how to get phd in business

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Accounting & Management
Business Economics
Health Policy (Management)
Organizational Behavior
Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has five areas of study: Accounting and Management , Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management

Business economics , health policy (management) , management , marketing , organizational behavior , strategy , technology & operations management .

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Doctorates in Business: How to Find The Best Program For You

The MBA has long been considered the standard for business professionals at the management or executive level. But as more and more leaders hold MBAs, they aren’t the differentiator they used to be. As business challenges grow more complex, technology rapidly advances and consumer behaviors change, a doctorate in business is an investment many business leaders are making to elevate their skills.

If you have C-suite aspirations, want to increase your salary, and gain research skills that can deliver a competitive advantage for your organization, a doctorate degree in business can help you achieve your goals. But how do you find the right business doctorate program for you? First, you need to understand there are two major types of doctoral programs in business—academic, theoretical Ph.D. programs and professional, applied doctorate programs. And, to make it more complex, there are multiple degrees for business professionals within each category. That’s why we want to make your options clear. Let’s explore in more detail so you can confidently make a decision on which doctorate in business program is right for you.

Should You Earn A Theoretical Doctorate or Professional Doctorate?

The answer to this question really lies in your professional aspirations. In short, it boils down to a simple question: Do you want to spend your career teaching business leaders or leading businesses to grow? Why Earn a Theoretical Doctorate In Business? Theoretical doctorates are Ph.D.’s. If you want to spend your career as a business professor, or in a research capacity to support businesses, a Ph.D. in business is likely the best choice. Ph.D programs focus heavily on academic research.

Earning a doctorate is challenging and rewarding, but do you know what to really expect? Download this free guide for tips and insights to help you prepare for success.

Why Earn a Professional Doctorate In Business? These are sometimes called an Applied Doctorate. This type of business doctorate focuses on applying research and business theory to solve real-world business challenges. If you want to spend your career leading a business, or consulting businesses, this is likely the direction for you. It should be noted that both programs are very research-intensive. After all, a doctorate is the highest level of educational achievement you can receive. The difference is the focus of that research. “A doctorate is not like another master’s degree,” comments Dr. Tim Reymann, Program Chair, Doctor of Business Administration at Franklin University , “It requires even more reading, writing and research than any other degree you’ve earned. Make sure you do a significant amount of reflection on what you need to be successful. I tell students to look for a degree you’re passionate about, knowledgeable and engaged faculty and an institution that builds a support system for it’s doctoral students.”

Which Doctoral Degree Path Should You Choose?

franklin-doctorate degrees business minds.png

Here are many doctoral programs aimed at helping business leaders succeed. Here are three of the leading choices—and who is the ideal fit for each. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) This is a professional doctorate designed to help leaders create transformational change through advanced research, analytical, and leadership skills. “DBA degrees are geared toward working professionals who want to practically apply their degree,” says Dr. Reymann, “They usually work in the corporate sector and want to advance in management at their organization, or want to teach applied business theory at a university.” Through earning a DBA, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of key business dynamics like global economics, government regulation, technological advancements and an increasingly dynamic workforce. With these research skills and new knowledge, you will be able to recognize business opportunities, generate innovative solutions, and confidently lead a team or organization, or pursue a role as a faculty member teaching these subjects. Ph.D. in Business Administration This is a theoretical degree designed to prepare individuals to provide unique research to the business field or teach within an academic setting. “Most individuals looking to get a Ph.D. are looking for a faculty position at a tier-one or tier-two university where they can teach on a full-time basis and perform original research,” says Dr. Reymann. Rapid advancement of technology and evolution of business environments presents many opportunities for the rigorous research that a Ph.D. in Business Administration can provide. Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D) An Ed.D. is an applied doctorate designed to prepare individuals for administration and management within the education field. “Ed.D. programs apply management principles to the education field,” says Dr. Reymann. “These programs are a great fit for individuals who want to hold a management or leadership position in education—like principals, superintendents, and university administrators.” Through earning an Ed.D., you’ll learn how to apply cutting-edge educational theories and apply them to the challenges within an educational system to create real change—whether improving schools or increasing access to educational opportunities.

5 Questions To Determine Which Doctoral Degree Is Right For You

Choosing the right type of degree is a highly personal and significantly important decision. It will have an impact on your education experience and your career opportunities. As you research degrees and institutions, make sure you are choosing the right degree to empower your future. Here are five key questions to help you find the program that works best for you:

What is my desired career?
What type of research am I most interested in conducting?
What type of organization do I want to work for?
What value do I want to contribute to an organization or the world?
What’s my ideal type of work setting?

3 Key Questions To Ask When Deciding Where You’ll Earn Your Doctoral Degree

So, you’ve chosen a degree. Great! Earning that doctoral degree will be an intensive process. When choosing a doctoral business program, you should find a student-centered program that will offer you support through the entire process. Here’s what to ask to find a program that works best for you: What type of educational experience am I looking for?

There are three instruction methods in doctoral programs: in-person, online and hybrid, which is a combination of in-person and online. When choosing the right one for you, flexibility is usually the determining factor. Most in-person programs are full-time, which limits your ability to keep your job while getting your degree. Online programs allow you to complete a degree on your schedule, so you don’t have to put your career on pause. Hybrid programs, on the other hand, may be right for professionals who choose an online program with a local campus. What type of support will I need to be successful?

Some doctoral programs can feel like solitary experiences, especially if they’re completed online. But if you’re looking for high-levels of support, the right online program will deliver. From faculty advisors to personal librarians and collaborative learning experiences, a supportive program will put you in touch with the right people and resources at every step of your doctoral degree. How much flexibility will I need to balance my personal, professional, and educational pursuits?

Make sure you choose a program that offers the right balance of flexibility and structured learning . You want flexibility in the number of courses you take, when you complete coursework and how you conduct research. Structure should come in how courses are taught and a step-by-step dissertation process that removes roadblocks and sets you up for success. “At Franklin University, every doctoral student receives a faculty advisor,” comments Dr. Reymann. “They check in with students at least once a month to talk about their progress, answer questions, and help clear roadblocks. Even with an online program, we believe in being highly engaged and creating one-on-one relationships with students.”

Get Started On Your Doctoral Degree Path

Only 2% of professionals complete a doctoral degree, so pursuing a terminal degree is inherently challenging and extremely rewarding. Explore Franklin University's Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.) to see how our flexible, student-centered programs can help you successfully achieve a doctoral business degree that gives you the skills you need to lead.

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The Complete Guide to Business School PhD Applications

Megan Gorges, Harvard Business School

Stephen Turban, Harvard Business School

(Authors contributed equally to the development of this guide. Authors listed alphabetically.)

Quick Links:

Refreshed Guide to PhD Application - PDF Link

Compiled Business School PhD Interview Questions

Example CVs of PhD Applicants

Example SOPs of PhD Applicants

This document is intended as a guide to help future applicants navigate the process of applying for business school PhD programs. This guide is based on Stephen and Megan’s firsthand experience applying to PhD programs and is supplemented by data from a survey of 46 other successful applicants. Our objective is to provide open access to the “insider” information we gathered through our own journeys and to help level the playing field for all aspiring business school academics.

Introduction

The competition for admission to business school PhD programs has grown in intensity in recent years. As a result, some successful applicants enter the admissions process with considerable information about business school academia – while others do not. The goal of this guide is to democratize access to this information so that applicants from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed in the admissions process.

The authors of this guide – Stephen Turban and Megan Gorges – first met while at an admitted students' day for a management PhD program. Over the following few weeks, we would bump into each other on several visit days across the country. As we did, we began to wonder: why were we accepted to these programs when others were not? We concluded it was not because we were better candidates, but rather because we had more access to information about the admissions process. Megan had worked as a lab manager at Berkeley Haas in the preceding year and had received guidance from faculty members and PhD students as she applied. Stephen, similarly, had spent a summer working at Harvard Business School in college and so drew upon his friends and mentors to help him through the process. The advice in this guide is drawn from our experiences combined with quantitative survey data collected from other admitted PhD students.

Specifically, this guide is intended to provide tactical advice on how to succeed in the business school PhD admissions process. It is inspired by Abhishek Nagaraj’s 2010 “ A Guide to Business PhD Applications ,” which we highly recommend. We have endeavored to make this guide complementary to the information already provided in that article.

We will begin with a general discussion of whether or not you should pursue a PhD, recommend a timeline for preparation (which ideally begins 2+ years prior to your planned application cycle), and then cover choosing where to apply, preparing your application materials, and navigating the interview process.

Before we begin, the following are some considerations regarding the authority and generalizability of this guide. Both authors applied to Organizational Behavior and Management programs (Stephen to the macro track and Megan to the micro), so our advice will be especially relevant for individuals applying to those areas. However, where possible, we have highlighted differences in expectations for different subdisciplines.

To gain a broader perspective, we invited all the applicants we met at program visits and interview days to participate in a survey about their experience in the admissions process. Of the 46 survey respondents, 50% were female, 46% had applied to organizational behavior programs (this oversampling is likely a result of our limited contact with students across other disciplines) while the rest had applied to a range of disciplines including marketing, economics, and strategy, and respondents had received their undergraduate degrees an average of 3.4 years prior to their planned matriculation date (with a standard deviation of 3.3 years and a median of 2 years). Collectively, the survey respondents were admitted to many top business school programs, including Berkeley Haas, Boston College Carroll, Boston University Questrom, Carnegie Mellon Tepper, Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, Cornell, Duke Fuqua, Harvard Business School, INSEAD, Kellogg, London Business School, Michigan Ross, MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, Stanford GSB, Toronto Rotman, UCLA Anderson, USC Marshall, Wharton, and Yale SOM. Additionally, we would like to thank our fellow admits who reviewed this guide and improved it with their feedback.

Given our position as incoming students, we are only able to provide advice from the applicant's perspective and are not privy to insider information on how admissions committees select candidates. That being said, we are grateful to Abhishek Nagaraj – now a faculty member at Berkeley Haas – for his feedback on this guide. His input gives us confidence that the recommendations contained herein are valid from at least one faculty member’s perspective.

Should you get a PhD?

The following section serves as a complement to Abhishek Nagaraj’s 2010 guide , which provides a very clear account of the PhD experience and the life of an academic. We seek to add to his analysis by focusing on the trade-offs implicit in pursuing a PhD in a business field, particularly vis-a-vis working in industry and other non-business PhD programs. We will also highlight the impact faculty members make in the field.

Why apply to a business school PhD program?

The most common reason to pursue a PhD in a business school is to become a business school professor. In most business schools nearly all tenured faculty members have doctoral degrees from either a business school field (e.g., management, finance, marketing, etc.) or a related discipline (e.g., economics, sociology, psychology, etc.).

PhD programs in business schools can take many forms. Business research can take a highly quantitative approach – as in the case of business economics, accounting, or finance – or use qualitative methods such as ethnography. Research methods could include experiments, interviews, or the analysis of large datasets. What unites these disparate approaches is A) the connection between the research and the practice of doing business and B) that most PhD graduates intend to become faculty members at business schools.

If you have just started considering a PhD in business, you should seek to gather as much information as you can about what this career path entails and the degree to which it suits your interests and goals. This guide is a good start, but you may also consider attending a DocNet fair where you can meet with and learn from business school admissions staff. If you are a member of an underrepresented minority, you should also look into the PHD Project , which is an excellent resource for learning about the profession and connecting to mentors.

What do business school professors do?

If applying to a business school PhD generally leads to becoming a professor, it is important to understand, “What is the life of a business school professor?”

Broadly, the work of a business school professor can be broken into four parts:

● Teaching and advising

● Service to the school

● External work (e.g., consulting, popular writing, book publishing)

Research is the central focus of professional life for both PhD students and faculty members. In general, the success of both students and junior faculty members is based on their ability to produce original research in their domain of interest. Because research is the most important activity in the academic career path, you should only pursue a PhD if you are passionate about conducting research. Depending on the field of study, this could involve running lab experiments, investigating large datasets, interviewing or working inside a company, or setting up field experiments in the outside world. After finishing a PhD program, most graduates become assistant professors at business schools. They then have 5-7 years to produce sufficient original research, generally in top academic journals, to get tenure. Simply put, tenured professors cannot be fired from their jobs.

Teaching and advising

Teaching also occupies a significant share of faculty members’ time. Business school professors traditionally teach MBA students. However, depending on the school, faculty members could also teach executive education, undergraduate, or digital courses. Universities also expect faculty members to advise PhD students in developing their own research.

Service to the school

The category of service includes any tasks performed for the betterment of the school or department that are not included in research or teaching. This could include, for example, serving on school-wide committees on diversity, working as chair of the department, or helping with admissions for PhD candidates. Some faculty members may go on to university leadership positions (e.g., provost, president).

External facing work (e.g., consulting, popular writing, book publishing) Finally, many faculty members – particularly at elite schools – work on projects intended to directly benefit the broader public. This could include advising companies on their strategy or business practices, writing popular press articles in publications such as Harvard Business Review , or authoring books. This ratio changes over time; as faculty members become more senior, they generally devote more time to external-facing work.

How does being a business school professor compare to other careers?

To begin, it’s important to understand what areas of a career matter to you – whether they be income, autonomy, impact, etc. It’s clear that there are many benefits to life as a business school professor – but also serious drawbacks.

For one, numerous researchers have documented the poor mental health of graduate students. One 2018 study conducted by researchers at Harvard, for example, showed that economic PhD students are three times more likely to show depressive symptoms than the average population (Barreira, Basilico, & Bolotnyy, 2018). It is worth noting that economics PhD programs may be harder on students’ mental health than most business programs, but we recommend looking into the large body of research on mental health issues in graduate students across a variety of programs. A PhD can be pressure-filled and the relatively small stipend can become a serious stressor for many students. Additionally, as many students argue, it’s hard to feel a sense of “progress” day-to-day. When the output is generating novel, innovative research, it is often unclear whether or not you’ve made progress toward that goal each day.

In addition, many PhD students face a significant opportunity cost by attending a PhD program – particularly a business school program. It is important to recognize that individuals who successfully become business school professors are generally highly educated and talented. That is to say, they have a skill set that would allow them to work successfully in other careers. In fact, PhD students who do not enter into academia often enter into other fields such as finance, consulting, and tech. Nonetheless, there are also numerous benefits to a PhD and business school academic career, including intellectual fun, autonomy, and a uniquely flexible lifestyle post-tenure.

Below is a general comparison of a business school professor’s career to one in industry. In general, professors win out on autonomy, lifestyle, and intellectual fun, but earn less and have fewer choices in location.

Individuals considering a PhD in business may also be interested in an academic career in a related field, such as economics, sociology, or psychology. For this group, it is useful to compare the career of business school academics to other academics.

When making a comparison based on these factors, business school academic careers win out over other academics in social science fields in most scenarios. One important caveat to this hinges on your ability to do “fundamental” or “basic” research. Because business schools exist to support managers and leaders, there is an expectation that your research be somewhat “applied” and connected to the practice of management. More fundamental topics (such as understanding personality changes across the lifespan which falls into the realm of basic psychology, or studying the structural elements of a machine learning algorithm which falls into the realm of computer science) can often fall outside the scope of business school research. If you are interested in studying an important topic that does not fit within the umbrella of business, then you may be more fulfilled pursuing a PhD in another discipline.

The main reason why business school academics are paid more (generally starting around $180 - $200k and then going up to $300-$400k) is because of their exit opportunities. If they left their career as an academic, they could command significantly higher salaries in the industry, which is not necessarily true for academics in other fields. Another reason why business school salaries are generally higher is that business schools bring in more revenue to spend on attracting high-quality faculty members and supporting their research. It is important to note that salaries likely vary by discipline (finance and strategy professors often command the highest salaries) and by school (more prestigious schools may be able to offer higher salaries).

What impact do business school professors have on the world?

In the comparison table above, we give industry careers a slight edge on the “impact” dimension. This begs the question: what type of impact do faculty members have on the world?

The reason industry careers may be judged as more impactful is that most business academics are solo contributors. This means that unless their research is picked up broadly – which is relatively rare – they will not be able to leverage teams and organizations to extend their impact as their industry peers do. In general, the distribution of the impact of academia has a long right tail, with research from a few superstars having significant influence, and most academics not achieving widespread exposure. Academics can combat this limitation by teaming up with other researchers or by developing academic organizations to expand the impact of their work (for example, founding a research lab or an institute in their particular area of interest).

What is the lifestyle of a business school professor?

A significant benefit of any faculty position is the autonomy. Professor and PhD students have the freedom to choose when and how to work. Generally, academia is a path that enables immense flexibility and self-direction.

Becoming a professor is a great way to engage in a lifetime of curiosity and learning. Professors often spend their days trying to learn about and answer questions that they find interesting. Unlike an industry career with its constant pressures towards commercial ends, professors are generally shielded from the day-to-day press of paperwork and profits.

How difficult is it to become a successful professor?

Unfortunately, even if you do complete a PhD, there is no guarantee that you will secure a job as a faculty member. The job market for assistant professor positions is quite competitive and most PhD graduates accept job offers at schools a rung or two lower in prestige than their degree-granting institution (Clauset, Arbesman, & Larremore, 2015). This 2015 study by Clauset, Arbesman, and Larremore found that PhD graduates in business go on to a faculty position at an institution an average of 25-30 positions lower in prestige (e.g., from Harvard to UT Austin). Others, of course, choose to forego an academic career and instead enter into industry, generally in a relatively high-paying position in finance, consulting, or tech. Some choose to complete their PhD and then take this path, whereas others elect not to finish the PhD and skip straight to their next career.

Why pursue a business school PhD?

This leads us back to the central question: why complete a business school PhD at all? If you are pursuing a PhD in a business school, it means that you either A) want to devote your time to conducting research and become a business school professor (and think the pros of this career outweigh the cons) or B) think that the PhD will unlock something else important in your life.

For Stephen, “A” was certainly true. He realized that the things he did for fun – write, explore data, and try to understand how organizations and business work – exactly matched the job description of a professor. For you, it is important to make that decision before you begin on the PhD application process and the long path to academia. The PhD can be extremely challenging, and the single best reason to enter into this journey is because you believe that you will be most happy spending your time conducting research.

To succeed in the PhD application process, you should give yourself ample time to prepare. As we will detail in the following section, there are numerous parts of the application. Some parts can be done relatively quickly – such as finding and uploading a transcript – and other parts require serious time commitment – such as doing research with faculty members.

In the below section, we outline an ideal timeline for an applicant. Of course, we recognize that most people will not follow this timeline exactly, and many will be able to complete some steps in this timeline more quickly. Rather, this timeline should serve as a benchmark as you go along your PhD application journey. For reference, most programs have application deadlines that range from early December to early January.

Illustrative timeline below

Illustrative Timeline for Business School PhD Application

Some quick notes on the timeline. We include a section that involves “Assist faculty member with research.” Though this is not 100% necessary, our experience indicates that research experience gives your application a strong edge in the selection process. The reason for this is three-fold: 1) prior research experience shows that you know what you are getting into and demonstrates your commitment to academia, 2) research experience signals some degree of preparation which may make you more successful in the PhD program, and 3) if you work on research specifically in a business school this can give you an “in” to the research community you are hoping to join. Notably in our survey, we found that 44 of our 46 surveyed admitted students had some form of research experience before applying. We will discuss this step in more detail in the section on the “the RA path to the PhD.”

We do not include your graduate or undergraduate studies as part of the timeline, though they remain important in the application. Broadly, the expectation is that you perform well during both of those periods. Of the admitted students we surveyed, the average GPA was roughly a 3.85 with a standard deviation of .12. However, we saw GPAs in the survey range from 3.5 to 4.0. In general, the common wisdom is that a strong GPA is necessary but not sufficient for a successful application.

