business phd in usa

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• Dissertation Areas and Joint PhD Programs
• PhD Career Outcomes
• PhD Proposals and Defenses
• PhD Job Market Candidates
• PhD Research Community
• 100 Years of Pioneering Research
• Rising Scholars Conference

Yiran Fan Memorial Conference

• Frequently Asked Questions

PhD The Stevens Doctoral Program

Join a community of bold thinkers.

The Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth is the top destination for analytical, intellectually curious individuals who want to earn a doctorate in business from one of the best business PhD programs in the world.

As a PhD student at Chicago Booth, you will explore and cultivate your research interests from day one—wherever they lead you. In partnership with our distinguished faculty , you will develop your ability to conduct groundbreaking research. You’ll graduate with a business PhD and the tools to achieve academic and professional success.

Video Transcript

Baris Ata (00:00): When I came here, it felt like, "Now I'm in the major leagues." I realized how high the standards are.

Jane L. Risen (00:09): We're the oldest PhD program within a business school, which is pretty extraordinary to think of sort of how long ago the recognition was there that we wanted to be training not just business leaders in practice, but to be training the future leaders of academic discipline.

Ray Ball (00:26): So I arrived in 1966. Oh, it was marvelous. The place just crackled with ideas and open discussion, and I ended up throwing out all the ideas I came with.

Ann L. McGill (00:35): What I especially liked about learning things here is this is an interdisciplinary school, so you didn't have to dive in a silo. You can wrap your arms around huge areas.

Marianne Bertrand (00:46): What is special is that we are part of a business school, training PhD students across a range of disciplines, not just economics or finance, which we deploy in the Economics Department, but also students are doing psychology, operation research.

Ray Ball (00:59): At Chicago, the ideas were the authorities, not the people, and they were all up for grabs.

Amir Sufi (01:06): What we're trying to create here is people who produce knowledge, not just consume it. And that's the real challenge I think of PhD education.

Ana-Maria Tenekedjieva (01:15): I was never told at any point that, "Oh, this is not real finance. This question is too outside of the box." On the contrary, it was always, "You should do what you want to do, and we're going to think about placement once the paper is ready."

Jane L. Risen (01:32): You don't make any assumptions. You question everything.

Pradeep K. Chintagunta (01:35): It's not enough just to know what other people have done. It's also important to know what needs to be done next. To be able to do that, you need to be able to ask questions beyond the questions that have been asked in the previous literature or in the previous knowledge that's already out there.

Jeffrey R. Russell (01:53): When you're going to seminars here, or watching my colleagues talk in the hallways, you'll often see them in what look like very contentious battles. But really, they're just after, "What's the right answer?" When PhD students come here, they are able to sort of bring that into their own souls, and I think that really pushes them then to sort of be the best possible researcher that they can.

Ana-Maria Tenekedjieva (02:12): Chicago Booth is known for its quite aggressive questioning style. I think that we get a little bit of a bad rap. There is a point to the aggressive questioning, and it is to clarify the idea. In Chicago Booth the spirit is be tough on the idea, not on the person.

Amir Sufi (02:30): Throughout the world, we're appreciating more and more how influential research can be. I think our PhD students going forward will increasingly be placed in positions, both in scholarship and in government and in business, where they can have major influence.

Ray Ball (02:48): So the fact that this is the oldest doctoral program in business, that it has been going for 100 years, gives some indication of the commitment of this school to training people. We still have those same values, and so it's always going to generate people who change the world, who change the way we think. I can't tell you at this point how that will happen. That's exactly the idea. New people come in with new ideas, and they learn how to implement them in the school, and they change the way we think about the world. And that's going to keep going.

PhD in Business at a Glance

The Stevens Program is highly competitive—and highly rewarding. Approximately 20–25 new PhD students matriculate each fall from an applicant pool of more than 1,000, and our graduates are highly sought after at the world's most elite institutions of higher learning, in government, and at leading global businesses.

Our program is a full-time program that typically takes about five years to complete. PhD students can apply for one of our seven dissertation areas  or three joint PhD programs.

Explore Our Dissertation Areas and Joint PhD Programs

Our program gives you the flexibility to meet your intellectual and academic goals. We have seven doctoral dissertation areas, as well as three joint PhD programs.

Join Our Research Community

In collaboration with faculty and fellow students, you’ll conduct innovative research and prepare for a successful career.

How to Apply for and Fund Your PhD in Business

Explore phd admissions.

Earn your PhD in one of the best business PhD programs in the world. Here’s how to join our community of bold thinkers.

Attend a PhD Admissions Event

Join us at an information session or recruiting forum to learn more about the Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth.

Explore Financial Aid

At Chicago Booth, PhD students receive a tuition grant, a stipend, student health insurance, a computer or computer subsidy, and access to research and travel funding.

Meet Our Alumni and Job Market Candidates

Discover our alumni success.

For 100 years, Chicago Booth has been a proven training ground for the next generation of leading professionals in academia, government, and industry.

See Our PhD Job Market Candidates

See the Stevens Doctoral Program's current job market candidates—the next generation of researchers who will shape theory and practice in business and beyond.

Discover UChicago

Discover UChicago is a two-day program that introduces third-year undergraduates to the prospect of pursuing a graduate degree at UChicago and other institutions alike. At the event, Stevens Doctoral Program representatives will shed light on the program and application process, as well as navigating academic life at Chicago Booth.

Celebrating 100 Years of Pioneering Research

Since 1920, our faculty, alumni, and students have been driving the evolution of modern research in a wide range of disciplines.

On April 11, 2024, scholars in financial economics gathered to share ongoing research in a series of alumni and student presentations as part of a commemorative event dedicated to our late colleague, Yiran Fan.

Stories from Our Community

Measuring preferences for privacy.

Current PhD student Tesary Lin’s passion for economics and behavioral science has led her to develop a new incentive framework for businesses that want to use consumer data to inform managerial decisions, while respecting consumers’ privacy preferences.

A PhD for Social Impact

A passion for travel, social impact, and wanting to "dig deeper" inspired current student Gülin Tuzcuoğlu to pursue a PhD in operations research.

Hyde Park Campus

Take a Virtual Tour

If you still have questions after reviewing our doctorate in business FAQ , please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Phone: 773.702.7298 Email Us

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Our faculty members are uncompromisingly committed to student success

Students pursue an intensely focused, highly energized academic experience in their chosen discipline

Recognized experts in their fields, our faculty continually publish groundbreaking research

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Learn more about our application materials and what we look for in a candidate

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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.

Applications for Fall 2025 will be available in September 2024.

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

Expectations and the neutrality of interest rates, real effects of supplying safe private money, how credit cycles across a financial crisis, phd student voices, 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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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.]

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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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PhD Program Admissions

Ready to take the next step? Here you’ll find everything you need to complete your application.

PhD Program Menu

• Fellowships
• Class Profile

Applying to the PhD Program at Questrom

BU provides generous support to its PhD students. This support includes a full tuition scholarship, fully covered student fees, payment of the premium for you to participate in BU’s student health insurance plan, and a stipend to cover living expenses.

We offer two PhD in business programs: PhD in Business Administration and PhD in Mathematical Finance. The PhD in Business Administration offers seven academic disciplines . Our PhD community is small, we seek candidates who will thrive in an open environment where collaboration and collegiality are key.

When we review applicants, we consider analytical skills, GMAT and GRE scores, academic background, and research fit—we want to ensure that your research goals are a good match with our faculty, who provide exceptional support and expertise. Our aim is to create a class of diverse and dedicated researchers. PhD candidates at Questrom come from a variety of impressive backgrounds, not just in academics but in culture, life experience, and professional work.

Ready to take the next step?

We want to get to know you better through your application beyond the numbers. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds—not just business—to apply to Questrom. We look forward to hearing from you!

Application Form

Questrom PhD Programs Application Form

• When you’re ready, start with our  online application form .
• You may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time.
• Review the  admissions checklist  to stay on top of required materials, and keep an eye on our deadlines, too.
• Feel free to contact us with any questions along the way. We want the admissions process to be as simple and transparent as possible.

Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office

• (617) 353-2670
• PhD in Business Administration program: [email protected]
• PhD in Mathematical Finance:  [email protected]

Re-applicants

We welcome your re-application. The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. Re-applicants must submit:

• a new application form and fee ($125)
• an essay discussing updates or changes since the time of the previous application
• reasons for re-applying
• an updated resume
• a new letter of recommendation
• official university-level transcripts (if the re-applicant has taken new coursework since the time of their first application)
• updated GMAT or GRE results

Application Fee Waiver Eligibility

The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office will waive the application fee for current BU employees, as well as for those who attended select admissions events and off-site fairs.

In addition, we will waive the application fee for those who are members or alumni of the following programs:

Instructions:

To take advantage of this waiver, please fill out  this form  once your application has been started. Your CAS ID can be found at the top right of the online application. Once we process your fee waiver request, you’ll receive a follow-up email with additional instructions on how to submit your application.  DO NOT click “submit and pay for programs” prior to receiving these instructions. We are unable to offer application fee refunds.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, your application fee waiver may take a few business days to process. If you submit this request before or on one of our application deadlines but do not receive a confirmation from us that same day, your application will still be considered “on time” for the deadline to which you applied. You must submit your waiver request before you submit your application in order for the fee waiver to be applied.

