best universities in usa for phd in business management

• The Best Universities for PhDs in Business & Management in the USA (2024)

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Why Study Business & Management in the USA

There are many reasons why someone might want to study Business & Management at a university in the USA . Here are just a few:

• The USA is renowned for its top-rate business schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. These institutions offer rigorous PhD programmes in Business and Management that provide students with a strong foundation in these subjects and position them for leadership roles in academia or industry.
• American universities are at the forefront of business research, offering students access to cutting-edge technology, vast resources, potential funding and an environment that encourages innovative thinking.
• The curriculum of these doctoral programmes incorporates both theoretical understanding as well as practical application of intricate business concepts covering areas such as operations management, organisational behavior, marketing strategies or financial analysis.
• A PhD from a US institution holds high prestige due to the country's rigorous academic standards and emphasis on research-based learning. This can lend increased credibility to your professional profile internationally.

The Best Universities for Business & Management in the USA

The following tables give the 10 top universities in the USA for Business & Management , according to global and local university rankings. It can show you which American universities are amongst the best in the world - and help you compare institutions on an international level.

This information is based on the latest rankings tables, researched and published by Times Higher Education , QS and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) .

Each ranking system uses its own methodology, with different factors having more or less influence on a university's result.

Our guide has more information on how to use international rankings to decide on the best research universities for PhD study .

What should I know about the Times Higher Education rankings?

The Times Higher Education rankings are strong in academic focus and diverse teaching metrics, but do not include employer-specific metrics. Additionally, the rankings may not include all specialist institutions.

What should I know about the QS rankings?

The QS World University Rankings are designed to meet the needs of prospective students, with more weight given to student-centric metrics such as staff/student ratio, international recruitment and employer opinion. The rankings are balanced between qualitative and quantitative data, but give less weight to research than some other rankings.

What should I know about the ARWU rankings?

The ARWU rankings reflect the presence of elite academics and the future academic success of graduates. However, they do not directly assess the quality of education at a university or take into account other aspects of university performance.

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Best Ph.D. in Business Ad­min­is­tra­tion Top Consensus Ranked Ph.D. in Business Ad­min­is­tra­tion Programs

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Updated: January 15, 2024

This Best Ph.D. in Business Administration ranking lists the most prestigious and highest academic degrees from around the country focused on business and management research. A Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D., in Business Administration is a postgraduate degree offered by business schools and business faculties at colleges and universities across the nation. Professionals who complete a Ph.D. can enjoy an array of significantly superior career prospects. Graduate students and professionals interested in leadership research, administration, academia, consulting, and entrepreneurship will find that a Ph.D. in Business Administration is the exciting finish line.

Ph.D. in Business Administration

Many universities around the nation offer Ph.D. programs. It is common for doctoral students to specialize in Business Administration, Social Sciences, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Sustainability, Humanities, and the Arts. Like in all other areas of concentration, Ph.D. in Business Administration holders are considered to be experts in their field. If you are interested in this type of doctoral degree, this ranking contains some of the best you will find in the nation.

Methodology

This is a consensus ranking of the best Ph.D. programs in business administration. What makes this ranking a great tool for prospective students is that we use data from five prestigious ranking systems. This means that students get a broad view of the best programs available, separate from any one particular organization’s priorities. These are not the best according to one person. They are the best according to everyone.

This list shows the most prestigious programs across the board. Ranking scores were weighted equally, averaged, and converted to a score on a 100-point scale to reveal the degree’s Consensus Score.

Data for our ranking order was collected from:

• The Financial Times ,
• Fortune , 
• Bloomberg Businessweek , 
• U.S. News and World Report ,  and

There was a significant change in the ranking order from the 2020 ranking. We used our consensus methodology from our MBA program rankings, giving us a comprehensive view of business schools with the best brands. This methodology change only kept five business schools from our previous ranking. But you will see that this ranking lists the most prestigious Ph.D. programs from around the country.

Recommended Online Programs

Explore our featured online programs to find the right match for you today.

Stanford University Graduate School of Business

One of the nation’s best Ph.D. in business administration programs is offered at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. Enrolled students discover a focus and intensity more significant than they have thought possible. Stanford Graduate School of Business Ph.D. students are inspired and challenged to explore complex questions and novel ideas.

Stanford’s Ph.D. program develops outstanding scholars for careers in teaching and research at leading academic institutions worldwide. Doctoral students embark on a meaningful and challenging experience. Students focus their academic study in one of seven fields within the Ph.D. program. Solid Ph.D. candidates are full of curiosity and ideas, with an aptitude and passion for research. Candidates preparing to embark on a rigorous career in research and develop their full potential are invited to explore the possibilities of a Ph.D. in business administration. Accepted applicants receive full fellowships for their doctoral studies. There is a lot to love about this Ph.D. in business administration.

Admissions Email: [email protected] Admissions Phone: 650-723-2831

AACSB Accredited:  YES

Ph.D. Website

Harvard University Harvard Business School

Harvard University delivers an excellent Ph.D. in Business Administration through the Harvard Business School. The doctoral program in Accounting and Management falls under the Ph.D. in Business Administration. It focuses on the role of information systems in allocating resources among organizations and between individual departments. This degree also deals with monitoring and rewarding managers’ performance, formulating and executing strategy by managers, and understanding the profitability of business units, suppliers, products, customers, and distribution channels.

Prospective candidates apply to the Ph.D. in Business Administration and select Accounting as their field of study. Ph.D. students work closely with professors in the Accounting and Management Unit. Research there encompasses Management Accounting and Financial Reporting and Analysis. Harvard’s programs are full-time degrees which officially begin each August. Students are expected to complete their doctoral program in five years. The first two years are for coursework, at the end of which postgraduate students take a field exam. The final three years are spent on dissertation research and writing.

Admissions Email: [email protected] Admissions Phone:  617-495-6101

University of Chicago Booth School of Business

The Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago provides a Ph.D. in business administration. The Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth is the elite destination for intellectually curious and analytical individuals wanting to earn a doctorate in business from one of the world’s best business Ph.D. programs. Chicago Booth Ph.D. students explore and cultivate their research interests from day one—wherever they lead them. In partnership with a distinguished faculty, doctoral students develop their ability to conduct groundbreaking research.

Program finishers graduate with a business Ph.D. and the tools to succeed academically and professionally. The Stevens Program is competitive and highly rewarding. Approximately 20–25 Ph.D. students enroll each fall from an applicant pool of over 1,000. Graduates are highly sought after at the world’s top institutions of higher learning, at leading global businesses, and in government. This full-time program takes five years to complete. This Ph.D. in business administration is worth a second look.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone: 773-702-3760

Ready to start your journey?

Northwestern university kellogg school of management.

A Ph.D. in business administration program is available at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Program designers understand undergraduate students are introduced to a field and become aware of its unexpected complexities and nuances. They believe students acquire an intellectual framework that allows them to embrace and accommodate complexities as they strive to make sense of the world at the doctoral level. As business leaders progress, their novel insights help others make sense of the world. This Ph.D. in business administration allows leaders to contribute to knowledge. Northwestern’s doctorate is rigorous, immersive, and rewarding.

Enrolled students in the Kellogg Ph.D. program master an academic discipline—data science, economics, psychology, sociology, or operations research. They apply that mastery to real-world issues facing policymakers and managers. This discipline-based approach prepares Ph.D. students to challenge conventional wisdom with fresh ideas, models, and empirical findings. These business leaders foster an enduring impact on organizations and communities.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  847-491-5279

Columbia University Columbia Business School

Columbia University’s Business School features a Ph.D. in business administration program. Management Doctoral students learn to apply basic social science knowledge and research methods to organizations, their members, and their environments. The program prepares doctoral students for careers in scholarly research. Graduates take jobs primarily in academic and research institutions worldwide. The Management Division at Columbia Business School trains scholars to become academics at the world’s most prestigious institutions. The business school’s placement success is due to the close working relationship students develop with the instructors in the division.

The school keeps the Ph.D. program small so students can find faculty collaborators and thrive. Columbia Business School’s doctoral community includes 125 students across six programs. The program attracts learners from across the globe looking to develop research skills under the tutelage of industry experts. Students come to Columbia for the exceptional training. They value the creativity, entrepreneurship, diversity, and social tolerance that NYC features. Ph.D. students enrolled in this excellent business administration degree love it.

Admissions Email:  212-854-6729 Admissions Phone:  [email protected]

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management

Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management features a Ph.D. in business administration. The hallmark of the MIT Sloan Ph.D. Program is rigorous, discipline-based research. The doctorate program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their research fields. Doctoral students with outstanding intellectual skills who conduct productive research on organizational, financial, and technological issues thrive in this program.

Program designers understand today’s economic environment is characterized by an increasingly challenging and competitive business world. Ph.D. studies at MIT Sloan are intent on business leadership. This Ph.D. in business demands a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from all candidates. The rewards of such hard work are tremendous. MIT Sloan Ph.D. graduates teach and conduct research at the world’s best universities. This Ph.D. program’s curriculum is organized under three academic areas. Students gain exposure to Management Science, Behavior and Policy Sciences, and Economics, Finance & Accounting.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  617-253-3400

Yale University School of Management

Yale University’s Yale School of Management offers a Ph.D. in business administration. This Doctoral Program is a selective course of study for advanced students planning to pursue scholarly careers in management. It matches scholars with some of the most renowned instructors in their fields. Only a select handful of students are admitted each year. This small on-campus program encourages close interaction between Ph.D. candidates and staff. Students and faculty members collaborate on scholarly papers and research projects.

This Ph.D. in business administration program takes three to five years for a candidate to complete. Most students satisfy all program requirements in four to five years. The initial study focuses on the core underlying disciplines. This content is followed by a course developed in consultation with senior instructors and the Director of Graduate Studies. The curriculum includes coursework at Yale SOM with research and preparation for the qualifying exam in a student’s specialization. Yale School of Management is tightly integrated with Yale University. Ph.D. students study across the university, providing essential skills and different perspectives. This Ph.D. is one of the nation’s best.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  203-432-2771

University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business

The University of California, Berkeley delivers one of the country’s best Ph.D. in Business Administration programs at the Haas School of Business. This Ph.D. program offers six fields of academic study for a curriculum of unique richness and depth. Since the program enrolls less than 20 new Ph.D. students each year, doctoral students get the opportunity to work very closely with instructors and experts in their chosen specialties. The close partnership, coupled with the diverse cultural and academic backgrounds of Haas’ Ph.D. students, fosters an environment of intellectual curiosity and close collaboration.

