Marketing
PH.D. Program
The Haslam College of Business’ Ph.D. program in marketing aims to prepare students for impactful careers as academics at leading research universities.
Marketing
PH.D. Program
We emphasize collaborative student-faculty relationships, which are critical for helping students develop the skills necessary for a successful academic career. We keep our program small to ensure that students can – from the moment they arrive on campus – work closely with faculty mentors who share their research interests.
The program relies on research-oriented milestones (e.g., formal research proposal in year one, defense of second year paper) that fulfill requirements while allowing students to develop a robust research portfolio. This creates very competitive vitae for our graduates entering the job market.
Students self-select into a marketing strategy or consumer behavior research track, each of which includes a carefully selected individualized curriculum to support students’ particular interests.
Marketing PH.D.
Admissions
The marketing Ph.D. program is kept small to provide students with close interaction with our faculty and fellow students and normally only accepts one to two candidates per year. Students’ growth as scholars depends largely on guidance from their faculty mentor(s) and as such, we select applicants whose research interests are well-aligned with at least one member of our faculty.
Candidates must apply through UT’s Graduate School. The marketing Ph.D. application requires three references and a personal statement, as well as transcripts, GMAT/GRE scores, and resume. Applications can be submitted with unofficial transcripts and test scores; official versions are only required upon offers of acceptance.
Individuals of all backgrounds are welcome to apply so long as their motivation is consistent with the research focus of our program. We evaluate applicants based on a combination of factors, and place particular emphasis on applications’ personal statement, which should detail research interests, how they align with a current faculty member, skills and experience that prepare the candidate for research, and career objectives.
Marketing PH.D.
Requirements
Students without an MBA may be required to take some background courses (accounting, finance, marketing, economics, management), depending on their previous coursework and experiences.
Clearly articulated interests within the field and a demonstrated desire to be placed at top research-oriented universities in the U.S. and globally are key considerations of the application. Strong recommendations and relevant work experience also play a significant role.
- Undergraduate Degree
All accepted - Average GPA
3.5 - Average GMAT
670, (GRE also accepted) - English Language Proficiency
- IELTS
6.5 - TOEFL
IBT 80
CBT 213
PBT 550
Marketing PH.D.
Financial Aid
Applicants who are admitted to the program receive an assistantship package that includes a highly competitive stipend of over $30,000/year, full tuition waiver and medical insurance coverage.
Students receiving an assistantship are assigned to support program faculty on their research and/or to serve as instructors in undergraduate courses. Assistantships involve a time commitment of no more than 20 hours per week.
Marketing PH.D.
Key Dates
Applications are accepted starting in August, and decisions are generally made in late February or early March of each year.
Last Day to Apply
January 15
Marketing PH.D.
Academic Information
The Ph.D. in marketing develops the conceptual and methodological skills necessary to conduct impactful research. We involve students in research projects early, support hands-on learning and maximize the time students devote to research, providing them with the opportunity to develop a robust research portfolio.
Specializations
The marketing faculty have two main research focus areas in which doctoral students can obtain more specialized expertise.
Marketing strategy explores how manager and organizational behaviors impact marketing and firm outcomes. Research tends to be interdisciplinary, relying on survey and archival data to explore topics such as the impact of teamwork on innovation outcomes, how best to manage frontline sales and service employees, traditional and social media impact on strategic outcomes and brand management.
Consumer behavior research tends to be grounded in cognitive and social psychological theories and relies on laboratory data to explain myriad consumer behaviors, such as choice when options are plentiful, saving for retirement and consumer reactions to social persuasion.
Curriculum
Our curriculum develops students through a series of coordinated marketing seminars and method and cognate area support courses.
Minimum Requirements
Marketing Seminars
15 Hours
Support Courses
27 Hours
Professional Development Seminars
4 Hours
Teaching Seminar
2 Hours
First Year Paper and Presentation
Second Year Paper and Examination
Dissertation Research
24 Hours
Total Minimum Requirement
72 Hours
Marketing Seminars
- A Foundational Seminar introducing students to academic research, covering philosophy of science, problem definition, research design, theory construction, measurement theory and validity, and construct specification.
- Two Survey of the Literature seminars, one each in the areas of marketing management and consumer behavior. These seminars expose students to a wide variety of research topics within each core area of the discipline, with special attention given to seminal research.
- Two Current Topics seminars, in marketing management and consumer behavior, providing students with insight on innovations within each area.
- Professional Development seminars, providing a forum for students, faculty and guests on research, current topics and trends in the field. Students attend one or more of these seminars every semester while in the program.
Marketing PH.D.
Alumni Testimonials
Gregory Gundlach
Coggin Distinguished Professor of Marketing
Coggin College of Business, University of North Florida
“The University of Tennessee Ph.D. program provided me with all the training, experience and values necessary to pursue a career in the academic and professional practice of marketing.”
Scott Rader
Associate Professor of Marketing
Western Carolina University
“Haslam’s doctoral program provided me with a world-class opportunity in academic training for becoming a marketing scholar. I mean the two terms here literally.
First, by ‘world-class'”‘ I mean in the sense that on a global scale, where I’ve fortunately spent a lot of time conducting and presenting research, coming from Haslam you can readily compete with academics from all stripes and credentials. There has never been a time while enmeshed in that highly diverse mix of scholars, including ones from Ivy League institutions, that I felt anything less than either on par or beyond in terms of my knowledge.
Second, by ‘opportunity’ I mean that the platform, people, and resources at Haslam are there for you. If it happens, it will be because you work hard to make it happen, no doubt. But if you do work hard, the folks at Haslam want to help you succeed, and you will succeed.”
Nawar Chaker
Associate Professor of Marketing, Director of Research, Professional Sales Institute
E.J. Ourso College of Business, Louisiana State University
“I will always cherish and value my time at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, which was, and will always be, a special place for me. I remember when I was evaluating and selecting Ph.D. programs, I decided on Haslam based on my initial meetings and interactions with faculty and current Ph.D. students. The culture really stood out to me as being unique.
From these meetings and interactions, it was very clear to me that faculty and students behaved as real colleagues and partners, where faculty viewed the doctoral students as junior faculty. This was very important to me, as I was seeking a challenging and rigorous, yet encouraging and warm, environment that would help me grow both professionally and personally.
During my time, UT proved to exceed all of my expectations and to be a remarkable place with loving faculty that always went above and beyond. I really felt that everyone was very eager to help me flourish and succeed as a scholar, as they were always willing to spend extra time to provide limitless assistance, guidance, and mentorship.
One of the things I truly appreciated about Haslam is the fact that faculty had an open door policy and were always willing to listen to new ideas. It was always very apparent that the faculty were fully committed and invested in the doctoral program. This was also always the case with the other fellow doctoral students, who really made an effort to help and see me learn. As Ph.D. students, we were not only colleagues, but we were a very close-knit group of friends.”
Chris Blocker
Professor of Marketing
Colorado State University
“My experience in the Ph.D. program at the University of Tennessee was truly transformational. Beyond a commitment to training students in rigorous scholarship that aims for the highest levels of impact, the faculty at Tennessee are dedicated to mentoring and supporting students in ways that stretch them to become the best they can be. The culture in the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at Tennessee is marked by an extraordinary blend of collective ambition and collaboration that is truly rare in academia. Students are inspired to appreciate fundamental philosophy of science, develop rigorous contributions for prestigious research outlets, as well as apply their expertise to benefit organizations and society. I am sincerely grateful for my years there and, I am proud to call myself a Tennessee alumni.”