PhD in Business Administration - Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies

Explore Fashion, Retail, and Consumer Behavior Through Advanced Research and Global Insight

The PhD in Business Administration — Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (CARS) from UNC Greensboro’s Bryan School of Business and Economics prepares you to lead research in the dynamic fields of fashion, retail, and consumer behavior. This flexible, fully online doctoral program is designed for professionals seeking academic, industry, or policy-focused careers in apparel and retail sectors.

Enhance Your Research and Teaching Expertise 

The research-intensive core of the PhD in Business Administration — CARS is demonstrated by our innovative focus on preparing you to publish and evaluate scholarly research across a diverse range of topics in the CARS field. You’ll develop expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies across a rigorous curriculum of core CARS courses. The CARS PhD program boasts a 100% job placement rate for our graduates, who go on to secure competitive tenure-track positions at flagship colleges and universities throughout the US and around the world, including Iowa State University, Texas Tech University, Louisiana State University, University of Tennessee, University of Missouri, and many others. 

Fully Online Flexibility, The Bryan School Quality 

UNCG’s PhD in Business Administration — CARS is offered exclusively online, designed for those seeking a high-quality research-based doctoral degree. One of the oldest, most established PhD programs in the field, the CARS doctoral program is particularly suited to business school faculty without a PhD, or professionals looking to transition to academia — candidates who need greater flexibility than a traditional PhD program. 

The PhD in Business Administration requires only three visits to UNCG’s campus: 

• Before your first semester to meet your cohort and faculty, and learn about the resources available to you as an online student with The Bryan School. 
• Two further visits — dates to be determined with the program director or your dissertation committee.  

The Bryan School’s nationally top-ranked online degree programs offer you the flexibility to earn a quality PhD without the need to change careers or relocate. You’ll also benefit from our full suite of powerful career development and student support resources. 

A Research-Intensive PhD for Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Professionals 

UNCG’s PhD in Business Administration — CARS is a research-focused doctoral program designed for business school academics without a PhD, or industry professionals seeking to transition to academic positions at colleges and universities both in the US and abroad.  

This 45 credit-hour program prepares you to become a leading academic and teaching professional at the university level, or for high-level roles in industry. Research apprenticeship with our exceptional faculty will help you develop essential skills in conducting high-quality research. Some of the prestigious academic journals our faculty publish in include: 

• Clothing and Textiles Research Journal 
• Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management 
• Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services 
• Journal of Global Fashion Marketing 
• Journal of Product and Brand Management 
• International Journal of Consumer Studies 

Typically, the PhD in Business Administration — CARS consists of: 

• 9 credit hours of common core courses 
• 15 credit hours of CARS concentration courses 
• 9 credit hours of elective courses 
• 12 credit hours of dissertation research 

Beyond Research: Applied Learning and Teaching Experience 

Along with your coursework and research, you can put your skills to practice with a mentored teaching experience, guided by expert faculty widely recognized for their research and teaching expertise. 

Find Your Community with Business Administration PHD Student Organizations 

As a PhD in Business Administration candidate, you can connect with your peers and start developing your professional networks with a range of Bryan School student organizations and honors societies devoted to different aspects of the business field. 

Why Choose UNC Greensboro for Your PhD in Consumer, Apparel, and retail studies?

• Ranked among the Top 10 Best Online Colleges.
• Named a “Best College for Money” by College Factual.
• Recognized as “Best for Vets” by Military Times.
• Faculty actively publish in top-tier journals and lead innovative research in sustainability, global sourcing, and consumer behavior.

Highlights of the PHD in consumer, apparel, and retail studies

• Flexible online format with limited on-campus residencies.
• 60+ credit hour curriculum tailored to apparel and retail research.
• Mentorship from faculty with global expertise in fashion and consumer studies.
• Opportunities to present research at major conferences and publish in leading journals.
• Career pathways in academia, retail analytics, brand strategy, and policy development.

Curriculum Overview

• Core business research methods and academic writing.
• Specialized courses in apparel design, consumer behavior, global sourcing, and retail strategy.
• Independent research and dissertation focused on real-world industry challenges.
• Interdisciplinary electives to broaden your expertise.

Admission to the PhD in Business Administration — CARS 

In order to be admitted to The Bryan School’s PhD in Business Administration, you’ll need to have earned a master’s degree in the CARS field, with exceptional academic performance in your graduate coursework. GRE scores are required, along with the required application documents: 

• One official transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended.  
• Resume 
• A one- to two-page Goals Statement that should clearly: 
  • Outline your career goals, relevant work experience, and reason for pursuing a graduate degree. 
  • Address why the CARS program is of interest to you, including specific areas of research interest related to the department’s graduate program emphasis. 
• Three letters of recommendation from former professors, employers, or others well acquainted with your academic potential.  
• Official GRE scores. Scores are valid for five years from the time originally taken. No waivers are allowed.  
• A course-by-course NACES credential evaluation for all degrees from any college or university you’ve attended outside the United States. This evaluation must be submitted for the application to be considered complete. Acquire the evaluation well in advance.  
• Non-native speakers of English must certify proficiency in the English language. Contact the Graduate School for details.  

Application Deadlines

• Priority Deadline: January 15
• Final Deadline: April 1

Tuition and Financial Support for the PhD in Business Administration 

UNCG’s PhD in Business Administration — CARS offers tremendous value, with highly competitive tuition and fees. For the latest details on tuition and fees, visit Spartan Central’s schedule. You can apply for one of several competitive scholarships offered by The Graduate School, and funding may be available for student travel to present at academic conferences. You may also be eligible for a graduate assistantship or fellowship. Find more information on available financial supports from UNCG’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. 

Ranked, Recognized, Respected 

UNCG’s Bryan School of Business and Economics is an elite business school — among the top 1% worldwide to enjoy prestigious dual accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for our excellence in business and accounting education. In addition to our many top state and national rankings, our online programs are highly ranked by The Princeton Review, Fortune, and many other prestigious academic and business publications.