The faculty in the W. P. Carey School of Business offer a PhD degree in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree offered in full-time, evening, executive, and online programs.

Other professional master’s degrees offered through the school of business are described in this catalog under their respective degree program headings.

The central theme of the program is to build and strengthen capabilities in knowledge and analysis of the functional areas of business, basic skills, and managerial abilities. Knowledge involves textbook and case materials. Basic skills include computing, writing and critical thinking, presentation and speaking, team and group work, interpersonal relations, and time management. There is a strong team emphasis throughout the ASU curriculum.

The MBA program is supported by each of the eight academic units within the school of business.

Admission. See Admission to the Division of Graduate Studies. All students applying to graduate business administration programs (except those applying to the MS degree in Economics) are required to take the GMAT. The TOEFL is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English or who are not graduates of an institution located in the United States. The TSE is not required for admission to the MBA program. However, it may be required for a dual degree program. For more information on testing, call 609/921-9000, fax 609/734-5410, access the Web site at www.ets.org/toefl, send e-mail to etsinfo@ets.org, or write

Students applying to the MBA program are required to have at least two years of full-time work experience and should submit an essay for the degree program addressing commitment, goals, qualifications, and reasons for interest in the program. Applicants are to provide letters of recommendation commenting on the student’s motivation, commitment, achievements, work experience, and opportunity for success in the program. In addition to the above data, students are to communicate their interest for either the full-time, evening, executive, or online program. Applications are to be completed online.

Registration. Registration in courses numbered 502 and above is limited to students who have been admitted to a graduate degree program, have the approval of the MBA program office, and have the prerequisites of calculus and computer literacy.

Structure of the MBA Program. MBA courses are open only to students admitted to the MBA program.

Program Requirements. While there are no business course prerequisites, applicants must have computer proficiency and expertise in using a spreadsheet package, a word processing package, a presentation software package, an e-mail package, and an Internet browser. Potential students must also demonstrate strong quantitative ability. This is accomplished through an above average performance (65th percentile or above) on the GMAT quantitative section or a college math course in calculus or advanced statistics.

At least 48 hours are required to complete the evening, executive, and online programs. The full-time program has additional requirements that vary by area of study. Students are admitted to the fall semester only and, generally, enter and graduate as a class in two years.

The core courses are designed to provide a foundation in business knowledge and skills and must be taken in the prescribed sequence.

Elective courses build upon the business core and focus on the further development of an area of study.

The school of business does not accept credits earned while students are in nondegree status; moreover, graduate business courses are not open to nondegree students.

Foreign Language Requirements. None.

Thesis Requirements. None.

Comprehensive Examination. All students must successfully complete the comprehensive requirement established by the school of business and Division of Graduate Studies for the MBA degree. The comprehensive examination is integrated with MGT 589 Strategic Management. Students passing this course with a grade of “A” (4.00) or “B” (3.00) satisfy the comprehensive examination requirement.

Concurrent and Dual Degree Programs. See Concurrent and Dual Degree Programs.

The PhD degree in Business Administration prepares candidates for scholarly careers at leading educational institutions and for positions in business and government organizations where advanced research and analytical capabilities are required. Major emphasis is placed upon the development of expertise in a chosen subject area, a disciplined and inquiring mind, competence in research methodology, and skill in effectively communicating advanced business concepts.

Students are encouraged to work closely with the faculty from the beginning of their programs. A ratio of resident doctoral students to faculty of less than one to one ensures that faculty may serve effectively as mentors for doctoral students.

Admission. A completed application for admission to the PhD in Business Administration degree program includes

Admission is granted for fall semesters only. The deadline for receipt of all required application materials is February 1.

Areas of Concentration. The PhD student may choose from among six areas of concentration: accountancy, computer information systems, finance, management, marketing, and supply chain management.

The accountancy specialization area includes financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax policy, auditing, and information systems. See Concentration in Accountancy.

Research activities in information management encompass areas of theory and application in computer information systems. See Concentration in Computer Information Systems.

Research interests of the finance faculty offering the finance concentration focus on corporate finance, investments, financial markets, banking, and entrepreneurial finance.

The management concentration requires three core courses: organizational theory, organizational behavior, and research methodology. In addition to these core courses, students choose one of two specialty tracks: strategic management or human resource management. See Concentration in Management.

Research conducted by the marketing faculty offering the marketing concentration is focused in several areas: advertising, buyer behavior, distribution channels, services marketing, and other dimensions of marketing, including sales management, industrial marketing, and public-policy implications of marketing.

The faculty in the Department of Supply Chain Management offer the supply chain management concentration and are actively involved in the input-conversion-output process.

Program of Study. See Doctor of Philosophy, for general requirements. The PhD degree program requires mathematical competence through linear algebra and calculus and computer skills. The basic program curriculum includes graduate study in economics, behavioral sciences, and quantitative/statistical analysis. The advanced program is composed of course work in the respective area of concentration and supporting course work that best prepares students for conducting scholarly work in their areas of interest.

