Thrive in one of the most elite programs in the world.
Broad’s internationally renowned Ph.D. in Operations and Sourcing Management (OSM) prepares students for careers in supply chain and operations management as well as faculty positions at top-tier research universities around the world.
Our faculty, who are widely recognized for their research and reputation, expose students to a variety of empirical and analytical research methods. Students are able to specialize in either operations management or sourcing management, while pursuing research in their unique interests.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Operations and Sourcing Management program focuses on training students for faculty positions at top-tier research universities around the world. Students can specialize in either operations management or sourcing management with research focusing on theory development and model building in areas such as operations strategy, technology management, new product development, outsourcing, supply management and broader supply chain issues ranging from strategic supply chain design to tactical and operational level planning and coordination.
Our OSM program is considered to be one of the elite Operations and Supply Chain Management Ph.D. programs in the world, with faculty widely recognized for their research and teaching reputation. Students are exposed to a variety of empirical and analytical research methods that provide them with the right set of skills to undertake rigorous research work in their areas of interest.
Adrian Choo
- OSM Doctoral Program Director
From the Director
Supply chains permeate every aspect of society. With new technologies like the internet of things, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, and the application of advanced analytical techniques to big data, there are numerous research opportunities emerging in supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic underscores operational and strategic importance of supply chain management. Furthermore, Supply Chain Management plays an essential role in improving the quality of life within a society and engendering equity, health, and the preservation of natural resources.
The Operations and Sourcing Management (OSM) Ph.D. program at Michigan State University, Eli Broad College of Business offers doctoral students a way of participating in these exciting opportunities through research and teaching. The program is broad in its competence. It prides itself in training future thought leaders who will inform managerial practice and build new theories to drive knowledge creation. The program has a rich history of graduating alumni who are placed in reputable universities in United States and globally. Several of our alumni hold editorial positions in respected supply chain management journals and their research has had an impact on both theory and practice of Supply Chain Management.
Admissions to our program are competitive. Students who join our program have a chance to work with outstanding faculty members who are leaders in their disciplines. Our faculty are well published and are recognized internationally for their ability to create and disseminate impactful research. The faculty hold editorial positions in the leading journals in the field. Collectively our faculty focus on research areas spanning new product development, product innovation, sustainability, healthcare, supply chain risk management, procurement, cybersecurity, and many others. Our commitment is to develop our students into leading scholars and to help them achieve sustained research success and to become excellent educators in top-tier research institutions.
These objectives are accomplished through rigorous training that involves both empirical and analytical methods, in addition to domain training on specific Supply Chain Management disciplines. Further, students are encouraged and mentored to come up with their own research projects in addition to having opportunities to participate in existing research projects with faculty within the department. Students are also trained to deliver superior classroom content with the aim of making them holistic academics.
In addition to being a part of a top-ranked Supply Chain Management department, our students also can experience the available resources of the one of the world’s top 100 global universities with a rich set of infrastructures. As THE pioneer land-grant university, Michigan State University occupies a special place in historical context among all the American Universities. It is also among the top 20 Green Campuses in addition to having an unrivaled support infrastructure to facilitate students’ professional and personal growth.
As you consider applying to the OSM Ph.D. program, we encourage you to explore the program information on the Supply Chain Management department website and to become familiar with all the faculty and their varied areas of interest. Please feel free to reach out to me at chooadri@broad.msu.edu. Several of your questions on the program can be clarified by referring to the doctoral student handbook that is uploaded on our website. We also encourage you to browse informational material about the university and its rich culture of rigorous academics supported by an unparalleled research and teaching infrastructure that is designed to help graduate students succeed in their chosen fields.
This is an exciting time to be a doctoral student in the OSM Ph.D. program in the Supply Chain Management Department at Michigan State University. Michigan State University is one of the best places to do your doctorate and we are looking forward to receiving your application to our program.
Dive Deeper
Students are admitted to the supply chain and operations management doctoral program only for a fall semester start and on a full-time basis. Find out more about admission criteria and the application process.
Learn MoreFaculty-student collaboration is a significant part of the Broad experience. Doctoral students have the opportunity to work with some of the top researchers across multiple disciplines. Find out more about the research opportunities for OSM doctoral students at MSU.