Please note: If you have been approved for an application fee waiver and are applying to one of our dual degree programs, the application fee waiver will be applied to your Questrom application only. You will still need to pay the required application fee for the other school at BU to which you are applying.

Fee Waiver Request Form

Admissions Deadlines

Admissions Checklist

Remember : You may submit one application per entry term, and you can check the status of an existing application at any time. The Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office keeps all records on file for one year. Once you’ve applied, we’ll begin the review process.

We’re here to help.

We know the application process can take a lot of time and effort. If you have any questions, please email or call us at (617) 353-2670.

Application Form (Required) & Application Fee (Required, unless waived)

$125 application fee payable by credit/debit cards only.

Personal Statement (Required)

Submit personal statement online only.

Resume (Required)

Current resume, as required in the online application.

Three Letters of Recommendation (Required)

Submit three letters of recommendation as required in the online application.

University-Level Transcripts (Required)

Transcripts for any coursework completed, including study abroad, transfer credits, and post-graduate work. Unofficial documents will be accepted for admission consideration. Official copies will be required for incoming students prior to matriculation.

The Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Admissions Committee conducts a rigorous and holistic review of each application. Students admitted to our graduate degree programs must provide proof of an earned bachelor’s degree or equivalent international credential. Boston University does not require official transcripts with the submission of an application. Should a student decide to enroll at Boston University Questrom School of Business, official transcripts must be submitted and verified prior to the point of matriculation.

GMAT and/or GRE Results (Required)

BU’s codes vary by program, so please see the GMAT and GRE Code chart below for your degree.

English Language Exam (Required for international applicants, unless waived.)

See more information on accepted exams and the waiver policy in the “Information for International Students” section outlined below.

PhD in Mathematical Finance Checklist

Gre math subject test (optional), prerequisite coursework (required).

Specifics on prerequisite coursework can be found in the FAQs section below.

Please note: ur ability to process mailed application materials may be significantly delayed. Because of this, we encourage applicants to plan to also send electronic copies of all necessary documents to [email protected] .

Additional Application Information

Gre and gmat codes.

GMAT and GRE test scores are valid for 5 years and you should upload an unofficial copy with your online application. You can register for the GMAT exam at  mba.com , and the GRE at  ets.org . You may also wish to familiarize yourself with these tests by viewing free GMAT  sample questions  and  practice tests , as well as free GRE  preparation materials , though we do not endorse any particular prep source and encourage you to do your own research.

PhD in Management: P42-5K-06 PhD in Mathematical Finance: P42-5K-96

PhD Programs: 3087

Information for International Students

English Language Proficiency:

Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two years of a bachelor’s or master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver. Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission. Appropriate documentation includes a transcript coversheet, an official statement from the university, or a link to the institution’s website that specifies that the mode of instruction is English. Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-bachelor’s degree position in the US are eligible for an automatic waiver. If you do not meet this criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language to  [email protected]  prior to the submission of your application. The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis. If you are submitting test results with your application, please be advised that tests are valid for two years.

We are currently accepting Duolingo scores in addition to TOEFL and IELTS.

To access the Duolingo test, go to  https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants .  Select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient, and email  [email protected]  with your name and the date you have taken the Duolingo test.

• TOEFL: BU’s TOEFL code is 3087. Minimum Scores of 600 on the PBT or 90 on the iBT are recommended.
• IELTS: Competitive applicants typically score a minimum of 6.5 on each band.
• PTE: As more candidates submit the PTE, we are developing updated standards for our requirements. As new information becomes available, it will be posted here.
• Duolingo: A minimum score of 120 is recommended.

Undergraduate Degrees:

We require that applicants hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process.

Diplomas, the Higher National Diploma (H.N.D.), certificates, memberships or associate memberships in some professional organizations, and some bachelor’s and technical degrees are not considered equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree for the purpose of gaining admission to Questrom School of Business.

For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission. Regardless of program length, if you are uncertain whether your undergraduate degree meets our qualifications, please contact [email protected] before starting the application process.

Business Administration: PhD

About the Program

The Berkeley Haas PhD Program offers six fields of academic study, for a curriculum of unusual richness and breadth. Since the program enrolls only 14 to 16 new PhD students each year, you will work very closely with the faculty members in their chosen specialties. This close partnership, coupled with the diverse academic and cultural backgrounds of our PhD students, fosters an atmosphere of close collaboration and intellectual curiosity.

The Berkeley Haas PhD Program is strongly oriented toward discipline and research. Emphasis is placed on preparing you to evaluate the state of knowledge in your particular field and to advance it through the application of theory from the social sciences, mathematics, or statistics.

Upon applying to the program, you are required to choose a field of study, which will not only determine your course work but also focus your future employment opportunities. You may choose from the following six fields:

• Business and Public Policy
• Management of Organizations
• Real Estate

Visit School Website

Admission to the University

Applying for graduate admission.

Thank you for considering UC Berkeley for graduate study! UC Berkeley offers more than 120 graduate programs representing the breadth and depth of interdisciplinary scholarship. The Graduate Division hosts a complete list of graduate academic programs, departments, degrees offered, and application deadlines can be found on the Graduate Division website.

Prospective students must submit an online application to be considered for admission, in addition to any supplemental materials specific to the program for which they are applying. The online application and steps to take to apply can be found on the Graduate Division website .

Admission Requirements

The minimum graduate admission requirements are:

A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;

A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and

Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

For a list of requirements to complete your graduate application, please see the Graduate Division’s Admissions Requirements page . It is also important to check with the program or department of interest, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree. Department contact information can be found here .

Where to apply?

Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page .

Admission to the Program

Review the Program Criteria and Application Instructions before applying. Some of the factors that are taken into account during our admissions process are:

• A high level of scholarly ability, involving both quantitative and qualitative skills
• The motivation to complete a challenging and strenuous academic program
• Career objectives consistent with the PhD degree
• Unique experience, perspective, or research interests

Applicants are not required to have:

• Previous graduate work or completion of an MBA degree
• A minimum score on the GMAT/GRE exam
• A specific academic or professional background

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Accounting field.

See current requirements.

Business and Public Policy Field 

Finance field, management of organizations field , marketing field, real estate field, phdba 219s research seminar in economic analysis and policy 1 - 3 units.

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 The research seminar presents new research on economics applied to business management issues. Research Seminar in Economic Analysis and Policy: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 8 weeks - 1.5 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of Seminar per week for 8 weeks.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Ph.D. in Business Administration/Graduate

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Research Seminar in Economic Analysis and Policy: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 229A Doctoral Seminar in Accounting I 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023 A critical evaluation of accounting literature with emphasis on seminar contributions. Topics covered include research methodology in accounting, the private and social value of information. Doctoral Seminar in Accounting I: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Business Administration 202A or equivalent, and Economics 201A-201B

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for 229A after taking 239A.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.

Grading: Letter grade.

Formerly known as: Business Administration 223A

Doctoral Seminar in Accounting I: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 229B Doctoral Seminar in Accounting II 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Fall 2019, Spring 2018 A critical evaluation of recent accounting literature involving empirical research. Doctoral Seminar in Accounting II: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Business Admimistration 202A or equivalent, and Economics 201A-201B

Formerly known as: Business Administration 223B

Doctoral Seminar in Accounting II: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 229C Doctoral Seminar in Accounting III 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023 A critical evaluation of recent accounting literature with emphasis on financial accounting. Doctoral Seminar in Accounting III: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: Business Administration 223C

Doctoral Seminar in Accounting III: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 229D Doctoral Seminar in Accounting IV 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Fall 2013, Spring 2011 Exploration of issues related to the internal accounting systems of large firms. The first part of the course focuses on the theory of mechanism design, while the second part applies this theory to a variety of managerial accounting questions. Doctoral Seminar in Accounting IV: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: Two hours of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.

Formerly known as: Business Administration 223D

Doctoral Seminar in Accounting IV: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 229S Research Seminar in Accounting 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Advanced study in the field of Accounting. Topics will vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Research Seminar in Accounting: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - .5-3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: to Three hours of Seminar per week for 15 weeks.

Research Seminar in Accounting: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 239E Dynamic Game Theory and Applications 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014 This course focuses on repeated games and optimal mechanism design, with an emphasis on dynamics. The course presents a mix of pure theory and applications from many economics-related fields, particularly finance, macroeconomics and bargaining. Dynamic Game Theory and Applications: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Instructor: Fuchs

Dynamic Game Theory and Applications: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 239FA Asset Pricing Theory 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Asset pricing and portfolio choice in partial equilbrium and asset pricing in General Equilibrium. Specifically, static and intertemporal theories of choice under risk and uncertainity and portfolio choice. Includes two-fund separation, Capital Asset Pricing Model, and the Arbitrage Pricing Theory. In a General Equilibrium framework, it covers the notion of complete markets and welfare theorems. Also, some macro-asset pricing models are developed in addition to an analysis of incomplete markets. Asset Pricing Theory: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: Ph.D. in Business Administration 239A

Asset Pricing Theory: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 239FB Corporate Finance Theory 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Study of the financial decisions made by firms and the effect of such decisions on observables. These can include debt/equity ratios, dividend policies, or the cross section of returns. In addition, corporate finance considers conflicts of interest between shareholders and managers and between different financial claimants. Corporate Finance Theory: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate course in contract or game theory recommended

Additional Format: Three hours of lecture per week.

