The doctoral program of study is full-time and year-round, it generally requires four to five years to complete. To be successful in the program, a high level of commitment is necessary. Students are therefore expected to reside in Seattle and be full time participants in the program. With guidance from faculty mentors, PhD students will create a personalized program of study that includes a major area of specialization and at least two minor areas of specialization. In addition to coursework, each department holds regular seminars where students and faculty review and critique current research in the field.<br><br>The subject of marketing is concerned with the exchange process between individuals and organizations. The objective of the doctoral program is to gain an understanding of how this process develops and evolves. Also, research methods for improving the practice of marketing for the benefit of organizations and institutions, consumers, and society are investigated. Most doctoral students accept academic positions upon completion. In addition to recommended course work, students participate in research projects, either individually or jointly with faculty or fellow students, and write an original dissertation. Current faculty interests in marketing include theoretical and institutional aspects of (1) product policies, (2) managing advertising and other forms of promotion, (3) establishing and managing distribution systems, (4) pricing decisions, (5) strategic planning, (6) competitive analysis, (7) consumer decision making, (8) marketing research and data analysis, (9) marketing organizations, (10) international marketing, and (11) social and political issues.