Because research is the primary focus of the doctoral program, Ph.D. candidates are not required to teach as part of their graduate support. However, all students are expected to complete the equivalent of three course assistant credits. In some areas, additional teaching opportunities may be encouraged or required to support professional development and strengthen academic experience. Throughout the program, students are also expected to make satisfactory progress toward graduation and actively engage in research collaborations with faculty.
- Stipend amount effective July 1, 2025: $48,687
- Full tuition waiver
- Inclusion in the University’s health plan at no charge
- Degree conferred is a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Management, granted by Cornell University
Application process
The deadline for all applications and supplemental material is December 15.
A complete application includes all of the following
- Complete the online application
- Prepare a statement of purpose
- Prepare a personal statement
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Submit a copy of your transcripts from each institution attended
- Send an official score report for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
- GRE – use school code 2098
- GMAT – use school code 5JW-BM-26
- Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement
Special instructions for applicants interested in Strategy and Business Economics only
- Start the online application to the graduate field of economics.
- Indicate that you are interested in working with Johnson School faculty members in the economics area and how your research plans are related to those of one or more of the group’s faculty members in the statement of purpose.
Financial aid
Financial aid is automatically considered with your application. We do not require a separate application for financial aid.
FAQs about applications, admission and financial aid
When can I expect to hear the status of my application?
We download materials from grad school in early January and send them to each area for assessment. Each area makes decisions at different times. We will be in touch when there’s a decision to communicate. Write to us if you have a deadline on another offer you are considering.
My undergraduate GPA is low, but my Master’s GPA is better. What are my chances of admission?
Admissions completes a holistic look at your academic record and academic potential. Your academic statement, standardized test scores and recommendation letters also affect admission decisions.
What are the minimum GPA, test scores, etc. to be considered competitive?
We do not provide this information. We are a highly selective and small program.
I am currently in a program and will complete my coursework soon, would it be possible to finish my dissertation in the Management Ph.D. program?
The program office is unable to provide any broad guidelines to applicants. Transfers (including students from other Cornell Ph.D. programs) are managed through the regular application process. Credit transfer from previous programs are determined by the area faculty on a case-by-case basis.
I have been out of school for several years. How does this affect my admission chances?
Several of our students have work experience, and a couple of our best recent placements worked for almost a decade. We look at the totality of applicant strengths.
I am a double degree/major, how should I enter this information?
Describe one degree/major per line in the application, including separating GPAs if desired
I don’t have a business undergraduate degree. Will this hurt my admission chances?
No, our students have a variety of college majors like CS, Econ, Stats, Psychology, Sociology, etc.
I am currently in another Ph.D. program. Will this be seen negatively?
No, we have had transfer students in the past. These applications are considered through the regular application process.
My research interests lie in the intersection of two areas. To which area should I apply?
See professor profiles in both areas to look for a research interest match.
Can I request an application fee waiver?
The Graduate School has detailed information on how to request an application fee waiver.
Do you have a cutoff for GRE or GMAT scores?
We do not, but we rarely admit students with scores below 90-95%.
What is the institution code for submitting test scores?
You don’t need to add extensions to this. You can choose 01 (grad school) or 02 (management).
I applied last admission cycle, can I use my previous letters of recommendation?
Yes, once you have submitted your application, reach out to Graduate Admissions to request your previously submitted letters be added to your application package.
I have applied to another field and also want to apply to Management at Cornell. Can I do this?
No, you have to pick one. If the first rejects you, you can ask for your application to be transferred to the second option for consideration.
How much funding do you offer?
We provide full tuition, health insurance and a competitive stipend for five years. We have students with families who live on this stipend, you have to pay insurance for your family yourself. We only make fully-funded offers. We share these numbers in our offer of admission.
I am an employee of Cornell, can I apply for the Ph.D. in Management program?
Unfortunately, no. Our Ph.D. in Management program is full-time residential.
Contact information
For general information about graduate programs
For specific information about the doctoral program in Management
Doctoral Program
240 Sage Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-6201
Phone: 607.255.5340
Email: jcb-phd@cornell.edu
Start the application process today
Ready to apply to our highly selective, fully funded Ph.D. 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.