Doctor of Philosophy in International Business
Ph.D. Program

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Deepen your understanding of how management is practiced and interpreted in diverse organizations, sectors, and cultures across the globe.

Refine your teaching and research skills to inspire new thinking in your area of expertise while learning from faculty members who’ve earned worldwide acclaim for their applied research.

Study toward one doctoral degree in international business on five continents.

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Whether you're an experienced business executive seeking to shape and inspire future leaders or an innovative teacher and researcher aspiring to leave a mark in your field of study, our Ph.D. program is tailored to your ambitions.

With a dynamic mix of online courses that offer flexibility to accommodate your busy schedule and international course locations that immerse you in diverse cultural perspectives, our executive self-paced Ph.D. provides the perfect platform for you to give back to the business community and embark on a rewarding journey of career advancement and academic exploration.

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Tuition Fees & Scholarships

  • CUSTOMIZE YOUR PROGRAM WITH A MIX OF
    INTERNATIONAL IN-PERSON COURSES AND ONLINE COURSES

    The Ph.D. program at Franklin Hudson offers a unique opportunity for students to study in diverse international locations including Paris, New York, Shanghai, New Delhi, São Paulo, and Cape Town, enriching their academic experience and global perspectives.

    Additionally, with a strong emphasis on flexibility, the program offers a mix of online courses that empower students to tailor their studies to their busy schedules while benefiting from our school's renowned expertise.

  • ADAPT YOUR PROGRAM TIMELINE TO YOUR SCHEDULE

    The Ph.D. program is self-paced, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their individual needs and commitments.

    While the program is typically completed in 4-5 years, students have the flexibility to extend their studies up to a maximum duration of 7 years.

    This unique approach ensures that working professionals can strike a balance between their academic pursuits and their professional responsibilities, empowering them to pursue their doctoral journey at their own pace while achieving academic excellence.

  • MADE FOR WORKING EXECUTIVES

    To be considered for the Ph.D. program at Franklin Hudson, candidates should have completed a master's-level program and possess an average of 10 years' senior management experience.

    Proficiency in both written and spoken English is essential for successful participation in the program.

    If you don't meet these specific requirements, we encourage you to reach out to our Admissions Team to explore alternative options and discuss how we can best support your academic and professional aspirations.

  • BECOME AN EXPERT IN YOUR FIELD

    The Ph.D. program offers five different specializations:

    • International Business: Delve into the intricacies of global markets and develop a deep understanding of international business practices, equipping yourself with the expertise to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world.

    • Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Nurture your entrepreneurial spirit and explore innovative approaches to business growth and development, empowering yourself to create and lead transformative ventures.

    • Finance: Master the dynamics of financial markets and strategic decision-making, honing your financial acumen to drive business success and create value in dynamic economic landscapes.

    • Global Leadership: Cultivate effective leadership strategies and discover the art of inspiring and guiding teams to achieve exceptional results, empowering you to become a transformational leader across diverse industries.

    • Strategic Technology Management: Stay at the forefront of technological advancements and learn to harness digital innovations strategically, gaining a competitive edge in the ever-evolving landscape of technology-driven business.

  • PHASE I - COURSEWORK

    • Complete all the required research courses (8 credits: Advanced Academic Writing & Literature Review, Statistical Analysis, Research Methods, and Advanced Qualitative Research Methods OR Advanced Quantitative Research Methods) - these courses are offered all year-long online.

    • Complete at least half of the multidisciplinary and specialization courses (9 credits minimum) online, in Paris, New York or at any of our other rotating international locations (Cape Town, São Paulo, Tokyo, Singapore etc.).

    Estimated completion time of Phase 1: 18 months to 3 years (2 years on average)

  • PHASE II - DISSERTATION PROPOSAL

    • Dissertation proposal tutorial (5 credits): one-on-one sessions and collective research clinics to craft a dissertation proposal.

    • Hold your proposal hearing and have a dedicated dissertation chair appointed to your dissertation.

    • Complete the remaining multidisciplinary and specialization courses and pass your mandatory Comp Exams (2 credits) - official transition from doctoral student status to doctoral candidate status.



