Photograph of Senior Walk

Walton Ph.D. Programs

From the Dean

"I would describe our Ph.D. candidates as intellectually curious, inventive and passionate in both research and academic pursuits. Through their hard work, they have advanced and encouraged our students, industry and the University of Arkansas as a whole.

The Carnegie Foundation ranks the University of Arkansas as having the highest possible level of research, placing us in the top 3% of colleges and universities nationwide. Our Ph.D. students contribute to this recognition and to Walton College's mission of advancing and disseminating business knowledge to cultivate and display innovation in their research, classrooms and their respective industries."

– Dean Brent Williams

Dean Brent Williams
Request Information Apply Now   Schedule a Time to Talk to Us

Collaboration and Support

Doctoral programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business are supported with strong financial, physical and intellectual resources in an unparalled collegial atmosphere. Each program is designed to prepare selected students for careers in academia or governmetn/industry research. Walton College faculty are committed to moving doctoral students' careers forward with opportunities for collaborative research and effective teaching.

At Walton College, the goal for each doctoral student is to create multiple opportunities for publications and professional conference presentations prior to graduation. Walton College provides travel funding, eighteen hours of coursework related to research methods and analysis, and compelling faculty mentors.

Prior to stepping into the classroom, we prepare students by requiring participation in our Doctoral Teach Seminar. This seminar, along with support from our Center for Teaching Effectiveness and Faculty Development, provides the resources students need to excel. Small teaching loads create an environment that allows Ph.D. candidates to concurrently hone research skills.

 

Accounting Ph.D.

The objective of the Ph.D. program in Accounting is to prepare doctoral candidates to assume positions in leading graduate schools of business. The program places heavy emphasis on the development of research skills and research quality. In addition, professional skills and the ability to work effectively on faculty guided research teams are required.

  • View Accounting Faculty
  • Duration of Program: 4 years
  • Program Start: Fall
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 1
  • Required Test: GMAT preferred; GRE also accepted

Economics Ph.D.

The objective of the Ph.D. program in Economics is to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, government agencies, and business in the United States and abroad. The course of studies provides a solid foundation in economic theory, econometrics, and various applied fields. Students will gain technical proficiency in the core disciplines, learn to develop independent models, and undertake empirical research in an applied field of study.

  • View Economics Faculty
  • Duration of Program: 4-5 years
  • Program Start: Fall
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 8
  • Required Test: GRE

Finance Ph.D.

Doctoral students in the Department of Finance focus on the areas of corporate finance, investments and financial institutions. They gain the concepts and skills needed to conduct independent research through apprenticeships with faculty.

  • View Finance Faculty
  • Duration of Program: 4-5 years
  • Program Start: Fall
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15
  • Required Test: GMAT preferred; GRE also accepted

Information Systems Ph.D.

A degree from the Department of Information Systems offers students many opportunities to be part of a program comprised of outstanding faculty, a positive nurturing environment, a structure that is geared toward students' scholarly development, and a long rich tradition of student success.

Management

The primary objective of the Ph.D. program in Management is to prepare candidates for careers in university research and teaching. The program of study is designed to ensure that students receive an exposure to the broad areas of Management, develop the conceptual skills and methodological tools necessary to design and conduct independent research, and develop the skills and experience necessary to teach at all levels of higher education.

Management Ph.D.

  • View Management Faculty
  • Duration of Program: 4-5 years
  • Program Start: Fall
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15
  • Required Test: GMAT or GRE

Marketing Ph.D.

The main focuses for the Department of Marketing's research are relationship marketing, retail/services, branding, consumer decision-making and digital marketing. The primary objective of the Ph.D. in Marketing is to prepare candidates for academic careers in research, teaching and service at universities.

  • View Marketing Faculty
  • Duration of Program: 4-5 years
  • Program Start: Fall
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 1
  • Required Test: GMAT or GRE

Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Venture Innovation Ph.D.

The Strategy and Entrepreneurship Ph.D. program, designed by the Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Innovation department (SEVI), offers students the opportunity to work directly with distinguished faculty to develop cutting-edge business research.

  • View SEVI Faculty
  • Duration of Program: 4-5 years
  • Program Start: Fall
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15
  • Required Test: GMAT or GRE

Supply Chain Management Ph.D.

The Ph.D. Program in Business Administration with an emphasis in Supply Chain Management prepares students for careers in research and teaching in supply chain management.

  • View Supply Chain Faculty
  • Duration of Program: 4-5 years
  • Program Start: Fall
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15
  • Required Test: GMAT preferred; GRE also accepted