Over the first two years of the PhD program, students in the typical program timeline will take a variety of courses that will introduce them to research and provide the tools necessary to be successful academic researchers. The courses are a mix of required core courses and electives from a broad set of choices across accounting, finance, economics, management, marketing, and other fields, providing the flexibility for students to customize their program and pursue their unique research interests.
- Beginning the first year and throughout the program, students are paired with faculty to work as research assistants. Students are, in a sense, apprentices working closely alongside faculty mentors while learning the research and publication process.
- During the summers after their first and second years, students write original research papers under the supervision of a faculty advisor and committee, who help lead the student through the research process. Students present these research papers to faculty during the fall semesters of their second and third years.
- At the end of the second year, students take a qualifying exam. The exam consists of written and oral portions that cover material from courses taken during the first two years of the PhD program.
- After finishing coursework and passing the qualifying exam, students advance to candidacy and begin work on their dissertations under the supervision of a faculty advisor and dissertation committee. The dissertation becomes the basis for a job market paper, which is a central part of their eventual job applications.
- Sometime after advancing to candidacy, students teach one undergraduate course. Prior to teaching, students will complete a teaching effectiveness course.
- Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a PhD in Business Administration.