PhD in International Business New England campus experience
Experienced professors
Career-relevant curriculum
Academic and career support
Program Overview Why get an international business doctoral degree on campus?
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 can help you reach your goal. Tailored to fit your demanding schedule or career, this research-oriented program combines international business seminars with methodology courses, advanced research courses and doctoral colloquiums to give you a well-rounded advanced business education.
Skills you'll learn:
- Knowledge of international business theories
- Application of theories and methodologies
- Development of independent research skills
- Application of qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Oral and written communication skills
- How to present and publish scholarly research
Courses & Curriculum Get an international education with on-campus business courses
As a full-time student in the international business doctoral program, you'll work with and learn from experienced School of Business faculty members on our vibrant Manchester, New Hampshire campus. You'll develop extensive theoretical knowledge and expand your independent thinking capabilities with a hands-on, interactive education that goes beyond the classroom.
The curriculum for this conventional, campus-based program consists of 3 stages: coursework (42 credits), a comprehensive examination (1 credit) and dissertation research and writing (3 credits). To successfully complete the program, you must meet all degree requirements within 8 years of your start date, including completion of 46 graduate credits with a 3.0 or better GPA and attendance at doctoral research day in fall and spring semesters.
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members bring with them decades of knowledge and experience in international business. They look forward to supporting your journey in the classroom as you work toward a career in international business.
Charlotte Broaden
Title
Professor, International Business
Joined SNHU
1992
Education
- DBA in International Business from Southern New Hampshire University
- MS in International Business from New Hampshire College
- BA in Interpersonal Communication & Management from Marquette University
Prior to her academic career, Dr. Charlotte Broaden worked as an international human resource executive for several multinational firms. Broaden was responsible for recruiting and placing global talent. She is a NASBITE International Certified Global Business Professional and is a member of the Foreign Direct Investment Association. As a Fulbright Scholar in 2015-2016, she spent a year teaching and conducting research at the University of Botswana. She also taught in Dubai, UAE and Athens, Greece. Her current research focuses on international entrepreneurship and trade, foreign direct investment and management practices.
Bülent Aybar
Title
Professor, Finance | Director, International Business PhD Programs
Joined SNHU
1998
Education
- PhD in International Finance from Ohio State University
With teaching and research interests in international corporate finance and business, Dr. Bülent Aybar's doctoral-level teaching focuses on multinational corporate finance and economic reform and growth in emerging markets. Aybar teaches graduate seminars in the U.S. and abroad and previously taught at Harvard Summer School, Rochester Institute of Technology, Azerbaijan State University of Economics and Istanbul University. He serves as a referee for, and his publications have appeared in, journals such as Emerging Markets Review and the Journal of International Business Studies. He is a member of the Academy of International Business, the European International Business Academy and the European Finance Association.
To learn more about SNHU faculty, visit our campus faculty page.
Campus major courses
You’ll take major courses that provide you with a solid foundation in your area of study – in some cases featuring experiential or project-based learning opportunities, labs, simulations and internships. These courses will allow you to learn a wide variety of topics and help prepare you for a role in your desired field.
Courses may include:
Visit the course catalog to view the full PhD in International Business curriculum.
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Whether you’re looking to continue your education locally or traveling across the world to experience SNHU, you can apply now. We can’t wait to meet you!
Career Outlook What can I do with a doctorate in international business?
As a graduate of this PhD program, you'll be uniquely positioned to influence the ideas and actions of others. You may choose to pursue an executive-level business career, a faculty career in higher education or a career as a researcher in a research center.
Career paths include:
- College faculty member
- Business executive
- Community leader
- Researcher
- Entrepreneur
Median annual income in May 2023 for postsecondary business teachers at colleges, universities and professional schools, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
SNHU's PhD in International Business is a cohort program, meaning you'll start and progress though your program with the same group of peers. This collaborative approach gives you a learning environment filled with diverse experiences and backgrounds and allows your peers to become a source of support and encouragement as you work your way toward the finish line together.
Student support
At SNHU, you'll never have to worry about feeling alone. Here, you’ll have help from your advisors, access to tutoring and office hours, career coaching, and mental health services so you can do your best and feel your best.
Additionally, our Office of Diversity Programs, International Student Services and Campus Accessibility Center make campus an inclusive place for everyone. Visit our Student Services page to learn more about our support offerings.
Small class sizes
With small class sizes, you’ll learn in an environment where professors with real world experience know you by name.
Here, you’re not getting lost in giant lecture halls, but instead, actively participating in thoughtful dialogue where you’re always encouraged to collaborate with your peers and ask questions when they arise.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our 300-acre campus has everything you need. From technology-advanced classroom settings to your dorms complete with fitness centers and hangout spots, our goal is to give you the best college experience possible.
Whether you’re learning in a classroom, in a lab, on the field, or in your field, you’ll have what you need to be successful from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your textbooks.
School of Business Learn about the School of Business
In the School of Business, you’ll tackle real-world business challenges with the help of your experienced professors. From interning with local sports teams to learning the ins and outs of starting your own business, you can hone your skills through peer collaboration, case studies and participating in business competitions. Whether you’re focusing on an organization’s finances, marketing, technology or leadership, you’ll get firsthand experience from day one.
