Connecting you with highly ranked faculty and sharpening your research capabilities in preparation for an impactful academic future.
Details on the Penn State Smeal College of Business Ph.D. Program including competency requirements and the evaluation process.
All Smeal Ph.D. students focus intensively on gaining the knowledge and abilities to conduct solid research, working closely with faculty on projects and jointly authored papers. While we encourage a collaborative learning environment, we also equip students with the skills and motivation to follow their own research interests, preparing them to embark on their own individual career paths.
A doctorate is earned by demonstrating a high level of competency in one of the specified areas above, not by completing a specified number of credit hours. What you see below, therefore, is a discussion of the minimum number of credits that must be taken in certain areas. The number of credits that you will actually take is determined by your strengths and weaknesses and the requirements of your field of study. You must complete all requirements of your degree within eight years of earning candidacy.
At least two members of the graduate faculty possess competence in the proposed field.
You can present a plan proposing (1) course work, (2) members of your doctoral committee, and (3) a method to evaluate the supporting field through the comprehensive examination.
You can identify potential teaching and research opportunities in your supporting field.
Quantitative Methods Summer Mini-Course: covers basic mathematical and statistical concepts. Depending on your background, this course may or may not be required.