Your Bridge to a PhD

The Michigan Ross Bridges to Doctoral Fellows Program prepares students to successfully transition into full-time doctoral studies. The 12-month, full-time certificate, offered through the University of Michigan Rackham Merit Fellowship, provides the opportunity to:

  • Be challenged, supported, and prepared for success in doctoral studies
  • Gain the necessary competencies and experience to successfully transition to full-time doctoral studies, including quantitative skills and research experience
  • Earn a graduate certificate in business research from the Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan
  • Participate in a research mentorship from Ross faculty and be immersed in the Ross PhD community
  • Complete some Ross PhD program requirements
  • Access early consideration of admission to the Ross PhD Program
  • Access full-tuition funding and a healthcare stipend provided by the Rackham Merit Fellowship 

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must be within five years of their most recent academic degree award date, and meet the eligibility requirements of the Rackham Merit Fellowship. Requirements include having a record of superior academic achievement, being a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or undocumented students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA), and meeting at least one of the following criteria:

  • Represent an educational, cultural, or geographic background that is underrepresented in their chosen discipline
  • Demonstrate a sustained commitment to diversity in the U.S.
  • Experience financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances
  • Be a first-generation U.S. citizen or the first generation in your family to graduate from a four-year college

More information on the Rackham Merit Fellowship Program criteria

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Join Us

For more information or to begin the application process, contact Ashley Stauffer in the Michigan Ross PhD office:

Ashley Stauffer | astauffe@umich.edu  |  734-647-9629


BRIDGES PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15