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• Best Online Ph.D. In Business Administration Programs

Best Online Ph.D. In Business Administration Programs Of 2024

Updated: Mar 21, 2024, 1:55pm

If you want to create and advance cutting-edge theories in the business world, a Ph.D. in business administration might be the right fit for you. And for maximum flexibility and minimal interruption to your life, you can earn your Ph.D. in business administration online.

This terminal doctoral degree typically requires between three and five years to complete and provides expert-level knowledge in both business and research. Graduates often go on to work as business researchers and academics.

We’ve researched the best online colleges in the U.S. and found four schools that meet our ranking criteria and deliver online Ph.D.s in business administration. Read on to learn more about each program and about how to finance your education.

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Our Methodology

We ranked four accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online business administration Ph.D. programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We listed all four schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Ph.D. in Business Administration Options

Should you enroll in a ph.d. in business administration online, accreditation for online ph.d.s in business administration, how to find the right online ph.d. in business administration for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. in business administration programs, university of north carolina at greensboro, hampton university, national university, liberty university.

Graduate Tuition

$532/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Based out of the Piedmont Triad city of Greensboro, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro features an online Ph.D. in business administration that takes five years to complete. Distance learners can remain in their current jobs and locations throughout the program.

Students spend the first three and a half years of the program on coursework and the final 18 months on their dissertations. The 54-credit curriculum covers academic research and publishing, organizational theory and behavior, and management.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Doctoral research methods, seminar in academic writing and publishing
• Concentrations Available: Strategy, international business, organizational behavior
• In-Person Requirements: No

$695/credit

Located in Hampton, Virginia, Hampton University is an HBCU that offers several online-friendly programs, including a hybrid Ph.D. in business administration. The program requires 61 credits and usually takes around three and a half years to complete. The curriculum includes a dissertation requirement, and students must complete two four-week summer residencies during their first and second years in the program.

The university prefers applicants who already hold master’s degrees in business. Prospective students must also submit GMAT scores.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 61 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Managerial economics, empirical research methods
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for online coursework and in-person residencies

$442/credit

Based out of San Diego, California, National University focuses primarily on distance learning and features an online Ph.D. in business administration that students can complete in 40 months. The 60-credit curriculum includes 10 specialization options, including project management, organizational leadership, strategic marketing and global business management.

No matter their specialization, all students must complete an original dissertation before they can graduate. NU offers a new start date for the program each Monday.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: The business environment, business financial systems
• Concentrations Available: Project management; organizational leadership; industrial/organizational psychology; homeland security: leadership and policy; health services; financial management; advanced accounting; global business management; information technology; strategic marketing

$595/credit

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University enrolls more than 135,000 students worldwide thanks in large part to its online programs. Liberty’s online Ph.D. in business administration requires 60 credits and delivers all coursework asynchronously for maximum flexibility. Students can choose from four specialization options: entrepreneurship, leadership, executive coaching, and supply chain and logistics.

Students can complete this program without ever visiting campus in Lynchburg. Military students and their spouses receive a significant tuition discount.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of applied research methods, strategic allocation of financial resources
• Concentrations Available: Entrepreneurship; executive coaching; leadership; supply chain and logistics

An online Ph.D. in business administration is the right fit for a specific type of learner. To determine whether you should pursue a doctoral degree in business administration , ask yourself a few key questions:

• What’s your budget? Distance learners generally save on expenses related to on-campus housing and transportation. Moreover, some public universities allow out-of-state students who exclusively enroll in online programs to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates. If you’re looking to save money, online learning could help.
• How much flexibility do you need? Flexibility is among the best features of distance learning. If you’re a parent or plan to work full time, you might seek an asynchronous online program, which won’t include scheduled class times.
• How do you best learn? Online learning requires a great deal of organization, discipline and time management skills. If you crave more structure or prefer closer interaction with peers and faculty, on-campus or hybrid learning might offer a better fit.

There are two key types of college accreditation : institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation is the more essential of the two. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education oversee the agencies that handle institutional accreditation, which involves vetting the quality of each school’s faculty, student services and finances.

You should enroll only at institutionally accredited schools. Otherwise, you will be ineligible for federal student aid, and employers may not recognize your degree.

Programmatic accreditation provides quality assurance for specific degree programs and departments. For an online business administration degree , you should keep an eye out for programmatic accreditation from one of three organizations:

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

Once you’re sure about pursuing an online Ph.D. in business administration, here’s what to do next.

Consider Your Future Goals

A Ph.D. in business administration suits students who want to eventually become professors or pursue other academic or research-related roles in business. A Ph.D. in business is more theory-focused than a Doctor of Business Administration , which is comparatively practice-focused and includes an applied research component.

Most academic jobs in business do not require licensure or certification. However, you may need a demonstrated history of academic writing and publishing. A Ph.D. program with a dissertation can help you satisfy those criteria.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the four programs in our guide range from $442 to $695. Over the course of a typical 60-credit Ph.D. program, this translates to approximately $26,000 to $42,00 in total tuition.

Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see if you qualify for any federal grant, loan or scholarship opportunities. You can also pursue aid through third parties such as nonprofit organizations or your prospective university.

Doctoral programs often offer graduate assistantships to help offset the cost of tuition. Some Ph.D. programs even provide students with stipends or housing allowances in exchange for them teaching undergraduate courses or assisting professors with research. However, these opportunities are often reserved for on-campus students.

What is a Ph.D. in business administration?

A Ph.D. in business administration is a terminal academic degree for students who want to become business professors or work in other academic or research-focused roles in the field.

How many years is a Ph.D. in business administration?

The best online Ph.D. programs in business administration require between three and a half and five years to complete.

Is a doctorate in business administration worth it?

It depends on your goals. If you want to advance academic scholarship and research in business or work as a professor, a doctoral business administration degree can help you reach your goals.

Which is better, a Ph.D. or a D.B.A.?

It depends on your goals. A D.B.A. focuses more on applied research, while a Ph.D. advances theory in the field.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

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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.

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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

Join us at an information session or recruiting forum to learn more about the Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth.

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.

Discover UChicago

Discover UChicago is a two-day program that introduces third-year undergraduates to the prospect of pursuing a graduate degree at UChicago and other institutions alike. At the event, Stevens Doctoral Program representatives will shed light on the program and application process, as well as navigating academic life at Chicago Booth.

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 gathered 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.

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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Conducting ground-breaking research at wharton, wharton’s phd program prepared this doctor to perform economic evaluations in health care, the diverse skill set you need to become a professor.

PhD in Management Program

A phd in management: where business research and education intersect.

Become an industry thought leader while preparing tomorrow’s business leaders.

Our fully funded PhD in Management is designed for ambitious students and professionals interested in a career in university teaching and research.

This residential program, based at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, NY, combines Ivy League rigor and real-world relevance to prepare you for successful careers in academia.

Why Get a PhD in Management?

With a strong focus on management science and applied research, this doctoral degree is ideal for someone looking to teach at the university level and contribute to the greater body of industry knowledge. Pursuing a PhD in Management is also an ideal next step for executives and senior managers who want to make a transition to academia or enhance their research skills for a successful consulting career.

Fully Funded, Highly Flexible: What Makes Cornell’s Management PhD Different?

As you explore PhD programs’ degree requirements, faculty engagement, and campus experience, Cornell stands alone.

In Cornell’s highly flexible program, you’ll choose a specific area of study and build your own dissertation committee. Our program faculty are genuinely interested and invested in your intellectual development. In this small and highly selective program, you will get to know the faculty and your peers well.

The SC Johnson Graduate School of Management is home to leading research centers and a high-impact academic journal; these open you up to unique learning and mentorship opportunities.

Business Simulation Lab

The Debra Paget and Jeffrey Berg Business Simulation Lab facilitates in-person and online behavioral research related to decision-making and problem-solving.

Discover More About BSL

Our Three-Pronged Approach to a PhD in Management

The Johnson School’s doctoral degree in management combines the best of theory and practice, building on a three-pronged foundation:

Hands-on Experience

Develop your research and analytical skills. You’ll work with classmates to examine existing literature and theories for class deliverables, which will often include your own original research.

Customizable Curriculum

Design your own academic pathway. You’ll choose one of six primary areas of study and create your own dissertation committee.

University-Wide Coursework

Draw on the expertise from across Cornell. You’ll get to select graduate-level courses from schools and colleges devoted to law , hospitality , engineering , labor relations , and other fields.

At a Glance: Cornell’s Fully Funded PhD in Management

The fully residential, fully funded PhD in Management program includes a tuition waiver and a stipend for living expenses. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

Degree Awarded

PhD in Management

Program Location

Ithaca, NY, with options in New York City

Program Format

Foundational coursework, original research, and six potential areas of study

Hear from Our Community

“PhD is a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with great people is paramount. At Cornell, I’ve found a place where amazing people come together, supporting my research and personal growth. Choosing Cornell means joining a community that knows how important it is to work with exceptional people to excel in the program.” – Elina Hur PhD ’23

Customize Your Path: Our Areas of Study

When you apply to the Johnson School’s PhD in Management, you will select a primary area of study. Choosing a concentration allows you to gain specialized skills and knowledge while growing a portfolio of original research.

Examine the role of accounting information in firms and financial markets. PhD-level research at Cornell explores topics such as how firms report information to investors, how accounting information is used to manage firms, and the nature of auditing.

Strategy & Business Economics

Use modern tools and methodologies to gain a better understanding of the world. PhD students in this area explore many aspects of economics including industrial, behavioral, labor, and organizational.

Dive deep into the financial structure and issues of organizations. Your research might look at how conflicts of interest affect corporate policy, how investor psychology affects asset pricing, or how to detect price bubbles.

Learn how theories from operations research, economics, psychology, and sociology intersect to inform corporate and consumer decisions. Your PhD studies will explore both quantitative and behavioral perspectives of marketing.

Management & Organizations

Prepare for a research-focused career in academia or industry. This versatile concentration develops skilled, innovative, analytical researchers through a broad curriculum and close faculty collaboration.

Operations, Technology, & Information Management

Develop the technical skills and behavioral analysis knowledge you need to address high-impact managerial decisions. This focus area also offers an option to complete coursework at Cornell Tech in New York City.

Idea Generation to Publication: A Career in Teaching and Research

The majority of our PhD in Management students pursue careers in academia. After graduation, many land tenure-track teaching positions at top-tier business schools and continue to advance knowledge through original research. Johnson School PhD students often field multiple offers and see starting salaries range from $150,000 to $250,000.

Finding Your Place at Cornell: Meet Our Current PhDs

Students from around the United States and across the globe arrive at the Johnson School to earn their PhD in Management—and their diverse research interests, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences make for a vibrant, enriching learning environment.

MEET CURRENT PHD STUDENTS

Research and Placements: Making an Impact in the Management Field

After earning the PhD in Management, our alumni go on to teach and inspire future leaders at top-tier institutions. Not only do they teach and conduct research alongside some of the most brilliant minds in business, but they also advance the field through publishing in leading journals and presenting their work at industry conferences.