Berkeley’s Haas Ph.D. is strongly oriented toward research and discipline. Emphasis is placed on preparing doctoral students to evaluate the state of knowledge in their particular fields and advance them by applying theory from statistics, the social sciences, and mathematics. After applying to the program, business school candidates must choose a field of study, which will determine coursework and focus on future employment opportunities. Students may choose from the areas of Accounting, Business and Public Policy, Finance, Marketing, Management of Organizations, and Real Estate.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone: 510-642-7405

Cornell University SC Johnson College of Business

Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business offers a top Ph.D. A Ph.D. in Management is where advanced education and business research intersect. Doctoral students enrolled in the program become industry thought leaders while preparing tomorrow’s business leaders. Cornell’s fully funded Ph.D. in Management is perfect for ambitious students and professionals wanting careers in university teaching and research.

This is a residential program. It is based at Ithaca, New York’s Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management. This doctorate combines Ivy League rigor and real-world relevance to prepare students for successful academic careers. There is a solid focus on management science and applied research. The doctoral degree is perfect for anyone looking to teach at the university level and contribute to the body of industry knowledge. Pursuing a Ph.D. in Management is an ideal next step for senior managers and executives wanting to transition to academia or enhance research skills for successful consulting careers.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone: 607-255-5820

University of Virginia Darden School of Business

The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia features a Ph.D. in business management. It offers an intellectually demanding advanced program for a select group of high-potential applicants. This degree is distinguished by its top-ranked instructors and world-class research centers. The doctoral program trains students as academic researchers capable of contributing to cutting-edge research in business and management. Program leaders give students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as professors.

The Ph.D. program features a deliberately small size. Darden’s open-door research ecosystem fosters high emotional and intellectual engagement with the world’s leading business leaders and thinkers. There are many unmatched benefits to this program. Doctoral students focus on ethics, scientific freedom, and friendly and productive relationships with instructors. The business school offers an individual approach to Ph.D. students with unconditional support and a diverse student cohort. Darden faculty are always willing to collaborate on research projects with Ph.D. students.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  434-924-3900

University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan offers a Ph.D. in business administration. This advanced degree prepares students for scholarly positions at top global universities. Enrolled students generate impactful research as they seek new solutions to business’s most complex issues. You can immerse yourself in one of seven doctoral areas of study based on academic career goals and research interests. All Ross Ph.D. graduates were offered positions over the past few years. Most program graduates received tenure-track assistant professor positions.

Over the five-year Ph.D. in business administration, doctoral students acquire the advanced knowledge and research skills needed to achieve academic and professional success. As admitted postgraduate students, learners receive five years of merit-based financial aid. This support includes a full tuition waiver, health insurance for themselves and their dependents, and stipend packages. This advanced degree has a lot to offer.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  734-764-8129

Duke University Fuqua School of Business

The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University offers a Ph.D. in Business Administration. This program prepares candidates for teaching and research careers at leading educational institutions and expert careers where advanced analytical and research capabilities are needed. At Fuqua, doctoral students develop close working relationships with leading scholars in their fields in a collaborative and stimulating learning environment. Business school leaders encourage strong collaborations between faculty and students, both within their academic area and across various disciplines, to better foster the groundbreaking interdisciplinary research Duke University is known for.

The Ph.D. program focuses on three critical development areas to prepare doctoral students for their careers: independent inquiry, competence in research methodology, and communication of research results. From the start, postgraduate students will be introduced to rigorous coursework and Fuqua faculty’s research activities. In this Ph.D. degree program, students work with our world-renowned instructors who are recognized for excellence in teaching and research.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  919-660-7862

New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business

The Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University offers a Ph.D. in business administration. Many business schools can boast of adequate Ph.D. programs. However, many lack the collaborative culture that the Stern School cultivates. The business school develops individual student-to-faculty and student-to-student relationships. NYU Stern nurtures students’ innate curiosities. Program directors teach doctorates to use the research tools required to solve issues they address. By the end of this program, post-graduate students have become faculty colleagues. Program graduates are transformed into trained scholars capable of doing research at the same level as professors.

NYU Stern doctoral students enter a highly motivated community of scholars. These students thrive in an atmosphere of creative collaboration and intellectual rigor. The Ph.D. student body consists of over one hundred full-time students across all departments and stages in the program. The business school employs over 200 full-time research faculty. The Stern Ph.D. program is one you will want to take advantage of.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  212-998-4500

University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Management

The University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Management offers a Ph.D. in business management. Enrolled students live in a city of innovation. They study within the university’s top-notch research facilities. Program designers have built a program where students cultivate deep and lasting relationships. The best researchers and educators of this generation present a solid curriculum. Post-graduate students gain the skills to solve complex management issues.

UCLA Anderson gives Ph.D.s the support they need to embark on a groundbreaking research career. This program changes how people see business in the future. Instructors help students advance their understanding of business through rigorous research. Where else can you have the chance to train with world-renowned scholars alongside the next generation of researchers? Ph.D. students have UCLA’s resources and attributes as a world-class research institution available to them. If you are ready to work alongside UCLA Anderson’s highly celebrated instructors, this is the Ph.D. for you.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  310-206-3411

University of Southern California Marshall School of Business

The University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business has a Ph.D. in business administration. This is one of the premier business programs in the world. It boasts a diverse and outstanding group of instructors and a student-centered culture. The business school has achieved stellar success in placing graduates in faculty jobs at the nation’s top business schools and abroad. Marshall instructors are top-tier professionals with a passion for research and academia.

Marshall Faculty ranks highly in the world of publication output in the best business journals. Many instructors are thought leaders in their profession. Their experience conducting innovative and influential research is a benefit to Ph.D. students. During recent years, Marshall has engaged in a successful and aggressive strategy to recruit top researchers in business. Enrolled students explore their research interests and take advantage of the programs, classes, and centers offered within and outside of Marshall. This Ph.D. in business administration is ripe with opportunity.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  213-740–1111

Emory University Goizueta Business School

The Goizueta Business School at Emory University features a Ph.D. in business administration. Leaders at Goizueta believe that hands-on discussion, research, and collaboration between faculty and students create the solid faculty of tomorrow’s top business schools. Students come from everywhere to attend the highly competitive program. Ph.D. candidates push business thinking and theory forward to make their impact on the business world. Goizueta seeks applicants with superior intelligence and a healthy work ethic.

Emory’s business school is among the best business programs in the country, with programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Doctoral program graduates fill faculty positions at elite business schools. Goizueta leaders have access to the resources of Emory University, a major world-class research school. Business school leaders believe that hands-on research, collaboration, and discussion between students and faculty create tomorrow’s best business school leaders. Many international students attend this highly competitive program. Ph.D. students looking for one of the best programs in the world will find it at Emory University.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  404-727-6036

Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business

The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University offers a Ph.D. in business administration. Doctoral graduates and instructors at the Tepper School share an impressive legacy of groundbreaking research and global recognition. The staff includes nine Nobel laureates. This Ph.D. is a small, serious-minded program. Post-graduate students benefit from close working academic and social relationships with students, faculty, and advisors.

There are eight focused fields of study within this doctoral program. The business school also offers joint Ph.D. degrees with world-class schools and colleges across the university campus. This well-designed Ph.D. trains tomorrow’s business thinkers and leaders. Enrolled students learn to anticipate and address future business needs. They learn to think boldly, challenge preconceived notions, and do the needed work. Tepper’s doctoral program hosts next-generation researchers. Program graduates transform society’s collective intelligence into The Intelligent Future of Business.

Admissions Email: [email protected] Admissions Phone:  412-268-1319

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School

The Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill features a Ph.D. in business administration. This rigorous, five-year program excels at training scholars to produce high-quality research as instructors at top universities. The Ph.D. program is intentionally small-sized. Program designers’ essential focus is close student-to-faculty collaboration and mentoring. Enrolled students reward their initiative and tenacity with a top-ranked doctoral program that prepares them for a rewarding and successful academic career.

If you are looking for options, you can develop into a research expert in one of six areas of study. Each specialization positions Ph.D. students with career options they may never have thought possible. Enrolled students benefit from the business school’s international reputation as one of the world’s best academic centers of innovative tax and accounting research. The idea of conducting high-impact research that advances our understanding of business may excite you.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  919-962-7772

University of Washington Michael G. Foster School of Business

The University of Washington has a Ph.D. in business management at the Michael G. Foster School of Business. This elite Ph.D. Program in Business Administration is a research-based degree. Program architects train scholars to be knowledgeable about developments on the frontiers of their discipline. The curriculum encourages students to contribute to advancing knowledge needed in business education and practice. Well-equipped business leaders can skillfully convey information to students and practitioners.

Washington created the program for students interested in academic careers. The training is also helpful for students seeking research positions in government, business, and consulting firms. The Ph.D. program in Business Administration at the University of Washington is perfect for those wishing to pursue academic careers. The program provides postgraduates with the tools to conduct top-quality research in their areas of expertise. The program’s first two years are coursework-based. Foster’s Ph.D. in Business Administration is an elite program.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  206-685-2630

University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin offers a Ph.D. in business administration. Program leaders understand that the path ahead is long and challenging for many professionals, with twists and a detour or two. Postgraduate students who are ready to dedicate their time and energy to pursuing this academic degree will appreciate this program. A Ph.D.’s four to six years are exciting, exhausting, and demanding. When students see the next step of their academic career come into view – it is immensely gratifying.

Texas McCombs is one of the nation’s most distinguished business schools at a world-renowned public research university. The business school features five acclaimed Ph.D. programs and over two dozen specializations that support interests and goals. Program leaders are uncompromisingly committed to a PhD’s academic career. This business administration’s renowned faculty, impeccable resources, and exceptional mentoring combine to produce sought-after graduates. This Ph.D. will set you up for a career’s worth of success.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  512-475-7391

Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business

Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business delivers a Ph.D. in business administration. This Ph.D. program is for those who aspire to be elite business school professors. Rice’s doctoral program in business is perfect for those aspiring to become faculty members at prestigious business schools and research universities. Students engage in coursework and research as part of their training. As graduation approaches, Ph.D. students interview for professor positions, hoping to start careers as assistant instructors at business schools worldwide.

