Direct Bachelor's-to-Ph.D. Pathway
Begin doctoral preparation without first completing a separate master's degree.
Home > Academics > Majors & Programs > programs > Bachelor's to Ph.D. in Management
Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Doctoral Pathway
Bachelor's + Ph.D.
Go from Bachelor's Degree to Ph.D. in Management
Move directly from your bachelor's degree into advanced management study through an online pathway that combines master's-level coursework, doctoral research, and leadership development.
Quick Facts
Program at a Glance
Review key details about the program, including academic level, credentials and other important information.
81-84
Credit Hours
As little as 3 years
Time to Complete
Online
Ways to Learn
A Direct Path to the Doctorate
Advance Without a Separate Master's Degree
Wayland Baptist University's Bachelor's to Ph.D. in Management pathway offers a direct route from a completed bachelor's degree into doctoral study. Designed for students from any undergraduate discipline, the program begins with master's-level management coursework before progressing into the Ph.D. in Management curriculum.
The online pathway develops advanced knowledge in management, leadership, organizational behavior, human resources, strategic decision-making, and research. Students complete 81 to 84 credit hours and may finish the program in as little as three years, depending on course sequencing and individual progress.
Throughout the program, students examine organizational challenges through rigorous research and a Christian worldview while preparing for senior leadership, consulting, research, and higher education opportunities.
Why Wayland
What sets this program apart.
A closer look at the experiences, flexibility and opportunities built into your Wayland education.
100% Online Study
Complete master's-level and doctoral coursework through Wayland's online School of Business.
Accelerated Completion
Progress through the 81–84 credit-hour pathway in as little as three years.
Research-Focused Doctorate
Develop advanced research skills and complete a dissertation addressing meaningful management and organizational questions.
Master's Degree Milestone
After completing the designated 39 hours of master's and doctoral coursework, eligible students may apply for the Master of Arts in Management degree.
Skills & Knowledge
What You'll Learn
Build advanced management, leadership, organizational, and research expertise while progressing from graduate-level foundations into doctoral scholarship.
Leadership and Strategy
Develop strategic leadership skills for guiding organizations, teams, and long-term decision-making.
Human Resource Management
Examine workforce development, compensation, employee relations, training, and organizational performance.
Ethical Leadership
Evaluate business and leadership decisions through ethical reasoning and a Christian worldview.
Research Methods
Design and conduct rigorous management research using qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
Doctoral Scholarship
Develop original research through a four-course dissertation sequence and contribute new knowledge to management and leadership practice.
Career Possibilities
Where This Program Can Take You
Prepare for advanced leadership, research, consulting, and academic roles across private, public, nonprofit, military, and government organizations.
Executive and Senior Leadership
Apply advanced management and strategic decision-making skills in organizational leadership roles.
Management Consulting
Help organizations address performance, leadership, workforce, and organizational-development challenges.
Human Resources and Organizational Development
Lead initiatives involving talent, workplace culture, employee development, and organizational effectiveness.
Higher Education and Research
Prepare for teaching, research, and academic leadership opportunities where a terminal business degree is valued.
Strategy and Organizational Change
Guide organizations through transformation, growth, and complex strategic challenges.
Official Curriculum
Explore Your Courses
Review the official program requirements and coursework for the Management program.
Curriculum information is provided directly from Wayland's Academic Catalog.
Bachelor's + Ph.D.
Management
View curriculum and requirements
Official Curriculum
Loading program requirements...
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a master's degree to enter the Bachelor's to Ph.D. pathway?
No. The program is specifically designed for applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to move directly into graduate and doctoral management study without first completing a separate master's degree.
Does my bachelor's degree have to be in business?
No. Wayland's current program information states that the pathway is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in any discipline.
How many credit hours is the program?
The program requires 81 to 84 credit hours. The standard pathway is 84 hours, but qualifying undergraduate business coursework may allow the foundational BUAD 5300 course to be waived, reducing the total to 81 hours.
How quickly can I complete the program?
The Bachelor's to Ph.D. in Management may be completed in as little as three years. WBU also provides a slower course sequence for students who need additional flexibility.
Is the program online?
Yes. The Bachelor's to Ph.D. in Management pathway is delivered online through Wayland's School of Business.
Can I earn a master's degree along the way?
Yes. After completing the designated 39-credit sequence of master's-level and aligned doctoral coursework, eligible students may apply for the Master of Arts in Management degree.
Does the program include a dissertation?
Yes. The doctoral portion includes research-methods coursework and a four-course dissertation sequence in which students develop and complete original research.
Take the Next Step
Ready to Go Further?
Turn your bachelor's degree into a direct path toward advanced management leadership and doctoral research.
