Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD-BA)
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Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD-BA) Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Learn to tackle the biggest challenges in our global economy with the 100% online Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD-BA) degree program at National University. This advanced degree allows you to focus on research-based leadership strategies. As a doctoral candidate, you’ll be challenged to enhance your field with a dissertation on a subject unique to your experience and proven expertise.
NU’s online PhD in Business Administration provides high-level training for senior leadership positions, with an opportunity to build the skills to meet the greatest challenges in today’s business world. Refine your existing knowledge and delve into emerging technologies while you gain a wealth of experience from your mentoring professors.
Enhance and Advance the Global Economy
The PhD-BA at National University is a research-based program designed to prepare you for positions in the private and public sectors by enhancing knowledge and competencies appropriate to a leadership role in business, administration, and technology management.
You can tailor your NU online PhD-BA to match your interests with one of these 10 specializations:
- Advanced Accounting
- Financial Management
- Global Business Management
- Health Services Specialization
- Homeland Security: Leadership & Policy (HS)
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Information Technology
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Management
- Strategic Marketing
Course Details
- Credit Hours: 60
- Courses: 20
- Estimated Time to Complete: 40 Months
The Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD-BA) program can be completed in 60 credits. Each foundational course runs 8 weeks, and dissertation courses run 12 weeks.
The PhD program requires a minimum of 60 credits. Additional credit hours may be allowed as needed to complete the dissertation research. If granted, additional courses will be added to the student degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. Students who do not complete their program in accordance with these policies may be dismissed.
Courses taken to satisfy the fundamental requirements may not be counted toward completion of required specializations courses or electives.
Students who complete at least 15 credit hours in a single area of specialization at NU (not counting foundational courses) may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma. Students may also opt for a General Business specialization, electing 15 credit hours of cross-discipline courses. Elective courses must be appropriate to the student’s degree program.
The PhD in Business requires a minimum of five core courses, five specialization courses, two statistical courses, five research courses, and one doctoral elective course. Upon completion of these course requirements, students advance to the doctoral sequence of courses. A minimum of four dissertation research courses must be completed in order to complete the program.
Required Foundational Courses must be taken first and in sequence. Evaluation track students will take SKS-7001 after BUS-7101 and before BUS-7110. Following the completion of Foundational, Specialization, Research, and Doctoral Elective courses must be taken in sequence as described.
Course Sequence
20 Courses
Changing Times: Business Administration in the 21st Century
3 Credits
This course serves as an introduction to the PhD–BA and as the foundation for further doctoral-level study in business. The PhD–BA degree is designed to encourage you to become a scholar-practitioner, using business theory to inform further scholarly inquiry and positively impact business practices. You will examine requirements for the degree—including each milestone and deliverable—and will develop a plan for achieving your academic and research goals. This preparation will be done in the context of an examination of modern trends in business theory and in beginning the transition from being consumers of knowledge to being producers of knowledge.
Doctoral Comprehensive Strategic Knowledge Studies -Required Course for Entry-Track Students
3 Credits
Students will analyze and apply knowledge in 12 business areas necessary to address a wide variety of business-related situations. The focus of the course is demonstrating core proficiencies in the following business areas: Marketing, Business Finance, Accounting, Management, Legal Environment of Business, Economics, Business Ethics, Global Dimensions of Business, Information Systems, Quantitative Techniques and Statistics, Leadership, and Business Applications. The intent is not to introduce these core business concepts, but rather to verify a graduate-level threshold competency within each. The course includes a comprehensive case study that will allow students to demonstrate their competency within all 12 professional component areas.
The Business Environment
3 Credits
It is important for scholar-practitioners to understand both the internal and external influences on business—the business environment. In this course, students will examine theories related to those environmental factors including business ethics, international business, and marketing. Internal environmental factors include management and organizational behavior.
Business Financial Systems
3 Credits
The allied fields of economics, accounting, and finance are key areas where a highly knowledgeable leader can greatly contribute to the success of a business. Financial professionals secure and manage the money needed to run a business; economists determine how markets will react in certain situations; and accountants provide analysis and accountability to the entire process. In this course, scholar-practitioners will work towards information fluency in theories related to these critical knowledge areas.