Assistant professor careers include conducting research that gets published in well-respected, peer-reviewed academic journals. Professors impart management wisdom informed by research in the classroom. This well-rounded Ph.D. would be an asset to anyone’s resume. The program’s strategic management content reinforces coursework in the base theories of strategic management. The field of management studies big-picture issues managers deal with, like deciding what industries to enter.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  713-348-4002

University of Pennsylvania The Wharton School

The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School features a Ph.D. in business administration. Enrolled students experience innovation, leadership, and collaboration in business education. There are many reasons to pursue this PhD. The curriculum gives students access to world-renowned instructors whose expertise spans business knowledge and disciplines. Wharton faculty encourages doctoral students to explore ideas and cross disciplinary boundaries. Ph.D. students share their research interests and their pursuit to create understanding.

Completing a doctorate at Wharton requires five years of full-time study. It consists of two years of classes followed by research. The first few years in the program are for taking courses and exams and starting research projects to prepare students for admission to candidacy. The program in each discipline has individual requirements. Students wrapping up their degrees conduct research full-time. They write and defend their doctoral dissertation. This Ph.D. is rigorous, but students emerge as leaders in their field.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  215-898-4877

Georgia Institute of Technology Scheller College of Business

You can join one of the nation’s top-ranked Ph.D. programs at the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech. Enrolled students gain the confidence they need to create groundbreaking work. Ph.D.s conduct research, educate others, and direct the business world forward within this full-time, five-year program. Georgia Tech’s Scheller Ph.D. program gives postgraduates the tools to think and work independently. These students conduct groundbreaking research while finding innovative solutions to business issues.

From business administration to organizational behavior, doctoral students choose from seven concentrations to match their interests and goals. You can demonstrate your abilities to conduct high-quality work by hitting milestones throughout the completion of the degree. Successful completion of a Ph.D. program demonstrates high-quality, independent academic work. Ph.D. program milestones guide students in their training to determine the continuity of the program. Georgia Tech trains tomorrow’s business leaders.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  404-894-1610

Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School

Washington University in St. Louis delivers an excellent Ph.D. in Business Administration at the Olin Business School. The University’s business school is one of the nation’s leading research universities, with a faculty whose research work consistently ranks among the highest in the business school realm. Olin faculty members are recognized worldwide for their essential contributions to the discovery of new knowledge. The business school also takes great pride in its commitment to excellence in teaching.

Olin’s Ph.D. in Business students are guided by highly prolific researchers who are among the U.S.’s top scholars. Instructors work closely with doctoral students to develop their research skills, often nurturing one-on-one mentoring relationships that may include co-authoring research papers and projects. The development of strong problem-solving abilities equips Washington University in St. Louis students to strategically address complex business problems. This results in new ideas and innovative thinking for research that adds value to the academic community and business world.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  314-935-7301

University of Rochester Simon Business School

One of the nation’s best Ph.D. in business administration programs is featured at the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester. The Simon Business School has a solid track record of mentoring Ph.D. students to become leaders in their fields. These highly sought-after graduates are known for their robust analytical skills and research performance. Ph.D. students at the business school form a strong foundation in statistics and economics to deepen their understanding of state-of-the-art tools and concepts and tools.

Doctoral students in business administration collaborate with the world-renowned faculty to explore the process of modern business and economic research. This work fuels their successful independent research. Students take Operations Management, Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, and Marketing coursework. Students can customize their degrees depending on their skills and goals. Program leaders are known for excellence in innovation, research, and instruction. Instructors guide Ph.D. students to master mathematics, statistics, economics, and data science. If you are ready to dive into business administration, this program might be for you.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  585-275-2959

University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business

The Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame provides a top Ph.D. in business administration. Everyone knows a Notre Dame education includes unparalleled opportunities to refine your business skills and acumen and put them into practice, solving real-world business issues. This Notre Dame graduate business degree is grounded in analytics. Ph.D. students understand how to use the data to make better business decisions. Instructors guide learners in amplifying their strengths and emerging with the skills needed to accelerate business careers. Doctoral students learn to make ethical decisions and impact their world for the better.

Notre Dame believes that building careers in business means understanding how organizations and industries can serve the greater good. Ph.D. students are given the keys to act with the moral courage to make it happen. The business school’s approach to building business knowledge is unique among elite graduate business schools. The process begins with a curriculum based on ethical decision-making and the core values.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  574-631-7706

Indiana University Kelley School of Business

A Ph.D. in business administration program is at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Enrolled students become experts in their fields. PhDs can design, conduct, and defend their research. Areas of study within the business administration program include:

• Accounting,
• Business economics and public policy,
• Entrepreneurship,
• Information systems,
• Operations management, and
• Strategic management.

Program leaders know that planning and preparing for a meaningful academic career requires time and support from professionals who understand what it takes. Kelley School of Business faculty inspires Ph.D. students to turn thought-provoking scientific research into knowledge that drives business practice and develops the academic discipline. Doctoral students work with faculty and peers after entering the program. These professionals learn to communicate complex ideas as instructors. All PhDs work to become experts in their field as they design, conduct, and defend their research. This doctoral in business administration degree has it all.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  812-855-8853

University of Texas at Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management

The University of Texas at Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management features a top Ph.D. program. The business school grants a Ph.D. in Management Science degree. Doctoral students use economics, statistics, behavioral science, and mathematics to conduct rigorous scientific research. The terminal program encompasses theory and empirical analysis. It is characterized by a high ratio of research instructors to students. The program’s environment fosters close working relationships that produce excellent results.

The Management Science Ph.D. degree program allows students to choose a study concentration. Doctoral students dive deep into Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or Operations Management. The program’s core and elective courses give students an understanding of management principles. Coursework includes a study of business theory and practice. Ph.D. seminars expose students to traditional and emerging research issues. Early in their graduate work, learners are encouraged to join faculty research projects with experienced professors. This Ph.D. in business administration at UT Dallas is worth its weight in gold.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  972-883-2270

University of Maryland, College Park Robert H. Smith School of Business

The University of Maryland, College Park’s Robert H. Smith School of Business features a Ph.D. in business administration. Today’s international economy is driven by accelerating change. The business world needs cutting-edge scholarship that challenges the marketplace and gives thinkers, practitioners, and policymakers evidence-based tools and strategies. This Ph.D. in business administration transforms our models for leading, managing, innovating, and succeeding. The Smith School of Business Ph.D. is a collaborative, research-oriented community of academics. Enrolled students enjoy its breadth of business knowledge.

Program leaders help students launch their careers as academic leaders. The curriculum inspires contributions to discovering and distributing scientific knowledge through research and teaching careers at top universities worldwide. All Ph.D. students benefit from the diverse, world-class experience. They collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking, relevant research long after graduation. Students typically complete the full-time program in five years. Learners spend two years on coursework and three years on a dissertation. This Ph.D. in business administration will set you up for future success.

Admissions Email:  [email protected] Admissions Phone:  301-405-3644

Texas A&M University Mays Business School

The Mays Business School at Texas A&M University offers one of the nation’s best Ph.D. in Business Administration programs. Admission to this Ph.D. program is open to all qualified individuals who hold an undergraduate or a graduate degree. The review process includes assessing factors including an accredited academic degree and a GMAT or GRE score, and more. Business school candidates can elect to center their studies in a specific area. Organizational Behavior/Human Resource Management. This specialization focuses on the analysis of human behavior within complex social systems and organizations. Strategic Management deals with the roles and issues of top management groups and strategy formulation and implementation.

This Ph.D. at the Mays Business School has a five-year limit for completion, with 64 semester hours required after a master’s degree and 96 hours required beyond an undergraduate program. Doctoral students and their advisory committees may schedule coursework beyond these minimums. Texas A&M University’s Ph.D. in Business Administration’s management curriculum contains five different research focuses: Accounting, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Finance, and Management.

Are you interested in becoming a business professor or pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration? There are several reasons why this is an excellent idea, including job security, intellectual stimulation, a lucrative income , flexible work conditions, and more. Given the current shortage of individuals holding a doctoral degree in business administration and the increasing demand for their services, now is an excellent time to consider pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration.

What is the Current Demand for Professionals with a Ph.D. in Business Administration?

In today’s business, the number of new doctorates is less than the average of positions available. This tendency is due to three current realities:

• Many senior faculty members are retiring or will soon retire,
• There is an increase in the number of graduate students seeking business degrees (a trend likely to continue), and finally,
• There remains an insufficient number of doctoral students enrolling in and completing doctoral business programs.

According to a survey conducted by AACSB International , demand for Ph.D.s in business schools rose slightly in 2006 while the overall vacancy rate rose to 6.8 percent. At the same time, the estimated growth in business faculty positions for 2007 was 4.7 percent. Overall, the shortage of business faculty staff members is predicted to reach 2,400 in the coming years.

The staff shortage has resulted in more attractive salaries for faculty at business schools. Combined with additional payment for activities such as summer teaching and research, consulting, sponsored papers, executive program teaching, textbook writing, and presentations, business administrators enjoy healthy incomes.

What Kind of Lifestyle Can a Ph.D. in Business Administration Expect?

Professionals with this type of degree can become economists, C-level executives, financial managers, and educators. Professionals working in traditional areas of executive business leadership will often experience more high-pressure roles within their organizations. University professors, however, enjoy many lifestyle and work privileges that are not typically found in other professions.

Significant intellectual and professional autonomy allows for an atypical degree of freedom in defining workflow and developing academic activity areas. Nine-month contracts in higher education allow professors the freedom to travel and experience alternative teaching, consulting, and research assignments. Tenured faculty in higher education have employment that provides unprecedented job security.

The opportunity to teach high capacity students, undertake research, and develop professional relations with colleagues across the nation and world is unrivaled in most other professions. Being a professor also means searching for knowledge that will make a mark on society and business practice. Through research and teaching, a Ph.D. in Business Administration can significantly affect the industry by influencing organizations to become more efficient, innovative, and profitable. They can also contribute by creating jobs and economic prosperity at the national level.

What Careers Can I Qualify for After Completing a PhD in Business Administration?