    Estimated completion time of Phase 2: 6 to 18 months (average of one year)

  • PHASE III - DOCTORAL RESEARCH

    • Official dissertation phase (25 credits): conduct your supervised research with your dissertation chair and attend the monthly online Dean’s dissertation workshops to discuss with your fellow doctoral candidates.

    • Complete your teaching or publication requirement (10 credits).

    • Hold your final defense with your dissertation committee and then submit your revisions. In order to get distinction on your dissertation, submit the first draft of an academic article based on your research.

    Estimated completion time of Phase 3: 6 to 18 months (average of one year)

Request the full program overview

Academic & Financial Essentials

  • DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

    During the program, each candidate must:

    • Accumulate a total of 68 US credits (116 ECTS equivalent)

    • Complete 18 multidisciplinary business course credits

    • Complete 8 research methods course credits

    • Validate the teaching or publication requirement

    • Pass the Comp Exams

    • Successfully complete a doctoral dissertation under the close supervision of an assigned dissertation chair

  • TUITION FEES AND SCHOLARSHIPS

    The total tuition fees for our PhD program, encompassing all online and international course options - spanning the entirety of your academic journey from commencement to completion - is 78 250€.

    We're committed to ensuring accessibility to our program. Scholarships are available, and we offer payment plans designed to help you manage the investment in your education. Learn more about your financial options here.

Admissions & Scholarships

“The flexibility that this Ph.D. offers is truly unparalleled. The ability to seamlessly transition between regular lectures and distance-based learning is yet another advantage.”

— David Mygind, Ph.D. Alumnus from Denmark

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2026-2030 INTERNATIONAL COURSES

  • Nighttime cityscape of Seoul, South Korea, with tall buildings, illuminated streets, and a colorful sunset sky.

    Seoul

    December, 2025

    Regional Expertise

  • Aerial view of a city with mountains in the background, harbor with boats, and a modern stadium in the foreground.

    Cape Town

    March, 2026

    Sustainability

  • Aerial view of Paris, France, with the Arc de Triomphe at the center surrounded by streets and buildings extending into the city, with cloudy sky overhead.

    Paris

    May, 2026

    Finance

  • Aerial view of New York City skyline with the Empire State Building, daytime, waterways, and numerous skyscrapers.

    New York

    July, 2026

    Innovation

  • Aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, with surrounding city blocks and streets, under cloudy sky.

    Paris

    September, 2026

    Marketing Strategy

  • City skyline with tall modern buildings and a cable-stayed bridge over a river.

    São Paulo

    November, 2026

    Regional Expertise

  • Aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, surrounded by a busy roundabout and cityscape with Parisian buildings extending into the distance under cloudy skies.

    Paris

    January, 2027

    Technology

  • A cityscape view of Tokyo, Japan, featuring Tokyo Tower illuminated at dusk with numerous high-rise buildings and water in the background under a cloudy sky.

    Tokyo

    March, 2027

    Innovation in Asia

  • Aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, with city streets radiating outward and a cloudy sky overhead.

    Paris

    May, 2027

    Sustainability

  • Aerial view of a large, circular building with solar panels on the roof, surrounded by greenery and pathways, with a cityscape in the background.

    California

    July, 2027

    AI for Business

  • Aerial view of Paris showcasing the Arc de Triomphe at a busy roundabout with maison and street grid extending into the city, under a cloudy sky.

    Paris

    September, 2027

    Research Block

  • A large public square in front of a historic building with a Mexican flag flying on a tall pole. The building is decorated with small Mexican flags. People are walking, biking, and sitting in the square. The sky is partly cloudy.

    Mexico City

    November, 2027

    Regional Expertise

  • Aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, surrounded by city streets and buildings.

    Paris

    January, 2028

    Entrepreneurship

  • The image shows the skyline of Singapore at dusk, with the ArtScience Museum in the foreground and illuminated skyscrapers reflecting on the river.

    Singapore

    March, 2028

    Regional Expertise

  • Aerial view of Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris, France, with the Arc de Triomphe at the center, surrounded by historic buildings and streets radiating outwards.

    Paris

    May, 2028

    Leadership

  • Aerial view of the New York City skyline with the Empire State Building and other skyscrapers along the river at sunset.

