management phd gmat

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School of Management

Phd in management.

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Engage in research that drives change.

UB’s passion for rigorous research is matched only by a deep commitment to positive change. We bring together unconventional thinkers—researchers, scholars and artists—who collaborate across disciplines to push the boundaries of knowledge and creative expression, and consistently endeavor to lead a new way forward. Learn more about our research and economic development .

UB’s ​PhD in Management qualifies as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program, which provides an additional 24 months Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 visa holders. For more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States website or UB's International Student Services Office.

The PhD Project

The UB School of Management is an active participant in  The PhD Project , a national organization whose mission is to expand workplace diversity by increasing the diversity of business school faculty. Today, The PhD Project's expansive network of supporters, sponsors and universities helps Black/African Americans, Latinx/Hispanic Americans and Native Americans attain their business PhD and become the business professors who will mentor the next generation of leaders.

UB’s PhD Excellence Initiative

UB’s PhD Excellence Initiative seeks to ensure that our programs remain among the strongest in the world by recruiting the best PhD students, providing exceptional educational and research training, improving retention of students, reducing time-to-degree and more.

E. Han Kim, PhD ’75

• Everett E. Berg Professor in Business Administration, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor

Sara Melendy, PhD ’05

• Professor of Accounting, Gonzaga University School of Business Administration; Founder, Justice for Fraud Victims Project

Niam Yaraghi, PhD ’14

• Associate Professor of Business Technology at Miami Herbert Business School; Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution's Center for Technology Innovation

Marty Spitzer, PhD ’92

• Senior Director of Climate and Renewable Energy, World Wildlife Fund

Jasmina Tacheva, PhD ’19

• Assistant Professor, Syracuse University School of Information Studies

Hamed Ghahremani, PhD '19

• Assistant Professor, Department of Management and Marketing, University of New Orleans

Lemma Senbet, PhD ’76

• William E. Mayer Chair Professor of Finance, University of Maryland

The School of Management uses a test-optional admissions process for our PhD program. You have the option to submit GMAT or GRE scores in support of your application, but are not required to do so.

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While we know that scores on standardized tests do not always portray your abilities accurately, they still play a helpful role in the evaluation process.

Your test scores are just one piece of your application. We consider your scores within the context of factors such as the resources available to you, the educational systems within your university and country, etc.

Either the Graduate Management Admission Test  (current version or GMAT Focus Edition, both referred to as “GMAT” henceforth) or the Graduate Record Examination  (GRE) is required for admission. You must take the test before submitting your application. We have no preference for one test over the other. If you take both exams, you may provide both scores. Candidates applying to joint degree programs that require the GRE should not feel obligated to take the GMAT. We do not accept Law School Admission Test, Medical College Admission Test, or Executive Assessment scores in place of the GMAT or GRE.

We accept test scores for the official online GMAT and GRE exams, as well as test scores from in-person exams at official GMAT and GRE test centers. Tests must be taken before the deadline date of the application round in which you plan to apply. Scores from tests taken after the deadline date will not be considered. You must self-report your scores on your application and send us your official scores via the score reporting center. Official scores may arrive after the deadline date.

Score Requirement

There is no minimum GMAT or GRE score requirement for graduate study at Stanford, and we accept students with a wide range of scores. Please see the class profile for the range and average test scores.

Score Validity

GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years from the date you take the test. Since we require the GMAT or GRE for admission, you must take the test before submitting your application. The scores you report must be valid as of the deadline date of the round in which you apply, and you must submit your official scores via the score reporting center prior to your score expiration date. If your GMAT or GRE score is still valid, you do not need to retake the GMAT or GRE General Test. If your scores expire prior to enrollment and you have not submitted your official scores, you may be required to retake the exam. If you require testing accommodations, initiate that process well in advance so you can take the test before the application deadline.

Score Reporting

You must take the test before the application deadline. You will self-report your scores on the application, and we will verify them against your official score report. You must report all section scores from the same test date. We will review your application using the scores you report when submitting your application.

