University of Pennsylvania

Overview

The PhD program in Ethics and Legal Studies at the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) delves into the interplay between ethical reasoning and legal frameworks in shaping business practices and market dynamics. This rigorous program prepares students to develop research expertise through a blend of core courses, specialized electives, and dissertation work under faculty mentorship.

What you'll study

The curriculum features a structured core in ethics and legal studies, complemented by additional coursework in a chosen disciplinary concentration and research methodologies. Students will engage in dissertation research guided by faculty members.

Core coursework may include:

• Ethics in Business and Economics
• Business Law
• Legal Studies
• Management, Law, and Philosophy

Quantitative and methods coursework may include:

• Applied Regression and Analysis of Variance
• Nonparametric Methods and Log-linear Models

Disciplinary concentration and electives:

Students typically pursue additional coursework in a discipline that aligns with their research interests, such as management, philosophy, finance, marketing, or accounting. Electives are chosen to enhance both conceptual understanding and empirical research for the dissertation.

Dissertation:

Students complete a dissertation based on original research, developed in consultation with faculty and potentially involving collaboration with other departments within Wharton and the University of Pennsylvania.

Entry requirements

While specific GRE/GMAT or GPA thresholds are not outlined, admission is generally determined by the applicant's academic background, research alignment, and the quality of application materials.

Career prospects

Upon earning a PhD in Ethics and Legal Studies, graduates are equipped for various career paths in academia, research, consulting, and policy-making. Their expertise in ethical and legal issues in business prepares them to navigate complex challenges in a range of professional environments.