Kellogg PhD admissions

Turn your passion into a lifetime of learning

A PhD from Kellogg provides you with a solid foundation within your discipline, exposes you to new ideas and equips you with the tools necessary to engage in research as you discover solutions to today’s most challenging problems.

As you explore the PhD program, get an understanding of the degree requirements, funding and the application process.

Application dates and deadlines

Please keep the following dates in mind as you prepare to apply.

• Our application for Fall 2025 entry is closed
• September 2025 is when we will begin accepting applications for Fall 2026 entry 

Application Fee

A non-refundable $95 fee must be paid by credit or debit card within the online application. The application fee is $175 for those applicants participating in the dual application option with the Economics PhD program.

For those who wish to be considered for a fee waiver, please refer to the Northwestern Graduate School’s website.

What we look for in a PhD candidate

Kellogg’s PhD program welcomes highly-motivated candidates dedicated to their field of study. The program is tailored to individual backgrounds, qualifications and research interests, with an annual class size of 20-25 students.

Our students are distinguished by a deep curiosity for learning and the desire to be inspired by new challenges. Our PhD programs are ideally suited for those with backgrounds in the social sciences, such as economics, political science, psychology and sociology, as well as those with interests as diverse as engineering, math or the natural sciences.