Business simulations
Sales immersion lab
Pitch competitions
How SNHU makes college affordable
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're on a mission to make high-quality education more accessible with more affordable tuition. With 70+ career-focused majors, state-of-the-art facilities, D2 sports and over 70 student clubs and organizations, you can get the campus experience you've always dreamed of at a more affordable price.
Hear from us
Charlotte Broaden, Professor, International Business
Accreditations
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE). This accreditation applies to the institution as a whole and encompasses our academic programs. Our degrees are recognized internationally as United States-accredited degrees. More information about our accreditations can be found on the accreditations page.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE). This accreditation applies to the institution as a whole and encompasses our academic programs. Our degrees are recognized internationally as United States-accredited degrees. More information about our accreditations can be found on the accreditations page.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.
This program is for individuals who want to earn a Ph.D. with a focus on doctoral-level scholarship in international business and research. Applicants are expected to hold a Master's degree and may come from a variety of related fields. The campus-based program is designed for domestic and international students who wish to engage in learning alongside faculty as full-time students. Classes are typically held in the evenings and during the week.
This program has one admittance date which is the Fall term. The application deadline for this is June 30. Applications received in full after the deadline may be considered for admission into the program on a case-by-case basis.
Applications are typically reviewed by a committee of faculty. If approved in this initial review, applicants may be invited to interview for acceptance into the program.
Domestic Students:
- Related master's degree from accredited university or college
- Transcripts from previous universities or colleges
- $40 non-refundable application fee (applicants may petition for a waiver)
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Résumé
International Students (in addition to domestic student requirements):
- Proof of English proficiency as evidenced by:
- TOEFL score of 71 or higher
- IELTS score of 6.0 or higher (sub scores: ≥ 5.5)
- Duolingo score of 100
- Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by NACES or AICE approved evaluators
Test scores are required for immediate acceptance. Prospective students can be offered conditional acceptance without test scores, converting to full acceptance upon successful demonstration of academic ability.
Transfer credits at the doctoral level may be accepted for up to one-third of the total program credits. Transferring credits must equate to full course credit hour requirements. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and require program director approval.
Yes, financial aid is available if a student is taking three (3) credits or more per term. A graduate student must be accepted to our program to be eligible for financial aid.
Note: International applicants must provide documentation of their ability to meet the costs of the program. These costs are indicated on the I-20 form. The costs may appear to be somewhat higher than the total of tuition and room and board because they also include such general expenses as health insurance, textbooks, pocket money, etc.
Within the program, there are opportunities to focus on specific topics of personal and professional interest. Examples include fields such as Business Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Leadership, or Information Technology.
After successfully completing comprehensive exams, students enroll each term in the doctoral dissertation colloquium. The dissertation is based on a student's research and is expected to contribute to their area of study. Each student has a dissertation committee, normally consisting of a minimum of four faculty members.
Doctoral colloquiums provide a forum for students to discuss their dissertation research and help monitor their progress in completing their dissertations. Once a student completes the research and the final draft and receives approval, they will give an oral presentation. A student must receive approval from all members of their dissertation committee in order to successfully complete the doctoral program.
The program is designed to take approximately 4 years. You have eight years to complete your program from the time you begin the first course. This includes the completion of the required course of study, comprehensive exams, and the dissertation.
On campus: Classes typically meet at night but may be scheduled during daytime periods. All classes are structured to meet face-to-face with faculty members of Southern New Hampshire University who hold a terminal degree.
Currently required doctoral courses include but are not limited to:
INT 800 - Foreign Direct Investment
INT 801 - Foundations for Advanced International Business Study
INT 810 - Privatization, Economic Reform and Growth in Emerging Markets
INT 820 - Seminar in Multinational Finance
INT 830 - Seminar in Globalization
INT 840 - Seminar in Multinational Marketing
INT 850 - Seminar in Global Business Strategy
INT 880 - Advanced Quantitative Methods/International Business I
INT 881 - Advanced Quantitative Methods/ International Business II
INT 889 - Comprehensive Exams
INT 890 - Doctoral Colloquium
DOC 950 - Dissertation Status
9 credit(s) from subject(s): FIN IT, MKT, OL, BUS, INT, or MBA within the range of course numbers 500 - 999. Students and faculty mentors may design an area of specialization related to business fields such as Business Analytics, Finance, or Marketing to name a few. Upon successful completion of coursework, students must take a comprehensive exams and complete a dissertation. The time allotted for preparation for comprehensive exam and finalization of dissertation work vary from student to student, and may add some time to the overall duration of the program.
During most academic terms, students in this doctoral program will take two to three 3-credit courses. After the successful completion of comprehensive exams, students enroll in dissertation colloquium courses each term.
Applicants are encouraged to read articles about the field prior to applying for the program. Articles can be found in many journals including but not limited to the Journal of International Business Studies, available at the Academy of International Business website.
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.
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. Make sure you give serious consideration to which degree best suits your needs and career aspirations. SNHU does not currently offer a DBA.
Sources & Citations
1Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes251011.htm (viewed Oct. 22, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
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