• Although you must arrange to have the testing agency send your official test scores to us as part of the application process, those official scores may arrive after the application deadline.
• Instruct either Pearson VUE (for GMAT) or Educational Testing Service (for GRE) to send an official score report directly to the Stanford MBA Program, using the school codes below. Please do not contact the MBA Admissions Office to confirm if official test scores have been received. If test scores have not been received, the MBA Admissions Office will notify you.
• If your Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score is not available, leave this field blank. We will retrieve this score directly from Pearson VUE or ETS.
• If you have already submitted your official test scores, it is not necessary to send them again.

Multiple Test Scores

Do not average test scores. If you have taken the GMAT or GRE more than once, report only the scores from one examination that you wish us to consider while reviewing your application. The scores you report must be from the same testing session.

School Codes

Use the following school codes to ensure proper delivery of your official test scores.

• GMAT - Instruct Pearson VUE to send scores directly to the “Stanford MBA Program” ( school code L9R-KW-09 ).
• GRE - Instruct ETS to send your scores directly to “Stanford University” ( school code 4704 ). Specifying a department will delay the processing of your test scores.
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Admissions & Financial Support

Application requirements.

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Admissions & Financial Support

Interested in applying to one of our fully funded PhD Programs? Before you begin, learn more about our application requirements. Please note that applicants are only required to possess a bachelors degree. Undergraduate applicants in their senior year are welcome to apply

We realize that the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, recent natural disasters, and other extenuating circumstances may have significant impacts on applicants’ academic and personal lives, including the ability to provide all required application materials prior to our stated deadlines. If this pertains to your circumstances, please review the information below for next steps.

Required Application Materials

• Completed online application form
• Statement of Purpose
• Personal Statement
• Transcripts for all college/university degrees and courses Self-reported transcripts are accepted for both all programs at the application stage. Applicants must upload copies of his/her transcripts to the online application system. Hard copy transcripts will only be required if admitted to a program, prior to enrollment.
• Current GMAT or GRE scores (see details below)
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (non-native English speakers see details below)
• Three letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source). Recommendation letters must be submitted online through the online application system. Hard copy recommendation letters will not be accepted.
• $105 application fee via credit card
• Optional writing sample (no more than 10 pages)

GMAT & GRE

All applicants are required to take either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Submitted test scores are valid for no longer than five years. If you are applying for admission for fall 2024, you may submit scores from tests taken no earlier than January 5, 2019. There is no minimum test score requirement, and admissions committee does not have a preference in tests.

• Institution Codes for PhD Programs
• GMAT: HRL-X8-30

A department code is not required for score submission.

We realize that the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, recent natural disasters, and other extenuating circumstances may have significant impacts on applicants’ academic and personal lives, including the ability to provide all required application materials prior to our stated deadlines. If you are unable to take the GRE or GMAT before the deadline, we still encourage you to apply, even if your scores are missing. Our application form includes a section for you to let us know about any of your materials that may be unavailable or delayed.

International Applications

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. Applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold a Bachelor degree or its equivalent from an institution at which English is the language of instruction must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Submitted scores are valid for no longer than two years. If you are applying for admission for fall 2024, you may submit scores from tests taken no earlier than January 5, 2022. The committee prefers scores of at least 100 on the the TOEFL internet-based test and at least 7.5 on the IELTS test. Applicants are strongly encouraged to choose the TOEFL internet-based test when possible.

Institution Codes for Toefl score reports PhD programs: 3451

Instructions for submitting IELTS score reports Designate Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as a recipient of your test results. Our address, for the record only, to identify us in the IELTS system, is 1350 Massachusetts Ave. Smith Campus Center 350, Cambridge, MA 02138. Paper test report forms will not be accepted at this address.

Accomodations for COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, or other extenuating circumstances

Reapplicants.

