phd in business administration without gmat in usa

PhD in Management

Explore and expand the frontiers of human knowledge in a diverse and supportive environment.

Join an intellectual community where leading researchers and award-winning teachers encourage a rich mixture of thoughts, ideas, camaraderie and discipline. 

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Engage in research that drives change.

UB’s passion for rigorous research is matched only by a deep commitment to positive change. We bring together unconventional thinkers—researchers, scholars and artists—who collaborate across disciplines to push the boundaries of knowledge and creative expression, and consistently endeavor to lead a new way forward. Learn more about our research and economic development .

UB’s ​PhD in Management qualifies as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program, which provides an additional 24 months Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 visa holders. For more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States website or UB's International Student Services Office.

The PhD Project

The UB School of Management is an active participant in  The PhD Project , a national organization whose mission is to expand workplace diversity by increasing the diversity of business school faculty. Today, The PhD Project's expansive network of supporters, sponsors and universities helps Black/African Americans, Latinx/Hispanic Americans and Native Americans attain their business PhD and become the business professors who will mentor the next generation of leaders.

UB’s PhD Excellence Initiative

UB’s PhD Excellence Initiative seeks to ensure that our programs remain among the strongest in the world by recruiting the best PhD students, providing exceptional educational and research training, improving retention of students, reducing time-to-degree and more.

E. Han Kim, PhD ’75

• Everett E. Berg Professor in Business Administration, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor

Sara Melendy, PhD ’05

• Professor of Accounting, Gonzaga University School of Business Administration; Founder, Justice for Fraud Victims Project

Niam Yaraghi, PhD ’14

• Associate Professor of Business Technology at Miami Herbert Business School; Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation

Marty Spitzer, PhD ’92

• Senior Director of Climate and Renewable Energy, World Wildlife Fund

Jasmina Tacheva, PhD ’19

• Assistant Professor, Syracuse University School of Information Studies

Hamed Ghahremani, PhD '19

• Assistant Professor, Department of Management and Marketing, University of New Orleans

Lemma Senbet, PhD ’76

• William E. Mayer Chair Professor of Finance, University of Maryland

The School of Management uses a test-optional admissions process for our PhD program. You have the option to submit GMAT or GRE scores in support of your application, but are not required to do so.

50 Best PhD Programs That Don’t Require GRE Scores [2024 Schools Guide]

Check out PhD Programs that don’t require GRE scores for admission. Compare PhD programs without the GRE (Campus & Online).

We’ve identified a number of accredited universities that don’t require the GRE as part of their PhD application process.

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List of Online PsyD Programs No GRE

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. In addition, the universities included in this list offer online psychology doctoral programs and either do not require the GRE or offer GRE waivers for qualified students.

Adler University

Founded in 1952, Adler strives to develop professionals and practitioners who will better their local communities and the world. Driven by the work of physician and psychotherapist Alfred Adler, the school values fairness, equality and civil rights and helps students learn to put these concepts into practice.

• Online Doctor of Psychology in Industrial & Organizational Psychology

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Alliant International University

Recognized as a top school for minorities by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and for military veterans by College Factual, Alliant values diversity in the classroom and the workforce. Students are encouraged to have a global perspective, a desire for community service and a commitment to equality.

Believing that hands-on experiences are essential for a well-rounded education, the school connects students to the community throughout its degree programs.

• Online Doctor of Psychology

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

Antioch University

Equal rights, equal pay and equal educational opportunities for minorities and women have long been important at Antioch. In the 1800s, Antioch was one of the first institutions of higher education that admitted both whites and African-Americans, and the school’s list of famous alumni includes Coretta Scott King.

• Online Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

California Southern University

Since its beginnings in 1978, the mission of California Southern University has been centered around the idea of providing flexible educational experiences for adult learners.

Throughout the school’s 30 programs, there is a continual focus on establishing strong, supportive relationships between staff and students.

California Southern University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Capella University

Enrolling over 37,000 students each year, Capella University offers educational opportunities for working professionals. Through distance-learning programs, the university reaches students from every state and over 50 different countries. Of the school’s more than 1,500 faculty members and administrators, 88 percent hold doctoral degrees.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Felician University

Since 1942, Felician University has been providing educational experiences based on the Catholic Franciscan values of service, compassion and respect. Over 2,000 students take classes from this school each year. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, and 73 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.

• Online Doctoral Programs in Counseling Psychology

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

Grand Canyon University

Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University seeks to educate students from a Christian perspective so that they will become service-minded professionals whose faith permeates their lives and directs their work. The university enrolls over 19,000 on-campus students and more than 60,000 online students each year.

• Online Doctor of Performance Psychology

Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Meridian University

At Meridian University, the goal is for students to gain a transformative education. Through their schooling, students should grow personally and learn to affect change in their fields and in their communities. Approximately 91 percent of Meridian students complete their degree programs within the allotted time.

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

Northwest University

Affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination, Northwest University is a Christian school with a desire to engage students who are committed to both scholarship and service. Graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including ministry, business, medical and educational settings.

Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Pepperdine University

U.S. News has ranked Pepperdine University at No. 46 on its list of Best Value Schools, and Forbes has placed the school at No. 8 on its list of the Most Entrepreneurial Universities. The university opened in 1937, and the school’s alumni group today boasts over 100,000 members. 84 percent of Pepperdine students serve in internships or other hands-on experiences.

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University was established in 1971 and offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. The degree is designed for those students who are looking for a program that will equip them with the practical skills necessary to start their professional practice.

The program covers multi-cultural psychology, psychotherapy, child and adolescent psychology, and more.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology

Saybrook University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide is the online branch of the Touro College and University System. Altogether, Touro schools include around 19,000 students and more than 95,000 alumni. Founded on Jewish principles and traditions, the group’s roots date back to 1970.

• Online Doctor of Psychology in Human & Organizational Psychology

Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

University of Hartford

With over 6,500 enrolled students, the University of Hartford issues more than 1,500 diplomas each year. The student body is made up of people from nearly every state and over 40 different countries. Creativity, diversity, responsibility and integrity are some of the highest values of this school, which was founded in 1957.

University of Hartford is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of the Cumberlands

The Baptist roots of the University of the Cumberlands date back to 1888. The university reaches over 10,000 learners each year and has a 17:1 ratio of students to faculty. Hands-on learning is highly valued at this school, and all students engage in service opportunities while attaining their degrees.

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

Walden University

Over 57,000 students are studying with Walden University at any given time. The faculty members are leaders in their areas of expertise, and almost 90 percent of them hold doctoral degrees. The university’s status as a certified B Corporation shows its commitment to operating ethically and motivating students to be positive change-makers in their communities.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Western Kentucky University

U.S. News has ranked Western Kentucky University No. 24 in Best Colleges for Veterans and No. 34 in Best Regional Universities South. Both Sierra Club and Princeton Review have applauded this university for its environmental efforts. The school has over 20,000 students, and the average class has around 24 students in it.

Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

List of Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs No GRE

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. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer waivers for qualified students.

Baylor University

Baylor University holds fast to its Baptist roots while welcoming a diverse student body from many religious and geographic backgrounds. Founded in 1845, the school is committed to serious scholarship, community service, and the integration of faith and life. Baylor has over 17,000 students and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.

• Online Doctorate of Education

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

City University of Seattle

• Online Doctor of Education in Leadership

CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Colorado State University

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University has awarded over 230,000 degrees. The school was involved in the establishment of the Peace Corps, and still today, many students choose to spend time serving through this organization. In addition to global service and responsibility, CSU values innovation, respect, diversity and academic excellence.

Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Concordia University

Since 1805, Concordia University has been educating students in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, tradition.

Although based on Christian faith and principles, and university welcomes a diverse student body made up of people from many religious backgrounds. The school enrolls over 5,000 students each year and boasts a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

This is an online doctorate in education no GRE required.

• Online Doctor of Education

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

Creighton University

Considered U.S. News ’ No. 1 school in the Regional Universities Midwest category and the Best Colleges for Veterans category, Creighton University educates nearly 9,000 students yearly.

The school was founded in 1878 by Jesuit Catholics and many members of the Jesuit tradition still work at Creighton. Within six months of degree completion, 99 percent of graduates are successful at landing a job or a satisfactory next step.

Creighton University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

East Tennessee State University

Founded in 1911, East Tennessee State University today educates more than 14,500 students each year. The university values respect, diversity and academic excellence, and well-rounded student experiences are essential to an ETSU education. There are over 100 degree programs at this school, and the student-faculty ratio is approximately 16:1.

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

Florida State University

Florida State University offers over 300 degree programs, and the Carnegie Commission has bestowed on this school the distinction of Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity. With over 41,000 members, the student body includes people from more than 130 countries around the world. Six Nobel Laureates have taught at this university.

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

Johns Hopkins University

Since its beginnings 1876, Johns Hopkins has highly prized both teaching and research, and the school considers itself the first research university in the United States. Although particularly well-known for its School of Medicine, this university also awards degrees in public health, education, physics, business and other disciplines.

The programs listed above are online Doctor of Education no GRE required.

The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Lamar University

A member of the Texas State University System, Lamar University has about 15,000 enrolled students and over 75,000 alumni. Approximately 30 percent of the university’s classes are taught online. The school was founded in 1923 and today employs over 1,200 people and offers more than 100 degree programs.

• Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

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

Liberty University

Since 1971, over 250,000 people have received an education from Liberty University. Currently, about 30 percent of the school’s students are active-duty members of the military or veterans. Liberty University has Baptist affiliations and seeks to develop students’ Christian worldview. Volunteerism is valued, and the student body puts about 500,000 hours into service each year.

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

Maryville University

Over 9,000 students take classes from Maryville University each year. The school has a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and about 90 percent of the faculty members have received doctoral degrees. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Maryville was one of the top three fastest-growing universities in the United States.

Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

National University

Founded in 1971, National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions dedicated to providing flexible, quality education to help students meet their educational and career goals. NU’s programs are taught by 100% doctoral professors.

National University has over 30,000 students enrolled and more that 220,000 alumni from around the world.

National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Northwest Nazarene University

Although Northwest Nazarene University began as an elementary school in 1913, the school quickly expanded its educational offerings and awarded its first college degrees in 1917. Today, more than 8,000 students take NNU classes each year. Although the Church of the Nazarene sponsors the school, students come from a diverse mix of religious backgrounds.

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

Oakland City University

U.S. News ranked Oakland City University at No. 7 on its list of Best Colleges for Veterans. The publication also grants it the No. 39 spot on its Regional Colleges Midwest list. Affiliated with the General Association of General Baptists, the college pursues both academic and spiritual development for students.

Oakland City University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Saint Leo University

Famous alumni of Saint Leo University include Desi Arnaz and Stephen Stills. U.S. News gives this university the No. 14 spot on its list of Best Value Schools. Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is rooted in the Benedictine Catholic tradition and values excellence in academics, relationships, personal growth and integrity.

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

Samford University

According to U.S. News , Samford wins the No. 4 spot on the list of Regional Universities South. This school has graduated 8 state governors, 60 members of Congress and a number of other high-profile citizens. The university has been educating students since 1841 and currently enrolls over 5,500 learners each year and has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1.

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

Texas A&M University

In 1876, Texas A&M University became the first public college in Texas. Over 70,000 students currently study with Texas A&M, which offers over 400 degree programs. The school values leadership in both its staff and its students and seeks to develop strong leaders who will make a difference in their communities.

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.

Texas Tech University

According to the Center for Measuring University Performance, Texas Tech University ranked in the top 50 public research schools in the United States. There are more than 38,000 students currently taking Texas Tech classes and over 1,700 faculty members. More than 8,000 students graduated from this university in 2018.

Texas Tech University is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Trident University

Ranked No. 19 on the list of Best Colleges by The Military Times, Trident University has been the school of choice for over 27,000 students. The university’s goals for students include strong critical thinking skills, an understanding of how to gather and use information, the ability to communicate clearly, and a commitment to integrity.

Trident University accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Union University

At Union University, there’s a 10:1 student-faculty ratio for the more than 3,000 learners who study there. 85 percent of the faculty members hold terminal degrees. In the past year, Christian Universities Online gave this university the top spot on its Best Christian Colleges and Universities in the South list.

• Online Doctor of Education – Leadership in School Reform

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

University of Arkansas

The Carnegie Foundation recognizes the University of Arkansas as one of the country’s top research universities, and the Chronicle of Higher Education has commended the school for having one of the country’s fastest-growing doctoral programs. With over 27,000 students and over 1,401 faculty members, there’s a student-faculty ratio of 19:1.

The U of A has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission without interruption since 1924.

University of Findlay

Since 1882, the University of Findlay has been equipping students with academic knowledge and spiritual development. Hands-on experiences help students put their classroom learning into practice throughout their schooling. The university has ties to the Church of God, and College Factual has named it the denomination’s best school.

University of Kentucky

Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky maintains a commitment to producing graduates who influence communities throughout the world. The school has more than 2,000 faculty members and over 29,000 students. Forbes has placed this university at No. 63 on its list of the best colleges in the southern United States.

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

University of Massachusetts

As New England’s top public university, the University of Massachusetts values academics, research, and professional excellence. Reuters includes UMass on its list of the World’s Most Innovative Universities. Currently, the school has over 70,000 enrolled students, and more than 500,000 people have graduated from this university since its beginnings in 1863.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of New England

The University of New England, founded in 1939, has campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine and Tangier, Morocco. It’s a relatively small university, with a total of approximately 7,000 students, less than a third of which are doctoral students.

The EdD at UNE is a 51-credit course of study that can be completed entirely online and requires no GRE scores for acceptance. You can start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer and finish within 3 years.

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

University of Southern California

U.S. News gives the University of Southern California the No. 22 ranking on its list of National Universities. Over 47,000 students are enrolled at this college, and there are more than 4,000 faculty members. The school grants about 10,000 advanced degrees each year.

The University of Southern California isy accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

William Carey University

True to its Baptist heritage, William Carey University’s goal is to prepare students for professional work that is guided by faith-based principles. In the early 1900s, it was a college for women only, but coed instruction began in 1954. U.S. News has given William Carey the No. 3 spot on its list of Best Value Schools.

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

List of Online DBA Programs No GRE

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. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer a GRE waiver for qualified students.

Baker College

Desiring to turn out leaders who excel in their fields, Baker College encourages critical thinking, effective communication, personal growth and hands-on experiences throughout all of its academic programs. The school traces its history back to 1888, and its Center for Graduate Studies awarded its first doctoral degree in 2011.

Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

• Online DBA in Accounting
• Online DBA in Global System and Supply Chain Management
• Online DBA in Human Resource Management
• Online DBA in Information Technology Management
• Online DBA in Intelligence
• Online DBA in Leadership
• Online DBA in Project Management
• Online DBA in Strategy and Innovation

Concordia University – Chicago

Since 1805, Concordia University has been educating students in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, tradition. Although based on Christian faith and principles, and university welcomes a diverse student body made up of people from many religious backgrounds. The school enrolls over 5,000 students each year and boasts a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Drexel University

• Online Executive DBA

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

Florida International University

FIU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Online DBA – Management

Johnson & Wales University

JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Since 1971, over 250,000 people have received an education from Liberty University. Currently, about 30 percent of the school’s students are active-duty members of the military or veterans.

Liberty University has Baptist affiliations and seeks to develop students’ Christian worldview. Volunteerism is valued, and the student body puts about 500,000 hours into service each year.

University of Dallas

UD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Maryland

UM is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Missouri – St. Louis

UMSL is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Phoenix

UOPX is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Wilmington University

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

List of Online Doctor of Social Work Programs No GRE

• Online Doctor of Social Work

Kutztown University

Kutztown is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Millersville University

Millersville is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Southern Connecticut State University

SouthernCT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Tulane University

Tulane is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Alabama

UA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Pennsylvania

• Online Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

Penn is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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

University of St. Thomas

St. Thomas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

List of Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs No GRE

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. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer GRE waivers for qualified students.

Arkansas State University

• Online of Nursing Practice

Arkansas State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Barry University

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice – Anesthesiology

Barry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

DePaul University

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

DePaul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Duke University

Duke is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Duquesne University

Duquesne is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Georgia College

GCSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Indiana State University

Indiana State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

New Mexico State University

NMSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Oklahoma City University

OKCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Pace University

Pace is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

PBA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Penn State University

Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Saint Francis Medical Center

Saint Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Texas Wesleyan University

• Online Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Texas Wesleyan is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Arizona

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

University of California – Irvine

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner

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

University of Central Arkansas

UCA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Iowa

UI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

UK is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Massachusetts – Boston

As New England’s top public university, the University of Massachusetts values academics, research and professional excellence. Reuters includes UMass on its list of the World’s Most Innovative Universities. Currently, the school has over 70,000 enrolled students, and more than 500,000 people have graduated from this university since its beginnings in 1863.

The University of Massachusetts Boston is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of Minnesota

UMN is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Nevada – Las Vegas

UNLV is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University of North Dakota

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of South Alabama

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

University of Texas

UT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

List of Online PhD Without GRE Requirements

Enrolling over 37,000 students each year, Capella University offers educational opportunities for working professionals.

Through distance-learning programs, the university reaches students from every state and over 50 different countries. Of the school’s more than 1,500 faculty members and administrators, 88 percent hold doctoral degrees.

Capella offers an Online PhD no GRE.

• Online PhD in Business Management
• Online PhD in Systems Engineering

Johnson University

• Online PhD in Leadership Studies

JU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Nova Southeastern University

PhD programs no GRE required.

• Online PhD in Computer Science
• Online PhD in Conflict Analysis & Resolution
• Online PhD in Criminal Justice
• Online PhD in Health Science
• Online PhD in Nursing – Nursing Education
• Online PhD in Occupational Therapy

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Texas Woman’s University

Online PhD programs no GRE requirement.

• Online PhD in Nursing Science

TWU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Online PhD in Business
• Online PhD in Information Technology

University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

This is a PhD no GRE required program.

• Online PhD in Nursing

UWM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Over 57,000 students are studying with Walden University at any given time. The faculty members are leaders in their areas of expertise, and almost 90 percent of them hold doctoral degrees.

The university’s status as a certified B Corporation shows its commitment to operating ethically and motivating students to be positive change-makers in their communities.

