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Dean's Message

DeanThe Simon School Ph.D. Program in Business Administration is among the finest in the world. Simon has the highest percentage of Ph.D. graduates tenured at the most prestigious business schools in the U.S.

Since 1965, Simon has trained Ph.D. students in an intentionally small, highly-selective academic environment that is anchored by a world-class research faculty. Faculty members edit a number of highly ranked journals that are based at the School, and their research has had a significant effect on a number of areas of business. Interaction between faculty and students is encouraged. Traditionally, Simon faculty members have an open door policy for Ph.D. students.

The program is analytic and rigorous and yet relevant to current business problems. While students receive state-of-the-art training in their own areas, by design there is considerable interaction among students majoring in different fields. This provides the students with a broad perspective that enables them to identify interesting new issues for research in their specialties. Our graduates credit this broad perspective for the insights that generated their path-breaking research and ultimately tenure at the very top schools.

The recent trend in business schools nationwide is to de-emphasize their doctoral programs. Simon is an exception. The program is an essential element of our strategy. It is part of the process that keeps Simon at the cutting edge of research and insights into business problems.

I encourage you to consider joining Simons select group of doctoral students. Joining the Simon School Ph.D. Program is an investment that will yield huge dividends in your future.


Mark Zupan
Dean and Professor of Economics and Public Policy
William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration