Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences

The Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences (GESS) at the University of Mannheim provides graduate training in empirical and quantitative methods as well as their application to business, economics, and the social sciences.

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Doctoral programs

Credit: Stefanie Eichler

The Center for Doctoral Studies in Business (CDSB) administers the doctoral program at the Business School of the University of Mannheim, which is triple accredited by AACSB, EFDM (EQUIS) and AMBA.

Credit: Anna Logue

The Center for Doctoral Studies in Economics (CDSE) administers the doctoral program at the Department of Economics of the University of Mannheim.

Credit: Anna Logue

The Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CDSS) administers doctoral programs in Political Science, Psychology, Social Data Science and Sociology in close collaboration with the School of Social Sciences at the University of Mannheim.

Apply

How to apply at the GESS

Student Financing

Financial support for our students

Placements

Where our alumni work

Getting help

Gender and Diversity Committee, childcare, mental health support and more

Anti-Discrimination Statement

Our commitment to creating an inclusive research and teaching environment

Two women sit across from each other at a white table, laughing, with two closed notebooks and a tablet. One wears an orange‑mustard blouse, the other a dark grey sweater. Text: “LEARNING INSTEAD OF COMPETING”; “Beyond excellence” (lower left).

Credit: Martin Pötter

New video series: What makes the GESS special?

We are launching a new video series, with a fresh episode every two weeks. Episode 1 is out now: A Cohort That Has Your Back. Our program prioritizes collaboration over competition. In this episode, doctoral researchers and alumni explain how cohort meetups, feedback circles, and celebrating ...

Hilal Tanyas in front of a shelf full of books

Credit: Fotoroman

CDSS Alumna Hilal Tanyas appointed Assistant Professor at Bahçeşehir University

We're delighted for CDSS Alumna Hilal Tanyaş who joined Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul as Assistant Professor of Cognitive Psychology. In her research she's interested in episodic memory, cognitive/mathematical modeling, and cognitive control. Best of luck for this exciting new chapter in your ...

Credit: Sophia Sonja Guthier

Season’s Greetings from the GESS

This season invites both reflection and gratitude. Thank you for walking alongside us through 2025’s many moments, the quieter days and the moments of joy alike. Season’s greetings to you and yours. May your holidays be joyful and peaceful, your winter break restful, and your new year full of ...

Credit: Oana Szekely

Launch your research career in Fall 2026! Apply to our fully funded doctoral programs!

At the Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences of the University of Mannheim we are now accepting applications for our fully funded doctoral programs starting in Fall 2026! Programs Available: Business (Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Operations Management, ...

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Five Students conversing on the Ehrenhof.

Credit: Anna Logue

Job market candidates

Check out our job market candidates from the Center for Doctoral Studies of Business, Economics und Social Sciences.

Rankings

Our 12 full-time doctoral programs provide access to world-class teaching and a vibrant and international faculty at the forefront of cutting-edge research.

#1 in Germany

in Accounting & Finance, #2 in Business & Management and #3 in Economics & Econometrics – QS University Rankings 2025 (ranking by subject)

#2 in Germany

in Political Science and #3 in Business Administration, Finance, and Management – Shanghai Ranking 2025 (ranking by subject)

#3 in Germany

in Business & Economics and Social Sciences – Times Higher Education Ranking 2025 (ranking by subject)