Ph.D. programs prepare students to conduct specialized scholarly research. Most Ph.D. in business administration graduates enter careers as university professors, senior researchers, or consultants in business or government. 

Business School Professor

A business professor teaches college students various subjects that help them manage or start a business. Business professors give their students the specific knowledge required to earn degrees offered by business programs at institutions of higher learning. Good business professors are naturally analytical, curious, outgoing, patient, and resourceful.

Business Analysts

Business analysts are also called business systems analysts, enterprise analysts, business architects, and functional analysts. These professionals use data to suggest ways that organizations can operate efficiently. They gather and analyze information to develop and investigate potential solutions and system improvements. Business analysts use data modeling techniques to help businesses improve their processes.

What are the Different Types of Doctoral Programs in Business Administration?

The two main degree designations offered by business programs are the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) . In an earlier business education era, the DBA was regarded as providing broad exposure to business subjects geared towards practice. Simultaneously, the Ph.D. was thought to focus more on research in a given business realm. Over the years, the distinction between these two degrees has become blurred at many business schools.

Today, the Ph.D. is more widely available at business schools than the DBA, particularly in the United States. Most Ph.D. programs require full-time enrollment, while it is more common for DBA students to complete the degree on a part-time basis.

Will I need a Graduate Degree and Business Experience to Qualify for a Ph.D. in Business Administration?

While requirements vary among programs, many do not require that doctoral students have a graduate degree in business. There is no specific requirement to have business work experience either. However, students lacking a business background or degree will likely have to take foundational business courses.

What are the Application Requirements for a PhD in Business Administration?

Once you have completed your undergraduate degree or MBA, you point your academic career to a Ph.D. in business administration. But how do you get started? What are business schools looking for? And what can you be doing to prepare yourself for the application process?

Application Process

Step #1: Submit a Graduate Application found on your favorite B-school’s website. After perusing the program that excites you, it’s time to start the application process. Applications have never been easier to find and complete online. Business schools have different prerequisites, but all are looking for the same thing – a quality match between student and program. There might be an application fee, but  many doctoral programs waive the requirement .

Step #2: Request your  official transcripts  be mailed electronically to an email the B-school gives you. Admissions directors want to see who they are dealing with. Those transcripts will reveal your past academic performance, showing that you have made the grade while taking relevant courses to ensure your academic success. Transcripts also show if you need to brush up on any foundational courses that Ph.D. in business administration students have benefited by taking in the past. 

Step #3: Look for specific admission requirements and courses. Business schools provide general requirements and some specific needs based on the degree you are pursuing. Rest assured, your favorite program lets you view its admission requirements and courses from a current graduate catalog.

Application Requirements

To be admitted to a top Ph.D. program, applicants must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to the university and the other requirements listed. Ph.D. requirements typically include the following needs:

• You must earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. International students must have graduated from a recognized equivalent in a similar or related field.
• Undergrads must have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their last 60 semester credit hours.
• A minimum GMAT exam score is required unless placement scores are waived.
• Submit three recommendation letters from academic or professional sources.
• Complete a personal statement including goals, experiences, scholarly accomplishments, and reasons for pursuing the Ph.D. You may include possible research questions or topics of interest.
• A current resume or  curriculum vitae .

Admission decisions for Ph.D. programs are made by college-level admissions committees in consultation with the respective faculty in each area of concentration. Committee members make determinations concerning the probability of a student’s projected success. Ph.D. applicants need to provide materials that will help make those decisions.

Affordability of Top Ph.D. in Business Administration Programs

Most of the top programs in our ranking offer tuition waivers that cover all or most of the Ph.D. program. These Ph.D.s are full-time, residential programs with strict guidelines on no outside employment. Because of this, many schools additionally offer yearly stipends to offset their students’ living expenses while in the program.

If you are not enrolled in a program with a tuition waiver and stipend, you might be wondering about how to pay for your program. Here are some factors to consider in making a Ph.D. in business administration and comparing costs:

• Tuition Cost -Tuition costs for Ph.D. degrees run the spectrum. Some students get funding from employers, scholarships, and other sources of support. Tuition varies depending on whether students choose on-campus programs or online Ph.D. programs, public or private institutions, and whether the student qualifies as a resident.
• Program Fees -Aside from tuition rates, Ph.D. students pay fees for books and other course-related items. Extra expenses associated with a graduate program can include computers, technical support, high-speed Internet, and other resources. Read all of the tuition information a business school gives. Some business schools offer programs to cover fees and some even hand out free devices to their students.
• Accommodation -Housing for Ph.D. students can be expensive. The cost of living ranges based on where you attend business school.  Factor in the costs of living ranging from $20,000 to more per year .
• Study materials and resources -Take note that there will be some extra costs for study materials. Since many Ph.D.s divide the experience between two years of initial coursework and three years of dissertation. Your expenses will fluctuate annually. 
• Parking -On-campus students must take paying for parking into consideration. An on-campus parking permit can cost Ph.D.  students between $50 and $2,500 annually .

How do I Know What Doctoral Program to Select?

Personal considerations, including geographical location and educational preferences in a specialized field of interest, are criteria that will help narrow the range of possibilities. One primary concern is whether a particular business school has staff who specialize in the prospective student’s study area.

Students may assume that all schools offer similar types of emphases and pay relatively no attention to the faculty’s specific research interests. This may cause unfortunate surprises once a student enrolls in a doctoral program.

Even among leading postgraduate programs at the nation’s top research universities, there are significant differences in what areas schools have national and international recognition for teaching and research. Potential students should research faculty interest areas at all schools being considered.

What Role do Accreditations and Rankings Play in Considering a Ph.D.?

Publications that offer rankings of business schools should be viewed with an understanding of their goals and priorities. All rankings are subjective to each entity’s priorities and goals. Some focus on cost, some on college support, some on peer review, and some on student reviews. Ranking exposure should never substitute a student’s own research and investigation, but only to aid as a tool.

A crucial selection factor to consider is accreditation. Accreditation is a viable measure indicating that knowledgeable peers from a neutral institution have determined that a school’s program meets accreditation standards for:

• Faculty composition,
• Intellectual contributions,
• Curriculum content, and
• Instructional resources.

Most non-profit colleges and universities in the nation hold institutional accreditation conferred by regional accrediting agencies. Within the field of business, separate specialized accrediting agencies grant business accreditation to business schools or individual business programs. Among the top is AACSB . Selecting a business school accredited by AACSB is an assurance that the institution provides a high-quality education.

What is the Experience of Pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration Like?

Unlike bachelor’s or master’s-level work, where highly structured learning and individual courses with many different instructors are the norms, doctoral education places a higher premium on self-directed learning and closer relationships with fewer faculty members in a particular area of specialization. On average, Ph.D. programs will take five to six years to complete and involve the intense study of academic journal articles and original research writings. Doctoral students often forge close friendships with faculty mentors. These mentors work closely with students to:

• Define a course of study,
• Prepare for qualifying exams,
• Provide guidance in the dissertation process, and
• Help with pursuing their first faculty position.

How Can I Be Successful in Business School While Pursuing My Degree?

Returning to school to study business administration is a fantastic investment in your career. All business-minded professionals know you can’t make an investment and check out. To be successful at a Ph.D. in business administration requires hard work, persistence, and grit to ensure it pays off. Here are some ways doctoral students can make the most of their degree and time as business students.

• Keep the Goal in Mind -Remember why you are there. Keep your professional goals at the forefront and let them guide your decisions. 
• Get Organized -Find ways to learn quality time management. Getting organized also means scheduling all of life’s demands to get the job done.
• Stay Flexible -Learn how to bend to keep you from breaking. Your expectations during business school will only sometimes get met. Roll with the punches and keep a cool head when things heat up.
• Make Connections – Business school is a time to build your network . The relationships you make with instructors and fellow students will last a lifetime. 
• Develop Study Skills -When you learn how you study best, you learn how to use time wisely. Work smarter, not harder, and get the most out of your Ph.D. experience.

Why Pursue a Ph.D. in Business Administration?

People pursue a Ph.D. in Business Administration for various reasons, as it offers unique benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Many individuals pursue a Ph.D. in Business Administration to engage in rigorous research and contribute to the academic field. They aspire to become professors or researchers, conducting in-depth studies and publishing their work in academic journals.

Pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration is a journey of personal and intellectual growth. It offers an opportunity to delve deeply into a specific area of interest, expand knowledge, and develop critical thinking skills. A Ph.D. program allows individuals to specialize in a specific area of business administration. This specialization enables them to develop deep knowledge and expertise in their chosen field, such as finance, marketing, organizational behavior, or strategy. This level of specialization can make them highly sought-after experts in industries, consulting firms, or think tanks. Some individuals pursue a Ph.D. in Business Administration to enhance their leadership and consulting skills.

For many, obtaining a Ph.D. in Business Administration is a personal achievement and a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and intellectual rigor. It is a significant milestone that brings a sense of personal fulfillment and sets individuals apart as experts in their field.

A degree like a Ph.D. in Business Administration is an opportunity that has much to offer in terms of intellectual stimulation, future income, lifestyle, and many other attractive characteristics. It is a challenging and rewarding journey that opens doors to a wide range of opportunities in academia, research, consulting, and leadership roles.

Related Rankings:

Best Undergraduate Business Programs Best Online DBA Programs Best Online Doctorate in Leadership Programs

PhD in Management Program

A phd in management: where business research and education intersect.

Become an industry thought leader while preparing tomorrow’s business leaders.

Our fully funded PhD in Management is designed for ambitious students and professionals interested in a career in university teaching and research.

This residential program, based at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, NY, combines Ivy League rigor and real-world relevance to prepare you for successful careers in academia.

Why Get a PhD in Management?

With a strong focus on management science and applied research, this doctoral degree is ideal for someone looking to teach at the university level and contribute to the greater body of industry knowledge. Pursuing a PhD in Management is also an ideal next step for executives and senior managers who want to make a transition to academia or enhance their research skills for a successful consulting career.

Fully Funded, Highly Flexible: What Makes Cornell’s Management PhD Different?

As you explore PhD programs’ degree requirements, faculty engagement, and campus experience, Cornell stands alone.

In Cornell’s highly flexible program, you’ll choose a specific area of study and build your own dissertation committee. Our program faculty are genuinely interested and invested in your intellectual development. In this small and highly selective program, you will get to know the faculty and your peers well.

