Doctor of Philosophy

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

About the PhD

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a globally recognized graduate research degree and the highest academic degree you can achieve. As a doctoral candidate, you will undertake four years of research.

At MCBS the program is divided into two parts, namely first, the foundation phase course work and second the research phase. The foundation phase consists of course work and on successful completion of foundation phase, the student will continue to the research phase.

This program is intended for individuals in government or industry who would like to grow in their understanding of conceptual and empirical research methodologies as they apply advanced knowledge in a global context and design an original, substantive research project. The program also prepares students for academic careers. It is intended for faculty members in business schools who do not have a PhD but are interested in a research based doctoral degree.The students will expand their vision with distinct sphere of expertise, groundbreaking practices and position themselves as competent academicians, global researchers, executive leadership role, leading institutions, and industry.

Why PhD at Modern College of Business & Science?

Excellence in Higher Education

MCBS continues to be a leader in business education. With our unmatched range of programs and faculty expertise, MCBS will provide you the tools and knowledge you will need to make an impact on the world around you.

Learning Outcomes

To develop leaders and scholars with expertise in subject matter under supervision of experienced researchers that will build the following:

Demonstrate advanced knowledge and competencies in a major field of study in business.
Integrate academic visions with contemporary real-world business challenges.
Explore the possibilities of developing a knowledge-based society.
Establish the value of empirical research with groundbreaking research methods.
Publish research findings in higher indexed international journals.

Program core competencies

On successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration program from MCBS, graduates would acquire the following competencies:

Deep Knowledge in the Specialized subject area:

As students’ progress through their doctoral studies, they will develop deep expertise in their chosen specialized field through coursework, and, most importantly, their original research contributions in the form of a dissertation. The research conducted during the Ph.D. program contributes to expanding the knowledge base in their specialized area and advancing the field of business administration.

Analytical and Critical Thinking:
The PhD graduate will be able to attribute complex nature of information, data or problem in simpler elements related to their topic of study and develop the ability to easily analyze the information and offer appropriate explanation.

Statistical Competence:
Graduates will be equipped with knowledge and skills in statistical applications in research in social science as descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression ANOVA, and chi-square test etc.,.

Communication Competence:
Graduates will develop exceptional skills in presenting information, thoughts, ideas, clearly and concisely. Appropriate word choices and information flow are also essential parts of communication competence.

Computing Competence:
Graduates will enhance their knowledge of computer applications in business and hands-on experience in handling basic computer programs to formulate business problems for drawing appropriate solutions.

These competencies are developed throughout the duration of the Ph.D. program, culminating in the completion of an original research dissertation. By the time they graduate, Ph.D. graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions to academia, industry, and society through their research and leadership skills.

Prof. Mahmoud Abouraia

Program Director

Main Campus – 2nd Floor

Faculty (Academic staff)

Director of Graduate Admissions

Ms. Maryam AlUwaisi

Main Campus – Ground Floor.

maryam.aluwaisi@mcbs.edu.om

Tuition Fee

The total cost of the Ph.D. program is 19,000 OMR. Students can choose between two payment plans:

Full Semester Payment: 2,375 OMR per semester, paid before the start of each semester.
Installment Plan: Three installments per semester, with each installment being 792 OMR.

Ready to take the next step?

To be eligible for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Administration, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Background:

The candidate must have earned a Master’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university or institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
The candidate should also have completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a passing grade.

Field of Study and Experience

The candidate’s previous qualification should be in a business or management or related field.
Alternatively, candidates without a relevant business/management qualification may be required to complete 3-4 courses in business or management before proceeding with the Ph.D. program.

Statement of Purpose (SOP):

Candidates are required to submit a Statement of Purpose between 1000-1500 words.
The SOP should outline their academic background, research interests, professional experience, and their motivation for pursuing the Ph.D.

English Language Proficiency: Candidates whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency through one of the following:

IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0 overall
TOEFL (Internet-based): Minimum score of 90 overall
Equivalent international test recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MoHERI).

For acceptance to the program you must demonstrate an ability to research independently and possess a high level of theoretical understanding.

English Language Proficiency

Candidates should obtain an IELTS test minimum score – 6.0 overall, or equivalent international test recognized by Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. We do not accept English proficiency test scores more than 2 years old.

