Ph.D. in Business Administration

Kennesaw State offers an executive-format Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration program designed for professionals to keep their jobs while studying at an AACSB-accredited university. With more than 150 alumni, this program's graduates are intended for two types of doctoral students:  academic professionals and experienced business professionals. 

Program Snapshot:

  • Format: In Person (1 Weekend per Month)
  • Credit Hours: 48
  • Entry Terms: Fall
  • Time to Complete: 3-5 years
  • Application Deadlines:  
    • Priority: Oct. 17
    • Final: Feb 1 

I'm Interested - What's My Next Step?

An Information Session, either in person or virtual, is the best way to gain a deeper understanding of our program, faculty, and application process. Currently, the information sessions and application deadline for Fall 2026 admission have passed. 

Information session sign-ups for the Fall 2027 admissions cycle will be posted online in July 2026. Please check back at that time and register for a session that fits your schedule. 

In the meantime, please follow the KSU PhD Business LinkedIn Page where we share program updates and highlight our students, alumni, and faculty.

View Information Session Details to Attend

Career Options

Business professors earn a median of $97,130 annually, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). These salaries, however can vary widely depending upon the university size and type, length of employment, field of study, additional responsibilities, and other factors. KSU alumni hold the types of positions depicted above at AACSB-accredited universities across the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • KSU's PhD-BA is designed for two types of doctoral students:

    • Academic professionals, such as lecturers and adjuncts, who wish to establish a stronger academic presence and pursue a tenure-track position.
    • Experienced business professionals who wish to strengthen their academic credentials.
  • Yes! In the residency-based executive format, you will attend once-a-month in-person classes (Friday – Sunday), unlike traditional doctoral programs which have courses throughout the week. The first two years include once-a-month residencies. The third year focuses on dissertation research and does not require in-class residencies.
  • Through a unique combination of interdisciplinary courses, seminars, and directed studies, KSU's PhD-BA program will help you develop essential research skills that meet AACSB standards for scholarly academic faculty status. Our candidates, alumni, and faculty have an established record of publishing in high-quality peer-reviewed academic journals.

  • Our concentrations allow you to focus on a specific area of business. Concentration options include:

    • Accounting
    • Information Systems and Security
    • Management
    • Marketing and Sales Leadership
    • Risk and Decision Analytics
  • KSU’s Doctorate of Philosophy in Business Administration (Ph.D.-BA) develops scholars who create and publish original research and often pursue faculty or professional leadership roles. A Doctorate of Business Administration (D.B.A.) focuses on applying research to solve organizational problems and advancing leadership practice. A D.B.A.  typically designed for experienced executives.

 Program Benefits

  • Residency-Based Executive Format: In-person residency (Fri - Sun) one weekend per month will allow you to keep your full-time job while you pursue your Ph.D.-BA.
  • Specific Focus: Choose from five concentration paths.
  • Alumni Network: With more than 150 alumni, the Program will provide you with  opportunities to develop and strengthen your professional network.
  • STEM-Designation: This Department of Homeland Security designation means international students can remain in the U.S. for up to 24 months after completing the Program. 
Apply Now

 

Department Contact Information

Ph.D. in Business Administration Program Office
Kennesaw State University
3333 Busbee Drive
North Entrance, Suite 431
Kennesaw, GA 30144


Phone: 470-578-4798
Email: ksuphd@kennesaw.edu