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PhD Programs in Business Administration in the United States: The 2025 Top Choices

phd programs in business administration
Whether you’re seeking an on-campus experience or a more flexible online format, some great PhD programs are out there for you. This Abroadin blog post explores the best PhD programs in Business Administration for the upcoming year. Let’s get into this list of top doctoral programs and find the perfect path to advance your academic and professional goals in 2025. In this guide:

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Atlantic International University

  • Official website
  • Location: Honolulu, The US
  • Mode: Full-time, Part-time, Distance Learning
  • Course duration: 4 years
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA, PhD) program at Atlantic International University enhances the professional growth of experienced managers and business professionals. It improves organizational performance in today’s competitive business environment. What sets AIU apart is its open curriculum design, which allows for a customized learning experience. Each student’s program is based on their individual needs and goals, in collaboration with their advisor, offering a level of flexibility rarely found in other distance learning programs. Students can explore various subjects such as strategic management, organizational behavior, financial analysis, and marketing strategies. The program is available in both online and on-campus formats. The curriculum includes foundational courses like Organizational Behavior, Operations Management, and International Business. AIU also emphasizes the importance of research projects, encouraging students to engage in transformative academic work that bridges theory and practice.  

Kent State University, PhD Programs in Business Administration

The PhD programs in business administration at the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Kent State University prepare students for successful academic careers by fostering high-quality scholarly research. The program offers concentrations in Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management (currently not accepting applications), Information Systems, and Marketing, with a strong emphasis on developing expertise and knowledge within these disciplines. Kent State’s PhD programs in business administration are full-time, on-campus programs for maximizing student-faculty interaction and benefit from comprehensive mentorship programs. Over five years, students undertake two years of coursework, including core courses in Econometric or Psychometric methods, concentration-specific courses, and electives based on the applicants’ interests. Following coursework, students must pass a comprehensive exam and complete a dissertation. Additionally, the program integrates an Ethics Training Program addressing ethical research practices, academic honesty, and workplace ethics to ensure graduates are well-equipped for the ethical challenges in academia and beyond.  

University of San Francisco, School of Education

  • Official website
  • Location: San Francisco, The US
  • Mode: Full-time, Part-time, On-Campus
  • Course duration: 5 years
The School of Education offers various doctoral programs for empowering educators to lead and innovate in diverse and multicultural settings. These programs include Catholic Educational Leadership, Organization & Leadership, International & Multicultural Education, and Learning & Instruction. There are also Doctoral with Credential Programs such as Catholic Educational Leadership with a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, and similar offerings in Organization and Leadership, and International and Multicultural Education.  

Concordia University, Portland Online

  • Official website
  • Location: USA Online
  • Mode: Part-time, Distance Learning
  • Course duration: 3 years
The John Molson School of Business offers distinguished PhD programs in business administration. Starting in January 2025, these programs offer a curriculum with a strong emphasis on research excellence and leadership. This three-year, accredited program is a collaborative effort between McGill University, École des Hautes Études Commerciales de Montréal, and Université du Québec à Montréal. Students engage in a comprehensive educational journey that includes advanced coursework, research training, and practical experiences to develop as influential scholars and leaders in the field of business administration. The PhD program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and benefits from specialized accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). phd programs in business administration

University of Texas at El Paso

The PhD in Business Administration at Hunt College focuses on developing strong quantitative research skills and offers in-depth sequences in Accounting, Finance, Management, and Marketing. Hunt College’s PhD program is distinguished by its AACSB Accreditation, a prestigious designation earned by less than 5 percent of business schools globally through AACSB International.  

University of Texas at Arlington

  • Official website
  • Location:E. Davis Hall, USA
  • Mode: Full-time, On-Campus
  • Course duration: 4 years
The PhD programs in business administration at the UT Arlington College of Business have a distinguished history of over 20 years, during which have graduated more than 200 doctoral students. The College of Business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which enhances the program’s reputation and provides significant benefits such as attracting high-caliber students, expanding research opportunities, and fostering global recognition. As a “Doctoral/Research University—Highest Research Activity (R1)” according to the Carnegie Foundation, UT Arlington offers a great academic environment for its PhD candidates.  

Oikos University, PhD Programs in Business Administration

The DBA program at Oikos University offers a comprehensive educational experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical business skills to support career advancement for professionals. Participants complete six core courses, totaling 18 units, which cover essential business topics and advanced practice-focused seminars led by world-class faculty and experienced international business professionals. This interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with the tools necessary to navigate complex business environments and develop innovative strategies for organizational growth. To graduate, students must complete 12 units of Bible and Theology courses, and 36 units of Business Administration coursework, including electives and a dissertation, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and meet all financial and administrative requirements set by the university.  

Breyer State University

  • Official website
  • Location: Florida City, USA
  • Mode: On-Campus
  • Course duration: 4 years
The Ethereal Doctor of Business Administration program prepares students for advanced careers in academia, business research, and senior positions in both the private sector and government. The curriculum emphasizes reflective practice, lifelong learning, and ethical standards to help students solve complex problems, improve business decision-making, and foster environments of performance excellence in various professional settings. The DBA program offers an innovative online curriculum, which includes courses such as Management of Teams, International Business, and Strategic Management and Policy. With a total estimated cost of $8,250, students will complete 11 courses and a Doctoral Project, along with a $50 enrollment fee and a $200 graduation fee. The program’s online format allows for flexible enrollment with the opportunity to start at any time, making it accessible to busy professionals seeking to advance their careers.  

