Management Science (Ph.D.)

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Academic Programs
  4. Management Science (Ph.D.)
Request Info Visit Apply

The Ph.D. in Management Science program prepares graduates to identify pressing issues facing the business community, structure problems and gather data, and create innovative, impactful analysis and solutions.

Emphasizing both analysis and synthesis, the program delivers a comprehensive, advanced education in how to apply quantitative methods, analytical tools, and computer models to complex decision-making in business, finance, and other disciplines.

Through specializations in quantitative finance and analytics and rigorous dissertation work, students master a data-intensive approach to management science and research methodologies that can be applied to any aspect of business.

Doctoral students at Stuart School of Business have opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research alongside faculty experts and gain relevant, cross-disciplinary experience that prepares them to be business innovators in academia, industry, government, and consulting.

This is a STEM-designated program, and international graduates of the program are eligible to apply for an extension for Optional Practical Training.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Management Science program prepares graduates to identify pressing issues facing the business community, structure problems, gather data, and create innovative, impactful analysis and solutions. The program’s data-intensive approach and rigorous research training apply to any aspect of business.

Career Opportunities

Ph.D. graduates from Stuart School of Business are prepared to excel at careers in academia as well as executive and management positions in the business, government, and consulting sectors.

The program’s graduates are in positions at companies and universities such as:

  • Air Products
  • Amazon
  • Benedictine University
  • BMO Harris
  • City University of New York
  • Commercial Bank of China
  • East China Normal University
  • Envestnet Asset Management
  • Federal Home Loan Bank
  • Northeastern Illinois University
  • Saint Michael’s College (Vermont)

The program’s courses provide knowledge and skills in data-intensive methods to analyze business problems. Through rigorous dissertation work, students learn approaches for structuring complex business problems, gathering data, and generating solutions.

View Details

  • Completed Online Application
  • Official transcript submission with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • GMAT or GRE score within five years of testing date. Required scores for consideration: 316 GRE or 650 GMAT
  • Professional statement
  • Three to four letters of recommendation from professors or employers
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS score, if required. A minimum score of 85 on the internet-based TOEFL, 600 on the paper-based TOEFL, or 7.0 on the IELTS exam is required for admission consideration

Given the prescribed sequence of required courses, new students are only admitted in the fall semester of each year.

Stuart student conducting research

Mentors and Colleagues in Research

Stuart School of Business faculty are not just research mentors for doctoral students. Frequently they are colleagues with their students and recent graduates on research papers published in top scholarly journals. See a list of recent research collaborations and use the link below to learn more about the vibrant research community at Stuart.

Research at Stuart

“My academic experience at Stuart equipped me with the quantitative skills and passion for academic research that are vital in advancing my career. The curriculum and courses helped me build comprehensive knowledge about both theoretical and empirical finance.”

— Xinting Zhen (Ph.D. MSC ’18), Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Saint Michael’s College

Xinting Zhen

Featured Faculty

Siva Balasubramanian

Siva K. Balasubramanian

Associate Dean, Stuart School of Business Director, Management Science Programs and Faculty Review Harold L. Stuart Endowed Chair in Business Professor of Marketing
Yiwei Fang

Yiwei Fang

Associate Professor of Finance
Smriti Anand

Smriti Anand

Associate Professor of Management
Haizhi Wang

Haizhi Wang

Professor of Finance
Liad Wagman

Liad Wagman

Professor of Economics
Li Cai

Li Cai

Associate Professor of Finance
Ricky Cooper

Ricky “Rick” Cooper

Assistant Director, M.S. in Finance Associate Professor of Finance
Sang Baum Kang

Sang Baum “Solomon” Kang

Associate Professor of Finance
Seungho Baek and John F.O. Bilson

Research that Creates Knowledge

The example of faculty research at Stuart led Seungho Baek (Ph.D. MSC ’13) to pursue an academic career. “The Stuart Ph.D. program creates an environment where students can freely knock on professors’ office doors,” says Baek, shown here celebrating graduation with his thesis adviser, Professor of Finance John Bilson, who is now dean of Stuart School of Business.

Read More
Flexibility to Pursue a Master’s or Doctorate

Stuart School of Business programs in management science provide flexibility for students pursuing graduate work:

  • Students who initially enrolled in the M.S. program in Management Science may subsequently apply to the Ph.D. program in Management Science. If admitted, students can apply the core courses in management science that they have already completed toward their Ph.D. program.
  • Similarly, a Ph.D. student in Management Science who completed 33 graduate credits may choose to graduate with an M.S. in Management Science degree, instead of completing the Ph.D. degree in Management Science.

Program Specializations