phd for business administration

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UCLA Anderson Ph.D. program

Where Brilliant Minds Break Through

Professor Chris Tang, prolific researcher in Management and Operations, with Rob Richmond, researcher in foreign currency investment.

Welcome to UCLA Anderson’s Doctoral Program — the first step in pursuing an academic career in management.

From the dean of our program.

"On behalf of our faculty, thank you for visiting the UCLA Anderson Ph.D. program! If you're serious about advancing our understanding of business disciplines through rigorous research, I invite you to explore everything our Ph.D. program has to offer. You'll have the opportunity to train with world-renowned scholars and alongside the next generation of researchers. In that pursuit, you will have UCLA's resources and strengths as a world-class research institution available to you."

Join us as we expand the boundaries of business knowledge. Apply to become one of tomorrow's leading scholars today.

Professor Stephen Spiller Associate Dean and Director Ph.D. Program UCLA Anderson School of Management

World-Class Faculty

Meet The Students

Graduate success stories.

Kevin Huang ('22) Assistant Professor, CUHK-Shenzhen

Noncompliance with SEC Regulations: Evidence from Timely Loan Disclosures

Jon Bogard ('22) Assistant Professor, Washington University in St. Louis

Target, distance, and valence: Unpacking the effects of normative feedback

Nur Kaynar Keles ('22) Assistant Professor, Cornell

Discovering Causal Models with Optimization: Confounders, Cycles, and Feature Selection

Geoff Zheng ('20) Assistant Professor NYU Shanghai

Growth Options, Incentives, and Pay for Performance: Theory and Evidence

Sebastian Ottinger ('21) Assistant Professor CERGE-EI

The Political Economy of Propaganda: Evidence from US Newspapers

Daniel Walters  ('17) Assistant Professor INSEAD

Investor memory of past performance is positively biased and predicts overconfidence

Julia Levine (’23) Assistant Professor of Marketing at Johns Hopkins University

State Dependence in Brand, Store, and Category Choice

Marco Testoni  ('19) Assistant Professor Tilburg University

The market value spillovers of technological acquisitions: Evidence from patent-text analysis

Alumni success

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Stanford GSB PhD Program

Discover a focus and intensity greater than you may have thought possible. As a PhD student at Stanford Graduate School of Business, you will be inspired and challenged to explore novel ideas and complex questions.

Fall 2025 applications  are now open. The application deadline is December 1, 2024 at 5:00 PM PST.

Become an Outstanding Scholar

Our PhD Program is designed to develop outstanding scholars for careers in research and teaching at leading academic institutions throughout the world. You will embark on a challenging and meaningful experience, focusing your academic study in one of seven distinct fields within the PhD degree program.

Is a PhD Right for You?

Strong PhD candidates are full of ideas and curiosity, with a passion and aptitude for research. If you’re prepared to embark on a rigorous career in research and develop your full potential, we invite you to explore the possibilities of a PhD in business. Admitted students receive full fellowships for their doctoral studies.

Faculty Publications

Reserves were not so ample after all, collecting digital footprints in the wild, letters of recommendation as institutionalized gossip: tie strength and the advocacy-accuracy tradeoff in brokering, phd student voices.

Benjamin Tremblay-Auger

Pauline Liang

Mohamed Hussein

Lina Lukyantseva

School news, stanford economist guido imbens wins nobel in economic sciences, susan athey named president of american economic association, teaching through a pandemic: students recognize two faculty members for their efforts, diversifying the pool of phd students will require systemic change.

Gain valuable research experience and training in a two-year, pre-doctoral opportunity at Stanford University.

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New Ideas for a Changing World

Phd programs  , accounting & management, business economics (includes finance), health policy (management), organizational behavior, technology & operations management.

“ Doctoral students are vital members of our intellectual community. They challenge existing ideas, develop new theories and techniques, and serve broadly as catalysts for innovation. ”

Why HBS?  

A history of excellence  , building a community of scholars  , class profile  , placement  , financial support  , introduce yourself.

Online Doctorate in Business Administration Programs

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A doctor of business administration (DBA) puts emerging business research to the test with real-world applications — and the terminal degree can help you stand out from the competition.

Far fewer people earn DBAs compared to the popular master of business administration (MBA) degree, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . Postsecondary institutions conferred less than 5,000 doctoral degrees in business during the 2021-2022 academic year compared to more than 200,000 business master’s degrees.

A DBA can lead to leadership and high-level analyst roles or academic, research-oriented positions in education.

Read on to find out more about a doctorate in business administration and learn about some of the schools that offer this terminal degree.