• Online PhD in Management
• Online PhD in Public Health
• Online PhD in Social Work

PhD Programs that Don’t Require the GRE

The following doctoral programs do not require the GRE for admission:

• Business & Management
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Healthcare Administration
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Occupational Therapy
• Public Administration
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Theology & Ministry

A growing number of universities offering PhD programs or professional doctorates no longer require the GRE.

Doctor of Business Administration – DBA or PhD

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an applied doctorate or a professional doctorate.

Many students enroll in a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program because they are entrepreneurs, potential business owners, or current managers who want to move into executive leadership .

You will learn about business practices, economics, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, management, and many other important topics within specialized business tracks. For example, you may choose a track in finance or marketing to complete your DBA studies.

With a PhD in Business Administration , students learn about a specific focus within business, choosing a specialized track within business to focus on while they study. They may develop new theories in public administration, economics, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, or other aspect. Most students go on to become professors, researchers, or business analysts.

With the PhD in Business, a dissertation may be required, but there are a growing number of doctorate degrees with no dissertation requirements.

Doctor of Computer Science – DCS

A Doctor of Computer Science program teaches students about data analytics, computer networking, programming, enterprise information systems, and information technology topics. Most programs can be customized so that you pick the track that most relates to your field of interest.

If you have strong science skills, you may want to pursue this applied doctorate in computer science that provides a scientific foundation for understanding technology. There are also computer science PhD programs online available for those who need flexibility in their studies.

Since many different industries rely on technology and computer science, graduates may find work in a wide variety of fields.

Criminal Justice Doctorate – PhD

Earning a PhD in Criminal Justice teaches students about law enforcement, laws, ethics, community leadership, and cyber security at the local, state, and federal level.

You will learn about improving safety through justice, as well as criminal investigation tactics through PhD criminal justice degree programs.

Doctor of Education – EdD or PhD

Want to become a thought leader in the field of education?

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is an applied doctorate for those who work in the education field. Many graduates work in schools, but others serve in government agencies, nonprofit organizations and more.

A Doctor of Education is an interdisciplinary program that helps graduates learn about applied theories when it comes to teaching different subjects and helping students learn. You may want to specialize in different education topics to take your career to the next level, such as educational leadership, early childhood development, or special education.

If you are currently teaching in a K-12 school, an EdD may broaden your career options. Potential uses of this degree would be teaching at the university level or entering school administration.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration – PhD or DBA

For those who want to work in a leadership position in a healthcare organization , a doctoral program in healthcare administration or management can be a good choice.

This degree program is suited toward those who want to make business decisions for a hospital rather than practicing medicine. Graduates of these programs often work as hospital CEOs or Chief Financial Officers.

PhD in Human Services

Working in social services can be a rewarding career, especially if you want to be a community leader.

Earning a PhD in Human Services offers students the opportunity to work in criminal justice, education, social work , community leadership, and housing, among others with the goal of helping families and individuals in local and global communities.

Doctor of Information Technology – DIT, DBA, or PhD

The workforce is becoming increasingly dependent on technology, and obtaining a doctorate in information technology will help you stay up on the latest developments in this area. You will explore ways that information technology can benefit society.

This degree can also be quite useful in business settings. Graduates may lead IT departments or serve as tech consultants.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – DNP or PhD

Many people holding this degree serve as nurses in medical settings. It’s worth noting that the education provided in this type of program is quite different from the doctorate-level training that physicians receive.

Obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a PhD in Nursing will not qualify you to work as a physician. Graduating with a doctorate in Nursing is one way to achieve the highest level of nursing education and certification.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy – DOT or PhD

To take the test for licensure as an occupational therapist, you must earn either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in this field.

A doctoral-level education may provide a greater variety of career or leadership options than a master’s-level education in occupational therapy.

An entry-level DOT program is designed to help you enter the occupational therapy field for the first time.

PhD in Psychology

Graduates with a PhD in psychology typically go on to own their own clinical counseling practices, helping others to work through mental illness, difficult traumatic experiences, and early childhood development problems.

Graduates may wish to attain a license to practice psychology, or they may pursue careers in sociology, education, and social work.

This degree program is often recommended for people who want to work directly with clients. It can be useful in a clinic, hospital or school setting, and it may be an essential step toward getting licensed in your state .

If you haven’t already completed a psychology graduate program, you can also earn your master’s in psychology online (no GRE required).

Doctor of Public Administration – DPA

This professional doctorate equips you to serve in careers related to public affairs .

When you graduate with a doctorate in public administration, you may work in government settings or organizational leadership positions with non-profit entities.

The degree may be helpful for working in public administration , policy analysis, federal jobs, or as a local government leader.

Doctor of Public Health – DPH or PhD

Like a PhD in Healthcare Administration, a Doctor of Public Health degree is an applied doctorate for students with a desire to work in the healthcare sector. You may want to choose this particular option if your career plans involve crafting healthcare policies or working as an administrator.

The goal of this doctorate is often to help improve health at a large-scale level: for whole populations rather than individual people.

You may also be interested in a no-GRE online MPH .

PhD in Public Policy

Earning a PhD in Public Policy helps students move into careers at a high level within government agencies, business, political roles, and community leadership.

Whether you want to become a social work leader or you have international leadership in mind, you can customize a public policy program to suit your career interests.

Doctoral Programs in Ministry or Theology

A Doctor of Ministry or Theology program helps students learn advanced principles of ministry, theology, and leadership within the Church.

Most students are able to study on an independent project that is approved by their school.

Graduates go on to become professors, ministry leaders, and higher officials within the Church.

What are GRE Waivers?

Minimum undergraduate gpa.

Some universities allow GRE exemptions for students who demonstrated academic competency during their undergrad years. These schools may set a minimum GPA that students must have achieved during their earlier education to be considered for this type of academic waiver.

GPA requirements may vary among a school’s many programs. Waivers may be subject to approval on an individual basis.

Previously Earned Graduate Degree

The GRE is intended to demonstrate preparation for higher education. However, if you’ve already earned an advanced degree, the school’s admission department may consider that sufficient proof that you can handle the rigors of their PhD program.

For this waiver, some schools may require not only that you have an advanced degree but also that you achieved a particular GPA.

Professional Experience

Because extended employment in a field may demonstrate competency, some schools consider work experience in their area of focus just as valuable as high scores on the GRE.

If you have several years of relevant work experience, that may earn you a GRE waiver. Some schools specifically include relevant military service in their rules about qualifying for waivers.

Some Programs Have No GRE Requirement

If the program for which you are applying has no GRE requirement, then you won’t need a waiver. The school isn’t looking for test scores, so you won’t need to furnish them.

Just be sure to read all admission requirements closely. Some schools require GRE scores for only a few of their doctoral programs.

GMAT or GRE?

The GMAT, also known as the Graduate Management Admissions Test, is similar to the GRE but it has a more specific focus. The GMAT is an exam designed expressly for those entering business school.

Some business schools do accept GRE scores. However, if you are applying only to business programs, you should opt for the GMAT.

If GRE Scores are Optional, Should I Send Them?

To some faculty, GRE scores carry a lot of weight. Therefore, high marks on this test may elevate you in their eyes. In other words, even if the GRE is optional, furnishing a good score may be beneficial.

On the other hand, low scores may have the opposite effect. When the GRE is optional, rather than required, it may be best to keep your low marks under wraps so that your other merits take center stage.

If you’ve never taken the GRE, is it worth it to try, just so you can submit your results to a GRE-optional program? There’s no cut-and-dry answer to that question, but current program participants may be able to lend insight.

Should I Apply to PhD Without GRE Programs?

Your decision to apply to a PhD program should have nothing to do with whether or not they require the GRE. The main consideration should be the university’s accreditation.

Here are a few points to consider…

GRE is a Poor Predictor of Performance in Graduate School

If a doctoral program doesn’t require GRE scores, it’s an indication that the school understands the limitations of this exam.

The GRE won’t provide clear evidence about whether you will succeed in the classroom, get good grades, make it to graduation or be a leader in your professional field someday.

Accredited Universities Offer No GRE PhD Programs

Not having GRE requirements is not a sign that a program will be weak or substandard. Many respected, accredited programs don’t require that you take this test before you can be admitted.

Instead of using GRE requirements to evaluate a school’s strength, consider whether the program has received accreditation. Also, gather reviews from current or recent students, and get advice from the school’s graduate coordinator.

You Still Have to Meet Other Admissions Standards

All PhD programs are selective about their candidates. So, whether or not they require that you submit GRE scores, they all have admissions requirements that you must meet in order to get into the school.

Other factors considered for acceptance may include:

• Your resume
• Letters of recommendation from people familiar with your work
• Your transcripts from other higher education endeavors.
• A statement from you about your goals
• Your proficiency in the English language

Your Master’s Degree Might Be Enough

If you’ve already completed a master’s program , that shows that you’re able to perform at the graduate level.

Therefore, your school of choice may not require GRE scores as additional proof, especially if your degree is paired with a master’s thesis, a high GPA or years of professional experience.

GRE Scores: What They Tell Us, What They Don’t

GRE scores are not as helpful as you may have been led to believe. Let’s take a look at some recent studies on the reliability of GRE results.

GRE Scores Do Not Predict Classroom Performance

Creativity, interpersonal skills and internal motivation are just a few of the components that contribute to how well you do in the classroom.

However, the GRE measures none of those. It focuses only on your test-taking skills.

So, doing well on the test doesn’t guarantee classroom success.

GRE Scores Lose Impact over Time

Researchers have discovered that your scores on this test may give a school an idea of what kinds of grades you’ll achieve during the first year in their program.

However, your scores do nothing to predict your academic success after that first year.

The GRE Lacks Reliability in Predicting Final Outcomes

The GRE can’t determine whether a first-year doctoral student will end up completing the program.

Some high-scoring students may not possess enough tenacity to stick with school until graduation. On the other hand, some low-scoring students may have been the ones most likely to persevere.

Applying to Graduate School with No GRE Test Scores

There are some things that you should consider before specifically seeking out a no GRE required doctoral program:

• While some high-profile schools may admit you without this test, not taking the GRE will automatically close many prestigious schools to you.
• Some fields are more likely to require the test than others.
• Sometimes, it’s easier to find a no-GRE-required online program than an in-person one.

Consider your motivation for not submitting scores:

• Because you’ve already settled on a program that doesn’t require this test? Great!
• Because you’re too busy to study? Think hard about whether you have time for a doctoral program.
• Because you received a low score? According to an ETS survey, nearly 25 percent of test-takers improve their results second time around.

If one of your primary concerns is the amount of time required , you may be interested in our article discussing accelerated PhD programs online .

What is the GRE, and Who Needs to Take It?

The GRE is a test designed to show that you learned enough during your undergrad years to be ready for the rigors of grad school. The exam includes sections on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. You may need to take it if you’re applying to graduate programs.

Is the GRE Test Required for Graduate School?

No, not always. There are some graduate schools that don’t require GRE or GMAT scores. Some offer alternative options, and others simply have no GRE (or other entrance exam) requirements. Some schools require that you submit exam scores for only some of their graduate programs.

Is the GRE Required for PhD Programs?

Many doctoral programs require applicants to take the GRE, but not all do. Others allow waivers or base their admissions decisions solely on other criteria. In particular, some of the best-ranked online PhD programs may allow you to enroll even if you’ve never taken the GRE.

What’s the Difference Between GRE vs. GMAT?

While the GRE is used for a variety of different graduate programs, the GMAT is designed specifically for admission to business schools. However, some business schools accept GRE scores as well. Even still, those who have their hearts set on business school would do best to take the GMAT.

Is There Any Reason to Take the GRE for a PhD Program?

If your top school choice requires GRE scores, then you should take the test. Also, if you are planning to apply to quite a few programs, then there’s a good chance that you’ll need to submit test scores with some of those applications.

What is a GRE Waiver?

Some schools require GRE scores for admission to their doctoral programs, but they will make an exception if you meet other qualifications.

These qualifications may include:

• High GPA scores during undergraduate studies
• Relevant work or military experience
• Related master’s degree

Which PhD Programs May Waive the GRE?

Online doctoral programs across a variety of fields may admit students without requiring GRE scores. Commonly, this may include programs related to education, healthcare, human services and technology, and you may have options for PhD or applied doctoral degrees.

Despite the name, a Doctor of Philosophy degree is not limited to the study of philosophy. You can earn a doctor of philosophy degree in many areas, including science, the humanities or education. Your coursework will involve completing a dissertation.

A PhD program is often recommended for students interested in pursuing research or teaching.

Can You Get Into a PhD Program Without GRE Scores?

There are quite a few universities that no longer require the GRE as part of the admissions process. Some don’t require it at all, while others offer GRE waivers if you have a decent GPA, previous graduate-level courses, and similar criteria.

Some PhD Programs Have No GRE Requirement

The Graduate Record Examinations have come to be recognized as synonymous with grad school acceptance. Despite that, there are many schools that will admit you to their doctoral programs even if you’ve never taken this test. In fact, the number of PhD programs that don’t require GRE scores is growing.

In particular, online PhD programs often base their admissions decisions on factors other than exam scores.

Therefore, you may want to start your school-selection process by identifying programs that do not include GRE scores as one of their admissions factors.

Some PhD Programs Offer GRE Waivers

High marks from your last educational endeavor — your master’s degree, for example — may be enough to get you into a PhD program without needing to provide GRE scores.

If you already have work history in your intended field of study, this may also serve as sufficient proof of your competency for the school’s PhD program.

Waiver requirements can vary between schools and may be determined on a case-by-case basis.

List of Doctoral Programs without the GRE

The following doctorate programs do not require the GRE at some universities.

• Doctor of Psychology
• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Social Work
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Philosophy

To provide a more comprehensive list, we’ve also included universities that offer GRE waivers.

Key Takeaways

You may be able to get a PhD or a professional doctorate without ever taking the GRE.

Options include:

• Choosing a program with no GRE requirements
• Qualifying for a waiver

Skipping GRE test prep may allow you to speed up the process of beginning a fulfilling and challenging doctoral education.

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Ph.D. in Business Administration (Management)

From the director of the management phd program.

James Sundali Director of Ph.D. in Business Administration, Management Program

The dynamic and growing College of Business offers a Ph.D. in Business Administration (Management), with cutting-edge management training in theoretical foundations and quantitative methods in basic and applied research. The program offers concentrations in organizational behavior, strategy, entrepreneurship, and behavioral decision making. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary research and encourages collaborations with other disciplines such as economics, psychology, sociology, social psychology and neuroscience.

Ph.D. in Business Administration (Management) from the University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno is Nevada’s land-grant institution and currently enrolls more than 22,000 students. As of 2019, UNR was chosen as one of just 130 universities to receive the classification as an R1 institution — “very high research activity” — by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This designation is reserved for doctoral-granting universities with exceptional levels of research activity. In 2020, the University also reached the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, becoming one of only 119 institutions in the country so honored. These designations indicate that the University of Nevada, Reno is not only a great place to pursue a research career, but also presents opportunities to connect with local organizations and community members in research endeavors and outreach. 

The AACSB -accredited the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business has over 3,000 undergraduate majors and 380 graduate and   MBA   students. The College of Business is consistently recognized among the best by the Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Reports. The College maintains a collegial and collaborative work environment and is one of the strongest units at the University. Within the College of Business, the Management Department houses a multidisciplinary faculty in areas such as human resource management, organizational behavior, judgment and decision making, strategy, and entrepreneurship. 

The Reno-Tahoe area also offers many living advantages. This area is a vast region of high desert, valleys, lakes, and tree-covered mountain tops, with world-class outdoor recreation areas. The region has an active art/cultural scene, a budding entrepreneurial focus, and a rapidly diversifying economy. Reno is a short drive from beautiful Lake Tahoe, offering a mix of urban life and outdoor beauty.

Visit the Reno-Tahoe area

Faculty research areas

Behavioral economics.

Behavioral Economics studies the decision-making processes of individuals and institutions. The discipline is interdisciplinary in nature and draws on insights from economics, psychology, social psychology, and neuroscience among other fields. Our department gathers experimental and empirical data to better understand how economic actors behave.

Publications

Salaghe, F., Guerrero, F., Jones, D., Nichols, M. W., & Sundali, J. (2023). Behavioral Responses to Losses Disguised as Wins: A Field Study of Slot Machine Players. Journal of Gambling Studies , 1-20. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10899-022-10184-w

Guerrero, F., Papadovasilaki, D., Ridinger, G., & Sundali, J. (2021). Investor beliefs in the midst of a market crash and the COVID 19 pandemic: Survey and experimental evidence. 

Leonhardt, J. M., Ridinger, G., Rong, Y., Talaei-Khoe, A., 2021. Invincibility Threatens Vaccine Intentions During a Pandemic. PLOS One, 16(10), e0258432.

McBride, M., Ridinger, G., 2021. Beliefs Also Make Social-norm Preferences Social.  Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization , 191, 765-784.

Ridinger, G., 2021. Intentions Versus Outcomes: Fairness and Cooperation in a Sequential Prisoner’s Dilemma with Nature. Games 12(3), 58

Ridinger, G., 2020. Shame and Theory-of-mind Predicts Rule-following Behavior. Games , 11(3), 36.

Leary, B.R., Ridinger, G., 2020. Denial without Determination: The Impact of Systemic Market Access Denial on Consumer Power and Market Engagement. Journal of Public Policy and Marketing 39, 99-118.

Ridinger, G., 2018. Ownership, Punishment, and Norms in a Real-effort Bargaining Experiment. Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization 155, 382-402.

Ridinger, G., John R. S., McBride, M., Scurich, N., 2016. Attacker Deterrence and Perceived Risk in a Stackelberg Security Game . Risk Analysis 36(8): 1666-1681

Ridinger, G., McBride, M., 2015. Money Affects Theory of Mind Differently by Gender. PLOS One 10(12): e0143973

Salaghe, F., Sundali, J., Nichols, M. W., & Guerrero, F. (2020). An empirical investigation of wagering behavior in a large sample of slot machine gamblers. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 169, 369-388.

Papadovasilaki, D., Guerrero, F., Sundali. J. (2018). The effect of early and salient investment experiences on subsequent asset allocations—An experimental study. Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance. Volume 19, September 2018, Pages 1-19

Safford, A., Sundali, J., Guerrero, F. (2018). Does experiencing a Crash make all the difference? An Experiment on the Depression Babies Hypothesis. Sage Open , Volume: 8 issue: 2. Article first published online: May 25, 2018

Wuthisatian, Rattaphon, Federico Guerrero, James Sundali, (2017) "Gain attraction in the presence of social interactions", Review of Behavioral Finance , Vol. 9 Issue: 2, pp.105-127  

Papadovasikaki, D., Guerrero, F., Sundali, J., Stone, G. (2015). How important are early investment experiences on subsequent investment decisions? A laboratory experiment on asset allocation. Managerial Finance , Vol. 41, Issue: 6, pp: 582-590.

