Faculty Commentary: Dr. Hair

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Posted on May 11, 2022 by MCOB Outreach

MCOB Outreach

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Record Enrollment in MCOB PhD Program

Enrolling its first class less than a decade ago, the Mitchell College of Business achieved a record milestone this year. One of Abe Mitchell’s many dreams was for the University of South Alabama Mitchell College of Business to offer a PhD degree in Business for aspiring students in the southern portion of the State.  Previously only the University of Alabama and Auburn University had PhD programs in business. His dream came to fruition in 2013 and the new doctoral program in business remained small for the first few years, with only one concentration in management. A second concentration in marketing was added in 2016, and a third concentration in business analytics was launched in 2021. The 2022 group of PhD students has 20 new students and would have been even larger if some international students could have more quickly completed their applications for student visas.

With this new cohort more than 60 students are enrolled in all phases of the   MCOB PhD program. The management and marketing concentrations continue to be popular, but the new business analytics concentration is enjoying a lot of success. In fact, four of the business analytics applicants for the May 2022 class already have earned a doctoral degree and are pursuing a second PhD  to acquire the skill sets to compete in the ever-growing business analytics academic and professional markets.  The new MCOB business analytics doctoral concentration  is unique in the U.S. and globally. With fewer than 10 universities offering a business analytics PhD degree in the U.S., the University of South Alabama is the only university offering the business analytics concentration in a non-traditional format with in-person classes being delivered on weekends.

The strong competitive advantage of the MCOB PhD program is an opportunity for individuals with business experience to pursue their PhD degree and continue their current jobs. The PhD degree will enable them to transition to a teaching role at the university level, launch a consulting career in the emerging “gig” economy, or take advantage of the numerous emerging employment opportunities requiring business analytics skills. Currently enrolled students constantly praise our non-traditional format for obtaining the PhD degree because all the students enrolled in the program have many years of experience and therefore numerous real-life situations to discuss in class and propose solutions to solve problems.

If you think this might be an educational opportunity for you to explore, or you want to learn about our other business programs, please contact us. The MCOB is currently evaluating the possibility for a new PhD accounting concentration and anticipates adding a masters level degree in business analytics with concentrations in marketing, accounting, management, and of course business analytics.

 

 

Dr. Joe Hair

Director, PhD Program

Cleverdon Chair of Business

Mitchell College of Business

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