We recommend that applicants get ahead of the schedule for applying. One faculty member at HBS, who completed their PhD at Stanford in 3 years, advised that you should be done with almost all parts of the application by August or September (which is even more aggressive than our timeline above). Front-loading your application efforts provides more ample time for revision and can reduce the stress during the final few weeks of submission.

Choosing where to apply

One of the most important steps before beginning the application is to identify the PhD programs to which you want to apply. In general, applicants should first select their broader field of interest (e.g., accounting, finance, business economics, strategy, etc.). Next, they should begin to identify some questions or topics they find interesting (e.g., social networks, status hierarchy, VC flow of capital, etc.). Finally, after selecting their intended field and topics of study, they should identify the top programs (and specific faculty within those programs) that match their own particular research interests.

Choosing your field and topics of interest

Business academia is split into numerous fields and subfields within which you must identify your particular interests. In general, business school research draws from a set of disciplines such as economics, sociology, psychology, and to a slightly lesser extent other fields such as history, statistics, and political science. Over time, business school researchers have developed their own fields such as organizational behavior, accounting, finance, and strategy. The best way to gain an understanding of these fields is to look at the types of academic articles that these researchers are publishing. It is important to have a general sense of the field of your interest and the types of questions that it does (and does not) cover.

From there, it is important to ask yourself questions about the topics that interest you. Megan, for example, knew she was interested in emotions and prosocial behavior because she had enjoyed assisting with research in those areas, and this led her to consider programs in management and organizational behavior (micro). Stephen, on the other hand, was interested in physical space, social networks, and worker mobility. This led him to look at programs that covered these topics, which were management or organizational behavior (macro). If you are having difficulty honing your own interest, a good way to explore is by reading the major journals in the field (e.g., Academy of Management Journal for management, Strategic Management Journal for strategy, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology or Journal of Applied Psychology for social psychology and micro organizational behavior). While preparing your application you should have a general idea of your research interests and specific topics you can discuss in your application materials; that said, no one will force you to continue doing research on the topics you mentioned in your application. So, this is meant to be directional but not binding.

Choosing the programs to apply to

After identifying your topics of interest comes the difficult task of choosing which programs to apply to. In general, there is a limited amount that you can learn online about a program, and because the characteristics of a program can change dramatically as different faculty members join and leave it is important to seek out up-to-date sources of information. We suggest four main ways to learn about your specific programs of interest.

Method 1) Online search for programs & faculty members

Even with its limitations, an online search is often the best way to get an initial feel for a program and to identify which programs are out there. When reading through program websites, there are three important factors to note: the faculty and their research interests, the careers (academic or otherwise) that their students go on to lead, and the location of the school. When casting your net for potential programs, keep in mind that MBA program prestige rankings do not correlate perfectly with the quality of business school PhD programs. There are many schools outside of the Ivy League or top MBA rankings that have excellent business school faculty and publish research in leading journals.

The most important characteristic of a program is its affiliated faculty members. After identifying which faculty members are affiliated with the program, it is then useful to look at the type of research that they are publishing by using Google Scholar or looking at their most recent CV. Even a cursory look at the abstracts of recent papers written by an academic can give you a sense of some of their research interests. (Though not all! Remember that the publication timeline is long, so a faculty member’s recent publications may no longer reflect their current research interests.) One way to find the most recent work of a faculty member is to look at conference websites – this is the research for which faculty members are seeking feedback from peers, so it is generally newer work. Students should focus on applying to programs with multiple faculty members (2-4) whose research interests overlap with their own, ideally ranging in level from assistant to full professor.

After graduation, what are your possible prospects? For most business fields, the top 10-20 schools all recruit from one another. So, by going to one of these schools, you enter into an elite pool of candidates for an academic job. With that said, some schools consistently perform better than others when it comes to job placements. When conducting your due diligence on programs, look at the past ten years of academic and non-academic placements (which are often at least partially available on the program website). This will give you an idea of the type of school (or company) where you should expect to work post-graduation.

Take note of where potential programs of interest are located. In multiple conversations Stephen had, senior faculty emphasized the importance of location when choosing a school. Though the school itself is important, you are also making a decision about where you will live for the next five to six years. That is a significant part of your life! When choosing a school, it is also important to choose a place where you would actually want to live.

Method 2) Speaking with friends and mentors in the field

Reaching out to your connections in the academic world is a useful way to gain information about the different programs. In general, we recommend reaching out to a broad set of people even if they are not directly in your field of interest. For example, Megan reached out to her friends from her undergraduate psychology program who had gone on to PhD programs or faculty positions in psychology. Early on, these contacts can provide directional advice about programs and can help you connect with others in the field.

Method 3) Reaching out to current graduate students [Pro tip]

One of the most useful cohorts to reach out to is current graduate students. In particular, look for graduate students with similar interests in the same fields that you are targeting. Because graduate students recently went through the application process, they can provide tactical guidance on their own programs and how to approach the application. In particular, ask graduate students about their experience in their program and the faculty members they know in the department. One tip while talking with students is to pay attention to what they do not say about the program or advisors. In general, people speak very positively about their own programs and want to convince you to join. However, if they do not like someone or want to avoid talking about an issue with the program, they may not mention it. For example, at one program (left unnamed for anonymity), Stephen asked a current student about which faculty members he should consider as possible advisors. The student listed 4-5 names, but notably omitted a faculty member who had clear research alignment with Stephen. What Stephen realized through follow-up conversations was that this advisor had a notorious reputation for advising students. The student had answered Stephen’s question, but the omission was more telling than the answer itself.

Method 4) Reaching out to faculty members

Finally, reaching out to faculty members of interest can be a useful way to gain information about programs and to introduce yourself to potential advisors. Because faculty members are busy, we would suggest reaching out to those faculty members with whom you share A) a clear research alignment, B) a connected trait (e.g., same undergrad school, same hometown, etc.), or C) a mutual connection. In general, faculty members are often open to talking with serious applicants and discussing their own research. Whenever possible, in-person meetings are more effective and produce a more positive memory than meetings online. While reaching out to faculty members can be helpful in the application process, it is not strictly necessary. For example, Megan did not contact faculty members at her target programs prior to applying.

Ways to distinguish programs

There are numerous ways to distinguish programs. We identify a few axes to consider when deciding where to apply. Oftentimes it will be difficult, if not impossible, to understand these differences between programs without speaking to people in them or in the field.

Disciplinary vs. phenomenon-driven

One core difference between programs is how “disciplinary” or “phenomenon-driven” they are. In this case, disciplinary refers to the original discipline that the field emerged from. Organizational behavior (micro), for example, emerged from social psychology and the two disciplines overlap considerably in terms of research topics and methods. When we call a program more disciplinary, we mean that it has a deeper focus on that discipline (e.g., psychology), and its faculty likely publish more often in discipline-oriented journals.

Programs which are less disciplinary are generally more phenomenon-driven. This means that their research is focused on understanding specific events, processes, and trends that are currently relevant in business contexts. For example, studying the impact of mentorship on promotion outcomes would be a more phenomenon-driven approach, whereas examining how power influences approach behaviors would be considered more disciplinary (in this case, psychological). In most fields, more disciplinary programs are considered slightly more prestigious. In practical terms, this means that you can graduate from a more disciplinary program and place in a faculty position at a less disciplinary program, but it is more rare to go the other way.

Degree of specialization in level of analysis

A related but distinct axis on which to compare the training focus of programs is the degree to which they expect students to stay within a particular level of analysis or set of methods. For example, some organizational behavior programs maintain strong divides between

the micro (psychological) and macro (sociological) faculty members and students, whereas other programs train students thoroughly in both methods and embrace “meso” approaches and methodologies. Similarly, some strategy programs have a clear boundary between economic and sociological orientations, whereas others embrace mixing the two.

Apprenticeship model vs. entrepreneurial model

Another key difference between programs is the extent to which they are “entrepreneurial” in nature. When a program is entrepreneurial, this means that there are very minimal support structures in place for the student. This provides flexibility for the student to pursue their interests, but it also requires students to identify and connect with faculty members on their own initiative to successfully conduct research.

Apprenticeship models involve a much more structured path for a student. When a student enters a program, they are assigned a faculty advisor. They then work with this faculty advisor on their research agenda, starting as a research assistant and then working to be a co-author. Oftentimes apprenticeship models are paired with “labs” in which people work under 1-2 faculty members interested in similar topics. One advantage of an apprenticeship model is the speed and ease with which graduate students earn publications. However, on the job market, candidates are often penalized for being too similar to their faculty advisors and failing to establish their own research identity.

In general, the top business school doctoral programs all follow some version of the entrepreneurial model, with only minor differences in the degree of support provided.

Senior-faculty heavy vs. junior-faculty heavy

There is significant variation across departments in the percentage of senior and junior faculty. Some departments are very senior-heavy, meaning that they have many tenured faculty but fewer junior faculty (e.g., assistant professors). Other departments have a handful of senior faculty, but are dominated by a younger set of professors. Of course, some departments sit in the middle, but it is often possible to characterize departments as senior- or junior-dominated.

The advantage to collaborating with more senior faculty is that they can provide high-level, strategic advice on your career. Additionally, their clout and social connections can serve you enormously when you go on the academic job market. The drawback is that senior faculty are often less research active, meaning you will collaborate with them less and projects may proceed more slowly. Junior faculty-heavy programs, on the other hand, provide you with ample productive collaborators for your research. As research is the primary criterion for junior faculty to gain tenure, their incentives are aligned with yours to produce a large volume of high-quality research. However, they may have less clout in the field, which could make your job search more difficult.

An ideal program will have a mix of both senior and junior faculty with whom you can collaborate on research so that you can balance the pros and cons of each.

To how many programs should I apply?

In general, we recommend applying to more programs rather than fewer, given the low admission rates at each of these programs (roughly 4-7%) and the low marginal cost of applying to an additional program. In our case, Stephen applied to 7 programs and Megan applied to 11 programs. Our survey respondents applied to an average of 8 programs (with a standard deviation of 5.5). That said, we do not think you should apply to any programs that you would not consider attending – this is a waste of effort on your part and potentially could block out another deserving candidate.

Application Materials

Your application materials will be the main (if not only) input that admissions committees use to evaluate you, so it is important to invest the time and effort to get them right. Your main goals in preparing your materials should be to A) highlight your strengths as a candidate and B) meticulously meet every requirement for the school you apply. Taken together, your application materials should demonstrate your intelligence, persistence, intellectual creativity, and clear understanding of the realities of the path ahead.

At the time this guide was written, all major business school PhD programs require that applicants submit either GRE or GMAT scores, including verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing scores. Most do not state a preference between the two tests, so you can choose whichever one you think will give you a higher score. From our survey of admitted students, 96% submitted GRE scores for their applications, and this seems to be the current standard across all programs. Both Stephen and Megan took the GRE, so the following information will be most relevant to that test.

Business school PhD programs seem to pride themselves on maintaining high GRE/GMAT averages for admitted students. Many programs include these metrics on their admissions websites (often in FAQs), so you can check the figures for your target schools to see how you match up. For example, in 2019 Wharton listed their average GRE verbal score as 163 (90th percentile) and their average quantitative score as 167 (91st percentile). It is important to note that these averages usually include all admitted students across the business school PhD program, including those in finance, accounting, management, and marketing, so the average score may not be very informative for your particular area of interest. For example, one would expect that successful finance PhD applicants might have a higher average quantitative score than organizational behavior applicants, and within organizational behavior macro applicants may have higher quant scores than organizational behavior micro applicants. If your intended research methods require more intense quantitative skills, you can reasonably expect that the average quantitative score will be higher.

Average GRE Scores by Business School Discipline

The table above shows the number of responses, mean, and standard deviation of GRE scores by business school discipline from our survey of admitted students. Of the 42 individuals who reported both GRE scores and disciplines, 22 applied to multiple disciplines; their scores are included in the results for each discipline to which they applied. Please note that the survey respondents were admitted to R1 PhD programs, which represent only a small portion of all programs. Therefore, these scores are higher than may be necessary to gain admission to other high quality PhD programs.

Once you have a handle on what score you need for your target schools, it is time to understand the gap between your current and desired test performance. For some, the GRE is the easiest component of their application to prepare. For others (such as Megan), it was the most difficult. It is a good idea to take an official ETS practice test at least six months prior to your intended test date so you can develop a systematic and sustainable plan to address your weak points. If you find you have a large gap to close, Megan recommends dedicating about ten hours per week (ideally spread across five to seven days of the week) to practicing with official ETS material ( Greg Mat’s YouTube videos are an excellent free resource), punctuated by practice tests weekly or biweekly (there are multiple free ETS practice tests available online). It can be helpful to supplement your preparation with test prep programs such as Magoosh, but bear in mind that only genuine ETS questions can rigorously prepare you for what you will encounter on the GRE. If preparing for the GRE is causing you a great deal of anxiety, it may be worth enrolling in a class or hiring a tutor to provide you with structure and outside validation of your effort and progress. Plan to take the test two to three times to reach your desired score, and arrange for your final test date to occur at least three weeks prior to your first application deadline.

If you have done everything you can and your score is not what you hoped, do not let that hold you back from applying. Megan almost did not apply in 2019 because her GRE quant score (160; 73rd percentile) was lower than all posted averages, but decided to give it a shot anyway with positive results. Based on conversations with faculty members and other admits, it appears that the GRE/GMAT score is used mainly as a general cut-off in the review process; however, a high GRE score is only a baseline requisite and is not nearly sufficient to secure admission.

Your CV (curriculum vita) should include all the most important information that you would like faculty to consider as they are reviewing your application. CVs are similar to resumes in the sense that they should summarize your qualifications, skills, and experiences, but they are allowed to be longer than the standard one page so that they can provide a full record of your contributions to academia. Your CV is a good place to include the technical details of your research projects (i.e., particular tools or methods you used or skills you built), especially if you find that your statement of purpose is being bogged down by these details.

CVs usually follow a consistent format, which you can see by looking up any academic’s CV or by searching online for a CV template. While it is advisable to match your CV’s aesthetics to the norm, you should feel free to pick and choose which content sections to include. Stephen, for example, decided to include the abstracts of all the research articles he had worked on (e.g., his senior thesis) so that he did not have to include it in the statement of purpose. Similarly, you may want to make up your own novel section to highlight your technical skills. On the other hand, you may not have any grants (most applicants won’t), so you can forego that section entirely.

Generally, CVs can be as long as necessary to cover all of your accomplishments, but some programs impose a two page limit. It may be a good idea to stick to that two page limit (as Megan did) so that you can 1) use the same CV for all of your applications and 2) acknowledge the value of brevity in this situation where very busy faculty seek to quickly understand who you are as an applicant.

You can see example CVs submitted by successful applicants in this folder .

Academic Record/Transcripts

You will need to submit transcripts for all post-secondary institutions you have attended (anything after high school, i.e., undergraduate or graduate education and study abroad programs) either as a PDF or as a mailed copy. For both of these options, you will need to request your official transcript from your school, usually through an online portal. It is a good idea to carefully read the instructions for submitting transcripts for each school to which you intend to apply a month or more before the deadline so that you can mail transcripts as needed.

Writing Sample

Some programs will ask you to submit a sample of your academic writing. The ideal item to include here would be a paper or thesis (master’s or undergraduate honors) that you have already written and reviewed with multiple academics. Megan used her undergraduate honor’s thesis (completely untouched since its completion three years before applying) as her writing sample for applications. Stephen submitted a paper that he had published with a mentor that was loosely based on his senior thesis. If you really do not have a good writing sample already prepared, spend the summer before applications writing and polishing one appropriate to the discipline. The writing sample seems to function as another (somewhat peripheral) measure of your research experience and thus your credibility in saying you intend to pursue an academic career. The importance of the writing sample seems to vary by applicant; for some, it was a topic of conversation in many interviews whereas for others it was never discussed.

Letters of Recommendation

Most programs will require you to include three letters of recommendation with your application (with some asking for only two and others allowing up to five). Both the source and content of your letters are very important, and together they should send the message that you demonstrate excellent potential for a career in research at a business school.

The business school academic community is small and tight-knit, and your network can play a key role in your success in the application process. Ideally, your letters should come from business school faculty members with whom you have worked on research (and the more senior and well-known the faculty member, and the closer their connections to your programs of interest, the better). They will be in the best position to speak to your potential, and their letter will get you noticed by the other faculty members in their network. If you cannot get a letter from a business school faculty member, the next-best option is to request one from a faculty member in another discipline. If you find that you can't identify enough letter writers in your immediate academic environment, consider taking a non-degree course at a local university, engaging with the professor, and asking them to write a letter. Once you have exhausted your options within academia, you can then consider soliciting letters from your other connections (such as work supervisors).

The content of your letters is equally (if not more) important. A vague letter with faint praise from a famous professor will not help your case for admission, whereas a specific and detailed letter with glowing remarks from a relative unknown in another discipline may take you far. To set yourself up for a high-quality letter, you should find opportunities to increase the breadth and depth of your research experience with faculty members. You can do this by contributing to multiple research projects, taking on a leadership role, and having conversations with faculty members about your research ideas and interests. If you have someone who you think is a potential letter writer, make sure to keep in contact with them even after graduation. This can include email updates, dropping by their office when you are in town, or discussing your PhD plans with them when you begin the application process.

It is important to be organized and purposeful in obtaining your letters of recommendation. If you have been out of contact with a potential recommender for some time, reach out to them as soon as you decide to apply to re-introduce yourself, discuss your plans, and ask for their support. Rather than asking if they are willing to write you a letter, instead ask if they feel they would be able to write you a strong letter. If they express any misgivings, you should thank them for their honesty and move along to another option. If they confirm that they are able to recommend you highly, you can then have a discussion about what experiences or characteristics they might highlight in their letter. This may feel like overstepping - after all, they are free to write whatever they like and you are not entitled to read it - but it can be quite helpful to remind them of the details of your work together (especially if significant time has passed) and to give them a sense of the story you intend to tell with the rest of your application materials.

Once you have your letter writers lined up, you must turn your attention to logistics management. Much helpful advice for tackling this challenge has already been shared (notably, Susan Athey’s list of tips ). Your goal should be to make it as easy as possible for them to submit their letters on time and to the correct schools. This will likely entail A) emailing them a summary of your shared research or other experiences with the faculty member (make it easy for them to remember!), your draft statement of purpose and CV, and a list of all the schools to which you are applying and when you intend to submit your application, B) coordinating with the professor (and potentially their faculty assistant) on when to trigger the email invitations for them to submit each letter (some recommenders will prefer that you invite them to submit letters for all applications at once so that the links are easy to find in their inbox), and C) following up with them regularly (and politely) until they submit their letter to each school. Once they have finished submitting their letters, it is a great idea to mail them a handwritten thank you card to communicate how much you appreciate their support.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose (SOP) is your opportunity to communicate a compelling narrative about who you are, where you come from, where you want to go in the future, and why [insert school here] is the best academic community for you to join as you ascend to greatness. The SOP is a key part of your application and deserves a significant investment of your time and effort.

Before you can communicate your research identity to admissions committees, you need to figure it out for yourself. The most important step here is to understand your research interests to the best of your ability. Once you have that piece, you will be able to sort through your experiences to tease out the important moments that led you to those interests so that you can craft a cohesive narrative. The best way to narrow down your interests is to engage with a lot of research. Read many journal articles, and take note of the ones that excite you most. Stephen, for example, read a number of research articles across micro and macro organizational behavior to choose which side he fell on.