Sundali, J.A., Stone, G.R., & Guerrero, F.L. (2012). The effect of setting goals and emotions on asset allocation decisions, Managerial Finance , Vol. 38 Iss: 11, pp.1008

Guerrero, F., Stone, G., & Sundali, J. (2012). Fear in asset allocation during and after stock market crashes: An Experiment in Behavioral Finance. The Journal of Behavioral Finance & Economics . Volume 2, Issue 1, Spring 2012, pp. 50-81. 

Sundali, J. & Guerrero, F. (2009). Managing a 401K account: An experiment on asset allocation. Journal of Behavioral Finance , Vol. 10 Issue 2, p108-124.

Business Ethics

Business Ethics is a form of applied ethics or professional ethics and examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems relevant to a business environment. It applies to all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of individuals and entire organizations. 

Jones, D.N. (2014). Predatory personalities as behavioral mimics and parasites: Mimicry-Deception Theory. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 9, 445-451. doi: 10.1177/1745691614535936

Jones, D.N., & *Mueller, S.M. (in press). Is Machiavellianism dead or dormant? The perils of researching a secretive construct. Journal of Business Ethics. DOI: 10.1007/s10551-020-04708-w

Jones, D.N. (2013). What's mine is mine and what's yours is mine: Psychopathy, narcissism, and gambling with your neighbor's money. Journal of Research in Personality, 47, 563-571. DOI: Full Text

Jones, D.N., & Figueredo, A.J. (2013). The core of darkness: uncovering the heart of the Dark Triad. European Journal of Personality, 27, 521-531. DOI: 10.1002/per.1893.

Carré, J.R., Mueller, S.M., Schleicher, K.M., & Jones, D.N. (2018). Psychopathy and deviant workplace behavior: A comparison of two psychopathy models. Journal of Personality Disorders, 32, 242-361.

Jones, D.N., & Paulhus, D.L. (2017). Duplicity among the Dark Triad: Three faces of deceit. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 113, 329-342.

Carré, J.R., & Jones, D.N. (2017). Decision making, morality, and Machiavellianism: The role of dispositional traits in gist extraction. Review of General Psychology, 21, 23-29.

Behavioral Finance

Behavioral Finance examines the behavior of investors and financial markets. Behavioral finance examines how investors can be influenced by cognitive or emotional heuristics and biases.  Our department uses experimental methods to examine a wide variety of research questions such as how investors react to market booms and crashes, the impact of social influences such as the fear of missing out, and how the gamification of investment apps can influence investment decisions.

Safford, A., Sundali, J., Guerrero, F. (2018). Does experiencing a Crash make all the difference? An Experiment on the Depression Babies Hypothesis. Sage Open, Volume: 8 issue: 2. Article first published online: May 25, 2018

Wuthisatian, Rattaphon, Federico Guerrero, James Sundali, (2017) "Gain attraction in the presence of social interactions", Review of Behavioral Finance, Vol. 9 Issue: 2, pp.105-127

Papadovasikaki, D., Guerrero, F., Sundali, J., Stone, G. (2015). How important are early investment experiences on subsequent investment decisions? A laboratory experiment on asset allocation. Managerial Finance, Vol. 41, Issue: 6, pp: 582-590.

Sundali, J.A., Stone, G.R., & Guerrero, F.L. (2012). The effect of setting goals and emotions on asset allocation decisions, Managerial Finance, Vol. 38 Iss: 11, pp.1008

Guerrero, F., Stone, G., & Sundali, J. (2012). Fear in asset allocation during and after stock market crashes: An Experiment in Behavioral Finance. The Journal of Behavioral Finance & Economics. Volume 2, Issue 1, Spring 2012, pp. 50-81.

Sundali, J. & Guerrero, F. (2009). Managing a 401K account: An experiment on asset allocation. Journal of Behavioral Finance, Vol. 10 Issue 2, p108-124.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship examines the various functions carried out by individuals and/or organizations resulting in new business in either new or existing organizations ultimately yielding economic and/or social benefits in the form of economic growth and improved human welfare.

Bylund, P. L. & Packard, M. D. accepted. Back to the Future: Can Counterhistory Accelerate Theoretical Advancement in Management? Academy of Management Perspectives.

Bylund, P. L. & Packard, M. D. in press. Separation of Power and Expertise: Evidence of the Tyranny of Experts in Sweden’s Covid-19 Responses. Southern Economic Journal.

Bylund, P. L. & Packard, M. D. in press. Subjective Value in Entrepreneurship. Small Business Economics.

Emami, A., Packard, M. D., & Welsh, D. in press. On the Cognitive Microfoundations of Effectual Design: The Situated Function-Behavior-Structure Framework. Management Decision.

McBride, R. & Packard, M. D. 2021.On the Ontology of Action: Actors are Not ‘Abstractions’. Academy of Management Review, 46(1): 211-219.

Packard, M. D. & Burnham, T. A. 2021. Do We Understand Each Other? Toward a Simulated Empathy Theory for Entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Venturing, 36(1).

Packard, M. D. 2020. Autarkic Entrepreneurship. Quarterly Journal of Austrian Economics, 23(3-4): 390-426.

Packard, M. D. & Clark, B. B. 2020. Mitigating versus Managing Epistemic and Aleatory Uncertainty. Academy of Management Review, 45(4): 872-876.

Packard, M. D. & Clark, B. B. 2020. On the Mitigability of Uncertainty and the Choice Between Predictive and Non-predictive Strategy. Academy of Management Review, 45(4): 766-786.

Packard, M. D. & Clark, B. B. 2020. Probability Logic Fails in Immitigable Uncertainty, But Strategic Logic Does Not. Academy of Management Review, 45(3): 704-707. Packard, M. D. 2019. Entrepreneurship and the Nirvana State of Rest. Mises: Interdisciplinary Journal of Philosophy, Law and Economics, 7 (3): 523-543.

Brown, L., Packard, M. D., & Bylund, P. L. 2018. Judgment, Fast and Slow: Toward a Judgment View of Entrepreneurs’ Impulsivity. Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 10 (e00095).

Packard, M. D. (2018). Why I am not a performativist (yet). Journal of Business Venturing Insights, 9, 39-44.

Packard, M. D. & Bylund, P. (2018). On the relationship between inequality and entrepreneurship. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, 12 (1), 3-22.

Packard, M. D., Clark, B. B., & Klein, P. G. (2017). Uncertainty types and transitions in the entrepreneurial process. Organization Science, 28 (5), 840-856.

Packard, M. D. (2017). Where did interpretivism go in the theory of entrepreneurship? Journal of Business Venturing, 32 (5), 536-549.

Packard, M. D. (2016). Consumer sovereignty and entrepreneurship. Published by the University of Missouri.

Packard, M.D., Bylund, P. (2018). What is entrepreneurial judgment, anyway?. 2018 Annual conference of the Strategic Management Society, Paris, France.

Packard, M.D., Bylund, P. (2018). Back to the future? How counterhistory can be a means for progress in management and entrepreneurship theory. 2018 Annual conference of the Academy of Management, Chicago, IL.

Packard, M.D., Bylund, P. (2017). Toward a modern rationalist approach to entrepreneurship. 2017 Annual conference of the Strategic Management Society, Houston, TX.

Packard, M. D., Jiang, L. (2017). Knowledge signals and investors' funding decisions: Evidence from crowdfunding ventures. 2017 Annual conference of the Academy of Management, Atlanta, GA.

Packard, M. D., Jiang, L. (2016). Knowledge signals and investors' funding decisions: Evidence from crowdfunding ventures. 2016 Annual conference of the Strategic Management Society, Berlin, Germany.

Packard, M. D. (2016). Where did interpretivism go in the theory of entrepreneurship? The creative enactive approach. 2016 Annual conference of the Academy of Management, Anaheim, CA.

Packard, M. D. (2016). Needs and technologies: Combining knowledge for innovation. 2016 Annual conference of the Academy of Management, Anaheim, CA.

Packard, M. D., Berns, J. P., Clark, B. B. (2015). Investors' perceptions of uncertainty and crowdfunding strategies. 2015 Annual conference of the Strategic Management Society, Denver, CO.

Packard, M. D. & Bylund, P. (2015). The relationship between inequality and entrepreneurship: A conceptual model and preliminary tests. 2015 Annual conference of the Academy of Management, Vancouver, ON.

Packard, M. D. (2014). Consumer sovereignty: A demand-side theory of the entrepreneurial process. 2014 Annual conference of the Academy of Management, Philadelphia, PA.

Packard, M. D. (2014). Consumer sovereignty and subjective value: A demand-side perspective. 2014 Annual conference of the Academy of Management, Philadelphia, PA.

Packard, M. D., Clark, B. B., & Klein, P. G. (2014). An exploration into the nature of entrepreneurial uncertainty. 2014 Annual conference of the Academy of Management, Philadelphia, PA.

Packard, M. D. & Clark, B. B. (2013). Entrepreneurial judgment: A broadened conceptualization of decision-making under uncertainty. 2013 Annual conference of the Strategic Management Society, Atlanta, GA.

Chiles, T. H., Elias, S. R. S. T. A., Packard, M. D., & McMullen, J. S. (2012). Austrian Economics in organization studies: How Austrian ideas have contributed to strategy, entrepreneurship, and related areas. 2012 Annual conference of the Strategic Management Society, Prague, Czech Republic.

Behavioral Game Theory

Behavioral Game Theory examines decisions and outcomes in the context of conflict and cooperation. Game theory is the study of strategic interdependence, when players’ outcomes depend upon decisions made by all players in a game.  Experiments are used to test whether the decisions of subjects in games coincide with theoretical predictions.  Modern theories such as theory of mind are assessed in classic games such as the prisoner’s dilemma.

Ridinger, G., 2021. Intentions Versus Outcomes: Fairness and Cooperation in a Sequential Prisoner’s Dilemma with Nature. Games 12(3), 58.

Ridinger, G., McBride, M., 2020. Reciprocity in Games with Unknown Types. In Capra, M., Croson, R., Rigdon, M., Rosenblatt, T., eds., Handbook of Experimental Game Theory , Edward Elgar Publishing.

Ridinger, G., 2018. Cultural Transmission and Extortion. Games 9(3), 49 .

Leadership research focuses on the human resource related to firm’s including cultural structure. This involves understanding critical organizational processes in order to evaluate how to improve team building, effective communication, multicultural team building, and how to lead change.

Organizational Behavior

Organizational Behavior studies human behavior in organizational settings, the interface between human behavior and the organization, and organizations themselves. The focus of this study can be at the micro-level relating to individuals in organizations, at meso-level relating to work groups, and at the macro-level of the entire organization.

Wieland, A., Sundali, J., Kemmelmeier, M., Sarin, R. (2014). Gender differences in the endowment effect: Women pay less, but won't accept less. Judgment and Decision Making 11/2014; 9(6):558-571.

Sundali, J. A., Safford, A.H., & Croson, R. (2012). The impact of near-miss events on betting behavior: An examination of casino rapid roulette play. Judgment and Decision Making, Vol. 7, No. 6, November 2012, pp. 768–778

Jones, D.N., & Figueredo, A.J. (2013). The core of darkness: uncovering the heart of the Dark Triad. European Journal of Personality, 27, 521-531. DOI: 10.1002/per.1893. Carré, J.R., Mueller, S.M., Schleicher, K.M., & Jones, D.N. (2018). Psychopathy and deviant workplace behavior: A comparison of two psychopathy models. Journal of Personality Disorders, 32, 242-361.

Strategic Management

Strategic Management is concerned with the management of an organization’s resources to achieve its goals and objectives. Scholars examine how organizations strive to develop sustainable competitive advantages in order to earn excess returns.  Research in strategy is multidisciplinary using both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Klein, P. G., Packard, M. D., & Schnatterly, K. (Forthcoming). Collaborating for innovation: The role of organizational complementarities. Reuer, J. J., Matusik, S. Oxford Handbook of Collaboration and Entrepreneurship. Oxford University Press, New York, NY.

Packard, M. D. (2013). Innovative dependence? Revisiting the effects of firm size on innovation. 2013 Annual conference of the Academy of Management, Orlando, FL.

Packard, M. D. (2012). A theoretical argument for a shift in corporate strategy: The advantages of corporate incubators. 2012 Annual conference of the Academy of Management, Boston, MA.

Careers research focuses on studying people’s lifelong work experiences and choices, as well as the implications of career decisions for outcomes like satisfaction and performance. This area of research is interdisciplinary, blending research and knowledge from fields such as business, counseling, psychology, and education. Topics studied in our department include career choices, predictors of career success, over-qualification and underemployment, and changes in person-environment fit across people’s careers.

Human Resources Management

Human Resource Management (HRM) is an area of study focusing on ways to most effectively recruit, select, train, and manage employees in organizations. HRM research is designed to maximize employee performance by hiring employees who fit well with the organization, are happier with their jobs, and ultimately want to stay with the company. Research topics include individual differences like personality and interests, improving recruitment and selection practices, and studying predictors of job performance and turnover. 

Judgment and Decision Making

Judgment and Decision Making (JDM) is concerned with normative, descriptive and prescriptive analysis of human judgments and decisions.  JDM studies how people should (normative) and do (descriptive) form judgments and make decisions and offers advice how to do make better decisions (prescriptive).  Experimental methods are often used to examine the influence of heuristics and biases on decision processes.

Burnham, T., Ridinger,  G., Carpenter, A., Choi, L., 2020. Consumer Suggestion Sharing: Helpful, Pragmatic and Conditional. European Journal of Marketing 55, 726-762.

Salaghe, F., Sundali, J., Nichols, M. W., & Guerrero, F. (2020). An empirical investigation of wagering behavior in a large sample of slot machine gamblers. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 169, 369-388. Wieland, A., Sundali, J., Kemmelmeier, M., Sarin, R. (2014). Gender differences in the endowment effect: Women pay less, but won't accept less. Judgment and Decision Making 11/2014; 9(6):558-571. Sundali, J. A., Safford, A.H., & Croson, R. (2012). The impact of near-miss events on betting behavior: An examination of casino rapid roulette play. Judgment and Decision Making, Vol. 7, No. 6, November 2012, pp. 768–778

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Doctor of Business Administration

Make your business leadership skills indisputable with a DBA degree made for real-life application.

Finish in as little as 3 years † . No GMAT or GRE Required.

Learn 100% Online

An online DBA degree built for today's leader.

Business evolution is faster and more complex than ever. Leaders are expected to navigate technological and sustainable advancements while making decisions that impact their business, as well as their communities and society. Built for today’s business leader, The Bellevue University applied Doctor of Business Administration degree will prepare you to solve current problems in your industry, lead in top executive positions, and address the complexities of today’s business landscape with vision, knowledge, and clarity.

Earn your doctorate in business administration in 3 years † — start to finish.

Time is at a premium in the life of a business leader. The Bellevue University program is structured so that you can earn your DBA online in only three years † — with built in two-week breaks — when you transfer in your MBA or equivalent master’s-level credits and finish each course with satisfactory grades.

Publish and present as an expert thought leader with a DBA.

Many Doctor of Business Administration programs prepare candidates for a teaching career or academic research. The Bellevue University DBA degree program is different. At Bellevue University, the DBA helps you become an expert and a thought leader in your chosen research topic to help tackle real challenges in the business world. Your research project will also provide you the opportunity to present and publish on your topic as an expert.

Complete a research project; not a dissertation.

The Bellevue University DBA degree does not require you to write a dissertation at the end of the program. Instead, you will complete a research-based doctoral project that prepares you to be an expert and a thought leader on a topic. Start in year one and work on it throughout the three-year program † — so when your courses are complete, your doctoral project is, as well.

Why Earn Your DBA Online at Bellevue University?

Doctoral research project.

You will complete a research-based doctoral project that prepares you to be an expert and a thought leader on a topic. You will start the project in year one and complete it during the three-year program † .

3 years start to finish †

We understand time is at a premium in the life of a business leader. Our program is structured so that you can earn your degree 100% online in only three years † .

Applied DBA

Many DBA programs prepare candidates for a teaching career in academia. Our DBA program, however, prepares you for the real-world business challenges that require informed, executive-level decision-making.

Two-week breaks

Life doesn’t stop when you earn your degree. We’ve built in a two-week break between every course to help you recharge and make time for other responsibilities.

† Students must receive satisfactory grades and complete all terms sequentially to complete the program in as few as three years.

Business as Usual? Not at Bellevue University.

Not all DBA programs are designed to complement the life of a business professional. As a leading university for working adults, at Bellevue University, we have addressed the obstacles that often stand in the way of completing a doctoral degree — empowering you to become an expert in a reasonable amount of time.

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The future of business is changing. Are you ready?

What You’ll Learn

• Communicate advanced business analyses to lead an organization effectively.
• Assess advanced scholarly thinking to identify and resolve business challenges ethically.
• Conduct business research for organizational and societal problems.
• Combine experience, knowledge and judgment to build advanced competencies in business.

Transfer your graduate degree.

Over the course of your DBA online program, you will take 55 credit hours. When combined with an MBA of 36 credit hours* (or equivalent degree), you will have a total of 91 program credit hours upon completion

• 36 Credits transferred from MBA or equivalent program*
• 55 Total hours taken in Bellevue University DBA Program
• 91 Total program credit hours

* Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

Doctor of Business Administration Courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “ Academic Progress ” for your curriculum requirements.

