bauer doctoral programs

One of our faculty members recalls the graduation ceremony at which his Ph.D. degree was conferred. The president of the University called forward all the new Ph.D. recipients and, he recalls, spoke 11 words: "I welcome you to the ancient and honorable community of scholars."

Preparing students for that moment characterizes all Ph.D. programs at the University of Houston. Those in the Bauer College of Business are no different. Research to advance knowledge and teaching to disseminate that knowledge are necessary to achieve progress and professionalism in business administration as in any other field.

Students who have bachelors' degrees from recognized colleges or universities, regardless of the undergraduate field of study, may apply for admission to the Ph.D. program. Degree programs that suit the research interest of candidates are planned by graduate advisory committees within students' major areas. Students consult with the Ph.D. coordinators of their departments to choose their advisory committees. Although doctoral candidates have individualized degree plans, the college usually requires four or five years of course work, research, and teaching. We require 42 hours of coursework at a minimum, plus at least 18 of dissertation credit.

The goals of the Ph.D. program are to provide graduates with…

1. experience in presenting research at professional conferences and having original work accepted for publication in academic journals,
2. the ability to function independently as a competent researcher,
3. sufficient knowledge as well as interviewing and presentation skills to qualify for a faculty position upon completion of the program, and
4. skills required to competently teach a full semester class at the college sophomore or above level.