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Ph.D. Program

Preparing Graduates for Research and Teaching

The Ph.D. program at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business will develop in graduates a high level of competence in conducting research and in teaching business disciplines by requiring:
  1. education in theory;
  2. education in general research techniques as well as research techniques specific to a discipline;
  3. research experience with faculty members on contemporary research problems and issues; and
  4. training on teaching methodology reinforced with active classroom teaching experience.
The Ph.D. program requires that the student demonstrate mastery of a large and complex body of knowledge and a high degree of proficiency in the techniques of teaching and research. This is evidenced by the successful completion of coursework and examinations, effective performance in classroom instruction, participation with faculty members in research, presentation of papers and reports, and the writing of a dissertation of high quality. Given the substantial commitment of intellectual effort and time required to achieve these competencies, students are required to enroll on a full-time basis.

Applications for the Ph.D. programs will be accepted for once-a-year admission in the fall semester. The deadline for receipt of all required application materials is February 1.

The Nature of Ph.D. Studies

Ph.D. studies are fundamentally different from undergraduate or master's programs. The Ph.D. student must be self-motivated and work well independently. The program is academically rigorous and students must have exceptional quantitative and verbal skills. Coursework is but one facet of the program. The research component is the heart of the Ph.D. program. The student must be highly motivated to work on research projects independently and with faculty. Most students take five years to complete the degree. Students are encouraged to present research papers at national and regional meetings. The college provides partial funding to help defray costs. The successful student is one who has not only excellent academic skills but also a passion for scholarly research.