Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD)
The James T. George School of Business, Graduate College, and Hampton University Online proudly offer a dynamic hybrid online doctoral program in business, designed to provide flexibility for busy professionals while delivering a rigorous academic experience. This innovative program includes two mandatory summer residencies, each lasting four weeks, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning and networking opportunities. The Business Administration track offers specialized courses in accounting/finance or marketing/management, ensuring a well-rounded education tailored to your career goals.
The doctoral program in business comprises 60 credit hours, with a concentration in Business Administration, culminating in the publication of a scholarly article and the defense of a dissertation on campus. This program is ideal for professionals nationwide who are eager to take their careers to the next level by earning an advanced degree in business. Whether you’re an MBA graduate, a technical expert, or someone aspiring to become a consultant, researcher, or academic leader, this program provides the knowledge and credentials necessary to thrive in leadership roles.
Online courses are offered during the academic year, allowing you to balance your studies with your professional commitments. The program’s structure, with eight-week semester sessions and four-week summer residencies, ensures that students can complete their coursework and dissertation requirements in a manageable timeline. After completing your coursework with a minimum 3.0 GPA, you’ll move on to dissertation work, including the acceptance of a published scholarly article, passing a comprehensive exam, and presenting a dissertation proposal. The final dissertation defense will be held on campus.
For more details, visit the Graduate College section or the Hampton University Online section of the Hampton University catalog and website.
This program is your gateway to academic and professional success—elevate your career and become a leader in the world of business.
The final dissertation defense will be held on campus.
REQUIRED COURSES
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BLAO 701R | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| BLAO 702R | Organization Theory and Practice | 3 |
| BLAO 703R | Advanced Computer Applications | 3 |
| BLAO 704R | Advanced Topics in Research | 3 |
| BLAO 760R | Behavioral Research Methods | 3 |
| BLAO 761R | Empirical Research Methods | 3 |
| BLAO 706R | Teaching Methodology Seminar | 1 |
| *BLAO 707R | Pre-Proposal Presentation | 2 |
| BLAO 740R | Managerial Economics | 3 |
| BLAO 800 | Dissertation I | 4 |
| BLAO 805 | Dissertation II | 4 |
| **BLAO 810 | Dissertation III | 4 |
| BLAO 815 | Dissertation Defense | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |
Hampton University Catalog: 2022-2024
Residency
As part of the PhD in Business Administration program, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in two transformative summer residences on the beautiful Hampton University main campus. These immersive residencies occur from mid-July to mid-August during the first and second years of your program, offering invaluable opportunities for face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers. The on-campus portion lasts one week, with the remaining three weeks completed asynchronously.
These residencies are integral to your academic journey, contributing 24 credit hours toward your degree. During this time, you’ll engage in four essential courses focused on research preparatory skills, equipping you with the tools to produce a publishable paper by the end of your first year.
After the residencies, you’ll shift to fully online coursework as you work on your dissertation proposal, allowing you the flexibility to continue your studies while balancing your professional and personal commitments.
This blend of in-person and online experiences ensures you receive a comprehensive, high-quality education that prepares you to excel in research and leadership roles in business.
Online Coursework
During the Fall and Spring semesters, you’ll take six engaging, graduate-level courses online, building a solid foundation with 18 credit hours in the discipline. In addition, you’ll complete six hours of minor coursework, expanding your expertise and enhancing your versatility
For students who remain in residence, up to 6 credit hours of these courses can be applied toward fulfilling the “discipline” requirements, offering a tailored path to success. This flexible structure allows you to personalize your learning experience while ensuring you gain the in-depth knowledge needed to excel in your field.
Admissions
The PhD in Business Administration program at Hampton University is open to all aspiring professionals seeking to advance their expertise and achieve the pinnacle of academic success.
While we welcome students from diverse backgrounds, ideal candidates will have already earned a master’s degree in an approved field. For those without this background, nine credits of master’s level prerequisite courses in Economics, Accounting, and Quantitative Business Analysis will be required to ensure you’re fully prepared for the program.
All applicants must take the GMAT and achieve a minimum score of 400 unless they have completed the exam within the past five years with a qualifying score. If you have an MBA and scored 400 or higher on the GMAT within the last five years, simply submit your score—no retake is necessary. Additionally, you’ll need to submit three letters of recommendation, demonstrate at least three years of relevant work experience, and provide a Statement of Career/Professional Plans outlining your aspirations.
Admission to the doctoral program in Business Administration is open to all students seeking an advanced degree. Students are required to possess a master’s degree in an approved program. Otherwise, nine credits of master’s degree level business courses will be required in Economics, Accounting and Quantitative Business Analysis.
With a structured path to success, you’ll be expected to complete your dissertation requirements within six semesters (three years) of enrolling in the dissertation seminar, ensuring you stay on track to achieve your PhD and advance your career.
Requirements:
- Educational Background: A business related master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. Nine credit hours in economics, accounting and quantitative business analysis is required for applicants not having a business related master’s degree.
- Work Experience: At least 3 years of full-time, professional work experience in a business-related field. Relevant experience includes roles in management, consulting, finance, marketing, or other business functions.
- Standardized Tests: GMAT scores not older than five years are required; however, depending on your GPA, the test may be waived on a case-by-case basis.
- Research Proposal: Submission of a research proposal outlining your intended area of study and its relevance to current business issues.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from professionals or academics who can attest to your research potential and work experience.
- Personal Statement: A statement detailing your career goals, research interests, and how your work experience has prepared you for doctoral studies.
- Identification: Copy of a state ID
- Transcripts: Copy of transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- International Students: Please see Hampton University’s admission requirements for international students in the catalog.
Application Deadlines
Our PhD in Business Administration program now offers rolling admissions, providing you with more flexibility in applying. Each cohort has specific application deadlines, and if the current cohort is full or does not meet the minimum student requirement, your application will automatically be considered for the next available cohort.
This ensures that you’ll have the opportunity to join the program at the next best start date, keeping your academic journey on track without unnecessary delays. Take advantage of the flexibility rolling admissions provides, and begin the path to your PhD when the time is right for you
Summer – April 30th (Starts end of May)
Please forward all admissions packages and supplemental documentation to:
Hampton U Online
Attn: HUO Graduate Admissions
PO Box 6227
Hampton, Virginia 23668
Official Transcripts sent through a transcript network may be sent to hutranscripts@hamptonu.edu
Unofficial/Opened/Scanned transcripts will not be accepted for graduate programs
Course Details
- Cost Per Credit – $695
- Course Length – 16 weeks
- Degree Credits – 61
- Degree Length – 3.5 years
Financial Aid
- Available to those who qualify
- Apply for financial aid at US Office of Student Aid.
- FAFSA School Code: 003714
Contact
For more information about the PhD in Business Administration program, please contact:
Dr. Terrance Woods
Hampton University School of Business
terrance.woods@hamptonu.edu
Hampton University Online is recognized as one of Virginia’s Top Affordable Online Colleges by Affordable Colleges Online.
