The Lundquist College of Business Doctoral Program in Marketing emphasizes training in the behavioral sciences and statistics to prepare students to conduct original research in the areas of consumer behavior and marketing strategy. Our graduates are productive researchers and effective teachers at leading colleges and universities throughout the world.
The marketing faculty at the Lundquist College have received their doctoral training at leading business schools and behavioral science departments. They are active researchers who publish regularly in highly ranked journals in marketing and cognate disciplines (e.g., psychology, neuroscience, etc.) Many have or currently serve in editorial positions with prominent journals and are widely recognized for their empirical research in the areas of consumer behavior and marketing strategy.
Marketing PhD Program Coordinator
Associate Professor Ryan Rahinel
Program Structure
The marketing PhD program requirements include approximately two years of coursework, completion of first- and second-year research papers, a comprehensive exam, and the dissertation.
Coursework
In at least the first two years, students take courses in three areas: marketing PhD seminars; supporting courses in the behavioral sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, economics); and statistics and research methods. Programs of study are tailored to students' interests and prior coursework, although many students choose to take several classes in our world-renowned psychology department.
First- and Second-Year Papers
Students write and present research papers at the end of the first and second years of the program. These papers follow the format of the top journals and should represent original theoretical frameworks worthy of pursuing for publication consideration in such journals. Empirical work is required for the second-year paper, but not for the first-year paper.
Comprehensive Exam
The comprehensive examination in marketing, given in two two-day sessions, is generally taken at the end of spring term in the second year of the PhD program. The exam tests the student's knowledge in key theoretical and methodological areas, and in doing so, assesses the student’s ability to successfully complete dissertation research.
Dissertation
The dissertation is the crowning milestone of the program. It represents an original project that adheres to high standards of exposition, contributes significant knowledge to the field of marketing, and demonstrates an ability to conduct independent research. The process consists of a proposal defense and a dissertation defense. The proposal defense results in a written agreement between the student and the dissertation committee that acknowledges the project can be successfully completed. The dissertation defense is then scheduled and conducted at the culmination of the research work. Students making good progress typically graduate in five years.
Other Program Features
The marketing PhD program also includes other processes and resources to enhance student productivity and ultimately foster good placement on the academic job market.
Financial Support
Each matriculated student receives a tuition waiver, generous stipend, and access to our expansive graduate student health plan.
Research Assistant Matching
Before each fall term, each PhD student is matched with one or more tenure-track faculty members who serve as the student's research assistant advisors during the year. Matching is done based on mutual interests and preferences. These appointments accelerate the student's growth in skills and productivity in research outcomes.
Office and Technology
Students are assigned a dedicated workspace and a computer to use for their coursework and research. Students are collocated to enhance knowledge sharing, collaboration, and student culture.
Research Funds
PhD students have access to funds from the PhD program for presenting or acting as a discussant at conferences. Funds are also available for professional development workshops and other general research expenses.
Robin and Roger Best Awards
These awards are given for doctoral research and teaching excellence. They include financial rewards for conference presentations, teaching awards, and journal submission and publication milestones.