Business Leadership & Strategy
3 Credits
Good plans aligned against clear strategic goals can help business leaders achieve those goals. This course is an overview of the theories involved in strategic planning to aid business. Students will explore the difference between strategic thinking and strategic planning, how to choose a strategy that is right for each business, and how to design a strategic plan. This course will investigate how to analyze customers and the competition and ask key questions that help design the most effective strategic plan for each business.
Specialization Course 1
Specialization Course 2
Specialization Course 3
Specialization Course 4
Specialization Course 5
Doctoral Level Elective #1
Scholarly Literature Review
3 Credits
In this course, you will engage in the process of scholarly literature reviews and academic writing. With an emphasis on how to (a) conduct effective literature searches, specifically in preparation for the dissertation, (b) develop a plan for writing comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature, and (c) critically review and write about underlying theory/conceptual frameworks, you will develop a foundation for future research. The overarching goal of this course is for you to conduct an exhaustive search of the peer-reviewed research literature in your topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for your dissertation.
Statistics I
3 Credits
In this course, you will cultivate a statistical mindset through learning and nurturing skills needed to perform and interpret univariate inferential statistics. The course will facilitate building your statistical confidence in assessing and performing statistics. The course will cover univariate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, interpretation of statistical output, and introduce skills needed to select statistical tests based on quantitative research questions.
Statistics II
3 Credits
In this course, you will learn advanced statistical principles and how to apply them to quantitative research in the study of organizations. You will be provided an overview of advanced statistical concepts used in empirical research, including inferential analysis. Advanced computations will be performed using commonly used statistical software. The focus involves helping you build independent scholarly skills with an emphasis on understanding multivariate data; the use, comprehension, and evaluation of sophisticated statistical concepts, and presentation of statistical results.
Quantitative Research Design & Methodology
3 Credits
During this course, as a scholar-practitioner, you will build the skills essential for designing quantitative studies; analyzing the data collected in these studies, and interpreting the results of data analyses. You will explore designs and statistical techniques to use with their envisioned dissertation research.
Qualitative Research Design and Methodology
3 Credits
During this course, you will examine qualitative methods for studying human behavior including grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnography, mixed methods, and case studies. You will explore designs and methodologies to use with your envisioned research.
Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
3 Credits
The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is intended to ensure students have mastered knowledge of their discipline prior to candidacy status and demonstrated the ability to design empirical research as an investigator before moving on to the dissertation research coursework. Students will demonstrate the ability to synthesize empirical, peer-reviewed research to support all assignments in this course. The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is completed only after all foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed.
Components of the Dissertation
3 Credits
Students in this course will be required to complete Chapter 1 of their dissertation proposal including a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach, and the significance of the study. A completed, committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 is required to pass this course successfully. Students who do not receive approval of Chapter 1 to minimum standards will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of Chapter 1.
The Dissertation Proposal
3 Credits
Students in this course will be required to work on completing Chapters 1-3 of their dissertation proposal and receive committee approval for the Dissertation Proposal (DP) in order to pass the class. Chapter 2 consists of the literature review. Chapter 3 covers the research methodology method and design and to includes population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. In this course, a completed, committee-approved Chapters 2 and 3 are required and, by the end of the course, a final approved dissertation proposal (against the minimum rubric standards). Students who do not receive approval of the dissertation proposal will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.
Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection
3 Credits
Students in this course will be required to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application, collect data, and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. Students still in data collection at the end of the 12-week course will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to complete data collection and file an IRB study closure form.
The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense
3 Credits
In this dissertation course students work on completing Chapters 4 and 5 and the final Dissertation Manuscript. Specifically, students will complete their data analysis, prepare their study results, and present their findings in an Oral Defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, Committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate. Students who do not receive approval for either or both their Dissertation Manuscript or defense can take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of either or both items as needed.