Recent PhD in Management Placements

• Piyush Anand, PhD ’21, assistant professor of marketing, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University
• Guarav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, assistant professor, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh
• Eunjee Kim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
• Sarah Lim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Xuege Lu, PhD ’22, assistant professor, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
• Subrina Shen, PhD ’21, assistant professor, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin

Recent Research Publications

• “ Do Real Estate Values Boost Corporate Borrowing? Evidence from Contract-Level Data ” in the Journal of Financial Economics (2022) — Gaurav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, with Murillo Campello, Robert A. Connolly, and Eva Steiner
• “ Converging Tides Lift All Boats: Consensus in Evaluation Criteria Boosts Investments in Firms in Nascent Technology Sectors ” in Organization Science (2021) — Xirong (Subrina) Shen, PhD ’21, with Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, and Pamela S. Tolbert 
• “ Initial and Longer-Term Change in Unit-Level Turnover Following Leader Succession: Contingent Effects of Outgoing and Incoming Leader Characteristics ” in Organization Science (2020)— Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, with John Hausknecht and Lisa Dragoni

“ Does Regulatory Jurisdiction Affect the Quality of Investment-Adviser Regulation? ” in American Economic Review (2019) — Alan Kwan, PhD ’17, with Ben Charoenwong and Tarik Umar

Our Faculty: Accomplished Researchers, Dedicated Teachers

When you join the PhD in Management program at the Johnson School, you’ll be part of a learning community comprising more than 100 accomplished academics and thought leaders. 

Not only will you take courses with renowned professors from across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, but you also will have the opportunity to build your own faculty committee—a group that will become instrumental as you select your dissertation topic and embark on your original research.

Faculty Spotlight: Learn from Leading Thought Leaders

Throughout the PhD program—from foundational coursework to your dissertation—you’ll work closely with dedicated teacher-scholars like these:

Kristina Rennekamp

Dr. Rennekamp’s research focuses on financial accounting from a behavioral perspective. She’s widely published, with work appearing in leading academic journals such as The Accounting Review , Contemporary Accounting Research , and The Journal of Financial Reporting .

Karan Girotra

Dr. Girotra studies the digital transformation of companies, whether it’s looking at emerging tools and practices or exploring new business models. He’s frequently interviewed in an array of mainstream business media outlets, including Bloomberg BusinessWeek , Fortune , and Forbes .

Kaitlin Woolley

Dr. Woolley studies the psychological processes behind consumer motivation. She’s an award-winning educator and researcher with work published in academic journals and national media outlets including the Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing Research , and The Wall Street Journal .

EXPLORE JOHNSON SCHOOL FACULTY

What You’ll Learn: Curriculum Overview

As you pursue your PhD in business management, you’ll begin with a set of foundation courses and progress into advanced coursework in your area of interest. Through it all, your faculty committee will help make sure you’re on the right track.

Foundational Management Coursework

Early in your doctoral program, you will complete foundational coursework in management and other fields. Many of these will focus on the research process and prepare you for your dissertation.

Advanced Coursework in Your Concentration Area

As you progress in the PhD in Management program, you’ll take electives and advanced courses that align with your research area of interest; these classes can be in the Johnson School and across Cornell.

Your Dissertation: Creating Original Research

During the final part of the program, you begin work on your dissertation—the culmination of your original research. You choose the topic of research in conjunction with your committee.

VIEW PROGRAM SPECIFICS

Beyond Business: Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Dialogue

Tap into the experience and expertise of faculty members from across Cornell University.

Management is a broad science. Business leaders serve in a variety of roles in industries of all kinds: healthcare, consumer goods, agriculture, biotechnology, media, and consulting to name just a few. At Cornell, you can enrich your education and expand your research opportunities by taking courses and finding mentors beyond the college of business.

Explore fields like computer science, psychology, sociology, communication, engineering, and data science—and then connect the dots back to your management research.

Interact with peers and professors from other disciplines by participating in student organizations and special interest groups or by attending public lectures, workshops, and networking events.

Admissions Overview: How to Apply to the Management PhD Program

The ideal candidate for the Johnson School’s doctorate degree in management will have a strong record of academic excellence, a solid understanding of the research process, and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. An MBA or master’s degree is not a requirement for admission. 

Our admissions page offers more details about program prerequisites, selection criteria, requirements, deadline information, and a checklist of materials you need to submit with your application.

Connect With Cornell Admissions

The Johnson School admissions team is available to answer your questions about the program and the application process. Stop in or reach out by phone or email today.

253-D Sage Hall Johnson Graduate School of Management Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-6201

Phone: 607-255-5340 Email: Graduate Research Programs Office

The Cornell Campus: Where You Will Learn, Grow, and Thrive

Learn, grow, and thrive on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States. As a PhD student, you’ll spend a lot of time in Sage Hall, a Gothic-style building dating back to 1875. You’ll find more high-tech learning spaces just off campus at the Breazzano Family Center for Business Education. You’ll also have access to the innovative campus of Cornell Tech in New York City—particularly relevant to students focused on technology and information management. 

Attending Cornell also means you’ll call Ithaca, NY, home for about five years. Our eclectic downtown is full of eateries, shops, activities, and all of the amenities you’d need for everyday life. When you’re not in class or studying, you can explore all that the Finger Lakes region has to offer.

PhD in Management FAQ: What You Need to Know

Before you apply to a research-focused graduate program, you’re likely to want to do some deep research of your own. For instance, how does a fully funded PhD in Management work? What’s the typical completion time?

We have a robust Frequently Asked Questions section to help you learn more about our program, the admissions process, and dissertation requirements. For our international applicants, you’ll also find specific details about earning your PhD in Management.

May I speak to someone about my interest in the program and visit?

You are welcome to reach out to any professor with whom you see a good research fit. Our website also has a wealth of information about the program.

Is an interview part of the process?

We offer interviews only to a few applicants after their first screening.

May I talk to a professor or advisor?

You are welcome to contact any professor with whom you see a research match. Faculty are more likely to respond to specific research queries.

I have questions; may I write to this program email address?

Yes. Our response time will vary. We are not able to answer detailed questions that are better assessed by faculty during the application process.

May I schedule a campus tour?

Admissions does not offer campus tours for PhD program applicants. However, you may arrange an appointment with a faculty member.

Fraud alert – beware of third-party post-doc scams.

Cornell University recently has been made aware of fraudulent activity targeting overseas students and researchers, including at least one third party website falsely stating that it is offering a postdoctoral or visiting scholar program in association with Cornell. These scams, which may seek to obtain money and/or personal details from interested applicants, are fraudulent. 

Cornell wishes to warn the public about these fraudulent activities being perpetrated purportedly in the name of Cornell, and/or its officials. Please be advised that: 

• Cornell does not, nor has it, worked in collaboration with third-party companies or organizations to offer postdoctoral or research certificate programs.
• Third parties do not collect tuition or fees on behalf of Cornell.
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Start the Application Process Today

Ready to apply to our highly selective, fully funded PhD in Management? We look forward to learning more about you and your research goals. Start the application process today at the Cornell Graduate Admissions website. [You’ll first need to register for an account or log in to an existing one.]

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Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

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Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

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PhD Program

Program overview.

Now Reading 1 of 4

Rigorous, discipline-based research is the hallmark of the MIT Sloan PhD Program. The program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their fields of research—those with outstanding intellectual skills who will carry forward productive research on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.

Start here.

Learn more about the program, how to apply, and find answers to common questions.

Admissions Events

Check out our event schedule, and learn when you can chat with us in person or online.

Start Your Application

Visit this section to find important admissions deadlines, along with a link to our application.

Click here for answers to many of the most frequently asked questions.

PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous:  MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.

PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science. Our nine research groups correspond with one of the academic areas, as noted below.

MIT Sloan PhD Research Groups

Behavioral & policy sciences.

Economic Sociology

Institute for Work & Employment Research

Organization Studies

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management

Economics, Finance & Accounting

Accounting  

Management Science

Information Technology

System Dynamics  

Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the Operations Research Center .  

PhD Program Structure

Additional information including coursework and thesis requirements.

MIT Sloan Predoctoral Opportunities

MIT Sloan is eager to provide a diverse group of talented students with early-career exposure to research techniques as well as support in considering research career paths.

Rising Scholars Conference

The fourth annual Rising Scholars Conference on October 25 and 26 gathers diverse PhD students from across the country to present their research.

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The goal of the MIT Sloan PhD Program's admissions process is to select a small number of people who are most likely to successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

What We Seek

• Outstanding intellectual ability
• Excellent academic records
• Previous work in disciplines related to the intended area of concentration
• Strong commitment to a career in research

MIT Sloan PhD Program Admissions Requirements Common Questions

Dates and Deadlines

Admissions for 2024 is closed. The next opportunity to apply will be for 2025 admission. The 2025 application will open in September 2024. 

More information on program requirements and application components

Students in good academic standing in our program receive a funding package that includes tuition, medical insurance, and a fellowship stipend and/or TA/RA salary. We also provide a new laptop computer and a conference travel/research budget.

Funding Information

Throughout the year, we organize events that give you a chance to learn more about the program and determine if a PhD in Management is right for you.

PhD Program Events

Discover your doctoral path.

An in-person event for prospective students with Boston-area management programs

September 12 PhD Program Overview

During this webinar, you will hear from the PhD Program team and have the chance to ask questions about the application and admissions process.

DocNet Recruiting Forum at University of Minnesota

We will be joining the DocNet consortium for an overview of business academia and a recruitment fair at University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

September 25 PhD Program Overview

Complete PhD Admissions Event Calendar

Unlike formulaic approaches to training scholars, the PhD Program at MIT Sloan allows students to choose their own adventure and develop a unique scholarly identity. This can be daunting, but students are given a wide range of support along the way - most notably having access to world class faculty and coursework both at MIT and in the broader academic community around Boston.

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Profiles of our current students

MIT Sloan produces top-notch PhDs in management. Immersed in MIT Sloan's distinctive culture, upcoming graduates are poised to innovate in management research and education.

Academic Job Market

Doctoral candidates on the current academic market

Academic Placements

Graduates of the MIT Sloan PhD Program are researching and teaching at top schools around the world.

view recent placements 

MIT Sloan Experience

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The PhD Program is integral to the research of MIT Sloan's world-class faculty. With a reputation as risk-takers who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional, they are engaged in exciting disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that often includes PhD students as key team members.

Research centers across MIT Sloan and MIT provide a rich setting for collaboration and exploration. In addition to exposure to the faculty, PhD students also learn from one another in a creative, supportive research community.

Throughout MIT Sloan's history, our professors have devised theories and fields of study that have had a profound impact on management theory and practice.

From Douglas McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y distinction to Nobel-recognized breakthroughs in finance by Franco Modigliani and in option pricing by Robert Merton and Myron Scholes, MIT Sloan's faculty have been unmatched innovators.

This legacy of innovative thinking and dedication to research impacts every faculty member and filters down to the students who work beside them.

Faculty Links

• Accounting Faculty
• Economic Sociology Faculty
• Finance Faculty
• Information Technology Faculty
• Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER) Faculty
• Marketing Faculty
• Organization Studies Faculty
• System Dynamics Faculty
• Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management (TIES) Faculty

Student Research

“MIT Sloan PhD training is a transformative experience. The heart of the process is the student’s transition from being a consumer of knowledge to being a producer of knowledge. This involves learning to ask precise, tractable questions and addressing them with creativity and rigor. Hard work is required, but the reward is the incomparable exhilaration one feels from having solved a puzzle that had bedeviled the sharpest minds in the world!” -Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship

Sample Dissertation Abstracts - These sample Dissertation Abstracts provide examples of the work that our students have chosen to study while in the MIT Sloan PhD Program.

