Ph.D. Admissions Process

The four-step application process is designed to determine if applicants have the skills and interests necessary to succeed in the program. Admissions decisions for each step are made only after receipt of the required documents for that step. The program receives an extensive number of applications annually for each concentration. Depending on the number of students enrolled in each concentration and discipline courses offered, certain concentrations will either admit students every year or every other year. Please see below for specific information pertaining to the concentrations before applying to this graduate business administration program.

Experience the Ph.D. Program Before Committing 

Students can attend workshops, in-person information sessions, interviews and more where they can meet and interact with currently enrolled students. This 6-month process allows students the flexibility to see if they would be a good fit for the program before fully committing.

Applications Open for Fall 2025: June 3, 2024
Priority Admissions Deadline: October 18, 2024
Regular Admissions Deadline: February 1, 2025

  • ATTEND INFORMATION SESSION

    We strongly encourage you to attend an information session before applying to the PhD in Business Administration Program.

    COMPLETE APPLICATION - $100 fee

    Do not use the Recommenders options on the application page. We require traditional business letters on the author's letterhead submitted electronically through email.

    Note: Neither the GMAT nor the GRE is required; you should skip this question on the application.

    SUBMIT RESUME & COVER LETTER

    Your resume should document your professional experience. In your cover letter, please explain how your experience meets the following preferred qualifications:

    • A minimum of ten years of significant professional and/or senior level management experience with high levels of responsibility and expertise in the concentration area you choose. If you do not have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, please explain why other experience or qualifications compensate for an absence of professional experience.
    • Evidence of active contributions to your field of expertise beyond your academic work through making presentations or preparing written contributions, leading major projects, as well as participation in professional development activities.
    • A track record of significant professional achievements that have impacted your organization and/or profession.
    • A history of significant personal and professional development.
    • Current professional expertise and certifications at the time of application. NOTE: CPA or equivalent certification is preferred for students interested in the accounting discipline.

    You will have the option to attach your resume and cover letter to your electronic application. Or, you may submit an electronic copy only to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu. Please do not mail your resume or cover letter.

    REQUEST ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS

    Applicants to the PhD in Business Administration Program should have a master's degree, preferably in business or a related topic from an appropriately accredited institution; however, the graduate degrees in business from AACSB accredited business schools are strongly preferred. Degrees from schools with EQUIS or AMBA accreditation will also be considered.

    Request that official transcripts from each institution attended (of all previous college work) be sent electronically from the institution directly to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu or sent directly in a sealed envelope to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office at ONE of the following addresses:

    Mailing Address (use for ALL U.S. POST OFFICE mail, including U.S. Express Mail)

    Kennesaw State University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    1000 Chastain Road, #9109
    Kennesaw, Georgia 30144-5591

    Delivery Address (use for other delivery means such as FedEx, UPS, etc.)
    Kennesaw State University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    3391 Town Point Drive, Suite 1800
    Kennesaw, Georgia 30144.5591

    470-578-4377 (include phone number)

    SUBMIT STATEMENT OF INTEREST

    Your Personal and Professional Statement of Interest should be 2-3 pages in length and should discuss the following:

    • Why do you want to pursue a doctorate at this time?
    • What are your career aspirations after you receive the doctorate degree?
    • What general area of business are you interested in studying in the Program (e.g., accounting, information systems, management or marketing), and what specific issues in that area interest you? (For instance, you may wish to learn more about how firms choose particular international markets to enter).
    • What obstacles/challenges do you anticipate having to overcome to complete your PhD within a reasonable time frame (i.e., 3-4 years), and what is your plan to address these obstacles/challenges?

    Submit electronic copy of your Personal and Professional Statement of Interest in the PhD in Business Administration Program to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu.

    The Program will not accept a paper submission. The subject line should include PhD in Business Administration, Your Name, Personal and Professional Statement of Interest.

    REQUEST TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

    Two letters of recommendation should be requested from professionals in academe or industry who can comment on the following:

    • Your personal and professional accomplishments and how you achieved them.
    • How you have contributed to enhancing the competitive position of the organization and development of colleagues.
    • Your demonstrated leadership and your potential for advanced academic work.

