Skip to main content

PhD in International Business

Bring a Global Perspective to Your Business or Academic Career with an International Business PhD

Whether your focus is on pursuing an executive level career in applied business or a teaching career in higher education, earning a PhD in International Business from Southern New Hampshire University is a great way to take the next step toward your goal. Grow your expertise as you develop extensive theoretical knowledge and expand your independent thinking capabilities in this research-oriented program. You’ll participate in international business seminars complemented by methodology courses that will help give you a hands-on, interactive education that goes beyond the classroom.

SNHU’s PhD in International Business is a cohort program, giving you the opportunity to progress and build community with a group of your peers. The program may be completed in one of two formats:

  • Conventional Campus-Based Program. A conventional campus-based program is the traditional university educational model. Prospective students will be admitted as full-time students. They will work with our School of Business faculty on our vibrant Manchester, NH campus. Campus program students are required to live in the region to complete their program in as few as 5 years.
  • Executive Low-Residency Program. An executive low-residency program combines online and campus-based experiences, designed for working business professionals. Students will meet with faculty in-person on the Manchester, NH campus once a month on a Saturday (four times per semester). and participate in a mandatory summer residency week during their coursework stage. Executive low-residency program can earn their PhD in as few as 4.5 years. The low-residency model is not available for international students. (Note: this program will be on pause starting Fall 2024)

The International Business PhD programs only have a fall intake term. Both programs admit applicants for the Fall semester ONCE a year. The application cycle will open in August each year, and the application deadline is the February 20th.

See Yourself Succeed with a PhD in International Business

SNHU's PhD in International Business strives to meet the needs of all students while accommodating those with demanding schedules and careers. The program is tailored to those who wish to develop their scholarly knowledge in pursuit of future professional and academic goals. Graduates of this program are in a position to influence the ideas and actions of others through positional or non-positional leadership opportunities. Academics, executives, community leaders, leaders within nonprofit and government organizations, and local entrepreneurs are welcome to apply for program admission.

Cohort Model

The cohort learning environment offers a collaborative experience for individuals with diverse career experiences and backgrounds. Cohort members become a source of support and encouragement to one another. Each individual’s dissertation will be based on their interests.

As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of majoring in international business at SNHU include:

  • Supportive community. Join the SNHU community of learners who are closely connected with faculty and staff dedicated to your success.
  • Affordability. SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in the Northeast.
  • Accessible faculty. Learn from highly credentialed faculty members who are experts in their fields.

Should you earn a PhD in International Business or a DBA?

The answer depends on your interests and your career goals. Both degrees represent the highest level of academic achievement, and both degrees are highly respected in both the academic and business worlds. Additionally, both the PhD and DBA are advanced research degrees that involve conducting original research, analyzing data, and producing important findings.

But there are differences. The DBA is considered a professional doctorate, and the PhD is an academic doctorate. SNHU does not currently offer a DBA.

PhD research is focused on developing theories, addressing a gap between theories, or addressing a gap in the general body of knowledge. The PhD may be more appropriate if you are focused on a faculty career in higher education or a career as a researcher in a research center.

In contrast, DBAs focus on real-world organizational and business problems and involve original and secondary research to explore, examine, and address those problems. The DBA is primarily for those focused on a career in business and consulting. However, many DBAs do teach in colleges and universities.

It’s important to note that students in either program can study real-world problems.  PhD students might use a different set of methodologies or look at the problem from a broader scope in contrast to DBA students who may focus their research on a particular industry or company with a narrower lens.  However, any topic of interest in the international business field including but not limited to, multinational companies or managers engaged in international business is likely to be a viable research area for a SNHU PhD student.

Many of SNHU PhD graduates are enjoying careers in both business and academia.  

Curriculum

A significant part of the educational experience includes advanced research courses, doctoral colloquiums, and the completion of a dissertation. Through these experiences, learners, professors, and thought leaders gather to discuss their topics related to the field, focus on research, and provide a supportive learning environment.

Program Overview

Graduate Tuition

Earning your degree is a smart choice to advance your career, and investing in an affordable program increases your ROI. We keep our costs low to remove barriers between you and your goals.

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.

ACBSP logo

Related Articles

Melanie Martinez, 2023 graduate of SNHU’s MBA in Business Business program

SNHU Spotlight: Melanie Martinez, MBA in Music Business Grad

When Melanie Martinez '23MBA earned her Master's of Business Administration (MBA), she had a particular career path in mind. That's why she chose a concentration in music business. Thanks to her degree, now she's volunteering at a music company in Chicago and planning to move on up on the ranks.
Pamela Judd standing in her SNHU cap and gown

SNHU Spotlight: Pamela Judd, AS in Business Administration Grad

Pamela Judd earned an associate degree in business administration from SNHU while balancing work, kids — and 15 grandchildren. As the first person in her family to graduate with a college degree, she's hoping to serve as an inspiration to her family.
Stephen Hearn

SNHU Spotlight: Stephen Hearn, MS in Accounting Grad

Stephen Hearn wanted more than his bachelor's degree. He wanted to become a Certified Public Accountant, so he looked for a "reputable" business school and found SNHU's master's in accounting program.