Learn MoreThe supply chain management faculty at the Michigan State University Broad College of Business are among the best in the world. Find out more about our faculty currently working with supply chain management Ph.D. students.
Learn MoreSee a roster of current doctoral students in the program as well as a listing of our graduates’ placements at research institutions across the globe.
Learn MoreTuition and Financial Aid
At the present time, all doctoral students receive financial support from the supply chain management department, the college and/or various external organizations.
Our goal is to provide every student admitted to the supply chain management Ph.D. program with a graduate assistantship and/or a fellowship. The assistantship is usually at a half-time level, although some students may be appointed quarter time. A half-time appointment requires that the student be a teaching assistant and/or research assistant for 20 hours a week.
Renewal of financial assistance is contingent on the student making satisfactory progress in the program. Assistantships include a nine-credit-hour tuition waiver for each of the fall and spring semesters, a waiver for the out-of-state portion of tuition for non-Michigan residents, and health insurance. The waiver does not include registration fees or other fees.
Financial support is assured for the first four years of the program. Further support is provided subject to the availability of financial resources and the candidate making satisfactory, significant progress in the doctoral program.
Fellowship aid is available from the university, the Supply Chain Management department and external sources.
For more information about funding sources, visit the MSU Graduate School.
Contact Information
- Department of Supply Chain Management
- Business College Complex
- 632 Bogue St Rm N370
- East Lansing, MI 48824
- broad.msc.inquiries@msu.edu
- Phone: (517) 355-2241
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
- Can I study part time and work full time?
No. The Supply Chain Management program is strictly a full-time program, and we are not able to accommodate part-time students. Aside from coursework, research and independent study require students to be on campus on a full-time basis.
- If I have a degree from a U.S. university, am I required to take the TOEFL test?
No. A degree from a U.S. school should exempt you from the TOEFL requirements.
- How long does it generally take to complete the program?
The Operations and Sourcing Management Ph.D. program is designed for students to complete in four years.
Admissions
- What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is February 1st.
- What is the process for applicant reviews?
Please note that all applications are reviewed centrally. We encourage you to reach out to faculty specifically. However, that in itself does not ensure you get admitted to the program. At the end of the deadline, the faculty will collectively gather and review all applicants for that year. Typical factors that are considered are GRE/GMAT scores – both verbal and quantitative sores. Given the nature of Supply Chain Management research, there is a greater emphasis on quantitative talent. Please contact the doctoral Program coordinator for the Operations and Sourcing Management Program for further questions.
- Do I need to submit a GMAT or GRE test score?
GRE and GMAT scores are mandatory. Unfortunately, we cannot grant any waiver or exceptions to these.
- Are there minimum GMAT or GRE test scores for successful applicants?
We do not have minimum cut-off scores on the GMAT or GRE. The GRE and GMAT scores are also seen along with program specific accomplishments of the students. However, admission to the Operations and Sourcing Management Ph.D. program is extremely competitive, and our current students have averaged in the 90th percentile on the verbal and 80th percentile on the quantitative portions of the GMAT and/or GRE. This can vary by year. We certainly expect a minimum of 85th percentile in quantitative; and 75th percentile in Verbal. An applicant with any score below the 70th percentile in quantitative scores or a cumulative score below the 75th percentile overall is unlikely to be admitted. However, regardless of test scores, each applicant is fully reviewed by the admissions committee.
International students are required to take the TOEFL. The Broad Graduate School of Management specifies a minimum total score of 600 for the paper version or 250 total for the computer version. Scores at or above this minimum will not guarantee admission.
- Which program code do I use for Supply Chain Management Department’s doctoral programs?
Logistics: 1331.
Operations and Sourcing Management: 1350.
Use the following school codes for test givers to route your test scores online to Michigan State University:
GMAT Scores: QH0-5P-02. GRE and TOEFL: 1465.
Financial Aid
- What kind of financial aid is available?
All admitted students are supported by teaching assistantships or research assistantships. Entering students are generally awarded a teaching assistantship, provided they meet basic language qualifications. There is no separate application for teaching assistantships. Research assistantships are generally awarded to advanced graduate students.
