PhD & Doctoral Business Degree Programs

Get the facts about PhD Business Programs

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By the Numbers Business PhD Programs

Credits needed to graduate:	90
Number of specialization classes:	5
Number of core classes:	8
Number of elective classes:	5
Number of research and dissertation credits needed to graduate:	36
Hours in class per week:	9
Time until graduation:	5 years
Cost per class:	$2,025
Cost per program:	$60,750
Amount students earn through graduate assistantships per year:	$10,000, plus tuition
Starting salary of graduates who enter academics:	$50,000
Salary of senior professors:	$98,000

Note: All numbers are averages.
Sources: Data from schools listed on AllBusinessSchools.com, May 2007; Payscale.com; nces.ed.gov

What does a Business PhD Program Entail?

Business degree doctorate programs prepare students to conduct highly specialized scholarly research. Most graduates with a PhD in business enter careers as university researchers and professors or as senior researches, leaders or consultants in business or government.

Business PhD programs are typically research-centric with a focus on the development of new theories in management, economics and related fields. Specialized areas of study include accounting, economics, finance, human development (in organizational settings), information systems, leadership and organizational change, operations research and organizational systems.

Students pursuing a PhD in business work closely with a faculty adviser who is a recognized scholar or practitioner in the field. The faculty mentor and student collaborate on research projects, meet regularly to design and develop the student's dissertation theory and research, and may co-produce papers for publication. The doctoral dissertation is the culminating product of a PhD program, and it is generally accompanied by a comprehensive exam or a series of exams.

Most schools require their PhD candidates to gain teaching experience in order to obtain their degree; students generally do so by working as a teaching assistant for their faculty mentor. Candidates may also elect to take on additional teaching assignments through their university.

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Kaplan University

Whether you're looking to change or advance your career, Kaplan University will help you get there. Online flexibility, reduced costs, and financial aid assistance make Kaplan a smart choice for working adults.

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Strayer University

Strayer University is dedicated to helping busy, working adults achieve their educational goals with a valuable, real world education in a fast, convenient format offered online or at one of many campus locations.

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Northeastern University - College of Business Administration

Northeastern offers its AACSB-accredited MBA program in a 100 percent online format. They are a world leader in practice-based education focused on expanding students' managerial skills and knowledge base.