We believe that our doctoral program is the heart of MIT Sloan's research community and that it develops some of the best management researchers in the world. At our annual Doctoral Research Forum, we celebrate the great research that our doctoral students do, and the research community that supports that development process.

The videos of their presentations below showcase the work of our students and will give you insight into the topics they choose to research in the program.

Attention To Retention: The Informativeness of Insiders’ Decision to Retain Shares

2024 PhD Doctoral Research Forum Winner - Gabriel Voelcker

Watch more MIT Sloan PhD Program  Doctoral Forum Videos

• [email protected]

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Admission to the PhD Program

Each year, we welcome a select group of exceptional individuals to the PhD program. All students bring a readiness to commit to the most rigorous, rewarding experience of their academic careers.

Fall 2025 applications  are now open. The application deadline is December 1, 2024 at 5:00 PM PST.

1. Get to Know Us

We offer a range of resources and events that can help you determine if the program is right for you.

• Learn more about the Stanford GSB experience .
• Learn about our PhD program .
• Find out what we look for in a candidate.
• Attend a PhD recruiting event .

2. Apply to Our Program

Once you’ve decided to apply, take time to familiarize yourself with the application requirements.

• Learn about the application requirements .
• Complete your online application.

All applicants are carefully considered for their academic preparation and performance, and their potential to be outstanding researchers. We consider the strength of recommendation letters, standardized test scores, rigor of academic preparation, and alignment of research interests between students and faculty, among other areas.

Applicants may apply to the Stanford GSB PhD Program and another program at Stanford University.

See What’s Required for Your Application

• Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

Join dozens of  Stanford Graduate School of Business students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of KHS’s leadership program, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 9, 2024. Learn more about  KHS admission .

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Darden Ph.D. Program

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business offers an intellectually demanding doctoral program for a select group of high-potential applicants. Distinguished by its top-ranked faculty and world-class research centers, the doctoral program will train you as an academic researcher capable of contributing to the cutting edge research in business and management and provide you with the skills you will need for a successful career as a professor.

Unparalleled Accessibility The Ph.D. program's deliberately small size and Darden's open-door research ecosystem fosters high intellectual and emotional engagement with some of the world's leading business teachers and thinkers.

Breaking Ground Daily The Darden Ph.D. nurtures an intensive academic pursuit in an intimate environment. As candidates rigorously pursue their area of expertise, professors steward their development into field-leading researchers capable of communicating as clearly in the boardroom as the classroom.

Strategy, Ethics & Entrepreneurship

Darden's Strategy, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship (SEE) Ph.D. Program is unique in its integration of these three fields of study. While students will focus on one of the three tracks (either Strategy, Ethics, or Entrepreneurship), we place emphasis on the intersection of these topics. We bring a unique Darden perspective to creating and sustaining value -- not only for the firm, but for the stakeholders involved and for the society within which the firm operates.

Data Analytics and Decision Sciences

Darden's Data Analytics and Decision Sciences Ph.D. Program is focused on mathematical methodology with business applications and includes dynamic programming, game theory, mechanism design, machine learning, optimization, search theory, wisdom of crowds, forecasting, decision analysis, pricing and revenue management, and behavioral models of human decision making.

What Our Ph.D. Graduates Say About the Program

Kirsten Martin, Director William P. and Hazel B. White Center Professor of Technology Ethics Professor of IT, Analytics, and Operations, Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame

Sergiy Dmytriyev, Assistant Professor, Business Management at James Madison University

Jeffrey York, Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives • Research Director of the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship • Professor

Where the brightest minds converge.

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Ph.D. in Business with a Management and Strategy Area of Focus

Please note: This degree program is designed as a joint program between Management and Strategic Management & Public Policy, so the coursework consists of core courses as well as courses that are specific to one of those two fields.

Learn about the program's curriculum and comprehensive examination requirement.

Learn More About the Program & Curriculum

Admission and Financial Aid

Learn about admissions and the costs of pursuing a Ph.D. in management and strategy, and explore a variety of resources available to help finance your degree.

Learn More About Admission and Financial Aid

An overview of the research activities of our students and faculty.

Learn More About Program Research

The objective of the Management and Strategic Management & Public Policy doctoral program is to prepare students for research-oriented academic positions. The program is built on a strong foundation that consists of a critical mass of research-oriented faculty and a strong research climate. The program is cross-disciplinary by building on the faculty and research in both management and strategy. Students receive a foundation in both management and strategic management and public policy with the ability to focus on developing a research competence in a chosen field of study.

Students must meet all the general requirements of the doctoral program of the School of Business (see the Ph.D. Handbook), and meet any additional requirements of the student’s field of study.

Learn more about the Management/Strategic Management & Public Policy doctoral program at the GW School of Business from this open house on December 9, 2021.

Meet Our Doctoral Students

Lauryn Burnett

Doctoral Student of Management

Amando Cope

Ursula Martin

Urusha Thapa

Doctoral Student of Strategic Management and Public Policy

Doctoral Program Graduates and Career Placement

View the dissertation title, dissertation committee members, and current job titles of each graduate below their name.

Soolim Park (Ph.D. 2024)

• Natural Disasters and Firms’ Climate Change Mitigation (Jorge E. Rivera, Chair; Jorge Walter, Herman Aguinis, Jennifer Oetzel, Brendan Hurley)
• Assistant Professor, NEOMA Business School
• Google Scholar Profile
• Personal website

Hannah Kremer (Ph.D. 2022)

• Sharing Without Caring: How Self-Concealment Influences Idea Creativity at Work (Margaret Ormiston, Chair; Herman Aguinis, Jack Goncalo, Katina Sawyer)
• DEI Lead, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Joowon Lee (Ph.D. 2022)

• Examining the Effects of CEO Big Five Personality Traits on Technological Innovation: Evidence from S&P 500 Firms (James R. Bailey, Chair; George T. Solomon, D. Christopher Kayes, Joonmahn Lee)
• Assistant Professor, Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Kerrigan Unter (Ph.D. 2022)

• California Wineries and Climate Change: Extreme Weather Events, Resource-Supply Adaptation, and Wine Quality (Jorge Rivera, Chair; Magali Delmas; Martina Linnenluecke; Michael Mann; Jorge Walter)
• Postdoctoral research fellow for the Institute for Economy and the Environment at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Google Scholar profile

Isabel Villamor (Ph.D. 2022)

• How Virtual Work Changes Implicit Leadership Theories: Consequences for Leaders’ Evaluation (N. Sharon Hill, Chair; Herman Aguinis, Margaret Ormiston, Lynn R. Offermann)
• Assistant Professor, IESE Business School

Nawaf Alabduljader (Ph.D. 2018)

• New Venture Team Personality and New Venture Success (George T. Solomon, Chair; Herman Aguinis, D. Christopher Kayes, Charles H. Matthews)
• Assistant Professor, Kuwait University

Ravi Ramani (Ph.D. 2018)

• Invigorated and Checked-In or Depleted and Checked-Out? A Person-Centric Examination of the Effects of Voice on Employee Burnout and Turnover Intention (Herman Aguinis, Chair; James R. Bailey, Jorge Walter, N. Andrew Cohen)
• Assistant Professor, Morgan State University

Viviane Clement (Ph.D. 2017)

• From Adaptation to Transformation: A Resilience Perspective on Organizational Responses to Ecological Adversity (Jorge Rivera, Chair; Tima Bansal; Michael Mann; James Wade; Jorge Walter)
• Senior Policy Analyst, World Bank

Young Hun Ji (Ph.D. 2017)

• Understanding the Gender Performance Gap Among Star Performers in STEM Fields (Herman Aguinis, Chair; N. Andrew Cohen, N. Sharon Hill, James B. Wade)
• Senior Data Scientist, Aiven

Lili Yan (Ph.D. 2016)

• Corruption in a Multinational Context: Two Essays (Robert J. Weiner, Co-Chair; Timothy L. Fort, Co-Chair; Jennifer J. Griffin; Steven R. Salbu; Eun-Hee Kim)
• Assistant Professor of Business Ethics, St. Mary’s College

Yoona Youm (Ph.D. 2016)

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Business Groups: An Examination of Korean Business Groups, Chaebols, and the Initiation of CSR Programs (Jennifer J. Griffin, Chair; Susan L. Kulp; Vanessa Perry; Anupama Phene)
• Assistant Professor, Loyola University-Chicago

Kevin May (Ph.D. 2015)

• Entrepreneurial Founder Team Composition and Its Influence on Firm Performance: A Social Capital Perspective (George T. Solomon, Chair; Erik K. Winslow, N. Andrew Cohen, Vanessa G. Perry, Shivraj Kanungo)
• Assistant Professor of Practice, The Catholic University of America; Co-Founder, GenB, Inc.

Juan Roeschmann (Ph.D. 2015)

• Is Environmental Certification Associated with Price Premiums? The Case of Costa Rica Hotel and Community Certification Programs (Jorge Rivera, Chair; Eun-Hee Kim; Donald Hawkins; Jorge Walter; Robert Savickas)
• Consultant and Partner, RG Group

Smita Trivedi (Ph.D. 2014)

• Creating Livelihoods: Indian Women Entrepreneur Networks in the Context of Poverty (Timothy L. Fort, Co-Chair; Jennifer J. Griffin, Co-Chair; Stuart L. Hart; Vanessa G. Perry; Shaista E. Khilji; Alex V. Krasnikov)
• Associate Professor, San Francisco State University

Jeewhan Yoon (Ph.D. 2014)

• Team Learning and Financial Performance: The Effects of Psychological Safety and Team Supervisor Support (D. Christopher Kayes, Chair; Patrick P. McHugh, George T. Solomon, N. Sharon Hill, Lynn R. Offermann)
• Professor, Korea University

Vivianna Fang He (Ph.D. 2013)

• Learning from Failure: The Making of Entrepreneurial Leaders (George T. Solomon, Chair; James R. Bailey, Shyam Giridharadas, D. Christopher Kayes, Sheetal Singh)
• Associate Professor, University of St. Gallen

Patricia Kanashiro (Ph.D. 2013)

• Corporate Environmental Strategy: Institutional and Governance Perspectives (Jorge Rivera, Chair; Mark Starik; Rafael Lucea; Timothy Fort; Martha Carter)
• Associate Professor, Loyola University Maryland

Jae Hyeung Kang (Ph.D. 2012)

• CEOs' Transformational Leadership and Managers' Innovative Behavior: The Investigation of Intervening Effects in an Entrepreneurial Context (George T. Solomon, Chair; Erik K. Winslow, Sheetal Singh, D. Christopher Kayes, Ayman E. Tarabishy)
• Associate Professor, Oakland University

Crystal Han-Huei Tsay (Ph.D. 2012)

• Understanding Students' Adaptation to Graduate School: An Integration of Social Support Theory and Social Learning Theory (D. Christopher Kayes, Chair; Erik K. Winslow, N. Sharon Hill, George T. Solomon, Shyam Giridharadas)
• Deputy Head of the Executive Business Centre and Associate Professor, University of Greenwich

Charles Koerber (Ph.D. 2011)

• Lending to Low- and Moderate-Income Borrowers: The Impact of Lender Board Composition, Stakeholder Outreach, and Regulatory Environment (Jennifer J. Griffin, Chair; Timothy Fort; Vanessa G. Perry; J. Howard Beales, III; Ernie Englander)

Junghyun Lee (Ph.D. 2011)

• The Effects of Leadership Behavior on Workplace Harassment, Employee Outcomes, and Organizational Effectiveness in Small Businesses (Jaclyn M. Jensen, Chair; George T. Solomon, Tjai M. Nielsen, M. Susan Taylor, Lynn R. Offermann)
• Associate Professor, University of Michigan-Dearborn

J. Mark Phillips (Ph.D. 2011)

• The Entrepreneurial Esquire: Entrepreneurial Climate as a Mediator Between Transformational Leadership and Performance in Law Firms (Erik K. Winslow, Chair; George T. Solomon, James R. Bailey, Ayman E. Tarabishy, N. Sharon Hill)
• Associate Professor, Belmont University

Peter Tashman (Ph.D. 2011)

• Corporate Climate Change Adaptation, Vulnerability and Environmental Performance in the United States Ski Resort Industry (Jorge Rivera, Chair; Mark Starik; Tim Fort; Eun-Hee Kim; Jennifer Spencer)
• Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts-Lowell

David A. Tomczyk (Ph.D. 2010)

• The Relationship Between Long-Term Video Game Playing and Individuals' Entrepreneurial Traits and Intent: An Exploratory Study (George T. Solomon, Chair; Erik K. Winslow, John M. Artz, N. Sharon Hill, Ayman E. Tarabishy)
• Associate Professor, Quinnipiac University

Michelle Westermann-Behaylo (Ph.D. 2010)

• The relationship between corporate ethical climate and stakeholder management (Timothy L. Fort, Chair; Jorge Rivera; Shawn L. Berman)
• Faculty, University of Amsterdam

Timothy S. Clark (Ph.D. 2009)

• Strategic orientation toward sustainability: The role of investor relations officers (Mark Starik, Chair; Timothy Fort; Vanessa G. Perry)
• Associate Professor, Northern Arizona University (Retired)

George Hrivnak (Ph.D. 2009)

• Extending a model of leader-member exchange development: Individual and dyadic effects of personality, similarity and liking (Tjai M. Nielsen, Chair; James R. Bailey, Lynn R. Offermann)
• Associate Professor of Management and Associate Dean - Learning & Teaching, Bond University (Australia)

Kristin M. Lamoureux (Ph.D. 2009)

• Success factors of cross-sector volunteer tourism partnerships involving U.S. federal land agencies (Donald E. Hawkins, Chair; Larry Yu; Jorge Rivera)
• Director of the MSBA-HTM Graduate program and Collegiate Professor, Virginia Tech University

Lu Zhang (Ph.D. 2008)

• Corporate social responsibility, applicants' ethical predispositions, and organizational attraction: A person-organization fit perspective (Mary A. Gowan, Chair; Timothy Fort, Jaclyn M. Jensen, Patrick P. McHugh, Cynthia Kay Stevens)
• Associate Professor, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (South Korea)

Elizabeth Alexander (Ph.D. 2007)

• The effects of institutional environment upon innovation and performance: Collaborative external knowledge strategies in the cellular telephone industry (Jennifer Spencer, Chair; Hildy Teegan; Ernie Englander; Bing-Sheng Teng; Paul Almeida)
• Reader in International Management, Head of Leadership, Work & Organisation Subject Group, Newcastle University

Jie Jiao (Ph.D. 2007)

• International acquisition strategies of Chinese firms: A multi -theoretic examination (Bing-Sheng Teng, Chair; Jiawen Yang; Ernie Englander; Lee Burke; Jennifer Spencer)
• Professor, Tsinghua University

Gary A. Bojes (Ph.D. 2006)

• Orchestrating strategy implementation: A grounded theory approach to environmental management in strategies focused on the Chesapeake Bay (Mark Starik, Chair; James Thurman; Richard Donnelly; Pradeep Rau)
• Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Thomas A. Hemphill (Ph.D. 2005)

• Cooperative strategy and technology standards-setting: A study of United States wireless telecommunications industry standards development (James Thurman, Chair; Robert Rycroft; Joel Cook; Ernie Englander; Nicholas Vonortas)
• David M French Professor and Professor of Management, The University of Michigan-Flint

Pramila Rao (Ph.D. 2005)

• Executive staffing practices in United States of America-Mexico business joint ventures (Paul M. Swiercz, Chair; John F. Lobuts Jr., Donna Lind Infeld, Hildy J. Teegen, Mary A. Gowan, Jennifer W. Spencer)
• Associate Professor of Human Resource Management, Marymount University

Kalpana Seethepalli (Ph.D. 2005)

• Risk, structure and performance: An analysis of private investor strategies in emerging economy electricity markets (Hildy Teegan, Chair; Jennifer Spencer; Mark Starik; Bing-Sheng Teng; Jonathan Doh)
• ESG Director, Deutsche Bank

Gurneeta Vasudeva (Singh) (Ph. D. 2005)

• How national institutions influence firms' knowledge -building alliance strategies: A longitudinal study of fuel cell technology development (Jennifer Spencer, Co-Chair; Hildy Teegan, Co-Chair; Nicholas Vonortas; Ernie Englander; Paul Almeida)
• Associate Professor, University of Minnesota

Souha Riad Ezzedeen (Ph.D. 2003)

• Rethinking Work-life Balance: Development and Validation of the Cognitive Intrusion of Work Scale (Paul M. Swiercz, Chair; William C. Adams, John F. Lobuts Jr., E. Gustave Marits, Gordon E. Dehler, John L. Glascock)
• Associate Professor, York University (Canada)

Stephen McGuire (Ph.D. 2003)

• Entrepreneurial organizational culture: Construct definition and instrument development and validation (Patrick P. McHugh, Chair; John F. Lobuts Jr., E. Gustave Marits, Richard G. Donnelly, Theorore H. Rosen, William R. Baber)
• Professor of Management, California State University at Los Angeles

James D. Oldson (Ph.D. 2003)

• A comparative analysis of the predictive strengths of an assessment center and a 360-degree evaluation process to forecast managerial performance in entry-level managers (Mark Starik, Chair; Kathryn Newcomer; Marilyn Liebrenz-Himes; Larry Williams; Charles Toftoy)

Jeffrey L. Cummings (Ph.D. 2002)

• Knowledge transfer across R&D units: An empirical investigation of the factors affecting successful knowledge transfer across intra- and inter-organizational units (James Thurman, Chair; Richard Donnelly; Ernie Englander; Bing-Sheng Teng; Nancy Dixon)
• Professor, Loyola University Maryland

Mark A. Heuer (Ph.D. 2001)

• Firm-stakeholder connectedness in the deregulating electric utility business: Exchange relationships in a network context (Mark Starik, Chair; Pradeep Rau; Ernie Englander; Bing-Sheng Teng; Sharon Levin)
• Associate Professor, Susquehanna University (Retired)

Jonathan P. Doh (Ph.D. 2001)

• Private investment, entrepreneurial entry, and partner collaboration in emerging markets telecommunications: The impact of country, industry, and firm-level factors (Hildy Teegan, Chair; Mark Starik; Aseem Prakash; Jennifer Spencer; Sidney Weintraub)
• Associate Dean of Research and Global Engagement; Herbert G. Rammrath Endowed Chair in International Business; Co-Faculty Director, The Elenore and Robert F. Moran Sr. Center for Global Leadership; Professor, Management & Operations, Villanova University

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Why a Doctorate in Business Administration Is Becoming More Valuable

Sponsor content from upGrad.

At the turn of the 20th century, the world was industrializing at a rapid pace. Businesses were growing larger and more complex, with more employees working in more diversified divisions spread across more geographical boundaries.

As a result, demand grew for people who had special training in managing the general operations of a business, which led to the creation and proliferation of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

More than 100 years later, MBAs have become a commodity that no longer serve organizations’ core needs.

In today’s age of data and information, knowledge has become the most valuable resource. Companies don’t necessarily need more general managers who can assess broad patterns across multiple industries—they need people with deep expertise in specific domains who can analyze data and generate unique insights that lead to better business decisions.

That’s why Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) holders are becoming increasingly valuable in the modern workplace.

DBA is a professional degree representing the highest level of qualification in management. In contrast to an MBA, it takes students on a different path toward acquiring and using business knowledge.

For an MBA, students spend two years taking a broad range of practical courses to learn about several pillars of business—such as accounting, finance, marketing, leadership, operations, strategy, and ethics—to help them become effective leaders across many industries.

By contrast, DBAs spend up to two years studying academic literature across several domains and up to two additional years designing and executing an original research project: a dissertation focused on one domain. The primary goal of a DBA is to produce scholarly individuals who have deep expertise in a field of management.

When seeking executive-level positions, DBAs’ “Dr.” titles are likely to help them stand out from their peers. DBAs can also pursue high-level positions in areas such as consulting by becoming subject-matter experts—or maintain ties with academia as full-time or adjunct professors.

DBAs’ training gives them diverse career options. The academic literature they read gives them expertise in understanding management theories that can help them analyze real-world situations and differentiate the signal from the noise. A DBA specializing in innovation can assess whether newcomers to a market pose a credible threat as a disruptive innovation to an existing company.

Students then learn advanced scientific techniques in quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, which trains them in analyzing data to generate valid inferences that their organizations can use for decision-making purposes. Rather than relying on gut feel and graphs, DBAs can use powerful techniques such as sampling data to reduce bias, using statistical regressions to identify the strongest factors that influence an outcome, or designing an experiment to gain 100% certainty over the causal relationship between variables.

Finally, DBAs combine their business knowledge with analytical skills to design and execute original research studies, making them the world’s leading experts in particular domains.

DBAs also stand out because they represent only 2% of all people who hold higher degrees in business. In 2021, more than 250,000 students graduated with MBAs or specialist degrees in business; only 5,000 graduated with doctorates.

While a DBA may represent an attractive option that can be highly valuable to organizations today, they are not necessarily recommended for everyone.

To help you determine whether a DBA is right for you, the most important question to ask yourself centers on whether you’re satisfied with the tools and frameworks you use to analyze data and information to make important business decisions. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where these frameworks come from—or whether there might be a better way to make decisions—consider applying to a DBA program. These programs are designed to channel deep intellectual interests and passions toward producing business knowledge that’s both theoretically novel and practically relevant.

DBA training may help you develop deeper knowledge than an MBA program will while opening doors to more ambitious careers in industry or academia. While MBA degrees are designed to meet the needs of 20th-century businesses, DBAs can help meet the needs of organizations today—and well into the future.

Learn more about how earning a DBA can help you step up your career.

Business Administration PhD

The Berkeley Haas PhD Program offers six fields of academic study, for a curriculum of unusual richness and breadth. Since the program enrolls only 14 to 16 new PhD students each year, you will work very closely with the faculty members in their chosen specialties. This close partnership, coupled with the diverse academic and cultural backgrounds of our PhD students, fosters an atmosphere of close collaboration and intellectual curiosity.

The Berkeley Haas PhD Program is strongly oriented toward discipline and research. Emphasis is placed on preparing you to evaluate the state of knowledge in your particular field and to advance it through the application of theory from the social sciences, mathematics, or statistics.

Upon applying to the program, you are required to choose a field of study, which will not only determine your course work but also focus your future employment opportunities. You may choose from the following six fields:

• Business and Public Policy
• Management of Organizations
• Real Estate

Contact Info

Inquiry Form

2220 Piedmont Ave

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Department(s)

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 2, 2024

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

Classes Begin August 26

The fall semester begins on August 26. Reach out to your student success coordinator or enrollment counselor to get registered for classes. 

• Admission & Aid
• Student Life

Online Ph.D. in Business

Gain the skills needed to make an impact through research, teaching, and leadership in the global business landscape.

Programs & Requirements

Mission & goals.

• Career Outcomes
• Request Info

Push the boundaries of your career. Change the business landscape. Be impactful.

Nobody makes it as far in the business world as you have without drive and determination. An online PhD in Business degree couples that tenacity with advanced business knowledge and skills, giving you a chance to push beyond your career's current boundaries and create brand-new expectations for yourself and your organization.

A PhD in Business is the highest academic credential attainable in the field of business. The degree is typically designed to prepare candidates for careers in academia, research, and other roles that require complex problem-solving. To that end, the PhD in Business online program at Cumberlands focuses on original research and developing new theories to further the body of knowledge in your discipline. If you think you have what it takes, and if you want to advance your business career even further, take this as your sign to consider pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in business management at University of the Cumberlands.

By the Numbers

Doctor of philosophy in business.

The online PhD in Business from University of the Cumberlands will impart the skills you need to stay at the cutting edge of innovations in business, along with the tools you need to teach at postsecondary institutions. You’ll learn the business philosophy, critical thinking skills, and evidence-based practices necessary to excel in teaching, research, or business roles.

Our PhD in Business online program builds on your undergraduate and graduate work, as well as your practical, real-world business experience. In addition to professional research courses, you’ll take core business courses in areas ranging from comparative economics and corporate finance to managerial ethics and social responsibility.

The curriculum for this online PhD in Business program—including all coursework and field and clinical experiences—will engage you in the theories, strategies, and tactics you need to:

• Research and attain business discipline-specific knowledge and competencies.
• Develop business-related professional skills—from communication to collaboration.
• Assess your personal values, connecting them with ethical business and research behaviors.

Course Requirements

• BACC 731 - Advanced Managerial Accounting  
• BADM 733 - Strategic Marketing: Research and Practice  
• BADM 734 - Corporate Finance: Fiscal Management in a Global Climate  
• BADM 735 - Comparative Economics  
• BADM 737 - Managerial Ethics and Social Responsibility  
• BADM 838 - Strategic Thinking, Decision-Making and Innovation  
• DSRT 734 - Inferential Statistics in Decision-making  
• DSRT 834 - Advanced Statistical Applications  
• DSRT 837 - Professional Writing and Proposal Development  
• DSRT 850 - Qualitative Research Methods  
• DSRT 736 - Dissertation Seminar  
• DSRT 839 - Advanced Research Methods  
• DSRT 930 - Dissertation  
• DSRT 931 - Dissertation  

A content specialty area of at least twenty-four (24) hours must be earned in one of these disciplines:

• Business Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Healthcare Administration
• Project Management
• Public Administration
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management

For a full list of course offerings or more program-specific information, visit our Academic Catalog . 

Take the Next Step

• Schedule a Visit

Request Information

The mission of the Plaster Graduate School of Business is to foster academic excellence and student achievement at the graduate level. Our PhD in Business Management prepare you academically to become a productive, competent, and ethical professional.

PhD in Business Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Chief Executive: $122,480

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

Advertising Manager: $133,380

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services.

Market Research Analyst: $68,230

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

Management Analyst: $93,000

Management analysts recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency.

Personal Financial Advisor: $94,170

Personal financial advisors provide advice to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future.

Sales Manager: $127,490

Sales managers direct organizations' sales teams.

Common Questions

A PhD in Business is the highest academic credential attainable in the field of business. The degree is typically designed to prepare candidates for careers in academia, research, and other roles that require complex problem-solving. To that end, the program focuses on original research and developing new theories to further the body of knowledge in your discipline. Doctoral candidates pursue interdisciplinary coursework to gain a strong professional foundation. They also take courses on research skills in preparation for completing an original dissertation. 

Many students wonder if a PhD in Business is the same as a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). While both are doctoral degrees, these programs differ in a few ways—most notably in their approach to research. Because a PhD is traditionally intended for those pursuing careers in academia, this program emphasizes original rather than applied research. PhD candidates focus on making contributions that advance the field of business. DBA programs also require research, but the focus is on applying existing theories to real-world business problems.

PhD and DBA programs may also lead to different professional outcomes. Many students pursue a PhD in Business because they intend to teach in a postsecondary setting or work as researchers. On the other hand, a DBA is designed for business practitioners who hope to attain advanced leadership roles in their organizations. That said, after earning a PhD in Business Management, many graduates pursue a business career outside the realm of academia. With a doctoral degree, you’ll be ready to choose the path that’s right for you.

Earning your PhD in Business online could unlock several management and leadership career paths. Many lucrative fields offer room for growth as you pursue your business leadership aspirations.

After earning an online PhD in Business, you could pursue career paths such as:

• Financial Manager
• Healthcare Administrator
• Project Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Management Analyst

All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation – and we even include free textbooks through our One Price Promise! For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.

Among other things, by the time you complete the PhD in Business online program at Cumberlands, you will be able to:

• Research and attain business discipline-specific knowledge and competencies,
• Develop business-related professional skills—from communication to collaboration, and

Each course lasts eight weeks, called a bi-term. There are two bi-terms per semester, and three semesters per year (fall, spring, and summer). Many classes are asynchronous, meaning there is no set login time; you can work on schoolwork whenever you find time. Cumberlands provides free rental textbooks to online students as part of its One Price Promise. 

Faculty Experts

Get to know the doctoral business faculty at Cumberlands.

Dr. Gary Moss

Contact information.

Margaret Combs

Dr. Stephanie Thacker

Program accreditation.

The Hutton School of Business at University of the Cumberlands has received specialized accreditations for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please refer to our IACBE member status page

Please review our  Public Disclosure of Student Achievement.

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What title to put on a professional business card, for a person with a PhD

Is there a correct or preferred format for indicating 'Dr' or 'PhD' (or both) on a professional business card.

Background: I am employed in the industry and I have just earned my PhD (in social science). My company wants to update my business card.

The following are two options:

• Dr Name, PhD, University Name
• Name, PhD, University Name

I am told that it may be a sign of arrogance but I am also told that if you have earned it, you deserve it.

• 6 What country are you located in and what type of company is this? –  Irwin Commented May 7, 2013 at 2:44
• Its Australia and an advocacy company. –  Javeer Baker Commented May 7, 2013 at 3:21
• 2 I read it more of a sign of insecurity rather than arrogance when one seems to feel the need to shove your degree in people's faces. As you've pointed out, there are many feelings about this. I wouldn't do it but many do. –  mako Commented May 2, 2015 at 22:32
• 7 I think that getting a PhD is an accomplishment and people's insecurities are their own issue, not the PhDs'!!!! If in our society we rethought and recognized how much we could learn from someone that is more educated then ourselves; maybe just maybe we could elevate USA right back to the number one nation in the world..... When did we chose to disrespect educated people and why? We are in peril as a country and have uneducated people leading our country, people that can't even balance a budget!!?! So I say USE YOUR PhD!!!! –  user35978 Commented Jun 17, 2015 at 9:37

5 Answers 5

"Dr Name, PhD" is redundant, so this usage is often discouraged. If you are going to indicate the degree, I'd recommend "Name, PhD" rather than "Dr Name" since it's more informative (at the very least it will keep anyone from thinking you are a medical doctor). In the U.S. it's not common to indicate the university, but I think I've seen it more often in other countries.

I'd suggest thinking carefully before indicating your degree on a business card. Some people without PhDs may respond bitterly, like you are bragging about your accomplishments or implying that your expertise is more valuable than theirs. At the same time, some people with PhDs will look down on it as well, in a status hierarchy:

Some insecure people without PhDs feel resentful and don't want to be distinguished from PhD holders.

Some insecure people with PhDs try hard not to be confused with group 1, thereby irritating those people all the more.

Some better-established PhD holders aren't worried about being confused with group 1, but now they don't want to be confused with group 2, so they pointedly denounce emphasizing your degree as being tacky and in poor taste.

As a rule of thumb, I would omit the degree from your business card unless it's important for your credibility (i.e., the skills from your PhD are professionally important and people would otherwise assume you don't have them).

The one situation in which you should absolutely not indicate a degree is if it's irrelevant. For example, if you're an accountant with a PhD in literature, then your business card should not read "Name, PhD."

• 14 This is very dependent on culture. For instance, in Germany the "Dr." is pretty much considered part of your name once you earned it, and higher-ups in industry are said to respond almost irresponsibly well to it. Furthermore, I wonder whether -- if you put your degree on the card -- you should give the field you obtained your degree in (no matter whether PhD or Masters); the distinction may be relevant in interdisciplinary contexts of if your degree is not the obvious fit for your field. –  Raphael Commented Jun 2, 2014 at 23:43
• 3 Nice answer. There's even an econ paper modeling the three-point scenario you describe by Harbaugh and To . –  Corvus Commented May 2, 2015 at 21:44
• 1 If you feel the need to wave around your degree, I might think that you are insecure but I'm not particularly worried about other people confusing me as like you. I'm not going to "pointedly denounce emphasizing your degree" but if you ask a question in an online forum about how to style your name, I'll give you my advice. :) –  mako Commented May 2, 2015 at 22:39

My time in industry is longer than in academia. I would like to provide you with my opinion.

I would suggest

Name, PhD in Discipline name, University name Job title

I think university name is optional. The discipline name is necessary because people want to know what you know. PhD in physics is very different from PhD in social science.

Please be aware of the possible negative effects of adding the PhD title.

There are quite a bit anti-academia attitude in industry. Some people dislike academics. They believe the academians know nothing but theory. They rather do business with non-academians. For me, I deeply respect academics. I believe a company can offer me good quality products if they have PhDs as some of their employees. So, I am more willing to do business with them. However, I think I am minority. Many industry people do not think that way.

If your employer is a consulting company, your title can be helpful. The PhD title can convince your clients you can offer them high value services. If your employeer is a constructing company, you might want to think twice before you update your business card.

• @scaaahu Thanks a lot. I was based in the School of Arts and my dissertation is in the Social Sciences, so is PhD (Social Science) appropriate? Or do I need to mention the specific research area as we do specialise at this level? –  Javeer Baker Commented May 7, 2013 at 5:13
• @JaveerBaker I think PhD in Social Science is enough. If anybody wants to know more, they can ask. Then it's up to you and the timing to talk about it in more details. Some may not be interested in your title, they will just ignore what area in social science. –  Nobody Commented May 7, 2013 at 5:24
• What about Bachelor resp. Master degrees if either is your highest one? –  Raphael Commented Jun 2, 2014 at 23:44
• 1 @Raphael I never saw anyone put master/bachelor title on their business card in the US or my current location(Asia). I don't know about Europe. But, that's just me. –  Nobody Commented Jun 3, 2014 at 2:12
• There are quite a bit anti-academia attitude in industry. Supporting evidence? –  Leon Meier Commented Dec 25, 2017 at 13:31

In your case, I would suggest "Yes, put Javeer Baker, Ph.D " on your card. You could optionally put "in social science" on it if you'd like.

I cannot speak about the culture in Australia, but in the United States and Canada, it is appropriate to put your title (Ph.D) on your business card if the industry generally is supportive of or respects academics, or in which high degrees are not common. I might guess Australia's culture is similar.

Industries that would want to be proud to have a Ph.D on staff especially would be non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, research think-tanks, and consulting. As you said that your employer was an advocacy group, I believe that putting your degree on your business card is beneficial.

