research, training, and education in the field of operations management, and the Operations Management PhD program is the cornerstone of this commitment. Because of this, the program is incredibly competitive.

The operations management program was founded in 1979, making it one of the oldest and most respected PhD programs in operations management. The faculty includes some of the top scholars in the field, and the program has a strong track record of placing its graduates in top jobs.In addition to a world-class faculty, the program offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in the community. And last but not least, the alumni network is one of the strongest in the world.

2. University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas is a top-tier research institution with a world-class business school and highly ranked programs. The PhD program in Operations Management is offered at the University’s Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) and is designed to develop the next generation of leaders in the field of operations. 

The PhD in Operations Management at the University of Texas  is built on the strengths of the current industry and best practices, and focuses on real-world experiences and industry-relevant research. Graduates have gone on to leadership roles in top  organizations, and they are making an impact in their fields.

You’ll take classes in broad areas of operations management, production, supply chain, inventory, supply chain management, control theory, behavioral operations, and empirical operations management.This broad-based curriculum will prepare you for a career in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, and service-based organizations.

3. Washington University

Washington University offers a doctoral degree in supply chain, operations, and technology through the Olin Business School. The program focuses on various issues, especially strategic and tactical issues involving mathematical models, to analyze complex scenarios and provide insight. 

PhD students work with a highly experienced faculty team on research projects that study real-world issues faced by operational managers and supply chain management as a whole. The university collaborates with industry leaders to understand how technology impacts operations management. 

The faculty have strong engineering backgrounds and have appeared in several leading journals on:

• Production and operations management
• Manufacturing and service operations management
• Operations research
• Management Science

 Admission requirements include:

• Transcripts from all attended institutions
• Copies of the GMAT score report
• Copies of the GRE score report
• Copies of IELTS and TOEFL reports
• Three letters of recommendations
• Statement of purpose

4. New York University

The Doctoral Program in Operations Management at New York University provides a solid foundation in operations research and management science, along with exposure to the latest advances in the field. Students will also have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on research projects. The NYU faculty is renowned for their research accomplishments and teaching excellence. As a result, the PhD in Operations Management program at NYU is an ideal choice for students looking to pursue a career in operations management.

The operations management PhD (or equivalent) is a multidisciplinary field, drawing on ideas and techniques from a wide range of academic disciplines. The primary purpose of the PhD is to increase knowledge and understanding of the operations management field. This can be accomplished through a combination of coursework, independent research, and a thesis.

Some of the specialization areas under this program include finance, human resources, information technology, supply chain, or marketing. The program also offers a variety of elective courses that allow students to design their education to best meet their needs, such as the advanced management course.

5. Fisher College

Fisher College’s Doctoral Program in Operations Management  is designed for experienced managers who want to take their careers to the next level. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including supply chain management, quality control, and lean Six Sigma. 

Students will also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest, such as healthcare or manufacturing. With courses taught by industry experts, this PhD in Operations Management program provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in today’s competitive marketplace.

6. Scheller College of Business

Scheller College of Business is renowned for quality and their phd operations management program is no exception. Designed for experienced professionals who want to take their career to the next level,  the Doctorate Degree in Operations Management provides a comprehensive education in operations. Topics covered include supply chain management, quality control, and project management. Students will learn from expert faculty members and gain the skills and knowledge they need to excel in this exciting field. 

Prominent scholars make up the faculty and are dedicated to producing the next educators and researchers. They focus on pioneering research with empirical analysis in sustainable operations, supply chain performance, innovation, and technology management. 

This PhD program incorporates different research techniques, such as empirical, modeling, and behavioral experiments, to address challenges in operations management. The program leverages each student’s prior work experience, background, academic training, and skills. This enables the students to reach their full potential. Furthermore, students pick their advisors and research topics. 

7. Northampton University

Northampton University offers supportive learning experiences and personalized attention to enable students to achieve their academic goals.

The PhD in Technology and Operations Management enables students to research various operations management and innovation issues. It equips students with skills on numerous topics, including operations management, operations research, organizational behavior, economics, and engineering.  

Students complete all the coursework and explore their research interests within the first two years. They then begin their dissertation research in the third year and complete three publishable papers before completing the program.

8. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is among the world’s top universities and has produced world leaders in several fields. It is home to over 35,000 students, which makes it one of the largest universities.

Through Wharton’s program, the university offers a PhD in Operations Management, information, and decisions. This PhD has three areas of specialization: operations management, Information Systems, and Decision-making. The program focuses on research on real management issues while maintaining a balance between implementation and theory. 

The program trains students to develop and apply empirical and analytical approaches to solve problems facing the public and private sectors. This involves a blend of analytical, statistical, behavioral, and economic models. It allows candidates to perform various tasks, such as:

• Development of behavioral approaches to decision-making.
• Design of information systems that aid commerce and decision-making.
• Evaluation of economic and social needs and developing operations for their fulfillment.

If you specialize in operations management (OM), you will focus on organizational outputs and the processes that affect them. OM covers various functions such as supply chain management, technology management, operations strategy, capacity planning, and product and process design. 

Completing the doctorate in operations, information, and decisions with an OM specialization enables you to serve in top management roles in many industries, including manufacturing, retailing, distribution, and hospitality. 

Students pursuing a PhD in operations management must complete 16 units to graduate. However, they can receive up to four credit transfers for courses completed as part of their master’s degree. But the Wharton Doctoral Program Office and the PhD Coordinator must approve the transfers.

Admission requirements include:

• Complete online application
• GRE test scores
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• IELTS and TOEFL for international students 
• Statement of purpose
• Three recommendation letters

Conclusion

The field of operations management is essential for the smooth running of any business. It covers everything from the planning and coordination of resources to the daily execution of operations. It’s no surprise therefore that demand for operations managers is expected to grow by about 9% in the course of the next decade.

Graduates of PhD operations management can work in senior management positions in manufacturing, retail, logistics, and many other industries. The average salary for an operations manager is above $100,000 per year, and there are many job openings projected in the coming years. So if you’re looking for a stable and well-paid career in this line, consider pursuing a PhD in operations management.