Formerly known as: Ph.D. in Business Administration 239DB

Corporate Finance Theory: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 239FC Empirical Asset Pricing 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Introduction and guide to issues in empirical asset pricing. Students learn key features of asset-price behavior and study how researchers test various theoretical models from finance and economics, focusing on advantages and disadvantages of research designs. Intuition behind practical econometric tools is developed and applied to asset pricing questions. By critically evaluating research, students determine which characteristics of an empirical paper influence the finance profession. Empirical Asset Pricing: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate level econometrics recommended

Additional Format: Three hours of seminar per week.

Formerly known as: Ph.D. in Business Administration 239C

Empirical Asset Pricing: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 239FD Empirical Corporate Finance 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Fall 2020, Spring 2020 This course provides a theoretical and empirical treatment of the core topics in corporate finance including internal corporate investment; external corporate investment (mergers and acquisitions); capital structure and financial contracting; bankruptcy; corporate governance. Empirical Corporate Finance: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: ECON 240A -240B or equivalent

Credit Restrictions: Students who have passed ECON 234C are not eligible to also receive credit for passing ECON C234C .

Instructor: Malmendier

Also listed as: ECON C234C

Empirical Corporate Finance: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 239S Research Seminar in Finance 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Advanced study in the field of Finance. Topics will vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Research Seminar in Finance: Read More [+]

Research Seminar in Finance: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 249A Doctoral Seminar in Operations Management I 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2013, Fall 2011 Advanced study in the field of Operations Management with an emphasis on the interface between Operations Management and Marketing. Specific topics will vary from year to year. Doctoral Seminar in Operations Management I: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Economics 201A; Industrical Engineering and Operations Research 262A; 263A; 250, 253 or 254

Doctoral Seminar in Operations Management I: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 249B Doctoral Seminar in Operations Management II 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2013, Fall 2011 Advanced study in the field of Operations Management with an emphasis on the interface between Operations Management and Marketing. Specific topics will vary from year to year. Doctoral Seminar in Operations Management II: Read More [+]

Doctoral Seminar in Operations Management II: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 249C Doctoral Seminar in Management III 2 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2014 Advanced study in the field of operations management with an emphasis on the role of rational consumer behavior. Specific topics will vary year to year. Doctoral Seminar in Management III: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Indrustial Engineering and Operations Research 262A, 263A, 250 or 253 or 254, and Economics 201A

Doctoral Seminar in Management III: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 259A Research in Micro-Organizational Behavior 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Review of the research literature of micro-organizational behavior, including its social psychological and psychological foundations. Topics include: job design, work attitudes, organizational commitment, organizational culture, control and participation in organizations, creativity, personality, socialization leadership, industrial organization psychology. Research in Micro-Organizational Behavior: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Ph.D. student or consent of instructor

Formerly known as: Business Administration 254A

Research in Micro-Organizational Behavior: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 259B Research Seminar in Macro-Organizational Behavior 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020 Review of the research literature of macro-organizational behavior, including its sociological and economic foundations. Topics include: social networks, organizational culture, status hierarchies, social influence, innovation and organizational diversity. Research Seminar in Macro-Organizational Behavior: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: Business Administration 254B

Research Seminar in Macro-Organizational Behavior: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 259C Research Workshop on Macro Organizational Behavior 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Spring 2005 Review of the research literature of macro-organizational behavior, including its sociological and economic foundations. Topics include: social networks, organizational culture, status hierarchies, social influence, innovation and organizational diversity. Research Workshop on Macro Organizational Behavior: Read More [+]

Research Workshop on Macro Organizational Behavior: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 259E Research Seminar in Behavioral Science 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2020 Advanced study in the field of behavioral science. Topics will vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Research Seminar in Behavioral Science: Read More [+]

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction. Students may enroll in multiple sections of this course within the same semester.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1.5 hours of colloquium per week

Additional Format: One and one-half hours of colloquium per week.

Research Seminar in Behavioral Science: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 259S Research Seminar in Management of Organizations 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Advanced study in the field of Management of Organizations. Topics will vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Research Seminar in Management of Organizations: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0.5-3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Format: One-half to three hours of seminar per week.

Research Seminar in Management of Organizations: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 269A Seminar in Marketing: Buyer Behavior 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2022, Fall 2018 Advanced topics seminar intended principally for Ph.D. students but open to advanced MBA students. Seminar in Marketing: Buyer Behavior: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor

Formerly known as: Business Administration 269A

Seminar in Marketing: Buyer Behavior: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 269B Seminar in Marketing: Choice Modeling 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2021, Spring 2019 Advanced topics seminar intended principally for Ph.D. students but open to advanced MBA students. Seminar in Marketing: Choice Modeling: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: Business Administration 269B

Seminar in Marketing: Choice Modeling: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 269C Seminar in Marketing: Marketing Strategy 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020 Advanced topics seminar intended principally for Ph.D. students but open to advanced MBA students. This section will focus on marketing theory and the development of marketing thought. (Course offered alternate years.) Seminar in Marketing: Marketing Strategy: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: Business Administration 269C

Seminar in Marketing: Marketing Strategy: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 269D Special Research Topics in Marketing 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022 Review of special research topics in marketing not ordinarily covered in BA 269A, 269B, 269C. Content varies from year to year. (Course offered alternate years.) Special Research Topics in Marketing: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: Business Administration 269D

Special Research Topics in Marketing: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 269E Seminar in Marketing: Behavioral Science 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2020 Advanced study in the field of behavioral science. Topics will vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Seminar in Marketing: Behavioral Science: Read More [+]

Seminar in Marketing: Behavioral Science: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 269S Research Seminar in Marketing 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Advanced study in the field of Marketing. Topics will vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Research Seminar in Marketing: Read More [+]

Research Seminar in Marketing: Read Less [-]

PHDBA C270 Workshop in Institutional Analysis 2 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013 This seminar features current research of faculty, from UC Berkeley and elsewhere, and of advanced doctoral students who are investigating the efficacy of economic and non-economic forms of organization. An interdisciplinary perspective--combining aspects of law, economics, and organization--is maintained. Markets, hierarchies, hybrids, bureaus, and the supporting institutions of law and politics all come under scrutiny. The aspiration is to progressively build toward a new science of organization. Workshop in Institutional Analysis: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Economics 100 or 101; Business Administration 110 or equivalent; or consent of instructor

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: Two hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks.

Also listed as: ECON C225

Workshop in Institutional Analysis: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 279PA Political Economy: Frameworks 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024 The course focuses on collective action phenomena, their connections to material conditions, their consequences for public policy, and their impact on economic performance and welfare. The focus is broad, covering mainly theory while tracing testable implications and occasionally delving into empirical evidence. Topics include conflict, state formation, state capacity, collective decision-making, voting, lobbying, theories of influence and corruption, the efficiency of democracy, political selection, electoral discipline and political accountability. Political Economy: Frameworks: Read More [+]

Political Economy: Frameworks: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 279PB Theories of the Firm and Market Failures 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024 This course is designed to help students understand the role of the government in addressing market failures and improving social welfare. The course has two broad objectives. The first is to develop an in depth understanding of empirical methods and research designs that are commonly used in applied microeconomics. The second is to familiarize students with important empirical findings and lines of inquiry at the frontier (and intersection) of public economics and industrial organization. Theories of the Firm and Market Failures: Read More [+]

Theories of the Firm and Market Failures: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 279PC Political Economy: Empirics 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023 This graduate course in political economy addresses the interactions among citizens, profit-maximizing firms and a vast class of non-market agents, such as governments, public administration and regulatory institutions. The class emphasizes the operative implications of non-market institutions in affecting and constraining firm strategy and individual behavior. Topics and cases cover economic and political institutions, economic policy, lobbying, clientelism, bureaucracy , regulation, antitrust, activism and the media. We corroborate the analytical framework with real-world applications, ranging from the US historical experience to cross-country comparisons, to develop insight in interpreting fundamental politico-economic constraints. Political Economy: Empirics: Read More [+]

Additional Format: Two hours of lecture per week.

Political Economy: Empirics: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 279PD The Economic Institutions of Capitalism in Historical Perspective 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023 The main focus of this course is on the economic institutions of capitalism. These institutions are studied in relation to the development of the state and the interplay of political and economic elites in the process that led to the Industrial Revolution. To properly conceptualize that process and get a long-run perspective, we use a comparative approach across regions of the world and over different historical periods. The Economic Institutions of Capitalism in Historical Perspective: Read More [+]

Formerly known as: Ph.D. in Business Administration 279D

The Economic Institutions of Capitalism in Historical Perspective: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 279S Research Seminar in Business and Public Policy 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Advanced study in the field of Business and Public Policy. Topics will vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Research Seminar in Business and Public Policy: Read More [+]

Research Seminar in Business and Public Policy: Read Less [-]

PHDBA C279I Economics of Innovation 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2018, Fall 2016, Spring 2016, Fall 2015 Study of innovation, technical change, and intellectual property, including the industrial organization and performance of high-technology industries and firms; the use of economic, patent, and other bibliometric data for the analysis of technical change; legal and economic issues of intellectual property rights; science and technology policy; and the contributions of innovation and diffusion to economic growth. Methods of analysis are both theoretical and empirical, econometric and case study. Economics of Innovation: Read More [+]

Also listed as: ECON C222

Economics of Innovation: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 289A Doctoral Seminar in Real Estate 4 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 Doctoral real estate seminar, covering topics related to real estate investment, finance, and market analysis. The course is rigorous and technical, applying financial and economic analysis to the subject areas of real estate finance, urban real estate economics, and real estate evaluation. Doctoral Seminar in Real Estate: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Ph.D. equivalents of micro and macro economics, finance/or accounting, statistics and econometrics

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with instructor consent.