Industries in which you would NOT put your degree on your business card would probably be software high-tech (because no one cares) or in academia (not because no one cares, but basically any assistant professor and up basically has a Ph.D and therefore it's not impressive), or, as mentioned above, a construction management company or similar.

(As an aside, a whole bunch of people at a conference I was at rolled their eyes when they saw one of the authors wrote " name , Ph.D" on a paper.)

• 1 Just a remark: I believe I've heard Sergey Brin once mentioning that Google was so successful because it hired many PhD's. –  texnic Commented Jan 28, 2016 at 15:01

In your particular case, working for a advocacy company and being asked to update your business card, you can overlook the snarky comments. I believe that only medical doctors use the Dr honorific on their business card. So John Smith, Ph.D. seems sufficient. There is no reason to to add university nor discipline. It is a nice ice breaker in a conversation when people ask "what is your PhD in?" and you can position your expertise into the context of the meeting.

As for the Dr John Smith, yes by all means that is how you should be addressed on letters and in other contexts, or even simply as Dr Smith.

You have worked hard for your PhD, so you have earned the recognition that goes with it. As for the people with insecurities, it is how you conduct yourself that makes the difference between coming across as a knowledgeable consultant or a pretentious person.

• In the U.S., even medical doctors put the degree on professional cards to let everyone know they're "real doctors." –  Bob Brown Commented Oct 27, 2016 at 11:55
• @BobBrown, thanks for the extra detail. On another forum I was razed for putting the word engineer in scare quotes. The trolls wouldn't accept that unqualified persons using the engineering designation would not want to be treated for medical conditions by persons without suitable medical training and qualifications. So then why should critical infrastructure then be built by unqualified persons without suitable oversight. –  CyberFonic Commented Nov 15, 2016 at 20:45

The style chosen is at the discretion of the one conferred with the doctorate. These are styles are common in the UK - they can include all qualifications, including professional certifications:

• Dr. Name, PhD, MSc, BSc
• Dr. Name, MD, MBChB, BSc DRCOG, MRCGP

The doctorate position and its responsibilities are accompanied with certain rights and privileges including the title and style. You can even have your passport include the Dr. It is a legal right. If you have just earned a doctorate, wear it proudly and congratulations, Dr.

• I didn't know one could include "Dr." in the passport in the UK, thought it was only the German exactness :) –  texnic Commented Jan 28, 2016 at 14:54
• 1 In the UK, post-nominals for academic degree are usually in order of level, lowest first, I.e BSc, MSc, PhD. –  rturnbull Commented Oct 27, 2016 at 9:13

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50 Best Online PhD in Business Administration Programs [2024 Guide]

Are you looking for online PhD in Business Administration programs? Here you can compare schools and programs and get the info you need.

With a healthy job market and the potential to earn an average salary of between $63,000 and $184,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), earning your doctoral business degree can be a smart choice.

You can choose to teach the topics you’re interested in or continue thriving in your business career.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

List of Schools Offering Online PhD in Business Administration Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Alliant International University

With its main campus in San Diego, Alliant International University is a private, benefit corporation with other campuses in California and Mexico.

It was founded in 2001 by combining two institutions: the United States International University (USIU) and the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP).

Alliant International University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

2. Baker College

Founded in 1911, Baker College is a not-for-profit, private college headquartered in Michigan with campuses in 8 other locations in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

The university is a member of the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (MACRAO) Transfer Agreement, which facilitates the transfer of up to 30 credit hours to meet general education requirements.

Baker College  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Bellevue University

Situated in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University is a non-profit, private university. It started operation in 1966 and was named Bellevue College. In 1977, Bellevue gained full accreditation and, in 1994, became Bellevue University.

The Bellevue University teams are nicknamed the Bruins and are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Bellevue University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

4. California Baptist University

Located in Riverside, California, California Baptist University (Cal Baptist or CBU) is a Christian, private, liberal arts university. It was founded in 1950 and is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention.

It is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level and competes in the Western Athletic Conference in almost all sports.

California Baptist University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

5. California Southern University

Located in Costa Mesa, California, California Southern University is a private university that was founded in 1978 as a correspondence school and received its first approval to provide degrees from the California Department of Education.

It is also a part of the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools.

California Southern University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

6. Capella University

Capella University is an online university based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was originally called the Graduate School of America. In 2007, the university was one of the institutions to receive the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE). This was valid until 2012.

Capella University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. Capitol Technology University

Founded in 1927, Capitol Technology University is a private university located in South Laurel, Maryland.

U.S. News & World Report acknowledged Capitol for having one of the top online engineering degree programs and for a top graduate engineering program in “Student Services and Technology.”

Capital Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

8. Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (The Chicago School) is a private college. Its main campus is in Chicago, Illinois. It has other campuses in Richardson, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Irvine, CA, Washington, DC, and San Diego, CA.

It was established in the year 1979 by educators and psychologists.

The Chicago School  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

9. City University of New York – Baruch College

Located in New York City, Baruch College (officially the Bernard M. Baruch College) is a public constituent college of the City University of New York system. Its roots go back to 1847 to the founding of the Free Academy, which was the first institution of free public higher education in the United States.

Baruch College team athletes are nicknamed Bearcats and participate as members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III.

Baruch College  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

10. Cambridge College

Boston, Massachusetts, has been home to the prestigious Cambridge College, a private academy, since 1971. With four other campuses around the country, Cambridge has expounded upon its distance learning programs to award students with undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.

Cambridge College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

11. City University of Seattle

Located in Seattle, Washington, City University of Seattle (formally called City College) is a private university that was established in 1973. It has campuses all around the world in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Vietnam.

U.S. News & World Report ranked City University of Seattle as having one of the best online bachelor’s degree programs for six years in a row.

City University of Seattle  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

12. Colorado Technical University

Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a university located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with another campus in Denver.

Military Times ranked the school number 1 in its “Best for Vets” category for online and non-traditional universities.

Colorado Technical University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

13. Concordia University Chicago

Located in River Forest, Illinois. Concordia University Chicago is a private liberal arts university that was founded in 1864. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

Concordia University Chicago’s sports teams are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III. Concordia Chicago has also been a member of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) since 2006.

Concordia University Chicago  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

14. Drexel University

With its headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is a private research university founded in 1891.

The university’s athletes, known as the Drexel Dragons, participate in the NCAA’s Division I as members of the Colonial Athletic Association. The university also has 33 club teams, including water polo, lacrosse, triathlon, squash, and cycling.

Drexel University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

15. Felician University

Felician University is a Roman Catholic, private university located in New Jersey with affiliation to the Catholic Felician Sisters. It was founded in 1942.

Felician athletes participate as members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II. The athletes are nicknamed the Golden Falcons and are members of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC).

Felician University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

16. Franklin University

Franklin University is located in Downtown Columbus Ohio, founded in 1902. The programs are designed to help students to find success while earning their degree and earn the #1 online college in Ohio award and consistently rank as a top Military Friendly school.

Franklin University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

17. George Fox University

George Fox University (GFU) is a Christian university located in Newberg, Oregon. It was founded in 1891 as a school for Quakers. It is affiliated with the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends.

George Fox University was ranked a first-tier regional university in the West by U.S. News & World Report. George Fox was also rated as one of the four best Christian colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.

George Fox University  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

18. Grand Canyon University

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, Christian university that was founded in 1949. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Christian Church.

Grand Canyon University athletes are nicknamed the Antelopes and are currently members of the NCAA Division I participating in the Western Athletic Conference.

Grand Canyon University  has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.

19. Hampton University

With its main campus in Hampton, Virginia, Hampton University is a private, historically black university (HBCU) that was founded in 1868.

Hampton’s athletes are nicknamed the Pirates, and its sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (FCS for football). In 2016, Hampton was also the first HBCU to field a Division I men’s lacrosse team.  It is the only HBCU with a competitive sailing team.

Hampton University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

20. Humboldt International University

Humboldt International University is a public university located in Arcata, California, that was established in 1913. The Princeton Review has named HIU as one of the Best Western Colleges.

Humboldt was ranked one of the best public schools and one of the best schools for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

Humboldt International University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

21. Indiana Wesleyan University

Located in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is one of the largest Christian, private universities in Indiana. It was founded in 1920 and has an affiliation with the Wesleyan church.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Wildcats, and the university sponsors 18 varsity teams that participate in NAIA Division II in men’s and women’s basketball and NCAA Division I in all other sports.

Indiana Wesleyan University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

22. Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University first opened as a private junior college in 1934 and began offering higher degrees in 1956. Today, Jacksonville University serves students across the US and in 45 other countries. There are over 100 different majors offered at JU, and students are able to earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

Jacksonville University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

23. Johnson & Wales University

With its main campus in Providence, Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is a career-oriented, private university that was founded in 1914. It also has campuses in Charlotte, NC, Miami, FL, and Denver, CO.

The athletic teams of Johnson & Wales University have been nicknamed the Wildcats, and Willie T. Wildcat is their mascot.

Johnson & Wales University  is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

24. Kansas State University

Headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, Kansas State University is a public research university with its roots going back to 1863.

The school’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats, and they participate in the NCAA Division I and the Big 12 Conference.

In 1999, the KSU adopted an honor code: “On my honor, as a student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.”

Kansas State University  has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

25. Keiser University

As one of Florida’s largest private universities, Keiser University has grown significantly since opening its doors in 1977.

Offering degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, Keiser University offers global educational experiences on any of its 21 Florida campuses and its many off-campus sites around the world.

They also offer most programs via distance learning to help more students succeed. Keiser has a vast array of programs, including those in marketing, business, technology, and more.

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

26. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is split between two primary campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta. KSU’s annual enrollment passes 35,000, making it one of the 50 largest universities in the United States. The school offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree options. Kennesaw State was founded in 1963.

Kennesaw State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

27. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is an evangelical Christian, private university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Consisting of 17 colleges, it is one of the largest non-profit private universities.

Liberty sports teams compete in Division I of the NCAA and are nicknamed the Liberty Flames. The college football team is an NCAA Division I FBS Independent, and most of the other sports teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

28. LIGS University

Founded in 2006, LIGS University opened its first campus in Europe. In 2012, it opened another campus in Honolulu, Hawaii. The school is a non-accredited degree-granting university that follows the laws of the State of Hawaii.

LIGS University is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools.

29. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University offers hundreds of options for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across its seven colleges. OSU’s main campus is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The university is designated as a school with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.

Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

30. Regent University

Founded in 1977, Regent University is a private, Christian university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was first established as Christian Broadcasting Network University and changed its name in 1990. It is affiliated with the Interdenominational Evangelical Church.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Royals. Regent University was ranked as having one of the best online undergraduate programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

31. Saint Leo University

A Roman Catholic, liberal arts university, Saint Leo University was established in 1889 with its campus in St. Leo, Florida. The school is affiliated with the Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Saint Leo as one of the best regional universities in the south and one of the best value universities in the south.

Saint Leo University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

32. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University aims to prepare students interested in business or academia for success through its PhD in International Business. Graduates are expected to leave with the skills needed to further their careers in applied business or to pursue teaching professions at colleges or universities.

Since the degree is offered as a cohort program, students can choose either a campus option or an executive, low-residency option that features online and campus components.

Southern New Hampshire University  is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

33. Temple University

Temple University is a public research university in Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1884 by Russell Conwell, a Baptist minister. It has six campuses across Pennsylvania, with its main campus in North Philadelphia. It also has foreign campuses in Japan and Rome.