The SC Johnson Graduate School of Management is home to leading research centers and a high-impact academic journal; these open you up to unique learning and mentorship opportunities.

Business Simulation Lab

The Debra Paget and Jeffrey Berg Business Simulation Lab facilitates in-person and online behavioral research related to decision-making and problem-solving.

Discover More About BSL

Our Three-Pronged Approach to a PhD in Management

The Johnson School’s doctoral degree in management combines the best of theory and practice, building on a three-pronged foundation:

Hands-on Experience

Develop your research and analytical skills. You’ll work with classmates to examine existing literature and theories for class deliverables, which will often include your own original research.

Customizable Curriculum

Design your own academic pathway. You’ll choose one of six primary areas of study and create your own dissertation committee.

University-Wide Coursework

Draw on the expertise from across Cornell. You’ll get to select graduate-level courses from schools and colleges devoted to law , hospitality , engineering , labor relations , and other fields.

At a Glance: Cornell’s Fully Funded PhD in Management

The fully residential, fully funded PhD in Management program includes a tuition waiver and a stipend for living expenses. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

Degree Awarded

PhD in Management

Program Location

Ithaca, NY, with options in New York City

Program Format

Foundational coursework, original research, and six potential areas of study

Hear from Our Community

“PhD is a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with great people is paramount. At Cornell, I’ve found a place where amazing people come together, supporting my research and personal growth. Choosing Cornell means joining a community that knows how important it is to work with exceptional people to excel in the program.” – Elina Hur PhD ’23

Customize Your Path: Our Areas of Study

When you apply to the Johnson School’s PhD in Management, you will select a primary area of study. Choosing a concentration allows you to gain specialized skills and knowledge while growing a portfolio of original research.

Examine the role of accounting information in firms and financial markets. PhD-level research at Cornell explores topics such as how firms report information to investors, how accounting information is used to manage firms, and the nature of auditing.

Strategy & Business Economics

Use modern tools and methodologies to gain a better understanding of the world. PhD students in this area explore many aspects of economics including industrial, behavioral, labor, and organizational.

Dive deep into the financial structure and issues of organizations. Your research might look at how conflicts of interest affect corporate policy, how investor psychology affects asset pricing, or how to detect price bubbles.

Learn how theories from operations research, economics, psychology, and sociology intersect to inform corporate and consumer decisions. Your PhD studies will explore both quantitative and behavioral perspectives of marketing.

Management & Organizations

Prepare for a research-focused career in academia or industry. This versatile concentration develops skilled, innovative, analytical researchers through a broad curriculum and close faculty collaboration.

Operations, Technology, & Information Management

Develop the technical skills and behavioral analysis knowledge you need to address high-impact managerial decisions. This focus area also offers an option to complete coursework at Cornell Tech in New York City.

Idea Generation to Publication: A Career in Teaching and Research

The majority of our PhD in Management students pursue careers in academia. After graduation, many land tenure-track teaching positions at top-tier business schools and continue to advance knowledge through original research. Johnson School PhD students often field multiple offers and see starting salaries range from $150,000 to $250,000.

Finding Your Place at Cornell: Meet Our Current PhDs

Students from around the United States and across the globe arrive at the Johnson School to earn their PhD in Management—and their diverse research interests, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences make for a vibrant, enriching learning environment.

MEET CURRENT PHD STUDENTS

Research and Placements: Making an Impact in the Management Field

After earning the PhD in Management, our alumni go on to teach and inspire future leaders at top-tier institutions. Not only do they teach and conduct research alongside some of the most brilliant minds in business, but they also advance the field through publishing in leading journals and presenting their work at industry conferences.

Recent PhD in Management Placements

• Piyush Anand, PhD ’21, assistant professor of marketing, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University
• Guarav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, assistant professor, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh
• Eunjee Kim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
• Sarah Lim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Xuege Lu, PhD ’22, assistant professor, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
• Subrina Shen, PhD ’21, assistant professor, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin

Recent Research Publications

• “ Do Real Estate Values Boost Corporate Borrowing? Evidence from Contract-Level Data ” in the Journal of Financial Economics (2022) — Gaurav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, with Murillo Campello, Robert A. Connolly, and Eva Steiner
• “ Converging Tides Lift All Boats: Consensus in Evaluation Criteria Boosts Investments in Firms in Nascent Technology Sectors ” in Organization Science (2021) — Xirong (Subrina) Shen, PhD ’21, with Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, and Pamela S. Tolbert 
• “ Initial and Longer-Term Change in Unit-Level Turnover Following Leader Succession: Contingent Effects of Outgoing and Incoming Leader Characteristics ” in Organization Science (2020)— Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, with John Hausknecht and Lisa Dragoni

“ Does Regulatory Jurisdiction Affect the Quality of Investment-Adviser Regulation? ” in American Economic Review (2019) — Alan Kwan, PhD ’17, with Ben Charoenwong and Tarik Umar

Our Faculty: Accomplished Researchers, Dedicated Teachers

When you join the PhD in Management program at the Johnson School, you’ll be part of a learning community comprising more than 100 accomplished academics and thought leaders. 

Not only will you take courses with renowned professors from across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, but you also will have the opportunity to build your own faculty committee—a group that will become instrumental as you select your dissertation topic and embark on your original research.

Faculty Spotlight: Learn from Leading Thought Leaders

Throughout the PhD program—from foundational coursework to your dissertation—you’ll work closely with dedicated teacher-scholars like these:

Kristina Rennekamp

Dr. Rennekamp’s research focuses on financial accounting from a behavioral perspective. She’s widely published, with work appearing in leading academic journals such as The Accounting Review , Contemporary Accounting Research , and The Journal of Financial Reporting .

Karan Girotra

Dr. Girotra studies the digital transformation of companies, whether it’s looking at emerging tools and practices or exploring new business models. He’s frequently interviewed in an array of mainstream business media outlets, including Bloomberg BusinessWeek , Fortune , and Forbes .

Kaitlin Woolley

Dr. Woolley studies the psychological processes behind consumer motivation. She’s an award-winning educator and researcher with work published in academic journals and national media outlets including the Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing Research , and The Wall Street Journal .

EXPLORE JOHNSON SCHOOL FACULTY

What You’ll Learn: Curriculum Overview

As you pursue your PhD in business management, you’ll begin with a set of foundation courses and progress into advanced coursework in your area of interest. Through it all, your faculty committee will help make sure you’re on the right track.

Foundational Management Coursework

Early in your doctoral program, you will complete foundational coursework in management and other fields. Many of these will focus on the research process and prepare you for your dissertation.

Advanced Coursework in Your Concentration Area

As you progress in the PhD in Management program, you’ll take electives and advanced courses that align with your research area of interest; these classes can be in the Johnson School and across Cornell.

Your Dissertation: Creating Original Research

During the final part of the program, you begin work on your dissertation—the culmination of your original research. You choose the topic of research in conjunction with your committee.

VIEW PROGRAM SPECIFICS

Beyond Business: Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Dialogue

Tap into the experience and expertise of faculty members from across Cornell University.

Management is a broad science. Business leaders serve in a variety of roles in industries of all kinds: healthcare, consumer goods, agriculture, biotechnology, media, and consulting to name just a few. At Cornell, you can enrich your education and expand your research opportunities by taking courses and finding mentors beyond the college of business.

Explore fields like computer science, psychology, sociology, communication, engineering, and data science—and then connect the dots back to your management research.

Interact with peers and professors from other disciplines by participating in student organizations and special interest groups or by attending public lectures, workshops, and networking events.

Admissions Overview: How to Apply to the Management PhD Program

The ideal candidate for the Johnson School’s doctorate degree in management will have a strong record of academic excellence, a solid understanding of the research process, and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. An MBA or master’s degree is not a requirement for admission. 

Our admissions page offers more details about program prerequisites, selection criteria, requirements, deadline information, and a checklist of materials you need to submit with your application.

Connect With Cornell Admissions

The Johnson School admissions team is available to answer your questions about the program and the application process. Stop in or reach out by phone or email today.

253-D Sage Hall Johnson Graduate School of Management Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-6201

Phone: 607-255-5340 Email: Graduate Research Programs Office

The Cornell Campus: Where You Will Learn, Grow, and Thrive

Learn, grow, and thrive on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States. As a PhD student, you’ll spend a lot of time in Sage Hall, a Gothic-style building dating back to 1875. You’ll find more high-tech learning spaces just off campus at the Breazzano Family Center for Business Education. You’ll also have access to the innovative campus of Cornell Tech in New York City—particularly relevant to students focused on technology and information management. 

Attending Cornell also means you’ll call Ithaca, NY, home for about five years. Our eclectic downtown is full of eateries, shops, activities, and all of the amenities you’d need for everyday life. When you’re not in class or studying, you can explore all that the Finger Lakes region has to offer.

PhD in Management FAQ: What You Need to Know

Before you apply to a research-focused graduate program, you’re likely to want to do some deep research of your own. For instance, how does a fully funded PhD in Management work? What’s the typical completion time?

We have a robust Frequently Asked Questions section to help you learn more about our program, the admissions process, and dissertation requirements. For our international applicants, you’ll also find specific details about earning your PhD in Management.

May I speak to someone about my interest in the program and visit?

You are welcome to reach out to any professor with whom you see a good research fit. Our website also has a wealth of information about the program.

Is an interview part of the process?

We offer interviews only to a few applicants after their first screening.

May I talk to a professor or advisor?

You are welcome to contact any professor with whom you see a research match. Faculty are more likely to respond to specific research queries.

I have questions; may I write to this program email address?

Yes. Our response time will vary. We are not able to answer detailed questions that are better assessed by faculty during the application process.

May I schedule a campus tour?

Admissions does not offer campus tours for PhD program applicants. However, you may arrange an appointment with a faculty member.

Fraud alert – beware of third-party post-doc scams.

Cornell University recently has been made aware of fraudulent activity targeting overseas students and researchers, including at least one third party website falsely stating that it is offering a postdoctoral or visiting scholar program in association with Cornell. These scams, which may seek to obtain money and/or personal details from interested applicants, are fraudulent. 

