The program leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration is designed for students of outstanding ability who wish to do advanced work in preparation for careers in university teaching and research, business, and/or government. To achieve this objective, the program provides an advanced, specialized education in a business administration discipline and intensive training in research methods applicable to business problems.

More specifically, the program is designed to accomplish the following objectives:

• provide a thorough knowledge and deep insight into the main theoretical disciplines underlying the student’s fields of specialization built upon a basic understanding of business and its environment
• develop the skills, professional ethics, and competence required to design, execute, and evaluate creative and meaningful research in the student’s field of specialization
• promote individual programs of study which encourages students to customize their research and teaching interests and expertise, thereby better preparing them for successful roles as researchers, educators, business people, and policy makers.

Normally, the minimum time it will take a student to obtain the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration is four academic years beyond the undergraduate degree (a minimum of 60 graduate hours beyond the undergraduate degree), although five years may be required in order to develop a professional resume that will be attractive to potential employers.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the theories and underlying research in their areas of specialization.
2. Students will develop the analytical and methodological skills required to evaluate and discuss existing and emerging theories in their fields of specialization.
3. Students will be able to conduct original research in their areas of expertise.
4. Students will be able to communicate the results of their research in a clear and effective manner.
5. Students will develop the skills required to teach college-level classes in their area of expertise.

Admission

Criteria for admission vary by major area, and prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the director of the Ph.D. program in the Moore School of Business for details. All applicants must complete a Moore School of Business application and submit the following supporting documentation: official GMAT test scores (GRE may be substituted), official transcripts documenting all academic work, and letters of recommendation. International applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam.

Degree Requirements (60 Post-Baccalaureate Hours)

The student, in consultation with a Ph.D. advisory committee, develops a program of study giving consideration to academic background and professional objectives. The program of study must meet the general requirements outlined below.

Prerequisites

A background in the functional areas of business is helpful, but not required to enroll in the doctoral program. Those applicants admitted without a business degree or minor may be required to complete additional coursework in one or more functional areas of business and some additional mathematics may be required. Specific prerequisites may vary by major areas of concentration, and prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the faculty coordinator of the Ph.D. program in their major area of concentration for details.

Foundation Courses (6 Hours)

Research Tools (18 Hours)

All doctoral students are required to complete at least 18 semester hours of research-tools course work as specified by the major area of concentration. The specific course work required will include no more than 6 semester hours of research-tools course work from the major area of concentration and must be approved by the student’s Ph.D. advisory committee and the associate dean for research and academics.

Major Area (15 Hours Minimum)

In addition to the research-tools course work specified above, each student must complete at least 15 semester hours of course work in the major area of concentration approved by the Ph.D. advisory committee. The major areas are accounting, business policy/strategy, finance, international business, international finance, management information systems, marketing, operations research, organizational behavior/human resources, and production/operations management.

Cognate Area (9 Hours Minimum)

Students in all major areas except international business must take at least nine semester hours of cognate course work. Students in international business must complete at least 15 hours of cognate course work. The cognate area may include courses from the areas listed above, other than from the major area of concentration, or they may be taken from other areas inside or outside the Moore School of Business. All must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the associate dean for research and academics.

Dissertation Preparation (12 Hours)

A minimum of twelve hours of dissertation preparation credit are required.

Other Requirements

Admission to Candidacy

No later than three semesters, or the equivalent, into the program, all students must pass an admission-to-candidacy examination in their major areas of concentration.

Comprehensive Examination

Upon completion of the required course work, each candidate must pass a comprehensive examination consisting of a written part followed by an oral part. The oral part must be taken within three weeks of successfully completing the written examination. The examination may not be taken more than twice.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in statistical methods will be substituted for language proficiency. Evidence of proficiency will be demonstrated by successful completion of all statistical coursework on the program of study or earning a passing mark on a statistical qualifying exam administered by faculty in the student’s major area of concentration.

Dissertation

Each candidate must present a dissertation that gives evidence of original and significant research. The dissertation must be defended not later than five years after successful completion of the comprehensive examination. The candidate must defend the dissertation before a committee consisting of no fewer than four members, as prescribed by The Graduate School. General requirements concerning library deposit and publication are available from The Graduate School.

Research and Teaching

Prior to receiving the Ph.D. degree, the student must teach and participate in research under the direction of a faculty member of the Moore School of Business.