International Business Education and Career Guide
Get a Doctorate in International Business (PhD Overview)
While there are jobs in the corporate world for people who have earned a doctorate in international business, many of the career avenues available will be in academia.
For those who do choose to pursue a career in the private sector, the emphasis of your education will focus on the elements essential to understanding and managing international businesses.
What You'll Learn
Most PhD programs in international business prepare students for an academic career in a university rather than teaching them the required skills to manage people in a multinational corporation. Some PhD candidates may even choose a career such as researcher at the United Nations.
If you've completed your master's or MBA program and have decided you'd like to pursue a doctorate in international business, here's what you can expect as far as time.
Most PhD degree programs in international business take three-to-four years to complete in a full-time capacity. Earning your PhD online and part time might take up to five years. International business curriculum will include coursework in economics, management, group dynamics and quantitative research methods, and secondary specializations in standard business fields—such as accounting, finance, information systems, management and marketing—are also offered.
What You Can Do with a PhD in International Business
With a PhD or Doctorate in international business, you will be prepared for a number of careers, both overseas and at home, in a multinational corporation or in academic research, and may command a higher salary to go with your new credential.
Here are just some of the possible career options:
- Economic Researcher
- Chief Executive Officer
- University Professor
- Senior Risk Management Consultant
- Business Development Manager
Important Things to Look for When Choosing Your International Business PhD
Like any degree program, accreditation is a huge consideration when choosing any school or degree program. Accreditation ensures quality and currency of curriculum, and it's not without benefits. For example, did you know when you select an accredited school you can apply for federal financial aid? Accreditation also ensures credits earned from another school or program should transfer. Here are some of the agencies that accredit doctorate and PhD programs:
Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business(AACSB)
Worldwide: EQUIS-EFMD Global