PhD in Business Administration

Building expertise in business research and teaching excellence

PhD in Business Administration Course Requirements

PhD in Business Administration students select from a variety of courses offered at Questrom and other Boston University schools, allowing students to meet departmental requirements and individual interests. Through their coursework, students will gain in-depth knowledge of literature, theory, and methods in their field.

Academic Disciplines

Specialize your focus on one area that aligns with your research interests. Download the curriculum sheets for each of our academic departments using the link below.

Academic Disciplines

While the curriculum varies by department, all first-year students engage in a common academic experience by enrolling in DS906 Philosophy and Science of Research in the fall semester. In addition, all students participate in a week-long intensive, The Art & Craft of Teaching, in the summer before year three.   

Year 1 & 2

  • Research Methodology: 6 courses (24 credits)
  • Major Area: 5 courses (20 credits)
  • Minor Area(s): 5 Courses (20 credits)
  • The Art & Craft of Teaching: 1 course (0 credits)

This course introduces students to research. The class provides a brief introduction to the philosophy of science and debates about the nature of theory before diving thoroughly into different research methods. Students are exposed to research methods from their own and adjacent fields ranging from causal inference and experiments to qualitative research methods. The last part of the class introduces students to issues around diversity, ethics, and equity in research. As part of the class students will complete the introductory ethics modules that are required by the university. Students will be graded on their class participation, a research proposal which is due at the end of the class, and their feedback to other students on their research proposals.

This course will prepare you for teaching in the doctoral program and beyond (at either the graduate or undergraduate level). There are three broad goals. First, the course aims to equip students with a variety of tools and techniques for course design, lesson preparation and classroom management. Secondly, the class will help students learn to identify their own teaching style and develop a teaching portfolio that complements their research. Third, the class prepares students to fulfill the Questrom PhD program’s teaching requirement (most students teach a course during their third or fourth year in the program) and to be successful in the classroom, which will greatly enhance their appeal on the academic job market.

Total Credits: 64

Years 3-5

After the completion of all coursework and a comprehensive exam, students advance to candidacy. At this time, the focus shifts to dissertation research. Students will form a committee, develop a research proposal, and ultimately defend their work. During this time, students will also develop teaching skills and independently teach at least one class. 

Curricular Paper

Over the summer between year 1 and year 2, students are expected to write a research paper. During the spring term of year one, students should find a faculty mentor with whom to work on the summer paper.  The mentor may be the faculty advisor assigned upon entry in the program or may be a different person. Students will lead this project, but it can also be co-authored with the faculty mentor.

Students will then present the results of that work in a departmental seminar during the Fall semester of year 2. The faculty readers will determine if the finished work fulfills the requirements of the summer paper.

Comprehensive Examination

After the completion of all course work and the curriculum paper, students are required to appear for a qualifying examination to demonstrate their advanced knowledge of literature and theory, research techniques and the ability to craft a research proposal.

Dissertation

The final phase of the program is the completion of your dissertation, which you will complete with the help of your advisor. You’ll form a dissertation committee that’s made up of a Committee Chairperson and a least two additional faculty members. With this guidance, you’ll develop a research proposal for investigating an area of significance for management theory and practice.

Teaching Requirement

Our PhD program is for students who want to work at a university in a research capacity and who ultimately express a strong desire to be university professors. That’s why our program includes a teaching requirement where you’ll teach at least one 3 or 4 credit class independently as the lead instructor before earning your degree. This teaching must take place during your 3rd or 4th year in the program.