Graduate Bulletin

Business Administration/Tourism and Sport, Ph.D.

FOX SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: January 15

Applications for the Ph.D. program are all processed together after the deadline.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with the student's academic competence.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

A master's degree in a Business or Tourism/Sport discipline is required.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.

Statement of Goals:

The Statement of Goals should be approximately 500-1,000 words and should include the following elements: the student's specific interest in Temple's program; research goals; future career goals; and academic and research achievements.

Standardized Test Scores:

The GMAT or GRE is required. A minimum score at or above average does not ensure admission to the program.

Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted: 600 paper-based, 250 computer-based, or 100 internet-based. Minimum IELTS Academic score:  6.5.

Interview:

The interview requirement can be fulfilled either in person or via telephone. Interviews are scheduled for those students who meet all other admission standards.

Resume:

A current resume is required.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:

Total Number of Didactic Credits Required to Earn the Degree:  48

The Ph.D. concentration in Tourism and Sport consists of 15 courses, including four seminars exclusive to Tourism and Sport, and two pro-seminars and workshops on various topics, including teaching and statistical software. Programs of study may be individualized to a significant degree. The student and advisor work together to create an appropriate program for the students' best professional and scholarly development.

Ph.D./BA Common Core:

BA 9103:  Economic Theory of Choice

STAT 8112:  Statistical Methods for Business Research I

Theoretical Foundations:

Students must take at least four to five foundation theoretical courses from the following lists:

Theoretical Foundations in Economics:

BA 9104:  Game Theory

BA 9108:  Capital Markets Research

BA 9205:  Information Economics

BA 9301:  Financial Economics

Theoretical Foundations in Key Management Disciplines:

BA 9201:  Organization and Management Theory

IB 9001:  Theories of International Business

Theoretical Foundations in the Behavioral and Social Sciences:

Courses may be selected from other departments in the University with the approval of the Concentration Advisor and the Ph.D./BA Program Director. Twenty-four potential courses are offered in such programs as Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Management Information Systems, Risk Management and Insurance, and Strategic Management. New Fox theoretical foundation courses may also be proposed and submitted for approval. Courses are reviewed by the Doctoral Programs Committee.

Methodological Foundations:

Students must take at least three methodological foundation courses from the following:

BA 9002:  Scientific Inquiry in Management Research

BA 9105:  Econometric Analysis I

BA 9106:  Econometric Analysis II

BA 9201:  Quantitative Research Methods

BA 9202:  Qualitative Research Methods and Theory Building

STAT 8108:  Applied Multivariate Analysis I

STAT 8113:  Statistical Methods for Business Research II

STAT 8114:  Time Series Analysis and Forecasting

Tourism and Sport Concentration Requirements:

THM 9001:  Research Seminar

THM 9002:  Seminar in Theory Development:  Tourism and Sport Concepts

THM 9004:  Seminar in Culture and Communication

THM 9090:  Special Topics in Tourism and Sport

Internship: No internship is required.

Language Examination: No language examination is required.

Culminating Events:

Statistics Competency Examination:

An assessment of the students' proficiency in statistical theory and methodology is made at the end of their first year in the program with an exam offered in June. Students who fail the statistics competency examination on the first attempt must sit for reexamination prior to the Fall semester of their second year. A second failure results in dismissal from the University. No third attempt is allowed.

Concentration Preliminary Examination:

All students are required to take and pass a preliminary examination. The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the student's ability to synthesize the substantive areas in her/his concentration. Passing the examination requires the student to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the topic as to be able to produce a defensible proposal and dissertation. During the period of time between completion of coursework and passing the preliminary examination, the student must be continuously enrolled for a minimum of one credit per semester of THM 9994:  Preliminary Exam Prep. The Preliminary Examination Committee determines the level of performance required to meet this criteria.

Students take this examination after all coursework is completed (and all Is and NRs have been resolved) and the statistics competency examination has been passed. Students must, however, take their preliminary examination within six months of completion of their coursework. Thus, students should expect to take this exam during the Summer following their second year in the program or the Fall of their third year in the program. (Please note that some concentrations also require a formal research project that must be completed prior to taking this examination. These requirements do not extend the six-month requirement for taking the exam.)

Once students have passed the preliminary examination, they have five years to complete the dissertation. Failure to do so requires the student to retake and pass a preliminary examination to remain in good academic standing. This rule does not extend the requirement that the program be completed within seven years.

Students who fail the preliminary examination on the first attempt are permitted to sit for reexamination no later than six months after being notified of the failure. A member of the Preliminary Examination Committee provides feedback by identifying areas of failure and suggestions for remediation. A second failure results in dismissal from the University. No third attempt is allowed.

Proposal:

The dissertation proposal demonstrates the student's knowledge of and ability to conduct the proposed research. The proposal should consist of the following: (a) the context and background surrounding a particular research problem; (b) an exhaustive survey and review of literature related to the problem; and (c) a detailed methodological plan for investigating the problem. The proposal should be completed and approved no more than one year after completing coursework. Upon approval, a timeline for completing the investigation and writing process is established.

