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.
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Non-Traditional Research Doctorate (Ph.D. in Business Administration)
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.
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Traditional Ph.D.
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
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Executive Doctorate
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