Formerly known as: Business Administration 289A

Doctoral Seminar in Real Estate: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 289S Research Seminar in Real Estate 2 - 4 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Advanced study in the field of Real Estate. Topics will vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Research Seminar in Real Estate: Read More [+]

Research Seminar in Real Estate: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 297A Research and Theory in Business: Economics and Management Science 3 Units

Terms offered: Prior to 2007 The course begins with individual decision making under uncertainty, and goes on to cover game theory, including both static and dynamic games with perfect, imperfect, and incomplete information. The course also covers market equilibrium with uncertainty and imperfect information, including topics such as signalling, screening, adverse selection, and moral hazard. Research and Theory in Business: Economics and Management Science: Read More [+]

Credit Restrictions: Course is required for first year students in accounting, finance, and management science.

Formerly known as: Business Administration 292A

Research and Theory in Business: Economics and Management Science: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 297B Research and Theory in Business: Behavioral Science 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Fall 2021, Spring 2021 The focus is upon defining a research problem, designing and employing specialized techniques to solve the problem. Topics will include concepts of causality, analysis of variance; experimental design; survey research; observation and multivariate analytical techniques. Research and Theory in Business: Behavioral Science: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Ph.D. student or consent of instructor; previous work in statistics and probability theory

Formerly known as: Business Administration 292B

Research and Theory in Business: Behavioral Science: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 297T Doctoral Topics in Business Administration 0.5 - 3 Units

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023 Advanced study in the field of Business Administration. Topics will vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of each semester. Doctoral Topics in Business Administration: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - .5-3 hours of lecture per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 1.5-7.5 hours of lecture per week

Additional Format: to Three hours of Lecture per week for 15 weeks. One and one-half to Seven and one-half hours of Lecture per week for 6 weeks.

Doctoral Topics in Business Administration: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 299A Individual Research in Business Problems 0 - 12 Units

Terms offered: Summer 2015 10 Week Session, Summer 2012 10 Week Session, Spring 2011 Individual Research in Business Problems: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: PhD student standing and consent of instructor

Credit Restrictions: Forty-five hours of work per unit per term.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0-12 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 6 weeks - 0-20 hours of independent study per week 8 weeks - 0-24 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Zero to twelve hours of independent study per week. Zero to twenty four hours of independent study per week for 8 weeks. Zero to twenty hours of independent study per week for 6 weeks.

Individual Research in Business Problems: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 375 Teaching Business 3 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This course will cover the broad range of knowledge and skills necessary to teach in top business schools. Teaching business effectively requires a myriad of pedagogical styles and techniques, as well as the confidence and preparation necessary to convey the course material. This course seeks to prepare doctoral students for careers as faculty in business schools, giving them the insight and experience that will make their first courses successful ones. Students will learn effective teaching strategies by observing faculty mentors, reading pedagogical texts, and openly discussing the challenges and rewards of business instruction with experienced faculty and graduate student instructors. Teaching Business: Read More [+]

Subject/Course Level: Ph.D. in Business Administration/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers

Teaching Business: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 602 Individual Study for Doctoral Students 1 - 8 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2010, Spring 2009, Spring 2008 Individual study in consultation with the major field adviser, intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D. degree. Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read More [+]

Prerequisites: Graduate standing

Credit Restrictions: Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements for doctoral degree.

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit up to a total of 16 units.

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-8 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 5.5-45 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: One to Eight hour of Independent study per week for 15 weeks. Five and one-half to hours of Independent study per week for 8 weeks.

Subject/Course Level: Ph.D. in Business Administration/Graduate examination preparation

Formerly known as: Business Administration 602

Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read Less [-]

PHDBA 602C Curricular Practical Training Internship 0.0 Units

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022 This is an independent study course for international students doing internships under the Curricular Practical Training program. Requires a paper exploring how the theoretical constructs learned in academic courses were applied during the internship. Curricular Practical Training Internship: Read More [+]

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 10 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week

Additional Format: Zero hour of independent study per week. Zero hour of independent study per week for 10 weeks.

Curricular Practical Training Internship: Read Less [-]

Contact Information

Haas school of business.

545 Student Services Building

Phone: 510-642-1409 or 510-642-3944

Executive Director

Melissa Hacker

[email protected]

Associate Director, Student Affairs

Lisa Sanders Villalba

[email protected]

Faculty Director, PhD Program

Francesco Trebbi

[email protected]

Tyrell Williams

[email protected]

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PhD in Business Administration

• Mitchell College of Business
• Ph.D. in Business Administration

Business PhD Program Summary

The Mitchell Doctorate of Business Administration program, with concentrations in business analytics, management and marketing, is designed for business professionals and instructor-level faculty seeking a doctorate to pursue an academic career through  4-year universities. The Doctorate of Business Administration program facilitates the transition toward a new career by developing a comprehensive understanding of the discipline and essential research methods. The curriculum encourages a balanced approach to learning conceptual, theoretical and methodological components.

Classes are led by doctoral faculty with extensive experience in university teaching and research. Mitchell PhD faculty are widely published in Management, Marketing and research methods, and work closely with the PhD students to guide their own research interests to publication. 

PhD Program Format

The PhD in Business Administration program is designed as a three-year program with the course work and qualifying exams completed during the first two years. The third year is devoted to the completion of the research component of the Doctorate of Business Administration program. It is expected that all program requirements will be completed in 36 months.

PhD in Business Administration Meeting Schedule 

Super Commuters

One crosses the equator line, the other eight time zones. Both Danny Navarrete and Noah Farhadi get an early start to classes at the Mitchell College of Business.

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School of Management

Phd in management.

Explore and expand the frontiers of human knowledge in a diverse and supportive environment.

Join an intellectual community where leading researchers and award-winning teachers encourage a rich mixture of thoughts, ideas, camaraderie and discipline. 

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Phd in management disciplines.

Employers of Recent Graduates

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.

NYU Stern Doctoral Program

Our programs.

Pre-Doctoral The Stern Pre-Doctoral program seeks to promote a diverse, scholarly environment and encourage promising individuals from under-represented or non-typical backgrounds (personal, academic, or employment) to enter the academic profession.

NYU Stern's doctoral students thrive in an atmosphere of intellectual rigor and creative collaboration. We cultivate colleagues. Most graduates go on to become top rate scholars who advance state of the art research in their fields.

Stern invites outstanding doctoral students from distinguished universities abroad to engage in research and scholarly interaction at Stern for one or two semesters.

Stern's PhD Program by the Numbers

(as of September 2021)

(as ranked by UT Dallas, Research Contributions 2017-2021 in leading business journals)

(as ranked by the Financial Times, 2015)

University of South Florida

Muma College of Business

Tampa | St. Petersburg | Sarasota-Manatee

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Phd in business administration, forging new knowledge.

Become an internationally respected scholar by working alongside leading market, management, and economic scientists to develop your own unique research catalog. Our tailored PhD program helps you become part seer, seeing questions and opportunities others do not, and part detective, sleuthing-out how organizations and markets do, and might someday, work. Mixing such creative and critical thinking will empower you to forge new knowledge that informs business and society. And more broadly, your discoveries will help ignite imaginations; those ethereal visions that take us places we never thought possible, yet so often find critical: [1]

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world . . . It is, strictly speaking, a real factor in scientific research. Albert Einstein  [1931, Cosmic Religion and Other Opinions and Aphorisms, p. 66, Dover edition]

[1]Pro-Tip: To help you hone the inductive and deductive thinking skills needed for your PhD program, try reading mysteries such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.

YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

We prepare you for various careers that lie at the crossroads of critical and creative thinking together with specific areas of expertise. The most prominent of these careers lie in academia, where you, as a professor, mix teaching and research. However, other career options exist as well, such as those of business consultant, government agency officer or researcher, and author, knowledge-economy careers that are sometimes combined. As examples, you might become a financial analyst at a large bank or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or you might become a consumer protection expert at a marketing firm or the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Several of our professors, for example, supplement their academic careers with business consultancies (e.g., Professor Stock in supply chain management), book authorships (e.g., Professor Mithas in digital business strategies), or expert witness work (e.g., Professor Heath’s investigations into potentially deceptive business communications).

Yeseul Kim , winner of the prestigious 2022 Association for Consumer Research-Sheth Foundation Dissertation Award. Her dissertation examined how feeling like a minority impacts consumer preferences for different types of digital interfaces. Professor Kim now serves on the faculty of the University of Sussex in Brighton, England.