The University’s sports teams are nicknamed the Owls, named after the university’s early days in which it was a night school.

Temple University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

34. Trident University

Founded in 1998, Trident University International (Trident) is a private, online university located in California. The university is research-based, and its students consist mostly of active service members and veterans.

Trident University is the first fully online university to be regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

35. University of Charleston

With its main campus in Charleston, West Virginia, the University of Charleston (UC) is a private university with campuses in Beckley, West Virginia, and Martinsburg, West Virginia, as well. The Barboursville Seminary of the Southern Methodist Church founded the school in 1888.

UC’s athletes, nicknamed the Golden Eagles, compete in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) in NCAA Division II.

The University of Charleston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

36. University of Dallas

The University of Dallas, located in Irving, Texas, is a private Catholic university that was established in 1956. The Princeton Review ranked the university as one of the best western colleges. The Washington Monthly ranked the school among the best master’s universities.

The school’s athletes are nicknamed the Crusaders and compete in the NCAA Division III – SCAC.

The University of Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

37. University of Maryland

The University of Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland, and is a public research university that was founded in 1856. It is an institution under the University System of Maryland.

U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Maryland as one of the best public universities. Business Insider ranked the university in its list of the “Smartest Public Colleges in America” for two consecutive years.

The University of Maryland  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

38. University of Missouri

The flagship of the University of Missouri System, the University of Missouri is one of Missouri’s largest public research universities. It was founded in 1839.

Its athletic teams, nicknamed the Missouri Tigers, are members of the NCAA Division I and participate in the Southeastern Conference.

The University of Missouri  has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915.

39. University of North Carolina – Greensboro

The PhD in Business Administration program from the University of North Carolina—Greensboro is designed to help students gain the skills needed to take on academic careers at institutions of higher learning.

The program focuses on positioning students for success in academic careers through a heightened understanding of different conceptual and empirical research methodologies as well as a strong grasp of scholarly literature in the field.

All courses are delivered in an online format—with students only required to go to campus for orientation, exams, and dissertation defense.

The  University of North Carolina at Greensboro  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

40. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix (UOPX) was founded in 1976. Its main campus is in Phoenix, Arizona. The school is one of the biggest recipients of GI Bill tuition benefits.

The University of Phoenix  is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

41. University of South Florida

Located in Tampa, Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university that was founded in 1956. It is home to 14 colleges.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Bulls and compete in the NCAA Division I and the American Athletic Conference.

The University of South Florida  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

42. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands is located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It is a private, Christian university that was founded in 1888 by Baptist ministers.

The school’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Patriots. They’re members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and primarily compete in the Mid-South Conference.

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

43. University of the Incarnate Word

The University of the Incarnate Word’s DBA builds on the knowledge and skills of students in business and business-related disciplines. Students may choose to attend in an online-only format.

The University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

44. University of the Southwest

The University of the Southwest, located in Hobbs, New Mexico, is a private, Christian university that was founded in 1962. It is affiliated with the non-denominational Christian church.

The school’s athletes are nicknamed the Mustangs and compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). They’re also members of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC).

The University of the Southwest  is an accredited member of the Higher Learning Commission.

45. University of Wisconsin

Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin is a public university and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It ranked as one of the best universities in the US in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Badgers and participate in NCAA’s Division I-A. The university’s athletes also compete in the Big Ten Conference.

The University of Wisconsin  has been continuously accredited since 1913 by the Higher Learning Commission.

46. Walden University

Walden University is an online university and Public Benefit Corporation located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was established in 1970. Walden University is a member of a global network of universities managed by Laureate Education, Inc.

Walden University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

48. West Virginia University

Founded in 1867, West Virginia University has a long and rich history as a land-grant university. The school has more than 210,000 alumni from around the world and has been providing distance education for over 50 years. Its online program offers worldwide access to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.

West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

49. Westcliff University

Located in Irvine, California, Westcliff University is a private institution. The school’s athletes are named the Warriors, and the school offers four men’s and women’s sports but is not affiliated with the NCAA or NAIA.

Westcliff University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

50. Wilmington University

Located in New Castle, Delaware, Wilmington University is a non-profit, private, doctoral research institution that was founded in 1968. It also has another campus in New Jersey.

The school’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats and compete in NCAA Division II and the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.

Wilmington University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online Business PhD Program Concentrations

By delving into business degree specializations, you can differentiate yourself from other online business school graduates once you’re ready to enter the professional world. Click on the area of study that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide.

• Business Administration – General

Healthcare Management

Human resources, information systems, nonprofit management, public administration, supply chain and logistics.

Each of these specializations is in high demand in the workforce.

Although most entry-level positions in accounting require only a bachelor’s degree, a PhD in Accounting can help enhance the qualifications of candidates for more advanced positions.

Individuals with a PhD in Accounting often qualify for higher-level positions in organizations. such as chief financial officers or financial managers who oversee the design and execution of financial strategies. They may also serve as heads of accounting departments or organizations.

Individuals with a PhD in Accounting may end up in academia working as accounting professors as well. They may also work as accounting consultants who advise firms on the most effective ways to boost their profits as well as other matters like investments, taxes, and payroll.

Business Administration

A PhD in Business Administration can help graduates enter the workforce with the training and qualifications needed to assume senior leadership positions in government agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations.

Graduates may become high-level executives who oversee the operations of an organization. They may design, manage, and execute policies and strategies to ensure that their firms meet their different business objectives.

They may also work as economists who conduct research, perform data analysis, and monitor economic trends. Other job opportunities for individuals with a PhD in Business Administration are positions as market analysts, management analysts, and professors.

A PhD in Finance can help students develop advanced knowledge and a deeper understanding of economics and finance and make them qualified to pursue high-level management positions in corporations.

This degree can help students develop the skills, training, and qualifications to become chief financial officers.

Chief financial officers keep track of all the financial dealings of an organization. They oversee critical departments, such as accounting and finance, and compile, analyze, and present financial transactions of a firm to its upper-level executives.

Those with a PhD in Finance may also work as financial managers who are tasked to oversee all actions performed by employees assigned to budgeting and financial reporting. They may also end up as budget analysts or compensation and benefits managers, among others.

Graduates of PhD in Healthcare Administration programs are generally rewarded for their years of study with opportunities to pursue financially rewarding careers in clinical settings. Moreover, they can help benefit their communities through the provision and delivery of responsive healthcare services.

Graduates may eventually become hospital administrators who supervise the delivery of healthcare services. Hospital administrators oversee finances, develop budgets, design policies and procedures, and evaluate and manage personnel.

They may also become healthcare administrators, generalists, or health information managers. Other graduates pursue careers as university professors, researchers, or healthcare consultants or take on executive positions at healthcare companies.

Individuals pursuing a PhD in Human Resources have opportunities to earn the skills and knowledge required to fill leadership roles in businesses and organizations. They may work as human resource managers who plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of a company.

HR managers are tasked with overseeing the recruitment of new staff, work with top-level management on strategic planning, and serve as a link between management and employees.

People with a PhD in Human Resources may also work as HR consultants who specialize in fields like employee recruitment, employee incentives and rewards, retirement, and mergers and acquisitions.

They may also become human resources professors who not only develop lesson plans and teach students but also spend a lot of time performing research.

Earning a PhD in Information Systems can help students obtain the qualifications needed to pursue management positions in tech-related organizations.

They may work as information systems managers who oversee the technological activities of companies or organizations. They may also ascend to senior-level positions, such as chief technology officer or chief information officer.

Individuals with a PhD in Information Systems may work as information research scientists who design and test new approaches to computing technology.

They may start successful careers as computer hardware engineers who build computers and related equipment. They may also work as computer network architects who design the layouts for data communication structures.

A PhD in Management can help students qualify to pursue high-level positions in many businesses and organizations. A doctorate in management can give graduates the flexibility to enter a variety of fields and industries.

They may take up C-level positions in business organizations. They may also be tapped to develop and implement the strategic plans of a company or tasked to supervise various departments in an organization.

Others work as management consultants who collaborate with organizations in identifying and developing business solutions. Doctorate degree holders in management may also work as change managers who help organizations in improving their business processes.

It is also typical for individuals with a PhD in Management to work in academia, teaching students in their areas of expertise and performing independent research.

A doctorate in marketing can help students develop a deeper understanding of consumer behavior, enabling them to design and implement methods to improve the optimal use of marketing resources.

Graduates may work as financial managers who research market trends and formulate and design plans for company expansion. Eventually, they may climb the corporate ladder and occupy top-level positions, such as chief marketing officers in major corporations.

Other graduates work as marketing professors. It is also common for PhD holders in marketing to flourish in research, particularly for government agencies and nonprofit businesses.

Earning a doctoral degree in nonprofit management can help provide individuals with opportunities to advance in their careers in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, foundations, and more.

Individuals with a PhD in Nonprofit Management may end up in the public sector as government program managers tasked to evaluate and manage programs. They may also work as consultants specializing in various fields and capable of assisting nonprofit organizations in meeting specific goals.

Others work as directors of nonprofit programs. Tasks for this position range from managing budgets and overseeing fundraising efforts to supervising staff and volunteers and managing publicity.

Eventually, individuals with a doctorate degree in nonprofit management often take on leadership positions, such as executive director or CEO, in nonprofits.

PhD holders in public administration enjoy a vast range of career options. They may work in areas such as healthcare policy, social policy, finance, or budgeting. They may also work as professors, consultants, or researchers.

Individuals with a PhD in Public Administration may work as urban or regional planners. These professionals help build communities by creating and overseeing land use plans and programs.

They may also work as HR managers in government agencies tasked to coordinate and direct the various administrative functions of organizations.

A doctorate in supply chain and logistics can help students fast track their careers in corporations or pursue careers in academia and research.

They may work as logisticians who oversee and coordinate supply chains. This can help prepare them for more senior-level positions, such as chief operating officer. Chief operating officers oversee all aspects of a company’s operations, including the distribution of goods and services.

Those with a PhD in Supply Chain and Logistics may also remain in academia and work as postsecondary business teachers tasked to mentor students, design curricula, and even oversee certain administrative functions.

Online PhD in Business Curriculum

Earning a PhD requires covering a wide variety of topics and subjects that span virtually every discipline of the business world.

A curriculum similar to the following is likely:

• Business Analysis
• Econometrics
• Global Strategic Management
• Managerial Computing
• Organizational Development
• Theory of Corporate Finance

Most doctoral programs require a dissertation, but a growing number of accredited universities offer doctoral programs without a dissertation requirement. Instead, you may complete a capstone project.

What Does a Doctor of Business Administration Do?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some career paths a doctoral degree holder might pursue in the business field include:

Your specific salary will depend largely on your industry, location, and company.

Online PhD in Business Program Admission Requirements

Copies of your undergraduate and master’s degree transcripts, as well as an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae (CV), usually get the ball rolling.

From here, earning your university’s minimum required score on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may come next.

In some cases, you might also need to present professional references or letters of recommendation from supporting faculty members to successfully join an inbound PhD cohort.

Accreditation for Online PhD Programs in Business

Accreditation for a PhD program can come from a regional accreditor (accredits the university as a whole) or a business-specific accreditor, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB ) or the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) .

Program-specific accreditation is not necessary, though it can add more prestige to your degree.

Regional accreditation is needed for many forms of financial aid, including federal aid, and many schools require transfer credits to come from regionally accredited schools.

