Frequently Asked Questions
The Executive Ph.D. program is not a stand-alone but a concentration within Pamplin's Ph.D. in Business. Thus, the curriculum is on par with the full-time program, but the schedule is adapted so students may take it part-time and continue in their full-time professional roles.
You earn the same degree but on a part-time basis, with classes conducted in person and online. As of January 2025, in-person classes (in-person residencies) occur at the VT Innovation Campus in Alexandria, VA.
Full-time programs typically offer tuition assistance in exchange for performing research or teaching assistantships. While the Executive Ph.D. program does not provide standard assistantship packages in this part-time program, which is designed for mid-career professionals, we occasionally offer select teaching fellowships or scholarships. These opportunities are contingent to the program needs and funding and are awarded to candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic merit or bring substantial military and/or senior management experience. We evaluate these opportunities on a case-by-case basis as the opportunities become available.
HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
WHERE are you based?
The program is based in Northern Virginia at VT’s Innovation Campus in Alexandria, VA. Program staff and faculty can be found at the Pamplin College of Business.
Street Address: 3625 Potomac Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305
DO YOU PROVIDE TEACHING EXPERIENCE?
A limited number of compensated TA/tutor assignments may be available based on faculty needs each year. We offer these to students who have completed at least one semester or more of the program.
Students planning to pursue an academic career with their degree should anticipate possessing teaching experience is expected. To obtain that experience, we encourage our students to apply for adjunct teaching positions within the Northern Virginia Community College system (if living in the DMV region) or to apply for positions in their state of residence.
WHAT DO STUDENTS DO AFTER EARNING THIS DEGREE?
Graduates of the program pursue full-time positions in academia as professors, part-time positions, and/or continue in their professional careers with their newly acquired skills and knowledge of business research.
DO YOU ACCEPT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?
Yes, but students are required to attend 10 in-person residencies in the U.S. during the first two years of the program. Students must already have a visa that qualifies them to remain in the United States. Because this is a hybrid, part-time program, students do not qualify for an F-1 visa. International students who want to apply must be able to maintain a VISA through family or their employer.
In doctoral education, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is often regarded as the "gold standard" for achieving academic learning outcomes. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), widely considered as a professional doctorate degree, was designed to develop doctoral level award to address the needs of career in senior management. On the other hand, a PhD in business prepares individuals for research-focused roles and academic careers, particularly as faculty members in higher education. While both degrees emphasize academic rigor, the PhD is primarily oriented toward contributing to scholarly knowledge, whereas the DBA focuses on advancing the practice of management and making impact on the industry. In a PhD program, students typically engage in both applied and basic research as the focus is on publishable research, while DBA students more often deal with applied research that contributes to the practice of management and a difference in the industry.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) often considers a PhD essential for academic career progression, as it emphasizes the creation of new knowledge. The distinction between PhD and DBA can be summarized as a PhD degree intended to develop 'professional researchers' while DBA intended to develop 'researching professionals'.
The program is designed to be completed in three years: Years 1 and 2 are dedicated largely to completing the required coursework and Year 3 is focused on conducting and defending their dissertation research.
Because students who enter our program also have other life responsibilities, we encourage our students to anticipate program completion may take longer depending on outside demands on their time. To ensure students do not face setbacks in their progress, we encourage applicants to check their schedules with the academic calendar.