We prepare top scholars for tenure-track positions at leading research institutions
Penn State Smeal
Ph.D.
Discover a doctoral business program driven by academic excellence and defined by collaboration. The Penn State Smeal College of Business Ph.D. Program maintains a deliberately small community-ensuring close connections among Ph.D. candidates and their faculty mentors.
Leverage the resources of a major research university and the expertise of top academic minds in your field to expand your knowledge base and hone your research abilities in one of six specialty areas. Emerge with the skills and experience that top business schools around the world seek when adding to their faculties.
Specialize in one of the following fields
- Accounting
- Finance
- Management & Organization
- Marketing
- Real Estate
- Supply Chain & Information Systems
No. 11
for faculty quality
Smeal professors rank among the best in the world.
No. 11
for faculty quality
Smeal professors rank among the best in the world.
No. 11
for faculty quality
Smeal professors rank among the best in the world.
DBA
Program
Structure
Year 1
Complete courses in primary field and research methods
Year 2
Pass Qualifying Exam, complete additional courses in primary field and research methods, and write 2nd-year summer research paper.
Year 3
Present summer research paper to faculty, complete additional courses in primary and secondary fields, and pass comprehensive examination.
Year 4
Enter dissertation phase.
Year 5
Complete dissertation, pass final exam, and defend dissertation.
* Requirements may vary based on the primary field of study.
92,000 Smeal alumni in your network.
92,000 business partners for life.
Our Penn State Smeal community is your greatest business asset. Our graduates are everywhere in the world and always in your corner - ready to open doors, offer advice and cheer you on.
Why partner with Penn State Smeal?
Renowned Penn State Smeal real estate faculty inspire doctoral graduate
Xue Xiao was several years into her career with a private equity real estate fund management team when she discovered her true passion in the form of a doctorate degree.
Renowned Penn State Smeal real estate faculty inspire doctoral graduate
Xue Xiao was several years into her career with a private equity real estate fund management team when she discovered her true passion in the form of a doctorate degree.
Renowned Penn State Smeal real estate faculty inspire doctoral graduate
Xue Xiao was several years into her career with a private equity real estate fund management team when she discovered her true passion in the form of a doctorate degree.