Featured Online DBA Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

• Collapse All

LU offers a doctor of business administration program from one of the nation's top Christian colleges. Students complete the fully online degree in three years on average. This DBA allows students to specialize their skills by choosing an emphasis.

Core DBA topics include strategy formulation and strategic thinking, supply chain management, and strategic allocation of financial resources. The 17 specializations include traditional subjects such as accounting, finance, and international business.

All participants complete a culminating applied research project. Admission requires a master's in business or a related major, as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Program Snapshot

• Program URL: Visit Program
• Cost per Credit: $595
• Program Length: 3 years
• Total Credits Required to Graduate: 60 credits
• Instruction Style: Asynchronous
• Format: Online
• School Status: Private
• Program Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
• School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

BU developed a doctor of business administration focused on the real-life application of advanced business skills. The fully online curriculum consists of 55 credits. Students receive an additional 36 credits for their accredited MBA .

The DBA curriculum explores topics such as human capital development, finance for business leaders, and sustainable business development. A research project beginning in the first year helps establish the participant as a thought leader. This DBA program requires no dissertation.

Two-week breaks between courses help participants manage their schedules. Admission to the online doctorate in business administration requires an MBA or equivalent master's. Applicants do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

• Cost per Credit: $780
• Program Length: 3+ years
• Total Credits Required to Graduate: 91 credits
• Program Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education

CityU develops business programs specifically for working professionals. The doctor of business administration offers a customizable curriculum that students complete online in 3-4 years. The DBA examines topics such as financial decision-making, organizational identity and culture, and industry analysis and market innovation.

All students complete several research courses in preparation for the dissertation. Participants use 12 credits to design a concentration. The DBA format blends asynchronous learning and live bi-weekly sessions with peers and the professor.

Students can transfer up to 12 credits into this doctorate in business administration. Admission requires a master's degree (business major preferred) and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Cost per Credit: $742
• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Instruction Style: Asynchronous and Synchronous
• School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Baker College's doctor of business administration develops scholar-practitioners. Students complete the degree entirely online in 3.5 years on average. The 60-credit curriculum develops proficiencies in areas such as quality improvement, knowledge management and information systems, and research methods and design.

Students use nine credits to focus on a specialty area. They culminate the doctorate in business administration with a dissertation. Eight-week terms help students finish the DBA faster.

All students pay the same affordable tuition rate regardless of residency. Admission requires a master's degree in business and optional GMAT or GRE scores.

• Cost per Credit: $915
• Program Length: 3.5

Franklin's doctor of business administration offers working professionals the best of both worlds. Students can complete the degree entirely online or in hybrid format at regional centers located throughout Ohio. The degree requires at least a three-year commitment.

The 58-credit curriculum explores topics such as organizational leadership and strategic thinking and decision-making. Students use elective credits to pursue a focus area such as accounting or HR management. The degree requires a comprehensive exam and dissertation.

Students can transfer up to 24 credits into the online doctorate in business administration Admission requires an accredited master's and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Cost per Credit: $748
• Total Credits Required to Graduate: 58 credits

CUC's doctor of business administration enrolls seasoned business professionals. The program blends online learning, three face-to-face residencies, and extensive mentorship. Enrollees learn how to apply business research to their management practice.

The curriculum explores topics such as strategic marketing, global business operations, and business analytics. Participants choose one of two specializations: innovation in healthcare management or strategic leadership and innovation.

All enrollees complete research methods coursework. Students pair with business mentors in the second term. Participants culminate the doctorate in business administration with a dissertation. Admission requires a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants are also encouraged to have at least five years of professional experience.

• Cost per Credit: N/A
• Format: Online with residencies

Located in Oregon, George Fox offers a doctor of business administration that blends online learning and two residencies on campus in Newberg. Students take three years of coursework and spend one year on the dissertation.

Coursework explores topics such as leading in organizations and international business. Another course focuses on effective teaching in higher education. Students customize the doctorate in business administration with one of three concentrations: accounting, management, or data analytics.

Admission requires a master's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and five years of professional experience or a full-time faculty appointment.

• Cost per Credit: $964
• Program Length: 4 years
• Total Credits Required to Graduate: 56 credits

Founded as a business school, Johnson & Wales offers a fully online doctor of business administration with no residency requirement. The cohort-based program creates business leaders able to optimize business performance in various sectors. Students complete the 54-credit degree in about three years.

All enrollees complete a mandatory online orientation. Core courses examine topics such as organizational strategy and design, innovation and change, and business analytics and intelligence. Participants culminate the DBA with a dissertation.

Enrollees in the doctorate in business administration pay the same tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires a master's degree, business coursework, and five years of related experience.

