The PhD program in International Business Administration is a bi-pillar program, where coursework and research in International Business Administration will be combined with coursework and research in one of the following areas: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, or Marketing. It is designed to produce scholars who can make significant contributions - through research, teaching and service - to the growing area of International Business and associated fields. The College and the University have been working steadily for several years to introduce a comprehensive doctorate in International Business Administration. The proposal was approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on April 22, 2004. It has already been approved by the University and the Texas A&M System’s Board of Regents.

This is a major step for the University and one that will take this relatively young but dynamic institution to the level and quality of the more selective doctoral-granting universities in the country. It comes shortly after the College of Business has received accreditation for the prestigious AACSB International, the accreditation body for business schools and program. Texas A&M International University is among a small percentage of America’s business schools accredited by AACSB. With the launch of its first doctoral degree, the University will be in an even better position to respond to the needs of Laredo and the surrounding communities and the many prospective candidates from around the globe who aspire to receiving the highest academic degree in this dynamic and important field of study.

International business, in all its forms – from exports and imports to foreign direct investment, financial management, accounting, information systems management, technology transfer, outsourcing and strategic management - is of crucial importance to Texas, and in particular to Laredo, given its globally strategic location. Sitting at the cross-roads of a major international trade and business route, the “Gateway City” of Laredo has long felt the need to upgrade the skill and knowledge base of its community leaders and educators.

The PhD program at TAMIU is global in scope, and will draw on a significant pool of applicants from around the world, but particularly from Laredo, South Texas, and Mexico. Qualified applicants will be provided with financial assistance. According to authoritative estimates, the United States’ system of higher education will continue to face a shortage in the number of PhDs for the foreseeable future. The TAMIU program will also make a contribution to alleviating this shortage.

In preparation for this major new initiative, TAMIU will rely on its strong cadre of world class scholars who are active in research in various facets of international business. In addition, new faculty members are added to further strengthen the program.

In addition to its own faculty, the PhD program is unique in having a group of eminent scholars from the international business academic community on its Global Advisory Board. The list includes current as well as three of the past presidents of the Academy of International Business, the academic association of the field. These luminaries include senior scholars from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the United Nations (Geneva), Indiana University, University of Miami, Rutgers University, Reading University (UK), Georgia Tech University, The University of Memphis, Texas A&M University, and the University of Southern New Hampshire. They represent the field of International Business as well as various associated disciplines, including Economics, Finance and Strategic Management.

The PhD Program in International Business Administration is a major new initiative which will not only take the University to a higher level of excellence but will also have a major qualitative impact on the community. The Laredo business community is strongly supportive and looks forward to taking advantage of this great new opportunity to become globally competitive. The larger community of international business scholars, too, will benefit from this addition to the cadre of specialists trained at Texas A&M International University.

For more information, readers can contact Dr. William C. Gruben Director, PhD Program in International Business Administration, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas 78041. Tel: (956) 326-2512, FAX: (956) 326-2554, e-mail: william.gruben@tamiu.edu

The program can also be reached by e-mail at: IB-PhD@TAMIU.edu. The URL is http://www.tamiu.edu/coba/phd


The curriculum for the Doctor of Philosophy in International Business is available in the University Catalog.