Areas of Concentration
The accounting concentration increases the PhD student's understanding of accounting theory and accounting's relationship to other disciplines. The purpose and processes for conducting research are explored through methodology, coursework and seminars. Methods used to study accounting problems include mathematical modeling, empirical and econometric studies, and behavioral lab experiments.
   The finance program is a field of applied economics. The program is most suited to individuals interested in economics, mathematics or quantitative methods. Students spend their first year taking doctoral-level economics theory courses. Those without adequate quantitative backgrounds must take appropriate math or statistics courses. Students also take finance doctoral seminars during their first and second years in the program.
   The information and decision sciences concentration delivers high quality research and instruction in the area of information management as well as decision-making science. The information management function is concerned with the problems that arise in the development and use of information/communication technology. Information/decision-making science explores the methods, tools and approaches for acquiring, manipulating, retrieving and presenting knowledge in support of individual or group activities.
   The marketing and logistics management program's flexible structure provides doctoral students with both a common orientation to marketing or logistics issues, as well as an opportunity to pursue areas of specialized study. The program emphasizes skills in theory building and empirical research in both private and public sectors. Faculty members employ structured courses, doctoral seminars and individual projects in marketing or logistics and related areas.
   The operations and management science concentration develops practices that enable manufacturing and service firms to effectively utilize human resources, equipment, materials and capital. Students entering this program are encouraged to complete coursework in differential, integral, multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and probability and statistics.
   The PhD concentration in strategic management and organization builds on three primary areas, each of which has a strong international focus: the formulation and implementation of strategies; organization structure and process; and business, government and society. Students focus on only one of these three areas, but take courses in all three to develop a broad understanding of the management field.

Examinations and Dissertation
Following the completion of all required coursework, students complete both written and oral preliminary exams that gauge the depth and breadth of expertise in major, minor or supporting fields. Following completion of these exams, students begin dissertation research. Both the dissertation proposal and final dissertation must be orally defended before a faculty committee.