Specializations
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Project Management
This specialization explores principles, concepts, tools, and techniques to improve project performance and organizational effectiveness. Students examine all aspects of managing and overseeing business projects, including cost estimates, budget management, cost control, risk assessment, bid negotiation and contracts, and performance reporting critical to the success of any enterprise. The specialization focuses on management, leadership, and team building in the project/program environment. Students will examine strategies relating to managing multiple projects as well as the concepts of earned value project management.
Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership
This specialization serves to enhance the understanding and practice of organizational leadership using an interdisciplinary approach between business and education theory and research. This specialization has broad appeal among practicing professionals (middle and upper management, and military personnel) with a background in business administration, human resources, nonprofit administration, and related fields, whose professional goal may be organizational consulting or a generalist leadership position in corporate, government, not-for-profit, educational or community organizations.
Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
This specialization explores the application of industrial and organizational psychology and management theory to the understanding of people in work environment. In this interdisciplinary specialization, students complete courses in the School of Business and the School of Psychology in order to develop competencies in theory, research, and applications of psychology related to human behavior in organizations. Students conduct advanced research related to the application of organizational and psychological theory to human resource management.
Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Homeland Security: Leadership and Policy
This specialization prepares senior leaders of public administration, law enforcement, public safety, and emergency medical care and disaster preparedness agencies for executive leadership positions in the field of homeland security. This specialization focuses on rigorous research exploring advanced concepts and methods, and applying theory and emerging concepts through innovative approaches to complex problems. Students may choose from a variety of courses in terrorism, strategy, intelligence, emergency management, and critical infrastructure security issues.
Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Health Services
This specialization develops essential perspectives and skills for health service industry management issues. The specialization prepares students for problem identification and resolution, analysis and intervention as administrative issues, and recognition of the constraints and limitations to intervention and change in delivery systems. Students in this specialization will focus on the foundations of health services management, including an overview of the United States healthcare delivery system, financial management and economics, human resource management, quality management, and law, ethics, and policy.
Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Financial Management
This specialization concentrates on research and development analyses used to manage and allocate financial resources and develop effective strategic planning for projection and ROI issues. Students will analyze financial and non-financial organizations — private, public, and corporate. The specialization focuses on international financial issues, quality concepts in financial management, and accounting for profit/nonprofit organizations.
Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Advanced Accounting
This specialization provides students with application of a broad accounting perspective and research based accounting knowledge, enabling the exploration of relationships among business activities, economic outcomes, business performance, and forensic analysis. Students will be able to meet the demand for advanced analysis of management and organization of business transactions and statements related to the assets, liabilities, and operating results of business enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and higher education instruction.
Specialization Courses – 9 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Global Business Management
This specialization covers the essential elements required to understand and manage global organizations. Individuals interested in global management positions in industry, higher education, government and public entities, and business consulting would benefit from this program. The specialization provides students with comprehensive education and training in interdisciplinary global management subjects of leadership, government, diplomacy, economics, finance, marketing, and organizational effectiveness. Students study global business theory, decision-making, and problem-solving techniques related to global strategic planning.
Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Information Technology
Technology can be intimidating — yet beneficial — for many organizations. It is important for leaders to know how to take advantage of new technologies and ideas or be trapped in stagnation. The Information Technology Specialization helps prepare professionals to be champions of positive change through new ideas and new technologies.
Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.
PhD-BA in Strategic Marketing
The Strategic Marketing Specialization at the doctoral level delivers a next-generation approach to strategic marketing, transcending traditional marketing management, and research methodology. This tertiary level specialization delivers benchmark training in the three pillars of global change leadership, marketing science, and innovation in marketing economics. Following the execution of strategic coursework, students will focus on real-world global product strategy, advanced digital marketing across the entire scope of the product life cycle. The specialization provides strategies for a sound, systematic, ethical, and legal approach to contemporary and emergent marketing practices. At the conclusion, students will be well prepared to lead the marketing workforce of tomorrow.
Specialization Courses – 15 Credit Hours Total. Each course is 3 semester credits and runs 8 weeks.