Applicants who applied last year are considered reapplicants. Those reapplying must submit a completely new application. The new application must include all required documents to be provided by the applicant - we will not re-use material previously submitted. These materials include an updated statement of purpose, transcripts, test score reports, updated letters of recommendation, the application fee, and any other supporting materials

Please note, Harvard University will accept no more than three applications from any one individual over the course of their lifetime. If your 2023 application is incomplete and you are denied admission, GSAS will not count it toward our lifetime limit of three total applications that an individual may submit due to the global pandemic.

APPLY FOR A PROGRAM

What the GMAT Is and How to Prepare for the Test

Understand why business schools use this entrance exam, and know what to expect on the test.

What the GMAT Is and How to Prepare

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Experts say self-studying for the GMAT only works with a significant amount of discipline and accountability.

Business school hopefuls who are competing for spots at selective graduate business programs should understand that a stellar score on the Graduate Management Admission Test will improve their odds of acceptance, according to B-school admissions officials.

"While most business schools utilize a holistic review process and consider all parts of an application to paint a well-rounded picture of each applicant, the test score does play an important role," wrote Lindsay Badeaux, a senior assistant director of admissions at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business and an MBA admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, in an email.

Badeaux adds that a GMAT score is "a strong indicator" of whether someone is academically prepared for B-school, "so admissions committees take it very seriously."

If you're wondering how to get ready for this standardized test, here is a comprehensive guide to the GMAT, along with tips and resources that will help you perform at your best.

What Is the GMAT?

The GMAT is a business school entrance exam that lasts nearly 3 1/2 hours, and includes the following four components:

• An analytical writing assessment, which measures critical thinking and communication skills.
• An integrated reasoning section, which shows how well students can analyze data and interpret information displayed in varied formats.
• A quantitative reasoning section, which determines whether students have strong mathematical abilities and numerical literacy.
• A verbal reasoning section, which evaluates reading comprehension skills, editing abilities and whether someone can make sense of written arguments.

Test-takers have the freedom to choose how they start the exam, beginning with the quantitative, verbal or writing section.

"The GMAT is consciously designed to assess skills that are most relevant for business school," wrote Vineet Chhabra, senior director of product management at the Graduate Management Admission Council, the nonprofit organization that administers and designs the GMAT, in an email. "It's a test of applied reasoning. It's not just about knowing stuff; it's about what you can do with your knowledge and how you can apply that in a thoughtful way during business school. It hits closer to what businesspeople do on a daily basis."

What Are Typical GMAT Test Scores?

GMAT test-takers who complete the test should expect to receive five scores, including section scores for analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning, plus a total score, which is based upon performance on the verbal and quantitative sections.

Scores range from 0 to 6 on the analytical writing assessment, which is graded in half-point increments, and extend from 1 to 8 on the integrated reasoning section, which has eight possible scores, all of which are whole numbers. Both the quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning sections have a minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 60, but scores below 6 and above 51 are rare. Total GMAT scores range from a low of 200 to a high of 800 and are reported in 10-point intervals. These total scores are based on both the accuracy of a test-taker's answers to questions on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GMAT and the difficulty level of the questions that a test-taker answered.

The average overall GMAT score between January 2015 and December 2017 was 561.27 out of 800. A score of 590 surpassed the performance of 52% of test-takers during that time frame, and scores of 760 or above corresponded to the 99th percentile among all test-takers for that time period.

How Does the Computer-Adaptive Format of the GMAT Work?

The quantitative and verbal reasoning sections of the GMAT each begin with a question of average difficulty. Then, the questions continuously vary in difficulty, depending on a test-taker's accuracy, experts say. So, if the test-taker gets a question right, a harder question usually appears next.

But if a question is answered incorrectly, the next one is typically an easier question. By the end of the test, the computer calculates a score based on whether the test-taker was able to accurately respond to tough questions.

How Is the GMAT Different From the GRE?

