Choose Your Ph.D. Program

Business doctoral programs can be divided into both traditional programs and non-traditional programs. Two non-traditional doctoral degree programs include the executive doctorate and the research doctorate. Below is a summary of the major differences between the three different types of degrees. 

  • A Research Doctorate (Ph.D. in Business Administration) from KSU consists of the following: 

    • 3-5 years with residencies designed for working professionals 
    • Provides a research doctorate by an AACSB-accredited business school that prepares graduates for research and teaching responsibilities as “Scholarly Academic” faculty at AACSB schools 
    • Dissertation research targeted to academic journals with focus on application and relevancy 
    • Graduates placed in faculty positions and in advanced industry and consulting positions 
      The vast majority of our graduates pursue faculty or leadership positions at AACSB accredited business schools 
    • The research doctorate provided by Kennesaw State University's Coles College of Business enables graduates to advance practice and theory, as well as contribute to organizational effectiveness. A research doctorate is a unique opportunity to pursue an applied research project and at the same time earn a doctoral degree. Individuals earning a research doctorate degree are adding to their career flexibility and choice by preparing themselves for expanded roles within academe and industry.

  • A Traditional Ph.D. program typically consists of the following: 

    • 4-7 years, full-time 
    • High opportunity costs as students are rarely allowed to have outside employment 
    • Limited opportunities for experienced professionals 
    • Provides a research doctorate that, when conducted by an AACSB accredited business school, prepares graduates for research and teaching responsibilities as “Scholarly Academic” faculty at AACSB schools 
    • The vast majority of graduates are regularly placed in faculty positions 

  • An Executive Doctorate program typically consists of the following: 

    • 3 years, part-time 
    • Research targeted towards addressing issues and challenges of contemporary business 
    • Focused on experienced professionals 
    • Focus on producing advanced leaders for industry and consulting positions