Ph.D.
Academic Program
A Ph.D. student must master the basic concepts and skills relevant to all areas of business research: philosophy of science, research methodology, statistics, and quantitative analysis. Then, the student must develop and demonstrate expertise in the chosen field of study before defending an original dissertation. The process is outlined below.
For detailed information on the academic requirements and process, see the Ph.D. Handbook (77KB pdf) and Dissertation Guidelines (60KB pdf).
Core Course Requirements
Full-time students must complete the core coursework during the first year; part-time students may take two years to complete the core courses.
- FIN 290*
- DNSC 274
- MGT 390
- ECON 301
- DNSC 275
- MGT 397
- MGT 398
- Quantitative Methods (optional)
- Statistical Modeling and Analysis OR ECON 375 Econometrics I
- Philosophical Foundations
- Microeconomic Theory I OR FINA 397 Macroeconomics
- Advanced Statistical Modeling and Analysis OR ECON 376 Econometrics II
- Research Methods and Design
- Independent study to satisfy summer paper requirement
* course numbers subject to change
Qualifying Exam
After completing core coursework, a student sits for the qualifying examination. The Qualifying Examination Subcommittee solicits questions from members of the Doctoral Committee, faculty who teach first-year core courses, and other research-active faculty, and uses these suggestions to prepare the examination.
Faculty Advisory Group
Next, the doctoral candidate formally declares a field of study and identifies a faculty advisory group, which consists of three or more full-time GW faculty who advise and monitor the student’s progress. Both the field of study and the faculty advisory group must be approved by the GWSB Doctoral Committee.
Summer Paper Requirement
During the fall semester, all second-year students submit a research paper for evaluation and feedback from the Doctoral Committee. The paper is ultimately targeted for submission to an academic journal or conference, but must also be formally presented at a research workshop presentation to faculty and fellow students.
Study Plans
With the guidance of research-active faculty advisors, students must prepare and submit a study plan by September 30 following the successful completion of the qualifying exam. Study plans are reviewed and approved by the GWSB Doctoral Committee.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Through successful completion of the comprehensive evaluation, a doctoral candidate establishes mastery of the current and classic literature in the chosen field. The faculty advisory group administers the comprehensive examination, which is evaluated by an assigned faculty member in the chosen field.
Dissertation Process
Immediately following the comprehensive examination, a student chooses an Advocate and a Research Advisory Committee to guide the dissertation process. Students are required to defend a dissertation proposal and final dissertation. For further information on the academic requirements and process, see the Ph.D. Handbook (77KB PDF).