The PhD in Administration at American University Saint Joseph is a stricto sensu graduate program offered in a distance learning (online) modality, with a duration of 36 to 48 months and a total workload of 1,800 hours. The program is designed for professionals, researchers, and faculty who wish to deepen their knowledge in strategy, finance, innovation, marketing, leadership, public policies, and organizational transformation, with a strong focus on applied research and the production of original knowledge.
General Objective:
To train outstanding researchers and academic leaders capable of producing relevant scientific knowledge in the field of administration and applying it to organizational and social contexts.
Specific Objectives:
- Develop advanced skills in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods.
- Promote critical reflection on administrative theories and their contemporary applications.
- Prepare faculty for higher education with innovative pedagogical practices.
- Encourage scientific production in high-impact journals.
- Prepare professionals to lead organizations and public policies at national and international levels.
Duration:
36 to 48 months
Mode of Study:
Distance learning (online)
Curriculum Structure
The program is structured into 36 credits, distributed among compulsory courses, elective courses, research seminars, and the Doctoral Thesis.
| Compulsory Courses | Credits | Workload |
|---|---|---|
| Epistemology and Administrative Theories | 4 | 60h |
| Advanced Research Methods in Administration | 4 | 60h |
| Strategic Management and Organizational Policies | 4 | 60h |
| Innovation, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation | 4 | 60h |
| Advanced Seminars in Administration | 4 | 60h |
| Total | 20 credits |
| Elective Courses (choose 2) | Credits | Workload |
|---|---|---|
| Global Economy and International Finance | 4 | 60h |
| Entrepreneurship and Innovative Business Models | 4 | 60h |
| People Management, Diversity, and Organizational Culture | 4 | 60h |
| Advanced Marketing and Consumer Behavior | 4 | 60h |
| Big Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence in Business | 4 | 60h |
| Total (chosen) | 8 credits |
| Research Seminars | Credits / Workload |
|---|---|
| Mandatory seminars | 4 credits | 240h |
| Doctoral Thesis | Credits / Workload |
|---|---|
| Development of an original and unpublished thesis, with public defense before an examining committee | 12 credits | 960h |
Teaching Methodology
The program is delivered in an interactive online modality, with synchronous classes, forums, and individualized guidance. Emphasis is placed on scientific research, critical analysis, complex case studies, and business simulations. Students are encouraged to publish in scientific journals during the program.
Evaluation System
Evaluation includes exams and academic papers in courses, continuous assessment in seminars and scientific debates, a minimum of 2 scientific articles published in indexed journals, and the public defense of the Doctoral Thesis as the final requirement.
Graduate Profile
Graduates of the PhD in Administration at American University Saint Joseph will be able to develop original research, work as faculty in higher education, lead in public and private organizations, integrate innovation and sustainability into management practice, and advise on public policies and global development strategies.
Certification
Upon completion of compulsory and elective courses, research seminars, and the successful public defense of the Doctoral Thesis, students will be awarded the degree: PhD in Administration.
