Welcome to the doctoral program in strategic management at Old Dominion University. Our program is one of four specializations available in the PhD in Business Administration in the Strome College of Business at Old Dominion University. Doctoral students are integral members of the department, which operates with a unique and respectful culture of "high standards and high support." We are delighted that you are interested in our program and we hope that this website can provide you with the basic information required to facilitate your decision regarding your higher education options.
We are delighted that you are interested in our program and we hope that this website can provide you with the basic information required to facilitate your decision regarding your higher education options. Some additional information is available on our Frequently Asked Questions page. However, if you have further questions or would like to schedule a campus visit, please do not hesitate to contact our coordinator, Professor Jing Zhang.
About Program
This is a full-time doctoral program that is typically completed in four years. Upon completion, the student will earn a Ph.D. in Business Administration with specialization in strategic management and support areas in entrepreneurship and international business. The first two years of the program are focused on coursework with the remaining two years focused on proposing and defending the student's dissertation research.
This doctoral program is unique on several dimensions. First, the student is qualified to teach and conduct research in international business in addition to strategic management. Since all business schools are globalizing, but there are relatively few programs focusing on international business, this creates unique opportunities for our graduates. Second, the culture of our department is one of "high standards and high support." Doctoral students are not only pushed to develop their intellectual capacity, but are also treated with respect and supported vigorously. This supportive environment enables students to thrive and do their best work while earning a world-class degree. Finally, we are located in a thriving metropolitan region where the cost of living and temperatures are moderate, the cultural offerings are extensive, and proximity to ocean beaches and the Chesapeake Bay are unequalled.
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100% of Students placed in AACSB-accredited institutions
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89% Ph.D. Courses taught by Editorial Board Members
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$117,530 Average starting salary for ODU Graduates
- Year-long research assistantships with multiple professors before graduation
- Co-authorship opportunities on cutting-edge research topics
- Attendance in small classes with individualized attention and feedback on becoming a scholar
- Teaching opportunities in the third and fourth year of the program
- Travel assistance to national and international conferences
- Engagement in the social activities of the department
- Placement assistance during the fourth-year of the program
- Mentoring throughout the entire program by multiple faculty
Plan of Study
Admitted students take three doctoral-level courses each semester for four semesters during the first and second year. Each seminar is taught by a highly-qualified Ph.D. instructor. At the conclusion of the second year, students take two comprehensive exams, one in international business, and a second in strategic management. Coursework falls into three areas: (1) management topics, (2) international business domains, and (3) research methods.
During the first two years, the doctoral program coordinator will provide an annual review and work with students to set goals for the coming year. After passing these examinations, students will typically devote the next two years in conducting original research under the direction of your dissertation chair and committee.
All of this activity is conducted within Constant Hall located in the center of ODU's campus off of Kaufman Mall. Students are given office space in this building throughout their program. Twenty-four state-of-the-art Bloomberg terminals are available for conducting archival research on businesses worldwide.
Admission & Requirements
Comprehensives I: International Business Comprehensive Examination to be taken in May after the completion of coursework in the second year of the program.
Comprehensives II: Field Comprehensive Examination to be taken in August after the completion of coursework in the second year of the program.
FAQs
Click the button below for frequently asked questions about the Strategic Management Concentration.