Ph.D Program
The Ph.D. in Business program prepares students for scholarly careers in research and teaching. Our total program size is fewer than 30 students, which allows for extensive one-to-one interaction between students and faculty, and all required courses and teaching assignments are held on campus. Most students earn their degree in four to five years.
The Ph.D. program offers three tracks:
- Accounting
- Receive training in research methods and teaching in the accounting field.
- Information Systems
- Advance IS knowledge through design science and qualitative research.
- Management
- Prepare for research and teaching positions in business schools.
Admissions Requirements
The departments of Accounting and Management and Entrepreneurship only accept full-time Ph.D. students. The Department of Information Systems will consider part-time Ph.D. students on a case-by-case basis.
GMAT/GRE scores
Each Ph.D. applicant is required to submit a GMAT or GRE score. The Department of Accounting prefers a GMAT score. Test waivers are not permitted for Ph.D. applications.
Information Systems concentration
Admission recommendations are made by the information systems department Ph.D. committee. We encourage you to speak with members of the IS Department Ph.D. committee before submitting your application.
Management concentration
We require a strong academic background (bachelor's or master's) in business or another discipline related to organizational behavior such as psychology or sociology. Other academic backgrounds may be considered.
Admissions Cycle
- The Fall 2025 application is now open for the information systems and management concentrations. The application deadline is February 1, 2025. The Department of Accounting plans to next admit new PhD students for Fall 2026.
Information Sessions
Learn more about the PhD in Business and meet departmental faculty by registering for an upcoming Zoom information session.
- Management concentration: November 22 from 12-1 PM Eastern. Register here.
- Information Systems concentration: December 5 from 5:30-6:30 PM Eastern. Register here.
- Management concentration: January 8 from 12-1 PM Eastern. Register here.
- Information Systems concentration: January 17 from 12-1 PM Eastern. Register here.
How to Apply
To apply, submit an application with all required supplemental materials, including:
- A $70 nonrefundable application fee
- Application for Virginia in-state tuition (if applicable)
- Transcripts from each college/university attended
- A personal statement essay
- A GMAT or GRE score
- A current resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- International applicants that have not completed a bachelor's degree or higher from a university or college in one of the countries outlined by VCU International Admissions here must submit a qualifying English proficiency score. Please note the School of Business score requirements are higher than the minimum listed for all VCU programs.
- TOEFL score of 100
- IELTS score of 7.0
- Duolingo score of 120
- Pearson Test of English score of 65
Please note: The PhD in Business is not a STEM classified major.
Assistantships
Accepted students are automatically considered for a Ph.D. assistantship. If awarded, this appointment covers all required tuition and fees, and pays a biweekly stipend. This stipend is compensation for 20 hours per week of teaching and/or research performed for the department. Students making satisfactory progress in the program typically receive tuition and stipend support for four years. Visit each concentration page for specific assistantship details.
Students that will be self-funding their study may visit the VCU tuition and fees calculator.