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Welcome
The Ph.D. Program in Business Administration is designed to prepare students of all backgrounds to become productive teachers and researchers at the university level by providing academically rigorous training in business administration. The program seeks to create an intellectual climate that embraces scholarship, diversity, and global awareness. Drawing from its strategic location as a “Gateway to the Americas” and the strength of the University of Texas System, the program trains students to impact the business community through the creation and dissemination of knowledge.
Ph.D. Program
Program FAQs
The Ph.D. program in Business Administration is designed primarily to prepare students for careers in research and teaching. Most graduates of the program pursue an academic career as college professors and researchers. Some also consider a career in business consulting and public policy.
Typical students complete the coursework in two years. After coursework, students are expected to complete a dissertation in one to two years. Most students complete the program within five years.
The Ph.D. in Business Administration, at a minimum, consists of 63 academic hours. Students complete core coursework requirements within the first two years of their training. After the required coursework is completed, students take the preliminary exam in the first year and the comprehensive examination in the second year followed by the writing and defense of the dissertation.
Currently, we have five areas of concentration: finance, management, marketing, information systems, or accounting. Applications are accepted annually with a deadline of February 1 for fall enrollment.
UTRGV’s Tuition and Fees are the lowest in the UT System and the 2nd lowest among all Texas public universities. View more specific details on tuition.
No. All students admitted into the program need to be full time students.
The application process involves two steps. First, application to the UTRGV Graduate College needs to be completed. Second, applicants also submit required documentation for the Ph.D. program. Interested applicants should submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendations, a personal statement (outlining career goals), GMAT/GRE scores and resume. GMAT/GRE test scores should be within the last five years. International applicants should also submit TOEFL or IELTS (with minimum scores of 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer-based) and transcript evaluation by Foreign Credential Services of America (FCSA). A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate admission.
The deadline for application to the Ph.D. Program is February 1.
No, all applications are evaluated once a year for admission for fall enrollment. The annual application deadline is February 1.
Applications are evaluated by doctoral faculty and a college level committee. The committee considers various criteria including the applicant’s GPA, GMAT/GRE scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation in making admission decisions. Higher scores on standardized tests and demonstrated research potential increases the likelihood of admission to the program. Admission decisions are communicated in writing via email.
No. However, students joining the program without a business educational background must complete leveling or foundation courses before enrolling in Ph.D. seminars. In general, students should have taken graduate level courses in Statistics, Economics, Accounting, Marketing, Management, and Finance. Students who lack these courses can be admitted, but will take these courses as leveling courses, which will contribute towards the beginning of their program. Leveling course requirements will be stated in writing in the letter of offer on admission.
All students in the program are expected to identify a concentration in a specific research area and actively work with their faculty advisors. Successful doctoral students in the program often have numerous top conference papers and refereed journal publications before leaving the program. Building a clear research agenda as well as a strong record of conference presentations and publications often results in good placement for graduating students.
Admitted students are eligible to receive Research Assistantships (RAs). Assistantships are assigned on a competitive basis. Incoming applicants requesting assistantships from the college should submit their request with their application materials. Limited summer funding is usually available. To maintain the assistantship, the student must be in good academic standing and enrolled for nine hours as a graduate student during the fall and/or spring semester.
No, work experience is not required for admission. However, most of our students come with some level of work and/or research experience.
Ph.D. Program Excellence Awards
Khondoker Sayeed Hossain
Ph.D. Student Excellence Award in Marketing
Gabriel Owusu
Ph.D. Student Excellence Award in Information Systems
Guadalupe Solano
Ph.D. Student Excellence Award in Management and Ph.D. Student Excellence Award in Teaching
Shuaijun Zhang
Ph.D. Student Excellence Award in Teaching