The first year emphasizes training and mastery in core disciplines that form the basis for your research in marketing. In addition, you will have the opportunity to enroll in a marketing course or another quantitative tools course, such as optimization.

In the second year, you will enroll in additional tools courses as required, supplemented by MBA-level marketing courses. At the end of this year, you will be expected to turn in a second-year paper that represents original research on the problem of your choice. Your advisor may also ask you to submit an intermediate research paper that summarizes your preliminary findings.

At the beginning of your third year, you will take a marketing qualifying exam. On successful completion, you will be ready to work closely with a committee of your choice to complete your thesis.

View a detailed Chronology

Throughout the Program

It is important to note that doctoral students are expected to become involved in research early on. In addition, students should be prepared to:

• Attend marketing PhD seminars, workshops and “brown bag” seminars
• Attend workshops in other disciplines (economics, applied game theory, industrial organization, econometrics, etc.) as needed
• Develop research collaboration with faculty members and other fellow doctoral students