Comprehensive Examinations. A written comprehensive examination, designed to ascertain the candidate’s knowledge and orientation in the respective field of study and fitness to proceed to the completion of a dissertation, is required at the end of course work. An additional written comprehensive examination on a candidate’s supporting course work is a departmental option. An oral examination after completion of the written examination is also a departmental option.

Dissertation Requirements. The candidate must present an acceptable dissertation based on original investigation. The dissertation must represent a significant contribution to knowledge, be written in a scholarly manner, and demonstrate the ability of the candidate to do independent research of high quality.

Final Examination. A final oral examination in defense of the dissertation is required. The examination covers the subject matter of the dissertation and the field most nearly corresponding with that of the dissertation.

The objective of the PhD degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accountancy is to prepare scholars to conduct high-quality research. Graduates teach in the fields of financial and managerial accounting, auditing, information systems, and taxation. This program allows students to develop the capability to review, analyze, conduct, and publish research through a series of research seminars and theory-building and statistical course work that supplement and complement students’ abilities and desires. In addition, PhD students participate in ongoing research projects in conjunction with faculty members in the School of Accountancy.

Admission. A completed application for admission to the PhD in Business Administration degree program must be submitted by the deadline of February 1. Admission is granted for the fall semester only. For more information, access the school of business Web site at wpcarey.asu.edu/grad/phd/phd_ba_concentrations.cfm.

Program of Study. See Doctor of Philosophy, for general requirements. The PhD degree program requires mathematical competence and computer skills. The program of study includes graduate study in economics, behavioral sciences, and quantitative/statistical analysis. A minimum of 30 semester hours of doctoral course work and 24 semester hours of dissertation and/or research are required to be taken at the Tempe campus.

Comprehensive Examinations. A written comprehensive examination is required once all course work has been completed. An oral examination after completion of the written examination is also a departmental option. Specific questions can be directed to the Accountancy faculty advisor.

Dissertation. The candidate must present an acceptable dissertation based on original investigation. The dissertation must represent a significant contribution to knowledge, be written in a scholarly manner, and demonstrate the ability of the candidate to do independent research of high quality. The final oral examination in defense of the dissertation is mandatory and must be held on the Tempe campus.

The objective of the PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in computer information systems is to prepare scholars for careers at leading educational institutions. This program allows students to develop the capability to review, analyze, conduct, and publish research through a series of research seminars and additional supporting course work. In addition, PhD students participate in ongoing research projects in conjunction with faculty members in the Department of Systems Information.

Admission. A completed application for admission to the PhD in Business Administration degree program must be submitted by the deadline of February 1. Admission is granted for the fall semester only. For more information, access the school of business Web site at wpcarey.asu.edu/grad/phd/phd_ba_concentrations.cfm.

Program of Study. See Doctor of Philosophy, for general requirements. The PhD degree program requires mathematical competence and computer skills. The program of study includes graduate study in economics, behavioral sciences, and quantitative/statistical analysis. A minimum of 30 semester hours of doctoral course work and 24 semester hours of dissertation and/or research are required to be taken at the Tempe campus.

Comprehensive Examinations. A written comprehensive examination is required once all course work has been completed. An oral examination after completion of the written examination is also a departmental option. Specific questions can be directed to the CIS faculty advisor.

Dissertation. The candidate must present an acceptable dissertation based on original investigation. The dissertation must represent a significant contribution to knowledge, be written in a scholarly manner, and demonstrate the ability of the candidate to do independent research of high quality. The final oral examination in defense of the dissertation is mandatory and must be held on the Tempe campus.

The faculty in the Department of Management offer students the opportunity to obtain a PhD degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management. The doctoral program places primary emphasis on the development of research competence and emphasizes teaching as a vehicle to academic professionalism. The mission of the program is to provide an environment that is conducive to the development of scholars who are prepared to assume the diverse responsibilities of positions at leading research universities. The goal is to prepare students for research careers in the academic community.

Doctoral students are encouraged to design an individually meaningful course of study within the larger context of the management field. Opportunities for doing this are available through course work, individual work with faculty members, and independent research and study. Students in the PhD program select a series of PhD course modules within the department and several supporting courses from other departments on campus. Students develop additional focus and expertise through collaboration on major papers with individual faculty members.

The faculty in the Department of Management cover the areas of human resource management, operations management, organizational behavior, organizational theory, and strategic management. The faculty’s research and teaching emphasizes corporate governance, high-tech management, knowledge management, quality, process management, strategic alliances, globalization, diversity, small business and entrepreneurship, change management, organizational identity, and human resource management practices in their research, consulting, and teaching. The faculty has distinguished itself with research and publications in premier journals. In a recent update of a study originally published in the Academy of Management Journal, ASU’s Department of Management climbed to third place internationally in research performance among journals, up from 21st place.

Further information, links to courses, current faculty, and updates on the Department of Management can be found on the Web at wpcarey.asu.edu/mgt.