DBA Requirements (55 Credit Hours)

(Click a course name below to view course details)

The online residency course will provide students with an overview of the university, the College of Business, the DBA program, faculty, and a time to meet their fellow classmates. Tutorials explaining the online learning platform and how to use the library for research will be covered. Students will be introduced to learning expectations and the rigors of doctoral studies. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

Students investigate relationships of business and society and how the human experience is affected and shaped through the social institution collectively known as business. Students examine complex interactions of people, businesses, and governments. Focus is on how these multifaceted interactions affect quality of life and economic value creation. Students examine social, ethical, political, legal, and regulatory implications of these relationships. The course explores how business leaders must achieve economic value creation while simultaneously providing meaning, purpose, and social value. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

2-Week Break

This course examines a number of ways leadership is perceived and practiced in global organizations. Accordingly, key theoretical perspectives and practical matters in leadership will be examined to determine desired leadership approaches in various cultures. Key topics include cultural diversity in organizations and ethical standards in multicultural leadership. Emphasis will be placed on complexity of diverse people, understanding and respecting differences, adaptive leadership, and ethical challenges of leading global and multicultural organizations. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course focuses on the development of human capital strategy that maximizes all human-derived sources of capital. Emphasis is placed on assessing and measuring human capital stocks and needs within the organization. Attention also is given to strategies that retain and motivate members to meet organizational needs while simultaneously looking for win/win partnerships between the organization and its employees and other stakeholders. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course is the first in the series of doctoral research projects to be completed in the program. During the course, the learner creates a field-based project applying theoretical and empirical research to solve an organizational problem. The main focus of the course is defining a problem in an organization, creating a literature review and a plan for conducting substantive research leading to a resolution. Emphasis is placed on statement of the problem, purpose of the study, scope, and time frame to completion. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course provides the student with a variety of theoretical and grounded readings that address and examine challenging communication issues that modern business organizations face. Topics include, but are not limited to internal identity and value factors; company culture and internal knowledge factors; organization-society relationships; and internal/external stakeholder relationships. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course covers the quantitative analysis tools associated with professional practice in leading an organization. The focus is on practical application of statistics and data analysis techniques to maximize organizational outcomes. Successful students will become sophisticated designers and consumers of quantitatively-based research, reports, and communication. In addition, emphasis is placed on communicating statistically-based conclusions to stakeholders who may not have quantitative training. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course introduces students to the basic tools and concepts of qualitative business research. With this epistemological grounding, the seminar will then explore the core issues in case study, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and narrative research design, including methods of structured and focused comparisons of cases, typological theory, case selection, process tracing, congruence testing, and the use of counterfactual analysis. Students will look at business problems and situations, critique their assumptions, comparative strengths and weaknesses, and select proper tools for analysis. Students thereby develop their skills in participant observation, interviewing, and document analysis by using each method to investigate a topic or question of their choice. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course is the second in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner creates a field-based project, applying theoretical and empirical research to solve an organizational problem. The main focus of the course is defining a problem in an organization, creating a more substantial literature review and a plan for conducting substantive research leading to a resolution. Emphasis will be placed on statement of the problem, developing a feasible topic, designing the study, and time frame to completion. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course explores the interconnectivity of energy, environment, and business strategy. Strategies for adapting to the impact of environmental changes, energy production and consumption, and government policies are discussed. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which focuses on economic, social, and environmental impacts, and plays an increasing role in organizational strategy, is explored. Major federal environmental laws and a study of local policy and regulations relating to sustainable projects are introduced. Emphasis is placed on the role of lean sustainable quality leadership (LSQL) and a systems approach, to successfully lead an always-improving, waste-limiting, and sustainable company in harmony with the environment. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

Students investigate and apply financial management principles and strategies used by business leaders and boardroom decision makers in the pursuit of long-term financial and organizational success. The course focuses on applications of core principles and techniques of financial strategy, benefit-cost-value cash flow analysis, value-based decision making, financial statement analysis and holistic communication of financial performance and strategies. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

In the Graduate Student Research Data bootcamp, doctoral students will be provided with the practical tools of completing scientific research in management, so they are able to collect, represent, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. The bootcamp will enable students to answer testable questions and analyze data to answer a research question in social science, including running statistics programs such as SPSS. Any specific experience in data analysis and coding is not required. Students will gain hands-on learning experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods by completing a replication paper project.

This course provides the student with an examination of the interrelationship of company philosophy, purpose, and policy that are the foundation for strategy formulation and implementation. Topics include the role of the boards; business policy planning; long term economic, social, and cultural assessments; sustainable and adaptable value creation processes; competitive advantages; and organizational change. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course is the third in the series of doctoral research projects completed in the program. During the course, the learner collects and analyzes data for the doctoral research project, reflecting on the findings and discussing limitations of the research study. The learner concludes the study reflecting on the findings discussing implications, recommendations, and future studies. Learners will prepare the paper for possible publication. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course concentrates on strengthening strategic marketing decisions within a firm by examining its current position in the market in comparison to competitors and determining where it should invest monetary and human capital. Emphasis will be put on aligning decisions with core beliefs, mission, and vision. A central focus will be the ethical decisions and implications on stakeholders and society. Examining the theoretical and empirical research along with identifying new entrants in the market and market disruptors will be explored to enhance decision-making. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

This course covers promoting and marketing an entrepreneurial idea from its inception to the marketplace. The course is designed for exploring the unique marketing strategies required to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. It will also focus on issues surrounding companies with high growth potential, and how sustainability and the creativity is needed to develop innovative marketing for these environments. Students will practice with examples of early market disruption and innovation, explore their own creativity and work together on entrepreneurial ideas to solve contemporary business problems. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

Organization survival requires constant adaptation, innovation and change. This course will address current issues, basic theories and practical strategies associated with organizational change and development in contemporary and global organizations, which are necessary for their enduring survival and success. It will cover the drivers of change, including the competitive environment, new technologies, consumer demand, economic conditions and government policy actions; why organizations fail to change; how to deal with resistance to change; how to plan for, implement, monitor and measure change; and the role of leaders and culture in effective change management. Course Prerequisite: Admission into the DBA program

See the end at the beginning.

Usually, a dissertation waits at the end of most doctoral programs, a giant obstacle to overcome. This isn’t the case in the Bellevue University DBA online program. Instead, you will undertake an applied research-based doctoral project that seeks a solution to a business challenge you are passionate about. With a structured plan, you’ll work on your project throughout the DBA program—so when coursework is finished, your doctoral project is complete as well.

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org) .

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.

This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

Learn more about business courses that can make the difference in your career.

100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.

Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.

Find out more about the online experience >

Cohort learning: a proven model for busy professionals.

When you’re ready to enroll in the highest level of education, there’s no better place to turn than to an experienced leader in adult learning. The Bellevue University Online Cohort Learning Format has been specifically designed—and proven to work—for busy adults. You register for all your courses upfront, and then move through them step-by-step with your peers. It’s our most popular and effective learning format for adult learners.

Learn from expert faculty.

Throughout your DBA degree program, you will learn from award-winning faculty with practical experience and doctoral education.

Get to know your instructors.

Julia Cronin-Gilmore, Ph.D. Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore, program director for the Doctor of Business Administration program, has held positions at companies across the Midwest. Her professional experience and academic research span a wide variety of subjects, including business strategy, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, consumer behavior and dissertation research.

Dr. Cronin-Gilmore is a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. In addition, she has earned numerous certifications and received several awards for her contributions to both teaching and business. These awards include an Excellence in Teaching Award from the United States Distance Learning Association, and Marketer of the Year and Pinnacle Awards-both from the American Marketing Association, Omaha chapter-among others.

Gregory Ashley, Ph.D. Dr. Greg Ashley brings extensive experience in building curriculum, instruction, and teaching business, economics, and industrial-organizational psychology courses at all academic levels. His special research interests involve social capital, self-awareness, humility, leadership, and psychometrics. Ashley also directs the Bellevue University Ph.D. in Human Capital and chairs its Dissertation Committee.

Inhyun Han, Ph.D. Dr. Han specializes in leadership and organizational behavior, bringing her interdisciplinary management research experience and novel insights to the DBA program. Her research interests include the leader's mindset, proactive behavior and decision-making, negotiation, stereotype threat, and first-generation college students and their real-world outcomes. Dr. Han's research has been published in the International Journal of Conflict Management and she has presented her work at numerous research conferences. Dr. Han welcomes opportunity to collaborate on intriguing research projects with DBA students in management.

John Kyndt, Ph.D. Dr. John Kyndt specializes in energy, water purification, and sustainability. He brings valuable experience in renewable fuels research and in building sustainable systems, as well as know-how for startup technology ventures. His instructional repertoire includes biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, energy, and sustainability. Dr. Kyndt is co-author of the book, Algae: Coloring the future green.

Stephen J. Linenberger, Ph.D. With many years of teaching, course development, research, and training experience, Dr. Linenberger offers expertise in leadership education and practice. He has created and taught courses in social psychology of leadership, leadership ethics, human capital, and organizational leadership. Dr. Linenberger has presented his research at academic conferences and won an international award for his research in leadership education for medical schools. He also has leadership experience from his prior work in human services and retail management.

Paul Poppler, Ph.D. Dr. Paul Poppler's extensive experience in research, publication, speaking and program/course development enhances the dynamic aspect of the DBA program. His research interests include business policy and strategy, human capital, human resource management, and ethics.

Kevin Schieuer, Ph.D. Dr. Kevin Schieuer brings valuable insights and connections to the DBA Program from his diverse work and educational experiences in math, physics, electrical engineering, business administration, agriculture, law, and finance. Dr. Schieuer directed the Business Administration Program for many years, serves as Co-Director of the MBA Program and Director of the MS Strategic Finance Program and earned the Excellence in Teaching and University Service Kotouc Professorship Award, among others.

Linda Thiede Thomas, Ph.D. As Director of Graduate Programs for the College of Business, Dr. Linda Thomas has vast experience in providing an administrative perspective to students. Her research interests and teaching experience include organizational behavior and management, human capital, leadership, and management research. Dr. Thomas previously directed the Bellevue University MBA program and has received the ConAgra Distinguished Professorship Award, among others.

Nicholas Wolff, Ph.D. Dr. Nick Wolff brings an entrepreneurial and innovative approach to curriculum development and instruction in the fields of business, human capital, leadership, and entrepreneurship. His special research interests involve interactive learning, leadership, conflict management, values, and psychometrics. Dr. Wolff also teaches courses in the Bellevue University Doctorate in Human Capital Management program.

Enroll in a DBA degree crafted for you and your priorities.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Doctoral degrees can be more affordable than you think..

Earning a degree is an investment in yourself. We want to help you make sure it’s a wise one.

2024 / 2025 Academic Year

$810 In-Class or Online Cost Per Credit

(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements) Application Fee (non-refundable): $100 General College Fee (per term): $250 Graduation Fee: $100

Curious about financial aid? We’ve got the answers.

As a graduate student, you may be eligible for up to $20,500 per year in unsubsidized Direct Student Loans.

And, students often apply for graduate program scholarships through Bellevue University or tuition reimbursement through their employers. Talk to us and we’ll help you explore your options.

Learn more about financial aid >

See how expert faculty and a proven program model make your DBA degree at Bellevue University more than worth the cost.

Removing barriers to the education you deserve.

College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:

How to apply for the Doctor of Business Administration program.

Prior to applying for enrollment into the DBA program, students must possess a regionally accredited MBA, or equivalent master’s degree. A maximum of 36 credit hours from approved master’s programs may be transferrable. If the student has an MBA from an accredited college or university, it will be accepted in whole. Students entering with non-MBA master’s degrees must take equivalent courses from Bellevue University’s MBA program to make up for any core deficiencies.

• 1. Possess a graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university within the U.S., or a U.S.-equivalent degree from a nationally or internationally accredited college or university outside the U.S.
• 2. Have five years of professional experience.
• 3. Submit an Application for Admission accompanied by a one-time application fee for doctorate programs (this fee is waived for Bellevue University alumni) and a 1,000-word statement describing your interest in the DBA.
• 4. Provide all official transcripts for previous graduate coursework. Showing a GPA of 3.0 or better in previous graduate-level coursework earned toward the graduate degree.
• 5. Submit a resume.
• 6. Submit one letter of nomination from an employer and one letter of recommendation from a peer or personal reference.

Note: Because of the cohort and concentrated nature of the Doctorate of Business Administration program, doctoral-level credit hours from other university programs will typically not be accepted in transfer.

For International Students: International students who do not possess a degree from a post-secondary institution, where English is the principal language of instruction, must have a minimum score of 575 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International credentials must be submitted to World Education Services (at the applicant’s expense) for a formal course-by-course evaluation at www.wes.org .

Ready to get started? Reach out to admissions.

• Get your questions answered about the Doctor of Business Administration
• Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
• Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities

Congratulations on taking your first step towards earning your degree!

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• Best Online DBA Degrees

Best Online DBA Degrees Of 2024

Updated: Nov 2, 2023, 4:46pm

Today’s evolving business climate requires strong leadership to navigate interpersonal issues, regulatory requirements and financial concerns. Industry experience qualifies you to pursue top leadership roles in your field, but a formal, advanced education can put you in an even better position.

The highest academic degree that business leaders can obtain is a doctor of business administration (DBA). You can even earn a DBA degree online, as many business schools have expanded their programs to the virtual space.

This in-depth guide offers everything you need to know about online DBA degree programs, including our ranking of the top 10 schools in the field, accreditation information, common coursework and tuition costs.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We scored 13 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online DBA degree programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. 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 June 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

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
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

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

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 80% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Online Accounting Degrees
• Best MBA In Finance Online
• Best Online Finance Degrees
• Best Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees
• Best Online Master’s In Finance

Best Online DBA Degree Options

Should you enroll in an online dba program, accreditation for online dba programs, how to find the right online dba program for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online dba programs, walsh college, northwood university, university of la verne, wilmington university, city university of seattle, franklin university, johnson & wales university-online, california baptist university, saint leo university, liberty university.

Graduate Tuition

$1,038/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Based in Troy, Michigan, Walsh College offers an online DBA program that uses synchronous coursework to mirror the in-person learning experience. Learners near campus can also opt for hybrid delivery. Walsh allows students to complete residencies on campus or via Zoom.

After completing coursework in areas like ethical business practices, high performance leadership, economic model analysis and marketing strategy, each learner engages in a five-part dissertation process spanning 15 credits.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: High performance leadership, organizational resilience framework
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No, residency available online or on campus

$1,250/credit

The online DBA program at Midland, Michigan’s Northwood University (NU) features flexible scheduling with one annual, in-person residency. Coursework takes a business analytics approach, preparing graduates to work as critical thinkers in the modern business landscape.

NU learners can develop their professional and personal networks through their cohorts and residency experiences. Students begin their dissertation in their first year of the program and complete requirements over the course of the three-year degree.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 to 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Applied data analytics, strategic human resources
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, one residency per year

$1,275/credit

The University of La Verne , located in California, features an online DBA program with asynchronous delivery and hybrid learning on weekends and evenings for local students. Coursework blends conceptual assignments and real-world business issues to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical problem-solving.

The three-year program divides into foundational and core coursework across the first two years, with a final year dedicated to the dissertation. Core classes include marketing theory and strategic management. Before researching and defending a dissertation, each student completes a data analysis dissertation course to develop regression analysis skills.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Nature of inquiry, marketing theory
• In-Person Requirements: No

$2,088/credit

Headquartered in Newcastle, Delaware, Wilmington University allows students to pursue an online DBA through asynchronous or hybrid delivery. This program holds accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Each online student in the WilmU DBA program must complete a two-day residency on campus as they begin work on their dissertation.

Along with core coursework, learners can complete elective courses in advanced organizational behavior and advanced marketing, or they can substitute these courses for other doctoral-level classes, with faculty approval. WilmU maintains connections with the business world, allowing students to partner with real-world organizations as part of their dissertations.

• Application Fee: $35
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Statistics for research, executive decision-making
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, two-day residency on campus

$785/credit

The online DBA program at City University of Seattle (CityU) comprises 91 credits, features asynchronous learning and makes its in-person attendance for its residency requirement optional, allowing for maximum flexibility. Students can craft their own concentrations through independent study, credit transfer or faculty approval.

The dissertation requirement at CityU makes up 18 credits. The process begins with a prospectus course in which students explore topics and submit an outline of their methods and intended outcomes. Next, they officially propose their topics and present their projects to staff after researching and formalizing their findings.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 91 quarter credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Financial decision-making, research design
• Concentrations Available: Student-proposed
• In-Person Requirements: No, optional in-person residency

$748/credit

Franklin University , located in Columbus, Ohio, features an online DBA program with transfer-friendly policies, allowing students to complete up to 41% of curriculum requirements with past learning. Students engage in asynchronous coursework, completing assignments at their convenience.

Franklin divides its three-year program into two years of coursework and one year dedicated to a dissertation. Along with proposing, completing and defending a dissertation, each learner must complete a comprehensive exam in their final year.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 58 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Organizational leadership, qualitative data analysis
• Concentrations Available: Accounting, education, health informatics, healthcare management, human resource management, finance, public administration, methodology, information technology, marketing, instructional design leadership

$993/credit

The online doctor of business administration program at Johnson & Wales University (JWU), based on Providence, Rhode Island, prepares graduates to pursue leadership roles in private and public sector industries like business, nonprofits, healthcare and higher education. Evidence-based coursework uses real-world case studies for learners to develop their problem-solving skills.

JWU’s DBA program does not require an on-campus residency, and students advance through the dissertation process in a “lock-step” format to ensure timely progress. The dissertation is an outcomes-based research project that seeks to make a positive impact on the modern business world.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Contemporary leadership issues, organizational behavior

$795/credit

California Baptist University (CBU), located in Riverside, California, features an online doctor of business administration with asynchronous course delivery. Students focus on one course at a time for eight weeks so they can quickly advance through the program. A cohort model allows students to build their professional networks through the program.

Courses like research design and research methods prepare learners for their dissertations. Students develop their dissertations with faculty and in small groups before presenting them before faculty and peers.

• Application Fee: $45
• Degree Credit Requirements: 56 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated,full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Strategic marketing, qualitative research methods

$965/credit

At Florida’s Saint Leo University , students can pursue an online DBA program with outcomes-driven coursework and practical learning opportunities. Saint Leo requires each DBA learner to complete three in-person residencies.

The curriculum emphasizes research through quantitative and qualitative methodology courses, along with data analysis courses for business decision-making. Before defending their dissertations, students complete a comprehensive written exam. Saint Leo charges online students an additional $40 per course.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 57 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Global perspectives in human resource, applied research
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, three in-person residencies

$595/credit

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers an online DBA program with a wealth of specialization offerings. Students coming from other degree programs can transfer in up to 30 credits for this 60-credit degree. Classes run for eight weeks, and the program holds accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Online DBA students at Liberty can complete their degree without any in-person components. The program offers eight start dates each year, and courses follow an asynchronous delivery format.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Current topics in business administration, strategic allocation of financial resources, case study research methods and consulting techniques
• Concentrations Available: Accounting, executive coaching, finance, healthcare management, human resources, information systems, international business, leadership, marketing, nonprofit leadership and management, project management, real estate development, Six Sigma, strategic management, strategic media and digital content, supply chain management and logistics, tourism management

Many schools have expanded their online degree offerings, including doctoral programs, as distance learning has grown in popularity. To know whether an online DBA program will work for you, consider your personal learning style and scheduling bandwidth.