• Total Credits Required to Graduate: 54 credits
• Instruction Style: N/A
• Program Accreditation: N/A
• School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

A private college located in New Jersey, Felician University offers a self-paced doctor of business administration . Students learn from faculty with extensive C-level experience. The online curriculum blends an advanced business core, projects in knowledge areas, and personalized mentorship. Students must attend a brief residency in the beginning of the program.

The doctorate in business administration covers topics such as management theory, applied marketing, and statistical and quantitative analysis. Students conduct research in areas of their choosing.

Participants receive online guidance as they complete their dissertation. The innovation lab and industry experts provide invaluable resources. Admission requires an MBA and optional GMAT or GRE scores.

• Cost per Credit: $965
• Program Length: N/A
• Total Credits Required to Graduate: 70 credits
• School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

CBU prepares business leaders equipped for the business environment's rapid pace of change. The doctor of business administration uses a cohort model for coursework and the dissertation process.

The curriculum explores topics such as economic theory, strategic marketing, and international business in global markets. The program also incorporates ethics as part of CBU's Christian heritage.

Students typically finish the degree in 36 months. Eight-week sessions accelerate degree completion. All participants pay the same affordable tuition regardless of residency. Admission requires an accredited MBA or MBA equivalency exam.

• Cost per Credit: $795
• Program Length: 36 months
• Total Credits Required to Graduate: 56 units
• School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2021. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies .

What Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Business Administration Program?

Whereas a Ph.D. in business administration usually serves aspiring researchers or academics, the DBA is a high-level professional degree. Current or aspiring executives pursue DBA degrees for career specialization and advancement. DBA degrees typically work best for ambitious people interested in leadership roles.

About 60 credits total, the DBA curriculum includes core courses on multivariate statistics, econometrics, and research methods. DBAs often require 3-5 years of full-time enrollment to finish, although applicants with transferable master’s degree credits may finish more quickly. DBA students benefit from advanced skills in analysis, problem-solving, and communication.

Most programs expect enrollees to specialize their course of study through a curriculum concentration. Common DBA curriculum specialization options include finance, management, and marketing. Some schools also offer concentrations such as information systems or supply chain management.

Online doctorate in business administration enrollees complete internships and capstone projects in their specialization area. Online learners can do their internships at approved local sites — often their current workplace. DBA capstone projects may be connected to the internship. Dissertation-based DBA programs may focus on more abstract research topics.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.

What courses will i take in an online dba program, econometrics, contemporary issues in management, global marketing, foundations of information systems, research methods, find the tools you need to get started on your degree, what can i do with an online doctorate in business administration degree, career outlook.

Online DBAs meet or exceed degree requirements for various high-paying and rapidly growing careers in industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. The advanced research and analytical skills of DBA graduates prove useful in jobs such as economist , management analyst , and market research analyst .

All of these careers are projected to grow faster than average over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflecting high demand for their skill sets.

Economists earn very high median annual salaries of $115,730, according to the BLS. Financial managers top the salary scale with a median annual salary of more than $156,100. The BLS projects a 17% growth in financial manager jobs from 2023 to 2033.

Learn more about the many business administration , business management , and business intelligence careers available to online DBA graduates.

Career Paths

Market research analyst.

Like economists, market research analysts often use statistical techniques and software to analyze market conditions. These professionals help businesses determine the best products or services to sell, at what price, to which audience. Market research analysts gather and examine consumer data and forecast trends. Some analysts hold the Certified Market Research Analyst credential.

• Median Annual Salary: $74,680

Management Analyst

Sometimes referred to as management consultants, these analysts examine organizations’ functioning and make recommendations for increasing revenues and/or reducing costs. Some management analysts specialize in particular fields or industries. Possible professional certifications include Chartered Human Resources Analyst or Certified in Planning and Inventory Management .

• Median Annual Salary: $99,140

Top Executive

Experienced professionals can use their DBA degrees to enhance their candidacy for top executive positions. These high-level administrators establish organizational goals and create major strategies and policies that support those goals. Top executives collaborate with other administrators in making important decisions.

• Median Annual Salary: $206,680

These research-oriented professionals gather data and perform high-order analysis of economic phenomena. Economists may conduct this analysis to evaluate economic issues, understand and predict market trends, and make recommendations to executives. Some Ph.D.-level economists research and teach at universities.

• Median Annual Salary: $115,730

Financial Managers

These managers oversee organizational finances, collaborating with other managers to create and achieve long-term financial goals. These professionals often produce and present financial statements and reports. Other duties include supervising financial staff, ensuring legal compliance, and advising top executives.

• Median Annual Salary: $156,100

Business Administration Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

How do i choose an online dba program.

The total cost of a doctoral degree averages $133,340 in the United States. Online degrees often cost less than on-campus equivalents. Private university tuition typically costs nearly three times more than public in-state tuition.