Further information, application procedures, links to current faculty, and updates on the PhD program in Business with a concentration in management can be found at wpcarey.asu.edu/mgt/degree/phd_program_description.cfm.

Nature of the Program. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is designed for those who seek a broad, integrated program with an opportunity to prepare for leadership roles in business in the new century.

An emphasis is placed upon the following skills:

The MBA program is professionally accredited by the AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the nation’s leading accreditation agency for business schools. Rigorous entrance standards assure that all students are academically and professionally prepared for the demanding intellectual experience and the pace of each program. Faculty members are PhD-qualified as well as nationally and internationally recognized for their teaching, research, and business credentials.

The MBA program is designed for individuals who seek to expand their career opportunities and to move into leadership roles in organizations. The program has an innovative management training component called Leadership in Residency. This hands-on component includes projects with community-based partnerships, global awareness activities, 360 degree feedback assessment, and other skill development activities.

Offered on-campus at night, the program is flexible to accommodate the needs of working professionals and can be completed on a part-time basis in three years or on a full-time basis in two years. Students have the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of other students to hone their skills in coping with change. Students whose jobs and/or personal situations make it difficult to commit to a program that requires attendance every term find this program option particularly appealing.

Career Outlook. Graduates of the MBA program are finding steady demand for their skills in a rapidly changing economy. The MBA degree gives individuals an edge in the competitive global business environment. Graduates are working in leadership positions in many large multinational corporations, local companies, and leading nonprofit organizations.

Admission. Students with strong academic backgrounds, good GMAT scores, and demonstrated leadership potential are model candidates for the MBA program. Admission to the graduate program in business is open to

Application. A transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work and, where applicable, TOEFL scores must be received by the Office of Graduate Studies before an application can be considered. Letters of recommendation, a résumé, GMAT scores, and a personal statement must be sent to the MBA Program Office.

The application, application fee, and transcripts should be sent to

The priority application deadlines are April 15 for the summer session, June 15 for the fall semester, and November 1 for the spring semester. International students should apply by May 1 for fall semester and October 1 for spring semester.

All other information for admission processing should be sent to:

GPA and GMAT. Admission is partly based on GPA and Graduate Management Admission Test scores. The GMAT must be completed within five years of the date that the application is reviewed. To obtain an application for the test, call 609/771-7330, access the Web site at www.mba.com, or write

International Students. Students whose native language is not English and who have not completed a degree in a country whose native language is English are required to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language scores before admission. For more information, call 609/771-7330, or write

Admission Process. Each application for admission is reviewed, and the GPA, GMAT score, managerial experience, other work experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and application itself are weighed in the decision to admit a student. All applicants are notified of their status as soon as possible after the deadline.

Prerequisites. Although there are no prerequisites to the MBA program, students are expected to have strong mathematical skills, computer literacy, and good communication skills. “Strong mathematical skills” implies knowledge of basic calculus and statistics. “Computer literacy” implies working knowledge of spreadsheet programs, word processing, e-mail, the Internet, and simple Windows commands. Most of the computer work in the MBA program utilizes personal computers. “Good communication skills” implies the ability to write clearly and to prepare and deliver professional presentations. Students who are uncertain about the sufficiency of their knowledge level in any of these areas should meet with an MBA staff member.

Comprehensive Examinations. All students must successfully complete the comprehensive requirement established by Graduate Studies for the MBA degree. The comprehensive exam is integrated with MGT 593 Applied Project. Students completing this course with a grade of “B” (3.00) or higher satisfy the comprehensive exam requirement.

Course Requirements. The MBA program of study includes courses designed to provide a foundation in business knowledge and skills. Many of these courses are prerequisites for classes to be taken in subsequent semesters.

Courses that build upon the business core outlined below are designed to focus on the further development of communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills required of effective business leaders.

The courses that compose the MBA program are as follows:

Waiver/Transfer Policy. Selected core courses (numbered 502) may be waived on the basis of a transcript evaluation if the student has completed an undergraduate major or minor (at least 18 semester hours) in the functional area within the last five years with a grade of “B” (3.00) or higher at an AACSB International-accredited institution. Students then take advanced courses in the subject area to maintain the total of 48 semester hours. In addition, nine hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another AACSB International-accredited program. Every student must complete a minimum of 48 semester hours, 39 of which must be completed in the School of Global Management and Leadership.

Given the wide array of disciplines housed in the School of Global Management and Leadership, faculty members investigate issues and challenges surrounding finance, accounting, marketing, information systems, and leadership and management in organizations. Examples include consumer behavior in budget allocation decisions, pricing financial instruments, the impact of directors’ equity ownership on corporate governance, teenage consumer behavior patterns, the nature of effective CEO leadership, inter-firm collaboration and its effects on costs, the effects of multi-source feedback, supply chain management, and the economic impact of casino gambling. Faculty members have published works in a wide array of specialized areas, including risk management, information security, internal controls, cost measurement and allocation, auditing, and tax compliance and policy. All contribute to the management field and the advancement of business theory and practice.