Work & Organizations
The internationally recognized Department of Work and Organizations offers a rigorous program of doctoral studies with a multidisciplinary focus in organizational behavior, human resource management, organizational economics, personnel economics, labor relations, and related areas. Students gain a rigorous, multidisciplinary understanding of research questions, theories, empirical methodologies, and analytic approaches across the breadth of the concentration, while pursuing in-depth and focused research within particular domains based on faculty expertise and student interest. Faculty are committed to providing a rich educational experience that maximizes faculty-student mentorships and collaboration. In addition, students have access to an outstanding research infrastructure in the Carlson School including behavioral laboratories, an expansive subject pool within the school, an on-site field-specific library, and exposure to a number of Fortune 500 corporate headquarters located in the Twin Cities area.
About the Program
Faculty are committed to providing a rich educational experience that maximizes faculty-student mentorships and collaboration. In addition, students have access to an outstanding research infrastructure in the Carlson School including behavioral laboratories, an expansive subject pool within the school, an on-site field-specific library, and exposure to a number of Fortune 500 corporate headquarters located in the Twin Cities area.
A PhD Journey Enhanced by the Carlson Behavioral Labs
"The Carlson Behavioral Labs have provided wonderful resources and support for me to get interesting behavioral experiences done efficiently and take tangible progress toward my PhD degree."
Wei Wang, PhD '21
Work & Organizations
Alumni Perspectives
Elizabeth (Ellie) Stillwell
"I truly enjoyed my years in pursuit of my PhD in the Work & Organizations Department at the Carlson School. Through close working relationships with supportive mentoring faculty, I was able to engage deeply with research in my interest areas and develop expertise across a variety of perspectives, including the core OB/HR and Labor Economics pillars of the department. The perspectives, skills, and training gained during my years in WORG have prepared me to begin my career in the management sciences ready to engage in and contribute to the “big conversations” at this pivotal moment in time around organizations’ (mis)management of the on-going pandemic and return to work, as well as the growing conversations highlighting the importance of employees’ mental health and well-being within and outside of the organizations in which they work. I was especially thankful for the warm and collegial culture the department lived and breathed through its amazing faculty, staff, and students. The faculty at WORG are experts in their fields and deeply committed to their students’ success. Not only are they more than willing to set aside time to listen to a question, provide feedback on a proposal, or help develop an idea, but they are also just as happy to set aside time to really celebrate the wins and engage with students on that human level. The students have embraced this environment to create a truly remarkable culture of mutual support. I will cherish my time in WORG and the relationships built there for the rest of my career."
Assistant Professor, Department of Management
The London School of Economics and Political Science
Liz Adair
“My experience in the Carlson School PhD program has been nothing short of amazing. Joining the program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have developed so much both professionally and personally during my time here. I am continuously impressed by the brilliance, competence, and kindness of the faculty and my fellow students, and by the resources available to support student research. I appreciate the cooperative culture we foster here and how prepared I feel to start my career in academia.”
Assistant Professor, School of Business
California State University at Monterey Bay
Sima Sajjadiani
“Being a PhD student in Work and Organizations has been the best educational and professional experience of my life. On top of the exceptional educational and research resources to which I was so lucky to have access, I have had the opportunity to benefit from the guidance and generous assistance my mentors offered. To me, what distinguishes WO rg is its people and its collegial and supportive culture. The faculty, staff, and fellow PhD students have been essential to my educational journey in unique ways. I will be forever grateful to them for making my time at Carlson the best educational experience of my life.”
Assistant Professor, Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Division
Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia
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