University of North Carolina Charlotte Belk College of Business

The PhD programs in business administration at UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business are full-time, research-intensive programs for preparing graduates for careers as academic scholars and researchers. Launched in the fall of 2006, the program offers a major in finance and integrates core business disciplines with advanced theoretical and empirical studies in finance and economics. UNC Charlotte stands out as one of only three universities in North Carolina offering business administration degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, alongside Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The PhD program benefits from the expertise of faculty from the Finance and Economics departments and the Department of Mathematics, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary foundation.  

Trident University International

  • Official website
  • Location: Cypress, USA
  • Mode: Distance Learning
  • Course duration: 4 years
The Online PhD programs in business administration at Trident University International are for students seeking to advance their careers as business leaders, educators, researchers, or scholars across various sectors. This 100% online doctoral program offers a flexible and comprehensive academic experience that enables students to immerse themselves in business literature, engage in meaningful research, and develop advanced research skills. The curriculum emphasizes the creation of original research through a PhD Dissertation, guided by a dissertation committee composed of experienced faculty members. The program’s EdActive™ Learning Approach fosters independent research and practical application of knowledge, allowing students to manage their own time while meeting deadlines and receiving supportive feedback. Starting July 15, 2024, this online program offers the flexibility to balance professional and academic responsibilities, with no application fee and potential for transfer credits or prior learning credits. phd programs in business administration

University of Northern Virginia, PhD Programs in Business Administration

The DBA program at the University of Northern Virginia tries to equip business leaders with advanced perspectives and skills required to navigate contemporary challenges in technology, global competition, and organizational complexity. The program offers a great academic experience aimed at preparing candidates for senior executive roles, consulting positions, and academic careers. Students can pursue the DBA on a full-time or part-time basis, completing the program in three to five years. The curriculum focuses on three main objectives: to develop expertise for executive management or consulting careers, to conduct original empirical research, and to prepare students for faculty roles in higher education. The DBA program requires the completion of 60 credit hours, including 45 hours of core coursework, one hour of doctoral orientation, and a minimum of 12 credit hours dedicated to the doctoral research project. Core courses cover essential topics such as Human Resources Development, Strategic Decision Making, and Global Marketing Strategy, while specialized courses in research methodology provide the skills needed for empirical investigation and analysis.  

Rollins College and the Crummer Graduate School of Business

  • Official website
  • Location: Winter Park, USA
  • Mode: On-Campus
  • Course duration: 4 years
The Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) program at Crummer School of Business is the first AACSB-accredited degree of its kind in Florida, for executives who hold an MBA or an equivalent degree and seek to elevate their professional impact. Students explore practical research that addresses current business challenges, allowing them to apply theoretical insights directly to their professional practices. The program emphasizes lifelong learning and the development of innovative solutions to complex issues within organizations.  

Stanford University Graduate School of Business

The PhD in Business Administration program at Stanford Graduate School of Business offers a transformative academic experience designed to cultivate outstanding scholars for research and teaching roles at prestigious academic institutions worldwide. Set to begin accepting applications for Fall 2025 in September 2024, the program invites students to engage deeply with novel ideas and complex questions across seven distinct fields of study. Stanford’s PhD program provides a comprehensive academic experience with full fellowships covering tuition and a living stipend for admitted students. The curriculum emphasizes a blend of intensive coursework and research opportunities, fostering a scholarly environment where students can collaborate with renowned faculty members on cutting-edge research.  

Florida Christian University

  • Official website
  • Location: Orlando, USA
  • Mode: Full-time, On-Campus
  • Course duration: 1 year
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program aims to advance the professional development of senior managers and consultants by deepening their understanding of scientific research methods and their practical application in complex business environments. Through a curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, students gain insights into cultural, ethical, and global business challenges, preparing them for leadership roles in international settings. The program consists of 60 credits (900 hours) and includes comprehensive coursework that covers scientific research methods, critical thinking, and strategic business practices. Admission requirements include a Master’s degree, proof of language proficiency, and official transcripts among other documents.  

University of South Florida, PhD Programs in Business Administration

  • Official website
  • Location: Tampa, USA
  • Mode: Full-time, On-Campus
  • Course duration: 3 years
The PhD in Business Administration program at the Muma College of Business, University of South Florida (USF), aims to develop outstanding scholars for careers in research and teaching. Admitted students receive full fellowships, which cover tuition and provide a stipend, allowing them to focus on creating novel research that addresses complex business and societal challenges. The curriculum covers several fields of study, including Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, and Marketing, offering a comprehensive foundation in both creative and critical thinking.   Sources: https://www.phdstudies.com/phd/business-studies/usa https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/mcob/phd/ https://www.phdportal.com/study-options/269778989/business-administration-united-states.html

FAQ

The blog lists several top universities including Atlantic International University, Kent State University, and the University of San Francisco among others.

Many universities offer scholarships, grants, and assistantships to help fund PhD studies. It’s important to check each program’s specific financial aid options.

 

Yes, some institutions offer online or distance learning options, providing flexibility for students who may not be able to attend on-campus programs.

 

 

Typically, admission requirements include a master’s degree in a related field, a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes GRE/GMAT scores.

 

 

 

Yes, international students are welcome to apply. However, they must meet the specific requirements set by each university, which may include English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

 

 

 

 

The duration of PhD programs generally ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the institution and whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time.

 

 

 

 

 

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