Once you have amassed a robust cloud of potential research areas, there are two paths you can take. One option is to find a connecting thread between a handful of the ideas that spark the most passion for you, and build your essay around that core. Another option is to write multiple versions of your essay that highlight different clusters of your interests, and submit these more diverse essays to each of your target schools accordingly. Rest assured that no one expects your research interests to be fully formed at this point, and they will not force you to study the specific topics included in your essay. However, you may find more success if you write as if you know exactly what you want to study and why, even if internally you feel less certain. The objective is to demonstrate that you understand the field well enough to articulate interesting and testable research questions.

There are many different ways to write a great statement of purpose. Successful versions can vary on many factors, including their focus on personal anecdotes and underlying motivations vs. impersonal discussion of research experience and interests, past accomplishments vs. future ambitions, and how exactly the connection is made to your target program. For examples of these different options in practice, read through this folder with sample statements of purpose contributed by successful applicants in the 2019-2020 application cycle. For additional example essays across a diverse array of academic fields (and helpful exercises to kickstart the writing process), check out the book Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher. For those who wrote essays for college admissions in the US, know that this process is very different. The focus of these statements is much more on what you can do and have already done in research and much less on telling an intricate narrative about your life’s journey. It is advisable to keep the statement of purpose clear and concise; you will have the opportunity to address the breadth of your interests and personal motivations in the interview process.

Regardless of your stylistic and structural choices, one of the most important things you do in your essay will be to clearly demonstrate how your research ambitions and interests make you an excellent candidate for your program of interest. Tactically, this will likely involve emphasizing different aspects of your research interests for each program, as well as mentioning potential faculty collaborators by name. To do this, you will need to gain an understanding of the research being conducted by the faculty at each of your target programs by reading their faculty profiles, CVs, personal websites, and research articles. We recommend keeping this information in a spreadsheet or other document to stay organized. Once you have identified the handful of faculty members whose interests overlap with your own, you can then highlight those interests more prominently and propose potential areas of collaboration in your essay. There is no need to change your interests entirely for each school. Instead, the objective is to find and emphasize points of overlap and connection that fit each school’s academic community.

Once you have written the core content of your statement, it is time to edit ruthlessly. Most schools set a limit of 1000 words, with a few allowing up to 2000. It is important to get multiple people to review your statement. If you feel that you need significant improvement on the less academia-specific aspects of your essay such as the logical flow and sentence structure, be sure to get feedback from people close to you, such as friends and family, before asking your more academic reviewers. Receiving feedback from current professors and graduate students in your field of interest is the best way to ensure that your essay is up to par. They will be able to notice the logical gaps, unfortunate language choices, or annoying cliches that could otherwise turn off admissions reviewers. Be sure to leave significant time (a few weeks to a month) for this review process.

Once admissions committees have reviewed applications and identified a short list of promising candidates, they will reach out to these individuals to schedule interviews. Most top programs require interviews, with some exceptions (which vary by year and by applicant). From the perspective of an applicant, it appears that the interviews serve two purposes: A) to help programs distinguish and prioritize between applicants who look equally good on paper and B) to weed out applicants who appear interpersonally unpleasant (e.g., are excessively arrogant or unable to hold a conversation).

The vast majority of interviews take place virtually (e.g., via a video call), with only a couple of programs opting to fly candidates out for in-person interviews. If you are invited to an in-person interview, schools generally provide hotel lodging and pay for all travel expenses. The most common form that interviews take is a 30 minute virtual meeting with one or more professors (often faculty members you mentioned in your application), where they will ask you a handful of questions and leave time for you to ask questions of them. Often, you will be asked to interview individually with multiple professors. For Megan, the highest number of interviews for a single program was seven (on an in-person interview day), the lowest (aside from those with no interviews at all) was two, and the average was around three. For Stephen, only one program had more than one interview. All others were a single interview with a few faculty members or no interviews at all. Other applicants report a wide array of interview experiences, with some having only minimal interviews (and no more than one per program) and others having many more interviews for the same program due to their interest in working with specific faculty members.

Common questions and preparation

Interviews for PhD programs are very similar to interviewing for competitive jobs, and the questions are usually fairly standard and intuitive. Here is a list of all of the questions we were asked in our interviews (schools anonymized). Some commonly asked questions (and their equivalent versions) include:

● Tell me about yourself.

○ Tell me about your background and interests.

● Why do you want to do a PhD?

● Why did you choose to apply to this subfield rather than other subfields? ○ Why business academia instead of psychology/sociology/economics academia?

● Why this program?

○ Which faculty would you see yourself collaborating with?

● Is there a particular research question you are interested in pursuing?

○ If you were in a PhD program right now and had unlimited funding, what study would you want to run?

● What questions do you have for me? (Megan had multiple interviews where this was the only question asked, so it is important to have a sizable bank of questions prepared.)

You may also be asked to articulate a vision for your career (e.g., 20 years down the line, what do you envision yourself doing and what impact would you have made on the field?), identify your favorite researcher or favorite research article, share about your strengths and

weaknesses, or discuss one of your failures and what you learned from that experience. For some programs, interviewers may delve deep into the methods (e.g., experiments, statistics, identification for econ-related fields, etc.) you may use to test a research idea proposed in your statement of purpose, ask you to interpret the results in some hypothetical data, or analyze a research paper (shared in advance to allow time for you to prepare your thoughts).

It is a good idea to prepare thoroughly for each of your interviews, both by reading up on your interviewers and by thinking through your answers to commonly asked questions. You will likely spend the most time preparing for your first interview because you will need to craft your messaging about your journey to the PhD, your research interests, and your intended path forward in academia. Then, for each interview, you should spend a couple of hours reading the interviewer’s CV and latest and most cited papers, reviewing your statement of purpose and your match with other professors at that school, and preparing your particular questions about the program and your faculty of interest.

During your interviews, do your best to have fun and enjoy the experience! This is a rare and precious opportunity to discuss exciting ideas with some of the most influential researchers in the field. Though not required, it is recommended to follow up with a brief note thanking your interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.

Path to PhD: the Rise of the Predoctoral Research Job

As we met our potential incoming cohorts during school visits, we started to notice a trend: many successful applicants had one to two years of post-undergraduate, predoctoral research experience working as a lab manager or research associate at a business school. At one school, for example, of the six students accepted across the macro/micro organizational behavior program, only one (Stephen) had not previously worked in a research job. In our survey of admitted students, 61% had worked in predoctoral research jobs before applying.

Mirroring the rise of postdocs on the back end of the PhD, there seems to be a proliferation of these predoc positions, likely for the same reason: candidates seeking to differentiate themselves and enhance their credibility as a researcher in an increasingly competitive field.

Megan took this path in positioning herself for the application process, and noticed several advantages gained from this approach, all of which cluster around a central theme: embeddedness in business school academia. To be clear, this is not a necessary path – Stephen did not become an RA and instead focused on using his research experience in college and his research collaborations post-graduation to position himself, and other applicants have successfully gained admission with work experience in the private sector (e.g., consulting and finance).

It is important to note that predoctoral research jobs often pay very little and thus may not be financially feasible for some. In these cases, you can still gain research experience and many of the attendant benefits by volunteering as a research assistant for a particular project on a part-time basis (e.g., 5-10 hours per week) while maintaining a full-time job.

Gaining research experience

Any predoctoral research position you accept should give you the opportunity to participate directly in most (if not all) aspects of the research process. This is a great way to hone your research skills and gain a better understanding of your interests. Ideally, you would work for a faculty member who is excited about involving you in their research as an author so that you can begin to build your research pipeline and CV before beginning a PhD program (though bear in mind that it usually takes years for a project to progress from data collection to publication). This research experience may be especially valuable to applicants who have not previously worked as an undergraduate research assistant, or who worked in an unrelated job between their undergraduate/master’s degree and applying to PhD programs.

Building relationships with faculty and students

In the best predoctoral research positions, you will be working very closely with at least one faculty member. If you perform well and are able to form a strong relationship with this faculty member, they will likely be the most valuable advocate for you in the application process. They will be able to write a well-informed letter of recommendation and may draw upon their own connections to encourage programs to consider your application.

Beyond the most obvious benefit of a strong letter of recommendation, connections with both students and faculty can provide you with valuable information and advice about the application process, specific programs and faculty members, and launching a career in academia. Because Megan was a lab manager, she had access to multiple faculty members and grad students to review her essays, received a crash course from a helpful post doc about a particular faculty member’s research right before a surprise interview, and entered into the PhD application market with other well-informed lab managers from her department with whom she could share tips and tricks.

A window into the academic experience

Working in a research job at a business school is also an excellent way to figure out if this is the best career path for you. Ideally, this role will embed you into the rhythms of academic life that you would experience as a PhD student and faculty member. You get to see what it means to think about research, work individually on challenging new tasks, meet with collaborators at the peer and advisor level, and participate in department events such as

colloquia, seminars, and journal clubs. This experience may confirm that business school academia is the life for you. Alternatively, it may help you learn that academia is not for you and allow you to extricate yourself without having committed to a PhD program. Either way, you will have gained valuable self-knowledge and a clearer vision for your future.

Landing a predoctoral research job

Now that we have described the opportunities unlocked through a predoctoral position, you may be asking how to get started. These are difficult positions to find because they are somewhat scarce and are often advertised and filled through informal networks rather than official recruitment postings. A good first step is to contact anyone with whom you have an existing connection in business school academia (or a related field), tell them you are searching for a predoctoral research job, and ask that they let you know if they hear of any opportunities. Then, you should find any websites that aggregate relevant job opportunities and subscribe to their feeds. For example, Harvard Psychology maintains a page for post graduate research jobs which occasionally lists roles relevant to micro organizational behavior, and the Twitter account econ_ra shares open Research Assistant roles in Economics. At time of writing, Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB both have official programs for pre-docs with HBS’ RA p rogram (this program includes opportunities for individuals seeking to prepare for either MBA or PhD applications, so it is important to clearly communicate your desire for a predoctoral role) and Stanford’s Research Fellows Program , and the Stanford GSB Behavioral Lab also hires multiple Research Coordinators each year who often go on to business school PhD programs. Northwestern, Columbia, and NYU also have predoctoral job opportunities, though at the time of writing, they are somewhat smaller.

Even in these formal programs, but especially for schools without them (the majority), reaching out directly to faculty is critical. Spend time crafting excellent cold emails to professors to inquire if they may be looking for a lab manager or research associate. You should approach these cold emails as miniature statements of purpose; you must concisely state who you are and why you are emailing them, provide a compelling summary of your background (tastefully name-dropping any other professors you have worked with), and communicate what excites you about contributing to their research. Do not be discouraged by non-responses. Because these jobs are quite rare, you may need to reach out to dozens of faculty (if not more) and should plan to cast your net as wide as you are willing to move.

Once you have found a professor who is in fact hiring a lab manager or research assistant, you will need to interview for the job. This interview process will likely be very similar to a PhD admissions interview, though perhaps more relaxed around understanding your specific research interests. The interview and selection process can be quite competitive, but take solace in the knowledge that if you receive an offer, you will have placed yourself in one of the most dominant pipelines into top business school PhD programs.

The great management thinker Clayton Christensen once wrote, “While experiences and information can be good teachers, there are many times in life when we simply cannot afford to learn on the job…. This is why theory can be so valuable: it can explain what will happen even before you experience it.” Just as business school professors take experiences about the world and synthesize them into lessons, we hope that this guide highlighted the useful insights we gathered from our experiences and that it will give you the information to successfully navigate the PhD application process.

To this end, we are particularly grateful to the dozens of people who have supported us in the writing, revising, and data collection for this business school PhD guide. In particular, we want to thank the 46 fellow applicants who were willing to share their experience applying via the survey as well as the applicants who shared their application materials and spent time providing feedback on this piece. As well, we want to thank Abhishek Nagaraj again for his guidance and initial foresight to create such a guide. It is our hope that this guide will help future applicants and create a more level playing field for aspiring scholars from all backgrounds.

As the pair of us worked on this guide, we spent hours poring over a single question “Why do some people get into these PhD programs and others do not?” However, as we drew to the end of the writing and revising, we began to realize how deep down the proverbial “rabbit hole” we had gone. Of course, PhD admissions matter. That is why we wrote this. But, so do many other things. So, for you – the prospective applicant – we have a few final thoughts on this process.

We are doing a PhD because we think it is fun

The reality is that a PhD – even from the most prestigious of programs – is still a life path that is less lucrative, less notable, and perhaps even less admired than many other things we could do. We want to do it because it is fun. And so even though the application process is a drag (particularly when you fill out the dozens of forms to apply), remember that you are doing this because you want to enjoy a lifetime of exploration and curiosity.

If you do not get in, life goes on

While Stephen was applying to PhD programs, one of his mentors took him aside. He said, “Stephen, I know that you’ve wanted to do a PhD program for a while. But, if you don’t get in, I want you to know that it is OK. I secretly think your life may be more interesting if you

don’t.” If at the end of this process, you do not get into the programs you wanted, it is OK. You can always apply again – as Megan would have done – but you can also use that as an opportunity to consider other possible life paths. Life goes on, and it may be more interesting than if you had gotten in. However, if your dream is to pursue the business school academia career path, don’t be afraid to invest the time to strengthen your credentials and reapply. Take a look at the background of students in your target programs: often, business school PhD students are a bit older than those in other disciplines, and taking a different route to academia is not stigmatized.

Once you are done, pay it forward

As Megan and Stephen went through the application process, we spoke with dozens of friends, mentors, PhD students, and faculty members. That is to say that collectively we benefited from a lot of people’s time talking about the PhD process. This guide is our small attempt at penance – to pay forward what we cannot pay back.

We ask that you do the same for other applicants and people interested in this world. When you get into your dream PhD program, there will likely be a moment when a friend, distant contact, or even a complete stranger wants to talk about what you do. We hope that you take that time; it is a small gift that we believe will compound into a community of generosity.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a look at other FAQs, please refer to Nagaraj’s “Guide to the Business School PhD”

Does work experience matter?

In general, work experience is not necessary though it may be A) an indication of success in another field, B) a source of future research ideas, and C) a signal of legitimacy at more management-focused schools (e.g., Wharton, Harvard). Both Megan and Stephen had work experience with Megan working at Deloitte for three years and then working as a lab manager and Stephen working at McKinsey for two years and then at a start-up university in Vietnam. From our survey of admitted applicants, 50% worked in a non-research job before applying. When Stephen was considering applying to grad school directly after graduation, his advisors at Harvard urged him to work first in order to learn about “the big questions that managers cared about.” In general, most programs seem to value applicants gaining work experience before beginning grad school, though this is not a requirement. However, this can greatly vary by field with some valuing work experience much more highly.

Do I need to get a master’s degree before applying to a PhD?

No. You do not need to get a master’s degree before applying to a PhD (neither Megan nor Stephen have master’s degrees). In fact, of our 46 surveyed admitted students only 12 had completed a master’s degree, or only ~26%. Getting a master’s degree might be a good choice, however, if you want to get additional research experience or are trying to gain support from new faculty members. Nonetheless, it is not a requirement like it is in other countries. It is possible that programs may have higher expectations from applicants holding graduate degrees, so it is advisable to use the time well if your plan is to obtain a master’s degree before applying to PhD programs.

What are my chances of getting in?

Across top business school programs, the acceptance rate seems to range between 4% and 7%. For most business school programs, the cohorts are extremely small with usually four to five students admitted and two to three students matriculating each year. From our understanding, some PhD programs are more competitive than others (e.g., business economics seems to be one of the most competitive), so it is important to recognize variation across your field. Of the admitted students, they on average were accepted to ~50% of the schools they applied to which indicates a “winner-take-all” market where the top applicants receive multiple offers and some applicants may receive none.

These acceptance rates are only useful in the abstract; when thinking about your probability to get accepted, it is important to condition on your own background and abilities. Do you have research experience? Do you have good grades from a top institution? Do you have interests that relate to the faculty’s interests? Do you do research before applying (e.g., by reading a guide like this)?

What happens at visit days?

If you are admitted to a PhD program, most schools will fly you out to visit their campus for one to two days. These visit days are generally structured such that there is a meeting with the PhD faculty coordinator in the morning, a slew of back-to-back 1-1 meetings with faculty, a campus tour, and a dinner with current PhD students and faculty. These visits are an opportunity for you to get a feel for the campus and the life of current PhD students. Remember that your “performance” in meetings with faculty no longer has any bearing on your admission to the program, and do your best to relax and enjoy the visits!

Should I visit a school if I do not think I will accept their offer?

We would encourage you to attend any interview or visit day to which you are invited. It is very possible that you will find that seeing the school and talking with faculty members changes your opinion of the school and the program. Similarly, you may find that programs that you thought were your top choices are no longer so appealing when examined up close. If you decide after the visit that you still would not choose to attend the program, be as diplomatic and courteous as you can when communicating that decision. Ultimately, by embarking on the PhD journey, you are entering a community of scholars. It is valuable for your long-term career success (especially when you go on the academic job market) to get to know other members of the community even if you do not end up attending their school.

What percentage of students do not finish their business school PhD?

It is difficult to find reliable data to answer this question, and it will vary greatly by program and year. However, from our conversations at top programs, it appears that somewhere between 15-20% of all PhD students do not finish their degree. Many will leave with an exit “masters” where they complete two years of coursework and then do not complete their dissertation. It can be helpful to (diplomatically) ask questions about this during visit days, or through private conversations following visits, because this metric can be an important indicator of how a given doctoral program operates and its degree of commitment to student success.

What percentage of students do not continue in academia after finishing a PhD?

This is another case where reliable data is scarce because this exit path is somewhat stigmatized (though perhaps less so in the field of finance). Some business schools seem to have more students exiting to industry than others. For example, many students from schools located in the San Francisco Bay Area seem to go into tech after graduating. This percentage will vary widely by school and by field, but it seems that somewhere between 20-30% will choose not to continue in academia based on our limited sampling. Within some fields (e.g., operations research and management) this percentage may be higher (exceeding 40% in some programs in recent years).

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Doctoral Business Programs

Do i need a business degree to complete a business doctoral program.

A doctoral degree not only qualifies you to teach in a university setting but is also suitable in a business setting, thanks to the superior critical thinking and data analysis skills required to address issues across industries. In order to pursue a doctorate, you must have a master's degree. However, the master's degree, or your undergraduate degree, is not required to have been of a business specialization. Fundamental business acumen gained through educational pursuits, like a master's program or MBA, is preferred, but can also be acquired through extensive career experience.

PhD in Business

The PhD is for candidates interested in pursuing a career in academia and are passionate about developing an in-depth specialization of knowledge on a particular area of business. The PhD focuses on conducting original research that contributes to new knowledge or theory. Many PhD programs follow a standardized curriculum, requiring students to develop specialized knowledge in a business area like management or economics.

Candidates typically find roles in a university setting as a tenure-track faculty member, but may also continue to focus research or work as a business consultant.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

While it still requires research, the DBA is designed for practice-oriented candidates with significant industry experience at high levels. Candidates gain experience with conducting rigorous research to address a defined business issue, combining business acumen and scholarly methods.

Candidates of the DBA may find similar roles as a PhD—either teaching at a university or in business consultancy—but may also apply their experience to their roles as business leaders.

Key Differences in Doctoral Programs

Admissions to either doctoral program type require a master’s degree, but the DBA also requires a significant amount of professional experience.
PhDs are research-oriented, while DBAs are practice-oriented.
Both degrees typically require a dissertation, but the type of research will vary.

Selecting an Accredited Program

What's the quickest way to tell if a business school offers a high-quality DBA or PhD program?

See if they've earned AACSB accreditation .

Business schools that have earned AACSB accreditation have gone through a rigorous process that ensures they are teaching students exactly what they need to succeed in business. AACSB accreditation is globally recognized as the highest indicator of quality by businesses and other business schools opening a world of opportunity for your career, whether you return to business or enter academia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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PhD The Stevens Doctoral Program

Join a community of bold thinkers.

The Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth is the top destination for analytical, intellectually curious individuals who want to earn a doctorate in business from one of the best business PhD programs in the world.

As a PhD student at Chicago Booth, you will explore and cultivate your research interests from day one—wherever they lead you. In partnership with our distinguished faculty , you will develop your ability to conduct groundbreaking research. You’ll graduate with a business PhD and the tools to achieve academic and professional success.

Video Transcript

Baris Ata (00:00): When I came here, it felt like, "Now I'm in the major leagues." I realized how high the standards are.

Jane L. Risen (00:09): We're the oldest PhD program within a business school, which is pretty extraordinary to think of sort of how long ago the recognition was there that we wanted to be training not just business leaders in practice, but to be training the future leaders of academic discipline.

Ray Ball (00:26): So I arrived in 1966. Oh, it was marvelous. The place just crackled with ideas and open discussion, and I ended up throwing out all the ideas I came with.

Ann L. McGill (00:35): What I especially liked about learning things here is this is an interdisciplinary school, so you didn't have to dive in a silo. You can wrap your arms around huge areas.

Marianne Bertrand (00:46): What is special is that we are part of a business school, training PhD students across a range of disciplines, not just economics or finance, which we deploy in the Economics Department, but also students are doing psychology, operation research.

Ray Ball (00:59): At Chicago, the ideas were the authorities, not the people, and they were all up for grabs.

Amir Sufi (01:06): What we're trying to create here is people who produce knowledge, not just consume it. And that's the real challenge I think of PhD education.

Ana-Maria Tenekedjieva (01:15): I was never told at any point that, "Oh, this is not real finance. This question is too outside of the box." On the contrary, it was always, "You should do what you want to do, and we're going to think about placement once the paper is ready."

Jane L. Risen (01:32): You don't make any assumptions. You question everything.

Pradeep K. Chintagunta (01:35): It's not enough just to know what other people have done. It's also important to know what needs to be done next. To be able to do that, you need to be able to ask questions beyond the questions that have been asked in the previous literature or in the previous knowledge that's already out there.

Jeffrey R. Russell (01:53): When you're going to seminars here, or watching my colleagues talk in the hallways, you'll often see them in what look like very contentious battles. But really, they're just after, "What's the right answer?" When PhD students come here, they are able to sort of bring that into their own souls, and I think that really pushes them then to sort of be the best possible researcher that they can.

Ana-Maria Tenekedjieva (02:12): Chicago Booth is known for its quite aggressive questioning style. I think that we get a little bit of a bad rap. There is a point to the aggressive questioning, and it is to clarify the idea. In Chicago Booth the spirit is be tough on the idea, not on the person.

Amir Sufi (02:30): Throughout the world, we're appreciating more and more how influential research can be. I think our PhD students going forward will increasingly be placed in positions, both in scholarship and in government and in business, where they can have major influence.

Ray Ball (02:48): So the fact that this is the oldest doctoral program in business, that it has been going for 100 years, gives some indication of the commitment of this school to training people. We still have those same values, and so it's always going to generate people who change the world, who change the way we think. I can't tell you at this point how that will happen. That's exactly the idea. New people come in with new ideas, and they learn how to implement them in the school, and they change the way we think about the world. And that's going to keep going.

PhD in Business at a Glance

The Stevens Program is highly competitive—and highly rewarding. Approximately 20–25 new PhD students matriculate each fall from an applicant pool of more than 1,000, and our graduates are highly sought after at the world's most elite institutions of higher learning, in government, and at leading global businesses.

Our program is a full-time program that typically takes about five years to complete. PhD students can apply for one of our seven dissertation areas or three joint PhD programs.

Explore Our Dissertation Areas and Joint PhD Programs

Our program gives you the flexibility to meet your intellectual and academic goals. We have seven doctoral dissertation areas, as well as three joint PhD programs.

Join Our Research Community

In collaboration with faculty and fellow students, you’ll conduct innovative research and prepare for a successful career.

How to Apply for and Fund Your PhD in Business

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Attend a PhD Admissions Event

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Explore Financial Aid

At Chicago Booth, PhD students receive a tuition grant, a stipend, student health insurance, a computer or computer subsidy, and access to research and travel funding.

Meet Our Alumni and Job Market Candidates

Discover our alumni success.

For 100 years, Chicago Booth has been a proven training ground for the next generation of leading professionals in academia, government, and industry.

See Our PhD Job Market Candidates

See the Stevens Doctoral Program's current job market candidates—the next generation of researchers who will shape theory and practice in business and beyond.

On November 1 and 2, 2022, the conference gathered diverse doctoral and postdoctoral students from across the country to present their work virtually. Find more details about the upcoming 2023 Rising Scholars event at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Celebrating 100 Years of Pioneering Research

Since 1920, our faculty, alumni, and students have been driving the evolution of modern research in a wide range of disciplines.

On April 11, 2024, scholars in financial economics will gather to share ongoing research in a series of alumni and student presentations as part of a commemorative event dedicated to our late colleague, Yiran Fan. This is the third iteration of the conference.

Stories from Our Community

Measuring preferences for privacy.

Current PhD student Tesary Lin’s passion for economics and behavioral science has led her to develop a new incentive framework for businesses that want to use consumer data to inform managerial decisions, while respecting consumers’ privacy preferences.

A PhD for Social Impact

A passion for travel, social impact, and wanting to "dig deeper" inspired current student Gülin Tuzcuoğlu to pursue a PhD in operations research.

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Business Administration

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This program will set a solid research foundation in disciplinary theories and methods and train you to apply them in academic research on critical business problems. You will choose from four areas of study: accounting and management, marketing, strategy, and technology.

The accounting and management track examines how information impacts resource allocations and stakeholder behavior. The marketing track explores how goods, services, and information are exchanged to satisfy individuals and organizations. Researchers in strategy study the mechanisms through which firms create value and sustain superior performance. Technology and operations management prepares students to examine how and why firms create and deploy innovative products and services and how the diffusion of technological novelty generates economic growth and transforms society.

Examples of student projects include examining the hiring and organizational practices of firms and how they interact with the firms’ strategies, how information is used by capital market participants and how those forces shape the information production processes of firms, as well as conducting a study of sales compensation.

Graduates of the program have secured faculty positions at such prestigious institutions as Harvard Medical School, Duke University, London Business School, University of Hong Kong, and University of California, Berkeley.

Students in business administration are enrolled in and receive their degree from the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School (HBS). Harvard Griffin GSAS has offered PhD programs in collaboration with HBS since 1916. In addition to business administration, Harvard Griffin GSAS and HBS collaborate on programs in business economics , organizational behavior , and health policy (management track).

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Business Administration , and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Areas of Study

Accounting and Management | Marketing | Strategy | Technology and Operations Management

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Business Administration .

Academic Background

Applicants with bachelor’s degrees in the social sciences, engineering, sciences, and business are encouraged to apply.

Standardized Tests

GRE General or GMAT: Required iBT TOEFL preferred minimum score: 100 IELTS preferred minimum score: 7.5

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Should I Earn a PhD in Business Administration?

PhD in Business Administration Overview

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A Ph.D. in Business Administration is the highest academic degree that can be earned in the business administration field within the U.S. and several other countries. Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy. Students who enroll in a Ph.D. in Business Administration program participate in and conduct field research throughout the program. Completion of the program results in a degree.

Where to Earn a Ph.D. in Business Administration

There are many different business schools that award PhDs in Business Administration. Most programs are campus-based, but there are also a number of schools that provide online programs. Most online programs do not require students to ever set foot on campus.

How Does a Ph.D. in Business Administration Program Work?

The average program requires four to six years of work but may require less or more depending on the program. Students typically work with the faculty to determine a specific program of study based on current interests and future career goals. After completing coursework and/or independent study , students usually take an exam. This often occurs sometime between the second and fourth year of study. When the exam is complete, students typically begin work on a dissertation that they will present prior to graduation.

Choosing a Ph.D. Program

Choosing the right Ph.D. in Business Administration program can be difficult. However, it is important for students to choose a program that fits their needs, study schedule, and career goals. The first thing every student should explore is accreditation . If a program is not accredited, it is not worth pursuing. Other important considerations include program location, concentration options, faculty reputation, and program reputation. Students should also consider cost and the availability of financial aid packages. Earning an advanced degree isn't cheap--and a Ph.D. in Business Administration is no exception.

What Can I Do With a Ph.D. in Business Administration?

The type of job you can get after graduating with a Ph.D. in Business Administration is often dependent on your program concentration. Many business schools allow Ph.D. students to concentrate on one specific area of business administration, such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations management , or strategic management. Popular career options include teaching or consulting. A Ph.D. in Business Administration program provides ideal preparation for business majors who want to go on to become business school professors or teachers in the business administration field. Grads are also prepared to take on consulting positions with corporations, non-profits, and government agencies.

Learn More About Ph.D. Programs

Visit this site to learn more about earning a Ph.D. in Business Administration online.
Visit the U.S. Department of Education Accreditation Database to find an accredited Ph.D. in Business Administration program.
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Best Doctorates in Business Administration: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

Many professionals are looking for ways to stand out amongst their peers and secure employment in today’s competitive job market. One strategy to make yourself a highly attractive candidate to employers is to advance your education. This article discusses the best PhDs in Business Administration so you can land one of the best business administration jobs.

You’ll discover the ten best programs in the United States to earn a PhD in Business Administration, including online programs accessible anywhere in the world. You’ll also learn about some of the best business administration jobs, their salaries, and job outlooks. Finally, you’ll learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what it’s like to get a business administration PhD.

Find your bootcamp match

What is a phd in business administration.

A PhD in business administration is a research-based degree that trains doctoral students to contribute to the field of business education by studying and testing business theory. Students in doctorate business administration programs conduct research and use theory to solve problems in the business world. A PhD degree is a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest achievable degree in the field of study. It is typically awarded to a university professor who conducts research that contributes to an institution’s academic resources.

How to Get Into a Business Administration PhD Program: Admission Requirements

The most important requirements for acceptance into a business administration PhD program is usually a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA),or in some cases an undergraduate degree. Professional experience is also sometimes required, depending on the institution. Some programs may have additional admission requirements such as proof of English proficiency for international students.

Doctoral degree in business administration programs require proof of excellence in preceding levels of education. For instance, a minimum 3.0 GPA is necessary for admission to most programs. You’ll also need to provide relevant documentation including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.

PhD in Business Administration Admission Requirements

Graduate Application for Admission
Official transcripts from previous institutions
GMAT or GRE Scores
Official proof of degree(s) from previous institution(s)
Statement of Purpose
Letters of recommendation
TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students

Business Administration PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Business Administration?

It is very hard to get into a PhD program in business administration because most institutions only admit at most 5 candidates per year. These limited slots are dependent on funding and make programs very competitive.

To get into a PhD program, a student should have a high GPA, high scores in standardized tests, a lot of research experience, a business background, and a compelling statement of purpose expressing intent to conduct research that will be beneficial to the university.

How to Get Into the Best Universities

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Best PhDs in Business Administration: In Brief

Best universities for business administration phds: where to get a phd in business administration.

If you’re wondering where to get a PhD in business administration, we have compiled an in-depth list of possibilities. The following list of the best universities for business administration PhDs are known for their high standard of academic excellence as well as their accomplished faculty members and cutting-edge resources. Let’s dive in.

Founded in 1885, Arizona State is a public research institution with one of the largest enrollments in the country. The Graduate College offers over 400 degree options in business, engineering, and technology, among other fields. The world-renowned W.P Carey Business School offers a doctoral business program with many areas of specialization.

PhD in Business Administration

Arizona State University’s PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in management is designed to give scholars the tools to assume diverse roles at leading research institutions. There is an emphasis on developing research and teaching skills. It is a two-part program, with a 12 credit hour foundational requirement and a minimum 30 credit hour advanced requirement.

PhD in Business Administration Overview

Program Length: 5 years
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 5% to 10%
Tuition and Fees: $32,632/year (in-state); $44,456/year (out-state)
PhD Funding Opportunities: Fellowships, awards, employment, work-study, grants, and scholarships
3.0-4.00 grade point average in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework
Graduate admission application
Non-refundable application fee
Official transcripts
TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers
GMAT or GRE scores
Official degree certificate for some countries

Drexel University is a private research institution. A large urban university, it currently has over 24,000 students in more than 70 undergraduate and more than 120 postgraduate programs. LeBow College of Business offers two PhDs: business and economics.

Doctorate in Business Administration

Drexel’s Doctorate in Business Administration offers senior managers training in scientific methodology that will prepare them to tackle complex industry challenges and academic careers. It makes use of Drexel’s 120 years of experiential learning to provide a solid foundation in applied research and analysis. Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 credits within a period of two and a half years (10 consecutive quarters) for the DBA degree.

Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Overview

Program Length: 2.5 years
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Tuition and Fees: $2,000/credit hour
PhD Funding Opportunities: Assistantships, Fellowships, Awards

Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Admission Requirements

Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework and minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale for graduate-level coursework
Official transcripts
Standardized Tests Score GMAT/GRE
TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers
Statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation

Duke University is a highly competitive private research institution. It’s ranked among the top universities in the world with an acceptance rate of 5.7 percent and offers one of the best PhDs in Business Administration. Duke’s current enrollment is approximately 17,000 students with around 10,000 postgraduates.

PhD Program in Business Administration

Duke’s PhD in Business Administration offered by the Fuqua School of Business prepares students for academic careers at leading educational institutions and business careers that require advanced analytical and research skills.

The program offers various concentration areas including accounting, marketing management, and decision sciences. To graduate, you must complete a minimum of 79 credits or 65 credits for joint degree students.

PhD Program in Business Administration Overview

Acceptance Rate: Approximately 2% to 8%
Tuition and Fees: $17,755/year, typically covered by the university
PhD Funding Opportunities: Stipends, assistantships, tuition coverage, fee coverage, coverage of health insurance premiums, and fully funded training program appointments.

PhD Program in Business Administration Admission Requirements

3 letters of recommendation
Competitive GMAT or GRE scores
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores for non-native English speakers
Undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
Statement of purpose

Fordham University is a private Jesuit institution with campuses in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester. It is made up of four undergraduate and six postgraduate colleges with over 15,300 students. The Gabelli School of Business offers a flagship two-year business program in leadership and management for aspiring business leaders.

PhD in Business

Fordham’s doctoral business degree is a full-time study program that prepares students for careers in academia. It offers various fields of study including finance, management, information technology, marketing, and business law. Upon admission, you’ll select one of two interdisciplinary curriculum tracks: capital markets or strategy and decision-making.

PhD in Business Overview

Tuition and Fees: Funding decisions are part of the admissions process
PhD Funding Opportunities: Tuition remission, stipends, and healthcare

PhD in Business Admission Requirements

Master’s in a relevant field such as economics, mathematics, finance, etc
Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
Minimum GMAT score of 700 or minimum GRE scores of 160 for both verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning and minimum score of 5 in analytical writing
Minimum TOEFL Score of 105 or minimum IELTS Score of 7.5 for non-native English speakers
Application fee of $75

George Washington University is the largest post-secondary institution in the District of Columbia. There are currently over 11,000 undergraduate and 15,500 postgraduate students in attendance, with over 70 areas of study. Its postgraduate programs span political studies, arts, law, education, business, health, and engineering.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

This program prepares candidates for successful careers as scholars at top research institutions or for careers as contributors to the business community. There is a two-year pre-candidacy stage during which students complete coursework and a comprehensive examination, and one year long a dissertation defense stage. Students must complete 45 credits, 39 in the first two years and six in the final year.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration Overview

Program Length: 3 years
Tuition and Fees: $1,885/credit hour
PhD Funding Opportunities: Tuition waivers, graduate stipends or fellowships

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration Admission Requirements

Master’s degree in a related field is preferred
Minimum TOEFL score of 100, minimum IELTS score of 7.0, or minimum Duolingo score of 110 for non-native English speakers
Application fee of $80

Harvard University is the oldest university in the US and a member of the prestigious Ivy League. It currently enrolls around 20,000 students, with approximately 6,000 undergraduates and 14,000 postgraduates. The Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Science offers a variety of graduate programs in a wide range of fields from health and sciences to engineering and computer science.

PhD in Business Administration

The PhD in Business Administration is offered jointly by the Harvard Business School and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The program has five areas of study: Marketing, Management, Strategy, Accounting and Technology, and Operations management. The coursework consists of a minimum of 13 doctoral-level semester courses and two MBA semester courses.

Acceptance Rate: 4%
Tuition and Fees: $52,546 full tuition
PhD Funding Opportunities: Grants, stipends, fellowships, teaching fellowships, traineeships, research assistantships, and research funding
Exemplary GMAT or GRE scores
Minimum TOEFL score of 100 or minimum IELTS score of 7.5 for non-native English speakers
Optional writing sample
Application fee of $105

Oregon State University is a large public university with over 32,000 students enrolled in over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The Oregon State Graduate School offers numerous programs for graduate students in disciplines such as agriculture, business, and education. The College of Business offers a business administration PhD designed to prepare students for high-level careers in business.

The College of Business offers a PhD in Business Administration with opportunities for collaborative research. You learn how to conduct research in management and marketing as well as in strategy and entrepreneurship. Students are required to complete at least 18 credits of courses in research methods and statistics, 32 in supporting programs, and 24 in strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Program Length: 5.7 years
Acceptance Rate: Between approximately 13% and 17%
Tuition and Fees: $498/credit hour (in state); $1,046/credit hour (out of state)
PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships and fellowships
Master’s degree
Minimum GPA of a B average on most recent degree
Minimum GMAT score of 600 or equivalent GRE score. GMAT preferred.
Minimum TOEFL score of 91 with subscores of at least 22 on each section or minimum IELTS score of 7 for non-native English speakers
Application fee of $75 domestic students or $85 for international students
Personal statement
Resume

Syracuse University is a competitive private school located in a mid-size city in New York State. Current enrollment is at over 21,000 students across 13 colleges. There are over 244 professional development programs with around 4,000 masters and 100 doctoral students.

The Whitman School of Management’s PhD in Business Administration is focused on developing teaching and research skills. Candidates learn the foundations of marketing, economics, logistics, information technology, and operations management and complete their degree by writing a dissertation. To graduate, students have to complete 72 credits, 42 in coursework, six in research, 24 earned through work on a dissertation.

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Program Length: 5-6 years
Tuition and Fees: $1,802/credit hour
PhD Funding Opportunities: Tuition waiver for up to 24 credits, stipends, health insurance, research grants, and travel funding

PhD in Business Administration Admission Requirement

Personal statement
Minimum TOEFL score of 100
Master’s degree preferred

UMGC is a public university that focuses on online education across all programs and courses. It’s one of the largest distance-learning institutions in the world with an enrollment of over 90,000 online students. It has over 120 undergraduate and postgraduate programs including business administration and management. UMGC was recognized by CEO Magazine as one of the best schools to get a Doctorate of Business Administration in 2022.

Doctor of Business Administration

UMGC’s PhD in Business Administration is designed for executive-level business professionals looking to achieve their career goals. The educational experience emphasizes organizational leadership and strategic thinking that can be applied in the business world.

Students are required to complete at least 48 credits including three prerequisite course credits, 36 core course credits, and 12 dissertation credits. Students must attain at least a B grade in each course to advance to the next course.

Doctor of Business Administration Overview

Program Length: Average 4 years, maximum 7 years
Tuition and Fees: $1,087/credit
PhD Funding Opportunities: Tuition assistance, scholarships, grants, federal financial aid, and military benefits

Doctor of Business Administration Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Personal Statement
2 letters of recommendation
Minimum TOEFL score of 79, minimum IELTS score of 6.5, or minimum EIKEN grade of Pre-1 for non-native English speakers

University of Washington is one of the flagship public institutions in Washington state. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, it is particularly known for its engineering, medical and scientific research. It enrolls around 50,000 students,12,000 of them in graduate degree programs.

