PhD in Business Administration
Develop the knowledge that shapes business through a fully funded doctoral program designed to prepare future faculty and thought leaders for careers at research-oriented business schools.
The Neeley PhD in Business Administration combines rigorous research training, close faculty mentorship and an apprenticeship-based approach to doctoral education.
Through concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Management & Leadership, students develop as scholars, educators and future faculty members.
At A Glance
| Location | Duration | Format | Start |
| Fort Worth | 5 Years | In-Person | Fall |
The TCU Neeley Advantage
At TCU Neeley, doctoral students work alongside accomplished faculty, engage in meaningful research from the start of the program and doctoral coursework, and receive individualized mentorship through a small-cohort, apprenticeship-based model. The result is a collaborative environment designed to prepare future scholars for careers at research-oriented business schools.
Choose Your Research Concentration
Study how entrepreneurs identify and create opportunities, mobilize resources under uncertainty and build ventures that create economic and social value, generate wealth and transform industries and society. Prepare for a career as a research-active faculty member advancing knowledge in entrepreneurship, innovation and venture creation.
Research strengths include:
- Founder psychology, decision-making and entrepreneurial leadership
- Venture strategy, growth, crowdfunding and entrepreneurial finance
- Innovation, artificial intelligence and technology-driven entrepreneurship
- Social, immigrant and purpose-driven entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurial ecosystems, opportunity creation and regional innovation
Examine how leaders, teams and organizations navigate complexity, create value and adapt to changing environments. Prepare for a career as a research-active faculty member advancing knowledge in leadership, organizations and strategic management.
Research strengths include:
- Leadership and organizational behavior
- Strategic management and executive decision-making
- Workplace relationships and organizational identity
- Talent management and human capital
- Organizational change and adaptation
Research & Academic Preparation
The Neeley PhD prepares students for faculty careers at research-oriented business schools. Students begin engaging in research during their first year and build research portfolios through doctoral coursework, faculty collaboration, independent scholarship, conference participation and dissertation research.
Students learn from faculty who are recognized leaders in their disciplines for research productivity and scholarly impact. Our faculty publish in top journals, serve as editors, associate editors, area editors and editorial board members of leading academic journals, and include recipients of lifetime achievement awards from major scholarly associations.
Through teaching development opportunities, small cohorts, close faculty mentorship and an apprenticeship-based approach to doctoral education, graduates enter the academic job market prepared to contribute through research, teaching and service.
Program Structure
Students complete doctoral coursework, develop foundational research skills and begin collaborating with faculty on research projects.
Students complete comprehensive exams, begin dissertation planning and participate in teaching development opportunities.
Students focus on dissertation research, publication development and preparation for the academic job market.
Tuition & Aid
The Neeley PhD in Business Administration is fully funded for five years, allowing students to focus on their scholarly development and preparation for academic careers. Learn more about funding, tuition support and doctoral student benefits.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the PhD in Business Administration is intended for students seeking faculty careers at research-oriented business schools. Learn more about application requirements, deadlines and the admissions process.
Related Information
Frequent Questions about the PhD in Business Administration
We seek intellectually curious applicants with strong analytical and communication skills and a genuine interest in research. Successful students are motivated to develop as scholars and pursue academic careers at research-oriented business schools.
No. Applicants do not need a dissertation topic before applying. Most students refine their research interests through coursework, faculty collaboration and research experiences during the program.
No. Students are admitted to the program, not to a specific faculty member. Early in the program, students work with multiple faculty members before identifying a dissertation advisor.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree. A master's degree or MBA may be helpful but is not required. Prior research experience is encouraged but not required.
Yes. Applicants are required to submit valid GMAT or GRE scores as part of the admissions process. Visit the Admission Requirements page for current requirements and deadlines.
Yes. International students are encouraged to apply. Applicants should review English language proficiency requirements and allow adequate time for visa-related processes.
Yes. All admitted students receive full tuition support, health insurance coverage and a $48,000 annual stipend for five years.
The program provides a five-year funding package that includes full tuition support, health insurance coverage and a $48,000 annual stipend. Additional support may be available for conference participation and professional development.
Students begin engaging in research during their first year. Through faculty collaboration and independent projects, students start building research skills and scholarly portfolios early in the program.
The program prepares students for faculty careers through doctoral coursework, research collaboration, conference participation, teaching development and dissertation research. Graduates enter the academic job market with the skills needed to contribute through research, teaching and service.
No. The PhD in Business Administration is a full-time, in-person program. Students are expected to be actively engaged in coursework, research and faculty mentorship throughout the program.
The program is designed to be completed in five years of full-time, in-person study. Students progress through doctoral coursework, research training, comprehensive exams and dissertation research while preparing for academic careers.