Description and Outcomes

The objective of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in business management program is to help you pursue leadership positions in competitive business environments and in the academic world. The curriculum is designed to address this through a portfolio of scientific skills that satisfy your intellectual curiosity and help build the knowledge, and abilities to make sound business and management and scientific decisions. Beyond these skills, the program is also designed to foster thought leadership, innovation, and corporate social responsibility in a global academic context. The program includes original research, comprehensive examinations, field experiences, and a dissertation. Our Ph.D. programs are designed to help you build your skills as a researcher: coursework, academic workshops, comprehensive exam, and dissertation. With a Ph.D. you will distinguish yourself as a leader in management, influence education and shape the processes that will make businesses more competitive in the marketplace. We offer concentrations that let you tailor your program to your area of interest.

A Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) is a research-oriented degree requiring a minimum of three years of full-time graduate education or the equivalent in part-time study. Such a Technological University of the Americas Catalog pg. 24 doctoral program shall include substantial instruction in both theory and research at an advanced level in a designated field and specialty, and may only be awarded to a student who has completed a program of study that includes research methodology and demonstrated learning achievement through original research directly attributable to the student. A Doctor of Philosophy degree shall involve preparation for scholarship and systematic inquiry.

The Doctor of Philosophy program at TUA is a professional and innovative doctorate that enables students to develop in-depth expertise in a specific business and academic area. It prepares highly experienced professionals for teaching and research positions or for advanced research positions in consulting, government or industry. It also provides students a strong theoretical understanding of business disciplines and the necessary preparation to contribute to organizational knowledge and effectiveness through required coursework and interaction with academics and practitioners at the leading edge of their fields. Ph.D. students will also need to complete a dissertation that contributes to business practice.

Specializations

In addition to the core program requirements, you may add a specialization to your degree plan, for which you are required to take a minimum of three courses from one of the chosen specializations. Specializations are not required for completion of the general program. Students have the opportunity to specialize with an Advanced Core in Business Management, Brand Management, Personal Branding, Authentic Governance, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Hospitality Management, Logistics Management, Technology Management and Finance.

Program Length

The Ph.D. in management program requires a total of 90 quarter credits. The credits are allocated as follows: 63 quarter credits consist of 10 courses of 6 quarter credits each and one course of 3 quarter credits and 27 quarter credits for dissertation courses.

Program Outcomes

• Prepare highly experienced professionals for teaching and research positions or for advanced research positions in consulting, government or industry.
• Apply knowledge related to fundamental business processes to make effective business decisions in a global context.
• Integrate business knowledge to take well-reasoned action in diverse situations.
• Innovate to address business issues and opportunities in dynamic environments.
• Demonstrate the leadership necessary to accomplish business goals and maximize organizational performance.
• Evaluate the ethical and social implications of business decisions in a global context.

Admissions Requirements

You must meet the admissions requirements in addition to TUA’s general requirements. Ph.D. programs are open to those who have earned an equivalent of a Master’s Degree in a business discipline from accredited universities and whose graduate academic records, scores on the required standardized examination, and prior work experience indicate that they have the capability to complete the program. Admission is reviewed by the Ph.D. Technological University of the Americas Catalog pg. 25 Admissions Committee. The Ph.D. Admissions Committee reviews all applications. The required and preferred criteria are:

• 1. Completed Application
• 2. Earned graduate degree in one of the following: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), MS in Information Systems, or MS in Management Information Systems.
• 3. In addition to the degree requirement above, applicants must have completed a minimum of 18 hours in business courses (undergraduate and graduate courses count in the 18-hour requirement).
• 4. A Cumulative GPA of 3.00 for entrance into the program.
• 5. Two professional reverences
• 6. Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). A minimum score of 470 on the GMAT is required.
• 7. Academic Records. Applicants must submit an official transcript indicating successful completion of a bachelor’s and acceptable master’s degree program from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education. Transcripts should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions from all schools previously attended.
• 8. For those required to take the TOEFL exam, a minimum score of 600.
• 9. A minimum of three years of professional experience preferred, including significant management experience.
• 10. A $50 nonrefundable application fee.
• 11. Selection is based on high promise of success in graduate study in business administration, as indicated by a combination of:

• Prior academic performance;
• Prior academic performance;
• Prior work experience;
• 2 letters of recommendation from employers or professors;