
How to Apply
The world needs top-level leaders to take charge of companies, non-profits, and government agencies. Stand out from the rest with a doctoral degree that is geared toward making you a success.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at American Management University is a research-oriented doctoral program designed for individuals seeking to develop advanced expertise and contribute to academic or professional knowledge.
The program emphasizes independent research, critical analysis, and the development of original work within a chosen field of study.
This program is ideal for:
Students develop advanced competencies in:
The PhD program is structured around independent research supported by academic supervision.
Students engage in:
The final requirement is the completion and defense of an original research dissertation contributing to the field.
Unlike professional doctorates such as the DBA, Ed.D., or DPS—which focus on applying knowledge to real-world challenges—the PhD emphasizes the creation of new knowledge through original research.
This makes the PhD particularly suited for individuals interested in research, analysis, and theoretical advancement.
Graduates of the PhD program may pursue opportunities in:
Note: Outcomes may vary depending on individual experience, institutional requirements, and local regulations.
Applicants typically:
Contribute to Knowledge and Research



The world needs top-level leaders to take charge of companies, non-profits, and government agencies. Stand out from the rest with a doctoral degree that is geared toward making you a success.
| DBA, Ed.D, Strategic Leadership Curriculum | Core Courses | 30-33 |
Approved Electives | Approved Electives | 6 |
| Electives can be transferred in or taken from any of AMU’s master’s programs or doctoral programs if not already in your core curriculum. |
|
| Total Core Units | 36-39 |
Course ID | Course | Credits |
DOC 901 | Proposal | 3 |
| DOC 902 | Literature Review | 3 |
DOC 904 | Research Methods | 3 |
DOC 910 | Results | 3 |
DOC 911 | Conclusion | 3 |
DOC 950 | Defense | 6 |
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| Total Research Project Units | 21 |
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| Total PhD Units | 57-60 |
Course ID | Course | Credits |
DOC 930 | Doctoral Proposal | 12 |
| DOC 931 | Literature Review | 12 |
DOC 932 | Research Methods | 6 |
DOC 933 | Results | 6 |
DOC 934 | Conclusion | 6 |
Dissemination Options |
| |
| DOC 940 | Presentation | 6 |
| OR DOC 941 | Publication | 6 |
| Final Assessment Options |
|
DOC 950 | Defense | 12 |
OR DOC 951 | Conference Presentation | 12 |
| Total PhD Units | 60 |