History of Excellence
Part of Harvard University’s tradition of intellectual excellence
Harvard Business School’s doctoral programs are an integral part of Harvard University’s tradition of intellectual excellence and a reflection of the School’s singular place in academia. Throughout their history, our programs have continuously evolved to reflect the needs of students, respond to changes in the field, and remain true to our mission.
Beginning with the 2018–2019 academic year, Harvard Business School (HBS) began offering an Interfaculty PhD in Business Administration, a transition from the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree. This change expands the partnership between HBS and Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), and more accurately reflects the structure and emphasis of those programs and the rigor that has distinguished HBS doctoral students’ work for many years.
The PhD designation brings the degree our students earn into greater alignment with the content of the programs they pursue, and embodies the interdisciplinary, collaborative spirit of Harvard University. In implementing this change, we honor the legacy and achievements of our alumni as we position the next generation of HBS doctoral students for exceptional success.
We honor the legacy and achievements of our DBA graduates as we position new generations of HBS doctoral students for success and impact.
George Fisher Baker Jr. Professor of Business Administration, Harvard University Distinguished Service Professor
100 Years of Intellectual Excellence
From the first date Harvard Business School was authorized by the University to grant the Doctorate of Commercial Science degree in 1922 through current day achievements, we’ve challenged our students to explore new ideas for a constantly changing world. Join us in celebrating our milestones of the past century, and in looking forward to the future.
1922
Training Men for Teaching Business
Harvard Business School (HBS) is authorized by the Harvard University Governing Boards to grant the degree of Doctorate of Commercial Science.
1928
Gragg Awarded First Doctorate of Commercial Science
Charles L. Gragg is awarded the first Doctorate of Commercial Science after completing his dissertation, “A Classification of Marketing for Business Administration.” Gragg went on to become a professor at HBS.
1930
Change in Requirements
HBS Faculty vote to radically change the requirements for the Doctorate in Commercial Science so that the degree was “granted on the basis of scholarly work rather than on the length of residence at the University,” allowing students who had pursued graduate degrees at other institutions to receive advanced standing.
1953
Commercial Science Degree Renamed to Business Administration
The Doctorate in Commercial Science (DCS) is renamed to the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA).
1955
First Black Student Graduates with DBA Degree
Harding B. Young becomes the first African-American student to earn the DBA degree. Young went on to work in higher education for more than 50 years with institutions including, Georgia State University, Arkansas AM&N (now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), and North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University). He became the third Dean of the School of Business and Professor of Administration at Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University).
1959
Women Admitted to the Doctoral Program
HBS opens the program to female applicants, announcing that qualified women would be admitted to the Doctoral Program, but noted “there has been no rush of applicants” and “only one lady admitted.”
1967
First Woman Earns DBA
Edna Homa Hunt becomes the first woman to earn the DBA degree.
1974
Doctoral Programs Move to Cotting House
Doctoral Program moves to Cotting House, which was previously the home of the International Teachers Program.
1980
Doctoral Graduate John McArthur Becomes Dean
Dean John McArthur (MBA 1959, DBA 1963) is the first HBS doctoral alumnus to become dean of Harvard Business School. McArthur was the 7th Dean, serving in this role from 1980–1995.
1997
Fung Presented with Alumni Achievement Award
HBS presents the Alumni Achievement Award to the first doctoral graduate, Dr. Victor K. Fung (PhD Business Economics 1971).
2006
Sherman Hall Renamed Wyss House
Sherman Hall is renamed as Wyss House in honor of Hansjoerg Wyss (MBA 1965) who provided a $25-million-dollar gift to establish the Hansjoerg Wyss Endowment for Doctoral Education, which not only renovated Sherman Hall but provided increased fellowships for HBS doctoral students.
2020
DBA Graduate Wins Nobel Prize
Dr. Robert B. Wilson (MBA 1961, DBA 1963) becomes the first HBS Doctoral graduate to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics. Dr. Wilson, together with Dr. Paul Milgrom, were honored for their improvements to auction theory.
Introduce Yourself
So we can provide you with event, application, and other information specifically suited to your interests.