Areas of Concentration
Coursework
Preliminary Examinations
Research and Dissertation
Teaching Initiative Program (TIP)
Areas of Concentration
Students elect one of six areas of concentration within the Business Administration Ph.D. Program. They complete coursework and hold teaching and research assignments within their chosen area. The six areas of concentration are:
Accounting is one of the premier theoretical programs in the nation. It seeks to increase the students' understanding of accounting theory and its relationship to other disciplines such as economics, psychology and sociology. Research methods used include mathematical modeling, empirical and econometric studies, behavioral lab experiments, and experimental markets. Students will take seminars covering current accounting literature and research. Major areas of faculty expertise include theory of contracting, capital asset pricing, efficient markets, cost allocations, and decision-making processes.
Business Finance at Carlson School is viewed as a field of applied economics, thus students must have a strong background in economic theory and mathematics. This area is most suitable to individuals interested in economics, mathematics, and quantitative methods. Students generally complete coursework in economics, finance, mathematics, statistics and accounting. Major areas of faculty expertise are corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, IPOs, asset pricing and portfolio theory.
Information and Decision Sciences is one of the world's top-rated research programs in information systems. Students in this area learn intellectual frameworks and methodologies for analyzing the management of information in support of decision making, and the management of information and information technology for organizations. Psychological science, organizational theory, economic theory, and systems development theory are all studied as foundational, theoretical bases for the analysis of information and decision systems. Current faculty research includes the management of information technology infrastructure; evaluating investments in information technologies, web technologies, and e-commerce; the strategies and economics of electronic service delivery; organizational strategy in the adoption and use of information technolgies; knowledge management; descriptive and prescriptive analysis of human decision processes; understanding of expert decision processes and knowledge engineering related to developing expert systems; methods of problem formulation and the design process; database design and management; and strategic planning for information technology in an organization.
Marketing and Logistics Management (recently rated in the top 10 nationwide in terms of research) is concerned with economic and social processes that lead to exchanges between buyers and sellers, as well as with the complex issues of the transportation system, logistics trade-offs within a firm, and inter-firm channels of distribution. Students in this area develop conceptual, analytical, and research skills and knowledge in a wide range of marketing and logistics areas. Faculty expertise includes consumer information processing, new product development, channel management, the role of marketing with the firm, pricing strategy and sales force management, along with logistics channel relationships, supply chain management, and e-business.
Operations and Management Science was recently rated the top research program in the nation. This area deals with the study of organizations that produce goods and services and the related methods of management science used to improve operations and organizations. Faculty research interests include strategic management of operations, quality management, technology management, service operations, supply chain management, simulation and statistical quality control.
Strategic Management and Organization (recently rated in the top 10 in terms of research nationwide) addresses the external relations between the organization and its environment as well as the internal processes of organizational adaptation and change. It covers three broad areas of concentration: strategy; organizations; and business, government and society/international business. All three areas have strong international business focuses. Students develop an individualized program of study and work closely with faculty on research and teaching. Faculty research strengths include the formulation and implementation of business strategy, organization structure and process, managing the human system to achieve organizational objectives, business ethics, entrepreneurship, and inter-organizational relationships.
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Coursework
Coursework is offered in six areas of concentration. Over the course of two years, students complete at least 40 semester credits of coursework, including 16 credits in a minor area or supporting field(s).
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Preliminary Examinations
Students must complete both a written preliminary examination and an oral exam. The written exam typically occurs after the end of the second year of coursework, during the summer or fall semester. After the written prelim has been passed, students can schedule their oral prelims. The format and timing of both the written and oral preliminary examinations varies across the areas of concentration.
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Research and Dissertation
The PhD is a research degree. All students will obtain comprehensive training in research by working closely with faculty advisers. During their final 2-3 years in the program, students concentrate on their dissertation research, completing both a proposal and final dissertation defense.
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Teaching Initiative Program (TIP)
Students receive comprehensive teaching training at Carlson School through the Teaching Initiative Program. This includes completing a series of six workshops through the University's Teaching and Learning Services. Optional for-credit courses on teaching are available through Preparing Future Faculty. Students also have a faculty mentor review their teaching performance during one or more class sessions. Finally, before students graduate, they will be totally responsible for teaching at least one complete semester course.
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