To calculate the true cost of an online program, learners also must consider living expenses and non-tuition educational expenses. Distance learners typically save money on living expenses but do pay for books and graduation fees.

Program Format

Many online programs allow asynchronous attendance to accommodate working students. Asynchronous online programs allow participants to watch recorded sessions and contribute to discussion at any time of day.

Online doctorate in business administration programs also may offer self-pacing options that allow learners to accelerate their degree or complete it on a more part-time basis. This flexibility makes a difference for busy students.

Many online graduate programs require periodic visits to campus, often at the beginning or end of each semester or the program as a whole. Consider these requirements carefully when you decide where to apply , since this kind of travel gets expensive.

Some online doctorate in business administration students choose schools in their state or area so that they can take advantage of local networking and internship opportunities.

Accreditation

Good universities maintain institutional accreditation through regional accrediting agencies approved by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation matters, since regionally accredited schools do not accept transfer of credits from nationally accredited schools. Furthermore, only students at regionally accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid.

High-quality online doctorate in business administration programs usually also boast programmatic accreditation by organizations such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Student Support

Most online doctorate in business administration schools provide student support such as academic advising , career services, and networking opportunities. Some programs even offer mentorship programs. Compare online student service offerings as you choose prospective schools.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online DBA Programs

Are online doctoral degrees respected.

A number of prestigious, well-known universities offer accredited online doctoral degrees. Employers have increasingly seen the value in online degrees since the COVID-19 pandemic moved many learning and employment opportunities online.

Does a DBA require a dissertation?

A DBA typically includes a capstone or dissertation requirement, although the details of those requirements will vary by school.

Is a DBA equivalent to PhD?

A DBA is different from a Ph.D. in business administration. Both are respected terminal degrees with a focus on research, but a Ph.D. tends to be more focused on theory and academics whereas a DBA focuses on applied research.

Is the DBA program difficult?

A DBA includes rigorous research and applying concepts to the real world. A number of intensive, high-level concepts are covered in a DBA program.

What is the difference between an Ed.D., a Ph.D., and a DBA?

A doctor of education (Ed.D.) is focused on education leadership, whereas a DBA is focused on business leadership and practical education. A Ph.D. is a broad degree available in both subject areas, typically with an academic, theory-heavy focus. A Ph.D. prepares learners to work in academia and research.

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Business PhD Program

Launch innovative research and a distinguished career, original research, teaching & publication.

The PhD Program at the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business prepares students for research and teaching careers at leading universities. Our program focuses on developing the necessary skills for the design and execution of original, innovative research, and for the dissemination of knowledge through teaching and writing. Throughout the program, PhD students attain a deep understanding of the most influential research in all academic business disciplines, as well as the tools needed to contribute state-of-the-art research to advance specific business disciples in the key program areas that include Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, and Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Operations (SEO).

As a PhD student at the Leeds School of Business, you will be inspired and challenged to investigate complex questions and innovative ideas, as well as work closely with prominent faculty and leading scholars in generating groundbreaking research in your field of study. Leeds PhD students have access to six research centers and initiatives , including the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship and the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility .

The Leeds School of Business offers a dynamic professional atmosphere comprised of quality diverse faculty and doctoral students, all framed by a thriving business community and a beautiful environment.

• PhD Program Areas
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Graduates of the doctoral program at the Leeds School of Business earn a PhD in Business Administration, though they specialize in one area of study. The Leeds School of Business provides a dynamic professional atmosphere comprised of quality, diverse faculty and doctoral students, all framed by a thriving business community and a beautiful environment.

The Accounting PhD program provides students the opportunity to work in collaborative relationships with faculty and gain the skills necessary to conduct research that contributes to knowledge in corporate disclosure, international accounting standards, corporate governance, information intermediaries (e.g., financial analysts), market microstructure and executive compensation. The accounting group specializes in empirical financial research, which relies heavily on econometric methods.

Additional  information about our Accounting faculty  can be found here.

General details about the curriculum, requirements, and structure of the  program can be found here . Please be aware this document is not an exhaustive list of the requirements for the Program.

The Finance PhD program prepares students to study empirical and theoretical issues in corporate finance, structure of securities markets, valuation and asset pricing, derivatives, corporate governance, and information economics. The Finance faculty research a broad array of issues, covering both asset pricing and corporate finance. Topics include social impact investing, venture capital, IPO under-pricing, corporate borrowing, and gambling. The faculty approach these questions with both static and dynamic theoretical models and statistical techniques.