Experts say one important distinction between the GMAT and GRE is that the GMAT was specifically created with business schools in mind, while the latter was designed for more general use across multiple types of graduate schools.

MBA admissions consultants say the GRE's verbal section is generally tougher than the verbal portion on the GMAT, while the quantitative section on the GMAT is usually harder than the portion on the GRE.

How Do I Register for the GMAT?

Most students can register for the GMAT online by creating an account on mba.com, a website that GMAC runs, and then scheduling an appointment through the web scheduling system. However, students with disabilities who would like accommodations should fill out an accommodation request form before scheduling their test appointment.

Where and How Often Is the GMAT Offered?

There are GMAT test centers all over the world and throughout the U.S. Test-takers can identify convenient test centers on the " Find a Test Center " portion of the mba.com website. The GMAT may be taken once every 16 calendar days, and it can be completed no more than five times during a 12-month time period. GMAT test-takers have a lifetime limit on how many times they can take the test, with a maximum of eight attempts permitted.

How Much Does It Cost to Take the GMAT?

Prices for the test vary depending on the test location. At U.S. test centers, the GMAT exam costs $250.

When Should I Take the GMAT?

Badeaux recommends that, regardless of how a B-school hopeful plans to prepare for the GMAT, he or she should schedule their test at least three to four months in advance of their first application deadline. "This will allow you some buffer room should you need to take the test again to aim for a higher score," she says.

What Skills Are Tested on the Integrated Reasoning Section of the GMAT?

The integrated reasoning section is designed to assess an applicant's data analysis and problem-solving skills – two skill sets that are important to many employers of MBA graduates.

"The IR section – developed with input from business schools and corporate recruiters – specifically measures real-world skills relevant in today's job market, including synthesizing data from multiple sources, organizing data to see relationships and making judgments based on the same," Chhabra wrote in an email.

Why Do Business Schools Use the GMAT?

Experts say business schools use GMAT scores to gauge whether prospective MBA students have the skills necessary to excel in rigorous courses.

"They want to prove ahead of time that a candidate will actually get through their entire program, and so the GMAT helps them make that decision with some level of confidence," says Camille Coppock, marketing director for the Americas region at GMAC.

Kelly Wilson, executive director of masters admissions at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business , says the GMAT score is just one among many important components in an MBA application .

"While the GMAT is important, it is a single component of the larger application and is not the be all and end all," she wrote via email. "The GMAT score and prior academic coursework often work hand in hand to provide insight into the candidate's potential for academic success."

How Much Does the GMAT Matter in the Admissions Process?

Chris Lele, a grad school expert and senior GRE and SAT curriculum manager with Magoosh Test Prep, says one common misconception about the GMAT is the idea that a score of 700 or above guarantees admission to a selective B-school.

"While surely that helps and is almost a prerequisite for a few elite schools, a super high GMAT score won't totally cover over a weak application," Lele wrote in an email. "Professional experience, letters of recommendation and even an entrance essay are all important parts of the admission process that students should also focus on."

How Can I Set a Target GMAT Score?

Luke Parrott, assistant director of graduate admissions with the University of Denver Daniels College of Business , says B-school applicants should aim to meet or exceed the average GMAT score at their target grad business programs, and they should also attempt to beat the average GMAT score among B-school applicants from their region.

Parrott says someone who wants to gain admission to his or her B-school of choice would need a score of about 600 to be competitive, but he notes that graduate business programs vary in their test score standards.

How Long Should I Study for the GMAT?

Experts say that, in general, an MBA applicant's performance on the GMAT is correlated with the number of hours he or she spent preparing for the exam, but there is no hard-and-fast rule about how much prep time is necessary since that will vary by student.

GMAC survey data collected in 2016 showed that GMAT test-takers with scores between 600 and 690 spent a median total of 80 hours, while those with scores above 700 used a median total of 90 hours.

