Doctoral Program

Students admitted into the Ph.D. in Business Administration program choose a focus area in Finance, Management, or Marketing.

Coursework includes courses within each of the focus areas. Additionally, each doctoral student completes a set of research methods courses suited for exploring their areas of interest. While most students complete the program in four years, some students may be awarded a fifth year of funding.

ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM

The Ph.D. Program in Business Administration typically adds three new students per year in each area (Finance, Management, and Marketing). The Graduate Committee carefully evaluates a variety of characteristics including test scores, transcripts, statement of purpose, work experience, resume, cover letters, recommendations, and English language proficiency. Admission is granted only on recommendation by the committee.

Admissions to the doctoral program in Business Administration may be recommended for applicants who submit a competitive score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and have a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA or at least a 3.10 GPA on the last 60 hours attempted at either the graduate or undergraduate level. However, admission is competitive among the pool of applicants, and only a small number of applicants are accepted.

Placement

The School of Business has a 100% placement of graduating students over the last 5-plus years in academic, government, and private positions. Recent students have obtained academic positions at West Virginia University, Kansas State University, Utah State University, University of Southern Illinois (Carbondale), California State (Fullerton) University, University of South Alabama, Tennessee Tech University, and the University of Alabama at Huntsville.

FACULTY

From the first day they arrive on campus, Ph.D. students work closely with faculty on research projects and attend regular research colloquiums and developmental activities. A number of these collaborative projects have led to publications.

Scholarly Research

The faculty of the School of Business Administration is engaged in research covering a wide range of fields in finance, management, marketing, management information systems, and operations management. Through assignments as research assistants, graduate students are offered the opportunity to become involved with the research activities of the faculty.

The School of Business sponsors weekly research workshop series in which graduate students are expected to participate. The workshops include presentations from faculty based on current research as well as periodic presentations from outside guests who are making major research contributions in their disciplines. As part of the School of Business Administration, each area has access to a broad range of research facilities and support. Strong computer facilities, data resources, and laboratories enhance the research capabilities of students and faculty.

Financial Assistance

Opportunities for financial assistance include teaching or research assistantships and non-service fellowships. Graduate assistants and non-service fellows who are not residents of Mississippi, along with their spouses, are not required to pay the nonresident registration fee. Full-time enrolled students holding assistantships are eligible to receive a partial tuition scholarship.

Ph.D. Handbook

Ph.D. Handbook 2023–2024

Ready to apply?

The deadline for application is February 1.

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