An Apprenticeship Within an Urban Research University

We immediately welcome you into our research community as a scholar-collaborator; essentially an apprentice. You work closely with our world-class faculty to tailor a program to your interests, and then dive into your research while building your knowledge bases and developing the rigorous thinking necessary to thrive within the academic community. And all of that is done within a supportive research culture that includes our student-centered faculty and our student-run PhD Student Organization, both of which produce a camaraderie that lasts well beyond graduation (e.g., the meet-up below of current and former students (plus Professors Biswas and Heath) at the 2023 Association for Consumer Research Conference in Seattle). Our supportive environment, moreover, includes the opportunities provided by our Urban Setting , whose countless real-world businesses, organizations, and professionals help enrich our research.

Your Immediate Opportunities

If these sorts of experiences and opportunities appeal to you, please visit (1) our short four-question PhD Student Welcome Quiz , which is partially for fun, partially for instruction, and completely anonymous, and (2) one or more of our core PhD areas:

Accounting For more detail on our faculty beyond the references made to them at our Accounting page, please visit Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy and the faculty pages included there, being sure to examine the curriculum vitas of the research faculty, meaning the assistant professors, associate professors, and professors who are regularly publishing in major journals.

Finance For more detail on our faculty beyond the references made to them at our Finance page, please visit Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance and the faculty pages included there, being sure to examine the curriculum vitas of the research faculty, meaning the assistant professors, associate professors, and professors who are regularly publishing in major journals.

Information Systems For more detail on our faculty beyond the references made to them at our Information Systems page, please visit School of Information Systems and Management and the faculty pages included there, being sure to examine the curriculum vitas of the research faculty, meaning the assistant professors, associate professors, and professors who are regularly publishing in major journals.

Marketing Here you will find an overview of our marketing concentration plus a link to our featured research faculty and their research. You can also visit the School of Marketing and Innovation with its links to the more general faculty pages.

Further Information

Finally, we are as eager to attract high-quality scholars as we are to conduct and publish our research! So if there is anything else we can do to help, PLEASE JUST ASK! We are happy to chat in person, meet online, email, phone, etc., and happy to put you in touch with our current or former doctoral students.

Many thanks for your time and consideration, and all the very best for writing an exciting new chapter in your life! The Muma College PhD Team

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PhD Application Support

UChicagoGRAD supports current master’s students and recent master’s alumni in applying for PhD and professional school programs. Our career advisors have successfully coached hundreds of students from all disciplines through the PhD application process. Drawing upon their own experience and years of advising expertise, UChicagoGRAD advisors understand what it takes to craft a strong application.

A successful PhD application includes, but is not limited to, the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose
• Personal History Statement
• Academic Transcripts
• Writing Sample (for select fields)
• Letters of Recommendation

Want to learn more about the PhD application process? Review the GRAD Guide to PhD Program Applications . Want to review your application materials and discuss your strategy in a one-on-one advising appointment?  Make an advising appointment  via GRAD Gargoyle .

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MBA in USA: Fees, Universities, Job Opportunities, and Requirements

Shahid Murshed

Study Abroad Content Writer at Collegedunia.com | Updated On - Jul 10, 2024

• Products and services, technology and consulting are top industries offering jobs after MBA in USA
• According to QS ranking, more than 50 MBA Colleges in the USA are a part of the top B- Schools in the world. Stanford, MIT, Harvard are some of them.
• The average tuition fee can vary between 65,000 to 85,000 USD
• 66% of employers recommended that having a graduate degree in business (like MBA), makes a candidate more competitive
• Chicago Booth School of Business, Yale School of Management and others offer US MBA without work experience as well.

MBA in USA is one of the most popular study abroad programs among Indians. As per Statista, each year more than 300 applicants apply to get a Full-time 2 year MBA degree in USA. Apart from this, Online MBA programs in USA , One year MBA in USA , part-time MBA, STEM MBA in USA and executive MBA are popular among the applicants to study in USA. But what is an MBA? It is a postgraduate program of 2-years in the field of business management.

Check the MBA in USA deadlines before applying. What are the MBA in US requirements?

• Average GPA- 3.4 in undergraduate level
• More than 700 in GMAT for higher admission chances
• TOEFL iBT: 70 | PTE: 54 | IELTS: 7.0
• Mandatory work experience of more than 3 years at least

In the US education system, there are mainly three types of universities : highly ambitious , moderate and safe . What are the differences between them? Highly ambitious universities have higher entry requirements and lower acceptance rates . As the name suggests, moderate universities have moderate entry requirements and acceptance rates. For example, Stanford University is a highly ambitious university with an acceptance rate of 4% , whereas University of Washington is a moderate university with an acceptance rate of 46% . Last comes the safe universities with the highest acceptance rates , where meeting the general admission requirements will get you admission for an MBA in United States of America. Check the MBA acceptance rate for the top US business schools . So what are the options? Some of the best universities for MBA in US are:

• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Harvard University
• Cornell University
• University of Michigan
• Carnegie Mellon University
• University of Texas
• University of California

MBA cost in USA is variable depending on the university, location, and chosen program. If you are worried about the cost of MBA in USA , you can apply for scholarships or get into part-time jobs as well . After completing your MBA, you can earn 97,000 USD per year. The ROI of the top MBA institute in USA is as follows

Specializations for MBA in USA

Another factor that may affect the choice of the best university in America for MBA is the specialization you want to opt for. As per the QS MBA by Specialization Rankings, the following are the top ranked business schools in USA for different MBA specializations offered. Given below are the popular specialization and various MBA colleges in USA ranking for those MBA specializations:

Types of MBA in USA

The Universities in USA offer a broad spectrum of MBA programs that are not only comprehensive but are highly flexible too. Types of the MBA colleges in America are tabulated below:

MBA Requirements in USA

Eligibility criteria for MBA colleges in USA vary in terms of GPA, deadlines, TOEFL-iBT score, and work experience. Thus, it becomes imperative for international applicants to start planning their study at least 1.5 years in advance to allow themselves sufficient time for visa processing upon acceptance.

Eligibility for MBA in US

Surveys suggest 32.4% candidates hold work experience before joining an MBA in USA. The eligibility to get into the best MBA in USA colleges involves evaluating an applicant on various factors. Some of the basic criteria that an international student must be eligible for are listed below:

• Completion of 16 years of education : This means that you need to have a 10+2+4 education or complete a four-year bachelor's program.
• Standardized Exams Scores : Qualifying for any of the business schools in USA will mostly require you to have a GMAT score . Some universities may accept GRE equivalents.
• Language Proficiency Scores : International applicants are required to submit the scores of TOEFL , IELTS, PTE or equivalent for proving their proficiency in the English language.
• Work Experience : To study MBA in America, applicants are required to mostly have a minimum work experience of 3 to 5 years. However, this varies from university to university and with the type of MBA program chosen.

Documents Required to Study MBA in USA

International students planning to study abroad are required to submit a few additional documents. Some of these are enlisted below:

• Academic Transcript
• GMAT/ GRE scores
• Letters of Recommendation
• Minimum English Proficiency Test Score: IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL iBT: 100, PTE : 54
• Statement of Purpose for MBA
• Cover Letter
• USA Student Visa

MBA in USA: Admission Requirements at US Business Schools

Apart from academic qualifications, you need to have qualifying scores in exams to study in USA . IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or DET are among the requirements for master of business administration in USA.

MBA Cost in USA

The overall cost of MBA in USA includes the sum an international student will experience before leaving the home country to tuition fees and cost of living in USA. Detailed in the sections below are certain such expenses of pursuing an MBA in USA.

MBA Fees in USA for Indian Students

Tuition Fees for MBA in USA range from USD 45,000 to USD 77,000 (36.78 Lakhs INR- 62.94 Lakhs INR) per year. However, an MBA degree at the top-10 Business schools may cost over 1 Cr. There are a few affordable MBA colleges in USA for Indian students offering the program at a lower cost. Following are the tuition fees of the best universities for MBA in USA.

Note: USD 1= INR 83.31 as of April 24, 2024

Cost of Living in USAThe average cost of living in USA for an international student can vary greatly depending on the city and state they choose to live in, as well as their personal lifestyle. However, the average cost of living in USA is:

Recent Updates :

The expenditure to study MBA in USA is likely to increase by 2025 according to the recent growth rate of Indian students going abroad for higher education. Discover the trends and projections that reveal Indian students planning to study abroad by 2025 are likely to spend around 70 billion USD !

MBA in USA with Scholarships

Mentioned below are some of the MBA scholarships in USA for international students. Some of the scholarships are merit based while some are need based. Some scholarships are one time stipend based, while others are based on tuition fee reductions. These will help you to bear the MBA price in USA.

MBA in USA Salary

As per the BLS, USA, a 23% rise in demand for various business and related roles will create around 911,400 new opportunities by 2032. Some of the top recruiters are- Amazon, Apple, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, McKinsey, etc giving jobs after MBA in America . Mentioned below are the jobs offered to MBA Graduates according to their MBA specialization.

Widespread inflation and the resulting economic slowdown have impacted nearly every aspect of the hiring process. Companies are implementing hiring freezes and letting go of employees in large numbers. Read more to know about the economic downturn and its impact on student jobs and internships !