Coppock says the amount of time to spend on test prep depends on an applicant's comfort level with logic exams and how ambitious the target score is.

Coppock adds that MBA applicants often find the GMAT more challenging than previous standardized tests they have taken due to the emphasis on reasoning skills rather than knowledge of a specific academic subject.

Which GMAT Test-Prep Methods Should I Use?

Experts warn that preparing for the GMAT on one's own requires discipline.

"Some applicants can manage with self-study but we find that a class, or even better, a private tutor, helps to keep students on track and reinforce the study schedule," wrote Stacy Blackman, president of Stacy Blackman Consulting, an MBA admissions consulting firm, in an email.

Coppock says one way to find a test-prep support group is to sign up for a GMAT-focused meetup. She also says MBA applicants who are trying to decide on a test-prep method should think about what worked best for them during college.

What Are Common GMAT Mistakes and How Can I Avoid Them?

Lele says B-school hopefuls often get frustrated when they encounter challenges with their GMAT prep, and they wrongly assume they cannot improve their performance. He says a growth mindset can help students avoid this error.

"Some believe that the GMAT is something you are either good at or bad at," Lele says. "As they begin their GMAT prep, they will construe early difficulties as evidence they fall into the latter category. But these are difficulties that most face when prepping for an exam as arduous and wide-ranging as the GMAT. Bottom line: Anyone, especially with the right mentality, can improve at the GMAT, and shouldn't take early struggles as a sign that they are simply not good at the GMAT."

Logan Thompson, an instructor at the Manhattan Prep test-prep company and the author of "Beyond the Content: Mindfulness as a Test Prep Advantage," a book which will be released this August, says addressing negative thoughts and feelings is crucial for solid performance on the GMAT.

Thompson adds that the adaptive nature of the GMAT, which increases in difficulty if a test-taker answers a question correctly, makes the test particularly challenging from a psychological and emotional perspective. He says the GMAT is designed to test the limits of a test-taker's abilities in order to assess their full potential. "So you feel like you're just keeping your head above water the entire test," he says.

David D. Schein, director of graduate programs and associate professor at the University of St. Thomas—Houston's Cameron School of Business , says one key aspect of being ready for the GMAT is having the ability to get through test questions quickly. "So, getting practice at working the tests is important to improve both speed and confidence," Schein wrote in an email. He adds that test-takers should aim to answer every question they are given on the GMAT, and they should be mindful of when during the day they schedule the exam, with the goal being to take the test during a time when they are at their peak mentally, whether that is in the morning or afternoon.

When Does It Make Sense to Retake the GMAT?

Experts say B-school applicants who are unsatisfied with their current GMAT score and are convinced they can do better often benefit from a retake.

"Data from GMAC shows that repeat testing can provide an opportunity for score improvement," wrote Gregg Schoenfeld, senior director of research and data science at GMAC, in an email. Schoenfeld says three-quarters of GMAT test-takers improved their score when they repeated the test, with an average score bump of 30 to 40 points. He adds that 55% of test-takers who already had a GMAT score of 700 or higher when they retook the exam increased their score.

Nervousness or inadequate test preparation could explain why the score is not as high as expected on the first try, experts suggest.

"Sometimes just having sat through the exam once, learned the procedure and how it feels, will be enough to help a second time," Alexander Lowry, a professor of finance at Gordon College and executive director of the school's Master of Science in Financial Analysis program, said via email.

Lowry adds that the computer-adaptive aspect of the GMAT can be formidable, because even test-takers who are performing well may struggle with the material. "So if you're taking the exam a second time, you’ll know to expect that and it won't throw you off," he says.

Blackman says students should aim to achieve whatever score fully reflects their abilities. "Applicants almost always know whether a test score is an accurate reflection of their aptitude versus an over- or underperformance," she says. "Put your best foot forward, even if it means a retake to better align the score with one's potential and previous diagnostic exams."

What Are the Biggest Changes to the GMAT?