Regional accreditation is done by the following boards:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Many employers look more favorably upon degrees from regionally accredited schools as well.

Financial Aid for Doctoral Business Students

Just like earning one of the various types of business degrees as an undergrad, typically the best place to start is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Feeling out this application will allow you to see which federal grants and loans you qualify for.

Other potential sources of financial aid include:

• State funding
• University scholarships or fellowships
• Private organization scholarships
• Employer tuition-assistance programs

A smart business person looks for investors to help them grow their company. In the same vein, it’s important not to pass by any potential sources of funding as you develop your expertise.

Can You Get a Doctorate Degree in Business?

Yes, you can pursue a doctorate degree in business .

You can also choose from numerous specializations, including the major areas of accounting, business administration, finance, management, and marketing.

What Is the Difference between a PhD and DBA?

When comparing and contrasting PhD and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs, it’s important to understand the end goals of those who pursue these business degrees.

PhD candidates traditionally work within academia as professors and department adjudicators, while DBA graduates usually enter or remain in professional work as administrative executives and managerial supervisors. This also applies to graduates of MBA online programs .

After completing an online DBA program, you may still pursue a professorship.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business professors earn an average salary of $94,360 annually.

Those with a PhD may have higher than average earnings as business professors. The BLS states that the highest-earning professors can earn up to $198,240 a year.

What Is a PhD in Business Administration?

Becoming a PhD in Business Administration recipient is all about meeting the demands of both the academic and the practical sides of cutting-edge business theory.

Members of this community usually aim to push the boundaries of business- and management-related research.

Generally, demonstrating this kind of expertise requires the completion of 60 credit hours for those who already lay claim to a master’s degree in business. It usually requires the completion of 90 credit hours for students coming straight out of an undergraduate program.

Traditionally, earning a PhD sets up the recipient for a job in academia, with serving as a full-time professor standing as the overarching goal of this process.

How Do You Get a PhD in Business Administration?

Earning a PhD in Business Administration is all about figuring out the path that suits your needs and daily demands. Some students stick to the traditional campus-based route—complete with multiple class meetings a day and standard length semesters.

If that kind of learning experience doesn’t sound too agreeable with your current professional and personal schedule, you can always stick to an online PhD program.

This approach can allow you to work on your online DBA coursework and dissertation at your own pace, all while giving you the flexibility needed to balance this experiential learning with all of the other rigors that come with daily life.

How Much Can You Make with a PhD in Business?

According to the BLS, the career outlook for postsecondary teachers is brighter than it has been in a long time. Specifically, this occupational field is expected to have an above-average growth rate of 12% over the next several years.

This means that not only can serving as a business professor potentially provide you with ample compensation—often between $94,360 and $198,240 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics)—you’ll also be entering one of the more open and accepting job markets available.

Is a PhD in Business Administration Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Business Administration is worth it for many students.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 8% job growth in business and financial occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include market research analysts, chief operating officers, and investment bankers.

Deciding upon the pursuit of a PhD requires going beyond your projected salary, though. Is this decision part of a greater employee enrichment program offered up by your current employer? Perhaps you simply want to test your skills and reach the highest academic echelons? Is it worth it?

Figuring out what truly motivates you now can help ensure that you make the right call when the time comes to submit your application and get to work on your PhD in Business Administration.

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College of Business > News & Events > Driehaus Hosts 30th Anniversary Celebration of the PhD Project

At The PhD Project’s 30th Reunion, Participants Share Insights and Celebrate Community

By Meredith Carroll / August 23, 2024 / Posted in: Faculty, College and Schools / Twitter / Facebook

“I’ve done some press in advance of this event,” said Associate Professor of Accountancy Stephani Mason, a PhD Project alumna and a DePaul professor who was heavily involved in organizing the event, “and I keep getting asked, ‘What does the PhD Project mean to you?’ My answer, in a word: Family.” 

From a Few Mentors to an Exponential Impact: The PhD Project Family Tree 

The PhD Project, founded in 1994, aims to diversify the world of business. The initiative does so by giving Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic American, and Native American business professionals and students the mentorship and resources they need to earn business PhDs and pursue careers in the academy. There, in turn, they can become mentors for the next generation of BIPOC leaders in business and in business education. 

DePaul has close ties to The Project. The late Sandra Shelton, who served as the KPMG/Neil F. Casson Endowed Professor of Accountancy at DePaul, was the first PhD Project member to be capped as new faculty that year. She went on, during her time at DePaul, to inspire and mentor countless others . Shelton also served as a long-standing member of The Project’s annual conference planning committee.

Among them? Mason, as well as the Dr. Barry Jay Epstein Endowed Professor of Accounting Kelly Richmond Pope and Associate Professor of Marketing Jim Alvarez Mourey. All three are PhD Project alumni. ​

Indeed, over the past thirty years, the number of Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic American, or Native American business school faculty has increased from just 294 to more than 1,700: a sixfold increase. The PhD Projects now counts 10 college presidents and 89 deans among its alumni, who are spread out across a total of 670 campuses nationwide. 

Passion and Connection: Insights from the Conference

Pope shared how her career trajectory took her from working in accounting to working in academia to producing an award-winning documentary, All the Queen’s Horses, about the largest case of municipal fraud in American history. It’s a path, she stressed, that stemmed from her belief in the power of storytelling to engage audiences.

Janine Sanders Jones, Associate Dean for Faculty Scholarship, Teaching, and Service Excellence at the University of St. Thomas, shared her experience developing a business-school-specific institute that trains faculty to create inclusive classroom environments. 

“What are you doing in the classroom that could potentially signal to a student that they don’t belong? Or that they’ll get a different experience than other s?” she advises faculty to ask themselves. “Get to know your students. Not just their name but their storie s.”  

Alvarez Mourey shared how similar considerations informed the creation of Business 101, part of the award-winning core curriculum at Driehaus. 

“We designed the class to give students a taste of each discipline. We can’t assume students have background knowledge” about their options within the world of business, he said. “As a first-generation college student, I definitely didn’t know about all the majors available to me.” 

“It’s not enough to bring our students in,” he added. “It’s our job to set them on a path to a career.” 

Amidst a Fraught Environment, a Commitment to DEI for the Long Haul 

The conference and celebration took place in an increasingly fraught environment for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education. State legislatures have curtailed such initiatives, or even banned them outright .

The conference brought this context to the fore — and gave attendees the chance to process it. Some shared advice, such as finding allies in other faculty. Others simply took the chance to feel, collectively, the impact of the backlash to DEI. That backlash, as one participant noted, has already jeopardized what is, for many, their “life’s work.” 

In his opening remarks, DePaul President Robert L. Manuel re-affirmed the university’s longstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that advances equity and nurtures diversity. 

“I know this is not always easy work,” he added. “But it is vital to meeting the needs of our students. It is vital to our survival.” 

“Faculty diversity is critical if you want to be an institution that’s doing what universities are supposed to do: producing first class scholarship research, contributing to the production of knowledge that is going to make the world a better place, and preparing the young people who are going to lead us into tomorrow," said Dr. Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change.

In this conversation, as in many others, Mason’s opening words about the project providing “family” rung particularly true. 

“The PhD Project has given me people who will celebrate my accomplishments,” she said. “But perhaps more importantly: When times get rocky, as they always do, you know that there’s a group of people for you to tap into.” 

Mason’s advice to her academic family? “Remind yourself who you are. And remind yourself whose you are.” 

• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →
• PhD Programs
• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management
• Program Requirements

Students in the program are expected to master graduate-level microeconomic theory and econometrics. In addition, they are expected to devote substantial time to mastering one additional complementary discipline, such as psychology, sociology, or political science, and developing expertise in research methodologies suited to their particular interests, such as qualitative analysis, designing effective fieldwork, and analysis of survey data.

Students in the Strategy doctoral program work closely with faculty in the Strategy Unit. In addition to the doctoral program in Strategy, the Strategy unit offers a program in Business Economics , which is designed to attract students interested in pursuing research using a purely economics-based methodology.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our programs are full-time degree programs which officially begin in August. Students are expected to complete their program in five years. Typically, the first two years are spent on coursework, at the end of which students take a field exam, and then another three years on dissertation research and writing.

The program requires a minimum of 13 semester long doctoral courses. Students in the Strategy program complete courses in the areas of business management theory, economic theory, quantitative research methods, academic field seminars, and two MBA elective curriculum courses. In addition to HBS courses, students may take courses at other Harvard Schools and MIT.

Research & Dissertation

Students in strategy begin research in their first year typically by working with a faculty member. By their third and fourth years, most students are launched on a solid research and publication stream. The dissertation may take the form of three publishable papers or one longer dissertation.

Examples of thesis research include: the relationship between non-market experience and the use and outcome of patent strategies by pharmaceutical firms; the antecedents and consequences of corporate strategy decision-making, specifically focusing on divestitures and governance; the impact of religion on individual financial choices and institutional structures; innovation in emerging markets; and the causal effect of incentive policy reform, expatriates and social relationships on innovation.

Dafna Bearson

Rowan Clarke

“ Students in the program come from diverse backgrounds ranging from computer science to psychology. It's really fascinating how different our worlds views are! ”

Current HBS Faculty

• Juan Alcacer
• Laura Alfaro
• Bharat N. Anand
• Lynda M. Applegate
• Brian K. Baik
• Julie Battilana
• Ethan S. Bernstein
• Jeffrey J. Bussgang
• Ramon Casadesus-Masanell
• Alberto F. Cavallo
• Wilbur X. Chen
• Prithwiraj Choudhury
• David J. Collis
• Leemore S. Dafny
• Mattias E. Fibiger
• Carolyn J. Fu
• Stuart C. Gilson
• Shane M. Greenstein
• Boris Groysberg
• Jonas Heese
• Rebecca M. Henderson
• Ebehi Iyoha
• William R. Kerr
• Tarun Khanna
• Hyunjin Kim
• Raymond P. Kluender
• Nancy F. Koehn
• Scott Duke Kominers
• Rembrand M. Koning
• Karim R. Lakhani
• Himabindu Lakkaraju
• Josh Lerner
• Michael Lingzhi Li
• Deepak Malhotra
• Edward McFowland III
• Cynthia A. Montgomery
• Kyle R. Myers
• Frank Nagle
• Felix Oberholzer-Gee
• Joseph Pacelli
• Lynn S. Paine
• Elisabeth C. Paulson
• Sophus A. Reinert
• Meg Rithmire
• Jan W. Rivkin
• Charlotte L. Robertson
• Maria P. Roche
• Clayton S. Rose
• Raffaella Sadun
• William A. Sahlman
• George Serafeim
• Willy C. Shih
• Christopher T. Stanton
• Jorge Tamayo
• Sara McKinley Torti
• Isamar Troncoso
• Eric J. Van den Steen
• Jeremy Yang
• Dennis A. Yao
• David B. Yoffie
• Shunyuan Zhang

Current Strategy Students

• Jackson Anderson
• Ana Antolin
• Dafna Bearson
• Liz Calder
• Rowan Clarke
• Leila Doumi
• Aticus Peterson
• Joey Ryu
• Kyle Schirmann
• Yifei Wu
• Haiyang Zhang

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, innessa colaiacovo, 2024, f. christopher eaglin, 2022, j. yo-jud cheng, 2019, laura katsnelson, 2024, young hou, 2021, do yoon kim, 2019, nataliya langburd wright, 2023, hyunjin kim, 2020.