For example, if you plan to work full time while pursuing a doctoral degree, prioritize programs that allow you to learn on your own time or attend courses on weekends and in the evenings.

Flexible programs, such as those with asynchronous delivery, require you to stay on top of coursework with little oversight. Though this freedom can benefit your busy schedule, you must also have strong motivation and organizational skills to complete assignments on your own time.

Synchronous programs require you to log on at specific times to participate in discussions and lectures. If your degree uses synchronous delivery, ensure the course schedule fits with your personal and professional obligations.

While online DBAs typically allow you to complete courses from a distance, some may include in-person elements like residencies. Make sure that you can fulfill these requirements before applying to any programs.

Along with these factors, consider the following as you research online DBA programs.

Accreditation is a process through which schools, along with their departments and programs, undergo a voluntary evaluation by a third party for academic rigor, student outcomes and resources.

Institutional Accreditation

Make sure any college or university you’re considering holds accreditation at the institutional level. Attending an institutionally accredited school ensures your eligibility for federal student aid, credit transfers, employment and professional credentials. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes the following agencies to provide school-wide accreditation:

• WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Higher Learning Commission
• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

CHEA and ED recognize other institutional accreditors, too, but those listed above are the most reputable and common.

CHEA provides a searchable database of accredited schools and programs. As you research universities with online DBA programs, use this tool to check their accreditation status.

Programmatic Accreditation

Universities usually offer online DBAs through their business departments. The primary accreditors for business schools are the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Though these three agencies apply different criteria for programmatic accreditation, they share a goal of ensuring educational programs provide high-quality business curricula and adequately prepare students for the workforce.

Here’s how to narrow down your options once you’ve decided to pursue an online DBA.

Consider Your Future Goals

To find the right DBA degree, take stock of your personal and professional goals. DBA programs typically prepare learners for executive-level and leadership roles in various industries. If you’re planning to apply for advanced positions in the public and private sectors, you’re on the right path with a DBA program. However, if you’d prefer to work in research or academia as a business professor, a more research-focused Ph.D. in business may offer a better pathway.

Regardless of which degree best suits your needs, you should look for schools offering experiential learning opportunities that align with your career goals. For example, some programs require internships, and others feature residency components. By completing on-the-job learning in a business environment relevant to your career aspirations, you can get your foot in the door with prospective employers while still in school.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Attending a doctoral program requires a serious financial investment. Unlike Ph.D. programs, DBA degrees typically do not receive full funding, though you can often cover significant portions of tuition with scholarships from your university and other providers.

Among the schools ranked on this page, the average total cost of tuition for earning a DBA online is $61,879.

To help cover tuition, fees and other expenses, apply for federal student aid by filling out a FAFSA form. After undergoing an evaluation of your finances, you will receive information on your eligibility for various forms of aid, such as grad PLUS loans and unsubsidized loans. Look to loans after researching all available scholarships and grants since loans require repayment with interest, while scholarships and grants do not.

Colleges and independent providers typically deliver grants and scholarships based on identity, academic achievement and need. Always research whether a prospective school offers scholarships, assistantships and other forms of aid before applying; knowing your tuition is covered allows you to focus more on your studies.

What is a DBA degree?

The doctor of business administration is a terminal business degree that takes a practical approach to learning. Students typically complete and defend a dissertation after passing a series of core courses. Some DBA programs allow for specializations as well.

How long does an online DBA take?

An online DBA can take three to five years, depending on factors like course load, delivery method and dissertation requirements.

Which is better, a Ph.D. or a DBA?

When comparing Ph.D. and DBA programs, the “better” degree depends on your personal and professional aspirations. A Ph.D. focuses more on business research, often leading to roles in academia. A DBA, on the other hand, emphasizes real-world applications and prepares graduates to pursue leadership roles in business.

Matt Whittle has experience writing and editing accessible education-related content in health, technology, nursing and business subjects. His work has been featured on Sleep.org, Psychology.org and NurseJournal.org.

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Doctoral Business Programs

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

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

PhD in Business 

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

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

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

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

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

Key Differences in Doctoral Programs

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

Selecting an Accredited Program

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

See if they've earned AACSB accreditation .

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

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Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

National University’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program offers high-level training for senior leadership positions. Our online DBA programs have an emphasis on the application of research as a means for developing strategies and tactics for solving organizational problems. You will also learn to create and execute solutions that are effective and ethical. NU offers you the opportunity to refine your knowledge and explore emerging business technologies, while vicariously gaining real-world experience from your mentoring professors.

Bring More to the Table with an Online DBA Degree

No other university can match National University’s uniquely flexible approach to earning your DBA degree online, which includes weekly course starts to fit your schedule. NU’s online DBA has no GRE or GMAT exam requirement, which can be time-consuming and costly.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

*The DBA program is accredited by ACBSP; however, the Health Services, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Information Technology specializations are not.

Course Details

Online dba course listings.

All DBA specializations require the following courses:

Required Foundational Courses must be taken first and in sequence. Evaluation track students will take SKS 7001 after BUS-7102 and before BUS-7112.

In this course you will be introduced to the applied business doctoral academic journey. You will explore what it means to become an academic learner. You will compare and contrast the applied degree to a research degree to show which is applicable in differing environments. You will discuss the use of conceptual frameworks and theories in research and be introduced to scholarly writing and reference management. Your course will conclude with you developing a researchable applied business research question and a brief research plan.

Students will analyze and apply knowledge in 12 business areas necessary to address a wide variety of business-related situations. The focus of the course is demonstrating core proficiencies in the following business areas: Marketing, Business Finance, Accounting, Management, Legal Environment of Business, Economics, Business Ethics, Global Dimensions of Business, Information Systems, Quantitative Techniques and Statistics, Leadership, and Business Applications. The intent is not to introduce these core business concepts, but rather to verify a graduate-level threshold competency within each. The course includes a comprehensive case study that will allow students to demonstrate their competency within all 12 professional component areas.

In this course you will explore the ideas and methods for encouraging innovation as part of successful organizational strategic planning. You will use organizational assessment tools to evaluate a company’s human resource practices and assess how strategic planning includes elements of technology and sustainability to ensure competitive advantage in global markets.

Organizations can no longer ignore ethics and social responsibility, including the green movement. Ethics are required by local, state, and federal legislation, and today, more than ever, stakeholders at organizations are being held accountable for their actions and societal harm. Therefore, academic integrity must be carried out from the classroom to the place of business. In a case study format, students in this course will learn about current laws, their applications to business, and how to maintain an ethical perspective within the context of a global framework.

In this course, you will engage in the process of scholarly literature reviews and academic writing. With an emphasis on how to (a) conduct effective literature searches, specifically in preparation for the dissertation, (b) develop a plan for writing comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature, and (c) critically review and write about underlying theory/conceptual frameworks, you will develop a foundation for future research. The overarching goal of this course is for you to conduct an exhaustive search of the peer-reviewed research literature in your topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for your dissertation.

In this course, you will cultivate a statistical mindset through learning and nurturing skills needed to perform and interpret univariate inferential statistics. The course will facilitate building your statistical confidence in assessing and performing statistics. The course will cover univariate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, interpretation of statistical output, and introduce skills needed to select statistical tests based on quantitative research questions.

During this course, as a scholar-practitioner, you will build the skills essential for designing quantitative studies; analyzing the data collected in these studies, and interpreting the results of data analyses. You will explore designs and statistical techniques to use with their envisioned dissertation research.

During this course, you will examine qualitative methods for studying human behavior including grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnography, mixed methods, and case studies. You will explore designs and methodologies to use with your envisioned research.

The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is intended to ensure students have mastered knowledge of their discipline prior to candidacy status and demonstrated the ability to design empirical research as an investigator before moving on to the dissertation research coursework. Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize empirical, peer-reviewed research to support all assignments in this course. The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is completed only after all foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed.

Students in this course will be required to complete Chapter 1 of their dissertation proposal including a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach,  and the significance of the study. A completed, committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 is required to pass this course successfully. Students who do not receive approval of Chapter 1 to minimum standards will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of Chapter 1.

Students in this course will be required to work on completing Chapters 1-3 of their dissertation proposal and receive committee approval for the Dissertation Proposal (DP) in order to pass the class. Chapter 2 consists of the literature review. Chapter 3 covers the research methodology method and design and to includes population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. In this course, a completed, committee-approved Chapters 2 and 3 are required and, by the end of the course, a final approved dissertation proposal (against the minimum rubric standards). Students who do not receive approval of the dissertation proposal will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.

Students in this course will be required to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application, collect data, and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. Students still in data collection at the end of the 12-week course will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to complete data collection and file an IRB study closure form.

In this dissertation course students work on completing Chapters 4 and 5 and the final Dissertation Manuscript. Specifically, students will complete their data analysis, prepare their study results, and present their findings in an Oral Defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, Committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate. Students who do not receive approval for either or both their Dissertation Manuscript or defense can take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of either or both items as needed.

Program at a Glance

• Total Credit Hours:  48 Credit Hours
• Courses:  16 Courses
• Recommended Completion Time:  34 Months
• Next Start Date:  Every Monday
• Classroom Size:  One

Specializations

Doctor of business administration in advanced accounting.

No business can survive without a clear understanding of the bottom line, so it is no surprise that the accounting field is expected to grow 13% in the next seven years. With a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Advanced Accounting, you’ll be poised to help organizations use data to ensure a positive financial footing. With this NU specialization you will acquire a broad accounting perspective and technical accounting knowledge as you explore the relationships among business activities, economic outcomes and business performance with our unique one-to-one mentoring approach. As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue positions such as chief accountant, senior audit director, and vice president of accounting.

Doctor of Business Administration in Financial Management

Money talks and, with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Financial Management, you’ll be the person companies listen to. Working with professors who all hold doctoral degrees, you will gain advanced skills in fiscal analysis, budgeting and spending for public and private organizations. In a program that is 100% online, you will examine domestic and global financial issues, including causes of fluctuations in interest and monetary exchange rates, and explore advanced business financial decision models, investment selection techniques and how financial institutions generate earnings and manage risks. As a graduate, you will be ready for a variety of related positions, including economist, financial research specialist, statistician, financial analyst, budget analyst, loan officer, financial manager, financial planner and investment banker.

Doctor of Business Administration in General Business

Modern business is ever-evolving and in this tumultuous setting a business generalist is an invaluable asset. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in General Business specialization allows you the flexibility to select courses from a broad range of electives so you can study subjects in a one-to-one mentoring environment that fit your personal and professional interests and goals. You will have the opportunity to examine a variety of topics, including advanced corporate finance, supervisory techniques and business knowledge in the global environment, with the goal of strengthening your knowledge in business practices.

Doctor of Business Administration in Global Business Management

NU’s Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Global Business Management covers the essential elements required to understand and manage global organizations. Individuals interested in global management positions and/or teaching in post-secondary institutions of higher education would benefit from this program. The specialization focuses on topics such as global leadership issues and characteristics, trends and strategies in global business strategic management, and the challenges of positioning global brands and pricing approaches.

Doctor of Business Administration in Health Services

By 2024, it’s estimated that nearly $1 in every $5 spent in the U.S. will be spent on health care. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Health Services will prepare you to lead private or public sector entities as they try and navigate this challenging industry. You will develop essential perspectives and skills for application of theoretical and research-based health care industry management issues. You will explore strategic planning in health care and managed systems, comparative health care system analysis, and examine strategies related to total quality management in health care. In addition, you will develop skills in problem identification and resolution, analysis and intervention as administrative issues, and recognition of the constraints and limitations to intervention and change in delivery systems.

Doctor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management

People are every organization’s greatest asset. In the DBA in Human Resources Management specialization, you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge of strategic labor relations and practices as you examine how an organization’s employee relations practices are linked to its overall business plan. You will explore HRM Information Systems, compensation and staffing strategies, training and professional development, recruiting, workplace diversity, benefits and pay management, labor relations, labor laws, and field-specific technology. Your doctoral professors will also help you develop the necessary skills to properly create, develop, mediate and maintain the personnel interrelationships that are so important to the overall success of the organization.

Doctor of Business Administration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Consulting opportunities in Industrial/Organizational Psychology are exploding. The NU DBA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology is a 100% online specialization that explores the application of industrial and organizational psychology and management theory to the understanding of people in a work environment. Under the mentorship of your doctoral professor, you will develop competencies in theory, research and applications of psychology to human behavior in organizations, and conduct advanced research related to the application of organizational and psychological theory to human resource management. NU graduates are prepared for positions that include evaluating, interpreting and integrating knowledge into the business decision-making process.

Doctor of Business Administration in Information Technology

NU’s Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Information Technology is a cross-discipline specialization that utilizes courses from NU’s School of Technology programs. Technology can be intimidating — yet beneficial — for many organizations. It is important for leaders to know how to take advantage of new technologies and ideas or be trapped in stagnation. The Information Technology specialization helps prepare professionals to be champions of positive change through new ideas and new technologies. In this specialization, you will gain a general understanding of networks and computing, as well as the cloud, mobile technology, telecommunications, architectures, computing platforms, protocols, and tools.

This specialization does not offer the same experience and deep level of knowledge as the focused School of Technology programs. However, with specialization courses directly from the School of Technology, this program will provide business leaders a strong understanding of the field through courses that are aligned to the current standards in the industry.

Doctor of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership

Competition for CEO jobs is fierce, but having a doctorate in the subject can help you rise to the top. Our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Organizational Leadership is an interdisciplinary, 100% online program designed to help you develop the research skills, management practices and understanding of qualitative and quantitative business analysis tools needed of professionals in business administration, human resources, non-profit administration and related fields. You will explore theoretical research as it relates to strategic planning in all phases of organizational leadership, including building organizational capacity and sustainability. Our graduates are prepared for positions in organizational consulting or generalist leadership positions within corporate, government, not-for-profit, educational or community organizations.

Doctor of Business Administration in Project Management

According to the 2013 Project Management Talent Gap Report, more than $15.7 million new project management jobs are projected in the next decade. The DBA in Project Management specialization focuses on management, leadership and team building in the project/program environment. You will examine all aspects of managing and overseeing business projects, including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation and contracts, and performance reporting critical to the success of any enterprise. Through mentoring feedback from your doctoral professors, you will explore principles, concepts, tools and techniques that help improve project performance and organizational effectiveness.

Doctor of Business Administration in Strategic Marketing

NU’s Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Strategic Marketing transcends traditional marketing by focusing upon emerging trends in the 21st century in marketing management and marketing research. Students will focus on thought leadership-driven strategic marketing, encompassing contemporary and emergent marketing management methods, global product management, precision pricing, advanced promotional methods, and proven distribution techniques. At the conclusion, students will be well prepared for the marketing workforce of tomorrow.

Doctor of Business Administration in Homeland Security: Leadership and Policy

Ever since the events of 9/11, homeland security has taken on a heightened status in the defense of our nation. The field offers unique career opportunities to help secure our borders, airports, and waterways; research and develop the latest security technologies and analyses; and respond to natural disasters or terrorist assaults.

This doctoral specialization prepares senior leaders of public administration, law enforcement, public safety, and emergency medical care and disaster preparedness agencies for executive leadership positions in the field of homeland security. The program provides rigorous educational opportunities to research and explore advanced concepts and methods, and it allows you to apply theory to real world issues through innovative approaches to complex problems. You’ll choose from a number of courses that cover terrorism, strategy, intelligence, emergency management, and critical infrastructure security issues. At the conclusion, you’ll complete a final written research project demonstrating your ability to investigate a workplace problem, identify an area for intervention, and then critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventive action.

Doctor of Business Administration Program Outcomes

At National University, you can earn your Doctor of Business Administration degree online, when it’s convenient for you. And although you attend class online, you still receive the personal support and guidance you deserve thanks to our one-to-one learning model. We also have no residency requirements, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and no group projects. This offers the flexibility you need to fit higher education into your busy schedule.

DBA Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of National University’s Doctor of Business Administration program, graduates will be able to:

• Formulate solutions to practical business problems based on original research
• Evaluate the relationship between the global environment and business decisions
• Construct socially responsible and ethical business strategies
• Defend business-related theories , applications, and perspectives to diverse audiences
• Develop business methods and concepts based on practical application of current theories

Hear From Our Faculty

Watch our video to learn more about the Doctor of Business Administration program from Dr. Eugene Wilkerson, Dean for the School of Business.

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A PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is a doctorate degree — but only one of several varieties. Read on to learn more about the major categories of doctoral degrees and some important ways in which they differ from one another.

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• The Best Universities for PhDs in Business & Management in the USA (2024)

Written by FAU Bot

This article was written with the assistance of generative AI. All AI content on our site is guided and vetted for accuracy by humans, and data referenced is collected from reliable, authoritative sources.

Why Study Business & Management in the USA

There are many reasons why someone might want to study Business & Management at a university in the USA . Here are just a few:

• The USA is renowned for its top-rate business schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. These institutions offer rigorous PhD programmes in Business and Management that provide students with a strong foundation in these subjects and position them for leadership roles in academia or industry.
• American universities are at the forefront of business research, offering students access to cutting-edge technology, vast resources, potential funding and an environment that encourages innovative thinking.
• The curriculum of these doctoral programmes incorporates both theoretical understanding as well as practical application of intricate business concepts covering areas such as operations management, organisational behavior, marketing strategies or financial analysis.
• A PhD from a US institution holds high prestige due to the country's rigorous academic standards and emphasis on research-based learning. This can lend increased credibility to your professional profile internationally.

The Best Universities for Business & Management in the USA

The following tables give the 10 top universities in the USA for Business & Management , according to global and local university rankings. It can show you which American universities are amongst the best in the world - and help you compare institutions on an international level.

This information is based on the latest rankings tables, researched and published by Times Higher Education , QS and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) .

Each ranking system uses its own methodology, with different factors having more or less influence on a university's result.

Our guide has more information on how to use international rankings to decide on the best research universities for PhD study .

