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Aerial view of the School of Business

PhD Program

Excel as a Researcher With a Wisconsin PhD in Business

Join our collaborative and inspiring academic community

The Wisconsin School of Business PhD program provides full-time training in research and teaching in ten areas of study. You will work side by side with globally recognized faculty on research that is changing the face of business in the area of your choice. You will join a collegial community of scholars who support each other’s work and share a passion for inquiry. As a result of this rigorous training, our graduates are successfully placed in tenure-track positions at top universities.

Is a Business PhD Right for Me?

Learn about our programs by meeting with a representative at UW–Madison or at one of the many events on the road each year.

Aerial view of Grainger Hall

Attend a DocNet Forum or the PhD Project Annual Conference to meet representatives from PhD programs across the country. You will learn about doctoral admission criteria, financial aid, and careers in business academia.

Earn Your PhD in One of Ten Areas of Study

Ten areas of study, or specializations, are offered in the Wisconsin PhD Program in business. Students pursuing a joint degree in finance and economics, insurance and economics, or real estate and economics are admitted to both the Wisconsin School of Business and the economics department at UW–Madison.

Instructor Dani Bauer teaching a class

Focused Research Excellence

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is one of the most prolific research universities in the world, ranking among the top six American public universities for research expenditures every year since 1972. Doctoral students at the Wisconsin School of Business work side by side with highly regarded faculty who are at the forefront of thought leadership. Our close-knit academic community fosters inspiration and forward-thinking ideas.

Deanna Singh giving a presentation

Fostering Diversity

The Wisconsin School of Business encourages the participation of students of diverse backgrounds in our doctoral program. We are committed to ensuring equity and inclusion in all systems and processes, including student and faculty recruitment, admissions, promotions, resource allocation, and decision-making for all stakeholders.

Our PhD Students

Current PhD Students

The Wisconsin PhD Program attracts students from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to scholarship.

View current students

Selected Placements

Our graduates go on to tenure-track positions at top research universities in the nation and the world.

See job placements

Checklist

Prepare to Apply

Learn about the admissions requirements, application process, and financing considerations for the Wisconsin PhD Program. Be prepared so you can submit your application on or before the yearly December 15 deadline.

Visit admissions information

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Meet Us on the Road

The Wisconsin School of Business has representatives at many events sponsored by DocNet and at The PhD Project. Join us at an event to get answers to your questions about the Wisconsin PhD Program in business.

Find a recruiting event

Student Profile

83
Enrolled Students
685
Average GMAT Score
167
Average Quantitative GRE Score
49
Women
103
Average TOEFL Score
52
With Master’s Degree

Graduation and Employment Outcomes

83
Graduation Rate
— (2011-2017 entrance cohorts)
5
Average # of Years to Degree*
97
Employment Rate Upon Graduation*
92
Placement in Academia*

Madison, Wisconsin—A Vibrant and Livable City

Madison is often ranked as one of the best mid-sized cities in America

Doctoral students appreciate the moderate cost of living and easy accessibility of the city’s many amenities. The area is known for its healthy economy, sports and recreation, entertainment, culture, activities for children and families, and more. Wisconsin PhD students also enjoy access to an impressive collection of academic and extracurricular resources on the UW–Madison campus.
12
Best Place to Live
U.S. News & World Report, 2020
3
Best Capital City to Live in
— Wallethub, 2020
3
Top 100 Places to Live
— Livability.com, 2019