Simon’s PhD in Marketing examines the demand and supply of products and services through rigorous analytical and quantitative approaches. Students build expertise in economics, econometrics, statistics, machine learning, and causal inference, applying these skills and developing new empirical methods to address complex marketing research questions.
Program outline
Build a foundation for doctoral research through coursework tailored to your background and interests. Study at Simon Business School and in related University of Rochester departments, including economics and computer science. Demonstrate proficiency in designated courses and complete a first-year research paper by October 15 of your second year.
Deepen your expertise through continued coursework and participation in marketing seminars, with faculty guidance on course selection. Develop an original research paper for your qualifying exam, due September 15 of your third year, and present your work at a marketing workshop that fall.
Shift your focus from coursework to active research, building on the analytical foundation developed during your first two years. Continue participating in all marketing seminars as you refine your research interests, engage with current scholarship, and develop original contributions to the field.
Thesis and proposal
Students are expected to submit a thesis proposal and identify a faculty advisor and committee members who have agreed to serve on their dissertation committee. The dissertation must demonstrate original scholarship through a critical or synthetic examination of a suitable subject, a creative contribution, or independent research presented in a form suitable for publication. Specific requirements and deadlines for the proposal are determined by the program area.
Advancement to candidacy
Students advance to candidacy after passing the preliminary and qualifying exams. Following the qualifying exam, the administering faculty evaluate each student's performance and make a recommendation for advancement to the PhD Faculty Director and Senior Associate Dean of Faculty.