PhD in Business, Economics and Social Sciences – 55 doctoral positions

The Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences (GESS) at the University of Mannheim offers excellent opportunities for the most qualified students with strong quantitative skills and enthusiasm for research to pursue their doctoral degree in Business, Economics and the Social Sciences.

Prospective doctoral students are encouraged to apply for the fully funded doctoral programs starting in September 2025.

Benefit from an internationally recognized interdisciplinary teaching and training concept across the boundaries of the economic and social sciences that will lay the foundation for a successful research career. Conduct research in a stimulating research environment across the program disciplines. Our courses are taught by distinguished and dedicated faculty members. Our excellent libraries will support you with your research.

Within our three Doctoral Centers we offer 11 Doctoral Programs:

Center for Doctoral Studies in Business (CDSB)

• Accounting
• Finance
• Information Systems
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations Management
• Taxation

Center for Doctoral Studies in Economics (CDSE)

• Economics

Center for Doctoral Studies in Social Sciences (CDSS)

• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology

The research findings of our students and graduates are regularly published in leading journals of the fields. Our graduates pursue careers both in academia and the private sector, taking up professorships, assistant professorships, and postdoctoral positions at internationally renowned academic institutions and research positions at public institutions (government, central banks, international organizations). Excellent past placements include Boston College, Columbia University, Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Princeton University, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, UC Berkeley, UT Austin, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, Washington University, Yale University, HEC Montréal, Aalto University, Aarhus University, Bocconi University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, ETH Zurich, KTH Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, London School of Economics, NHH Norwegian School of Economics, Science Po Paris, Tel Aviv University, Tilburg University, Toulouse School of Economics, University College London, University of Cambridge, Universidad Carlos III Madrid, University of Edinburgh, University of St. Gallen, University of Oxford, International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, OECD, European Commission.

Rankings:

• #1 in Germany in Economics & Econometrics and #2 in Social Sciences – Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 (ranking by subject)
• #2 in Germany in Psychology, Sociology and Political Science – Shanghai Ranking 2023 (ranking by subject)
• #1 in Germany in Accounting and Finance and #2 in Economics and Econometrics, and Business and Management – QS University Rankings 2024 (ranking by subject)

Discover GESS:

• All PhD programs in English
• Modern doctoral program with a structured course program and skills courses in teaching, academic writing, and presenting
• Guaranteed funding for the duration of the program
• Stimulating research environment
• Work with outstanding faculty that persistently publishes in the top academic journals.
• Research stays with partner universities worldwide.
• Access to major databases and excellent libraries.
• Modern offices and equipment
• Boost your career options with a professional job market training
• No tuition fees – government funded first-class education

Application Deadlines:

• Early application deadline: 15 January 2025
• Final application deadline: 31 March 2025

Applications received by the early deadline will be considered for early admission. Unsuccessful applications in the early round will be reconsidered with all other applications after 31 March. Only applications received via the online application tool will be considered.

For more information on our programs and application requirements, please visit the website.

Do not miss this unique opportunity to become part of a leading doctoral program and APPLY NOW!

APPLY NOW