At the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business (DSPCOB), we are proud to be a college that grows with the evolving demands of business and society. Our legacy of empowering learners with knowledge, ethical leadership, and global perspective now moves forward into a bold new chapter: the development of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business.
This doctoral program is not merely an academic addition; it is a strategic leap designed to advance Tarleton State University’s mission, strengthen our research capabilities, and cultivate the next generation of thought leaders in business.
Why a Doctoral Program—and Why Now?
The timing is strategic. Tarleton State University has declared its intent to move toward Carnegie R2 status—an indicator of growing research intensity. Our university’s mission speaks to “inspiring discovery” and “educational excellence”, and the DSPCOB is fully aligned with this vision.
Market signals are equally compelling. In 2023, Texas public universities produced only 143 business Ph.D. graduates, while 427 faculty openings in business were reported in the state—189 of which were at four-year or graduate institutions. The growing faculty shortage, combined with industry demand for high-level research and strategic insight, creates a clear opportunity for a uniquely positioned doctoral program.
Built with Purpose: Our Vision for the Ph.D. in Business
Our doctoral program is crafted for working executives—seasoned professionals who bring rich practical experience and seek deeper mastery of business theory, research, and strategy. Launching with a concentration in Management, the program will expand to other disciplines as our academic departments build capacity.
The program is intentionally designed to:
- Strengthen the pipeline of scholar-practitioners and future faculty.
- Provide a research-rich environment that fosters applied inquiry and strategic problem-solving.
- Align with DSPCOB’s mission to empower leaders who foster economic growth and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Strategic Planning and Academic Rigor
The development of this program is deeply embedded in our strategic planning process. As outlined in our 2021–2030 Strategic Plan, we are committed to:
- Recruiting and developing faculty capable of producing high-impact research.
- Supporting scholarship through reduced teaching loads and internal initiatives like the President’s Excellence in Research Scholars (PERS) program.
- Defining and incentivizing “high-impact scholarly activities”, including peer-reviewed journal (PRJ) publications and top-tier conference presentations.
What Sets Our Program Apart
We’re not replicating what already exists. We are innovating where it’s needed most:
- Executive-Oriented Curriculum: Designed for professionals aiming to advance their careers or pivot into academia.
- Strategic Research Focus: Emphasizing business challenges that are actionable, data-driven, and globally relevant.
- Flexibility with Rigor: Blending online and hybrid delivery models to meet the needs of working professionals without compromising on academic depth.
The Road Ahead
With our proposal set for submission to the Texas A&M University System in early 2025, and a targeted launch of Fall 2028, the journey has already begun. We’re engaging stakeholders at every level—from advisory board members and faculty to industry leaders and alumni—to ensure the program reflects both academic integrity and real-world relevance.
This doctoral program is more than an academic offering. It is a commitment to leadership, a pathway to discovery, and a milestone in the evolution of the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business.
We invite our community—students, alumni, partners, and supporters—to be part of this transformative journey.
Follow us for updates as we continue building the future of executive education and research excellence at Tarleton State University.
#TarletonPhD #DSPCOB #BusinessLeadership #DoctoralProgram #BusinessResearch #ExecutiveEducation #TarletonProudt Post