FAQ's
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PHD Program Information
What will a Ph.D. in Business Administration enable me to do?
A Ph.D. in Business Administration will prepare you for a career as a college or university professor. The program is designed to prepare individuals to perform research, teach, and provide service to their university, college, community and to the profession. Occasionally, graduates of Ph.D. programs do not become university professors but instead move into specialized government or industry jobs; however, our program focuses on preparing candidates for academic careers.
Is there a strong demand for business faculty?
Currently, there is a high demand for academicians in all business disciplines. Research suggests that this demand will continue to increase.
What are the primary requirements of the Ph.D. program?
Earning a Ph.D. can be broken down into two stages: the coursework stage and the dissertation stage. All students must first complete 2 years of coursework, culminated by a set of comprehensive exams. Students then spend at least two years developing and conducting original research resulting in a written dissertation.
As a Ph.D. student, who will advise me?
When you enter the program, you will be matched to a faculty advisor. Although this faculty member may advise you throughout the entire program, neither you nor the faculty member
How many hours will I take each semester?
While taking coursework, you should expect to take nine hours each semester. During the dissertation stage, you will be enrolled for a minimum of three dissertation hours each semester.
How long will the program take?
The program is typically four years with two years of coursework and two years of dissertation work.
Are Ph.D. students required to teach?
Because teaching is critical to success in an academic career, all Ph.D. students will teach while they are enrolled in the program. During the first two years of the program, students are each assigned a faculty member who serves as a teaching mentor to the student and for whom the
When do I decide the area of concentration I’d like to pursue?
Applicants must select the area of concentration they would like to pursue before submitting their application. The
Admissions Information
Do I need a business undergraduate degree or a business background to enter the Ph.D. program?
An MBA or a business-related master’s degree will reduce the amount of coursework needed to earn your Ph.D. in Business Administration. However, we welcome applicants who have training in other fields. If you do not have a business background, you may be required to take up to eight “leveling” Business Foundation courses in addition to your Ph.D. coursework.
Do I need a master’s degree to enter the Ph.D. program?
A master’s degree is not required for admission to the program. However, if you do not have a master’s degree you may be required to take up to eight “leveling” MBA courses in addition to your Ph.D. coursework.
What are my chances of being accepted?
Your chances of acceptance are improved if you have a solid record of academic achievement and a high GMAT score. Relevant business experience is also a plus.
Can I take the GRE instead of the GMAT?
A GMAT score is preferred. However, if you have taken the GRE within the past five years with an exceptionally high score, you do not need to take the GMAT.
If I already have an MBA, do I need to provide a GMAT score?
Yes, the GMAT requirement applies to all applicants.
I took the GMAT (or GRE) several years ago. Do I need to re-take it?
If your GMAT or GRE score is more than five years old, you must re-take the exam.
The TOEFL, or IELTS, is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. An acceptable score is 600/250.
I took the TOEFL several years ago. Do I need to re-take it?
You must re-take the TOEFL, or
Where should my letters of recommendation be sent?
Persons writing letters of recommendation should sign their name across
The Graduate School
The University of Texas at El Paso
Mike Loya Academic Services Bldg. Room 223
500 West University Ave.
El Paso, TX 79968-0566
Alternatively, the online application system allows you to "register" your recommenders so that they can submit their recommendation letters online. Please see the application link for this process.
What is UTEP’s institutional test code?
The University's institutional test code is 6829.
Tuition and Financial Assistance
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Subject to availability of funds and academic performance, students are provided financial support in the form of teaching and research assistantships.
Is there a separate application for financial assistance?
No additional form is needed for the tuition fellowship or assistantship.
El Paso
What's it like to live in El Paso?
El Paso sits at the far most western tip of Texas where Texas, New Mexico
Contact Us
Dr. Richard Posthuma
Director Ph.D. Program
Phone: (915) 747-8646
rposthuma@utep.edu
Carolina Gonzalez
Manager Ph.D. Program
Business Room 101G
Phone: (915) 747-5496
cegonzalez4@utep.edu