    New York

    July, 2028

    Business Skills

  • View of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben clock tower in London, with a bridge and people in the foreground under a cloudy sky.

    London

    September, 2028

    Finance

  • Skyline view of Dubai, featuring the Burj Khalifa tower, other skyscrapers, and city infrastructure at sunset.

    Dubai

    November, 2028

    Regional Expertise

  • Aerial view of Paris featuring the Arc de Triomphe at the center with a roundabout, surrounded by historic buildings and city streets stretching into the distance under a cloudy sky.

    Paris

    January, 2029

    AI & Research

  • Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa, showing the city, harbor, Table Mountain and Lion's Head in the background, with a large stadium in the foreground.

    Cape Town

    March, 2029

    Regional Expertise

  • An aerial view of a historic European city with clock towers, a river, and mountains in the background during sunset.

    Zürich

    May, 2029

    Finance

  • A city skyline of New York City with numerous tall skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building in the center, next to a body of water with a few boats, under a partly cloudy sky.

    New York

    July, 2029

    Business Skills

  • Aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, surrounded by city streets and buildings with overcast sky.

    Paris

    September, 2029

    Technology

  • Cityscape of a lit-up urban area at sunset with high-rise buildings, colorful neon signs, and busy streets.

    Seoul

    November, 2029

    Regional Expertise

  • Aerial view of Paris with the Arc de Triomphe at the center, surrounded by streets and city buildings on a cloudy day.

    Paris

    January, 2030

    Finance

  • City street with auto rickshaws, cars, and bicycles, lined with lamps and trees, leading to grand historic buildings with domes and towers under a hazy sky.

    New Delhi

    March, 2030

    Regional Expertise

  • Aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, surrounded by busy streets with cars and buildings, under a cloudy sky.

    Paris

    May, 2030

    Research Block

  • A large, circular building with glass roofs surrounds a green park with trees, walking paths, and a rainbow sculpture.

    California

    July, 2030

    AI for Business

  • Aerial view of Paris featuring the Arc de Triomphe at the center with surrounding city streets and buildings, under a cloudy sky.

    Paris

    September, 2030

    Leadership

  • Skyline view of a cable-stayed bridge over a river, with tall modern skyscrapers in the background on a partly cloudy day.

    Sao Paulo

    November, 2030

    Regional Expertise

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Online Courses
& Global Learning Flexibility

At Franklin Hudson — ISM, all online courses are delivered asynchronously, providing students with full flexibility to study from anywhere in the world.

To maintain a strong sense of cohort and community, each course includes optional live sessions with faculty, offering real-time interaction without requiring synchronous attendance.

These options perfectly complement their online learning with our in-person international programs offered throughout the year in major global hubs.

Explore online courses
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Program Inquiry

Accreditation & Recognition

  • All programs are fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a leading specialized accreditation body for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence and student learning outcomes.

  • Our institution has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) in the United States.

  • Franklin Hudson — ISM programs are all listed on the CHEA database through its programmatic accreditations, which are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the United States.

    This status confirms that our degree programs meet established U.S. quality assurance standards, thereby strengthening our international credibility and supporting the global recognition of our qualifications.

  • Franklin Hudson is registered as a private establishment of higher education in France with an official status from the French Ministry of Education: Établissement d'enseignement supérieur privé technique. Our International MBA, DBA and PhD programs are recognized as higher education programs. 

  • Qualifi is an Ofqual-regulated awarding body in the United Kingdom, ensuring that its Level 7 and Level 8 qualifications meet nationally recognized postgraduate and doctoral-level standards. Franklin Hudson delivers these qualifications as part of its pathway to doctoral research and international accreditation.

  • Franklin Hudson has received institutional accreditation from the ATHEA Board of Commissioners for the Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation (ATHEA), based on the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG), which is required for recognition by the European Quality Assurance Register in Higher Education (EQAR).

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Learn more

Outcomes Assessment
Measures

We align the PhD curriculum with a comprehensive set of desired learning outcomes. This allows us to constantly monitor, maintain and improve the quality of learning and teaching in the program.

To read the full list of desired learning outcomes for the PhD, along with a selection of results and statistics, click here.

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Discover our other degree programs
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