A curriculum that guides your growth in research and academia

The PhD program in Business Administration at Gies prepares students to excel at two primary academic roles: knowledge creation and knowledge dissemination. Business Administration faculty and administration strive to continuously improve our training of the next generation of academics and practitioners.

Our curriculum ensures the right approach for our students by accounting for their needs and delivering an impactful experience. On average, students finish the program in five years. Below is an outline of a five-year case of study:

First Year

Fall Semester

• Scholarship in Business Administration I - Substantive and Theoretical Perspectives
• Scholarship in Business Administration II – Methodological and Philosophical Perspectives
• Courses in Area of Concentration/Minor/Research Methodology
• Proseminar in Business Administration – Teaching & Enrichment (TES) Section
• Proseminar in Area of Concentration

Spring Semester

• Courses in Area of Concentration/Minor/Research Methodology
• Proseminar in Business Administration - Teaching & Enrichment (TES) Section
• Proseminar in Area of Concentration

Second Year

General course outline for the third and fourth semesters of the program (i.e., fall and spring semesters of the second year):

• Courses in Area of Concentration/Minor/Research Methodology
• Proseminar in Business Administration - Teaching & Enrichment (TES) Section
• Proseminar in Area of Concentration

Pass second year exam or paper depending on area of concentration

Third Year

General course outline for the fifth and sixth semesters of the program (i.e., fall and spring semesters of the third year):

• Courses in Area of Concentration/Minor/Research Methodology
• Proseminar in Business Administration - Teaching & Enrichment (TES) Section
• Dissertation Credit (BADM 599 with approval)

Fourth and Fifth Years

Registration is required for at least 12 hours per semester of full-time for dissertation credits; at least 32 hours required for graduation.

• Dissertation Credit (BADM 599 with approval)

Proposal Defended/Preliminary Examination Passed by June 1 of Year 4. Final Dissertation Defense during Year 5.