Additional  information about our Finance faculty  can be found here

The Marketing PhD program provides students the opportunity to work in collaborative relationships with faculty and gain the skills necessary to conduct research that contributes to knowledge in consumer behavior and marketing disciplines. Research interests of the marketing faculty and doctoral students includes consumer preferences and behavior, marketing communication and persuasion, auction marketing, new product introductions, pricing, and social responsibility. Research methods include lab and field experiments, empirical methods, and theoretical modeling.

Additional  information about our Marketing faculty  can be found here

The Organizational Behavior (OB) doctoral program provides students an opportunity to work closely with world-renowned scholars to build skills that will prepare them for research careers as professors in leadership, management, and organizational behavior at business schools. The program places a heavy emphasis on training students through active engagement in the research process with leadership, management, and organizational behavior faculty.

Additional  information about our faculty  can be found here.

The Information Systems (IS) doctoral program provides students an opportunity to work closely with world-renowned scholars to build skills that will prepare them for research careers as professors in information systems at business schools.  The program places a heavy emphasis on training students through active engagement in the research process with information systems faculty.

The Strategy and Entrepreneurship PhD program provides students an opportunity to work with renowned scholars in state-of-the-art research on firm strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Faculty and PhD students draw upon multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore issues of Competitive Strategy: how firms gain and sustain a performance advantage; Corporate Strategy: what is the scope of the firm and how firm decide issues of acquisitions, alliances, internationalization, etc; Innovation: how firms acquire, develop, and renew knowledge assets to survive and grow in dynamic markets; and Entrepreneurship: how individuals recognize opportunities and develop new organizations whether startups, spinouts, or social ventures to exploit these opportunities.

Additional  information about our faculty  can be found here

The accounting doctoral program provides students with a deep understanding of the most influential, modern accounting research, and with the tools needed to contribute state-of-the-art research that advances the discipline.

Finance faculty and PhD students study empirical and theoretical issues in corporate finance, structure of securities markets, valuation and asset pricing, derivatives, corporate governance, and information economics.

The marketing doctoral program prepares students to contribute to knowledge on the drivers of consumer behavior, the mechanisms of consumer decision-making, and the indicators of firms' strategic success. The program places a strong emphasis on developing experimental, quantitative, and analytical research skills in preparation for productive careers at top research universities.

The Operations Management PhD program prepares you to pursue an academic career as a researcher and educator. Faculty research interests range from quantitative modeling to empirical studies using tools from operations research, mathematical programming, artificial intelligence, econometrics and economics.

The Strategy and Entrepreneurship PhD program provides students an opportunity to work with renowned scholars in state-of-the-art research on firm strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

PhD Graduates' Publications

Management Information Systems Quarterly ( WITS 2016 Best Prototype Award ) Unlocking Knowledge Inheritance of Behavioral Research: A Design Framework and an Instantiation (Conditional acceptance) Jingjing Li—University of Virginia (PhD 2013) Kai Larsen –University of Colorado Boulder Ahmed Abbasi –University of Virginia

Strategic Management Journal Gatekeeping Strategy and Knowledge Transfer among Platform Participants: Evidence from App Developers Yuchen Zhang –Tulane University (PhD 2016) Jingjing Li—University of Virginia (PhD 2013) Tony Tong –University of Colorado Boulder

Information Systems Research Don’t Mention It? Analyzing User-generated Content Signals for Early Adverse Event Warnings (2019) Ahmed Abbasi –University of Virginia Jingjing Li—University of Virginia (PhD 2013) Donald Adjeroh –West Virginia University Marie Abate—West Virginia University Wanhong Zheng –West Virginia University

Academy of Management The collective construction of green building: Industry transition toward environmentally beneficial practices (2019)   Jessica Jones - University of Colorado (anticipated PhD 2020) Jeffrey York - University of Colorado Siddharth Vedula - Babson College (PhD 2015) Michael Conger - Miami University (PhD 2014) Michael Lenox - University of Virginia

Journal of Accounting Research     Bridging the gap: Evidence from externally hired CEOs (2018)     Yonca Ertimur - University of Colorado at Boulder Caleb Rawson - University of Colorado at Boulder (PhD 2018) Jonathan L Rogers - University of Colorado at Boulder Sarah L.C. Zechman - University of Colorado at Boulder

Journal of Consumer Research     The impact of crowding on calorie consumption (2018)     Stefan J Hock - George Mason University Rajesh Bagchi - Virginia Tech (PhD 2008)

Journal of International Business Studies     Stability vs. flexibility: The effect of regulatory institutions on opportunity type (2018)     Susan L Young - Kennesaw State University Christopher Welter - Xavier University of Cincinnati Michael Conger - Miami University of Ohio (PhD 2014) Organization Science     Value creation through employer loans: Evidence of informal lending to employees at small, labor-intensive firms (2018) Richard A Hunt - Virginia Tech (PhD 2013) Mathew L Hayward - Monash University

