Question

Topic: Career/Training

Finishing A Ph.d. In Pr, Can I Teach Marketing?

Posted by Anonymous on 4/17/2008 at 5:53 PM ET 250 Points
I am finishing a Ph.D. in Public Relations at a well-known University. My research is in non-traditional forms of public relations and advertising. My understanding is that I cannot teach Marketing in a Business school without taking 18 hours of marketing coursework from a business school. If this is correct, should I take MBA coursework?

I am very limited to my geographic location for academic jobs and having the credentials to teach in b-schools would broaden my options significantly.

Thanks for any insight.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Levon on 4/17/2008 at 5:57 PM Accepted
    Are you serious? PR is Marketing! I would get a second opinion. Seems like you could also teach PR in one of those PR Programs.
  • Posted on 4/17/2008 at 6:19 PM Accepted
    It really depends on the school you're applying to. If a university specifically says "go take more marketing courses" then I guess you'd better do it. But honestly, if you've got a PhD in PR you probably already know a fair bit about marketing. Or should, at least. Use your doctoral PR skills to put together a stunning resume highlighting all your marketing prowess, and I'm sure you'll be fine.
  • Posted on 4/17/2008 at 6:45 PM Author
    Thank you all very much! I agree that my coursework and research adequately prepares me to teach courses in a business school, but my understanding from some of my committee members was that B-schools have accreditation standards from AACSB a that require coursework in Marketing in an accredited business school at the doctoral level. Public Relations, even journalism, does not have such "requirements" other that a "degree in Public Relations or a related field."

    I am driven by my research inquiry and teaching -- where I get to pursue my interests (Communication or Business) is not the main concern. My wife is already a faculty member in another area and is close to tenure; hence we are wanting to stay put for awhile.

    I do appreciate your thoughts.
  • Posted on 4/17/2008 at 7:07 PM Accepted
    Public relations is just one facet of Marketing, and I would think the top business schools (and many second-tier schools too) would want everyone on their teaching staff to have a broad knowledge/understanding of both Business and Marketing -- not just a deep understanding of one facet.

    Without knowing your specific situation and aspirations, I'd think an MBA, or at least a bunch of MBA courses covering Marketing, Finance, Strategy, Accounting, Policy, etc. would be a VERY good way to increase your marketability to the better business schools.

    My $0.02 worth.
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