The Entrepreneurship PhD Program at the University of Louisville (USA) is now accepting applications for our next cohort, beginning Fall 2026.
We are specifically seeking a student with interest in franchising research for a PhD fellowship with the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence. The center is a global leader in franchise-related research, education, and industry engagement, offering a unique opportunity to pursue impactful scholarship in this growing field.
Our program is the longest-running PhD program in entrepreneurship in the United States, designed to prepare students for academic careers at research-oriented business schools.
Program Highlights:
- Full-time, residential cohort model with a collaborative and developmental environment
- Designed to be completed within four years
- Strong training in entrepreneurship theory, empirical research methods, and pedagogy
- $32,000 annual stipend, full tuition waiver, and health insurance subsidy
- Annual conference travel support
- Collaboration opportunities with the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence, as well as other centers within the College of Business
Our faculty are active researchers publishing in FT50 journals such as Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, Journal of Management, Journal of International Business Studies, Research Policy, and Journal of Business Ethics. Several also serve as associate editors and on the editorial boards at leading journals in the field.
Graduates have accepted tenure-track positions at institutions such as Florida State University, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of New South Wales.
Application deadline: December 31, 2025
Call for Applications and Program Flyer attached
Please feel free to share with students or colleagues who may be interested in franchising-focused doctoral research.
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Daniel L. Bennett
Cobb Family Chair in Entrepreneurship
College of Business
University of Louisville
Daniel.Bennett.2@Louisville.edu------------------------------