Ph.D. in Management

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

Program details

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

Degree awarded

Ph.D. in Management

Program location

Ithaca, New York, with options in New York City

Program format

Foundational coursework, original research and six potential areas of study

Curriculum overview

As you pursue your Ph.D. 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.

Explore program specifics

Advanced coursework in your concentration area

When you apply to the Johnson School’s Ph.D. 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.

Concentrations:

Your dissertation

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.

Interdisciplinary connections

Management is a broad science. At Cornell, you can enrich your education and expand your research opportunities by taking courses and finding mentors beyond the SC Johnson College of Business.

Explore fields like computer science, psychology, sociology, communication, engineering and data science and 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.

A young man in business casual attire sits at a desk with documents while a professor speaks to him as part of Cornell's Ph.D. in Management.

How to apply

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.

Explore application requirements

FAQs

To help you learn more about our program, the admissions process and dissertation requirements, read through our frequently asked questions below. For our international applicants, you’ll also find specific details about earning your Ph.D. in Management.

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

We encourage you to explore our website, which offers a wealth of information about the program, faculty and student experience. Many of your questions may be answered there.

The graduate research programs office is available to answer your questions about the program and the application process.

240 Sage Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-6201
Phone: 607-255-5340
Email: jcb-phd@cornell.edu

Is an interview part of the process?

Interviews are extended to a limited number of applicants following an initial review.

May I talk to a professor or advisor?

Prospective students are welcome to contact faculty members whose research areas align with their own. Targeted, research-specific inquiries tend to receive more engaged responses.

May I schedule a campus tour?

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

Additionally, prospective students are welcome to visit campus on their own schedule or explore our campus from wherever you are to get a sense of the environment and community.

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 globaloperations@cornell.edu. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Connect with admissions

The graduate research programs office is available to answer your questions about the program and the application process.

240 Sage Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-6201
Phone: 607-255-5340