Your Doctoral Career Starts Here
Columbia Business School offers rigorous PhD programs through five academic divisions: Accounting, Decision, Risk, & Operations (DRO), Finance, Management, and Marketing. Our doctoral programs are designed to develop scholars who are capable of advancing the frontiers of knowledge in their respective fields. With a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence, our PhD programs prepare students for academic excellence and successful careers in academia, industry, and government. Join our community of scholars and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field.
Our Admissions team is here to support you throughout the application process. Start by reviewing the application requirements, explore our FAQs for common questions, and contact us for personalized assistance as needed.
Application Process
Applications for Fall 2025 are not yet open.
Step 1: Select Your Program
Explore the doctoral options offered by our academic divisions:
- Accounting: Emphasizes rigorous research and analytical skills, preparing students to contribute significantly to the academic and professional fields of accounting.
- Decision, Risk, & Operations (DRO): Focuses on the mathematical and analytical foundations of decision-making, risk management, and operations, ideal for candidates with a strong background in mathematics.
- Finance: Provides in-depth training in financial theory and quantitative methods, preparing students for high-impact careers in academia and industry.
- Management: Covers subareas such as Organizational Behavior, Strategy, and Organizational Theory, seeking candidates with a strong interest in management research.
- Marketing: Offers two subareas: Consumer Behavior and Quantitative Modeling, encouraging students to explore diverse methodologies and topics in marketing.
A PhD in Business Economics is offered through the Columbia University GSAS Department of Economics. Please note the admissions process for this program is separate.
We encourage all interested applicants to attend an event to learn more about CBS and our programs.
Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
Carefully review the application requirements to ensure you have all necessary materials, including test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. If you’re applying to the Decision, Risk, and Operations (DRO) program, you also have the option to submit a research paper as part of your application.
For additional guidance, visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions, or reach out to our Admissions team for personalized support with any further inquiries.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
After carefully preparing your materials, submit your completed application through our secure online portal.
Double-check that all required documents are uploaded, and ensure your application fee is paid to finalize your submission. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.
Step 4: Await Your Decision
Following the submission of your application, our Admissions Committee will thoroughly review your materials and provide you with a response by the indicated decision date.
If you are accepted, you will receive an invitation to join us on campus for a PhD Admitted Students Day, hosted by your program's Academic Division. This exclusive event offers you the opportunity to connect with faculty, future classmates, and gain a deeper insight into life at Columbia Business School.