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Academic Rigor, Real-World Relevance

When you study at the undergraduate level, you are introduced to a field and gradually become aware of its unexpected nuances and complexities. At the doctoral level, you acquire an intellectual framework that allows you to embrace and accommodate that complexity as you strive to make sense of the world. As you progress, your novel insights help others make sense of the world as well. When that occurs, you are contributing to knowledge. Doctoral study is rigorous and immersive—but it is rewarding.

In the Kellogg PhD program, you will master an academic discipline—economics, psychology, sociology, operations research, or data science—and apply that mastery to real world problems facing managers and policy makers. This discipline-based approach prepares you to challenge conventional wisdom with new ideas, models, and empirical findings that have enduring impact on businesses, organizations, and communities. After leaving Kellogg, you can look forward to a career leading and inspiring others through teaching and research.



  • Kellogg’s distinguished faculty includes trailblazing scholars whose research has redefined the study of management and has set a standard for new ideas and innovation.

    Currently there are 139 tenure-track, research-based faculty, of whom 68 hold endowed chairs. The faculty’s commitment to scholarly inquiry is evidenced by the school’s many research centers, as well as by sustained scholarly output. Their work is published in peer-reviewed journals, and many Kellogg professors serve in editorial positions at leading research journals. 

    The Kellogg faculty is deeply committed to PhD education. Within the past five years, over 60 different faculty have served on at least 3 PhD dissertation committees, and a phenomenal 26 faculty have chaired at least 2 committees!

  • Study with the World’s Foremost Thinkers and Educators
  • Collaborative, Supportive Research Environment
  • The Kellogg Difference

Study with the World’s Foremost Thinkers and Educators

Kellogg’s distinguished faculty includes trailblazing scholars whose research has redefined the study of management and has set a standard for new ideas and innovation.

Currently there are 139 tenure-track, research-based faculty, of whom 68 hold endowed chairs. The faculty’s commitment to scholarly inquiry is evidenced by the school’s many research centers, as well as by sustained scholarly output. Their work is published in peer-reviewed journals, and many Kellogg professors serve in editorial positions at leading research journals. 

The Kellogg faculty is deeply committed to PhD education. Within the past five years, over 60 different faculty have served on at least 3 PhD dissertation committees, and a phenomenal 26 faculty have chaired at least 2 committees!

Collaborative, Supportive Research Environment

Kellogg faculty carefully balance their dedication to research with their commitment to teaching and mentoring PhD students, recognizing that both activities contribute to the quality of the education our students receive.

The richness of the curriculum within this collegial environment encourages close working relationships between students and faculty across disciplines. We believe that this approach helps magnify our students' insights and perspectives as they are exposed to new ideas, possible thesis topics, and avenues of research.

Collaboration does not stop at the walls of academia. As a world-class business school, Kellogg also offers tremendous opportunities to connect to real businesses, government organizations, and NGOs, which can translate into ideas and data for research. And Kellogg will provide you with the resources you need for data acquisition, technical support, research labs, and field study, so that you can turn your research ideas into reality.

The Kellogg Difference

We asked our PhD Faculty Director, David Dranove (pictured here), what makes for a successful doctoral student, Professor Dranove's response: The formula is simple. 

Quality of PhD Graduate = Quality of PhD applicant x Educational Process

Make no mistake: you are the most important input. All leading PhD programs seek talented applicants who combine raw intellectual potential, motivation, curiosity and creativity. You will bring those talents with you wherever you go.

What makes Kellogg distinctive is what we do to complement and magnify your talents. Through our dedicated faculty, a rich and innovative curriculum, vast research resources, and a unique collaborative environment, we strive to provide the very best educational process, helping you make the most of your potential.

Programs

The PhD Program at the Kellogg School of Management offers eight fields of study and gives students a passport to engage in learning across disciplines.
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Applying to Kellogg

PhD study at Kellogg is designed for candidates with outstanding intellectual abilities and a passion for learning.
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Academic Experience

Your Kellogg experience includes a deep dive into your chosen discipline combined with opportunities for interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
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Student Life

Whether coming to the Evanston-Chicago area alone or with their families, students draw from a thriving and diverse community.
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Placement

Our program produces exceptionally trained scholars in research institutions around the world.
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FAQs

While we try to address all your questions, you may want to review our page with the most commonly asked questions.
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