Chhabra says GMAC has introduced changes to the GMAT to allow test-takers to feel more confident and comfortable on test day. GMAC also provides test-takers with suggestions on which graduate management programs might be a good fit, he says.

According to GMAC, one recent revision of the GMAT involved shortening the exam so that test-takers spend less time at the test center. Another new feature is Select Section Order, which permits students to customize the order of the GMAT sections to match their preferences, GMAC states. In addition, GMAT test-takers now receive personalized recommendations on which B-schools they should consider "based on their interests, fit and score," according to GMAC.

How Can I Improve My GMAT Score?

Business school hopefuls who want to raise their GMAT scores should first reflect on whether they are setting realistic expectations and if achieving their target score is actually required for admission to their first-choice MBA program , Coppock says.

She adds that applicants who put in maximum effort into their test prep but still came up short might be using a test-prep method that doesn't match their learning style.

"Schools are looking for diversity in the classes they bring in each academic year," Chhabra adds. "Your GMAT score is an important part of what you bring to the table, but a particular score doesn’t necessarily seal the deal in either direction. Look at your GMAT score as part of the overall value proposition that you bring to a school."

Searching for a business school? Get our complete rankings of Best Business Schools .

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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.

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.

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

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.]

• Chancellor’s Message

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2023-24 edition, management, ph.d..

The Paul Merage School of Business admits students for the Ph.D. in the fall quarter only. The deadline for application is January 4. The Ph.D. program requires a commitment to full-time study. In addition to the other requirements, Ph.D. applicants are encouraged to submit a previously prepared paper (research report, research essay, case study) which may be indicative generally of the applicant’s interests and capabilities.

The School offers the Ph.D. in Management to students with backgrounds in a variety of disciplines. While a master’s degree is preferred, students may be admitted to the doctoral program directly from the baccalaureate degree. There are many appropriate undergraduate majors, including (but not limited to) psychology, political science, business or public administration, mathematics, computer sciences, economics, sociology, and so forth. Students with academic strengths in disciplines not usually considered as precursors for management (e.g., natural sciences, humanities, and the arts) are encouraged to apply. The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students for academic careers in a number of the fields of management, e.g., organization and management, strategy, operations and decision technologies, management information systems, finance, accounting, and marketing. Requirements of the Ph.D. program include a broad knowledge of core management disciplines. In addition, the Ph.D. student must qualify as a skilled researcher and must complete a dissertation demonstrating these skills.

In addition to the usual University of California requirements for admission to graduate study, students must provide one of the following:

• the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) verbal and quantitative parts
• a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
• statement of purpose
• minimum of three references, of which two should be from academic sources.

Students holding an appropriate Baccalaureate degree may be admitted directly to graduate study leading to the Ph.D. in Management.

Teaching Requirements

All degree candidates are required to complete the Teaching Development course MGMTPHD 297B . The objective of the course is to ensure that our Ph.D. students are adequately prepared to assume academic teaching responsibilities upon completion of their programs and to ensure that business doctoral students who teach classes at UCI are adequately prepared to do so effectively.

Coursework and Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. Program in The Paul Merage School of Business is divided into phases, Qualifying and Dissertation. The objective and requirements of each phase are outlined below.

Phase I (Qualifying)

Provides students with a general exposure to their fields of emphasis, the discipline of management, and methodological tools. This phase must be completed within nine quarters. At the end of either year 1 or year 2 (depending on the field of emphasis), students will take a written comprehensive field examination covering material within their specific fields of emphasis.

Course Requirements

The Merage School doctoral courses are offered on a two-part School-wide menu: Theoretical Breadth and Research Methods. Courses may be added to the two menus as needed or availability as determined by the faculty.

