Program Overview

PhD in Business Administration with a Concentration in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies

The PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies is designed for individuals who aspire to become university professors or pursue careers in academia. This program provides a strong foundation in the development and dissemination of research, preparing students for successful academic and industry careers.

Program Overview

The program requires a minimum of 45 hours (75 beyond the bachelor's) and the completion of a dissertation. Courses focus on primary concepts in the study of consumer, apparel, and retailing, integrating perspectives from the social sciences, business, and humanities.

Curriculum

The curriculum is innovative in its emphasis on preparing doctoral students to publish and evaluate research on a diverse array of topics. Built on a rigorous series of core courses in consumer, apparel, and retail studies, the curriculum includes both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Sample courses include:

• CRS-712: Theory Development in Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies: Examination of business-related marketing theories, analysis of marketing theories, models, and conceptual frameworks.
• CRS-713: Qualitative Methodology in Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies: Exploration of development and use of qualitative research methodology, focus on application of the qualitative methodology to diverse research problems, data collection procedures, and analysis approaches.
• CRS-721: Consumer Behavior in Apparel and Retailing: Current theories and research in consumer behavior, application of consumer behavior models to apparel, apparel-related products, and retailing through individualized research projects.

Admission Requirements

The required documents for the application process include:

• A completed master's degree in Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies, a business field, or a related area with superior performance in graduate coursework.
• A current resume.
• A one to two-page Goals Statement that should clearly outline career goals, relevant work experience, and reason for pursuing a graduate degree.
• Three letters of reference, one should be written by a former instructor or academic contact.
• If you received your master's at an accredited institution in the U.S., English scores are not required.

Application Deadline

All applications are for fall admission and are due by April 1, with a priority deadline of January 15.

Program Benefits

The program offers several benefits, including:

• Reputation: Take part in one of the oldest, most established PhD programs in the field.
• Scholarship: Learn to conduct cutting-edge research alongside top scholars in the field.
• Placement Rate: The PhD program has a 100% placement rate, with graduates securing tenure-track jobs at colleges and universities throughout the US and abroad.
• Support: The program is known for its supportive, accessible faculty, as well as numerous peer mentoring opportunities, such as the active Graduate Student Association.