Cornell wishes to warn the public about these fraudulent activities being perpetrated purportedly in the name of Cornell, and/or its officials. Please be advised that: 

• Cornell does not, nor has it, worked in collaboration with third-party companies or organizations to offer postdoctoral or research certificate programs.
• Third parties do not collect tuition or fees on behalf of Cornell.
• Cornell does not work with or endorse such organizations including, but not limited to, Shanghai Lufei Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 上海璐斐教育科技有限公司) and Shenzhen Guoyan Era Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 深圳市国研时代教育科技有限公司).

Cornell’s postdoctoral positions are listed on the Academic Career Opportunities website and postdoctoral fellowship programs are available for viewing. If you suspect a third party of falsely advertising a Cornell program, please notify [email protected]. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Start the Application Process Today

Ready to apply to our highly selective, fully funded PhD in Management? We look forward to learning more about you and your research goals. Start the application process today at the Cornell Graduate Admissions website. [You’ll first need to register for an account or log in to an existing one.]

• Harvard Business School →
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PhD Programs

• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has four areas of study: Accounting and Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

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UCLA Anderson Ph.D. program

Where Brilliant Minds Break Through

Professor Chris Tang, prolific researcher in Management and Operations, with Rob Richmond, researcher in foreign currency investment.

Welcome to UCLA Anderson’s Doctoral Program — the first step in pursuing an academic career in management.

From the dean of our program.

"On behalf of our faculty, thank you for visiting the UCLA Anderson Ph.D. program! If you're serious about advancing our understanding of business disciplines through rigorous research, I invite you to explore everything our Ph.D. program has to offer. You'll have the opportunity to train with world-renowned scholars and alongside the next generation of researchers. In that pursuit, you will have UCLA's resources and strengths as a world-class research institution available to you."

Join us as we expand the boundaries of business knowledge. Apply to become one of tomorrow's leading scholars today.

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Growth Options, Incentives, and Pay for Performance: Theory and Evidence

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The Political Economy of Propaganda: Evidence from US Newspapers

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Investor memory of past performance is positively biased and predicts overconfidence

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Top 15 Business Schools to Study PhD in Management in 2020

Blog Summary

A PhD in management prepares you for a career in academics and research. Also designed for people with extensive professional backgrounds and goals who wish to become experts or market leaders. It enhances your competency with scope for innovation. It enables you to study and make changes in the business process to improve productivity, provide unique insights with accurate and updated data, give you an entrepreneurial edge, provide you with scope for research, and discover new techniques to improve business processes. The course also focuses on expanding new approaches in management, economics, consulting, public administration, and several other related business fields. Stanford University, University of California, Harvard University, MIT, London Business School, etc. are some universities offering PhD in management.

Advantages of a PhD in Business Management

If you have a mind for managing others and are interested in a productive degree, a PhD in management could be the right fit. From leading to marketing to even sales and education, no matter where you are interested, you can make that into your career and help organizations achieve success.

A PhD in management can help you with your professional goals irrespective of your career stream. Although intended for those individuals who are focused on the academic side of management, these degrees are also designed for people with extensive professional background and goals who wish to become experts or market leaders.

A PhD in management will further enhance your skill set competencies and allow you not just to be a highly competent but also innovate in the field of management. There are many benefits of a PhD after an MBA degree, especially for a tenured candidate.

According to the US Bureau of labor statistics, the demand for managing personnel is around 16% growth annually, which is above average compared with many other professionals and with professionals offered a median salary of $85,260 per year. And with technological developments giving way to expansion in existing organizations and giving birth to new ones, a PhD degree is most likely to heighten career prospects by enhancing potential earnings. 

Apart from the usual incremental pay and boost up the career ladder. PhD candidates also experience some unique and significant advantages over their peers, such as.

Enables You to Take up the Role of a Social Scientist for Organizations

With your talent, training, and exposure, you will be able to explore your understanding of the advanced inner workings of firms and experiment with them to bring out productivity and efficiency. Candidates may also choose to innovate with their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Discover How Science Influences Business

Unlike an MBA degree, a PhD in management will educate candidates with a dynamic version of the world of business. A better understanding of the world through mathematics and science enables candidates to see the dynamic nature of the world of business, which, in turn, provides accurate and updated data to discover unique insights and make informed decisions. 

Provides You With an Entrepreneurial Edge

A majority of students instill an entrepreneurial mindset even after completing their PhDs in management. A PhD helps you by providing you an edge with an eye for advanced business insights and research skills that aid you in making better decisions. 

Move Ahead into the Field of Research

The plethora of options to pursue your research can make it highly-uncertain to stick to a single genre. You can craft your thoughts into a journal paper and even go ahead to patent your unique method of research or theory.

Top 15 Business Schools Offering a PhD in Management*

Without further ado, and no particular order, let’s look at the top 15 business schools offering a PhD in management programs across the world.

01. Stanford University

Course: PhD in Management Science and Engineering

Location: USA

Course Structure: Full-Time

Stanford is home to the prestigious Graduate School of Business also offers a customizable degree for business graduates looking to upgrade their qualifications.

02. University of California, Berkeley

Course: PhD in Management of Organizations

Serving as the flagship campus of the University of California Berkeley is one of the most sought after business schools in the USA.

03. Harvard University

Course: PhD in Management

As one of the most respected and oldest universities in the world, Harvard offers a PhD program in management, where students in this track examine how principles and concepts from disciplines such as operations management, and technology organizational economics, organizational behavior, and competitive strategy can be utilized to and further developed to understand organizations.

04. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Course: PhD in Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, & Strategic Management

MIT’s PhD in Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, & Strategic Management (TIES) program focuses on two areas: commercialization of technology-based innovation and the organizational development in existing firms. The structure, growth, and development of technology-based enterprise. To guide students to integrate these fields in their studies or address them as separate elements.

05. London Business School

Course: Management Science and Operations PhD Programme

Location: UK

With a world-class research facility and experienced faculty with expertise in data mining and analytics, machine learning, decision modeling, analysis optimization and energy, health services, and financial engineering, students experience a world-class learning experience.

06. McGill University, Desautels Faculty of Management

Location: Canada

The Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill, a renowned university offering worldwide cutting-edge research, provides a PhD program in management, where exceptional students lead fundamental analysis at the frontiers of management practices and knowledge.

07. Rotterdam School of Management

Course Structure: Full-Time and Part-Time

Erasmus Doctoral Programme is a challenging, cutting-edge program that will bring out the very best from a student. The course is crafted to make students a learner, teacher, scientist, and overall an influential thinker in the international field of management research.

08. Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

Location: Malaysia

APU’s PhD in management program is aimed to enable students to keep pace with the expanding frontiers of knowledge in management and broader social sciences around the modern world.

Location: Italy

LUISS’s PhD program in management aims to cultivate international business economists competent in contributing to the progression of knowledge and expanding the verges of research in the managerial disciplines.

10. Moscow State University Graduate School – MSU

Location: Moscow

Course Structure: Part-Time

MSU’s Doctoral program (PhD) is structured to promote academic research in applied management and economics. The PhD program is crafted for candidates with exceptional intellectual abilities and a strong commitment to research.

11. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Location: Hong Kong

HKUST’s PhD program aims to develop outstanding scholars who can become significant patrons to the frontiers of management knowledge by publishing their work in the best management journals and teaching in major research universities around the world.

12. Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Course: PhD in Management and Languages

Location: Dubai

Heriot-Watt university’s PhD program in the School of Social Sciences grants students unique chances in the region to research issues of relevance globally. The program provides opportunities for research in business, international human resource management, cross-cultural management, equality and diversity, Emiratisation and other nationalization policies, marketing, sustainability, accounting, finance, and corporate governance.

13. Nanhua University Institute of International and Cross-Strait Affairs

Location: Taiwan

Course Structure: Full-Time (1-Year Course)

NUI aims to improve the learning effect and provide diversified learning modes to its students and enable them to participate in the actual working environment as early as possible (The course duration is only one year). The course combines the theory with practice and cultivates students to become business talents with professional knowledge that is accompanied by real-world practical skills.

14. Amity Business School

Location: India

Ranked 6th in all India business schools on the Economic Times Ranking Survey, Amity Business School is a reputed school in the Indian subcontinent. The course helps prepare students to conduct high-quality research relevant to private or public organizations and communicate research findings through teaching and writing. 

It also helps students with the varied responsibilities and opportunities of careers in research and education or for positions requiring comparable research and analytical skills. Graduates can advance in jobs within various fields, including consulting, banking, accounting, management, marketing, teaching, and human resources.

15. Taksha Smartlabz

Location: Guyana

Course Structure: Distance and Blended Learning Program

In an academic partnership with the University of Central Nicaragua(UCN), Taksha Smartlabz (TSL) offers an online PhD in management program that aids students in gaining scholarly knowledge of current management concepts and business practices. The program also empowers students to formulate new business and management strategies for leading people in an increasingly connected global society. 

The curriculum will prepare you to traverse wide-ranging career opportunities in research, academics, and business consulting domains. The program also offers case studies, Contextual, and Capstone projects aimed at improving students’ knowledge in real-time global business scenarios.

How to Choose the Right PhD in Management Program

PhD programs in management focus on qualifying candidates for academic careers and to conduct highly specialized research, both in application and theory. The course also focuses on expanding new approaches in management, economics, consulting, public administration, and several other related business fields.

Many universities are now offering online PhD in management degrees. These online PhD in management courses provide flexibility and the ability to learn at one’s phase, which traditional courses lack.

There is no single best university for PhD in management. All the universities offer something different to their program. One must keep in mind that every course is unique, and some fit better for individuals than others. Here are some guidelines that can help you narrow down your search.

For eligibility, almost all the business schools accept MBA for PhD admission as long as it is from a recognized university or business school.

Take Your Time and Define Your Expectation

Committing to a PhD program is a monumental task, and one should consider looking into the expected outcome to weigh the effort required to complete the course successfully.

Pair Passion to Practicality

Your area of research should not only appeal to your brain but to your heart too. Passion takes people through tough times, and pairing them with practicality will also help you see things from a practical perspective.

Getting familiar with the curriculum will help you understand the course better. It should also be noted that most programs offer a similar curriculum barring some minor changes. Students should make sure of the topics that are aligned with their career goals.

Course Structure and Duration

Candidates also have the option of pursuing the course form a full-time, part-time, and online program structure. Online courses are the nom as they offer flexibility and the opportunity to learn the program at one’s phase. Typically, PhD takes three years to complete. 