You can arrange to take the IELTS on the ground floor of our main campus, provided by The Academy. To learn more, visit https://www.mcbs.edu.om/the-academy/ or contact +968 24583510

PhD Requirements	Credit Hours
Graded Coursework: Mandatory Courses	27 CR
Graded Coursework: Elective Courses	9 CR
Graded Coursework: Research Methods	9 CR
Comprehensive Qualifying Exam	0 CR
Thesis/Dissertation Proposal	3 CR
Collaborative Research and Publications	3 CR
Thesis/Dissertation	39 CR
Total	90 CR

Coursework – Graded (27 Credit Hours)


COMG 7301	Professional Writing	3 CR
MANB 7301	Studies in Organizational Analysis and Behavior	3 CR
MANB 7302	Studies in Management Theories and Practice	3 CR
MANB 7307	Strategic Thinking, Decision Making and Innovation	3 CR
MANB 7303	Advanced studies in Management I: Translate Research into Practice	3 CR
MANB 7304	Advanced Studies in Management II: Knowledge Dissemination and Publishing	3 CR
BUSB 8311	Intelligent Business Analytics	3 CR
BUSB 8310	International Trade	3 CR
MANB 8309	Pedagogical Strategies	3 CR
BUSB 1000	Comprehensive Qualifying Exam	0 CR

Elective Courses (9 Credit Hours) – Any Three Courses


ENTB 7302	Entrepreneurship and Innovation	3 CR
MANB 7305	Organizational Excellence and Performance Management	3 CR
TLMB 7305	Transportation and Logistics	3 CR
ACTB 8301	Advanced Topics in Financial and Managerial Accounting	3 CR
MANB 8311	Global Issues in Business & Management	3 CR
AVIN 8301	Aviation and Airport Management	3 CR
HSMB 8313	Health, Safety, Security, and Environment in Business Management	3 CR
MARB 7302	Digital Marketing	3 CR
BUSB 8315	Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy	3 CR
BUSB 8316	Special Topics in Business	3 CR

Research Methods Courses (9 Credit Hours)


RESB 7301	Basic of Research Methods	3 CR
RESB 8303	Research Methods and Design I	3 CR
RESB 8304	Research Methods and Design II	3CR

Doctoral Development

The college offers a comprehensive range of services to support doctoral candidate from in person assistance/workshops, online learning and a range of resources and unique opportunities to help you refine your skills and employability.

Dedicated Advice
Teams of expert advisors provide support throughout your studies. Once enrolled, the Graduate Admissions Department will be able to answer all your queries about the program. Please contact: phd@mcbs.edu.om

Job prospects

1. Academia and Research Institutions

Roles: Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Postdoctoral Researcher, Research Fellow, Academic Researcher.
Employers: Universities, business schools, and academic research institutes.
Job Description: A Ph.D. in Business Administration is primarily pursued for a career in academia. Ph.D. graduates often become professors, teaching courses related to their area of expertise (e.g., marketing, finance, operations, strategy) while conducting high-level research. They may also contribute to academic journals and conferences, shaping the development of business theory and practice.
Outlook: Academia offers a stable career path with potential for tenure-track positions. Highly competitive, but universities and research institutes continue to seek qualified faculty for advanced research and teaching roles.

2. Consulting

Roles: Management Consultant, Strategy Consultant, Business Consultant, Organizational Development Consultant, Research Analyst.
Employers: Top consulting firms (e.g., McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Deloitte, Accenture), boutique firms, or independent consulting practices.
Job Description: Ph.D. graduates in business administration can apply their expertise in organizational theory, strategy, and management to provide advisory services to businesses. Consultants use their advanced research skills to analyze complex business problems and recommend data-driven solutions.
Outlook: Consulting is a highly sought-after field for Ph.D. holders, especially those with strong research and analytical skills. The demand for strategic insights, business optimization, and organizational improvements ensures strong job prospects.

3. Corporate Research and Development

Roles: Corporate Strategy Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Data Scientist, Organizational Researcher, Management Scientist.
Employers: Large corporations, multinational firms (e.g., Google, Microsoft, IBM), tech companies, or think tanks.
Job Description: In the corporate world, Ph.D. graduates often engage in research and development activities. They apply their knowledge of business theory and data analysis to improve business practices, optimize strategies, and create innovations in products, services, and organizational processes.
Outlook: Corporations value Ph.D. holders who bring research-driven approaches to decision-making, innovation, and market expansion. There are opportunities in both traditional industries (e.g., manufacturing, finance) and tech-driven sectors.

