Overview

The Stern Pre-Doctoral program is intended to prepare select students who plan to apply to PhD programs in Business, at Stern or elsewhere.  The program seeks to prepare students for admission to PhD programs in the mathematically based majors of finance, economics, operations management, quantitative marketing and statistics. The intent is that program participants will later go on to seek faculty positions in these fields.

A recent survey of PhD Project data indicated that relatively few minority students are currently enrolled in these quantitative majors at rigorous research-oriented programs.  Stern’s own application data has shown that a small number of the minority students who applied for these majors had the demonstrated quantitative skills needed to succeed in these PhD programs. The Pre-Doctoral program is not limited to minority students, however, and all students with a strong interest in these areas but lack the necessary mathematical background can apply.

The Program

The program will be quantitatively focused but individually designed to fit each student’s background. In the course of the program, each student should gain a thorough grounding in calculus, matrix algebra, basic and intermediate statistics, and basic and intermediate economics. Students may also have the opportunity to engage in faculty research.

In addition, the program would provide coaching for the PhD application process from the Doctoral Program office staff and Stern faculty. If the student demonstrates outstanding academic ability, s/he would be encouraged to apply for the Stern PhD program for the following year; otherwise, students would have Stern’s support in applying to other programs. Stern provides each student with a workstation that includes a desk and computer. There is no cost for tuition and a living stipend and student health insurance could be provided.

In order for program participants to apply to PhD programs by the following January, students need to begin the program by late May. The four-semester program includes two summer sessions, fall and spring.

Eligibility

This is a full-time, in-residence, non-degree program. Applicants must have a Bachelors degree and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible to apply.

Application

The application process and required application materials are the same as for our regular doctoral program.  Pre-doctoral program applicants must apply online using the same online application as for our PhD application. In the application, select “Pre-Doctoral” under “Intended Area of Study.”   If you know which department you are interested in (e.g., finance), please indicate that in the “Second Choice Major” question.  We understand that you may not have fulfilled some of the pre-requisite coursework. The application deadline is January 10.  

Apply 

Please direct any questions to the Doctoral Program office at (212) 998-0740 or  phd@stern.nyu.edu.