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization Competitive pressure on the rate and scope of innovation (2018)  Kenneth A. Younge -College of Management of Technology, Switzerland (PhD 2012) Tony Tong – University of Colorado Boulder Journal of Economics & Management Strategy Constructing a Chinese patent database of listed firms in China: Descriptions, lessons, and insights (2018) Zi-Lin He -Tilburg University, The Netherlands Tony Tong – University of Colorado Boulder Yuchen Zhang – Tulane University (PhD 2016) Wenlong He - University of International Business & Economics, Beijing

Nature Scientific Data  A database linking Chinese patents to China’s Census firms (2018) Zi-Lin He -Tilburg University, The Netherlands Tony Tong – University of Colorado Boulder Yuchen Zhang – Tulane University (PhD 2016) Wenlong He - University of International Business & Economics, Beijing

Research Policy  What determines the duration of patent examination in China? (2018) Tony Tong – University of Colorado Boulder Zhang, Kun – University of Colorado Boulder  Zi-Lin He -Tilburg University, The Netherlands Yuchen Zhang – Tulane University (PhD 2016) 

Journal of Economics & Management Strategy  The value of employee retention: Evidence from a natural experiment (2016)  Kenneth A. Younge -École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland (PhD 2012) Matt Marx – Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory Financial Reporting Quality and Auditor Locality Contagion Jamie Diaz - The College of William & Mary Gregory W. Martin - The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (PhD 2009) Wayne B. Thomas - The University of Oklahoma

View all PhD Graduates Publications

PhD Student News and Awards

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PhD in Management Program

A phd in management: where business research and education intersect.

Become an industry thought leader while preparing tomorrow’s business leaders.

Our fully funded PhD in Management is designed for ambitious students and professionals interested in a career in university teaching and research.

This residential program, based at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, NY, combines Ivy League rigor and real-world relevance to prepare you for successful careers in academia.

At a Glance: Cornell’s Fully Funded PhD in Management

The fully residential, fully funded PhD in Management program includes a tuition waiver and a stipend for living expenses. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

Degree Awarded

PhD in Management

Program Location

Ithaca, NY, with options in New York City

Program Format

Foundational coursework, original research, and six potential areas of study

Why Get a PhD in Management?

With a strong focus on management science and applied research, this doctoral degree is ideal for someone looking to teach at the university level and contribute to the greater body of industry knowledge. Pursuing a PhD in Management is also an ideal next step for executives and senior managers who want to make a transition to academia or enhance their research skills for a successful consulting career.

Fully Funded, Highly Flexible: What Makes Cornell’s Management PhD Different?

As you explore PhD programs’ degree requirements, faculty engagement, and campus experience, Cornell stands alone.

In Cornell’s highly flexible program, you’ll choose a specific area of study and build your own dissertation committee. Our program faculty are genuinely interested and invested in your intellectual development. In this small and highly selective program, you will get to know the faculty and your peers well.

The SC Johnson Graduate School of Management is home to leading research centers and a high-impact academic journal; these open you up to unique learning and mentorship opportunities.

Business Simulation Lab

The Debra Paget and Jeffrey Berg Business Simulation Lab facilitates in-person and online behavioral research related to decision-making and problem-solving.

Discover More About BSL

Our Three-Pronged Approach to a PhD in Management

The Johnson School’s doctoral degree in management combines the best of theory and practice, building on a three-pronged foundation:

Hands-on Experience

Develop your research and analytical skills. You’ll work with classmates to examine existing literature and theories for class deliverables, which will often include your own original research.

Customizable Curriculum

Design your own academic pathway. You’ll choose one of six primary areas of study and create your own dissertation committee.

University-Wide Coursework

Draw on the expertise from across Cornell. You’ll get to select graduate-level courses from schools and colleges devoted to law , hospitality , engineering , labor relations , and other fields.

Hear from Our Community

“PhD is a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with great people is paramount. At Cornell, I’ve found a place where amazing people come together, supporting my research and personal growth. Choosing Cornell means joining a community that knows how important it is to work with exceptional people to excel in the program.” – Elina Hur PhD ’23

Customize Your Path: Our Areas of Study

When you apply to the Johnson School’s PhD in Management, you will select a primary area of study. Choosing a concentration allows you to gain specialized skills and knowledge while growing a portfolio of original research.

Examine the role of accounting information in firms and financial markets. PhD-level research at Cornell explores topics such as how firms report information to investors, how accounting information is used to manage firms, and the nature of auditing.

