Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Business with a concentration in accounting is designed for individuals seeking to fill positions at institutions that require a balance of scholarly training, teaching, and practical application of the field of study. The program allows for extensive one-to-one interaction between students and faculty, with a focus on developing graduates who share a perspective on the synergy of research, teaching, and service.

Program Goal

The program strives to develop graduates who aspire to well-rounded individual roles within universities, colleges, and other learning organizations. It provides instruction in both research and teaching, with a cornerstone of basic and applied research. Students must demonstrate successful completion of prerequisite and advanced courses, comprehensive examinations, and completion and defense of a dissertation.

Student Learning Outcomes

The program has the following student learning outcomes:

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply general principles of scientific research and methodologies to critically review published research papers.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to design a research study, select the appropriate methodology, and develop the study into a research proposal.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify ethical dilemmas in the major area of study and know how to respond ethically to such issues.
4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of current knowledge in the major area of study.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate and teach knowledge in the major area of study.
6. Students will demonstrate the ability to develop and conduct research in the major area of study.

Program Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Admission Requirements

• Degree: Ph.D.
• Semester(s) of entry: Fall
• Deadline dates: December 1
• Test requirements: GMAT Note: Accounting majors are typically admitted every other year.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the VCU Graduate School graduation requirements, Ph.D. in Business students must complete a minimum of 54 graduate credit hours, including core, concentration, and elective course work, and a minimum of 12 credit hours of dissertation research. Each student must also complete a teaching portfolio and take a written comprehensive examination in the concentration area.

Curriculum Requirements

The curriculum requirements include:

• Ph.D. in Business core:
  • BUSN 700: Principles of Scientific Inquiry in Business (3 hours)
  • BUSN