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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Ph.D. programs in general

Questions about the Ph.D. program at
The George Washington University

Questions about Ph.D. programs in general.

1. Who should pursue a Ph.D.?
 
The Ph.D. degree is for individuals who wish to establish an in-depth and critical knowledge of an area of study. Knowledge would include the methodologies required to understand and complete research in the area of study. In fact, much of the course work in a doctoral program is concerned with research courses such as statistics, econometrics, research methods and other advanced techniques.
 
 
2. How do doctoral courses differ from MBA or other Masters’ courses?
 
In general Masters courses in business are of an applied and institutional nature. The key is to understand the best practices of an industry or field and be able to apply them successfully. There may be aspects of theory in its application to specific business problems, but the overall emphasis is on the applied nature of a discipline. 

However, Ph.D. coursework is generally not concerned with the institutional or applied nature of the area of student. Doctoral coursework is generally concerned with the theory aspects of the discipline: how do we understand how individuals, groups and markets work? The key to this process is understanding research methodology. A statistics course in an MBA usually is concerned with what test we should use for a particular hypothesis. In the doctoral program, one may be required to structure a new test and to demonstrate of knowledge of the underlying statistical process.

An example: in finance, one would likely learn about decision rules for capital budgeting in the typical MBA course. However, in the doctoral course, the class may focus on the behavioral aspect of decision making. Does different information influence the decision process? The class would also consider how to test the thesis that various information has an impact of the decision outcome. In the MBA class, the profession is fairly proscriptive. There tends to be an established best practice. In the doctoral class, the professor expects that the student is so interested that he or she has already learned the standard textbook and industry practices and thus he/she concentrates on helping the student learn about how we learn new things about the industry or solve troublesome issues. There is more emphasis on individual initiative and learning in the Ph.D. courses.


3. How do I decide whether I should pursue a Ph.D. degree?

First, talk with lots of people who have a Ph.D. Ask them what they do, why do they like about what they do? How did the Ph.D. prepare them for their career? Then have them discuss with you the earning of a Ph.D. as opposed to the earning of the masters degree.

Second, talk with faculty who teach in a Ph.D. program. Find out what their requirements are for the degree. Discuss your interest with them.

Third, visit a Ph.D. granting university and talk with least three students in the field of your choice.

Fourth, find a few recent graduates and talk with them about your potential career and your desire for a Ph.D.

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Questions about the Ph.D. program at The George Washington University.


1. Who should I talk to at GW about the Program?

The key person to discuss your interest in a doctorate at GW is the doctoral lead professor in the area of your interest. After you have talked with the lead professor, you may want to visit other faculty in the area. The lead professor can help you with suggestions.

2. How do I apply for financial Aid?

Review the materials in the financial aid section of this site and follow the procedures outlined there.

Talk with the lead professor in the area of your interest.

The Director of the Doctoral Program does not make fellowship or scholarship decisions. All financial awards are determined by the Doctoral Committee based upon recommendations from the areas of study. The Doctoral Committee does not make awards to individuals who do not have recommendations from the faculty of the area of study. 

In some cases, there is potential support from Centers and Institutes and from a Department. However, the best way to begin your search is to start with the lead professor in the area that you are interested.
 
 
3. Does George Washington University offer a distance Ph.D. in Busines Administration?

No, the GW SB Doctoral program is a resident program (Foggy Bottom campus only). 

 
4. What is credit Hour requirement?

There is no credit hour requirement. However, the School and each particular program require specified courses and in general require a program of study that must be approved by the area of study and the Doctoral Committee of the School.

A typical coursework program will have three aspects:

1. required coursework for the School

2. required coursework for the field of study

3. required research methodology coursework

In addition to the coursework, the program also requires a first year qualifying exam, summer paper requirement, comprehensive examination and a dissertation. 


5. What is the tuition structure?

Refer to Ph.D. Handbook.

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