Dissertation:

The doctoral dissertation is an original empirical study that makes a significant contribution to the field. It should expand the existing knowledge and demonstrate the student's knowledge of both research methods and a mastery of her/his primary area of interest. Dissertations should be rigorously investigated; uphold the ethics and standard of the field; demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the primary area of interest and the broader field of business; and be prepared for publication in an academic journal.

The Doctoral Advisory Committee is formed to oversee the student's doctoral research and is comprised of at least three Graduate Faculty members. Two members, including the Chair, must be from the student's department. The Chair is responsible for overseeing and guiding the student's progress, coordinating the responses of the Committee members, and informing the student of her/his academic progress.

The Dissertation Examining Committee evaluates the student's dissertation and oral defense. This committee is comprised of the Doctoral Advisory Committee and at least one additional Graduate Faculty member from outside the department. The Dissertation ExaminingCommittee evaluates the student's ability to express verbally her/his research question, methodological approach, primary findings, and implications. The Committee votes to pass or fail the dissertation and the defense at the conclusion of the public presentation.

Students who are preparing to defend their dissertation should confirm a time and date with their Dissertation Examining Committee and register with the Graduate Secretary at least 15 days before the defense is to be scheduled. The Graduate Secretary arranges the time, date, and room within two working days, and forwards to the student the appropriate forms. After the Graduate Secretary has arranged the time, date, and room for the defense, the student must send to the Graduate School a completed "Announcement of Dissertation Defense" form at least 10 days before the defense. The Department posts flyers announcing the defense.

If any member decides to withdraw from the committee, the student shall notify the chair of the dissertation committee and the Director of the Ph.D./BA program. The student is responsible to find a replacement, in consultation with her/his chair. Inability to find a replacement shall constitute evidence that the student is unable to complete the dissertation. In such a case, the student may petition the Director of the Ph.D./BA program for a review. Once a review of the facts and circumstances is completed, the Director rules on the student's progress. If the Director rules that the student is not capable of completing the dissertation, s/he is dismissed from the program. This decision may be appealed to the Senior Associate Dean at the Fox School of Business and Management. If a student is dismissed, s/he may appeal to the Graduate School.

Contacts

Program Contact Information:

http://sbm.temple.edu/phd/phd-admin.html

http://sthm.temple.edu/phd/

Department Information:

Fox School of Business and Management

A337 Alter Hall

1801 Liacouras Walk

Philadelphia, PA 19122

215-204-7043

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Stephanie Vishab, Esq.

Associate Director
stephanie.vishab@temple.edu

215-204-7043

Program Director:

Dr. William Aaronson

william.aaronson@temple.edu

215-204-8128

Program Coordinator for Tourism:

Dr. Daniel R. Fesenmaier
drfez@temple.edu
215-204-5611

Program Coordinator for Sport:

Dr. R. Aubrey Kent
aubkent@temple.edu
215-204-3810

Associate Dean:

Dr. Elizabeth H. Barber
betsyb@temple.edu
215-204-6294

About the Program

The Ph.D. in Business Administration program prepares students for advanced research and scholarship. The primary emphasis of our program is to prepare future faculty members for successful academic careers, although many of our alumni are also employed in government, industry, and consulting.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years

Campus Location:

Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

Students are able to complete the degree program through classes offered after 4:30 p.m.

Department Information:

Fox School of Business and Management

A337 Alter Hall

1801 Liacouras Walk

Philadelphia, PA 19122

215-204-7043

http://sbm.temple.edu/phd/phd-admin.html

http://sthm.temple.edu/phd/

Interdisciplinary Study:

This Ph.D. program is designed to be interdisciplinary with all management tracks within the Fox School of Business and Management. The degree program's strength lies in this interdisciplinary focus.

Affiliation(s):

The Tourism and Sport faculty are conducting research for the following agencies: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Berks County (PA) Convention and Visitors Bureau, Special Olympics of America, and Travel Tourism Industry of America.

Study Abroad:

No.

Ranking:

The Fox School of Business and Management is highly ranked. Current ranking information may be viewed at www.sbm.temple.edu/ranking/.

Accreditation:

Not applicable.

Areas of Specialization:

The primary focus of the Tourism and Sport faculty is on empirical research in information technology, tourism destination marketing, corporate social responsibility, and participant sports. In particular, Tourism and Sport faculty have received significant research funding to perform studies on travel and tourism patterns, as well as travel decisions based on website design. The faculty's varied research interests are conducive to multiple management disciplines within the tourism and sport industries.

Job Placement:

The program is primarily dedicated to producing well-trained researchers who will work in academic positions.

Licensure:

Not applicable.

Non-Degree Student Policy:

Non-matriculated students are not permitted to take doctoral courses.

Financing Opportunities

Assistantships are the centerpiece of the program's mentorship philosophy.  They require 20 hours of service per week, which can include teaching and supervised research. An assistantship provides a stipend and tuition remission.

Updated 10.16.09