PhD Program in Business Administration.

The Foster School of Business offers a doctorate degree designed to empower scholars to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the business field. Prospective students with professional experience who are interested in academic careers will find this program particularly useful. The program is offered on a full-time basis with seven areas of specialization: information systems, finance, and management, marketing.

Program Length: Average 4 to 5 years
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 3%
Tuition and Fees: N/A
PhD Funding Opportunities: Tuition waivers, teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships
Undergraduate and master's degrees
Application fee
3 letters of recommendations

Can You Get a PhD in Business Administration Online?

Yes, you can get a PhD in Business Administration online by attending a high-quality institution that offers online graduate degrees. The best institutions with online business administration degrees include Drexel University, University of Maryland Global Campus, Liberty University, Florida National University, and Temple University. These institutions have the right resources to offer online doctorate degree programs that rival in-person programs.

Best Online PhD Programs in Business Administration

How long does it take to get a phd in business administration.

It usually takes between two and a half and seven years to complete a PhD in Business Administration, depending on the student and the program. Many of the best PhDs in Business Administration require five years of study, the first three years spent on coursework, and the last two dedicated to writing a dissertation.

However, PhDs can be completed in as little as two and a half years, as is the case at Drexel University. It’s really up to you how much time you want to dedicate to earning this advanced degree and how long it takes you to comprehend the advanced coursework.

Is a PhD in Business Administration Hard?

Yes, a PhD in business administration is hard. Because PhDs are designed to prepare students for careers in academia, courses are structured to teach research skills to scholars who then apply these skills when they choose a field of study.

Upon selection of this specialization, students focus on a topic of research that they write a dissertation on. PhD programs not only have rigorous courses, but they require intensive research and defense of this research.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Business Administration?

On average, it costs $12,171 per year to get a PhD in Business Administration at a public university and $25,776 per year at a private university, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The best institutions offering a PhDs in Business Administration typically have costs between approximately $1,000 and $1,500 per credit hour.

Online degrees are often less expensive than on-campus or even low-residency programs. Whatever route you choose for your business administration PhD, there are various financial aid avenues that can help offset the cost of earning a PhD in Business Administration.

How to Pay for a PhD in Business Administration: PhD Funding Options

PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Business Administration include tuition waivers, tuition assistance, teaching assistantships, research fellowships, rates and discounts, scholarships, grants, federal financial aid, and military and veterans benefits as well as interest-free monthly payment plans.

If the financial burden of education is prohibitive, you can always seek support from endowment funds available at many institutions. For instance, Harvard, Duke, Drexel, and Syracuse often fund high-achieving students pursuing PhDs.

Best Online Master’s Degrees

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What Is the Difference Between a Business Administration Master’s Degree and PhD?

The difference between a business administration master’s degree and PhD lies in program design and purpose. A master’s degree program provides training for students who want to pursue a successful career as a business leader. PhD programs teach research skills that empower students to study real-world challenges and develop scientific solutions in academic careers.

Therefore, while master’s programs focus on cultivating leadership skills helpful for securing executive positions, PhDs offer research experience necessary for success in academia. Masters programs are also generally shorter than PhD programs. Masters usually require two to three years of study while PhDs take around three to five years to complete, potentially even longer.

Both degrees have minimum credit requirements for graduation, but a Master in Business Administration culminates in a thesis, while a PhD in Business Administration culminates in a dissertation. PhDs programs are also typically somewhat more rigorous as this is the terminal degree in the field.

Master’s vs PhD in Business Administration Job Outlook

The Master’s in Business Administration job outlook is good. There are many potential high-paying and interesting jobs you can get with this degree such as computer and information systems manager, medical and health services manager, and human resources manager. Professions such as management analyst and accountant also require MBAs.

The PhD in Business Administration job outlook is also great. If you want to be an executive, economist, or analyst a PhD can help you achieve your goal. Also, because of the emphasis on research and education, PhD holders are equally prepared to become post-secondary education administrators, training and development managers, and professors.

Difference in Salary for Business Administration Master’s vs PhD

The average salary of a professional with a Master’s in Business Administration is $92,000, while the average salary of a business administration PhD holder is $101,000, according to PayScale. This difference in salary can be attributed to the types of careers graduates of these different degrees are qualified for. A PhD holder is likely to have better job prospects than a master’s degree holder.

Nevertheless, the salary difference is not huge. Many companies consider candidates with master’s degrees for top executive positions in business. Research-based academic institutions prefer to hire PhD holders to spearhead research projects.

Related Business Administration Degrees

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Why You Should Get a PhD in Business Administration

You should get a PhD in business administration because it gives you the opportunity to explore your passion for business at the highest level. With a PhD, you can delve into specific areas of research in business that benefit the field at large and even potentially your own organization.

You will gain the skills and expertise to approach business with a practical mindset rather than a theoretical one. A business management PhD gives you a competitive edge when applying for executive-level corporate leadership positions because it shows you are committed to the advancement of the field.

Reasons for Getting a PhD in Business Administration

Better Job Opportunities. Most jobs in business and management require a degree in business or a related field. Therefore, most people entering the job market today have at least a bachelor’s degree . Master’s degrees are also becoming more common. A PhD sets you apart from other job candidates and improves your career prospects.
Higher Salaries. According to PayScale, a business administration PhD holder on average earns $9,000 more than a master’s degree holder. Most jobs attainable with a PhD offer higher salaries than those attainable with a master’s degree. If you want to earn more, try pursuing a PhD with a specialization like business management.
Achieve a rewarding career. You might be interested in an area like business ethics, corporate social responsibility, or nonprofit management. If so, pursuing a PhD in Business and specializing in an area you’re passionate about can lead to a more fulfilling career.
Hone your skills. A PhD in Business Administration will teach you strategies for leading people in the business world. You’ll gain special skills by tackling research projects and will be empowered to make an impact as a business leader.

Getting a PhD in Business Administration: Business Administration PhD Coursework

A group of business professionals meet in an office around a table. They all have laptops in front of them.

Getting a PhD in business administration prepares students to solve complex business challenges. So, it’s no surprise that most of the courses required deal with strategy and research. Core business administration PhD coursework covers research methods in management, strategic management, organizational behavior, business leadership, and data analytics in practice.

Research Methods in Managementment

This core course is the backbone of a business administration PhD because it lays the foundation for effective research. It involves the review and evaluation of the performance of management research strategies. It trains students to interpret both qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply business research tools when advising organizations.

Strategic Management

Strategic management teaches the analysis and implementation of strategy. Students develop strategic and systemic problem-solving skills that will help them excel as strategic leaders at top businesses and organizations. This course prepares anyone who takes it for corporate success in both the public and private sectors.

Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior is the study of people and groups in organizations, and the role of organizations in shaping the social and economic life of a society. Subtopics you’ll learn about in this course include power and influence, leadership, organizational identity, and negotiation. Essentially, this course helps students understand how to interact with people so they can make businesses operate effectively.

Business Leadership

Business leadership is the ability to manage a company so that it achieves its goals. Being a strong leader requires decisive action when necessary, as well as the ability to inspire others to perform at their highest capacity.

Business leadership as taught in a business administration PhD context prepares students to take charge of business operations, steer employees to work efficiently, and enable organizations to meet their business goals.

Data Analytics in Practice

This course involves the review and refinement of the quantitative methods necessary for effective leadership. Doctoral candidates explore data mining and forecasting and predictive models that enable evidence-based decision-making for senior-level professionals. This course enables business professionals to give recommendations for strengthening business intelligence.

Best Master’s Degrees

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How to Get a PhD in Business Administration: Doctoral Program Requirements

Doctoral program requirements to get a PhD in Business Administration include advancement to candidacy, coursework completion, research requirements, examination excellence, and completion of a dissertation. In addition, unless it’s an online program, scholars might be required to fulfill normal residency. Let’s find out more.

Admission to a business administration PhD program does not guarantee a degree. You must prove to your department that you qualify to work on a dissertation. Most departments require you to pass a preliminary exam before attaining candidacy. This exam is typically conducted at the end of the first or second year of study.

Doctoral students have to attain a minimum number of credits to graduate with a PhD in Business Administration. Those with master's degrees often have fewer classes than those with Bachelor’s degrees. Also, since PhD candidates often pursue careers in academia, they might be required to teach undergraduate classes.

PhD students start working on research projects with professors within their first two years of study. This educational stage develops research skills that are important during the next educational stage, which focuses on original research and writing. Before candidates start working on their dissertation, a committee of professors must vet their proposal.

Most research-based institutions require PhD students to work closely with university faculty and other students. This cohort model allows for the full benefit of the educational and professional opportunities available through the university. Scholars should attend classes regularly to gain experience with equipment and material, and to network with their colleagues.

Dissertation defense is usually the final step in the process of getting a PhD. Doctoral students must submit a completed dissertation to a special committee for review. Only if the committee approves the dissertation does the candidate receive their PhD in Business Administration.

Potential Careers With a Business Administration Degree

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PhD in Business Administration Salary and Job Outlook

PhD in Business Administration salary and job outlook is very good because holders of this PhD are eligible for important jobs with lucrative salaries. For instance, C-level executive jobs pay around $100,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For those who want to pursue careers in academia, salaries of DBA holders are significantly above average.

The job outlook for business administration doctorate holders is above average, which suggests an increase in job opportunities over the course of the next decade. For instance, jobs for information system managers, one of the highest-paid roles for someone with a PhD in Business Administration, will increase by eleven percent. Jobs for top business executives will grow by eight percent over the next 10 years, according to the BLS.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Business Administration?

With one of the best PhDs in Business Administration, you can pursue a career in academia as a professor of business at a leading research university. Alternatively, you can pursue a career in the private sector. If you have a passion for finding solutions to real-world business challenges, you can become an analyst.

The skills acquired through the pursuit of a PhD are applicable in every industry and discipline. So, the job opportunities you can pursue are limitless. Considering your added specialized skills and experience, you will be equipped to successfully manage most businesses. If you choose to start a business, you’ll have the know-how to ensure it thrives. The job market is your oyster.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Business Administration

C-Level executive
Research analyst
Business consultant
Entrepreneur

What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Business Administration?

The average PhD in Business Administration salary is $101,000 per year according to PayScale . On the upper end, information systems managers with PhDs earn around $160,000 per year, while on the lower end, university professors take home around $80,000 per year. The salary of a business administration PhD holder also depends on many other factors including industry, company, experience, and more.

Highest-Paying Business Administration Jobs for PhD Grads

Best business administration jobs with a doctorate.

The best business administration jobs with a doctorate include information systems manager, financial manager, human resources director, business economist, and top executive. All these jobs guarantee a lucrative professional career. These positions also offer an array of challenges and opportunities to learn, ensuring you’ll never be bored at your job.

An information system manager, also known as an IT manager, is the person responsible for the effective operation and security of all computer systems, hardware, and software used by a business. IT managers analyze an entity’s computer needs, recommend upgrades, install and maintain hardware, and ensure the security of a business’ data.

Salary with a Business Administration PhD: $159,010
Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
Number of Jobs: 482,000
Highest-Paying States: New York, California, and New Jersey

Financial managers ensure the financial health of a business or an organization. Primarily, they create financial reports, manage investments, and develop plans for a business to achieve its long-term financial goals. Other duties include monitoring financial details to ensure compliance with legal requirements, supervising staff, and analyzing market trends to find expansion opportunities.

Salary with a Business Administration PhD: $131,710
Job Outlook: 17% job growth from 2020 to 2030
Number of Jobs: 681,700
Highest-Paying States: New York, Delaware, and New Jersey

A human resource director is a senior HR professional responsible for executive decisions pertaining to policies, strategies, and practices. Primarily, they direct administrative functions in a business or organization. Other duties include acting as the link between management and employees and overseeing recruitment.

Salary with a Business Administration PhD: $126,230
Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
Number of Jobs: 161,700
Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, and District of Columbia

Business economists provide analysis for businesses, organizations, and governments to make optimal financial decisions. They collect and analyze data and evaluate economic issues to stay informed. Their other responsibilities include presenting research data, recommending solutions to economic problems, and writing articles for journals and publications.

Salary with a Business Administration PhD: $105,630
Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
Number of Jobs: 18,600
Highest-Paying States: New York, District of Columbia, and California

Top executives are also known as C-level executives. They are responsible for making major decisions that impact the growth and success of a business or organization. They include the CEO (Chief Executive Office), CFO (Chief Financial Officer), COO (Chief Operating Office), and CIO (Chief Information Officer). Top executives execute departmental goals, procedures, and policies and oversee an organization’s activities and negotiate contracts.

Salary with a Business Administration PhD: $98,980
Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
Number of Jobs: 2,704,400
Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Hawaii, and Washington

Is a PhD in Business Administration Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Business Administration is worth it. It can make a significant improvement in your salary potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PhD professionals across all industries make on average $110,160 annually while master’s graduates earn $76,800 and bachelor’s graduates make $78,020. This means a PhD can add $32,000 to your salary annually.

Secondly, a PhD in Business Administration gives you the opportunity to pursue more than just a career. As a PhD program graduate, you will become instrumental in finding solutions to business problems. Because of this advanced skill, you will be able to pursue a fulfilling career and take advantage of any opportunities that come your way.

Additional Reading About Business Administration

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PhD in Business Administration FAQ

No, a Doctor of Business Administration is not the same as a PhD, but they are only slightly different. A Doctor of Business Administration is more focused on theory, and is aimed toward teaching skills most relevant in practice of business. A PhD is a more research-oriented program. There are slight differences between a doctorate degree vs a PhD .

A PhD is best for you if your goal is to pursue a career in higher education or as a research expert in business. On the other hand, a DBA is appropriate for those who want to focus on business and organizational challenges that require research to find solutions. Either way, both doctoral degrees improve your chances in the job market.

Yes, a master’s degree is not an admission requirement for most PhD programs in the United States. However, you cannot be admitted immediately after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. You’ll need a few years of professional experience and a compelling explanation of your reason for pursuing a PhD. Keep in mind that certain institutions do only admit students with master’s degrees.

Yes, you can do a PhD while working. Most PhD programs are designed for working professionals. Depending on the program there are different options, such as part-time or full-time and online, hybrid, or on-campus. If you wish to maintain your current job while advancing your education, you can definitely find a plan that fits your schedule or consider an online degree.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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Management jobs pay the highest salaries of any career path. And a graduate degree in business can help you qualify for these coveted leadership roles.

While an MBA can get your foot in the door, a doctorate in business is the highest degree you can earn in business school . With a Ph.D. or DBA degree, you'll gain specialized knowledge and skills while preparing for your career in business.

Why Get an Online Ph.D. in Business or DBA Degree?

You'll have tons of business careers to choose from, from accounting to advertising.
An online Ph.D. in business can raise your salary potential and help you stand out from other job candidates.
You'll be more prepared to advance into executive roles.
You can attend a top business program without having to relocate.
Some online business doctorate programs offer discounted tuition to distance learners.
You can attend classes and complete coursework on your own schedule.

Did You Know?

Business is one of the most popular graduate degrees — nearly a quarter of all master's degrees awarded in 2020 were in business.
Compared to those with a master's degree, the median salary for those with a doctorate is around $17,000 higher per year.
Professionals with a doctorate report the lowest unemployment rate for any education level.

Get More Options With Our Featured Business Programs

Top online business ph.d. and dba programs.

Read About Our Methodology Here

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

Baker College

Online + Campus

Avg. Cost per Credit: $750

Credits to Graduate: 60

Baker's online DBA program prepares you for leadership roles and to become a business consultant or analyst. The curriculum includes 33 credits of core courses in subjects like leadership theory and ethics, organizational theory and behavior, enterprise governance of IT, and quantitative research.

The online program emphasizes interdisciplinary theoretical knowledge, research techniques and designs. To apply, you'll need to have a 2.5 GPA or higher and submit an application, a resume, and an admissions essay.

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA

Avg. Cost per Credit: $800

Credits to Graduate: 56

CBU Online's DBA program emphasizes innovation and sustainability and trains you to lead public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The cohort-based curriculum consists of eight-week online courses.

Coursework includes foundations of organization and management, economic theory, strategic marketing, and human resources management. To apply, you must have a bachelor's degree and send official transcripts. You may be asked for additional documents for GPA verification.

City University of Seattle

Seattle, WA

Avg. Cost per Credit: $770

Credits to Graduate: 91

CityU's ACBSP-accredited DBA emphasizes organization interventional thinking, agile business practices, critical thinking, and leadership. You can choose between online and on-campus formats. In the online format, you'll have one live, hour-long, interactive session every other week.

You can also choose your own specialization. The curriculum includes organizational development theories and trends, financial decision-making, and industry analysis and market innovation.

To get accepted, you must have a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Concordia University-Chicago

River Forest, IL

Avg. Cost per Credit: $960

Accredited by ACBSP, CUC's online DBA emphasizes innovation, ingenuity, and entrepreneurship, with a foundation in research and theory. The 100% online curriculum offers two specializations: innovation in healthcare management and strategic leadership and innovation.

The curriculum covers social responsibility and ethical decision-making, doctoral research design for business, strategic thought leadership, and innovative best practices in healthcare management.

For admission, you'll need a master's degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. You must also submit official transcripts, a resume, a writing sample, and letters of recommendation.

Felician University

Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,030

Credits to Graduate: 61

Felician's online DBA emphasizes mentorship and cutting-edge research. The self-paced online curriculum includes courses on statistical and quantitative analysis, historical and contemporary management theory, applied marketing theory, and applied decision theory.

You'll have the chance to engage in transformative research efforts designed to contribute to professional knowledge and practice. To apply, you need an MBA and must submit a resume, official transcripts, and a personal statement.

Franklin University

Columbus, OH

Credits to Graduate: 58

Franklin's 100% online DBA offers eight focus areas, including accounting, IT, public administration, marketing, human resources management, and healthcare management.

The curriculum includes courses like statistics; quantitative research; organizational leadership; and strategic thinking, decision-making, and innovation.

To apply, you'll need an accredited master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must have at least 30 hours of graduate coursework in a business-related field or three years of relevant work experience.

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC

Avg. Cost per Credit: $930

Gardner-Webb's online DBA program prepares you to lead strategic initiatives, build a healthy work culture, and effect change in your community. You can choose from among five concentrations: accounting, finance, international business, management, and marketing.

Courses include foundations for ethical reasoning in business, advanced business statistics, marketing theory, and a doctoral dissertation.

To get in, you'll need an MBA or other master's degree in a business-related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must also submit a resume, a statement of interest, and two letters of recommendation.

Johnson & Wales University-Online

Providence, RI

Avg. Cost per Credit: $990

Credits to Graduate: 54

JWU's online DBA equips you with the skills you'll need to conceptualize, investigate, and solve complex business problems. The cohort-based asynchronous program focuses primarily on organizational development.

Coursework includes organizational and strategy design, research design, organizational behavior, quantitative methods, contemporary leadership issues, and a dissertation.

To apply, you'll need to submit official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a resume, essays, and letters of recommendation. You'll also need to participate in a video conference interview.

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Avg. Cost per Credit: $980

Keiser's online ACBSP-accredited DBA combines theory and applied research so you can make a meaningful impact on business administration or academia. The program offers three specializations in global business, global marketing, and management.

You'll take classes in subjects like financial theory and policy, marketing management, and micro and macro organizational behavior.

To apply, you must have a relevant master's degree from an accredited institution. If you have a GPA below 3.0, you'll need to take prerequisite courses before starting the program.

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Avg. Cost per Credit: $600

Accredited by ACBSP, Liberty's online DBA emphasizes mentorship and training for the highest level of the corporate world. The program offers 17 specializations, including nonprofit leadership, strategic management, international business, and executive coaching.