With this, we hope that you will be able to make a sound decision regarding your choice of pursuing a PhD in management degree. Good Luck!

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Discover a focus and intensity greater than you may have thought possible. As a PhD student at Stanford Graduate School of Business, you will be inspired and challenged to explore novel ideas and complex questions.

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Gain valuable research experience and training in a two-year, pre-doctoral opportunity at Stanford University.

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2024 Best Business Administration & Management Doctor's Degree Schools

Choosing a great business administration & management school for your doctor's degree, a great overall school, early-career earnings, other factors we consider, more ways to rank business administration & management schools, best schools for doctorate students to study business administration & management in the united states, 25 top schools for a doctorate in business administration.

Doctorate recipients from the business administration & management program at University of Florida earn $73,128 more than the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

Rest of the Top Best Business Administration & Management Doctor's Degree Schools

Additional noteworthy schools.

Business Administration & Management by Region

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in business administration & management, best master's degrees in business administration & management, best value in business administration & management, best for non-traditional students in business administration & management, best online in business administration & management, most popular online in business administration & management, best bachelor's degrees in business administration & management, best overall in business administration & management, highest paid grads in business administration & management, best for veterans in business administration & management, most popular in business administration & management, most focused in business administration & management, rankings in majors related to business administration, business administration focus areas.

Majors Similar to Business Administration

Notes and References

Popular reports, compare your school options.

PhD in Management

Explore and expand the frontiers of human knowledge in a diverse and supportive environment.

Join an intellectual community where leading researchers and award-winning teachers encourage a rich mixture of thoughts, ideas, camaraderie and discipline. 

Quick Links

Phd in management disciplines.

Employers of Recent Graduates

Engage in research that drives change.

UB’s passion for rigorous research is matched only by a deep commitment to positive change. We bring together unconventional thinkers—researchers, scholars and artists—who collaborate across disciplines to push the boundaries of knowledge and creative expression, and consistently endeavor to lead a new way forward. Learn more about our research and economic development .

UB’s ​PhD in Management qualifies as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program, which provides an additional 24 months Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 visa holders. For more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States website or UB's International Student Services Office.

The PhD Project

The UB School of Management is an active participant in  The PhD Project , a national organization whose mission is to expand workplace diversity by increasing the diversity of business school faculty. Today, The PhD Project's expansive network of supporters, sponsors and universities helps Black/African Americans, Latinx/Hispanic Americans and Native Americans attain their business PhD and become the business professors who will mentor the next generation of leaders.

UB’s PhD Excellence Initiative

UB’s PhD Excellence Initiative seeks to ensure that our programs remain among the strongest in the world by recruiting the best PhD students, providing exceptional educational and research training, improving retention of students, reducing time-to-degree and more.

E. Han Kim, PhD ’75

• Everett E. Berg Professor in Business Administration, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor

Sara Melendy, PhD ’05

• Professor of Accounting, Gonzaga University School of Business Administration; Founder, Justice for Fraud Victims Project

Niam Yaraghi, PhD ’14

• Associate Professor of Business Technology at Miami Herbert Business School; Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation

Marty Spitzer, PhD ’92

• Senior Director of Climate and Renewable Energy, World Wildlife Fund

Jasmina Tacheva, PhD ’19

• Assistant Professor, Syracuse University School of Information Studies

Hamed Ghahremani, PhD '19

• Assistant Professor, Department of Management and Marketing, University of New Orleans

Lemma Senbet, PhD ’76

• William E. Mayer Chair Professor of Finance, University of Maryland

The School of Management uses a test-optional admissions process for our PhD program. You have the option to submit GMAT or GRE scores in support of your application, but are not required to do so.

The World’s Best Universities For Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), 2022

Alliance Manchester Business School takes the prestigious title of the world’s best university for Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), that’s according to the CEOWORLD magazine 2022 rankings. Richard J. Fox School of Business and Management at Temple University earned itself a respectable second place, with SDA Bocconi School of Management is ranked third. The 2022 rankings placed Pepperdine Graziadio Business School in fourth ahead of Lubin School of Business at Pace University into fifth; while London Metropolitan University ranked sixth and Leeds University Business School School seventh.

Overall, among the Top 10 Universities For a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), the eighth, ninth, and tenth positions are held by Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, the University of Aberdeen Business School, and Creighton University – Heider College of Business.

The World's Best Universities For Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), 2022

Detailed findings & methodology: CEOWORLD magazine surveyed 150,00 business executives, graduates, global business influencers, industry professionals, business school academics, employers, and recruiters in 156 countries and territories between November 15, 2021, and February 22, 2022. Ten percent of the interviews were conducted by telephone, 82% online, and 8% by post or face-to-face. All quantitative interviews were conducted on a confidential basis, without relying on institutions’ data submissions.

To establish our list, we collected information and statistics from publicly available sources, research, and survey. Participants were asked to rate institutions on a scale of 1 “marginal” to 100 “outstanding” or “don’t know.” The 2022 Global Universities survey was carried out by the CEOWORLD magazine – the website for ​CEOs, COOs, CFOs, senior corporate executives, business leaders, private equity investors, investment bankers, and high net worth individuals worldwide. CEOWORLD magazine ranked 173 Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs around the world.

The rankings are based on seven major metrics of quality and reputation. Overall Score (100%) is the sum of:

1) Academic reputation 2) Admission Eligibility 3) Job placement rate 4) Recruiter feedback 5) Specialization 6) Global reputation and influence 7) Annual tuition and fees

However, this is by no means a comprehensive list, while the institutions above are the CEOWORLD magazine’s “Best Universities For Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) 2022,” there may be many other universities that offer excellent programs. This ranking should not be viewed as the most important aspect when choosing a business school, and are merely one element to consider.

The margin of sampling error for the full sample of 150,00 respondents is plus or minus 1.2 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, one should bear in mind that as in all survey research, there are possible sources of error—such as coverage, nonresponse, and measurement error——that could affect the results.

Not all figures add up to 100% as a result of rounding percentages and excluding ‘neither/nor’ and ‘don’t know’ responses from exhibit. The base for global figures is 150,00 (global respondents) unless otherwise stated. All responses are kept confidential to allow survey participants to share their perspectives in a respectful, truthful, unbiased, and collegial setting. For more information, please contact at [email protected].

Have you read? Best Business Schools In The World For 2022 . Best Fashion Schools In The World For 2022 . Best Hospitality And Hotel Management Schools In The World For 2022 . Best Medical Schools In The World For 2022 . The World’s Best Universities For Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), 2022 .

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• Best Online Ph.D. In Business Administration Programs

Best Online Ph.D. In Business Administration Programs Of 2024

Updated: Mar 21, 2024, 1:55pm

If you want to create and advance cutting-edge theories in the business world, a Ph.D. in business administration might be the right fit for you. And for maximum flexibility and minimal interruption to your life, you can earn your Ph.D. in business administration online.

This terminal doctoral degree typically requires between three and five years to complete and provides expert-level knowledge in both business and research. Graduates often go on to work as business researchers and academics.

We’ve researched the best online colleges in the U.S. and found four schools that meet our ranking criteria and deliver online Ph.D.s in business administration. Read on to learn more about each program and about how to finance your education.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked four accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online business administration Ph.D. programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We listed all four schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Ph.D. in Business Administration Options

Should you enroll in a ph.d. in business administration online, accreditation for online ph.d.s in business administration, how to find the right online ph.d. in business administration for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. in business administration programs, university of north carolina at greensboro, hampton university, national university, liberty university.

Graduate Tuition

$532/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Based out of the Piedmont Triad city of Greensboro, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro features an online Ph.D. in business administration that takes five years to complete. Distance learners can remain in their current jobs and locations throughout the program.

Students spend the first three and a half years of the program on coursework and the final 18 months on their dissertations. The 54-credit curriculum covers academic research and publishing, organizational theory and behavior, and management.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Doctoral research methods, seminar in academic writing and publishing
• Concentrations Available: Strategy, international business, organizational behavior
• In-Person Requirements: No

$695/credit

Located in Hampton, Virginia, Hampton University is an HBCU that offers several online-friendly programs, including a hybrid Ph.D. in business administration. The program requires 61 credits and usually takes around three and a half years to complete. The curriculum includes a dissertation requirement, and students must complete two four-week summer residencies during their first and second years in the program.

The university prefers applicants who already hold master’s degrees in business. Prospective students must also submit GMAT scores.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 61 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Managerial economics, empirical research methods
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for online coursework and in-person residencies

$442/credit

Based out of San Diego, California, National University focuses primarily on distance learning and features an online Ph.D. in business administration that students can complete in 40 months. The 60-credit curriculum includes 10 specialization options, including project management, organizational leadership, strategic marketing and global business management.

No matter their specialization, all students must complete an original dissertation before they can graduate. NU offers a new start date for the program each Monday.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: The business environment, business financial systems
• Concentrations Available: Project management; organizational leadership; industrial/organizational psychology; homeland security: leadership and policy; health services; financial management; advanced accounting; global business management; information technology; strategic marketing

$595/credit

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University enrolls more than 135,000 students worldwide thanks in large part to its online programs. Liberty’s online Ph.D. in business administration requires 60 credits and delivers all coursework asynchronously for maximum flexibility. Students can choose from four specialization options: entrepreneurship, leadership, executive coaching, and supply chain and logistics.

Students can complete this program without ever visiting campus in Lynchburg. Military students and their spouses receive a significant tuition discount.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of applied research methods, strategic allocation of financial resources
• Concentrations Available: Entrepreneurship; executive coaching; leadership; supply chain and logistics

An online Ph.D. in business administration is the right fit for a specific type of learner. To determine whether you should pursue a doctoral degree in business administration , ask yourself a few key questions:

• What’s your budget? Distance learners generally save on expenses related to on-campus housing and transportation. Moreover, some public universities allow out-of-state students who exclusively enroll in online programs to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates. If you’re looking to save money, online learning could help.
• How much flexibility do you need? Flexibility is among the best features of distance learning. If you’re a parent or plan to work full time, you might seek an asynchronous online program, which won’t include scheduled class times.
• How do you best learn? Online learning requires a great deal of organization, discipline and time management skills. If you crave more structure or prefer closer interaction with peers and faculty, on-campus or hybrid learning might offer a better fit.

