PhD Business Administration at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Programme overview

The Ph.D. program in business administration is designed for individuals who plan careers in research and teaching. A limited number of students are admitted each year, resulting in a high-quality learning environment that emphasizes rigor and personal attention. Although many students enter the program with an M.B.A., this degree is not a requirement for admission. However, an M.B.A. from an accredited institution usually allows the student to waive some of the business fundamentals requirements. Prior to admission to the doctoral program, students are expected to have knowledge of elementary calculus and basic computer skills.

Faculty: Kenan-Flagler Business School | Department: Business Administration | Study mode: full-time | Location: Chapel Hill, NC, United States

What you will study

All Ph.D. students are required to take five courses (15 hours) in research methods/quantitative methodologies. The major area consists of six courses (18 hours).

Career pathways

The Ph.D. program in business administration is designed for individuals who plan careers in research and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School minimum (applies to all graduate programmes): a four-year bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited institution completed before graduate study begins and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better; application via the Graduate School online application with transcripts, three recommendation letters, statement of purpose and CV, plus any programme-specific tests/materials; international applicants add a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test score; admission decisions are made by each programme. Programme-specific: Prior to admission to the doctoral program, students are expected to have knowledge of elementary calculus and basic computer skills.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants apply for a start term; fall is the main start term. Very few programmes admit new students for spring or summer terms.

Graduate applications and payment must be received by the deadline of the academic programme applied to, which varies by programme; the application closes at 11:59pm Eastern Time on the deadline date. The Graduate School recommends complete applications by December 15, 2026 for full fellowship consideration.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions/

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