• Specialization requirement : Two courses in the student's primary area of specialization (one of the seven fields of emphasis offered by The Merage School of Business. At least one of these courses must be a Ph.D.-level seminar or Independent Study at the doctoral level. Requirements in the student's area of specialization are determined by the faculty in that area within the guidelines of doctoral study.
• Breadth requirement : All doctoral students are required to take four breadth courses. Breadth courses are defined as the courses on the School-wide menus and courses offered in areas other than the student's area of specialization. These could be courses offered by other areas within Merage or departments outside of Merage. Students must take (at least) two courses from the School-wide menus, and (at least) two additional Ph.D.-level courses pertinent to the academic area of study.
• Research skills requirements : Two courses that emphasize research skills that contribute to the development of research capabilities, as determined by the faculty in the area of specialization.
• MGMTPHD 297A - Doctoral Proseminar and MGMTPHD 297B - University Teaching. These course requirements are common to all students, regardless of area of specialization.

This phase is also designed to prepare students for research and scholarship in their areas of emphasis. Following successful passage of the written comprehensive field examination, the student should select a Chair and, together with that Chair, identify at least two other members, one of which needs to be in another area within the school or outside the school. The committee, in consultation with the student, develops a program for the remainder of the Qualifying Phase. The program consists of the specification of the content of the student’s area of emphasis, requirements for the completion of written papers, and the methods by which the student will demonstrate readiness to conduct original research and scholarship. Students usually enroll in independent study with faculty advisors, as well as other courses as appropriate each quarter. During this period of advanced study, students gain a thorough understanding of their specific fields of emphasis, including detailed knowledge of the current literature and research trends. In this phase, students prepare themselves to become scholars who, through meaningful research, will make a significant contribution to the advancement of their chosen fields.   Phase I is completed upon successful passage of a formal oral qualifying examination conducted by the Candidacy Committee comprised of at least three faculty members, a majority of whom are affiliated with the Merage School.

Phase II (Dissertation)

This phase requires the completion of a significant original research project and a dissertation which demonstrates the candidate's creativity and ability to launch and sustain a career in research. Phase II typically ranges from 12 to 18 months in duration. The type of research project selected will be an important determinant of the amount of time a student will spend in this phase. Upon approval of the dissertation and final dissertation defense, the student's Dissertation Committee recommends conferral of the Ph.D. degree.

Students enroll in 12.0 of Individual Study units under their Faculty Advisor’s supervision for research/dissertation work until they defend their dissertation and graduate.

Advancement to Candidacy

The student undertakes advancement to candidacy or the Ph.D. upon successfully demonstrating a high level of scholarship in full-time study at the doctoral level, when all preparatory work has been completed and the student is ready to proceed to the dissertation phase, as signified by successfully passing the oral qualifying examination at the end of Phase I.

The normative time for advancement to candidacy is three years. The normative time for completion of the Ph.D. is five years, and the maximum time permitted is six years.

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Beyond the MBA: GMAT for PhD Applicants

The GMAT exam can be your first step to a career as a business school professor.

It is common knowledge that many business schools require MBA applicants to submit their GMAT scores as part of their application. However, not many people are aware that taking the GMAT exam can be a stepping-stone into a doctoral program in business schools around the world.

A PhD in Management prepares an individual to become a professor in a business school. Business academics engage in three main activities: research, teaching and academic service. Some professors in business schools also engage in consulting assignments with companies. A career as a business school professor, though challenging, is intellectually stimulating, flexible and financially rewarding. 

However, getting into a doctoral program is not easy. The GMAT score is only one of several admission requirements. Most schools also assess an applicant’s suitability for research by evaluating credentials such as past academic records, statement of purpose and letters of recommendations.

Since a PhD is a commitment of at least 4 to 5 years, applicants need to carefully consider the trade-offs of pursuing a PhD in different schools. Applicants should consider the availability of research resources, which are often provided in research-oriented business schools. For example, in Singapore, NUS Business School provides full funding for doctoral students, which includes a stipend, IT support and conference travel funding. Moreover, along with personal considerations such as relocation and family, applicants should also carefully consider whether a school fits in with their research interests. 