Master of Business Administration in USA can cost you anywhere from around 150,000 to 170,000 USD as the overall fees for 2 years. The cost of MBA courses in USA for Indian students ranges around 1 crore or more. Despite these high USA MBA costs, what makes the graduate schools in USA stand out for business/management program seekers is that US is the birthplace of the MBA program.

Ques: How much does an MBA in USA cost?

Ans : The average tuition for a 2-year MBA in USA exceeds 50 lakhs annually. Tuition and fees for attending any of the top MBA colleges in USA might cost up to 75 lakhs or more. The tuition fee in some of the top universities for MBA in USA is:

Ques: Who is eligible for an MBA in USA?

Ans : The eligibility for MBA in US involves evaluating an applicant on various factors. Some of the basic criteria that an international student must be eligible for are tabulated below:

Ques: Can I get a job in USA after MBA?

Ans : Yes. MBA graduates in USA are some of the fastest in terms of securing employment. According to U.S. News and World Report, the average employment rate of MBA graduates in USA was 86.4% within 3 months of graduation. Some of the popular companies providing jobs in USA to international MBA graduates are

• JPMorgan Chase & Co

Ques: How many years is MBA in USA?

Ans : Full-time MBA programs typically take two years to complete, while part-time and executive MBA programs can take three to four years to complete. Some schools offer accelerated programs and students can also choose a one-year MBA in USA.

Ques: Which MBA has the highest salary in USA?

Ans : MBA in Finance is one of the highest paying MBA in USA specializations with a base salary of 88 lakhs INR. Mentioned below are the jobs offered to MBA Graduates according to their MBA specialization.

Ques: Can I get PR in USA after MBA?

Ans : After completing an MBA in USA, graduates are eligible for optional practical training (OPT), which is a 12-month period during which you can stay and work in the United States. This enables you to work in any industry related to your field of study. You can also check out what to do after studying in USA to explore some other exciting opportunities!

Ques: What is the average age of MBA students in the USA?

Ans : The average age of MBA students in the USA varies by program type. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, the average age of full-time MBA students in USA is around 28 years. The average age of Executive MBA students in USA is 38 years.

Ques: Which MBA is in demand in USA?

Ans : According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, some of the most popular specializations within MBA programs in the USA include:

• Operations/Logistics
• Entrepreneurship

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Business PhD

• Full-time: 3 years
• Part-time: 6 years
• Start date: October 2024
• UK fees: £4,712
• International fees: £20,500

Research overview

With an international reputation for business research excellence, Nottingham University Business School offers a superb opportunity to develop your research skills through PhD study. Our PhD programme combines academic theory with good practice. 

You will be assigned two supervisors appropriate to your field. Please make sure that we have a supervisor who shares an interest in your proposed area of research before applying. 

Research areas

We offer PhD pathways in: 

• business and management 
• business and society 
• finance and risk 
• industrial economics 

Our research areas include: 

• accounting 
• behavioural economics 
• business and management 
• corporate social responsibility and sustainability 
• finance, banking and risk
• healthcare management and leadership 
• human resource management/organisational behaviour 
• innovation and entrepreneurship 
• international business 
• marketing 
• operations management/information systems 
• strategy 

A research degree provides you with a launch-pad to a successful career in academia, commerce, industry, the public sector or as an entrepreneur.

Course content

To help you in the transition to independent research, you will normally be expected to complete several assessed taught modules during your first and second year of study. These are designed to provide generic, as well as subject-specific training for relevant pathways. 

You may also be required to take up to 20 credits of other modules within the school/faculty. 

PhD in Business and Management

This module covers:

• philosophical foundations of research – ontology and epistemology
• critical issues relating to the conduct, context and impact of research

This module considers in detail 'academic practice’. It explores the underlying practices that support academic research, and developing academic citizenship, broadly speaking, involves ‘being an academic’ and ‘reflecting on being an academic’ in a challenging yet supportive environment.

• explore academic practices (critiquing, synthesising, presenting, reflecting)
• expose you to academic practices, encouraging engagement in the intellectual life of the school and participation with the wider faculty outside your supervisory team
• challenge you to ‘practice’ your academic practice, with your peers, and within the wider academic community of the school

The module introduces qualitative and quantitative research designs covering a range of data collection techniques. The module introduces you to the use, interpretation and presentation of an appropriate selection of techniques for the analysis of interview data, and other qualitative data sources.

In terms of quantitative research designs, the module covers measurement issues - validity and reliability issues, descriptive analysis and techniques to test for differences and for relationships.

50% advanced qualitative research methods, covering key aspects of qualitative data collection, management and analysis. Potential topics include:

• Handling Data for Qualitative Analysis
• Coding and Categorisation
• Qualitative Data Analysis
• Grounded Theory
• Narrative Analysis

50% advanced quantitative research methods, including:

• Factor Analysis
• Reliability Analysis
• Multivariate Regression Analysis
• Moderation and Mediation Effects
• Partial Least Squares Modelling
• Experimental Design and Testing

PhD in Business and Society

This module considers in detail three key, interrelated components that constitute the academic research process (i.e., becoming an academic researcher); substance, technique, and context.

• Substance: students will assimilate theoretical building blocks of academic argumentation specific to Business and Society research, equipping them to judge the potential value of new research in the field.
• Technique: students will apprehend and mobilise specific academic techniques such types and styles of questioning, conversation ‘linking’, the role of a discussant and following-up activities.
• Context: students will gain an appreciation of the dynamic and political nature of research dissemination environments and recognise the role of seminars in network building and academic citizenship.

PhD in Finance and Risk

• building time series models
• forecasting time series
• modelling volatility
• multivariate time series analysis
• instrumental variables and GMM estimation
• panel data analysis
• discrete choices models
• limited dependent variables models
• conducting empirical econometric research
• corporate financing and investment decisions
• takeovers and mergers and acquisitions
• board structure and corporate governance
• the role of asymmetric Information and agency costs in corporate finance
• asset pricing models and the valuation of securities
• measuring portfolio performance
• market microstructure
• behavioural Finance
• multivariate time series models
• matching techniques
• difference-in-differences
• regression discontinuity design
• event studies

PhD in Industrial Economics

You should select one of the following modules which are delivered by the School of Economics. Attendance will be subject to meeting any pre-requisites and at the discretion of the Module Convener.

This module covers the following:

• Dynamic general equilibrium models: Focus: How the time path of consumption, and saving, is determined by optimising agents and firms that interact on competitive markets
• Growth in dynamic general equilibrium: Focus: The Solow model and the data, and the role played by accumulation of knowledge (endogenous innovation) in explaining long run growth
• Growth and Inequality: Focus on the two major changes in the economic landscape over the past 40 years, particularly the US and the UK: Increase in household income inequality and slowdown in aggregate growth
• Real Business Cycles (RBC): Focus: How the RBC approach account for business cycle fluctuations, and what links short run fluctuations and growth processes

This module examines central theoretical aspects from modern microeconomic theory, paying particular emphasis on game theory, imperfect competition and incomplete information.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Meeting our English language requirements

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional English course. Presessional courses teach you academic skills in addition to English language. Our  Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

For on-campus presessional English courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. For online presessional courses, see our CELE webpages for guidance.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

We recognise that applicants have a variety of experiences and follow different pathways to postgraduate study.

We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis. We may also consider relevant work experience.

If you are unsure whether your qualifications or work experience are relevant, contact us .

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

The Business School will issue students with a suitable laptop to approve security requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which can be used both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice .

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

There are many ways to fund your research degree, from scholarships to government loans.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Seminars and workshops

All PhD students are expected to attend our seminar programme and relevant research workshops. Seminars take place regularly, usually on Wednesday afternoons, and are given by a range of internal and external speakers. Research workshops occur on an ad hoc basis and you will be advised by your supervisors about attendance. 

In addition to the seminar programme, we offer a doctoral seminar programme that focuses specifically on the needs of PhD students. The focus of the programme is on the research process, particularly the more informal aspects of doing research and getting it published. 

Researcher training and development

The Researcher Academy is the network for researchers, and staff who support them. We work together to promote a healthy research culture, to cultivate researcher excellence, and develop creative partnerships that enable researchers to flourish.

Postgraduate researchers at Nottingham have access to our online Members’ area, which includes a wealth of resources, access to training courses and award-winning postgraduate placements.

Graduate centres

Our graduate centres are dedicated community spaces on campus for postgraduates.

Each space has areas for:

• socialising
• computer work
• kitchen facilities

Student support

You will have access to a range of support services , including:

• academic and disability support
• childcare services
• counselling service
• faith support
• financial support
• mental health and wellbeing support
• visa and immigration advice
• welfare support

Students' Union

Our Students' Union represents all students. You can join the Postgraduate Students’ Network or contact the dedicated Postgraduate Officer .

There are also a range of support networks, including groups for:

• international students
• black and minority ethnic students
• students who identify as women
• students with disabilities
• LGBT+ students

SU Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice on issues such as accommodation, financial and academic difficulties.

Where you will learn

Library facilities - business.

The school has a bespoke  Business Library  that combines multimedia technology with traditional information resources. It houses key references, a short loan collection, past PhD dissertations and a wide range of online resources.

Jubilee Campus

Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake. 

This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.

You can walk to  University Park Campus  in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.

