The Penn State PhD Program Prepares You for Tenure-Track Positions at Top Universities Around the World

The Penn State Smeal Ph.D. Program offers the resources of a major research university and the expertise of top academic minds in your field to expand your knowledge base and hone your research abilities in one of six specialty areas.

A Leading Academic Community

Discover a doctoral business program driven by academic excellence and defined by collaboration. The Penn State Smeal College of Business Ph.D. Program maintains a deliberately small doctoral community—ensuring close connections among Ph.D. candidates and their faculty mentors.

Leverage the resources of a major research university and the expertise of top academic minds in your field to expand your knowledge base and hone your research abilities in one of six specialty areas. Emerge with the skills and experience that top business schools around the world seek when adding to their faculties.

Supportive Environment

Each year, Smeal enrolls a limited number of doctoral candidates. As part of such an intimate and supportive environment, you will have complete access to the resources you need to grow as a scholar.

We believe that a strong faculty research agenda provides the necessary foundation for Ph.D. students who are well prepared for academic careers. You will build lifelong connections with faculty who serve as mentors, instructors, and research partners. Additionally, our network of industry-facing research centers provide students with valuable access to business leaders and corporate data.