Strategy & Business Economics

Use modern tools and methodologies to gain a better understanding of the world. PhD students in this area explore many aspects of economics including industrial, behavioral, labor, and organizational.

Dive deep into the financial structure and issues of organizations. Your research might look at how conflicts of interest affect corporate policy, how investor psychology affects asset pricing, or how to detect price bubbles.

Learn how theories from operations research, economics, psychology, and sociology intersect to inform corporate and consumer decisions. Your PhD studies will explore both quantitative and behavioral perspectives of marketing.

Management & Organizations

Prepare for a research-focused career in academia or industry. This versatile concentration develops skilled, innovative, analytical researchers through a broad curriculum and close faculty collaboration.

Operations, Technology, & Information Management

Develop the technical skills and behavioral analysis knowledge you need to address high-impact managerial decisions. This focus area also offers an option to complete coursework at Cornell Tech in New York City.

Idea Generation to Publication: A Career in Teaching and Research

The majority of our PhD in Management students pursue careers in academia. After graduation, many land tenure-track teaching positions at top-tier business schools and continue to advance knowledge through original research. Johnson School PhD students often field multiple offers and see starting salaries range from $150,000 to $250,000.

Finding Your Place at Cornell: Meet Our Current PhDs

Students from around the United States and across the globe arrive at the Johnson School to earn their PhD in Management—and their diverse research interests, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences make for a vibrant, enriching learning environment.

MEET CURRENT PHD STUDENTS

Research and Placements: Making an Impact in the Management Field

After earning the PhD in Management, our alumni go on to teach and inspire future leaders at top-tier institutions. Not only do they teach and conduct research alongside some of the most brilliant minds in business, but they also advance the field through publishing in leading journals and presenting their work at industry conferences.

Recent PhD in Management Placements

• Piyush Anand, PhD ’21, assistant professor of marketing, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University
• Guarav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, assistant professor, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh
• Eunjee Kim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
• Sarah Lim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Xuege Lu, PhD ’22, assistant professor, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
• Subrina Shen, PhD ’21, assistant professor, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin

Recent Research Publications

• “ Do Real Estate Values Boost Corporate Borrowing? Evidence from Contract-Level Data ” in the Journal of Financial Economics (2022) — Gaurav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, with Murillo Campello, Robert A. Connolly, and Eva Steiner
• “ Converging Tides Lift All Boats: Consensus in Evaluation Criteria Boosts Investments in Firms in Nascent Technology Sectors ” in Organization Science (2021) — Xirong (Subrina) Shen, PhD ’21, with Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, and Pamela S. Tolbert 
• “ Initial and Longer-Term Change in Unit-Level Turnover Following Leader Succession: Contingent Effects of Outgoing and Incoming Leader Characteristics ” in Organization Science (2020)— Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, with John Hausknecht and Lisa Dragoni

“ Does Regulatory Jurisdiction Affect the Quality of Investment-Adviser Regulation? ” in American Economic Review (2019) — Alan Kwan, PhD ’17, with Ben Charoenwong and Tarik Umar

Our Faculty: Accomplished Researchers, Dedicated Teachers

When you join the PhD in Management program at the Johnson School, you’ll be part of a learning community comprising more than 100 accomplished academics and thought leaders. 

Not only will you take courses with renowned professors from across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, but you also will have the opportunity to build your own faculty committee—a group that will become instrumental as you select your dissertation topic and embark on your original research.

Faculty Spotlight: Learn from Leading Thought Leaders

Throughout the PhD program—from foundational coursework to your dissertation—you’ll work closely with dedicated teacher-scholars like these:

Kristina Rennekamp

Dr. Rennekamp’s research focuses on financial accounting from a behavioral perspective. She’s widely published, with work appearing in leading academic journals such as The Accounting Review , Contemporary Accounting Research , and The Journal of Financial Reporting .

Karan Girotra

Dr. Girotra studies the digital transformation of companies, whether it’s looking at emerging tools and practices or exploring new business models. He’s frequently interviewed in an array of mainstream business media outlets, including Bloomberg BusinessWeek , Fortune , and Forbes .

Kaitlin Woolley

Dr. Woolley studies the psychological processes behind consumer motivation. She’s an award-winning educator and researcher with work published in academic journals and national media outlets including the Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing Research , and The Wall Street Journal .

EXPLORE JOHNSON SCHOOL FACULTY

What You’ll Learn: Curriculum Overview

As you pursue your PhD in business management, you’ll begin with a set of foundation courses and progress into advanced coursework in your area of interest. Through it all, your faculty committee will help make sure you’re on the right track.

Foundational Management Coursework

Early in your doctoral program, you will complete foundational coursework in management and other fields. Many of these will focus on the research process and prepare you for your dissertation.

