Phd Degree Requirements

Coursework
Business Fundamentals: courses in your major area of concentration     Economics: microeconomic and macroeconomic theory	The level of competence should be roughly equivalent to the MBA core courses. Most students entering with an MBA or similar degree meet this requirement without additional course work. You will need to take the appropriate courses if you do not meet this requirement prior to beginning the program. You may need to take specific courses to meet specific requirements (e.g. finance).
Research Methods/ Quantitative Methodologies: minimum five courses (15 hours) in Research Methods and Quantitative Methodologies.	One course must be in research methods covering topics such as philosophy of science, research design, sample selection, etc. Three courses must focus on quantitative methodologies. These include statistics, operations research, econometrics, etc. One course may be in specialized research methods (e.g., survey research, lab experimentation) or other quantitative methodologies topics.

Research Paper

• During the summer and fall following the first year, you must complete a research paper.
• The paper will be evaluated and approved by the student's faculty.
• The paper's purpose is to give the student important research experience, as well as research and writing skills.
• Most papers are presented later at professional meetings, and many lead to publication.
• Some papers develop into dissertations.

Comprehensive Examination

• You must pass a written comprehensive examination after completing your course work. This usually takes place at the end of the second year.
• Some areas may require an oral examination in addition to the written exam.
• The exams are from your major area of concentration as well as relevant material from the other requirements.

Teaching/ Research

• Work with faculty on the development of your teaching skills.
• Serve as a teaching assistant.
• Serve as a research assistant.

Dissertation

• You must complete a dissertation in order to graduate from the program.
• In most cases, the dissertation proposal is completed during the student's third year in residence, and the dissertation is completed during the fourth year.