International Business and Marketing, Ph.D.

Welcome to the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business doctoral program at Saint Louis University, where we are dedicated to meeting the demands of today's global economy through education and research. In an increasingly interconnected world, international education and research have become indispensable. Our international business and marketing Ph.D. program is designed to equip SLU students with the tools they need to excel in this dynamic landscape. At the heart of our program lies a commitment to scholarly excellence and research-based learning so that you can make a meaningful impact through research, teaching, and public service. 

Program Highlights

1. Dual Emphasis Advantage: Our Ph.D. program uniquely emphasizes both international business and marketing disciplines, enhancing your versatility and employability in academia.
2. Four-Year Completion: With a manageable 54-credit curriculum, you can complete your doctoral journey in just four years, ensuring a comprehensive education without unnecessary delays.
3. Scholarships and Financial Aid: We believe in breaking down financial barriers. All admitted Ph.D. applicants, including international students, receive financial assistance, including tuition support, individual health insurance, in-state status, conference travel funds, and a generous annual stipend of $24,960.
4. Track Record of Success: Graduates of our program have achieved remarkable success in various academic institutions. Join our accomplished alumni and make your mark in the world. Explore our extensive list of student placements.
5. Application Deadline: Mark your calendar for the fall term application deadline on Jan. 15. Early submission is encouraged for the best chance of securing your spot in this prestigious program.
6. Recognized Excellence: Saint Louis University's Chaifetz School of Business is ranked #1 in the region and #9 in the country for graduate education in international business, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2022 Best Graduate School Rankings.
7. Accredited for Excellence: Our Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction achieved by only approximately 5% of business schools worldwide. When you choose SLU, you choose a program of the highest caliber.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's international business and marketing Ph.D. program consists of 54 credits. The curricular objective is the intellectual development of students through the advancement of research skills as well as the acquisition and application of knowledge. The combination of coursework, teaching, research seminar and dissertation experience is designed to provide students with a sound foundation for productive careers as business school academicians.

In addition, international business and marketing Ph.D. students at SLU are encouraged to participate in academic and professional conferences and work with faculty to develop their research and teaching skills further.

A primary objective of this Ph.D. program is the training of students in the design and conduct of rigorous research. A distinguishing feature of SLU's Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is our focus on preparing students to be effective teachers and mentors for the academic profession. Theoretical and methodological sophistication is achieved through coursework and research conducted with faculty and individually.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Chaifetz School of Business Ph.D. students are provided the opportunity to teach undergraduate courses as part of their graduate assistantship. They are expected to complete the requirements for certification in University Teaching through the Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning.

Careers

SLU's Ph.D. in international business and marketing offers students an intensive educational experience designed to prepare them for academic careers, typically as business school faculty.

Admission Requirements

A master’s degree in business or a related field and introductory coursework in calculus and statistics is recommended. New students with limited backgrounds in business may be required to take specific coursework to ensure sufficient preparation before progressing into required courses toward the doctorate.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once all application materials are received. All materials are due January 15. Application files are reviewed holistically (considering the applicant's undergraduate and graduate work, professional and/or academic experience, test scores and professional goal statement).

Application Requirements

• Online application form
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official GMAT or GRE scores
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement of fewer than 500 words

Requirements for International Students 

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.
• WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
• In order to be issued an I-20 for your F-1 visa application, students must submit financial documents. Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Review Process

A committee of faculty members reviews applications. All application materials must be submitted by Jan. 15.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarship and Financial Aid

Financial assistance for Ph.D. students in the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business usually is available to all admitted applicants, including international students. This is primarily in the form of half-time graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants typically work 20 hours per week in teaching and/or on research. These assignments are made based on the instructional needs of the department and the requirements of the current research projects. Any student who receives an assistantship receives tuition support for a normal doctoral load (nine credits for each of the fall and spring semesters and four credits in the summer), individual health insurance, in-state status and a monthly stipend.

Accreditation

The Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest business education alliance and accrediting body of business schools, ensuring continuous quality improvement in terms of curriculum, instructional resources, student selection, career placement and intellectual contributions and qualifications of the faculty. Approximately 5% of business schools worldwide have achieved AACSB accreditation. 

SLU's international business and marketing Ph.D. program, comprising 54 credits, aims to foster intellectual growth by advancing research skills and knowledge application. Our curriculum blends coursework, teaching, research seminars, and dissertation work, laying a solid foundation for successful careers in academia.

Furthermore, our Ph.D. students are encouraged to engage in academic and professional conferences and collaborate with faculty to enhance their research and teaching abilities.

Students must complete a set of required courses, a research minor, courses in a support area, and a dissertation that includes 12 credits of dissertation research.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

For additional admission questions, please contact:

Nitish Singh
Program director
nitish.singh@slu.edu