Business Administration Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree
Advancing your knowledge and practice through research and the exploration of the latest trends and biggest challenges found at the intersection of business and technological innovation.
Overview for Business Administration Ph.D.
The Ph.D. in business administration is designed to inspire and train scholars to identify, investigate, and solve novel business challenges that influence business and society, particularly, those that are triggered by technological changes. Our program has a sharp emphasis on the effects of technological innovation on discipline-based theories and research. Faculty work with students in an apprenticeship model so that students become independent scholars, cutting-edge researchers, and well-trained educators at research-oriented universities.
The program offers three areas of specialization:
Digital Transformation: Digital transformation emphasizes the integration of digital technologies that have altered the marketing of products and services, as well as the management of information systems. In this area of specialization, you will study the design and development of digital artifacts and their implications for interpersonal interaction, analyze the modes of human information processing in digitally transformed business contexts, and theorize the emergence of new business models and ways of organizing in digitally immersive environments.This specialization is not accepting students for academic year 2026-27.
Strategy and Innovation: A distinct feature of 21st century competition is the pivotal role played by technological innovation as a competitive advantage for organizations. In the strategy and innovation specialization, research emphasizes the growing role of technological capabilities and innovation-based products and processes as a source of competitive advantage. You will acquire knowledge and skills to address novel research questions about firm-level strategy and innovation-related challenges faced by managers and policy makers. This specialization is accepting students for academic year 2026-27.
Finance and Accounting: The finance and accounting specialization emphasizes new challenges and research areas that have emerged from technological innovations within finance and accounting disciplines. These areas include FinTech, high-frequency trading, alternative trading systems (dark pool and ECNs), crowdfunding platforms, P2P lending platforms, blockchains, cryptocurrencies, data analytic tools in auditing and credit rating, digital transformation of SEC filings and corporate disclosures. In this area of specialization, you will study the antecedents and consequences of technology in finance and accounting. This specialization is accepting students for academic year 2026-27.
Featured Work and Profiles
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Pursuing Digital Transformation Research in a Supportive Ph.D. Environment at Saunders
Ph.D. student, Haoze Wu from China
Read More about Pursuing Digital Transformation Research in a Supportive Ph.D. Environment at Saunders -
Advancing Research in Corporate Finance and Risk Management Through Saunders’ Ph.D. Program
Ph.D. student, Yuyan Wang from China
Read More about Advancing Research in Corporate Finance and Risk Management Through Saunders’ Ph.D. Program -
Bridging Technology and Finance Through Saunders’ Ph.D. in Business Administration
Ph.D. student, Shuotan (Christian) Chao from China
Read More about Bridging Technology and Finance Through Saunders’ Ph.D. in Business Administration -
Shaping the Future of Strategy and Innovation Research at Saunders
Ph.D. student, Yang Li from China
Read More about Shaping the Future of Strategy and Innovation Research at Saunders -
Studying Strategy, Innovation, and the Labor Market: A Ph.D. Journey at Saunders
Ph.D. student, Willaim Fisher from Georgia
Read More about Studying Strategy, Innovation, and the Labor Market: A Ph.D. Journey at Saunders -
Research Insights: MDscan will see you now
Ali Tosyali Introducing an AI tool that screens for mental disorders
Read More about Research Insights: MDscan will see you now
Related News
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February 9, 2024
Doctoral degrees continue to expand
RIT’s Ph.D. programs continue to grow. Today, RIT enrolls more than 450 doctoral students, including a record 112 new Ph.D. students who started last fall.
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September 13, 2023
RIT president charts vision for future during State of the University Address
In his welcome to the community for the start of a new academic year, RIT President David Munson asserted the university is well positioned to thrive while laying out “challenges, opportunities, and vision” for RIT’s future.
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August 24, 2023
Saunders College of Business at RIT launches innovative Ph.D. in business administration
Saunders College of Business is entering its first cohort of students into the college’s new Ph.D. in business administration this fall, marking the university’s inaugural social sciences doctoral program. The program is designed to inspire and train scholars to identify, investigate, and solve unique business challenges that influence business and society.
Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Business Administration Ph.D.
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall | January 15 priority deadline, rolling thereafter | No |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Business Administration Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Learn tips to apply for a doctoral program and then complete a graduate application. The application fee for this program is waived for the Fall 2026 term.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a statement of purpose for research which will allow the Admissions Committee to learn the most about you as a prospective researcher.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: GMAT or GRE required. No minimum score requirement.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, etc.), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
Duolingo (DET): 135
IELTS: 7.0
LanguageCert Academic: 78
PTE Academic: 66
TOEFL: 94
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers with significant hearing loss do not need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).