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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

Marissa Sharif (’17) Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School

The Effect of Categorization on Goal Progress Perceptions and Motivation

Marco Testoni  ('19) Assistant Professor Tilburg University

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

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A completed Ph.D. application will include the following components:

Application Form

Students can apply online here:  https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply/

A brief guide to finding the Rady PhD application can be found  here .

Academic History

Please upload all transcript(s) into the online application. Do not send duplicates. Official transcripts will only be required if you are admitted.

Academic Curricula Vitae and/or Resume

Please prepare an academic CV giving a summary of your education and professional history for uploading into the application.

Please include any teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors and affiliations.

Graduate Records Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

• The Rady School of Management PhD Program will continue to waive the GRE/GMAT requirement for all Rady PhD applicants for Fall 2024. Submitting a score is optional. Applicants to the quantitative research areas such as Finance, Economics and Strategy, Quantitative Marketing, and Information, Technology, and Operations (ITO) can demonstrate quantitative aptitude by demonstrating success in prior quantitative coursework, research projects, or by submitting GRE/ GMAT scores.
• The Accounting research area is not recruiting in the 2023-24 PhD admissions cycle. Prospective students are encouraged to consider Finance as alternative should their interests extend to that field.
• The Ph.D. Program accepts either the GRE or the GMAT as and optional submission.
• The GRE general test is optional (if taking the GRE in lieu of the GMAT exam). Official score reports must be within five years of the test date.
• For the GRE, use institutional code 4836; the department code is not necessary.
• The program code for the GMAT is “3NS-ZK-24.”

For International Applicants Only: TOEFL or IELTS Scores

• TOEFL or  IELTS  or  PTE  scores are required for international applicants; official score reports must be within two years of the test date. 
• The English proficiency requirement is waived if you have been enrolled full-time, for a minimum of one year in an academic program at a degree-granting, English-speaking institution; community colleges and vocational schools are not considered. Courses must have been completed with a B average or better. You can see Graduate Division's full requirements for exemption  at the Graduate Division FAQ page . If you meet the requirements for exemption, then you do not submit a score, there is not a formal waiver that is sent.
• For reporting from ETS, use institutional code 4836-02.
• Minimum scores for TOEFL: Computer-based 250, Paper 570, Internet 90.
• The minimum score for IELTS is 7.
• The minimum PTE score is 65.

Recommendations

Three Letters of Recommendations are required; submission via the online application is strongly preferred. If necessary, for other methods of submission, please follow the Office of Graduate Studies guidelines for  Letters of Recommendation .

Letters should optimally be from someone who has taught you and/or from individuals who can attest to your academic ability and research potential.

Statement of Purpose Requirements

Online Statement of Purpose required. 2,500-word limit to include the following:

• State which areas of research you are interested in and with which faculty member you would like to work with and why.
• Discuss why you are interested in these areas and how your experiences (academic or otherwise) are relevant to your continuing academic studies. Include any research experience or publications you have.
• Discuss your career goals after obtaining your Ph.D.

Specific Program Requirements

The department does not enroll students who seek a master's degree as a terminal degree. Students who elect to specialize in management science and finance will be required to have additional mathematical knowledge such as advanced calculus and statistics.

Application Fee

The application fee for the Ph.D. program is $135 for domestic students and $155 for international students (subject to change). Graduate Division's information page about application fees can be found  here . The non-refundable fee is payable by credit card through the online application. You may also pay by check, following the instructions in the online application. If you choose to pay by check, please note that your application cannot be processed until your check has been received.

If you have any questions, please contact the Rady Ph.D. Graduate Coordinator at  [email protected] .

Please upload documents to your online application. If needed, you can mail official documents to Graduate Division - Graduate Admissions.

Mailing Address University of California, San Diego Graduate Division - Graduate Admissions 9500 Gilman Drive #0003 La Jolla, California 92093-0003 [email protected]

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