What should I know about the Times Higher Education rankings?

The Times Higher Education rankings are strong in academic focus and diverse teaching metrics, but do not include employer-specific metrics. Additionally, the rankings may not include all specialist institutions.

What should I know about the QS rankings?

The QS World University Rankings are designed to meet the needs of prospective students, with more weight given to student-centric metrics such as staff/student ratio, international recruitment and employer opinion. The rankings are balanced between qualitative and quantitative data, but give less weight to research than some other rankings.

What should I know about the ARWU rankings?

The ARWU rankings reflect the presence of elite academics and the future academic success of graduates. However, they do not directly assess the quality of education at a university or take into account other aspects of university performance.

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PhD Program

Berkeley Haas Admissions

The Berkeley Haas PhD program is a fully-funded, five-year, full-time, in-residence program resulting in a PhD in Business Administration. Applicants must select from one of our fields to apply to our program.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the basic requirements set by the UC Berkeley Graduate Division.

Some of the factors that are taken into account during our admissions process are:

• A high level of scholarly ability, involving both quantitative and qualitative skills
• The motivation to complete a challenging and strenuous academic program
• Career objectives consistent with the PhD degree
• A unique experience, perspective, or research interests
• Strong GRE or GMAT scores

We do not require:

• Previous graduate work or completion of an MBA degree
• A minimum GPA to apply
• A minimum score on your GMAT/GRE to apply
• A specific academic or professional background

Deadline & Decisions

The application for fall 2025 will open on September 12, 2024, and close on December 2, 2024.

Decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of all submitted application materials. We only guarantee the review of applications that are complete and submitted by the deadline. Applicants will be notified of our admission decision via email between February and June.

Attend a Recruiting Event

Please access the Haas PhD admissions schedule of events.

Next: Application Instructions

Notice of Availability

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of California, Berkeley publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes current security policies plus crime and fire statistics for the previous three calendar years. The body of the report also contains contact information for various campus and community resources related to crime prevention and survivor assistance. A digital copy of the report can be accessed via the link below, or paper copies are available free of charge at 1 Sproul Hall.

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Admission to the Michigan Ross PhD program is competitive and highly selective. When evaluating applications, we consider a wide range of qualifications, including the capacity for independent thinking (demonstrated through work or research), creativity, and excellent academic skills. Fit with faculty research interests and contribution to the diversity of the student community is also considered. 

The application deadline for the ‘24/’25 academic year has passed.  Applications for the ‘25/’26 academic year will open in September 2024. 

Applying to the PhD Program

Go to Rackham Graduate School's website and determine your status. Create your account on ApplyWeb to get started on your application, or log in to ApplyWeb to manage an application in-progress or add recommendations. It’s easy to get started.

Please review the below application requirements in preparation for your application. 

PhD applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and demonstrate working knowledge of college-level algebra, calculus, and intermediate microeconomics. An MBA or master’s degree in an allied field may be helpful, but it is not required and will not shorten the time in the program. We especially invite applications from qualified students with nontraditional backgrounds, international students, women, and members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. 

Michigan Ross and the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan jointly administer the applications for the PhD programs through an online submission process. As part of the application, individuals must designate a single area of study from the seven areas offered.

All applications are submitted online. All of the credentials listed below are uploaded as a part of the online application. Instructions for submitting the application and paying the application fee appear at the end of this list.

Please be aware that you will need to select "Business Administration Ph.D." as your intended graduate program when starting your application. The system will then prompt you to select your subplan (e.g. Accounting, Finance, etc.). The exception to this is if you are applying to the new Business & Economics area.. This is listed on its own under the Business Administration heading.

Please upload a current resume or CV as a part of your application. The application will prompt you for this.

The statement of purpose should be a concise, well-written essay about your academic and professional experiences, your career goals, and how completing the Ross School's PhD program will help you progress toward the realization of these goals. The statement of purpose should be between three and five pages.

The personal statement differs from the statement of purpose in that we ask you to write about how your background and life experiences — including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges — have motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. It should be limited to 500 words.

Please do not repeat your academic statement of purpose.

You must register your recommenders through the online application form. Registering your recommenders generates an automated email with instructions on the process. It also grants access to the recommender's portion of the database where they can either compose a new letter or upload an existing letter that will become a part of your application.

Letters of recommendation play an important role in the admissions process. Applicants are encouraged to submit letters from people, preferably faculty members, who know their strengths and weaknesses as a scholar, and who can speak to their readiness for a doctoral program at a major research institution in the United States. Letters that include information about previous research and/or teaching experience are particularly helpful. Please note that we only accept letters submitted directly by the recommenders. Photocopies or emailed copies of letters sent by the applicants will not be accepted.

Recent updates have been implemented and official transcripts are no longer required at the time of application.

A scanned/electronic copy of the official transcript will be used for initial review by our admissions committee.  You will be required to have your official transcript sent to the Rackham Graduate School only if you are recommended for admission.

All applicants should report their Grade Point Average (GPA) on page 5 of the online application. The GPA should be reported using a standard U.S. four point scale.  Applicants who attended an institution outside the United States should follow the instructions to convert their international average grade point to a U.S. four point GPA (see "How to Convert Grades to a U.S. GPA" here). Upload a scanned copy of your official transcript(s) on the transcript upload page(s) of the application. 

More information and directions for transcript submission available at Rackham Graduate School

Official GMAT or GRE General Examination scores are no longer required and should not be submitted for inclusion.

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency, unless they meet one of the criteria for an exemption listed below. You qualify for an exemption from taking an English proficiency examination if one of the following criteria are met:

• You completed all of your undergraduate education and earned an undergraduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only
• If you completed a Master’s degree that was strictly research and no academic classes, that degree does not meet the exemption. This type of Master’s degree is generally awarded at a non-U.S. institution
• You are a current U-M student

In order for scores to reach us prior to the application deadline, we encourage applicants to plan accordingly and schedule their exams as soon as possible. We will accept official TOEFL or IELTS score reports for tests that are not more than two years old as of the application deadline. Please use the following code when submitting your scores to the University of Michigan:

The TOEFL/ETS institution code is 1839 (a department code is not necessary)

We use the following minimum scores as benchmarks of preparedness for admission to the PhD program. We do not automatically disqualify applicants for low component or total scores. However, low scores could have a negative impact on the admission decision.

• TOEFL iBT (Preferred) — Total 106 including minimum component scores as follows: Reading – 26, Listening – 26, Speaking – 27, and Writing – 27
• IELTS — Total score 7 with all component scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) at least 7

Once you have completed and validated the application, you will need to finalize your application by submitting the application and paying the application fee. Additional instructions are available within the online application.

The fee can be paid by credit card only. A limited number of fee waivers are available from Rackham .

The application fee for U.S. citizens and permanent residents is $75 USD.The application fee for international applicants is $90 USD.

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PhD in USA Without GRE: Top Universities, Deadlines, Admission Process

Veda Burman

| Updated On - May 25, 2024

• Upcoming Deadlines: Application deadlines for PhD in USA without GRE are mostly between October and December 2024.
• Top Universities: A range of top US institutions like MIT, Northwestern University, Purdue University and others are offering GRE waiver or test optional admission to PhD programs.

Unaffected Employment Opportunities: PhD in USA without GRE is not related with job opportunities. After a PhD in USA without GRE, graduates secure high paying jobs with an average salary of 107,000 USD (89.06 lakhs INR) per annum.

PhD in USA is now available without a GRE score as a 3-6 years full time program in several institutes. Prospective students can demonstrate academic excellence and satisfactory supplementary documents for admission to US universities without GRE for PhD. International students planning to apply to PhD in USA without GRE score ideally require a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%) in masters level. Universities in USA for PhD without GRE require the following supporting documents as a part of application:

• TOEFL iBT - 80 or above
• IELTS - 6.5 or above
• Essay explaining research work done
• Relevant professional experience

Top Universities for PhD in USA Without GRE

Currently, USA is home to a plethora of institutes offering PhD waiver, including top universities like MIT and Northwestern University. The top universities in USA without GRE for PhD or optional GRE requirement are as follows:

Some other universities offering PhD programs without GRE in USA are:

• Walden University
• California Southern University
• Smith College
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Andrews University
• Sacred Heart University

How To Apply For PhD in USA Without GRE

USA hosts a range of universities offering PhD without a GRE score. Some universities in USA offer test optional admission to international students. The significant factors to remember while applying for a USA PhD without GRE are:

• Look for universities that have completely waived off GRE requirements for admission into a PhD program.
• Try to strengthen your application profile by mentioning work experience, previous research work, letter of recommendation , where GRE is an optional requirement.
• You can consider applying for PhD in part-time or online mode, as a majority of these courses do not consider GRE as a mandatory requirement. However, on-campus programs are recommended over online programs, even while looking for PhD program in USA without GRE.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in USA Without GRE

The admission requirements for a PhD in USA may vary across universities. While most of the university may consider applications with GRE scores, there are universities that either opted out of GRE requirements or offering waiver options on certain conditions. The general eligibility criteria and supporting document requirements for pursuing a PhD degree in USA without GRE are:

General Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree
• An overall GPA of 3.0/4.0 (85%) or above in Bachelor's
• TOEFL iBT - 80-90
• IELTS - 6.5–7.0
• An essay in at least 2000 or more words mentioning the research work done
• 2-3 letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Work experience

Top 10 Universities for PhD in USA Without GRE

1. massachusetts institute of technology (mit).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers PhD programs through the Sloan School of Management and the Center for computer science & engineering. MIT has waived GRE score requirements for several PhD programs in Fall 2024 admissions.

2. Northwestern University

Northwestern University PhD programs are offered in 20 areas of study. An overall GRE score of 320 or above is accepted for admission into a PhD program. However, GRE score submission is optional for various PhD courses in the current admission session.

3. Purdue University

Purdue University PhD programs are offered in engineering, agriculture, management, education, liberal arts, science, and pharmacy. The degrees are offered in the 3 campuses of the university and can be pursued on-site or online mode. Purdue University has opted for GRE as an optional requirement for admission into all the graduate level programs.

4. University of Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin PhD degrees are offered in disciplines like biomedical engineering, anthropology, business, operations management, and computer science. The programs can be pursued in online, on-site, accelerated, weekend and hybrid modes. There is no GRE score required for master's or doctoral programs.

5. Georgetown University

Georgetown University offers PhD degrees through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The PhD programs at Georgetown University are available in applied mathematics, biology, biostatistics, computer science, chemistry, nursing, and philosophy among others. There is no GRE score required for most PhD programs. However, GRE scores can be required for PhD in economics or PhD in Statistics degree.

6. Washington State University

Washington State University offers 63 PhD degrees in agricultural economics, anthropology, biology, biomedical sciences, business administration, computer science, economics, engineering, and more. The GRE scores are not required for admissions to PhD programs, except computer science and economics. Students applying for PhD in business administration may also be required to submit GRE in lieu of GMAT scores .

7. Oregon State University

PhD in Oregon State University is offered across 11 colleges and a graduate school. Completion of a PhD program from Oregon State University allows students to secure jobs in government or research industries. A minimum score of 150 or above is generally required for admission into PhD programs. However, the university has opted out of GRE requirements.

8. University of Oregon

University of Oregon offers PhD degrees in 52 different specializations. No GRE is required for admission into PhD programs, instead the university ask for higher GPA scores, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.

9. University of Idaho

University of Idaho offers 31 PhD degrees in computer science, education, mechanical engineering, biological engineering, physics, natural sciences, neuroscience, food science and history. The university has completely waved off GRE requirements for admissions to PhD programs.

10. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers PhD level courses in dental medicine, criminal justice, audiology, health sciences, law, nursing, psychology and more. The admission to PhD in Nova Southeastern is quite competitive, which means admission may not be guaranteed even if all the requirements are met. The University does not require GRE score for PhD admissions.

PhD in USA opens the opportunity of higher level research and teaching for international students. Now, many US universities have opted out of GRE score requirements or waiver options for both PhD and Masters level. Hence, USA is an ideal place for international students intending to pursue PhD courses without a GRE score, based on previous academic and professional achievements.

Ques. What are the top universities for PhD in USA without GRE?

Ans . Some top universities in USA offering PhD without requiring GRE score or requiring GRE as an optional prerequisite are:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Northwestern University
• Purdue University
• University of Wisconsin Madison
• Georgetown University
• Washington State University
• Oregon State University
• University of Oregon
• University of Idaho
• Nova Southeastern University

Ques. Is GRE necessary for PhD in USA?

Ans . No, GRE is a significant requirement for PhD programs in USA, but not all universities require it. International students can secure admission to the US universities even without a GRE score, if the university does not require it. The universities generally expect a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%) in previous academic degree for admission to PhD in USA along with competitive English proficiency score and supporting documents.

Ques. Can we do PhD without GRE in the USA?

Ans . Yes. Several US institutes including some top universities in USA like, MIT, Northwestern University, Purdue University among others offer PhD without GRE. For admission to PhD without GRE in USA, you will need to demonstrate the following documents:

• Essay mentioning research work done
• Relevant work experience

Ques. How long is a PhD in USA without GRE?

Ans . A PhD in USA without GRE has the same duration as a common PhD degree. You can estimate to spend between 3-6 years while pursuing a PhD in USA without GRE. However, the duration of your PhD might exceed 6 years in certain conditions.

Ques. Can I directly apply for PhD without GRE and without Masters in USA?

Ans . Yes, several US universities offer admission to PhD without a masters degree. This is because the universities usually award the PhD candidates with a master's degree in the initial days of the doctoral program.

Ques. When shall I apply for PhD in USA without GRE?

Ans . The application deadlines for PhD in USA across the universities offering test-optional admission or GRE waiver are as follows:

GRE score is not required for most PhD programs. However, GRE scores can be required for PhD in Economics or PhD in Statistics degree. GRE requirements are dependent on chosen university and course. 

If the university provides scholarships to PhD students then you can apply for financial aid. In the USA during your PhD, you will get a stipend for your research work. 

Many ranked universities in the USA require prospective students to take the GRE exam for admission in master’s programs. Some prestigious universities such as the University of Florida and the University of Boston offer certain MS programs that do not mandate GRE scores.

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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.
• Cornell does not work with or endorse such organizations including, but not limited to, Shanghai Lufei Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 上海璐斐教育科技有限公司) and Shenzhen Guoyan Era Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 深圳市国研时代教育科技有限公司).

Cornell’s postdoctoral positions are listed on the Academic Career Opportunities website and postdoctoral fellowship programs are available for viewing. If you suspect a third party of falsely advertising a Cornell program, please notify [email protected]. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

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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UCLA Anderson Ph.D. program

Where Brilliant Minds Break Through

Professor Chris Tang, prolific researcher in Management and Operations, with Rob Richmond, researcher in foreign currency investment.

Welcome to UCLA Anderson’s Doctoral Program — the first step in pursuing an academic career in management.

From the dean of our program.

"On behalf of our faculty, thank you for visiting the UCLA Anderson Ph.D. program! If you're serious about advancing our understanding of business disciplines through rigorous research, I invite you to explore everything our Ph.D. program has to offer. You'll have the opportunity to train with world-renowned scholars and alongside the next generation of researchers. In that pursuit, you will have UCLA's resources and strengths as a world-class research institution available to you."

Join us as we expand the boundaries of business knowledge. Apply to become one of tomorrow's leading scholars today.

Professor Stephen Spiller Associate Dean and Director Ph.D. Program UCLA Anderson School of Management

World-Class Faculty

Meet The Students

Graduate success stories.

Kevin Huang ('22) Assistant Professor, CUHK-Shenzhen

Noncompliance with SEC Regulations: Evidence from Timely Loan Disclosures

Jon Bogard ('22) Assistant Professor, Washington University in St. Louis

Target, distance, and valence: Unpacking the effects of normative feedback

Nur Kaynar Keles ('22) Assistant Professor, Cornell

Discovering Causal Models with Optimization: Confounders, Cycles, and Feature Selection

Geoff Zheng ('20) Assistant Professor NYU Shanghai

Growth Options, Incentives, and Pay for Performance: Theory and Evidence

Sebastian Ottinger ('21) Assistant Professor CERGE-EI

The Political Economy of Propaganda: Evidence from US Newspapers

Daniel Walters  ('17) Assistant Professor INSEAD

Investor memory of past performance is positively biased and predicts overconfidence

Marissa Sharif (’17) Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School

The Effect of Categorization on Goal Progress Perceptions and Motivation

Marco Testoni  ('19) Assistant Professor Tilburg University

The market value spillovers of technological acquisitions: Evidence from patent-text analysis

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We’re delighted that you’re interested in applying to the stevens doctoral program chicago booth..

Admission is highly competitive. About 20-25 outstanding students enter the Stevens Program each year. In evaluating applications, we consider a wide range of factors, including your academic background and performance, essays, research interest and potential, prior exposure to academic research, strength of recommendations, and standardized test scores (only where required). You may only apply to one dissertation area  per year. The application for Fall 2025 will open in September. Information related to the upcoming admissions cycle will be updated shortly.

Applicants to the Stevens Program must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (or expect to receive one by the time they enter the program).

Non-US residents should consult the International Applicants page  to learn more about eligibility requirements. Please note that all international applicants must determine if they meet the University of Chicago's English-language requirements before applying. You can find that information in the fluency determination section. Chicago Booth prides itself on a fair and impartial selection process. To find out more, read the Nondiscrimination Statement .

Admissions FAQ

Admissions Timeline

Our application for Fall 2025 admission will open in September and be available through December 15, 2024. Information related to the upcoming admissions cycle will be updated shortly. The Stevens Program matriculates new students once a year, in the Autumn Quarter. The application deadline is December 15, and applicants are notified of their admissions decision by email. Generally speaking, all applicants should have their decisions by early March. Reviews in each area will begin at different times, after the December 15 deadline, which will impact the timing of the release of admissions decisions for each area. In advanced stages of the review process, some areas will require an interview. Applicants will be notified directly by email if they are invited to interview.

Application Checklist

To apply, please submit the following.

• Application for admission. The application for Fall 2025 will open in September of 2024. Information related to the upcoming admissions cycle will be updated shortly, though we expect it to be largely consistent with last year's process.
• Nonrefundable application fee ($80). If you're interested in applying for a fee waiver, please see below for eligibility requirements and instructions.
• It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that test scores are submitted to the Stevens Doctoral Program by December 15. We will accept test scores received after the application deadline; however, if you submit them after December 15, your application may be reviewed before your scores arrive.To meet the application deadline, we recommend that you take the required test by early October. GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years. Prior coursework or degrees at the graduate level (e.g., MBA or master’s degrees) do not exempt applicants from submitting the GRE/GMAT as part of their application.  

