Doctoral Degree in Business Administration
Who is this program for?
The doctoral degree in business administration is ideal for students who aspire to conduct advanced research and develop expertise in business theories, strategic management, and organizational behavior. This program prepares graduates for careers as university professors, business consultants, or executive leaders, specializing in areas such as corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, and international business.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Business Administration prepares students for academic and research careers focused on advancing knowledge in areas such as management, marketing, finance, and organizational behavior. Through rigorous coursework, close faculty mentorship, and original research, students develop strong theoretical foundations and analytical skills to explore complex business problems. Graduates are equipped to contribute to scholarly research, teach at the university level, and provide thought leadership in academic, corporate, and policy-making settings.
Our Accreditation

The Gatton College of Business and Economics has been accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business since 1926. Similarly, the accounting programs within the Von Allmen School of Accountancy have been accredited by AACSB International since 1988 soon after AACSB began offering separate accreditation for accounting programs. Accreditation by AACSB has been earned by less than 5% of the world's business programs and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing continuous improvement to ensure that the institution will continue to deliver the highest quality of education to students.
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What You'll Learn
The program prepares graduates to comprehend and evaluate research, to perform research that advances knowledge, and to provide effective instruction, all within a business-related discipline and in a supportive collegial environment. The PhD in Business Administration in the Gatton College of Business and Economics is available in the following concentrations
- Accounting
- Finance & Quantitative Methods
- Management
- Marketing & Supply Chain
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
NOTE: Gatton College does not accept PhD applications nor admit students for the Spring Term. All of our PhD Programs begin with the Fall Term. Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
-
Fall
- 07/25/2025
International Students
-
Fall
- 04/15/2025

Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
West Virginia

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