Ph.D. in Business Administration - Executive Leadership
Program Information
Program Mission
We develop strong leaders who will use research-based strategies to inspire people and positively transform organizations and communities.
Why this degree?
The Ph.D. in Business Administration Executive Leadership program within the Department of Management at Clemson's Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business is led by top researchers who deliver an innovative portfolio of courses to take your executive career to the next level. Our unique program takes a "deep dive" into leadership to enable you to pursue a research agenda fueled by your interests in solving real issues and inspiring meaningful change.
We take an evidence-based approach to leadership with the intent to produce thought leaders who excel at intellectual, interpersonal and strategic pursuits in an ever-changing, multicultural environment. Graduates of the program are qualified for faculty positions in academic settings where they can share their knowledge with future business leaders. Additionally, graduates may return to the industry and utilize advanced research techniques to transform organizations as well as apply innovative solutions to complex business problems.
The Executive Ph.D. Difference
The Ph.D. in Business Administration Executive Leadership at Clemson differs from most traditional executive doctoral programs in that we intentionally ensure our students gain exposure to and demonstrate competency in conducting high-quality research. Through qualifying exams, working one-on-one with faculty in advanced research practicums to produce publishable work and completing a comprehensive dissertation, students gain the necessary skills to lead rigorous research projects both within and outside academia.
Program Structure:
Year 1: Declarative and Foundational Knowledge
Year 2: Procedural Knowledge - Putting Research into Action
Year 3: Dissertation Demonstration of Research Mastery and Application for Problem Solving
Overview
The program is offered in a hybrid format with virtual class meetings and 3-day residencies three times per semester (9 per year). It is designed to be completed in three years over nine semesters while attending fall, spring and summer terms.
- Core curriculum covers organizational behavior, strategic management, entrepreneurship and a comprehensive spectrum of research methods courses taught by senior researchers in these fields.
- Leadership Curriculum covers individual, team, cross-cultural and strategic leadership theory and content.
- Students complete a year-long research practicum with the intent to publish research at the practicum's conclusion.
- Doctoral dissertations are conducted one-on-one with a faculty research advisor.
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Curriculum Overview and Structure
Timeline Semester Course Summer Philosophy of Science Bootcamp Year 1 Fall Quantitative Methods 1 Strategic Management Seminar Research Methods Spring Quantitative Methods II Organizational Behavior Seminar Organizational Theory Summer Qualitative Methods Leading Self Social Influence, Creativity, Innovation Year 2 Fall Data Analytics Leading Teams Advanced Research Practicum I Spring Advanced Research Topics Leading Start-ups Advanced Research Practicum II Summer Leading Across Cultures Leading Organizations Advanced Research Practicum III Comprehensive Exam (June) Year 3 Sign up for Teaching Workshops & Complete six out of the nine resource segments (via weblink): Fall Dissertation I Spring Dissertation II Summer Dissertation III -
Residency Schedule 2026-2027
All residencies are held on Clemson's main campus in Powers Hall in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Semester Date Program Fall Aug. 20-22 Welcome/Orientation and Philosophy of Science Bootcamp (Clemson Main Campus - New students only) Sept. 24-26 Residency 1 Oct. 29-31 Residency 2 Dec. 3-5 Residency 3 Spring Feb. 11-13 Residency 1 April 1-3 Residency 2 April 22-24 Residency 3 Summer May 13-15 Residency 1 June 24-26 Residency 2 July 8-10 Residency 3 -
Admissions
Application Deadline: Oct. 1 for Early Admission (Priority); Feb. 1 for Regular Decision for Fall enrollment. Applications will be considered after the early admission priority deadline of Oct. 1, provided space is available. NOTE: In the application portal, this program is listed as "Ph.D. in Business Administration," then select the concentration in Executive Leadership.
Requirements:
- Extensive industry and managerial experience.
- Keen understanding of current challenges faced by organizations and leaders.
- Proven leadership, astute critical thinking, and excellent written and verbal communication.
- Distinguished academic record with a master's degree or higher from an accredited university.
- Statement of Purpose (why you are applying to this program)
- GMAT or GRE is not required.
- Mandatory participation in the Research Workshop
Application Checklist:
- Online application
- Support Materials
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose Essay
- Transcripts
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
Research Workshop: This is a mandatory event held in October/November for early admission candidates and in February/March for regular decision candidates, where applicants come to campus for an introduction to organizational science research and theory and are asked to complete a short research assignment.
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Cost and Assistance
The cost for tuition, if completed in three years, is $167,000. Students are responsible for books, professional dues and conference registration fees, travel, lodging and meals for residencies except for breakfast, lunch and occasional receptions during the residencies.
Financial aid is available in the form of student loans. For more information on this option, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid on the University's main campus via phone at 864-656-2280 or by email.
*These fees are subject to increase at the discretion of the University or Board of Trustees. If either mandates a change in the fee, the change typically occurs in July of each year in conjunction with state budget decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a part-time version of the program available?
No, this is a full-time, three-year, research-focused program.Is there a marketing, finance, or operations track?
No, our program focuses on leadership. Courses will be focused on leading individuals, teams, organizations and cross-cultural scenarios, along with a range of research methods classes to support research in these areas.Can I teach while I am in the program?
While there are typically no opportunities to teach at Clemson during the program, as is customary in a traditional Ph.D. program, we do encourage students interested in teaching to reach out to local colleges and universities for adjunct opportunities.Are scholarships or assistantships available?
No, scholarships or assistantships are not available. This is a non-traditional Ph.D. program that allows students to 'keep their day jobs' by not requiring typical work-study options that accompany assistantship or scholarship options. The student fully funds the program.
