The doctoral program

The doctoral program[1]

The University of Latvia, Riga, is a public university rich in traditions and authorized to confer doctoral and postdoctoral degrees. The doctoral program in Management Science (Business Administration) was conceived by and established in the university’s Faculty for Economics & Management. It is based on a three-year, structured educational concept consisting of intensive seminars and research colloquiums. There is a distinct focus on economic applications grounded in the knowledge and principles derived by rigorous scientific study. The Fachhochschule Kufstein Tirol Forschungsgesellschaft, on behalf of the University of Latvia, carries out the program on site in Kufstein for interested parties in the German-speaking area. Short study trips to Riga that include seminars, doctoral workshops and scientific conferences are obligatory. Because of its international orientation, the program is held in English.

To round off this top-level program, doctoral candidates have the opportunity to publish scientific articles as well as to collect practical lecturing experience. In this way candidates attain direct access to the scientific community, from which they can benefit enormously.

Academic degree

After completing all credit and examination requirements and composing and defending the dissertation, participants are awarded the academic degree “Doctor in Management Science” (abbreviated: Dr.sc.admin.) by the University of Latvia. This academic degree is recognized in Austria and Germany – in fact, in all of the European Union and all over the world – and may therefore be attached to the graduate’s name as a title.[2]

Target groups for the program and professional prospects for students/graduates

This program is primarily directed at professionals in qualified positions who are interested in attaining a doctoral degree in the applied sciences and are striving for senior and executive positions in companies or private and public organizations. Scientific studies carried out in continental Europe and in German-speaking countries have shown that a doctoral degree has a substantial, positive effect on a professional’s career path. Naturally, the doctoral degree also paves the way for interesting careers in academia.

Lecturers and dissertation supervisors

The lecturers and dissertation supervisors in the doctoral program are faculty members of the University of Latvia and its partner institutions in Europe and the USA. They all have outstanding scientific qualifications and, in general, a postdoctoral lecturing qualification or equivalent in accordance with the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).

Prerequisites for admission

• Master, Magister or Diplom degree (minimum 5 years of regular, tertiary-level education), preferably in economics or a related field, from a recognized university or university of applied sciences.
• Exception: Graduates of 4-year degree programs at a German university or university of applied sciences are eligible to study in the doctoral program.
• Submission of all application documents including a statement of personal motivation and research objectives.
• A minimum of two years of qualified, professional experience prior to being awarded the doctoral degree.

Tuition:

There is a tuition fee for this program amounting to €2,700 per semester (approx. € 16,200 for the complete program). Additionally, participants will be charged a one-time registration fee of € 250 as well as an annual administrative fee of € 400.

[1] In a given academic year, commencement of the program depends on reaching a minimum number of qualified candidates.

[2] For further information, please see:

Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft & Forschung

There is a limited number of places in the program in a given academic year, and the number depends on available capacities of the organizing institutions.