There are two key types of college accreditation : institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation is the more essential of the two. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education oversee the agencies that handle institutional accreditation, which involves vetting the quality of each school’s faculty, student services and finances.

You should enroll only at institutionally accredited schools. Otherwise, you will be ineligible for federal student aid, and employers may not recognize your degree.

Programmatic accreditation provides quality assurance for specific degree programs and departments. For an online business administration degree , you should keep an eye out for programmatic accreditation from one of three organizations:

• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

Once you’re sure about pursuing an online Ph.D. in business administration, here’s what to do next.

Consider Your Future Goals

A Ph.D. in business administration suits students who want to eventually become professors or pursue other academic or research-related roles in business. A Ph.D. in business is more theory-focused than a Doctor of Business Administration , which is comparatively practice-focused and includes an applied research component.

Most academic jobs in business do not require licensure or certification. However, you may need a demonstrated history of academic writing and publishing. A Ph.D. program with a dissertation can help you satisfy those criteria.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the four programs in our guide range from $442 to $695. Over the course of a typical 60-credit Ph.D. program, this translates to approximately $26,000 to $42,00 in total tuition.

Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see if you qualify for any federal grant, loan or scholarship opportunities. You can also pursue aid through third parties such as nonprofit organizations or your prospective university.

Doctoral programs often offer graduate assistantships to help offset the cost of tuition. Some Ph.D. programs even provide students with stipends or housing allowances in exchange for them teaching undergraduate courses or assisting professors with research. However, these opportunities are often reserved for on-campus students.

What is a Ph.D. in business administration?

A Ph.D. in business administration is a terminal academic degree for students who want to become business professors or work in other academic or research-focused roles in the field.

How many years is a Ph.D. in business administration?

The best online Ph.D. programs in business administration require between three and a half and five years to complete.

Is a doctorate in business administration worth it?

It depends on your goals. If you want to advance academic scholarship and research in business or work as a professor, a doctoral business administration degree can help you reach your goals.

Which is better, a Ph.D. or a D.B.A.?

It depends on your goals. A D.B.A. focuses more on applied research, while a Ph.D. advances theory in the field.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

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The Top Master In Management Programs In The United States

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The United States is home to dozens of elite master’s in management programs.

You wouldn’t know it from looking at one of the world’s premier MiM rankings .

The Financial Times ranks 100 of the world’s leading MiMs but leaves out U.S. programs (with one notable exception). That might give casual observers the impression that the United States is a wasteland when it comes to the degree many regard as a “mini MBA,” a generally sleeker program that is (again, generally) designed for younger students with less work experience.

But nothing could be further from the truth.

IN THE U.S., 38 ELITE MiM PROGRAMS AT 34 TOP B-SCHOOLS

Kellogg’s Steve Thompson: MiM program “provides an accelerated pathway for non-business undergraduates to enter the business field with an elevated skill set and comprehensive business knowledge”

Whereas the MBA is the top graduate business degree in the U.S., MiMs are Europe’s top choice. In FT’s latest ranking, 77 of the 100 ranked programs are based in Europe ; the country outside Europe with the most ranked schools is India, with 14 MiM programs now ranked by the FT , up from 11 last year .

But with the lone exception of Hult International Business School , which is based in Boston but has campuses in San Francisco, London, and Dubai, the FT excludes U.S. programs, and that leaves out many schools with MiMs that rival any in the world for quality and good outcomes. A Poets&Quants analysis compiled 38 programs at 34 top U.S. B-schools, several of which are remote or hybrid but mostly in-person. They range in duration from nine months to three years, and nearly half — 16 — are STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs or STEM eligible, making them especially appealing to international students hoping to stay and work in the U.S. post-graduation. See the next page for the complete list.

A noteworthy fact about master’s in management programs is that they are generally early-career programs, designed for and appealing to recent college graduates with little to no work experience; exceptions on the list in this story are Stanford’s MSx, which requires significant work experience; MIT’s Master of Science in Management Studies; and Yale SOM’s Master’s in Advanced Management. All three share another fact: They are much more expensive than the average MiM (more on that below).

Another noteworthy fact about MiMs is that they tend to appeal especially to women, a fact borne out by the several programs on P&Q ‘s list that have achieved gender parity in the last two years. At one program this year — USC Marshall School of Business’s Master of Management Studies, which is designed to provide those who have already completed the equivalent of the first year of an accredited traditional two-year MBA with an opportunity to pursue further study in areas of specialization currently available at the Marshall School — women comprise an astonishing 86% of students.

TUITION FOR AN ELITE U.S. MiM IS GENERALLY BETWEEN $50K AND $70K

Among several reasons MiMs appeal to women : cost. Tuition at the 38 programs listed here ranges from $12,492 at the online Illinois Gies iMSM to $143,144 at Stanford Graduate School of Business’s MSx; however, the latter is nearly unique in that it is designed for mid-career professionals. More common price points are between $50K and $70K, such as $66,300 at Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business’s new Master of Science in Management and $57,960 at Georgetown McDonough School of Business’s MSM .

“We focus on the demographics,” says Evelyn Williams, founding academic director of Georgetown’s program who was also involved in designing MiM courses at Wake Forest. “From day one, we focused on over 50% of women, pre-experience. There is no excuse not to go after a lot of women and under-represented groups. Thirty-nine percent of the latest class is African-American or Latino — 41% if you include Asian-Americans.

“These new programs serve as a bridge program for first-generation students who can’t find a way to bridge into white-collar work. That was intentional. Composition is huge. The old rule that ‘Oh well the women don’t apply’ is old and outdated. Parity is important. We have had to work to get more men in the program.”

TWO M7 SCHOOLS THAT OFFER MiMs: BOOTH & KELLOGG

Two of the top U.S. MiM programs are based in the same city: Chicago. Chicago Booth School of Business launched their new Master in Management program in 2023, one of a pair of new programs that were the M7 school’s first since World War II . The Booth MiM, like its peers’, is for students who “are coming in without substantial work experience,” Stephanie O’Connor, associate dean of Career Services, told P&Q last year, and who the B-school expects to go into a wide range of corporate and consulting roles: corporate finance, sales, marketing, energy, and tech. The Booth MiM is 10 months long, like 10 other programs listed below, and tuition is $65K, which is squarely in the middle of the pack.

Booth’s neighbor and fellow M7 school , Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, is a veteran of the MiM scene, having long offered one of the premier degrees in the U.S. But Kellogg’s Master in Management program has recently undergone a couple of big changes. Until last year it was known as the Master of Science in Management Studies, and it was focused only on students with less than a year experience, enrolling mostly those who had just finished their undergraduate studies. In a change last summer made in response to the fast-changing job market, the STEM-designated Kellogg MiM has expanded the reach of the program and is now open to students with up to two years of experience .

“With a one-year duration and no significant work experience requirement, the MiM program provides an accelerated pathway for non-business undergraduates to enter the business field with an elevated skill set and comprehensive business knowledge,” Steve Thompson, senior director of full-time admissions at the Kellogg School, tells P&Q , adding that Kellogg’s one-year MBA program “is a complementary program to our MiM curriculum, and is ideally suited for students looking to deepen their newly-developed general business foundation in a particular area, like private equity, or data analytics, for example.”

See the next page for a complete list of 37 master’s in management programs at top U.S. business schools, including their STEM eligibility, updated tuition rates, duration, and more. 

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Master of Business Administration

Interested in Piedmont's MBA Program?

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A Personal Business Education.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Piedmont University will take your career to the next level. The program offers an MBA that combines a personal educational experience with the practical knowledge of faculty who have both private industry and academic experience. Plus, with small class sizes, direct interaction with faculty, and a focus on work/life/education balance, Piedmont’s MBA is perfect for busy, working adults.

Offered in an online format, Piedmont’s MBA program is designed to serve the educational and practical interests of those seeking managerial positions or wishing to progress to higher levels of responsibility within their existing organizations. To ensure the best experience, it is preferred, though not required, that those applying for Piedmont’s MBA have at least two years of relevant experience – especially those without prior business degrees. At Piedmont, you will move your business knowledge from understanding to execution, developing skills in critical thinking, ethical decision-making, leadership, and research. Plus, networking with fellow students and experienced faculty is an added benefit.

Graduate students choose Piedmont for their MBA for a variety of reasons. Few programs offer such a personalized experience at such an affordable cost, and the program features faculty who are not only qualified, but who have executed campaigns, projects, and management in the fields in which they teach.

MBA students also now have access to a summer travel abroad experience that can replace 6 credit hours of their 36-credit-hour curriculum.

The Walker College of Business received national accreditation in November 2007 and is reaccredited through 2029 by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for both undergraduate and graduate business programs. 

Walker College of Business graduates have seen their careers accelerate after completing the MBA program. In communities around the country, Piedmont University MBA graduates are leaders in accounting, consulting, finance, management, marketing, and more.

What classes are required?

• ACCT 6500/BUSA 6500 – Corporate Financial Analysis
• ACCT 6530/BUSA 6530 – Managerial Accounting
• BUSA 5600/BUSA 4355 – Managerial Business Analytics
• BUSA 6200 – Strategic Marketing
• BUSA 6230 – Managerial Economics
• BUSA 6920 – Business and Corporate Level Strategic Management and Capstone
• BUSA 5610/BUSA 4610 – Advanced Project Management
• BUSA 5620/BUSA 4620 – Advanced Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• BUSA 5700 – Practicum in Logistics
• BUSA 6100 – Managerial Ethics
• BUSA 6310 – Leadership
• BUSA 6820 – Human Resource Management and Compliance

Applicants lacking an undergraduate degree in business from an accredited institution must successfully complete the prerequisite undergraduate business courses to enroll in certain MBA courses. The prerequisite coursework must be taken at an accredited institution and a grade of “C” or better must be earned. Students admitted to the MBA program can also elect to take the undergraduate courses at Piedmont University at the graduate credit hour rates. These courses are:

• ACCT 2010 – Financial Accounting
• ACCT 2020 – Managerial Accounting
• BUSA 1210 – Introduction to Microeconomics or BUSA 2210 – Introduction to Macroeconomics
• BUSA 2100 – Business Analytics I or MATH 1300 – Elementary Statistics

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