Coursework varies by specialization but typically includes current topics in business administration, strategic allocation of financial resources, and applied research.

For admission to Liberty's DBA, you'll need at least 30 graduate-level business credits and a master's degree in business or a business-related field. The DBA information systems specialization has additional requirements for admission.

Lincoln Memorial University

Harrogate, TN

Programmatic Accreditation: ACBSP

Avg. Cost per Credit: $730

Program Website

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, FL

Avg. Cost per Credit: $970

Credits to Graduate: 57

St. Thomas University

Miami Gardens, FL

Credits to Graduate: 90

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD

Programmatic Accreditation: IACBE

Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,090

Credits to Graduate: 48

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC

Programmatic Accreditation: AACSB

Avg. Cost per Credit:

In State | $350

Out of State | $1,130

University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL

Avg. Cost per Credit: $630

Credits to Graduate: 60-66

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY

Avg. Cost per Credit: $500

Credits to Graduate: 66

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX

Avg. Cost per Credit: $1,130

Credits to Graduate: 45

University of the Southwest

Wilmington university.

New Castle, DE

Avg. Cost per Credit: $680

Why Accreditation Matters for Online Business Doctorate Programs

Accreditation matters when you're choosing an online doctoral program in business.

Accredited universities meet high standards for academic excellence. To earn accreditation, schools must undergo a rigorous review of their student learning outcomes, instructor qualifications, and teaching materials.

A school's accreditation status can affect your financial aid, educational quality, and career prospects. Many employers and professional certifications require candidates to have a degree from an accredited institution.

When researching online business doctorate programs, check for accreditation .

In addition to institutional accreditation, reputable business schools should hold programmatic accreditation. Here are the major accrediting agencies for graduate business programs :

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctoral Program in Business?

General application
Official transcripts from all colleges attended (undergraduate and graduate)
Test scores, usually from the GMAT or GRE
Letters of recommendation
Statement(s) of purpose

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. in Business Cost?

Most online Ph.D. in business programs take 4-6 years to complete, costing you anywhere from $50,000-$170,000 in total tuition and fees.

Online DBA programs take roughly 3-6 years, depending on your school and whether you're full time or part time. This means that a DBA can cost anywhere from $37,000-$170,000.

The main factors that affect how much you'll spend on your online business Ph.D. or DBA degree are:

The length of your program
Whether you enroll in a private or public school
How much financial aid you qualify for
Whether your program is fully funded (many doctoral programs are!)
Whether you opt for a DBA or Ph.D.

Make sure to submit the FAFSA to see if you're eligible for federal grants and loans. Colleges and universities also use the FAFSA to award institutional aid.

In addition, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.

Remember that when earning your DBA or Ph.D. in business online, you may need to budget for things like technology fees and a laptop.

Online Ph.D. in Business Specializations to Choose From

Business Administration
Entrepreneurship
Hospitality and Tourism
Management Information Systems

How Much Money Can You Earn With an Online Business Doctorate?

With a doctorate in business, you can qualify for high-paying management and executive roles. Many of these positions report median salaries in the six figures.

As the following table shows, the earning potential with a business doctorate varies depending on the field and title. Some of these positions do not require a business doctorate, but having one may make you a more attractive candidate. Experience and location can also affect salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Busines Doctorate Programs

What can you do with an online ph.d. in business.

An online Ph.D. in business can lead to opportunities in academia and research. For example, you could become a business professor.

While an online business Ph.D. emphasizes theoretical and research skills, a doctor of business administration, or DBA, focuses on applied business for those seeking leadership roles in business.

How many years does it take to get an online Ph.D. in business?

Earning your Ph.D. in business online typically takes 4-6 years, depending on the program and your enrollment status. For example, part-time students generally require more time.

In comparison, most DBA programs take 3-5 years.

Are business Ph.D.s in demand?

A doctorate in business prepares you primarily to become a business professor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , college professors are in demand, with a projected 12% growth rate from 2021-2031.

What's more, business professors tend to earn high salaries .

Is a DBA better than a Ph.D. in business?

A DBA and a Ph.D. in business are both doctorates, but because the two degrees serve different purposes, neither is necessarily better than the other.

As a practice-focused degree, a DBA can help you get leadership roles in business. A Ph.D., in contrast, emphasizes research and typically leads to academic jobs, such as business professor.

Before applying to DBA or Ph.D. programs in business, consider your career goals to find the right fit for you.

Is a DBA worth it?

A DBA can pay off. As a practitioner's degree in business, a DBA emphasizes applied skills and can help you advance into executive roles or gain the knowledge and skills to launch your own business.

DBAs also showcase your expertise for roles in consulting, administration, and academia.

All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team .

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Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

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7 PhD Application Tips For PhD Programs (In Business Administration)

This post provides tips for applying to PhD programs, particularly in any of the disciplines in Business Administration (i.e. Strategy, Finance, Marketing, etc.). Applying to PhD Programs is always a stressful affair. I remember when I applied to mine, nearly 15 years ago. It took several months of preparation, from writing the GMAT (I did my PhD in Business Administration), to crafting the statement of purpose, to actually sending in the material. All I can say is, boy, did I get a lot of things wrong. Obviously, some things worked out for me, but looking back, I feel that I was pretty lost with the process.

Why do you want to get a PhD? The biggest reason is that it allows you to get into research careers, like becoming a research associate, or becoming a professor ( Read more about my ideas about how to become a business professor or advantages and disadvantages of getting your PhD in Business ).

How do you prepare for a PhD Application? You start early – I would recommend that if you are serious about doing research that you start 1 or 2 years out before you actually start applying to PhD programs. Why? You have to do a lot of exploration to find a PhD program that fits your style and your interests.

Before I go further, I should share with you about why I am doing this r3ciprocity.com project. The main reason is that I like to solve problems, but more specifically, I wanted to create a system that I can have a real world impact. I thought wouldn’t it be cool to solve a problem that I experience every day, but making this solution scaleable to a larger audience. Anyway, I created a sharing economy proofreading software that is based on reciprocity . After I created the software, I realized that I did not have an audience (a sort of chicken and egg problem – you need software to get an audience, but you need an audience to make the software work). Anyway, I choose to help PhD students and other academics, particularly those in the social sciences, because they could really use such a software. (I can’t be the only one that is terrible at writing.) I also thought that it would be cool that when this made money to give back with scholarships for grad students (Yes, it’s a pipe-dream, but a kid’s gotta dream, right).

You can watch the following video of me talking about some of these tips for applying to PhD programs.

https://youtu.be/i3g6T1Uo6P0 Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Tips For Applying To PhD Programs (In Business Administration) (https://youtu.be/i3g6T1Uo6P0)

Tips For Applying To PhD Programs (in Business Administration)

Remember that this advice for PhD applicants does not just apply for those interested in Business Administration, but because it based on my own experiences, it is most relevant for Business PhDs, especially PhD programs in strategic management. ( Want to learn more about how long it takes to get a PhD or a DBA? Check out my blog post ). When you write a PhD application, you should think about the following:

1. PhDs Like To Talk About Their Love of Research.

Generally, most potential PhD supervisors and PhD acceptance committees do not career too much about what your industry accomplishments, unless it relates to research. Many (not all) academics find industry experiences rather tedious. They are more interested in ‘the idea.’ If you can share a curious finding that you observed during your time in industry, academics are going to be interested in that finding. For example, you observed that venture capitalists ‘herd’ in their investment decisions (see Isin Guler’s work) However, if you tell academics that you were so-and-so of so-and-so company, many academics will disregard this experience. Thus, if I were you, I would discuss and talk about your love of ideas and curious findings. There is nothing so exciting as a deep discussion about some strange thing in the world.

You can, however, talk about some weird fact about yourself. For example, if you were an Olympian or wrestled bears, it sometimes helps your application. Why? Academics are humans, and we use heuristics to remember people. It is easier to remember the ‘space-girl’ or ‘bear-guy,’ than it is to remember Joe or Jane Maffraw.

2. Read At Least A Few Of The Faculty’s Papers.

Potential supervisors do not expect you to read everything that they have ever written, but you likely should read 1-2 of their articles before you talk to them. Do not be afraid that we are going to quiz you on all of the details of the article. Heck, I can’t even remember what I wrote yesterday, … seriously. But, you should have a general sense about the article to carry on a light conversation, like “that was a great article about the lightning industry you did. It was very insightful” or, “how did you think of the idea for your paper on the start-up businesses in the Canadian Rockies.” You are really just looking for a way to carry on the conversation with your own future research.

Read this blog post on why the R3ciprocity project can be viewed as an online writing accountability group. You will love it!

3. Demonstrate Your Ability To Do Research.

You should come up with some proof of your ability to do research. This is extremely important if you want to do research for the rest of your life. You have to some one or two analytical articles that you wrote during your undergrad or grad school. ( This post helps with crafting a research paper for a PhD ). The best possible thing is a paper that you wrote that is very ‘academicy.’ You should have a theoretical overview, hypotheses (if required), data collection, and some analysis of this data.

It is also a good idea to show how talented you are with you analysis or crafting of an idea. If you can program, I would write a short piece of code for the school of choice. If you can analyze data, I would ask to analyze some data for a professor. Pretty much every business professor has some data that they need to get cleaned – this would be a good chore for you to do. Cleaning data is an important part of research that very few people like to do. You can impress a potential advisor by doing this work for them.

For the first several years of your PhD program, you will likely do a lot of reading and ‘work.’ You could summarize a set of articles for a professor for a literature review. In general, there are many ways to demonstrate your ability to do research, but what you should focus on is trying to be of service to potential supervisors.

4. Work On Your GMAT / GRE Scores.

Ok, so many people will tell you that the GMAT / GRE scores do not matter for research. This is true – it is likely not a strong predictor of research abilities. Why is that? There are so many other things that go into doing research over the long run. For example, you need to be able to do something over the course of 5-10 years, so many times basic life things will get in the way of your research success. You know – those simple things, like divorce, marriage, babies, deaths, depression, big moves, and all that easy stuff.

However, GMAT / GRE scores are generally used as a way to screen out potential applicants. Why? Its standardized across countries and regions. It also might be a mild predictor of either ‘grit’ or IQ (I think standardized tests confounds the two). It might also be a strong predictor of privilege as only those with sufficient resources will take courses or spend enough time to study on the test to do well. Even if it is arbitrary, these standardized scores are just an easy way to screen out candidates, right or wrong. You should invest some time, effort, and resources to do well on the GMAT / GRE.

I have learnt that it will pay off considerable returns if you do well over the long-run. You have to think about it as the returns you will get over the course of 30-40 years. Even if you make an extra $1000 / year because of a slightly higher GMAT score (ie. because you get into a better university for a PhD), investing the small amount in studying for the GMAT / GRE will be well worth it.

5. Look For PhD Programs Outside Of Your Field.

I would highly recommend that you search broadly when you look for a PhD program. Cool PhD programs are often in places that you would never expect. We often get fixated on a specific program or field of study, but you should be aware that people get PhDs in many areas and study very similar things. You might be searching for PhD programs in Business Management or Business PhDs because you did your undergraduate degree in Business, but you don’t have to do your doctorate in the field that you did your undergraduate degree in.

You can also get considerably different returns by simply changing the course of study. For example, in my field, there are people that study geography and geographic methods (to look at things like firm or venture capital location), yet, they do not have a PhD in geography.

If you want to investigate PhD programs, there are many institutions and programs around the world that do the same thing as a PhD in your area, but are called something different. For example, some engineering programs have a good management department (UCL, Waterloo, Stanford, UC Barbara, etc) in which you could get a PhD. The ‘feel’ of the department will be quite a bit different than a business school, but you can study and move around to business schools. The key thing is that you are doing good research, and that you find great mentors that will help you do good research.

6. Go To An Academic Conference To See What ‘Academia’ Is All About.

I think it is odd with many professions, including academics, that we train people to do something, but then we never really show them what it is like until they are in the profession. For example, many programs will teach people about a particular subject, but then when people actually ‘do’ that subject they either do not know ‘how’ to do that subject, or they discover that they dislike that subject. For this reason, I very much like apprentice-type programs or coop programs (my undergrad university ‘U. Waterloo’ has a great program) .

One way that you can observe what academia is like for little commitment is to attend several academic conferences. If you are thinking of a PhD in Strategic Management or Innovation, you should consider attending either the Strategic Management Society conference (more specialized and better food, but more expensive), the Academy of Management conference (giant and diverse, but reasonably priced and you can find free food), or the Informs conferences (very ‘academicy,’ but somewhat removed from strategy and leans toward social science). ( Learn about how to get a PhD in Strategy ).

At these conference, you will learn about what academic presentations are, what it takes to write a paper, and the questions people ask in academia. You will be surprised how much you learn by watching people at these conferences. Academics, like any other career, has a lot of ceremony and protocol.

You might meet a few people there that might be of interest, but do not expect too much as a junior potential PhD student. If you are outgoing, you are going to of course meet more people. When you attend your first conference, make sure you dress ‘business causal’ and just be a fly on the wall. Try not to make a scene, as this could potentially harm you in the future.

Want to learn more about academic conferences, watch this video:

https://youtu.be/D9Kcw68rH-o Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: What Are The Benefits And Costs Of Attending Academic Conferences? – Thesis Help (https://youtu.be/D9Kcw68rH-o)

7. Build Relationships With Faculty Members.

Last, I think an important thing that you might want to consider is to build strong relationships with faculty members. If you are currently an MBA or undergraduate business major, get to know your faculty. This is one of the advantages of starting your journey to a PhD at a younger again ( Read my post about doing your PhD in your 30s ). Ask them to do simple tasks for them. For example, when I was in undergrad (Chemical Engineering), I did several years of an undergraduate research assistantship. While I probably did not create much in terms of usable research and I might have slowed down my Professor, he was nice enough to work with me and I truly learnt a lot from the experience. From that I will always be grateful. What I did was build a small piece of simulation software, but there are many things that you could do, like do some data cleaning, collect some information, or interview different people.

You want to reach out to faculty on a regular basis. Try to find time to stop by their office and ask them if they need a hand with something. I am sure there is something that they would be willing to let you do.

Why do you want to work with faculty? You will greatly improve your chances of getting into a PhD program. Not only because you might get a letter of reference, but this demonstrates that you are interested in doing research long before you actually start your PhD.

Building A Research Story For A PhD

If you have not figured it out yet, getting into a PhD program in Business Administration (or any other program) is a lot about crafting a long-running story in what and who you are about. It is not just about getting the PhD ( See my post about the difference between a PhD and a DBA ), and that is the end of your story. How you get into a PhD program is showing others how excited you are about doing original research, and that you are willing and excited to learn new knowledge.

No PhD program wants to bring you on board to realize that you do not like doing research. Doing research means that you like reading, writing, and arithmetic; and you are going to do this for a long-time. You have to demonstrate and provide a story that this is what you want to do. Doing a PhD, and then the subsequent career as a Professor or Research Associate after that is challenging. Going forward, try to build your program around this story and your desire to do research.

David Maslach

How Long Does it Take to get a Doctorate in Business?

How to Get a Ph.D. in Kinesiology

A doctorate in business equips a graduate to understand complex business issues and theories. This type of degree promotes critical thinking and innovation that shapes the economic and business landscape in the United States and internationally.

A doctorate in business prepares graduates for scholarly research or academic teaching careers. Coursework centers on developing or exploring theories in economics, management and other business-related areas.

DBA or, doctorate of business administration, focuses on applying new business theory in the current business environment. DBA graduates are prepared to work in managerial settings as well as academic or government careers.

PhD or, doctorate of philosophy in business, focuses on developing new theories in the business environment through specialized research. PhD graduates traditionally lead careers as senior research analysts in private or government sectors.

PhD and DBA distinctions are considered equivalent and both require an intense schedule of coursework, written work and teaching and research background.

Doctorate of business degrees require four years of full-time study and an average of 90 to 120 semester credits, which translates to approximately 30 to 40 courses. If a student has a master's degree, the time frame can be about three years if the doctorate is in the same area of study as the master's degree.

Depending on the college or university, requirements may differ as to basic courses required to enter a doctorate of business program. Most institutions require a written and oral dissertation be completed as the final steps in receiving a doctorate.

Areas of study within a doctoral of business administration program can include emphasis on accounting, organizational behavior, operations management, economics, marketing and finance.

A sample of a common curriculum required for a DBA is listed below. This overview is featured on the Washington University's Olin School of Business doctoral program website:

Core foundation • A strong foundation in microeconomics, probability and statistics, and quantitative methods. • Exposure to an area of specialization and the required research tools. • Successful completion of the core exam. Specialization • Coursework in one or more areas of study. • In-depth knowledge in chosen field. • Active association with the research process through faculty mentoring. • Completion of the field exam. Research • Participation with faculty in research activities. • Research paper presentation. • Individual research pursuing a specialized topic of interest. • Preparation and defense of a dissertation.

Considerations

Doctorate degrees are the highest level of education obtainable but not necessary for most positions or for advancement in a career. Certain fields within the government or positions that are governed by state licensing may require a doctorate. Tenured faculty status at most colleges and university require a doctorate degree.

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Pamela Raymond, owner of The Raymond Experience, a firm specializing in public relations and event management, has been a published freelance writer for over 14 years with articles in Sauce Magazine, Uptown Magazine, Vital Voice and ALIVE Magazine and holds an MBA from Maryville University in St. Louis.

12 Career Paths You Can Pursue With a Doctorate in Business Administration

If you are considering earning your DBA online to increase your career possibilities and salary potential, a good starting point is to do a deep dive into the jobs you can get with an advanced business administration degree.

Online DBA degree programs can enhance the careers of many professionals by equipping them with marketable, high-level skills like data-driven decision making, business intelligence, and ethical leadership. 85% of surveyed professional doctorate graduates say that their degree facilitated a promotion or career change. Additionally, 97% of DBA graduates report receiving a full-time job offer within six months of graduation.

Post-graduate education in business administration can equip you for greater success in your field. Consider 12 of the jobs that a business administration program can prepare graduates to fill.

Request My Free Marymount DBA Program Guide

Business Consultant

Business consultants — also called management consultants or management analysts — work with corporations and organizations to achieve their specific goals. A consultant may be retained in order to work on a specific company project, such as a reorganization or expansion. Consultants will request and review data and information about the organization then make recommendations for best practices based on what they observe.

The consultant’s job is often split into two parts that work together: reviewing past information and presenting future plans. Therefore, consultants need to be skilled both in data analysis and in effective communication, so that they can empower their clients to make informed, clear decisions. Graduates of doctorate in business administration degree programs will especially excel at these dual responsibilities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that management analyst roles will grow by 14% between 2020–2030 , which is faster than the average rate for all occupations. They list a median annual salary of $87,660, however, that is based on bachelor and master’s level management analyst roles as well. The highest 10% of earners in these roles earned over $156,840 per year.

C-Suite Executive

Professionals who hold a doctorate-level degree in business administration and have many years of relevant experience in their field are equipped to enter c-level roles such as chief executive officer, chief administrative officer, or chief operations officer. These professionals are typically responsible for oversight of many major aspects of a company, including employee teams, budgeting, and projects.

Executive leadership roles such as c-suite positions are increasingly technical as the marketplace shifts toward higher prioritization of data and metrics. In fact, artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning technologies are the top three technical skills that are in-demand for C-suite executives. Business administration degrees that emphasize business intelligence are a perfect fit.

The BLS projects 8% growth rate in top executive roles between 2020 and 2030. They list a median annual wage for chief executives of $185,950.

Economists study data, trends, and economic issues in order to understand various aspects of resource production and distribution. They may conduct surveys, perform statistical analysis, and use various technological tools and software programs to evaluate economic trends.

