A part-time, accelerated PhD program that combines real-world business with world-class research
Today's business executives face unprecedented challenges that require uncommon leadership and the ability to gain deep insight into the issues that define the global economy.
Bentley's part-time Executive PhD in Business delivers an intellectually rigorous and critically relevant academic opportunity for seasoned professionals. The program develops a new breed of high-achieving industry leaders who combine business acumen with a research-driven mindset. Graduates will earn more than a valuable credential. They will gain the rare ability to identify the most consequential of challenges, the analytical toolset to reach data-driven decisions, and the insights to manage change in any business or organization.
Program Attributes
Part-Time
Earn your PhD on a schedule that allows you to maintain your high-powered career and busy life.
Accelerated
Graduate in three years, far faster than traditional five-year PhD programs.
Flexible
Virtual classes can be taken from home, the office, or anywhere you want. Face-to-face sessions bring students and faculty together twice each semester.
Cohort-Based
Grow your network by studying with the same dedicated group of peer business leaders over the course of your program.
Learn more and take the next step
Why an Executive PhD?
Why Bentley?
Proven Reputation
A history of educating and elevating business leaders who make an immediate and lasting impact across all industries.
Expert Faculty
World-class researchers in fields such as leadership, experience design, business analytics, accounting, entrepreneurship and more.
Leading Technology
Access to an unmatched collection of learning labs, where you will leverage the latest data, research and modeling tools.
Program Structure
Program Information and Details
The Executive PhD in Business is a part-time, accelerated and flexible three-year program that will allow you to earn a doctorate while continuing to grow your career.
To learn details of the program, view our curriculum map, and learn about the program's three focus areas (Leadership, Business Analytics, and Experience Design), please visit the curriculum page.
Admission Requirements
- Master’s degree required
- Minimum eight years work experience
- Demonstrated leadership experience in business
Application Requirements (Application Opens on October 2, 2023)
- Résumé
- All academic transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores (optional)
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Interview
- Application fee ($150)
Following the initial application:
- Finalists will be invited to participate in a research webinar and asked to submit an 8 to 10 page research proposal. This research proposal will serve as an early preview of a dissertation topic.
Deadlines
- Early admission deadline of January 4, 2024
- Final deadline of March 13, 2024
- Finalists will be notified of advancing to the next round on a rolling basis.
- The program is designed to be completed in three years over the course of nine semesters. The total cost of the three-year program is $153,000, or $17,000 per semester.
- The program cost includes tuition, books and software.
- Students are responsible for the cost of travel and lodging associated with attending the required immersion weekends.
Learn more about Tuition and Fees, Refund Policy, Payment and Financing Options
How does this program differ from Bentley’s PhD in Business and PhD in Accounting?
This program allows students to maintain their career while earning their PhD in a flexible, accelerated, part-time format.
What are the on-campus requirements?
In years one and two of the program, there are a pair of two-day residential immersion experiences on Friday/Saturday each semester, including summers.
How do I find a faculty adviser?
Students will meet a variety of faculty during their orientation and will be matched with faculty advisers in their first semester.
How do the three focus areas work with the PhD?
Students will pick one of these areas (Leadership, Business Analytics, Experience Design) for course work and research leading toward their dissertation.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application process for this program extremely competitive. We encourage all students to complete their application as early as possible. The early admission application deadline is January 4, 2024. All other applications are due by March 13, 2024.
Work With World-Class Experts
Dr. William Gribbons
Teaching interests include: Human Factors; Product Strategy and Innovation; Design Ethics
Dr. Tatiana Manolova
Teaching interests include: Competitive Strategy; Global Strategy; International Entrepreneurship
Dr. Mingfei Li
Teaching interests include: Applied Statistics; Applied Game Theory; Health and Business Analysis
for more information
Jill A. Brown (PhD, University of Georgia) is the Hieken Professor of Business Ethics and Professor of management at Bentley University. Her scholarly interests include ethics, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, corporate governance and strategic leadership. Prior to her career in academia, Brown was a commercial banker and consultant.