Advanced Coursework in Your Concentration Area

As you progress in the PhD in Management program, you’ll take electives and advanced courses that align with your research area of interest; these classes can be in the Johnson School and across Cornell.

Your Dissertation: Creating Original Research

During the final part of the program, you begin work on your dissertation—the culmination of your original research. You choose the topic of research in conjunction with your committee.

VIEW PROGRAM SPECIFICS

Beyond Business: Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Dialogue

Tap into the experience and expertise of faculty members from across Cornell University.

Management is a broad science. Business leaders serve in a variety of roles in industries of all kinds: healthcare, consumer goods, agriculture, biotechnology, media, and consulting to name just a few. At Cornell, you can enrich your education and expand your research opportunities by taking courses and finding mentors beyond the college of business.

Explore fields like computer science, psychology, sociology, communication, engineering, and data science—and then connect the dots back to your management research.

Interact with peers and professors from other disciplines by participating in student organizations and special interest groups or by attending public lectures, workshops, and networking events.

Admissions Overview: How to Apply to the Management PhD Program

The ideal candidate for the Johnson School’s doctorate degree in management will have a strong record of academic excellence, a solid understanding of the research process, and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. An MBA or master’s degree is not a requirement for admission. 

Our admissions page offers more details about program prerequisites, selection criteria, requirements, deadline information, and a checklist of materials you need to submit with your application.

Connect With Cornell Admissions

The Johnson School admissions team is available to answer your questions about the program and the application process. Stop in or reach out by phone or email today.

253-D Sage Hall Johnson Graduate School of Management Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-6201

Phone: 607-255-5340 Email: Graduate Research Programs Office

The Cornell Campus: Where You Will Learn, Grow, and Thrive

Learn, grow, and thrive on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States. As a PhD student, you’ll spend a lot of time in Sage Hall, a Gothic-style building dating back to 1875. You’ll find more high-tech learning spaces just off campus at the Breazzano Family Center for Business Education. You’ll also have access to the innovative campus of Cornell Tech in New York City—particularly relevant to students focused on technology and information management. 

Attending Cornell also means you’ll call Ithaca, NY, home for about five years. Our eclectic downtown is full of eateries, shops, activities, and all of the amenities you’d need for everyday life. When you’re not in class or studying, you can explore all that the Finger Lakes region has to offer.

PhD in Management FAQ: What You Need to Know

Before you apply to a research-focused graduate program, you’re likely to want to do some deep research of your own. For instance, how does a fully funded PhD in Management work? What’s the typical completion time?

We have a robust Frequently Asked Questions section to help you learn more about our program, the admissions process, and dissertation requirements. For our international applicants, you’ll also find specific details about earning your PhD in Management.

May I speak to someone about my interest in the program and visit?

You are welcome to reach out to any professor with whom you see a good research fit. Our website also has a wealth of information about the program.

Is an interview part of the process?

We offer interviews only to a few applicants after their first screening.

May I talk to a professor or advisor?

You are welcome to contact any professor with whom you see a research match. Faculty are more likely to respond to specific research queries.

I have questions; may I write to this program email address?

Yes. Our response time will vary. We are not able to answer detailed questions that are better assessed by faculty during the application process.

May I schedule a campus tour?

Admissions does not offer campus tours for PhD program applicants. However, you may arrange an appointment with a faculty member.

Fraud alert – beware of third-party post-doc scams.

Cornell University recently has been made aware of fraudulent activity targeting overseas students and researchers, including at least one third party website falsely stating that it is offering a postdoctoral or visiting scholar program in association with Cornell. These scams, which may seek to obtain money and/or personal details from interested applicants, are fraudulent. 

Cornell wishes to warn the public about these fraudulent activities being perpetrated purportedly in the name of Cornell, and/or its officials. Please be advised that: 

• Cornell does not, nor has it, worked in collaboration with third-party companies or organizations to offer postdoctoral or research certificate programs.
• Third parties do not collect tuition or fees on behalf of Cornell.
• Cornell does not work with or endorse such organizations including, but not limited to, Shanghai Lufei Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 上海璐斐教育科技有限公司) and Shenzhen Guoyan Era Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 深圳市国研时代教育科技有限公司).

Cornell’s postdoctoral positions are listed on the Academic Career Opportunities website and postdoctoral fellowship programs are available for viewing. If you suspect a third party of falsely advertising a Cornell program, please notify [email protected]. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Start the Application Process Today

Ready to apply to our highly selective, fully funded PhD in Management? We look forward to learning more about you and your research goals. Start the application process today at the Cornell Graduate Admissions website. [You’ll first need to register for an account or log in to an existing one.]