Stanford GSB PhD Program

As a PhD student at Stanford Graduate School of Business, you will discover a focus and intensity greater than you thought possible.

Our PhD Program is designed to develop outstanding scholars for careers in research and teaching at leading academic institutions throughout the world. You will embark on a challenging and deeply meaningful experience, focusing your academic study in one of seven distinct fields of study within the doctoral degree program.

Learn How to Apply

At-a-Glance

Duration
Five to six years, full time

Location
Stanford, California

Funding Model
Full fellowship (stipend & tuition)

Fields of Study

Choose from seven distinct disciplines across business and social science to shape your research path.

Academic Experience

Build your research foundation through rigorous coursework with world-class faculty.

Student Life

Join a close-knit research community with full access to the resources Stanford has to offer.

PhD Funding & Financial Support

Stanford GSB provides a full financial fellowship to all doctoral students — so financial barriers never stand in the way of discovery.

100% Funded

Tuition & Health Fees

_{Plus conference travel and research funding}

$59,500

Annual Living Stipend

_{2026–27 Rate}

5 to 6 Years

Guaranteed Funding

_{With Satisfactory Academic Progress}

Explore Financial Aid Details

Distinguished Faculty & Thought Leaders

At Stanford GSB, your faculty advisor is more than an instructor — they’re your mentor, your research partner, and your co-author. You’ll work directly with world-renowned faculty who are invested in your development and future.

Recent Research & Publications

Discover the newest faculty research and publications out of Stanford GSB.

Publication Search

Contingent Trade Agreements: Linking Free Trade and Environmental Conservation

Bård Harstad

Economic Journal (forthcoming) 2026

Learning in a Correlated World

Arjada Bardhi, Steven Callander

Annual Review of Economics 2026

See All Publications

Ken Shotts, David S. and Ann M. Barlow Professor of Political Economy

Meet Our Faculty

PhD Student Voices

Meet our community of current and former PhD students.

Voices

The way the people at Stanford GSB approach economic theory, it’s a very unique perspective. There’s no place like it.

Answering Your Questions

Get quick answers to common questions about the Stanford GSB PhD Program.

How long does a Stanford GSB PhD take?

The program is designed to be completed in 5 years. Students may request to stay for a sixth year, with continued funding.

What is the acceptance rate for the Stanford GSB PhD program?

The program is highly competitive, with incoming cohorts of 20–25 students each year. This intentionally small cohort size allows for close, individualized attention and fosters a robust academic environment.

What fields of study does the PhD program offer?

The Stanford GSB PhD Program offers seven fields of study: Accounting, Economic Analysis & Policy, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Information & Technology, Organizational Behavior, and Political Economics. Explore all seven fields on the Fields of Study page.

Explore Other Paths

A PhD is not the only entry point to a career in research. If you’re exploring your options — or building the experience to apply to a doctoral program later — Stanford offers a range of programs designed to help you grow as a scholar.

The GSB Research Fellows Program pairs aspiring post-baccalaureate researchers with world-class faculty to build research skills and prepare for PhD admission. Browse the variety of options, or contact our team to learn more.

Explore the GSB Research Fellows (Pre-Doc) Program

Read about the Summit Program

Browse our Program Finder

Have more questions? Contact us.