PhD in Business

Develop expertise and conduct impactful research that will shape businesses and organizations with a PhD in Business from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

Costello's PhD in Business ensures a thorough understanding of how to conduct research to create new knowledge in the field of business, how to apply that knowledge in service to businesses and organizations, and how to teach others to apply that knowledge themselves.

Under the guidance of our dedicated faculty, you’ll be exposed to a broad, multi-disciplinary approach to research, writing, and teaching across the sub-disciplines of business. Our goal is to foster graduates who understand that academia can improve and positively impact the business world.  At every step of the program, we work with you to bring out your passions and interests while providing you with world-class training. 

The PhD in Business program is no longer accepting applications for Fall 2025. Please check this website after June 1 for updates on which concentration(s) will be recruiting for Fall 2026. To receive notifications about upcoming information sessions and program updates, complete the Request for Information form below. For time-sensitive questions, contact us at busphd@gmu.edu.

Program Highlights

Mosaic tile
Fall Start Only
Admission is only offered for the fall semester.
Mosaic tile
72 Credit Hours
Mosaic tile
AACSB Accredited
We are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Mosaic tile
Research Intensive
Conduct research to create new knowledge in the field of business.
Mosaic tile
Funding for up to five years
Mosaic tile
Strategic Location
Take in-person classes at our main campus in Fairfax, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C.

Request More Information

To learn more about the PhD in Business, submit this form:

 

 

Virtual Campus Tour

Tour Mason Square, the Fairfax Campus, and the Greater D.C. area.

Curriculum

Costello’s PhD in Business degree program is a 72-credit hour degree program consisting of five main areas: 

Explore Degree Requirements

See courses and electives for the PhD in Business program in George Mason's University Catalog

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years.  

Meet Your Instructors

George Mason University has been recognized as one of the nation’s top research universities by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, earning the “very high research” (or R1) designation. Our highly acclaimed and well-experienced faculty live, work, and consult in the Washington, D.C., area and draw on their real-world experiences to enrich their mentoring and classroom instruction. 

PhD students should expect to work closely with faculty as they learn the craft of being a highly successful academic. Learn more about our research faculty in each of the four concentrations below. If you have specific questions on research projects and/or faculty availability, please reach out to the faculty member directly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions, contact us at (703) 993-8006 or busphd@gmu.edu.