School facilities - Business

Full-time business PhD students have access to a dedicated desk, computer and locker space throughout the three years of study. You will be given a doctoral research account of £750 to support your studies, and there is also funding available to support your participation in conferences and doctoral associations.

Whether you are considering a career in academia, industry or haven't yet decided, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Expert staff will work with you to explore PhD career options and apply for vacancies, develop your interview skills and meet employers. You can book a one-to-one appointment, take an online course or attend a workshop.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route . Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

We work with you in a tailored and flexible way whether you’re an aspiring academic or looking to build a career outside of academia.

Career destinations for our research postgraduates include:

• higher education teaching professionals
• university researchers
• accountants
• finance and investment analysts
• investment bankers
• IT business analysts
• management consultants
• marketing and public relations professionals

86.2% of all postgraduates from Nottingham University Business School secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £31,419.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Research Excellence Framework

The University of Nottingham is ranked 7th in the UK for research power, according to analysis by Times Higher Education. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a national assessment of the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.

• 83% of the Business School's research considered world-leading or internationally excellent
• 90%* of our research is classed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*)
• 100%* of our research is recognised internationally
• 51% of our research is assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) for its impact**

*According to analysis by Times Higher Education ** According to our own analysis.

This content was last updated on 08 February 2024 . Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.

Master of Engineering Administration (MEA)

The future of engineering management is here.

Virginia Tech's Master's of Engineering Administration (MEA) keeps you moving forward. Earn your degree while working full time in as little as two years.

Enhance your future with a Master's of Engineering Administration!

NON-THESIS DEGREE

ONLINE OR ON CAMPUS

DESIGNED FOR THOSE WORKING FULL-TIME

TOP-RANKED PROGRAM

Program Overview

The Masters of Engineering Administration at Virginia Tech is designed for engineering professionals seeking to advance to leadership positions within an engineering enterprise. Graduates learn how to apply engineering expertise in a business context to manage and lead an engineering enterprise toward innovative opportunities. Courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate those working full-time. This program is a non-thesis, coursework-only degree, focused on applying management and executive expertise within an engineering enterprise.

Our program is designed for highly motivated individuals seeking a competitive edge. Taught by renowned College of Engineering faculty members who provide students with individualized attention, our program benefits from its unparalleled access to top industry and business leaders in both private and public sectors. We take pride in our innovative curriculum, the strength of our alumni network and our excellent career placement.

This degree program is designed for individuals who are interested in leadership positions or career opportunities in the management of research, engineering, or technology development enterprises.

Admissions and Policies

Each applicant for the MS program should meet the following entrance requirements

Have a B.S.  or B.A. degree from an accredited institution.

Provide evidence of satisfactory educational achievement in at least one of the following forms: 

A GPA of at least 3.00 as an undergraduate or an acceptable GPA in graduate courses.

International students must complete a test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) with an Internet-based test (iBT) score of 90 (with a score of 20 or greater in the Listening, Writing, Speaking, and Reading subsections) or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5. (https://www.ets.org/toefl/score-users/ibt/interpret-scores.html)

Have two letters of recommendation submitted by former professors or supervisors

Visit the bursar's website for more information on cost per credit hour.

Degree Requirements

Accelerated Master's Program

For well qualified students in a College of Engineering bachelor’s degree program at Virginia Tech, the ISE department offers the opportunity to begin the MEA coursework in the final year of their bachelor’s studies. 

Admissions Requirements for the Accelerated UG/G program in SYSE: 

• Minimum 3.4 GPA in last 60 hours of bachelor’s coursework completed
• Statement of purpose, including career objectives
• 3 letters of reference
• Transcripts, including official transcripts of all non-VT coursework

Applicants must be in the last 12 months of their undergraduate degree and must be accepted into the program prior to the beginning of the semester in which they would enroll in courses to be used in the UG/G program.

Additional Program Requirements:

• A maximum of 9 hours may be double‐counted, none of which can include required undergraduate classes.
• No more than six credits double counted may be at the 4XXX level.
• Conjoint classes, to double count, must be taken at the 5XXX level.
• A grade of “B” or better must be earned in each course to be double counted.
• Courses must not be taken pass‐fail if a graded option is available.

Related Certificate Programs

Graduate Certificate in Technology Management 

• ISE 5164 - Transfer and Application of Emerging Technology
• ISE 5174 - Engineering Program and Project Management
• ISE 5134 - Enterprise Information Systems
• ISE 5154 - Applied Human Factors Engineering

Affiliated Faculty

Interested in learning more about the MEA program? Let's connect!

Speaking the language of engineering in a business context..

How earning an MEA positioned Vickie Lonker, ‘87, ‘92 for an ever-evolving technology sector and profound success in her career.

EARN YOUR MEA ONLINE OR ON CAMPUS!

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US!

Mea program director, mea graduate advisor.

Collegiate Assistant Professor, MEA Program Director | [email protected]

Graduate Program Advisor | [email protected] | 540-231-5586

• Best Graduate Student Loans of 2024
• College Ave
• Custom Choice
• Federal Direct
• Why You Should Trust Us

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate student loans to write unbiased product reviews.

Student loans may allow people to bridge the gap between what they can afford for college and the overall cost of an education. If you've already used your "free money" (scholarship, grants, and your savings) to pay for college and still find that you're unable to pay for school, a student loan could be a good option.

When considering your options, federal student loans should always take precedence over private ones. Federal loans have the lowest interest rates and come with a level of protection that private lenders don't offer.

The Best Graduate Student Loans of 2024

Ascent graduate student loans, college ave graduate student loans, earnest graduate student loans, sallie mae graduate student loan, custom choice graduate student loans, compare the top graduate student loans.

Graduate students don't qualify for all types of federal loans, but they are able to take out Direct Unsubsidized loans and Direct PLUS loans.  Here are some of the best options for graduate students looking to take out private loans. 

Ascent has a lower minimum APR on fixed-rate graduate student loans than most other competitors. However, its maximum APRs on both fixed and variable are higher than what you'll find at most comparable companies. 

Ascent also doesn't charge any origination fees. 

What to watch out for: Maximum APRs on both fixed and variable are higher than what you'll find at most comparable companies

Read our Ascent graduate loans review .

College Ave offers many term lengths and doesn't charge any origination or prepayment fees. Five, eight, 10, or 15 year repayment terms are available. A longer repayment term will reduce out your monthly payments, but you'll pay more in overall interest.

What to watch out for: Middle-of-the pack interest rates. College Ave's graduate student loans aren't quite as good of an offering as its undergraduate students loans, as the lender has so-so APRs compared to competitors and comes with no extra perks.

Read our College Ave graduate loans review .

Earnest's loans have a distinguishing feature: the ability to skip one payment every year. You can request your first skip once you've made at least six months of consecutive on-time, full principal and interest payments, as long as your loan is in good standing.

However, interest will accrue during this time, and the lender will extend the final payoff date of your loan by the length of the skipped payment period. 

What to watch out for: May need to add a cosigner. To get the lowest rates, you may need to enlist a cosigner to help. Cosigners can also help you qualify for a loan where you otherwise might not have. 

Read our Earnest graduate loans review .

Sallie Mae loans are available to international students with an eligible cosigner. Not all lenders allow international students to apply, so Sallie Mae may be able to help you if you're coming to the US to study from abroad. 

What to watch out for: Only one repayment term option. Your repayment term will be set for you at 15 years. However, if you want to pay off your loan earlier and avoid forking over more cash in interest, you won't pay any prepayment penalties. 

Read our Sallie Mae graduate loans review .

Custom Choice offers a 2% reduction of your loan's principal after you graduate. This may not seem like much, but will save you some on the overall cost of your loan. 

What to watch out for: Credit check required. While most of the lenders on the list require a credit check, you run the risk of not qualifying if your credit isn't in the best shape. 

Read our Custom Choice graduate loans review .

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Federal loans have some of the lowest rates around. And you don't need to have a superb credit score to qualify for them like you would with the private lenders on our list.

You'll also qualify for certain protections with federal loans that you otherwise wouldn't with private loans. This includes the ongoing repayment pause on federal loans and the potential for student loan forgiveness — though that is currently being challenged in courts.

What to watch out for:  Interest will begin to accrue shortly after you take out the loan. This means that if you don't pay off your interest while in school, you'll end up with a higher balance than you initially borrowed. 

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

Federal loans offer some of the lowest rates available, and you don't need to have excellent credit to qualify for them like you would with the private lenders on our list.

Additionally, you'll qualify for certain protections with federal loans that you otherwise wouldn't with private loans. This includes the ongoing repayment pause on federal loans and the potential for student loan forgiveness.

What to watch out for: You'll pay an origination fee of 4.228% with Direct PLUS loans, which will be deducted from the loan disbursement. However, there are no prepayment penalties with a Direct PLUS Loan, so you can pay it off early without facing a fee.

Which Graduate Student Loan Lender Is the Most Trustworthy?

We've only selected student loan lenders with no public controversies in the last three years. We've also compared each institution's Better Business Bureau  score.

The BBB, a non-profit organization focused on consumer protection and trust, evaluates companies by judging a business's responses to consumer complaints, honesty in advertising, and clarity about business practices. Here is each company's score:

Of our top private lender picks, only Custom Choice is not currently rated an A- or higher by the BBB. The BBB doesn't have a rating for Custom Choice. That said, this doesn't necessarily reflect Custom Choice's trustworthiness, and you should ask others about their experiences with the businesses before deciding against borrowing from the companies. 

