PhD in Business Administration
Within our five specializations, students are provided a foundation in theoretical knowledge and methodological skills. Upon graduating, students can clearly communicate complex discipline-specific research findings and will possess the tools to achieve academic and professional success. Our distinguished faculty are extensively published and nationally recognized for their accomplishments. Often partnering with students on innovative research that leads to co-authored papers, our faculty are committed to building one-on-one mentoring relationships and supporting graduate placement within top-tier research institutions.
Program Benefits
Requiring a minimum of 60 semester credit hours beyond a bachelor's degree, students can begin our full-time PhD program each August. Students are expected to complete the program in five years and are required to enroll in 24 credit hours each year with a minimum of nine hours and a maximum of 12 hours each fall and spring semester while maintaining at least a 3.20 GPA. The first two years in the program prepare students for admission to candidacy by taking courses, qualifying exams, engaging in research projects, and considering possible dissertation topics. In the last few years, when all required courses and examinations have been completed, students are recommended for candidacy for the doctoral degree. Upon admission to candidacy, a three-member doctoral dissertation committee is formed to guide students as they propose, write, revise and defend their dissertation.
Offered by the School of Accounting, our PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting is designed to train students to conduct analytical and timely empirical research to prepare them for successful academic careers. The program leverages the resources and excellence of Rawls College in related fields such as finance, management, economics and statistics.
Our faculty have been published in many elite journals with research interests ranging from audit, taxation, earnings management, oil/gas accounting, corporate sustainability and accounting information systems. Their research accomplishments allow us to provide a challenging and rewarding environment in which students can work closely with faculty, whatever their fields of interest.
Our PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance prepares students to address the many evolving facets of the finance field. Through coursework in finance and supporting fields such as economics and statistics, students become highly proficient in theory, empirical research and the development of analytical tools for solving practical business problems. Students also receive advanced training in research methods, which prepares them to make significant contributions to academic research.
Faculty research, both empirical and theoretical, includes areas such as: the intersection of politics and finance, mutual fund performance, fixed income and investments. Additionally, unique to the finance specialization, students are exposed to the latest research from leading scholars through our departmental seminar series. Upon completing our program, students will be prepared to succeed as academic scholars and excel in university teaching and research careers.
Our PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Management prepares students to become elite scholars who are capable of conducting and publishing high-quality research, while also providing exceptional and creative instruction in the classroom.
By combining our commitment to research excellence with a collaborative approach to education, we have fostered a positive and inclusive learning community that values diverse and innovative thoughts. Students will refine their teaching skills through the instruction of undergraduate classes in their emerging area of expertise and participate in a doctoral seminar taught by master teachers from the Texas Tech Teaching Academy that is devoted to effective teaching methods. Additionally, students will establish one-on-one mentoring relationships with faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized for their professional and scholarly accomplishments. They can also expect to work alongside their faculty mentor conducting micro-, macro-, and meso-level research using qualitative and quantitative methods in a wide array of topics such as business ethics, corporate social responsibility, sustainability and strategic management.
As one of the first universities to establish a doctoral specialization in management information systems (MIS), our PhD in Business Administration with a concentration MIS provides a theoretical basis for advancing information technology knowledge. Our faculty include top scholars researching topics such as technology acceptance, behavioral decision making, information search, information visualization, quantitative research methods, and business analytics. Additionally, our program is recognized around the world for our research on the application of neuroscience to the study of information systems.
Our faculty are published in many top IT journals with research interests ranging from operations management, information economics, data analytics, linguistics, visualization, data science, and neuroscience. Their research accomplishments and commitment to closely supervised mentorship enables students to perfect solid research skills in preparation for rewarding academic careers.
Our PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing provides students with a solid foundation in all areas of marketing to prepare them for careers as professional educators. Rigorous course and research activities provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical, conceptual and managerial foundations of marketing. Through our program, students develop new research models/methodologies and implement marketing decision models/techniques.
Our faculty are published in many top academic journals with research focused on strategic marketing, marketing theory, consumer behavior, marketing ethics, branding, sustainability and sales management. Their research accomplishments and commitment to hands-on mentorship enables students to develop strong research skills in preparation for rewarding academic careers.
“I decided to pursue my PhD at Rawls College because of the university's and college's reputation as an R1 Research Institution, Top 100 Business Program, Hispanic Serving Institution, and because the faculty are well-respected and accomplished. The program has a family-feel, and the professors are welcoming, friendly and willing to help at any time.”
“The Rawls College of Business offers a rigorous and rewarding doctoral program. The program has a stellar record for academic placement at leading business schools throughout country.”
“Rawls College is a great place to learn, teach, and to make a difference. It has everything that I need to make my academic dreams come true.”
Funding Your PhD
Our numerous funding opportunities combined with Lubbock's low cost of living, help us ensure our PhD program is affordable and competitive. Through both Rawls College and the Texas Tech University Graduate School, doctoral students can apply for assistantships, scholarships, travel stipends and research grants.
Assistantships & Scholarships
Nearly all admitted students in good academic standing receive funding support through assistantships and scholarships. Assistantships are generally available for a period of four years and provide students the opportunity to receive an out of state tuition waiver. Additionally, students can qualify for scholarships.
Travel Stipends & Research Grants
Funding is available to support student research and conference travel.
Ready to Apply?
Take the first step in your journey with Rawls College. Applications for Fall 2023 will open in September.
Rawls College of Business
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Address
Rawls College of Business, Box 42101, 703 Flint Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.3188 -
Email
ba_webmaster@ttu.edu