Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Organizations

The primary objective of the PhD with a major in business administration is to prepare a select number of qualified students for careers in university-level teaching and research and for responsible positions in business and government.

The PhD normally requires four years of intensive study and research beyond the master's degree. Typically, the first two years of a student's program consist of course work, writing, and research. The third and fourth years require completion of courses, the comprehensive exam, and completion of the dissertation. It is emphasized that the PhD program is structured for full-time students only. Upon acceptance of a student by a particular departmental faculty, the student is expected to remain in residence until the dissertation has been completed and all requirements are met for completion of the PhD.

Since the program focuses on the development of competent scholars, heavy emphasis is placed on both teaching and research skills. As part of the doctoral program, each student is required to serve as a teaching assistant to an undergraduate business class or as a research assistant to a senior faculty member. Students with strong teaching skills may be assigned their own classes. Typically, the Haslam College of Business offers financial support for doctoral students during their tenure in the program.

The PhD program is highly flexible, offering a wide array of concentrations and cognates. Moreover, heavy emphasis is placed on individualized instruction and close student-faculty interaction. Instruction takes the form of regular classes, doctoral seminars, and independent study and research. Students are also encouraged to attend lectures and discussions by visiting scholars throughout the year.

• Applicants must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency, recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEEA). A non-U.S. degree must be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from the United States and must be granted by a recognized or accredited foreign institution. 
• United States degree holders must have earned a minimum of 2.7 out of a possible 4.0 GPA or a minimum of 3.0 during the senior year of undergraduate study. If you have completed previous graduate coursework, you must have earned a minimum of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 GPA.
• Applicants with non-U.S. degrees must have earned a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or other equivalent to a ‘B’ average. If you have completed previous graduate coursework, you must have earned a minimum of 3.3 out of a possible 4.0 GPA or other equivalent to a ‘B+’ average.
• Applicants may be required to submit standardized test scores, depending upon their program requirements.
• Applicants may be required to submit English language certification test scores.

1. Please confirm the correct name of your graduate degree or certificate program by viewing our list of programs. This will ensure that you apply for the right program when you submit your application.
2. Create your account on Slate, our online application system, and begin completing the admission application.
3. Scan and upload copies of transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended.
4. Upload degree certificates (if applicable).
5. Upload departmental/program requirements as indicated in the online application system.
6. Pay the $60 non-refundable application fee by credit/debit card.