Career Outlook
The Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD-BA) will prepare you for careers such as:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Chief Executives
- $173,264 avg. salary (USA)
- 24,393 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Finance
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Public Administration
- Financial Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Dollar General
- Jack's Family Restaurants
- Banfield Pet Hospital
- Best Buy
- Bank of America
- Chevron
- General and Operations Managers
- $100,934 avg. salary (USA)
- 373,566 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Operations Management
- Marketing
- Merchandising
- Finance
- Project Management
- Inventory Management
- Profit And Loss (P&L) Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CVS Health
- AutoZone
- Buckle
- Walmart
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Menards
- Sales Managers
- $134,000 avg. salary (USA)
- 55,729 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Marketing
- Sales Management
- Selling Techniques
- Business Development
- Sales Prospecting
- Customer Relationship Management
- Sales Strategy
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Marriott International
- AutoZone
- Hilton
- Carter's
- Wolters Kluwer
- US Foods Holding
- Administrative Services Managers
- $106,282 avg. salary (USA)
- 24,933 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Office Management
- Accounting
- Billing
- Accounts Receivable
- Finance
- Accounts Payable
- Administrative Support
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- University of California
- Brookdale Senior Living
- Ryder
- CBRE
- Genesis HealthCare
- Humana
- Facilities Managers
- $102,131 avg. salary (USA)
- 13,301 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Facility Management
- HVAC
- Construction
- Project Management
- Plumbing
- Facility Repair And Maintenance
- Renovation
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CBRE
- JLL
- Cushman & Wakefield
- Sodexo
- Life Time
- DaVita
- Industrial Production Managers
- $115,620 avg. salary (USA)
- 20,323 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Continuous Improvement Process
- Production Management
- Lean Manufacturing
- Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Manufacturing Processes
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Accenture
- Entergy
- Pizza Hut
- Claire's
- International Paper
- Amazon
- Transportation and Storage Managers
- $97,938 avg. salary (USA)
- 22,627 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Warehousing
- Forklift Truck
- Inventory Management
- Warehouse Operations
- Supply Chain
- Project Management
- Continuous Improvement Process
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Lowe's
- Amazon
- Restaurant Depot
- Target
- US Foods Holding
- Ryder
- Compensation and Benefits Managers
- $136,386 avg. salary (USA)
- 1,491 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Project Management
- Finance
- Auditing
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Billing
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Arby's
- Amazon
- Johnson & Johnson
- Sanofi
- Elevance Health
- Hub International
- Human Resources Managers
- $135,074 avg. salary (USA)
- 21,271 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Employee Relations
- Performance Management
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Talent Management
- Project Management
- Human Resource Management
- Employee Engagement
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Amazon
- Lumen Technologies
- Deloitte
- Marriott International
- Arby's
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Cost Estimators
- $74,595 avg. salary (USA)
- 22,413 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Construction
- Project Management
- Subcontracting
- Construction Management
- Construction Estimating
- Quantity Take-Offs
- Cost Estimation
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Gerber Collision & Glass
- Black & Veatch
- Crash Champions
- Boyd Group Services
- Turner & Townsend
- Kiewit Corporation
- Human Resources Specialists
- $67,652 avg. salary (USA)
- 103,328 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Employee Relations
- Auditing
- Talent Acquisition
- Recruitment Strategies
- Talent Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Deloitte
- Target
- University of California
- Goodwill
- United States Department of Homeland Security
- Amazon
- Logisticians
- $79,109 avg. salary (USA)
- 29,717 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Supply Chain
- Logistics
- Purchasing
- Inventory Management
- Warehousing
- Procurement
- Supply Chain Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Fastenal
- Lowe's
- Amazon
- Northrop Grumman
- Outlier
- Accenture
- Project Management Specialists
- $98,263 avg. salary (USA)
- 94,949 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Project Management
- Construction
- Subcontracting
- Construction Management
- Project Schedules
- Project Planning
- Change Orders
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CDM Smith
- Lumen Technologies
- Deloitte
- CBRE
- Jacobs Solutions
- Black & Veatch
- Management Analysts
- $99,189 avg. salary (USA)
- 115,428 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Business Process
- Business Requirements
- SQL (Programming Language)
- Finance
- Process Improvement
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Wells Fargo
- Elevance Health
- Deloitte
- Accenture
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Guidehouse
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- $73,732 avg. salary (USA)
- 113,206 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Marketing
- Social Media
- Business Development
- Project Management
- Digital Marketing
- Customer Relationship Management
- Marketing Strategies
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Amazon
- Ford
- Cracker Barrel
- Skechers
- PayPal
- Veralto
Program at a Glance
16 professionally relevant specializations*
- Total Credit Hours: At least 60 Credit Hours
- Courses: 20 Courses