    Letters of Recommendation - The letters should be on the author's letterhead. Enter the contact information for your recommenders on the application. An online form will be emailed for electronic submission. Please do not mail your letters. If you need assistance, please email to ksugrad@kennesaw.edu.

    The Admissions Committee will review all documents listed above, and, if successful, you will be invited by email to proceed to STEP 2. If you are not qualified to proceed to STEP 2, you will be notified as well.

  • ATTEND RESEARCH WORKSHOP
    (by Invitation Only - $100 fee)

    Qualified applicants will be invited by email to attend a one-day research interest workshop at the KSU Center.

    This is an important opportunity for you to meet other prospective students, learn more about the opportunity and challenges of doctoral level research, and begin preparation of your research interest overview.

    SUBMIT RESEARCH INTEREST OVERVIEW

    Attendance in the workshop is required, and your Research Interest Overview will be a key factor in the admissions decision.

    After completing the workshop, you will prepare a 12-15 page Research Interest Overview (RIO). This overview is the most critical component of your application. Submit an electronic copy of your paper to ksuphd@kennesaw.edu. The subject line should include your last name, your first name - Research Interest Overview. Please do not mail a hard copy.

    The Admissions Committee will review the Research Interest Overviews using a double blind procedure. If successful, you will be invited by email to proceed to STEP 3. If you are not qualified to proceed to STEP 3, you will be notified as well.

  • (by Invitation Only)

    Complete an interview with the PhD Directors and two or more faculty members.

    The Admissions Committee will evaluate your interview, and, if successful, you will be invited by email within 14 days to proceed to STEP 4. If you are not qualified to proceed to STEP 4, you will be notified as well.

  • Because of class size limitations, not all successful candidates will be selected. Some may be asked to reconsider the Program in a subsequent year.

    Once the offer is made, candidates have two weeks to accept and pay a non-refundable deposit.

    Classes begin in August. Orientation will be 1 day prior to the start of class.

  • Date Time Type
    September 7, 2024 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM  EST Hybrid KSU Center
    September 18, 2024 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM  EST In-Person Only KSU Center
    September 24, 2024 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST In-Person Only Carlson School of Management
    September 25, 2024 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM CST In-Person Only David Eccles School of Business
    October 5, 2024 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EDT Hybrid KSU Center
    November 6, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST In-Person Only
    Only open to active military or veterans who have DoD IDs
    Clay National Guard Center
    December 7, 2024 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST Hybrid KSU Center
    January 4, 2025 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST Hybrid KSU Center
    January 15, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST Virtual Only Microsoft Teams

    * Although we offer hybrid sessions, we encourage you to attend in person so you can meet current students in the program (Please note this is only for sessions where lunch is provided).

  • Overall Ph.D. in Business Administration Program Investment 
    The research-based Doctorate in Business Administration program's total tuition* (including fees and the deposit) is $98, 913. *For a detailed tuition schedule, please contact the Bursar's office. Tuition increases can occur for future cohorts.

    Tuition includes: 

    • Meals, drinks, and snacks during residency
    • Textbooks (including e-readers and digital formats
    • Merit-based research funding (based on availability)

    Additional Program Costs Include: 

    • Additional tuition and fees occur if the Program is not completed in 48-credit hours
      Personal technology needs
    • Travel and accommodations to Kennesaw for residencies
    • Paper and printing (class/research preparation)
    • Academic association memberships and conference travel
    • Research costs (data, travel, data gathering)
    • Other fees implemented by the State of Georgia Board of Regents

    Financial  Assistance

    Students in the Ph.D. in Business Administration program are generally self-funded through personal funds, employer funds, or student loans. Students can find loans, use their GI Bill, or get scholarships and grants through the research office. This Ph.D. program also provides GRA & GTA in the student’s third year to help with finances and give teaching experience. For more information, please visit Kennesaw State University's financial aid website.

    Tuition and Fees Cost of Attendance

 

Ready to Start the Application Process?

Apply Now Attend an Information Session

 

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