hybrid
PhD in Executive Management
In today’s fast-paced world, accomplished executives like you must continuously evolve to stay ahead. That’s why our groundbreaking PhD in Executive Management (EPhD) program has been reinvented to cater to a new generation of leaders. With a 40-year history of providing doctoral education to executives, the EPhD empowers you to build on your accomplishments and experience by delving into personally relevant questions facing business, management, and society. By joining our trailblazing program, you become part of a special cohort of forward-thinking professionals dedicated to transforming business and society. Guided by Drucker’s enduring philosophy and supported by our world-class faculty, you will explore transformative ideas that can create a lasting impact.
The Drucker School and its programs, including the EPhD, are grounded in the philosophy of Peter F. Drucker, widely regarded as the father of modern management. Distinct among business schools, the Drucker School views management as fundamental to human achievement and emphasizes the importance of good management for a functioning society. The EPhD embodies this philosophy by blending theory and practice, aimed at studying a business, management, or social issue in-depth.
A doctorate from the Drucker School represents excellence in leadership and management research and practice. As an academic, writer, and scholar, Peter Drucker’s work has left an indelible impact on the field of management. He joined the Claremont Graduate University in the early 1970s, and for nearly 20 years, he and CGU faculty offered the EPhD program, with the first students graduating in 1984. Although many business schools offer similar programs, such as the “DBA,” the EPhD at Drucker has a distinguished and unique history as the oldest program of its kind. The newly reimagined program is tailored to meet the needs of today’s top executives, providing the Drucker Edge and empowering you to join the distinguished ranks of visionary leaders who have shaped the future of business and society.
64 units
required units
PhD in Executive Management
degree awarded
Hybrid
modality
Spring, Fall
program start
3 years | part time
estimated completion time
Henry Y. Hwang Dean, Drucker School of Management
Professor of Marketing
Research Interests
Retailing, branding, influence strategies, marketing public policy
C.S. & D.J. Davidson Chair and Professor of Management
Research Interests
Family business, Mindful revitalization, Creative economy, The Effective Executive, Managing Change
Clinical Full Professor
Academic Director
Faculty Coordinator, Center for Business & Management of the Arts
Research Interests
Corporate Finance, Investments, Economics of Strategy, Macroeconomics
Ito Chair of International Business and Professor of Management
Research Interests
Design Thinking, Competitive Strategy, International Business, International Trade, and Foreign Direct Investment
Peter F. Drucker Chair in Management and the Liberal Arts
Research Interests
Client Management, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Strategy
Associate Professor of Practice
Founding Director, Executive Mind Leadership Institute
Research Interests
Mindfulness, Self-management, Executive mind
University Professor
Research Interests
Supply Chain Management, Decision Support Systems, Optimization Techniques
Clinical Associate Professor
Research Interests
Organizational behavior, Teams, Organizational theory, Leadership, Corporate governance, Power and influence
Clinical Professor of Management
Research Interests
Responsible management, Care (as a strategic resource), Values-based management systems, Leadership, Organizational strategy and culture, Cross cultural competence, Human performance and resilience
University Professor
Research Interests
Organizational Justice, Employee Attitudes and Motivation, Leadership
Full Professor
Research Interests
Development of those not typically represented in leadership roles (e.g., women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+), Psychological mechanisms underlying the process of leader development (e.g., feedback, goal striving, self-views, implicit theories, leader development readiness), Development of leadership through experiences outside of the work context (e.g., global, sports, volunteering, crisis)
Professor of Economic Sciences, Psychology & Management
Director, Center for Neuroeconomics Studies
Research Interests
Neuroeconomics, Neuroscience of Narratives, Neuromanagement
Executive Vice President & Provost
Professor of Organizational Behavior
Research Interests
Leadership, Organizational Culture, Charismatic Leadership
This doctoral program requires 64 units total, with most students transferring in up to 16 units from previous graduate work.
Doctoral Methods Core (8 units total)
PhD Completion Courses (16 units)
Leadership Core (6 units total)
Doctoral Core Seminars – (3 courses, 6 units)
Intensive courses in Claremont (4 units total)
Transdisciplinary courses (4 units total)
Electives (4-20 units)
TOTAL UNITS = 48-64*
The EPhD program at the Drucker School of Management offers a holistic educational experience for seasoned managers and leaders:
The Executive PhD features a doctoral project that transcends the traditional academic dissertation in favor of an experience and document designed for relevance and application. Students conduct rigorous research applying methods learned in the program curriculum to find solutions for current business or societal problems and formulate their results in a way that is streamlined and effective.
The ideal candidates for the EPhD are seasoned managers, leaders and executives with significant leadership experience in business, non-profits, and public sector organizations. These candidates should possess the following qualities:
University Requirements | |
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Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
Program Requirements | |
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Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
Academic Prerequisites | You must hold a U.S. equivalent bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Those without a master’s degree may apply but may be required to complete additional units. |
References | Please provide three references that can attest to your work ethic, research experience, and/or readiness for graduate study. A letter of recommendation is not required from your references, but they may be contacted for additional information during the application review process. |
Writing Sample | Optional Applicants may choose to submit a thesis, book chapter, or article demonstrating their writing acumen. |
Interview | Required Upon review of your application, you may be invited for an interview, which is required for admission. An admission decision will not be issued until the interview is complete. |
Work Experience | Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of full-time professional work experience with some managerial/leadership experience. |
Other Requirements | Applicants should be able to submit a preliminary research proposal that aligns with the Drucker School faculty’s research interests and expertise. |
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2025
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2024
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2024
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2024
Classes begin – January 21, 2025
Fall 2025
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2025
Classes begin – August 25, 2025
Program | 48 units |
Tuition per unit* | $2,500 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition rates.
$245 Student Fee |
$150 Technology Fee |
International Student Services Fee*: $661 fall semester, $776 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to change. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2024-2025.