Unique 3-year program, approved today by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, provides business leaders a broader and deeper understanding of the global context of management.


March 19, 2008 - (Atlanta, GA) - The J. Mack Robinson College of Business today announced the launch of Georgia's first doctorate program for senior business executives. The rigorous, 3-year program is designed for business leaders who seek to gain a broader and deeper understanding of the global context of management while having the opportunity to shape the study and practice of business leadership.

According to Robinson Dean Fenwick Huss, despite the demand from companies and business executives, few schools offer this type of rigorous program for working executives.

"Some schools do offer business Ph.Ds, but they are full-time programs oriented specifically towards training students for teaching positions," said Huss. "Our program is uniquely designed for busy executives who have already earned an advanced degree, are holding full-time jobs, and seek to enhance their effectiveness and careers in senior leadership positions," said Huss. "Additionally, this program can provide companies, looking to hold on to valued top executives, with a solution to their long-term retention needs.

The 3-year program will be an executive format with six 2-day residencies (Friday and Saturday) per semester. Students will take a total of 54 credit hours, including 6 hours of thesis work. Courses will focus on issues of global business and leadership, with two quantitative methods courses and two qualitative methods courses. Degree requirements will include two applied research projects investigating practical business problems that are of strategic importance and cross-functional in nature.

"The combination of our downtown and Buckhead locations, our faculty's leadership position in research productivity, our nationally-ranked programs, and close ties to the international and local business communities, makes Robinson uniquely equipped to deliver this one-of-a-kind program for executives interested in developing  beyond what is normally attainable through work experience alone," added Huss.

The first class is planned for January 2009.