Graduate Student Loans FAQs

Federal student loans have a number of protections that private student loans don't. These include  income-based repayment plans , which help to lower payments to a percentage of a person's income. It's always best to use all of your available federal loan options first to take advantage of these protections.

Unfortunately, private student loans are not eligible for any federal forgiveness programs. However, if you have federal student loans, you may be eligible for forgiveness if you are under a certain income threshold or if you work a certain job.   

As you'll likely be repaying your student loans over a longer period, you'll want to know your options for your term length. You may want an extended length to spread your costs out, but be aware that you'll pay more in overall interest this way. Some lenders, like Sallie Mae, set your repayment term for you.

Every lender is different when it comes to your repayment choices while you're in school. Some allow you to pay down your monthly debt in full every month, others offer interest-only or flat payments, and you may be able to defer all costs until after you graduate.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Graduate Student Loans

Personal Finance Insider's mission is to help smart people make the best decisions possible with their finances. To do that, we looked through many student loan companies, comparing interest rates, terms, and fine print so you don't have to. We looked for several factors in determining the best student loans, including: 

• Interest rates: The lower the interest rate the better, and we prioritized lenders with the lowest interest rates for graduate students.
• Nationwide availability: We searched for student loans available in all or most US states. 
• Flexibility of repayment plans:  There are four main options for repayment offered by most lenders: defer payments until after school; interest-only payments in school; small, fixed payments in school; and full monthly in-school payments. We looked for lenders with the most ways to pay.
• No or few fees: We prioritized lenders that didn't charge fees, like origination fees or prepayment penalties.

See our full ratings methodology for student loans >>

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →
• PhD Programs
• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management
• Program Requirements

Students in the program are expected to master graduate-level microeconomic theory and econometrics. In addition, they are expected to devote substantial time to mastering one additional complementary discipline, such as psychology, sociology, or political science, and developing expertise in research methodologies suited to their particular interests, such as qualitative analysis, designing effective fieldwork, and analysis of survey data.

Students in the Strategy doctoral program work closely with faculty in the Strategy Unit. In addition to the doctoral program in Strategy, the Strategy unit offers a program in Business Economics , which is designed to attract students interested in pursuing research using a purely economics-based methodology.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our programs are full-time degree programs which officially begin in August. Students are expected to complete their program in five years. Typically, the first two years are spent on coursework, at the end of which students take a field exam, and then another three years on dissertation research and writing.

The program requires a minimum of 13 semester long doctoral courses. Students in the Strategy program complete courses in the areas of business management theory, economic theory, quantitative research methods, academic field seminars, and two MBA elective curriculum courses. In addition to HBS courses, students may take courses at other Harvard Schools and MIT.

Research & Dissertation

Students in strategy begin research in their first year typically by working with a faculty member. By their third and fourth years, most students are launched on a solid research and publication stream. The dissertation may take the form of three publishable papers or one longer dissertation.

Examples of thesis research include: the relationship between non-market experience and the use and outcome of patent strategies by pharmaceutical firms; the antecedents and consequences of corporate strategy decision-making, specifically focusing on divestitures and governance; the impact of religion on individual financial choices and institutional structures; innovation in emerging markets; and the causal effect of incentive policy reform, expatriates and social relationships on innovation.

Dafna Bearson

Rowan Clarke

“ Students in the program come from diverse backgrounds ranging from computer science to psychology. It's really fascinating how different our worlds views are! ”

Current HBS Faculty

• Juan Alcacer
• Laura Alfaro
• Bharat N. Anand
• Julie Battilana
• Ethan S. Bernstein
• Ramon Casadesus-Masanell
• Wilbur X. Chen
• Prithwiraj Choudhury
• David J. Collis
• Leemore S. Dafny
• Mattias E. Fibiger
• Carolyn J. Fu
• Shane M. Greenstein
• Boris Groysberg
• Jonas Heese
• Rebecca M. Henderson
• Ebehi Iyoha
• William R. Kerr
• Tarun Khanna
• Hyunjin Kim
• Rembrand M. Koning
• Alexander J. MacKay
• Deepak Malhotra
• Cynthia A. Montgomery
• Frank Nagle
• Felix Oberholzer-Gee
• Joseph Pacelli
• Lynn S. Paine
• Sophus A. Reinert
• Meg Rithmire
• Jan W. Rivkin
• Charlotte L. Robertson
• Maria P. Roche
• Clayton S. Rose
• Raffaella Sadun
• George Serafeim
• Jorge Tamayo
• Eric J. Van den Steen
• Dennis A. Yao
• David B. Yoffie

Current Strategy Students

• Jackson Anderson
• Ana Antolin
• Dafna Bearson
• Liz Calder
• Rowan Clarke
• Leila Doumi
• Aticus Peterson
• Joey Ryu
• Kyle Schirmann
• Yifei Wu
• Haiyang Zhang

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, innessa colaiacovo, 2024, f. christopher eaglin, 2022, j. yo-jud cheng, 2019, laura katsnelson, 2024, young hou, 2021, do yoon kim, 2019, nataliya langburd wright, 2023, hyunjin kim, 2020.

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Graduating with a PhD: Innovation vs Safety when it comes to AI

PhD graduate, Dr Jennifer Graham explains the legal implications of AI

One of the most ground-breaking research areas of our time is the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and what it means for our future. But what are the legal implications? 

Dr Jennifer Graham, LJMU senior lecturer and PhD student has spent the past six years researching AI regulation and what it means in the legal field.  

Graduating in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Jennifer explained how she decided to study AI and its legal implications for her PhD

Jennifer said: “I was fascinated by this topic after being introduced to it by my lecturer and now colleague Dr. Alison Lui, and after completing my MA dissertation research, I realised the sheer scale of the issues resulting from AI use, and how we have barely any rules or laws in place to regulate it. This led me to complete my PhD on the topic of AI regulation, which has been an absolutely incredible (yet tough!) experience.” 

Jennifer’s thesis titled: ‘Innovation vs Safety: a critical examination of regulatory approaches to artificial intelligence’ has researched regulation around the world with the hope that regulation will one day be internationally aligned, something countries across the globe are beginning to consider. 

When it comes the legal safety concerns of AI, Jennifer explains:

“From a legal standpoint, the major concern regarding AI is liability, e.g. who is to blame when AI does something wrong or causes harm. This is a question we don't necessarily have a clear answer to yet, but it is a primary concern among not only lawmakers, but AI developers. AI has the capacity to learn from its environment, and therefore can adapt how it completes a task or how it decides based on its experiences. Because of this, AI can be rather unpredictable, and so there is a concern as to whether it is fair to place blame with an AI developer if the AI does something it was not necessarily programmed to do.” 

So, should we be cautious of AI and its legal implications? 

“It is more than likely that we each use some form of AI every single day. However, as with any technology, AI is not perfect and can make mistakes, so it is always worthwhile treating AI with some caution. Rather than placing the onus on the public to be cautious of AI though, I think we need to ask those developing the AI to do so responsibly, so that we can reap the benefits of AI with the reassurance that it is as safe as possible.” 

Jennifer is a Senior Lecturer in LJMU’s Law School. She began working at LJMU in 2018 then joined the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport as a Cybersecurity Policy Advisor, before returning to LJMU in 2022 as Senior Lecturer in Law, focusing specifically on legal technology.  

Jennifer has completed her undergraduate law degree, MA and now PHD at LJMU, on studying at the university, Jennifer said:

“There are friendly staff here at LJMU, plus a real sense of community, I’ve loved the experience and made friends for life. I’m so glad I’ve experienced being a student here and a member of staff.” 

On graduating today with her PhD, she said:  

“It’s a really exciting day. It’s been such a long time coming to wear this gown, I’ve been studying my PhD for five years now and I’m really excited that I get to graduate alongside some of the third-year students who I have taught.” 

And Jennifer’s advice for anyone thinking about going into the field of research or academia:  

“I honestly have enjoyed every minute of my academic journey at LJMU, and I am very proud to now work for the institution that I studied at. I would really like to encourage any graduates that think they might be interested in academia to go for it; I know a lot of students suffer from imposter syndrome (me included) and think that they aren't 'clever' enough to pursue this as a career option (many don't even realise it is an option). So, for any students that think they might be interested, come and speak to us about it and give it a go!” 

Day three of LJMU summer graduation ceremonies  

Across Wednesday’s three ceremonies, hundreds of students graduated from the Faculty of Business and Law. 

You can find images from today’s ceremonies on the LJMU social channels and further information on the LJMU graduation webpages. 

Study Law at LJMU 

You can find out more about studying at LJMU's School of Law  or view all LJMU’s courses here.  

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News from around LJMU

Student experience enhanced across all areas at LJMU

The quality of student experience at Liverpool John Moores University continues to increase across all measures, according to the findings of the National Student Survey (NSS) 2024.

LJMU graduates first Probation Officers

More than 60 graduate after LJMU becomes first new provider for 20 years for Ministry of Justice

Get in touch with the Press Office on 0151 231 3369 or

[email protected]

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