- Recommended Completion Time: 38 Months
- Next Start Date: Every Monday
- Classroom Size: One
*The PhD-BA program is accredited by ACBSP; however, the Applied Computer Science, Computer and Information Security, Healthcare Administration, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Management of Engineering and Technology, and Management Information Systems, specializations are not.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of National University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD-BA) program, you’ll be able to:
- Develop business knowledge based on a synthesis of current theory
- Defend theories, applications, and perspectives related to business to diverse audiences
- Evaluate business practices that positively impact society
- Evaluate the relationship between the global environment and business decisions
- Formulate solutions to problems identified in extant business research
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
*The Ph.D. BA program is accredited by ACBSP; however, the Applied Computer Science, Computer and Information Security, Healthcare Administration, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Management of Engineering and Technology, and Management Information Systems, specializations are not.
As a leading accreditation association for business education, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) “develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education.” The Association emphasizes the importance of “learning how to learn,” balancing teaching and research activities to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and contribute to student learning. To learn more about the ACBSP, visit their website.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
Earning your PhD in Business Administration from National University can lead to a variety of careers, including jobs in academia, research, and consulting. With this degree, you could teach at a university, conduct research for an organization or government agency, or consult for a corporation or non-profit organization. Having a PhD under your belt can also lead to higher salaries and better job security.
Deciding whether to pursue a PhD in business administration depends on your career goals and personal circumstances. If you want to teach at a university or do research, a PhD can be beneficial. Adding to your knowledge bank and picking up new skills can only help your in your career journey, but earning a doctorate is a significant commitment. Consider your goals and situation before deciding if a PhD is right for you.
The main difference between a DBA and a PhD in business administration is what they focus on. A PhD program is usually focused on academic research and teaching, while a DBA program is focused on using research to solve business problems in the real world. A PhD program usually requires writing a dissertation, while a DBA program typically requires completing a capstone or research project.
Admission to the Doctorate programs requires a master’s degree from an accredited institution.
The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the doctoral degree for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better.
The PhD degree programs in business have the following graduation requirements:
- A minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through NU
- Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
- Satisfactory completion of the PhD-BA Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
- University Approval of Dissertation Manuscript and Oral Defense completed
- Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy
- Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution
- Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
- All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their diploma and/or degree posted transcript.
- Administrative Services Managers/Directors
- Business Teacher
- Chief Executives
- General and Operations Managers/Directors
- Industrial Production Managers/Directors
- Loss Prevention Managers/Directors
- Market Research Analysts
- Operations Research Managers/Directors
- Postsecondary Management Analysts
- Regulatory Affairs Managers/Directors
- Sales Managers/Directors
- Security Managers/Directors
- Social and Community Service Managers/Directors
- Storage and Distribution Managers/Directors
- Supply Chain Managers/Directors
- Transportation Managers/Directors
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program specific requirements with an NU advisor. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.
Dissertation Process
Faculty assist each NU Doctoral candidate to reach this academic goal through a systematic process leading to a high-quality completed dissertation. A PhD dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of study. This process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of the dissertation.
A doctoral candidate must be continuously enrolled throughout the series of dissertation courses. Dissertation courses are automatically scheduled and accepted without a break in scheduling to ensure that students remain in continuous enrollment throughout the dissertation course sequence. If additional time is required to complete any of the dissertation courses, students must re-enroll and pay the tuition for that course. Continuous enrollment will only be permitted when students demonstrate progress toward completing dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Committee determines progress.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
As a leading accreditation association for business education, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) “develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education.” The Association emphasizes the importance of “learning how to learn,” balancing teaching and research activities to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and contribute to student learning. To learn more about the ACBSP, visit their website.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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