Professionals in the economics field will find that a doctorate of business administration enhances their capacity to make interpretations and forecast trends in the marketplace. Their degree program will also strengthen their leadership skills, further empowering them to share their forecasts and predictions with key stakeholders of businesses, organizations, government agencies, or even individuals in order to assist them in making economic decisions.

The BLS lists a median annual wage of $108,350 for economists . However, this estimate includes economists with master’s degrees. Economists with doctoral degrees may have a higher earning potential that is closer to the top 10% of economist’s salaries listed by the BLS, which is higher than $198,230.

Professors who hold a doctorate of business administration are likely to teach classes in a college or university’s business school, and to cover topics like business practices, management skills, or ethical leadership. The day-to-day work of a professor may include meeting with a student to discuss a paper or exam grade, making lesson plans, and conducting a survey that will inform an upcoming scholarly article.

The BLS projects a 12% growth rate for postsecondary teachers between 2020 and 2030. The median annual wage for these professionals was $80,560 in May 2020. The top 10% earned more than $179,540.

Organizational Development Manager

Organizational development managers determine what types of training and development could help the organization and its employees reach their goals. An organizational development manager may work with both teams and individuals in order to make development plans. Professionals with experience as human resources generalists or training managers who graduate from a doctorate of business administration degree program will find themselves well-suited for roles in organizational development management.

Organizational development managers are responsible for selecting training opportunities that align with the company’s objectives, creating and managing staff development budgets, and evaluating training programs and those who lead them.

The BLS projects that roles for training and development managers will grow 11% between 2020–2030 , which is faster than the average for all occupations. These professionals earned a median salary of $115,460 in May 2020, with the top 10% of earners receiving over $200,210.

Director of Human Resources

A director of human resources (HR director) may work in any number of business fields. The HR director develops and implements policies, plans and coordinates activities, and oversees various components of organizational staffing. This professional will be responsible for recruitment, hiring, and training of staff members, delivery of performance evaluations, and, when necessary, disciplinary issues including termination.

HR directors, who typically have years of experience in human resources or a requisite role, often work closely with senior leaders to ensure that the company culture is aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives. They are also involved in various dynamics of company procedures such as compensation, benefits, leave, and occupational health and safety.

The BLS does not project a growth rate or list an average salary for Directors of Human Resources. However, they project a growth rate of 9% between 2020–2030 for human resources managers, which may shed some light on the subject. According to Built In , the average base salary for an HR director is $140,493 with an average of 432,770 in additional cash compensation, totaling $173,713.

Government Program Manager

Across all branches of the military and dozens of government agencies, skilled leaders with experience and education in workforce planning and leadership are needed to manage people and programs. A program manager in the federal government, for example, may work for the Environmental Protection Agency to develop training programs and conduct strategic planning. A program manager who works for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission may advise commission leaders, oversee nation-wide programs, and direct policy development.

At the local level, program managers may work for a city or state. They might, for example, be responsible for designing and implementing programs that lead a city’s decarbonization efforts. A program manager in such a position may collaborate with other leaders to create a plan for increasing their area’s use of green energy.

At the federal level, many program manager jobs are ranked as GS-15 according to the General Schedule Pay Scale. That means a salary range of $110,460 - $143,598 per year. As far as the state and local level, Payscale lists the average government program manager salary as $91,657 .

Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit executive directors are the primary leaders of charitable organizations. They are responsible for overseeing programs that align with the organization’s mission and industry best practices. Oftentimes, their roles entail fundraising, strategic planning, and advising the board of directors. Nonprofit directors may have worked in the field for decades, or they may be transitioning from a public or private role into the philanthropic sector. Skills like leadership, strategic planning, and financial management may transition well to a nonprofit executive director role when combined with a doctorate of business administration degree.

The ability to understand the needs of the population the organization serves both through data and relationships are invaluable for such a leader — and makes a doctorate in business administration a great asset. These leaders need to be able to put together and activate staff teams who can accomplish great things with limited resources.

Salaries for nonprofit executive directors tend to vary based on the size of the organization and its budgets. The BLS does not track nonprofit executive director salaries or job projections specifically, but they do state that the average mean salary for top executives in social advocacy organizations was $164,010 as of May 2020 .

Strategic Planner

Strategic planners work to innovate and implement projects, systems, and strategies that improve a company or organizations. They may create and present various plans, or stages of plans, that project years into the company’s future — and outline the steps to take along the way. Graduates of doctorate of business administration degree programs who also have experience in management and analysis are strong candidates for strategic planner roles.

Strategic planners need to have a varied skill set that includes the ability to analyze data, design plans and strategies that address weaknesses, and communicate concepts with key stakeholders.

While it is not an exact match, the management analyst projections and salary listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics are useful for understanding the possible range for strategic planners. The BLS lists an average median salary of $87,660 for management analysts in May 2020 and a projected job growth rate of 14% from 2020–2030.

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts monitor and forecast marketplace trends. They work in most fields of industry studying and projecting sales and marketing trends so that the companies they work for can make strategic, data-driven decisions about the products and services they offer. Marketing assistants and account representatives will be strong candidates for a market research analyst career path when they combine their professional experience with a doctorate of business administration degree.

These professionals explore everything from consumer demographics to product demand in order to provide research-based recommendations for marketing, advertising, and sales efforts. They employ statistics, visualizations like charts and graphs, and research methods such as polls, surveys, and focus groups to inform their recommendations.

The BLS lists an average median salary of $65,810 for market research analysts with 10% of senior market research analyst professionals earning over $127,410. Market research analyst job positions are projected to grow by 22% from 2020–2030.

Project Manager

For graduates of a business administration degree program who enjoy empowering others to learn, grow, and work together effectively, the role of project manager is a great profession to consider.

A project manager may work as a consultant or work at a company full time to oversee various company projects. Professionals in these positions are often responsible for setting project goals and milestones, collaborating with teams to ensure progress, and assessing projects at various stages. They oversee the timeline and budget, allocate resources, and update key stakeholders.

The BLS lists an annual median salary of $77,420 for project management specialists and business operations specialists, with the top 10% earning $135,220 or more. The BLS expects 9% job growth for management occupations between 2020–2030.

Logistician

Logisticians analyze data, current events, and company performance to coordinate their company’s supply chain . They typically manage the full life cycle of a product, allocate needed materials, and work with suppliers and customers to create positive outcomes for all involved. The skills developed in a doctorate of business administration degree program can enhance and build upon the abilities of logisticians.

Logisticians may design strategies to improve efficiencies, perform troubleshooting tasks, and work to reduce costs for their company. While most logisticians work in manufacturing, they also find employment in the government, professional services, private corporations, and more.

The BLS projects a 30% growth rate between 2020–2030 for logisticians , which is much faster than the rate for all occupations. They list a median annual wage of $76,270 for this position, with the highest percent earning more than $122,580.

Accelerate Your Career with an online Doctorate of Business Administration from Marymount University

The marketplace needs data-savvy leaders. Through the online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Business Intelligence program at Marymount University Online you can prepare for high-level business management.

Our 100% online DBA program takes less than three years and focuses on applied research that directly correlates to the real-world. Prepare to lead with a DBA in Business Intelligence .

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5 reasons to gain a phd in management.

A PhD in Management could help you grow your business network ©IESE Business School

Ever wanted to be at the forefront of management research? We break down what you could gain from a PhD in Management

1. Immersion in a research topic of your choice

Studying for a PhD in Management will mean being able to deep dive into a topic that deeply interests you in an area of specialization such as finance, strategy, or operations. Perhaps there was something that has always played on your mind about the business world or a passion you’ve been itching to learn more about.

This was the case for Giacomo Marchesini, an Italian native who earned his PhD in Management from IESE Business School in Barcelona. He’s now an assistant professor in the department of strategy and innovation at Copenhagen Business School.

“I was searching for something more intellectually stimulating,” he says.

During his consulting career, he became interested in what drives innovation in firms.

His research now centers on behavioral decisions that drive the pursuit of novel medical treatments and in particular the role of prior failures (i.e. when drugs are not working) as catalysts for subsequent innovations.

“I’m looking into why you don’t just abandon a pharmaceutical drug even when it fails, or how the pressure of time or achieving results can impact success.”

Meanwhile, fellow IESE PhD in Management graduate Liudmila Alekseeva’s interest in the academic world began during her bachelor’s degree when she fell in love with the world of research and data collection methods.

Liudmila, who is originally from Russia, built on her experience working with startups and is now researching at the intersection between entrepreneurship and finance. In particular, she analyses the behavioral decisions behind why venture capitalists fund finance, considering aspects such as the gender finance gap.

"I've always been interested in VC decision-making from my experience of working with startups," she says.

2. Acquire top research skills

Strong research skills are integral to carrying out effective and influential research.

The IESE PhD in Management provides training on quantitative and qualitative research so that students can gain the relevant skills to conduct research at top academic levels. The program teaches students how to balance rigorous empirical strategies with qualitative insights that provide insight into business phenomena.

“Although I’m mostly involved in quantitative research, it’s been useful to learn both perspectives,” says Giacomo.

These research skills are important to set up students for future success as specialized academics. In fact, more than 90% of PhD students at IESE find careers at top educational institutions after graduation.

3. Grow your global network with a PhD in Management

A hidden secret of PhD life is the importance of networking. By connecting with likeminded people, you might discover insights that can enhance your research, form collaborations with other researchers, or just gain advice.

Liudmila worked on her research with experienced professors at IESE, which not only enhanced her research but helped her build strong professional relationships that can extend into her career in academia.

She now works as an assistant professor of entrepreneurship at KU Leuven in Belgium.

“I immediately liked the conversations I had with IESE professors during the initial interview process—I felt welcomed and supported,” she says.

The IESE PhD lasts four to five years so there’s plenty of opportunity for students to grow their network in this time. There are also opportunities for students to take a research term abroad, present at international conferences, and meet researchers from top business schools.

“You might not always be aware of all the research out there—the bigger network you have, the more you will find out,” says Giacomo.

4. Gain a fully funded scholarship

There’s no need to worry about the financial burden of a PhD in Management if you can find a program that’s fully funded.

Luckily, students are 100% funded when they are successful in their application to pursue a PhD in Management at IESE Business School.

This means you can dedicate yourself to your research and experience, without having to worry about funding your degree with a part-time job.

5. Study in a beautiful city during a PhD in Management

Going back to your studies also means benefiting from all the things about university that you loved—campus life, meeting new people, and exploring a new city.

IESE’s location in the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona certainly helped enhance Liudmila’s experience of PhD study.

“Living in Barcelona made the process more enjoyable as when you’re very busy and you go outside, you can enjoy the sun and beautiful architecture,” she says.

Giacomo comes from a small village in northern Italy so moving to vibrant Barcelona was an eye-opening experience for him.

“Although it’s a big city, it has a neighborhood environment feel to it,” he says.

Choosing to go back to academia is a decision you should think about carefully, but if delving deep into a topic is of interest to you or you want to move from the corporate world to the academic world, a PhD in Management could just be the right step.

“A PhD is a unique life experience—the opportunity to build relationships, network, learn new topics, and contribute to something impactful is what I have enjoyed the most,” concludes Liudmila.

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Is it Possible to Get My PhD After My MBA?

In academia, numerous accomplishments can be achieved. You can earn a dual degree and have expertise in multiple fields, or further your career potential by going back to school . But what about progressing from an MBA to a PhD?

In regards to higher education, many consider earning a PhD, or doctorate degree, the pinnacle of success. Usually, due to passion for a particular industry or subject, a PhD candidate will spend years of rigorous research to unpack its intricacies and become a leading expert in the field. At the end of their studies, they are able to finally see their work come to fruition when they receive their doctorate and join alongside other scholars. However, is it typical for an MBA graduate to move onto pursuing their PhD? And is there a specific purpose? Are there different types of PhD programs? What is the difference between a PhD and DBA?

To answer the budding question: yes, you can pursue your PhD after earning your MBA, and choosing to earn a doctorate is entirely up to you and your aspirations. To help you better understand if getting a PhD is the right choice, we look at the path an MBA graduate can take to earn their PhD, one of the higher purposes of a doctorate, and the different types of academic programs.

What is a PhD, and What is it Used For?

By definition, a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy in a particular discipline, which is why it's also referred to as a doctorate. This focus is typically for individuals highly passionate about a specific subject matter, driven by the pursuit to understand it better through rigorous research. A majority of students seeking their PhD are eager researchers, although there are always exceptions, and each carries out years of highly intensive research to conclude their original thesis and earn their doctorate.

In terms of translating your education into a career, a doctorate can be used in a plethora of fields, especially if one’s thesis is around a wider subject matter and can be a discipline applied to various industries (take organizational development, for example). For those who are passionate about a career in research, a doctoral degree is a perfect fit. Possibly the most popular field for those with a doctorate is a fruitful career in academia, teaching their subject matter to others interested in the same area. Many graduates become faculty members at business schools upon completing their PhD and provide their expertise to their students. Regardless of which industry you choose, you can be assured that a PhD will provide you with numerous opportunities.

How Long Does it Take to Progress from an MBA to PhD?

The timeframe for earning your PhD can vary depending on program and location. Many countries have varying timelines of how long the completion of a doctoral program will take. In the United States, the average is around 4-5 years of completion after receiving your Master of Business Administration.

Do You Need an MBA to Get a PhD?

To be accepted into a doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree. It does not have to be a Master of Business Administration, but it does need to be a master’s of some form. Depending on your area of specialization, it could be advantageous to earn your MBA in pursuit of a PhD if you are planning to embark on a career in business upon completion of your doctorate. Additionally, one important aspect to consider is the program itself. It is important to look into a program’s requirements before applying to meet the eligibility criteria.

The Difference Between a DBA and a PhD

For those specifically interested in a career in business, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a highly beneficial doctoral program. A DBA focuses on a broader spectrum of business disciplines, dedicating research toward multiple corporate facets, and practical implementation. On the contrary, a PhD narrows into a specific area of discipline and research, emphasizing theory, and it’s potential implications. While both are heavily centered around research and implementation, a DBA sets business executives and leaders on a path to discover new possibilities for their organizations and businesses. In a way, it allows established business professionals to “trailblaze” the way for new and innovative ideas that can disrupt the market and set a precedent for the future of business.

Get Your MBA or DBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

At Pepperdine Graziadio, we proudly offer degrees to accommodate business professionals at any stage of their lives and careers. Our full and part-time MBA programs are designed to prepare candidates for a successful career in values-based business leadership. All of our MBA programs offer a personalized learning approach executed by our world-class faculty. Each program is characterized by its top-ranked business curriculum that can be coupled with an academic concentration.

Our Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program has been carefully designed for the tenured business leader looking to drive groundbreaking innovations. This rigorous program allows candidates to gain in-depth knowledge and finetune their expertise through applied research. Also, executives enjoy learning alongside changemakers in various industries and participating in exclusive opportunities available only to DBA candidates.

Learn more about which programs fit your career aspirations and academic interests.

Learn more about how to achieve your career goals with a degree from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

Description of program.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Business (PhD-BA) program is a research-based program designed to prepare leaders for positions in the private and public sectors by enhancing knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business, administration, and technology management. Upon completion of the PhD program, students are expected to have a broad knowledge in fields of business and technology management and an understanding of at least one specialized area of study. A Ph.D. requires original ideas about a specialized topic, as well as a high degree of methodological/scientific rigor (Nelson, & Coorough, 1994). As is traditional in higher education, a Ph.D. is only awarded for a piece of work that will actually make a difference to the theoretical context of the field the Ph.D. dissertation is a new contribution to the body of knowledge .

Click here for potential career opportunities within the PhD-BA.

Learning Outcomes

Develop business knowledge based on a synthesis of current theory
Defend theories, applications, and perspectives related to business to diverse audiences
Evaluate business practices that positively impact society
Evaluate the relationship between the global environment and business decisions
Formulate solutions to problems identified in extant business research

Basis for Admissions

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration program will be determined by the degree used to meet the basis for admission. In order to enter the doctoral program, applicants are required to have a conferred master’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution. There are two options for entering the doctoral program in the School of Business and Economics.

A generalized business area such as business management or business administration,
Specialized business area (e.g. Master of Finance, Master of Human Resources Management) AND an undergraduate degree in business OR
A previously completed master’s degree in any field AND an undergraduate in business.
Evaluation Track – Individuals not meeting the direct entry requirements are required to take SKS-7001 - Doctoral Comprehensive Strategic Knowledge Studies as part of their degree plan. Students in the Evaluation track will begin their degree plan with BUS-7101 - Changing Times: Business Administration in the 21st Century followed by SKS-7001 - Doctoral Comprehensive Strategic Knowledge Studies and upon successful completion of SKS 7001 take the remaining courses in their degree plan. Students who feel that they have the business background and knowledge are allowed to take a test-out exam that covers the major business areas. The student must score 70 or above on the exam and can be taken no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of SKS 7001 Comprehensive Strategic Knowledge Studies course. This can be discussed with your enrollment or academic and finance advisor.

Degree Requirements

Admission to the Doctorate programs requires a master’s degree from an accredited institution.

The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the doctoral degree for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better.

The PhD degree programs in business have the following graduation requirements:

A minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University
Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
Satisfactory completion of the PhD-BA Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
University Approval of Dissertation Manuscript and Oral Defense completed
Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy
Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution
Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their complimentary diploma

Dissertation Completion Pathway

The University’s mission is dedicated to assisting students in achieving their academic aspirations and helping them become valuable contributors to their community and profession. To support our mission, the University now offers a dissertation completion pathway for students who have successfully completed their doctoral coursework and achieved doctoral candidacy at a previous institution but were unable to complete their dissertation. The University’s Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) offers a unique opportunity for students to complete their doctorate in one of the doctoral programs offered at the University (excluding the PhD in MFT, DMFT, and DNP). Students successfully meeting the entrance and application requirements will complete a minimum of 23 credit hours to earn their doctorate.

Click below for more information on the

Dissertation Completion Pathway

Fundamental Competencies

All PhD students are required to demonstrate competency in these areas:

Graduate-Level Research Methods Competency - PhD students are required to complete BUS-7100 , BUS 7320 , and BUS-7380
Graduate-Level Statistics Competency - PhD students are required to complete BUS-7105 and BUS-7106
Students must be able to prepare documents using advanced word processing skills (e.g., creation of tables and figures, headers and footers, page breaks, tables of contents, hanging indents)
Students must use computer programs for the statistical analysis of data (e.g., SAS)
Students must produce a computer-based presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) for their dissertation oral examination

Time to Completion

The University allows 7 years to complete all doctoral programs of 60 credits or less.

The median time to completion for this program is 73 months.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most students are working adults, balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic and finance advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

Students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 40 months.

Dissertation Process

Faculty assist each Doctoral candidate to reach this academic goal through a systematic process leading to a high-quality completed dissertation. A PhD dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of study. This process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of the dissertation.

A doctoral candidate must be continuously enrolled throughout the series of dissertation courses. Dissertation courses are automatically scheduled and accepted without a break in scheduling to ensure that students remain in continuous enrollment throughout the dissertation course sequence. If additional time is required to complete any of the dissertation courses, students must re-enroll and pay the tuition for that course. Continuous enrollment will only be permitted when students demonstrate progress toward completing dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Committee determines progress.

Course Sequence

The PhD program requires a minimum of 60 credits. Additional credit hours may be allowed as needed to complete the dissertation research. If granted, additional courses will be added to the student degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. Students who do not complete their program in accordance with these policies may be dismissed.

Courses taken to satisfy the fundamental requirements may not be counted toward completion of required specializations courses or electives.