Please see below for area-specific score requirements: Economics: GRE is required. Finance: GRE is strongly preferred, but GMAT is acceptable. Joint Program in Financial Economics: GRE is required. Joint Program in Psychology and Business: GRE is preferred, but GMAT is acceptable.

Scores should be sent directly to the Chicago Booth Stevens Doctoral Program by listing the institutional codes below when taking the exam: GMAT: H9X-9F-05 GRE: 1501 TOEFL (if applicable): 1819 IELTS (if applicable): send TRF number to [email protected]

You may apply for a hardship request for delayed test scores if you are in an area where disruptions may be taking place. You will still have to submit your application by the deadline regardless of if you've been granted more time to submit individual scores. Please note that we can't make a formal offer of admission to an applicant until they've submitted their test scores. You can find more information below in the section titled "Hardship Requests for Delayed Test Scores."

• It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that test scores are submitted to the Stevens Doctoral Program by December 15. We will accept test scores received after the application deadline; however, if you submit them after December 15, your application may be reviewed before your scores arrive.
• Please see the international applicants page for valid score instructions (including minimum score requirements)
• Transcripts from all institutions attended after high school
• Letters can be submitted after the deadline, particularly if your recommenders are in an area where disruptions may be taking place. Please note that we do accept letters through Interfolio.
• Applicants will respond to writing prompts as instructed in the application. The response(s) may take the form of a statement of purpose, but a formal statement is not required to fulfill the component. For reference, you can find the application instructions below:

Please write a short essay that describes your basic research interests. Describe your exposure, if any, to research in your field of interest. Include non-academic personal or work experiences only if they are directly relevant to the formation of your research interests. Please briefly describe your long-term professional objectives.

• Optional writing sample

Hardship Requests for Delayed Test Scores:

Applicants for whom a recent natural disaster or other major, widespread disruption has affected their ability to submit required components may submit a Hardship Request as described below. Please note all applicants have to submit their application by the deadline regardless of if they've been granted more time to fulfill an individual component. If the impact of the incident or disruption makes it difficult for you to submit one or more required components – such as GRE scores,TOEFL scores, transcripts, etc.– by the deadline, please complete your application to the best of your ability and then submit a formal hardship request here. If deemed eligible, we may approve a temporary delay of test scores and allow you to submit your application without one or more required application materials (e.g. GRE or TOEFL scores), although it does not waive the requirement(s). You will still be required to submit the missing item(s) as soon as circumstances allow. Please note we cannot extend an offer of admission before official test scores have been submitted.

Application Fee: Waiver Eligibility Requirements and Instructions

Upon submission of an application, applicants will be prompted to pay the $80 processing fee. Some applicants may be eligible to receive an application fee waiver. In order to request a waiver, please review the five categories below to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. Note that you'll only be able to submit a waiver request within the application. You'll upload the supplementary documentation there as well . We will only reach out to individuals whose request for a fee waiver has been declined. If you do not receive a confirmation of determination from us, that means you've been deemed eligible to receive the waiver and it'll be applied to your application once we've processed it. Please do not reach out to confirm the status of your waiver and note that there are often delays in it showing up on your application checklist. Be advised that application fees are non-refundable, regardless if you're later determined to be eligible for a waiver or not. Fee Waiver Categories: Category A: Current University of Chicago student or University of Chicago alumni from degree programs (includes current non-degree visiting students and past non-degree visiting students). You'll be instructed to upload your transcripts as verification. Category B: Current University of Chicago Staff (including full-time research professionals). Category C: Current/recent participants in a qualifying program. Documentation certifying participation is required. Acceptable forms of documentation include award or acceptance letters, letters from program directors, program completion certificates, etc. Qualifying programs are: AEA Summer Programs attendees Americorps/Vista Big Ten Alliance FreeApp Recipients Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholars California Forum on Diversity Expanding Diversity in Economics (EDE) Summer Institute attendees Fulbright/IIE Fellowship recipient GEM GRE fee reduction voucher recipients IDDEAS participants (IDDEAS@Booth/Kellogg or IDDEAS programs hosted by other schools) Institute for the Recruitment of Teachers (IRT) Leadership Alliance Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship National Name Exchange Next-Gen Psych Scholars Program (NPSP) Peace Corps PhD Project Annual Conference attendees Posse Foundation Scholars Project SHORT Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) Ronald McNair Scholars and/or Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program SACNAS Sadie Collective Summer Institute for Social Science Research Methods Teach for America U.S. Armed Forces or uniformed services: Currently serving (active duty or reserves) or honorably discharged

Category D: Current undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid from a U.S. institution: If you are currently (as of the date of the application deadline for this program, i.e. December 15, 2024) enrolled as an undergraduate student at an institution within the United States and are receiving need-based financial aid from your current institution, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. A copy of the institution’s financial aid letter or a letter from the institution’s financial aid office is required. Category E: Individuals experiencing financial hardship: Applicants who are experiencing financial hardship and are not eligible for a fee waiver under any of the other categories may be considered for a fee waiver. Applicants requesting an application fee waiver on the basis of financial hardship must upload a brief written statement which explains their financial hardship and how they intend to cover their pre-matriculation expenses (e.g. moving expenses) if admitted. You will also be prompted to complete a hardship request form within the application. Application fees are non-refundable. If you are requesting an application fee waiver, do not pay the application fee while your request is under review. You should only pay the fee if you receive an email from us indicating that your fee waiver request has been denied. All applicants are automatically prompted to pay the application fee upon final submission of their Stevens Doctoral Program application whether an application fee waiver was requested or not, so please disregard this request for payment unless/until the fee waiver request has been denied. If your request is approved, we will manually waive the fee once we have determined your eligibility. Application fee payment will not be refunded if: -You pay the application fee before receiving our fee waiver request decision, and later have your waiver request approved. -You do not complete the fee waiver request form inside the application and pay the fee, then later realize you were eligible for a fee waiver. Fee Waiver Decision Notification We will not be reaching out to applicants whose request for a fee waiver has been approved. You will only be notified via email if your request has been denied. We do not make any determinations before your application to the Stevens Doctoral Program has been submitted, so please make sure to do so by the application deadline. Fee waiver requests are subject to review, are not guaranteed, and are not automated. Because reviews and waivers are done manually, it may take up to several weeks after the submission of your Stevens Doctoral Program application before you receive a decline notification or see your approved waiver show up on your account (fee waiver requests will not be reviewed until the full application has been submitted). Only applicants who select one of the categories above, provide the requested information/documentation, and qualify for the waiver under that category may receive a fee waiver. Fee waiver approvals are subject to the criteria listed above.

Admission to Joint PhD Programs

Joint Program in Financial Economics

Admission to the Joint Program in Financial Economics requires admission to both the doctoral program in the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics and to the doctoral program at Chicago Booth, but interested parties need only apply to one or the other program. Students may enter the joint program at the beginning of their doctoral studies. Those seeking admission to the joint program should apply online to either the PhD program in the Department of Economics or Chicago Booth. The GRE is required for all applicants to this program.

Students enrolled in doctoral studies in either the Department of Economics or Chicago Booth may apply to the joint program at any time within their first two years in residence. Such students will still have to meet all of the requirements of both programs.

Enrollment and financial aid throughout a student's matriculation in the joint program will be administered by either the Division of the Social Sciences or Chicago Booth, as arranged by the two units. This designation will be for administrative purposes only and will not have programmatic implications. If a student's interests change, the director of the Stevens Program at Chicago Booth and the dean of students for the social sciences will facilitate transfers out of the joint program and into the doctoral program in economics or business.

Joint Program in Psychology and Business

Students interested in applying to the Joint Program in Psychology and Business through Chicago Booth should apply online for admission to the Behavioral Science dissertation area. Once admitted, students seek a faculty research sponsor in the Department of Psychology. After a faculty sponsor in psychology has been identified, admission to the Joint Program is generally automatic. Entry into the Joint Program in Psychology and Business normally occurs during the first year of study. Applicants should state their interest in the joint program as part of the application process so they can be given advice in making the connection to faculty in the Department of Psychology. Although the GRE is preferred for applicants to this program, the GMAT is accepted.

Joint PhD/JD Program

To earn the joint PhD/JD degree, you must be admitted to both the Law School and Booth’s Stevens Program. You may apply to both programs at the same time, or you may begin one program and then apply to the other at a later date.

US Military Personnel

Admitted students who are called to active duty prior to matriculation will be granted a deferral of admission and Chicago Booth financial aid to the following year. Deferrals will be reviewed/extended on an annual basis.

The Stevens Program at Chicago Booth accepts up to three courses in transfer credit from other approved institutions. These credits can only be used toward the coordinated sequence requirement. The Stevens Program does not grant credit for experiential learning or online courses.

For details on readmission, taking a leave of absence, resuming studies, academic grievance policies, and add/drop requirements, please see this Guidebook .

If you still have questions after reviewing our doctorate in business FAQ , please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Phone: 773.702.7298 Email Us

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PhD Programs

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

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

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

How do I know which program is right for me?

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

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

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

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

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

Accounting & Management  

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

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The doctoral program at the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) is a full-time program of studies. Admission is competitive; admitted students typically score above the 90 th percentile on the GMAT or GRE aptitude tests, and are proficient in the English language. Although graduate degrees are strongly encouraged, they are not required. Work experience in the applicant’s field may also be considered.

Applications are initially reviewed by faculty in the student’s field of study (department). After an initial screening, department faculty select applicants to interview either in-person or through distance media. Campus visits are encouraged, but not required.

Latest News

All doctoral program applications for Fall 2024 are now closed. Applications for Fall 2025 will open in Fall 2024.

Admissions Standards

The accountancy Ph.D. program prepares students for academic research careers at leading business schools. Applicants are expected to have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a four-year accredited college or university in the U.S. and possess fluent command of English. A prior business degree is not a requirement. Students with backgrounds in fields such as accounting, finance, economics, and statistics typically have good foundations for a Ph.D. concentration in accountancy, but we seek the best applicants without regard for specific academic background. Although prior work experience in accounting is not required, it is considered a strong plus. However, if a student has no prior accounting coursework, they must consult with the program coordinator about additional coursework that may be necessary; decisions will be made on case-by-case basis.

The department admissions committee considers the quality of the applicant’s academic record, work experience, research interests, motivation, and understanding of an academic career in accounting. The department considers the strongest applicants to be those with scores in the 90th percentile in verbal and quantitative. However, we may consider students with somewhat lower scores who demonstrate a strong understanding of the research process and possess prior graduate training or experience that indicates they are likely to be successful in a Ph.D. program.

Admission to the program is competitive. All applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent, representing a four-year course of study in an accredited college or university. Superior academic performance is expected, and a strong background and ability in mathematics are essential for successful completion of the program. The program is expected to be completed in four to five years.

Please note: This program is not accepting doctoral candidate applications for Fall 2024.

Admission is highly selective. Typically, two doctoral students in finance are admitted every other year. The following criteria are considered when evaluating candidates for admission:

• High test scores
• Performance in previous degree programs
• Letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s potential for success in a competitive doctoral program
• Consistency between the candidate’s research interests and those of the faculty
• Congruence between the applicant’s professional and educational goals and the requirements and objectives of the Ph.D. program

Admission is highly selective. Typically, no more than two doctoral students in international business are admitted each year. The following criteria are considered when evaluating candidates for admission:

• Standardized test results

Congruence between the applicant’s professional and educational goals and the requirements and objectives of the Ph.D. program

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.

Admission is highly selective. Typically, no more than three doctoral students are admitted each year. The following criteria are considered when evaluating candidates for admission:

• Performance in previous degree programs, with a preference given to candidates with GPA of 3.5 or above
• High test scores (typically, a GMAT or GRE Score in the 90th percentile or above)
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s potential for success in a competitive doctoral program
• Fit between the candidate’s and faculty members’ research interests

Application Process

Please carefully review the detailed application instructions below prior to beginning the online application process for our Ph.D. programs.

In order to review your application, it must be considered complete. Complete applications include 1) copies of transcripts, 2) graduate entrance examination scores, 3) a current resume, 4) a Statement of Purpose, 5) three recommendation forms, and a non-refundable application fee.* In addition, international applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Applications are accepted for the fall term only. Completed applications must be received by January 15 .

*The $80 application fee is waived for current GW degree candidates, GW graduates, McNair Program Scholars, Ph.D. Project participants, and active duty military personnel.

Transcripts

Applicants should submit copies of transcripts from each institution of higher education attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Official transcripts should be submitted directly by the universities to:

The George Washington University School of Business, Graduate Admissions Office 2025 F St NW L-101 Washington, D.C. 20052

Please note: Graduates of foreign universities must also submit  notarized English translations  of all transcripts if they are not in English. Graduates of foreign universities must also submit a course-by-course credential evaluation; this is required to consider your application complete. Evaluation services that are members of the  National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) will be accepted.

Graduate Entrance Examinations

Applicants are required to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE–5246) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT–QK4-4F-40). Submitted scores must be for an exam taken within the prior five years.

Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose should be approximately 1,000 words, and 1) discuss the reasons for seeking a Ph.D. in the specified concentration; 2) describe the academic, professional, and personal experiences that prepared the applicant for the Ph.D. program; and 3) provide any additional information that the applicant deems important.

Applicant Recommendation Forms

Three completed applicant recommendation forms are required, preferably from former professors or others who are acquainted with the applicant’s academic abilities and potential. If former professors cannot be contacted, other qualified persons such as immediate supervisors, may be appropriate. The letters may address the applicant’s intellectual potential, work ethic, character, and special achievements, among other things. The three recommendation forms may be submitted online or sent directly to Ph.D. program office.

Tuition and Financial Support

Admitted students automatically qualify for tuition waivers and a graduate stipend/fellowship for a period up to five years. No separate application is needed.

The Ph.D. in Business Administration is a full-time program of studies. All incoming admitted students are supported by financial aid packages offered by GWSB for five years, contingent upon satisfactory progress.

GWSB fellowship and financial support includes:

• Tuition waiver. Fellowships pay full tuition for the fall and spring semesters of each academic year.
• Salary/stipend. Fellowships pay a combination of salary and stipend of approximately $30,000 each academic year.
• Travel support. GWSB provides funding for students presenting papers at many leading academic conferences.
• Office space. Each department provides students with shared office space.

Fellowships are for five years, subject to satisfactory performance and progress in the program. As part of the fellowship package, students serve as graduate assistants for twenty hours per week, which includes work as a teaching assistant, research assistant, or as an instructor. Students are required to teach one course prior to graduation as part of the program and fellowship requirements.

Individual departments may provide additional resources to doctoral students, such as summer research grants, additional travel support, computer purchases, and software.  Please contact the department representative for more information. 

Income Taxes

Historically, tuition awards are not generally subject to income taxes, while fellowship stipends and salaries are generally subject to income taxes. For details or further assistance, please refer to the  policy on stipend and tuition payments to students and their taxability .

The university does not offer individual tax advice. Information regarding student tax issues is available from the George Washington University Tax Department.

One-page summaries of “ Tax Implications and Reporting Requirements of Payments to Students ” can be located by clicking on the links below:

• Tax Information for International Students
• Tax Information for U.S. Students

International Applicants

English language requirement.

Students residing in countries where English is not an official language, or non-native English speakers, are required to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (Institutional Code 5246, Department Code 02), academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), PTE Academic Test or the Duolingo English Test. A request for an exemption may be made for applicants with a degree from a university located in a country in which English is the official language, and English is the language of instruction at the university.

Minimum satisfactory TOEFL and IELTS scores are defined as follows:

• TOEFL: 600 or above (paper exam), 100 or above (internet exam); 250 or above (computer exam)**
• IELTS: An overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0**
• PTE Academic Score of at least 68**
• Duolingo English Test: Score of 110 or higher; scores should be sent to GW School of Business**

**Scores may not be more than two years old.

Begin the Application Process

In order to apply, students must first obtain a user name and password through the university’s online application system. Go to the “Sign Up” tab on the following page: 

GW Online Application System

Next, applicants must fill out an online application form. On that form, the “type of program” is Graduate, the “school” is Business, the “major” is Business Administration, the “degree” is Ph.D., and the “field” is one of the following: Accountancy, Decision Sciences, Finance, International Business, or Management & Strategy. Applicants are required to pay the non-refundable application fee at the time the online application form is submitted.

Questions? Please contact:

The Doctoral Program Office Duquès Hall, suite 550 The GW School of Business 2201 G St. NW Washington, D.C. 20052 (202) 994-6298 [email protected]

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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Ph.D. Business Administration In Management

Management major field of study: overview.

A Ph.D. is a research degree. We believe those who receive a Ph.D. from the Management Department should be talented and enthusiastic organizational scholars. They should be able to critically evaluate existing research, translate and disseminate research knowledge to their students and their communities, and conduct their own original research—adding to what we know and what we do in the management discipline. Therefore, students whose major field is management receive considerable research-oriented training.

A primary form of that training occurs in one-to-one working relationships. Ph.D. students are encouraged to work closely with faculty members on current research projects, from which jointly-authored papers are submitted and published in the field. Our faculty is committed to collaborative, collegial student-faculty interactions that often lead to longer-term research partnerships.

We also have high expectations that students will learn from and do well in their coursework. Students should find that their substantive knowledge helps them to apply and crystallize what they learn about methods. Likewise, we expect methods courses to help students make better, more informed conclusions about existing management theory and research.

Finally, we believe that the Ph.D. program should also prepare students to excel in teaching. Although students will probably not be classroom instructors until after their first year of studies, those who will teach during the program will learn how to put together a course syllabus, prepare and deliver lectures, create and grade assignments, construct and evaluate tests, and track student progress.

Applicants who wish to be considered for funding by GTA or Fellowship must submit test scores which include a score on the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT of at least 23 or a score of at least 7 on the Speaking section of the IELTS, or have a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited University in the United States. This is required.

What makes us different?

Our program is student-centered. We realize that the best advertising for a superior Ph.D. program is having exceptional graduates. Our students have won many (inter)national grants, awards, and honors. Many have gone on to take academic positions and earn tenure at diverse institutions around the world.

