Business Administration, PhD

Contact

Michel Benaroch, Associate Dean for Research and Ph.D. Programs, Whitman School of Management, 721 University Avenue, 315-443-3429, mbenaroc@syr.edu

Program Description

The program of study leading to the doctor of philosophy degree in business administration prepares outstanding candidates for academic research careers in higher education.

With a strong emphasis on research, the program stresses academic competence and preparation for a scholarly career in one of the fields of business administration such as accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, management information systems, managerial statistics, and supply chain management. A supporting field in another discipline or interdisciplinary area within the Whitman School of Management or elsewhere in the University is required.

Accreditation

The Whitman School has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) since 1920.

Admission

It is normally expected that applicants will hold an appropriate master’s degree from an accredited institution, although outstanding students will be considered with a baccalaureate degree.

Applicants must:

Obtain recommendations from at least three professors thoroughly familiar with their previous academic performance and qualified to evaluate their ability to do doctoral work;
Achieve a strong score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), administered nationally by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey. (Can be substituted by a GRE score)
Present a previous academic record of superior quality and meet the Syracuse University Graduate School requirements for matriculation.

Financial Support

The Ph.D. is a full-time program in which students are engaged in full-time graduate study, research, and teaching. Financial support is provided for most students through a Teaching Assistant (TA) position for four years, which includes a stipend and a full-tuition scholarship of up to 24 credits per academic year, subject to satisfactory performance.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate broad knowledge of the literature that is a necessary foundation for understanding and undertaking research in the major field of study (finance, accounting, etc.)

2. Demonstrate proficiency in research methods necessary to conduct rigorous and impactful research in the major field of study

3. Be able to identify, conceptualize, and investigate significant problems for academic research in the major field of study

4. Be able to produce original, publishable research in the major field of study

5. Demonstrate expertise as a teaching assistant and as a course instructor in the major field of study

Degree Requirements

Individual programs of doctoral candidates vary according to their objectives, special interests, background, and previous formal educational preparation. Each student’s program must be approved by the candidate’s advisor.

Depending upon a candidate’s training and experience, a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree are required leading to the doctor of philosophy degree. Students are also expected to complete before the start of their second year a summer research paper under a faculty mentor. The coursework includes a dissertation that demonstrates ability to do original scholarly research. An oral defense of the dissertation is required. In addition, students are exposed to teaching-related experience during their program prior to degree completion.

Additional Information

Information can be found on the Internet at whitman.syr.edu/phd