Students who complete at least 15 credit hours in a single area of specialization at the University (not counting foundational courses) may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma. Students may also opt for a General Business specialization, electing 15 credit hours of cross-discipline courses. Elective courses must be appropriate to the student’s degree program.

The PhD in Business requires a minimum of five core courses, five specialization courses, two statistical courses, five research courses, and one doctoral elective course. Upon completion of these course requirements, students advance to the doctoral sequence of courses. A minimum of four dissertation research courses must be completed in order to complete the program.

Required Foundational Courses must be taken first and in sequence. Evaluation track students will take SKS 7001 after BUS-7101 and before BUS-7110 . Following the completion of Foundational, Specialization, Research, and Doctoral Elective courses must be taken in sequence as described.

BUS-7101 - Changing Times: Business Administration in the 21st Century
SKS-7001 - Doctoral Comprehensive Strategic Knowledge Studies -Required Course for Entry Track Students
BUS-7110 - The Business Environment
BUS-7120 - Business Financial Systems
BUS-7130 - Business Leadership & Strategy
Specialization Course 1
Specialization Course 2
Specialization Course 3
Specialization Course 4
Specialization Course 5
Doctoral Level Elective
BUS-7100 - Scholarly Literature Review
BUS-7105 - Statistics I
BUS-7106 - Statistics II
BUS-7320 - Quantitative Research Design & Methodology
BUS-7380 - Qualitative Research Design and Methodology
CMP-9701B - Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
DIS-9901A - Components of the Dissertation
DIS-9902A - The Dissertation Proposal
DIS-9903A - Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection
DIS-9904A - The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense

Advanced Accounting Specialization

This specialization provides students with application of a broad accounting perspective and research based accounting knowledge, enabling the exploration of relationships among business activities, economic outcomes, business performance, and forensic analysis. Students will be able to meet the demand for advanced analysis of management and organization of business transactions and statements related to the assets, liabilities, and operating results of business enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and higher education instruction.

Specialization Courses – 15 credit hours

ACC-7000 - Advanced Managerial Accounting
ACC-7010 - Advanced Accounting and Fraud Examination Techniques
ACC-7015 - Advanced Forensic Accounting Theory and Practice
ACC-7030 - Advanced Auditing Methods and Practice
ACC-7035 - Advanced Accounting Theory and Policy

Elective selected on the initial degree plan can be changed with a request to an Academic and Finance Advisor.

Financial Management Specialization

This specialization concentrates on research and development analyses used to manage and allocate financial resources and develop effective strategic planning for projection and ROI issues. Students will analyze financial and non-financial organizations - private, public, and corporate. The specialization focuses on international financial issues, quality concepts in financial management, and accounting for profit/nonprofit organizations.

FIN-7012 - Corporate Finance
FIN-7013 - Investment Portfolio Analysis
FIN-7014 - Managing Financial Institutions
FIN-7015 - Advanced Financial Statement Analysis
FIN-7018 - Accounting and Control for Nonprofit Organizations

Global Business Management Specialization

This specialization covers the essential elements required to understand and manage global organizations. Individuals interested in global management positions in industry, higher education, government and public entities, and business consulting would benefit from this program. The specialization provides students with comprehensive education and training in interdisciplinary global management subjects of leadership, government, diplomacy, economics, finance, marketing, and organizational effectiveness. Students study global business theory, decision-making, and problem-solving techniques related to global strategic planning.

GBM-7001 - Global Business Environment
GBM-7002 - Global Strategic Leadership
GBM-7003 - Global Business Management
GBM-7004 - Global Marketing Management
GBM-7005 - Advanced Topics in Global Organizational Behavior

Elective selected on the initial degree plan can be changed with a request to an Academic and Finance Advisor.

Health Services Specialization

This specialization develops essential perspectives and skills for health service industry management issues. The specialization prepares students for problem identification and resolution, analysis and intervention as administrative issues, and recognition of the constraints and limitations to intervention and change in delivery systems. Students in this specialization will focus on the foundations of health services management, including an overview of the United States healthcare delivery system, financial management and economics, human resource management, quality management, and law, ethics, and policy.

DHA-7000 - The United States Healthcare Delivery System
DHA-7001 - Healthcare Financial Management and Economics
DHA-7003 - Human Resource Management for Healthcare Administrators
DHA-7005 - Healthcare Quality Management
DHA-7006 - Health Law, Ethics, and Policy

Homeland Security: Leadership & Policy (HS) Specialization

This specialization prepares senior leaders of public administration, law enforcement, public safety, and emergency medical care and disaster preparedness agencies for executive leadership positions in the field of homeland security. This specialization focuses on rigorous research exploring advanced concepts and methods, and applying theory and emerging concepts through innovative approaches to complex problems. Students may choose from a variety of courses in terrorism, strategy, intelligence, emergency management, and critical infrastructure security issues.

HS-7000 - Homeland Security and Terrorism
HS-7004 - Local Emergency Management and Civil Preparedness
HS-7010 - Transportation Security
HS-7013 - Intelligence and Law Enforcement
HS-7014 - Strategy, Resiliency, and Coping with Fear

Industrial/Organizational Psychology Specialization

(Interdisciplinary)

This specialization explores the application of industrial and organizational psychology and management theory to the understanding of people in work environment. In this interdisciplinary specialization, students complete courses in the School of Business and Economics and the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences in order to develop competencies in theory, research, and applications of psychology related to human behavior in organizations. Students conduct advanced research related to the application of organizational and psychological theory to human resource management.

IOP-8400 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology
IOP-8404 - Consulting in Business, Education, and Health
MGT-7006 - Advanced Topics in Organizational Behavior
MGT-7022 - Advanced Topics in Organizational Development
MGT-7110 - Leadership in Organizations

Information Technology Specialization

Technology can be intimidating—yet beneficial—for many organizations. It is important for leaders to know how to take advantage of new technologies and ideas or be trapped in stagnation. The Information Technology Specialization helps prepare professionals to be champions of positive change through new ideas and new technologies.

TIM-7001 - Principles of Technology Innovation Management
TIM-7010 - Computer Networks & Mobile Computing
TIM-7020 - Databases & Business Intelligence
TIM-8301 - Principles of Cybersecurity
TIM-7040 - Technology Policy & Strategy

Organizational Leadership Specialization

This specialization serves to enhance the understanding and practice of organizational leadership using an interdisciplinary approach between business and education theory and research. This specialization has broad appeal among practicing professionals (middle and upper management, and military personnel) with a background in business administration, human resources, nonprofit administration, and related fields, whose professional goal may be organizational consulting or a generalist leadership position in corporate, government, not-for-profit, educational or community organizations.

OLB-7001 - Conflict Resolution and Mediation
OLB-7002 - Building Organizational Capacity
OLB-7004 - Theory and Practice of Organizational Leadership
OLB-7005 - Ethical Leadership
OLB-7006 - Communicating Change

Project Management Specialization

This specialization explores principles, concepts, tools, and techniques to improve project performance and organizational effectiveness. Students examine all aspects of managing and overseeing business projects, including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation and contracts, and performance reporting critical to the success of any enterprise. The specialization focuses on management, leadership, and team building in the project/program environment. Students will examine strategies relating to managing multiple projects as well as the concepts of earned value project management.

PM-7000 - Project Procurement Management
PM-7004 - Project Risk Management
PM-7008 - Project Monitoring and Control
PM-7012 - Multiple Project Management
PM-7016 - Managerial Budgets and Project Management

Strategic Marketing Specialization

The Strategic Marketing Specialization at the doctoral level delivers a next-generation approach to strategic marketing, transcending traditional marketing management, and research methodology. This tertiary level specialization delivers benchmark training in the three pillars of global change leadership, marketing science, and innovation in marketing economics. Following the execution of strategic coursework, students will focus on real-world global product strategy, advanced digital marketing across the entire scope of the product life cycle. The specialization provides strategies for a sound, systematic, ethical, and legal approach to contemporary and emergent marketing practices. At the conclusion, students will be well prepared to lead the marketing workforce of tomorrow.

MKT-7021 - Marketing Change Leadership
MKT-7022 - Marketing Economics Innovation
MKT-7023 - Marketing Science
MKT-7024 - Strategic Marketing Communication
MKT-7025 - Global Product Strategy

FinTech Student and Professor at a table

WPI Launches First-in-the-Nation Financial Technology PhD; Only University in the U.S. to Offer All Degree Levels in FinTech

Colleen Wamback Director of Public Relations Marketing Communications +1 (508) 8316775 [email protected]

Building on its established master’s and bachelor’s degree programs and aiming to meet industry trends and demands, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has introduced the nation’s first PhD program in Financial Technology (FinTech). The new program underscores WPI’s dedication to advanced education and research in this rapidly expanding sector, making it the only university in the country to offer all degree levels in the field.

With the rise of functions such as online payments services, mobile banking, and cryptocurrencies, the landscape of financial services has seen exponential changes in the last decade. FinTech is one of the fastest-growing industries in the global economy with industry forecasts predicting 1.5 million new roles and some of the highest salaries in the tech industry. FinTech has become an essential area of study, creating a need for PhD graduates with the skills to lead industry and teach in financial technology programs. There are also industry research opportunities, as firms in the financial industry seek to create innovative operations and products based on emerging financial technologies.

“Introducing a doctoral degree program in FinTech exemplifies how WPI is a global innovator at the intersection of business and technology,” said WPI President Grace Wang. “Graduates of this program will emerge as academic and industry leaders who will shape the future of financial technology education and the financial services sector.”

WPI President Grace Wang

WPI’s FinTech PhD program is uniquely positioned to offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary education that bridges finance, mathematics, computer science, and ethics. Leveraging the expertise of WPI’s distinguished faculty, students will learn a complex blend of skills, ranging from finance and mathematics to AI and blockchain, analytics, data science, applied statistics, and develop a keen understanding of regulatory and compliance landscapes. They will also engage in cutting-edge research and practical applications of their studies at WPI’s state-of-the-art FinTech Innovation Hub and through external partnerships.

"We are witnessing an unprecedented convergence of academic advancements and industry needs in the FinTech sector," said Debora Jackson , Harry G. Stoddard Professor of Management and Dean of The Business School at WPI. "Our PhD program will provide students with the interdisciplinary skills and knowledge necessary to drive innovation and address the complex challenges facing the FinTech industry."

Debora Jackson, Harry G. Stoddard Professor of Management and Dean of The Business School

WPI’s expansion of its FinTech educational offerings also aligns with the continued growth of the sector in the region. Massachusetts has emerged as a key hub within this sector, boasting over 357 FinTech companies and 69 incubators/accelerators, making it the third-largest innovation center in the United States. This thriving ecosystem supports over 30,000 jobs within the state, with demand for skilled professionals continuing to rise.

"The PhD program in FinTech not only continues WPI's longstanding tradition of innovative, interdisciplinary education but also positions our Business School as a leader in the emerging field of interdisciplinary financial education and research,” said Kwamie Dunbar, associate professor of finance.

For more information about WPI's PhD program in Financial Technology, visit WPI’s website .

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How to Get a PhD in Business Administration

The achievement of every business lies in the managerial unit. In this article, we will explain how you can get PhD in Business Administration. Regardless of how hardworking every worker is, if the people at the top positions are not performing excellently, such business is bound to fail in a matter of time. So to avoid this, top firms and business lookout for motivated, skilled, and organized personalities who will make their business progress.

If you wish to become a leader and you have completed a master’s degree in your current field, then, you can consider a doctorate in business administration.

The Meaning of Business Administration

Business Administration is a branch of Business and Management that engages all aspects of supervising business operations. A career in the course deals with leading a firm or business venture, keeping track of performance, and making important decisions that will result in developing a better and profitable business.

Why You Need a PhD in Business Administration

A PhD in the course centres on providing students with real-world, business-oriented analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. You also get low of benefits while studying the course.

Enrolling in a doctor of business administration programs will also provide you with working knowledge based on the latest business research, ideas, and trends. It will also enhance your professional’s job performance, increase your network, and make you eligible for executive positions.

Obtaining a doctorate in business administration will not only identifies you as a professional in your field, but prepares you for bigger management skills, which aid in data and market analysis, budgeting, and hiring, doctoral programs in business management foster general, ‘soft’ business skills like communication, leadership, and decision-making.

The Time Frame to Get a PhD in Business Administration

The program consist of approximately 60 credits which usually take 3-4 years of full-time study to complete. Although, the program that requires a theory can take significantly longer, depending on students’ abilities, schedule, program structure and guidance.

However, part-time students may require five or more years, though schools sometimes place a limit on the total amount of time a student can take to graduate.

Students generally pay the same tuition even if they choose a high course of study.

The Cost of PhD in Business Administration

The cost of the course varies from program to program. For instance, Ivy league universities often make provision for generous fellowships and financial aid to new students as a way to attract excellent applicants. While getting a PhD in Business administration at a public university may be more expensive.

The cost can also be determined by the student’s state residency, for example, students who live in the same state as their school will often pay lower tuition than out-of-state students.

A typical PhD in the course In-state programs will cost between $15,000-$40,000 per year, while an out-of-state degree can cost double or higher.

How to Get a PhD Business Administration Degree

To get a PhD in the course, you must possess essential degrees which are a bachelor’s and master’s in business administration and management or a related field. The degree also require GMAT scores and transcripts from your undergraduate program and, if applicable, graduate studies. You may also be asked for references from your former professors and to write an overview of your planned research area.

However, most schools require you to have at least three years of relevant experience and standardized test scores. Whereas, most online schools award a no GRE degree but you must meet the required GPA and other requirement.

Top PhD Programs in Business Administration

University of Washington
Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, GA
Harvard University
Yale University
Rice University
University of Pennsylvania
University of California – Los Angeles
Cornell University
George Washington University
Purdue University

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9 things people get wrong about sociopaths, according to a sociopath

Sociopaths are often depicted as unfeeling criminals and abusers.
Dr. Patric Gagne, a psychologist and a diagnosed sociopath, wrote a memoir about her experiences.
She described the many ways she felt misunderstood by others and struggled with finding help.

Diagnosed with sociopathic personality disorder in her 20s, Dr. Patric Gagne struggled to find resources to treat the symptoms she had all her life.

Since childhood, Gagne has felt starkly different from everyone else. She's wrestled with pervasive apathy, and violent urges that feel more calm than charged.

"Everyone else had access to hope," Gagne says in her new memoir, " Sociopath ." "Schizophrenics, alcoholics, bipolar depressives — there were treatment plans and support groups for all of them." Sociopaths in popular culture are "loathsome villains with few exceptions," like Hannibal Lecter in "The Silence of the Lambs" and Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho."

The lack of available care for sociopaths inspired Gagne to pursue a PhD in psychology, where she specialized in the relationship between sociopathy and anxiety. Eventually, she worked as a therapist, where she "earned a low-key reputation as 'the sociopath therapist,'" taking on clients with sociopathic tendencies.

Gagne's memoir cast light on a lot of misconceptions about sociopaths, from how they process emotions to how they form relationships.

1. Sociopaths do feel emotions, just not "social" ones

Sociopaths are often depicted in media as devoid of feelings entirely. But that's not true.

"Some feelings came naturally to me, like anger and happiness," Gagne writes. "But other emotions weren't so easy. Empathy and guilt, embarrassment and jealousy were like a language I couldn't speak or understand." She compares her emotional range to "a cheap set of crayons," where she can access primary colors but struggles with "more nuanced hues."

As an adult researching sociopathy and going to therapy, she learned that sociopaths — and even psychopaths — can feel basic emotions. But they don't experience "social emotions," such as shame, remorse, and even romantic love, because they feel a lack of attachment to people.

2. Anxiety drives violent or risky urges

In pop culture, sociopaths get a thrill out of hurting and manipulating others. But the driver of high-risk and harmful behavior is more complicated, Gagne argues.

She describes feeling a "pressure" and anxiety whenever she feels apathetic. "The nothingness, I'd started to notice, made my urge to do bad things more extreme," Gagne says.

Throughout the book, she tried to mitigate her violent or unlawful urges by committing smaller risky acts, like breaking into people's homes or temporarily stealing cars from drunk fraternity brothers.

Ultimately, she sees her past behavior as a "subconscious drive for feeling." Doing something dangerous didn't actively bring her joy as much as relieve tension and stress — similar, she said, to an OCD compulsion .

3. Unlike psychopaths, they can shows signs of change

"Sociopath" and "psychopath" are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences . To make matters more confusing, they both fall under the term " antisocial personality disorder ," which Gagne finds unhelpful.

"While I could easily identify with most of the traits on the sociopathic and psychopathic checklists, I was only able to relate to about half of the antisocial ones," she says.

Gagne was diagnosed via a psychopath checklist , where scoring within a lower range indicates sociopathy more than psychopathy because the symptoms are not as extreme.

4. They're not devoid of healthy interests or hobbies

Sociopaths are often portrayed as stoic loners in media, with no hobbies other than committing crimes and hurting people.

In truth, they can have interests and hobbies just like anyone else. In the book, Gagne describes her passion for music (particularly jazz), her love for her childhood pet ferret, bonding with the kids she babysits, and becoming fascinated with psychology enough to turn it into a career.

5. They don't understand why some things are "wrong"

Throughout the book, Gagne explains how she finds it difficult to identify "bad" behavior.

"I may have been missing an emotional connection to the concepts of right and wrong, but I knew they existed," she says. Because she can't naturally feel fear, shame, guilt, or remorse, she wouldn't know when she was doing something that could make people uncomfortable or scared, like stealing or stalking.

Later in adulthood, she would try to pay people back when she felt she was doing something wrong. She'd bring flowers to the strangers' funerals she'd crash and fill up the cars she briefly stole with gas.

"One time someone left the stove on, so I turned it off," she said of a house she broke into. "It's my way of trying to balance the karma."

6. They may lie to avoid being judged

A common assumption is that sociopaths always lie for the fun of it, or for personal gain. In Gagne's case, she says she often lied about her feelings just to fit in. She felt claustrophobia whenever she realized she wasn't feeling the way she was "supposed" to, she says in the book.

When her pet ferret died, she felt sadness but couldn't authentically sob the way her sister did. Throughout her childhood, she didn't feel remorse or fear, and sharing that with others didn't help.

That made it hard for her to form genuine connections with others, because she feels like she has to perform or exaggerate emotions to make others comfortable.

7. They crave connection, too

Another big sociopath stereotype is that they're perfectly content being on their own. While Gagne always enjoyed solitude, she also felt loneliness from her inability to be honest about her disorder.

"No one could relate to me," she says. "Nobody wanted to spend time with me. Not the real me, anyway. I was utterly alone."

Over time, she learned how to be more honest, and found people who wouldn't judge her.

8. Treatment can improve their symptoms

In the book, Gagne mentions Dr. Ben Karpman, who theorized that sociopaths "are not hardwired to pursue an antisocial lifestyle and may be responsive to treatment."

Because of the lack of available treatment options, Gagne researched ways to help mitigate her symptoms. She found that cognitive behavioral therapy helped her unpack the feelings of anxiety that triggered unwanted actions. "It all boiled down to mindfulness," she writes.

Acceptance of being a sociopath also helped her, because she realized her anxiety often came from the pressure to fit in. She started to become more open about her diagnosis to reduce the feeling of always needing to hide from others.

9. They can maintain long, healthy relationships

Gagne got married to David, her childhood sweetheart. Together, they share two children, a dog, and a cat.

"I am a passionate mother and wife," she says in the book. "I am an engaging therapist. I am extremely charming and well-liked. I have lots of friends. I am a member of a country club. I throw parties for every occasion you can imagine."

She's been able to have lasting relationships with her friends and family because she sought treatment and answers, which is why she pursued her PhD and started publicly speaking about her experiences.

"I am a twenty-first-century sociopath," she says. "And I've written this book because I know I'm not alone."

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