We keep our program deliberately small—maintaining close to a 1:1 ratio of students to faculty. We allow exceptionally qualified students the opportunity to attend part-time. Once they acquire the skills to do so, Ph.D. students are also encouraged to follow their own research interests rather than be compelled to follow a particular faculty member's.

We also support many of our full-time students with continuing scholarships or assistant-ships as long as they are making good academic progress. We want to help foster student success in our program and their careers.

We deliver the highest quality scholarly training. Our program is challenging and rigorous; it is also engaging and rewarding. If you're interested and want more specific information, feel free to e-mail the Major Field Coordinator.

MANAGEMENT FIELD COORDINATOR

Dr. alison hall birch.

[email protected]

Phone #: 817-272-3166

Department of Management: P.O. Box 19467, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019

• Admission Requirements
• Application Procedure

Application Deadlines

• English Proficiency Requirements

Ph.D. Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit:.

• The general Office of Graduate Studies online application .
• A resume that highlights professional and personal accomplishments, linguistic abilities, computer expertise and leadership experience.
• An official score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
• Official transcripts from undergraduate and master's studies
• GMAT Institutional Code 90BFN70
• GRE Institutional Code 6013
• TOEFL Graduate School Institutional Code 6013

Criteria used to make admission decisions:

• There are no set minimum scores for GMAT or GRE required for admission.
• There are no cutoff scores on grade point averages required for admission.
• Quantitative measures are evaluated (GMAT or GRE score and grade point averages on undergraduate and master's level work as calculated by the Office of Graduate Studies).
• Interviews with prospective students are encouraged and given consideration in the decision process. Prospective students are encouraged to contact their track's major field coordinator to work through the admission process.
• The Ph.D. Graduate Studies Committee and the major field coordinator for the student's track in the Ph.D. program give consideration to these and other factors (educational objectives, letters of recommendation, etc.) in the entire applicant's file to arrive at a decision.

How the Admission Decision is Made:

• Applicants must be accepted for admission by the departmental Ph.D. committee headed by the Major Field Coordinator. The early application deadline is January 15 for the fall semester. However, late applications can be considered at the discretion of the Major Field Coordinator.
• An applicant may be unconditionally admitted when all factors for consideration indicate a very strong potential for academic success as a business doctoral student and faculty resources are available.
• When multiple factors indicate lack of potential or resources are constrained, admission will be denied.
• Probationary admission is not available for the doctoral program.

University and College Fellowship/Scholarship Awards

International applicants must achieve a TOEFL iBT of at least 79, with at least a 23 in spoken English if a Graduate Teaching Assistantship is desired. International applicants that score below minimum acceptable levels on the verbal portion of entrance examinations may be admitted under the condition that they pass an English proficiency exam or complete UT Arlington's Graduate English Skills Program prior to beginning graduate course work. For general admission, an official test score must be submitted as proof of English language ability. If an international applicant earned their undergraduate degree from a university in the United States, this requirement is waived.

Doctoral students who are unconditionally admitted, have a minimum undergraduate and graduate grade point average of 3.25 as calculated by the Office of Graduate Studies and enroll for a minimum of nine semester credit hours may be eligible for available fellowship and/or scholarship support. A standardized test score (GMAT or GRE) will not be used as the sole criterion for determining fellowship and/or scholarship eligibility.

Use the following checklist as you complete the application process.

I.  for office of graduate studies:.

The following REQUIRED items should be sent DIRECTLY to the Office of Graduate Studies by the application deadline:

II.  For Graduate Business Services:

Graduate Business Services UT Arlington Box 19376 Arlington, TX 76019-0376

Subsequent Steps:

If admitted to the Ph.D. program, the student will receive a letter from the College of Business instructing the student to contact the appropriate major field coordinator to discuss the chosen degree plan and semester registration.

A doctoral student orientation, "Ph.D. Boot Camp", is scheduled for incoming students the two weeks prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Students will be notified of the exact dates and requirements for this orientation. The Boot Camp will cover topics such as program specifics, teaching and research, professional ethics, and academic integrity. The Boot Camp will also give new students the opportunity to meet and interact with returning Ph.D. students and graduate faculty.

Fall Applicants:

January 15 is the early application deadline for Fall applicants. Applicants are encouraged to submit all materials no later than December to ensure that all items have been received and processed prior to January 15.

Spring Applicants:

Most fields of study do not accept Spring applicants. Information Systems may accept students for Spring enrollment. Early application deadline for Spring consideration is October 31.

Summer Applicants:

We do not accept students for a summer start in the program.

Additional Admission Information by Department:

• The Accounting Department will accept applications for new students for Fall 2024. The early application deadline is January 15, 2024.
• The Finance Department will accept applications for new students for Fall 2024.
• The Information Systems Department will accept applications for Fall 2024.
• The Management Department will accept applications for Fall 2024.
• The Management Sciences Department will accept applications for Fall 2024.
• The Marketing Department will accept applications for new students for Fall 2024.

Answers to Prospective Ph.D. Student - Frequently Asked Questions

What materials should be submitted as part of my application to the phd program.

• Official GMAT or GRE scores
• Official TOEFL scores (if an International student)
• Completed official application and application fee
• Official transcripts from all previous universities attended
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

What is the early application deadline?

Most fields of study only accept students for a fall semester start. The early application deadline is January 15 of the year in which the applicant wishes to enter the program. It is suggested that all documents be submitted in advance of the deadline as it can take up to a month for the applicant's documents to be processed and their file to actually be received by the College of Business. Some major areas will consider applications after the deadline for self-funded students.

How do I submit letters of recommendation?

The Request Recommendation form may be used. It may be submitted electronically to the Ph.D. Programs Coordinator or via postal mail to:

Do any fields of study accept students for the spring semester?

Information Systems may do so. Please contact the field coordinator for the particular field to confirm before you apply.

Do you accept students to begin in the summer semester?

We do not accept students to begin the Ph.D. program in the summer.

When will a decision be made about my application?

Most decisions are made by April. You can contact the Major Field Coordinator for an update on your application status.

Who evaluates my application?

Applications are reviewed by a committee of professors from the applicant's chosen field of study.

Is the applicant required to take the GMAT (or GRE) before they can be accepted into the Ph.D. program?

Yes, a valid GMAT or GRE score for an exam within the past 5 years is required for admission to the Ph.D. program.

Is the applicant required to take the TOEFL exam to be accepted into the Ph.D. program?

If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate a level of skill with the English language to assure success in the Ph.D. program. An official TOEFL or IELTS score is required.

Is there any way to get an exception to taking the TOEFL exam?

The only exception is if the non-native speaking applicant has earned their undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.

May an applicant receive a probationary admission decision without a GMAT (or GRE) score, and then take the GMAT after being admitted?

An applicant may not enter the Ph.D. program on a probationary or provisional admission without the GMAT or GRE.

I have (5, 10, 15) years of experience in the field. Do I still need to take the GMAT (or GRE)?

Yes, an official test score must be received before your application can be considered.

What is the approximate cost to get my Ph.D.?

Feel free to use the UTA Cost Estimator for an approximate cost.

What is the duration of the Ph.D. Program?

Four years is the anticipated full-time timeframe, to earn a Ph.D.

• Coursework - 2 years
• Comprehensive exams - 1 year
• Dissertation writing, Proposal and defense - 1 year

How do I change the semester I am enrolling?

Contact the Major Field Coordinator in your area to discuss this.

Where do I submit my application?

Is funding available.

Funding in the form of teaching assistantships (TAs) is limited and highly competitive. All teaching assistantships include a stipend. Some TAs allow in-state tuition rates, and others waive tuition. A few College of Business Scholarships are available.

What may have prevented me from getting admitted?

The Major Field Coordinator may be able to share information on this. However, common reasons for being denied admission include:

• Not meeting the application deadline
• Applying for a semester in which the major field is not accepting students
• Incomplete application
• Competitive qualifications of other applicants
• Combined academic record and test scores not acceptable

General Admission Criteria

Admission to the PhD Program is competitive and the attainment of a specific set of minimum qualifications does not assure admission. Admission is granted to candidates deemed to be most qualified to achieve success from within the applicant pool in a given application cycle. If no candidates are deemed sufficiently qualified to be successful in the PhD program in given pool of applicants, it is possible that no candidates will be admitted during the cycle. In general, all applicants must:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a satisfactory grade point average.
• Have completed a master’s degree or at least 30 semester credit hours of graduate level work with a satisfactory grade point average.
• Have an acceptable score on the Graduate Management Admission Test or the Graduate Record Exam.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must submit an acceptable TOEFL, TSE or IELTS score if he or she does not hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
• Provide three letters of recommendation.
• Provide a statement of purpose indicating the application’s chief academic interests, strengths, and limitations, reasons for selecting their major field, and for choosing The University of Texas at Arlington.

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• TSE(Test Spoken English) > 45
• TOEFL IBT Spoken > 23
• IELTS Spoken > 7
• Spoken English Assessment (SEA) > 45
• (or) ELI(English Lang Inst) score = P
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The FAQ’s below provide answers to most of the common questions that we receive from prospective applicants.

When should I apply?

• Can I apply for Spring admission?
• How can I get more information about the program?
• How can I apply?
• Are GMAT or GRE scores required?
• How do I register for the GMAT test?
• How important is the GMAT score in the admission decision and is there a minimum GMAT score requirement?
• Are TOEFL and TSE scores required if I am an international applicant?
• Do I have to have a Masters degree in order to be admitted to the Ph.D. program?
• I am a senior in college. Can I apply?
• What are the doctoral faculty looking for in applicants?
• Do you interview applicants?
• May I send you copies of some papers I have written?
• What’s your policy on official transcripts?
• Who should write my letters of recommendation and in what format?
• What should I include in my statement of purpose?
• Is it possible to get a waiver of the application fee?
• How many students are admitted?
• How and when will I know if you’ve received all of my application materials?
• When will I hear about my admission and financial aid decision?
• What is included in a Graduate Assistantship?
• Do you offer financial aid?
• Are international students eligible for financial aid?
• What are the responsibilities of a Graduate Assistant?

Business PhD applications are open. For full consideration, and to allow time for competitive scholarship nomination, apply by December 15. If you need an extension, please inquire with the PhD Program at   [email protected]   .

Can I apply for Spring Admission? We normally accept students only for Fall admission.

How can I get more information about the program? Attend an “Explore a Career in Business Academia” information session , or send your question directly to us at [email protected].

How can I apply? Apply to the Ph.D. Program by using our online application found at Apply Online

Supplemental application materials must be sent electronically ** Unofficial transcripts, resume and statement of purpose Uploaded FROM APPLICANT to on-line application

** 3 Letters of Recommendation Uploaded FROM RECOMMEND-ER to on-line application

Are GMAT or GRE scores required? Yes, applicants must submit a GMAT or GRE score for their application to be considered complete. All departments accept either test, but some departments have preference.

Accounting – GMAT preferred Finance – GMAT preferred Marketing – no preference Management – no preference OPIM – no preference

How do I register for the GMAT or GRE test?

GMAT test registration: GMAT . GMAT test scores are sent to Institution code CV2-CO-20.

GRE test registration: Educational Testing Service (ETS) GRE test scores are submitted to UConn (Storrs), test code 3915.

How important is the GMAT or GRE score in the admission decision and is there a minimum score requirement? Standardized test scores are an important input in admissions decisions, but they are considered along with other factors such as prior academic record and qualifications, letters of recommendation, professional experience, and your statement of purpose. There is no minimum score required, but competitive applicants to the PhD Program typically score above 75% on either test.

Are TOEFL or IELTS scores required if I am an international applicant? If English is not your primary language, you may be required to submit evidence of your proficiency in the English language. TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo scores are only valid for two years (from original test date to submission of UConn application). It is possible to waive this requirement if your language of instruction was English, please refer to the waiver policy .

TOEFL test scores must be submitted to UCONN (Storrs), test code 3915.

Do I have to have a Masters degree in order to be admitted to the Ph.D. program? A master’s degree is not essential for admission to our doctoral program.

I am a senior in college. Can I apply? If you have shown outstanding academic performance in a Bachelor’s degree program, we would encourage you to apply.

What are doctoral faculty looking for in applicants? Admission decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of an applicant’s file. We take into account the quality and rigor of your prior education, your grades, standardized test scores, work experience, recommendation letters, and motivation to undertake a doctoral program in business administration. We look for evidence that you are intellectually curious and creative, and that you can think and reason independently. We judge whether you have the ability to use abstract concepts and whether you have excellent verbal and quantitative skills. We also assess your fit with the research interests of the faculty in your preferred area of concentration.

Do you interview applicants? Yes. If the faculty admission committee is interested in an application they will contact the applicant directly.

May I send you copies of some papers I have written? Please include on your resume brief details of any papers you have written or published. We will contact you if we need copies of any of your papers.

What’s your policy on official transcripts? Upload your unofficial academic credentials to the on-line application (from each college/university that you attend).  Admission decisions can be made based on your unofficial transcripts. However, you will not be fully admitted or enrolled into our program until your Official Transcripts are received.

Who should write my letters of recommendation and in what format? We require applicants to submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic sources. We ask recommenders to supply us with information regarding the applicant’s academic and research capabilities and potential for success in a doctoral program.

What should I include in my statement of purpose? Write an essay about your main strengths and why you wish to undertake a doctoral program in your intended area of concentration. As part of the essay, describe how the doctoral program fits into your long-term interests and objectives.

Is it possible to waive the application fee? There are unique situations when the application fee is waived. For Business Ph.D. these include attendance in Ph.D. Project, ADS, DocNet or those  defined for eligibility by UConn’s Graduate School .

How many students are admitted? The Ph.D. Program receives an average of 250 applications per year. Normally, 2-4 students per concentration are admitted each fall.

How and when will I know if you’ve received all of my application materials? After you have completed and submitted your online application, you will be able to log back in to track the status of your application, as well as access your admissions decision online.

When will I hear about my admission and financial aid decision? Admission decisions are typically made in March to early April. Please contact us if you have not heard from us by April 15.

What is included in a Graduate Assistantship? Most students who are admitted into the Ph.D. Program receive a Graduate Assistantship (GA). The GA is renewable for four years (with satisfactory performance). The GA includes a tuition waiver, highly subsidized health insurance, and a stipend. The GA does not include university fees (fee charge is approximately $1,000 per semester, depending on number of credits).

Do you offer financial aid? Most students admitted to our program are awarded Graduate Assistantships, including international students. The assistantship award provides funding for a total of five years, subject to satisfactory performance in the doctoral program. Our Graduate Assistantships offer a very competitive package of benefits including salary, full tuition waiver, and the opportunity to purchase highly subsidized health insurance.Our doctoral students are also eligible for several other sources of financial aid and research support. Stipend rates for graduate assistants are graduated in terms of progress toward the advanced degree and experience.

Are international students eligible for financial aid? Yes. International students are eligible for Graduate Assistantships and fellowships.

What are the responsibilities of a Graduate Assistant? Graduate Assistant duties include assisting a faculty member in research, course preparation, and grading; providing administrative and research support in one of our research centers; tutoring students and leading discussion sections; and full-responsibility teaching. Your exact responsibilities will depend upon your qualifications and your department’s needs.

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Choosing to earn your Master of Business Administration is a bold move, one you'll be glad you made. We know there's a lot to consider, and that's why we're here to help. From understanding the credit requirements to envisioning your future career impact, we've got answers to all your questions. Dive into a program that doesn't just teach business but transforms you into a leader ready to shape the future.

• Master of Business Administration
• Managerial Analytics Certificate
• Strategic Leadership and Innovation Certificate
• Business Fundamentals Certificate
• Graduate Assistant

The program consists of ten 3-credit classes:  30 credits in total. Our well-rounded curriculum does not require any extra specialty or emphasis courses. 

Tuition for the UNI MBA is very competitive and offers the best value. With the addition of a fully online MBA program over the next year, tuition charges will vary by student depending on their situation and course load. Final rates will be posted once they are made official.

Most of our working professionals graduate in two years. Those seeking an accelerated program can complete their degree in as little as one calendar year. 

There is no minimum number of classes or credits you need to take each year, giving you flexibility to complete the program at your own pace. You can take up to seven years to complete the entire program.

All of the MBA classes are eight weeks long and are offered year-round in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The Fall and Spring semesters are divided into two 8-week sessions and the summer has one 8-week session. 

Each of the ten classes is offered one time during the calendar year. If life takes a turn, making it necessary to miss a class at the scheduled time, you can take the course when it comes back around in the rotation.

Submit your online application here:  Application | Admissions & Aid (uni.edu) . In addition to the online application, we also need official post-secondary transcripts and your professional work resume.

For domestic applicants, the MBA program has rolling admissions. You can begin classes at any one of these points:

• Fall First Half (traditional August start)
• Fall Second Half (Mid October)
• Spring First Half (traditional January start)
• Spring Second Half (Mid March–typically following Spring Break)
• Summer (June)

To ensure sufficient orientation support, international applicants can start in the first half of fall or the first half of spring (see application deadline information below).  

For Alums, you will not need to submit transcripts for any degrees earned through UNI. The online application and professional work resume are the only two items needed. AND, there is no application fee! 

No, neither of these exams are required for admission to the program.

Yes, the MBA program does have online classes available.

Information about graduate assistantships and scholarships can be found here:  Funding | Division of Graduate Studies (uni.edu) . If available, applications for MBA Graduate Assistant (GA) job opportunities and/or tuition scholarship opportunities will become available in late fall for the following academic year (subsequent fall start). The deadline to be fully considered for a GA or tuition scholarship in an upcoming academic year (subsequent fall start) is February 1. 

International Student FAQ

As an international student in F-1 visa status, you are required to be enrolled full time, with the majority of courses being in-person instruction/delivery mode. To satisfy these requirements, we have a residential option for international students who wish to come to Cedar Falls for the campus experience

Yes, it is possible for international students to earn an MBA outside the US with online classes. In this case, no documents that support a student visa will be issued. Students must log into the virtual classroom and participate in online classes that meet one evening (per class) per week from 5:30-9:00 pm Central Time. The entire degree can be earned through online classes, but an online MBA does not qualify as a reason to obtain an F-1 visa to enter the US.

The deadline for international applicants to apply for fall admission is April 1. The deadline for international applicants to apply for spring admission is September 1. 

Yes, proof of English proficiency is required. The minimum requirements are shown here:  Graduate Majors | Admissions & Aid (uni.edu)