Business Doctorate & PhD Graduate Programs

Business Ph.D. Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Prospective applicants to this program should ideally have the following qualities:

• Good business acumen
• Motivated and driven to succeed
• Flexible and adaptive
• Good analytical skills
• Leadership
• Creative and forward thinking
• Excellent communication
• Organized and efficient
• Able to multitask and prioritize
• Works well under pressure
• Responsible and self-confident
• Sense of loyalty
• Decisive

Those considering a Ph.D. in business should also be willing to travel and possibly live in a different country. Knowledge of a second language is advantageous. Often when earning a Ph.D. in business, students are asked to select a concentration. Common concentrations include:

• Accounting
• E-commerce
• Financial management
• Human resource management
• International business
• Management
• Marketing
• Organizational leadership/ management
• Project management

Coursework will vary based on the particular program and concentration, however, typical curriculum for a Ph.D. in business program includes:

• Business statistics
• Research methods
• Quantitative methods
• Qualitative methods
• Leadership and management
• Legal and ethical issues in business
• Global organizations and international business environment
• Human resource management
• Organization change and management change
• Organization and staff development
• Leadership / Executive coaching

Many business Ph.D. programs are geared toward professionals with managerial experience working in the business world, or towards applicants that have a bachelor’s or master’s in business or a related field. At the very least, substantial prerequisite coursework in business, accounting, finance, economics and marketing will most likely be required.

Ph.D. in Business Career Paths

Graduates of a Ph.D. in business program often find positions in post-secondary teaching, research, consulting, high level management in organization and employee development, training and planning.

Ph.D. in Business Future Job Outlook

The National Employment Matrix shows little movement in projected growth or loss of top executive jobs in the next 10 years. Many managers transfer from one position or company to another to fill vacant positions, or these spots are filled through in-house advancement. Many positions in top management may open due to retirement or by those leaving to start their own businesses, but applicants will face high levels of competition to fill these positions. Top executives held about 2.1 million jobs in 2008.

Data according to

“Top Executives” Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.