4. Public Sector and Government

Roles: Policy Analyst, Economic Adviser, Government Researcher, Public Sector Consultant, Regulatory Affairs Specialist.
Employers: Government agencies, ministries, think tanks, international organizations (e.g., World Bank, UN, OECD).
Job Description: Ph.D. holders in Business Administration can work for government agencies, advising on economic policy, regulation, business development, or international trade. They may also conduct research on issues such as economic development, corporate governance, and public sector management.
Outlook: Government institutions and international organizations are increasingly seeking experts in business administration to inform policy decisions and improve public sector management.

5. Entrepreneurship and Startups

Roles: Founder, Entrepreneur, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operations Officer (COO), Business Development Manager.
Employers: Self-employed, startups, entrepreneurial ventures, or small businesses.
Job Description: Some Ph.D. graduates in Business Administration choose to start their own businesses or work in high-level management roles at startups. Their in-depth knowledge of business management, strategic thinking, and data analysis equips them to create innovative solutions and lead successful ventures.
Outlook: Entrepreneurship is a high-risk but potentially rewarding career path. With the knowledge gained from a Ph.D. program, graduates are well-equipped to understand market opportunities and navigate the complexities of running a business.

6. Industry and Corporate Management

Roles: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Senior Manager, Director of Operations, Chief Strategy Officer.
Employers: Large corporations, multinational organizations, non-profits, or family-owned businesses.
Job Description: Some Ph.D. graduates in business administration choose to enter high-level corporate management positions. Their ability to understand and solve complex business problems, alongside strong leadership skills, makes them effective at guiding large organizations toward their strategic goals.
Outlook: Corporate roles, especially in senior management, offer competitive salaries and career advancement. With the leadership training gained during a Ph.D. program, graduates may move up quickly into executive positions.

7. Data Science and Analytics

Roles: Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Marketing Data Scientist.
Employers: Tech companies (e.g., Facebook, Amazon), consulting firms, financial institutions, market research firms.
Job Description: With the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making, Ph.D. graduates in business administration with expertise in econometrics, statistics, or operations research are well-equipped to work in data science and analytics. They use advanced statistical techniques to analyze large datasets and provide insights into consumer behavior, financial markets, and operational efficiency.
Outlook: The field of data science and analytics is growing rapidly, offering excellent opportunities for Ph.D. holders skilled in quantitative analysis and business intelligence.

8. Think Tanks and Policy Research

Roles: Researcher, Senior Researcher, Policy Analyst, Research Director.
Employers: Think tanks, research institutions, policy advisory bodies, and advocacy organizations (e.g., RAND Corporation, Brookings Institution, Institute for Policy Studies).
Job Description: Ph.D. graduates can work at think tanks and research institutions, conducting policy-oriented research on business, economic, and regulatory issues. They provide recommendations for improving governance, economic development, and business practices on a global scale.
Outlook: Think tanks and policy research institutions provide Ph.D. graduates with opportunities to apply their research skills in a highly impactful way, influencing public policies and corporate strategies.

9. International Organizations and NGOs

Roles: International Business Consultant, Development Economist, Global Strategy Consultant, Operations Manager.
Employers: International organizations (e.g., United Nations, World Bank), NGOs, and international development agencies.
Job Description: Graduates with a Ph.D. in Business Administration may work for global organizations, providing strategic advice, conducting research, and supporting development projects. They might focus on areas like economic development, global business strategy, or corporate social responsibility.
Outlook: International organizations and NGOs value Ph.D. graduates for their expertise in research, economics, and management, especially for projects requiring expertise in emerging markets and sustainable development.

10. Corporate Training and Executive Education

Roles: Executive Educator, Corporate Trainer, Leadership Development Specialist, Corporate Coach.
Employers: Corporations, business schools, training firms, leadership development organizations.
Job Description: Many business administration Ph.D. holders engage in training and developing executives and managers within companies, providing leadership, strategic thinking, and organizational behavior insights. They may also teach specialized programs in business schools or conduct professional development courses for corporate clients.
Outlook: As organizations increasingly prioritize leadership development and continuous learning, Ph.D. holders can find growing opportunities in corporate training and executive education.