Columbia University Business Scholars (CUBS) Program
The Columbia University Business Scholars (CUBS) Program is part of the Office of the Vice Dean of Research and the Behavioral Research Lab (BRL). The program is designed to introduce select current Columbia and Barnard undergraduates to a career in business research by providing them the opportunity to work on research projects with faculty and PhD students and to run studies in the behavioral research lab as research assistants. The program exposes the CUBS to research challenges tackled in a business school setting, teaches them basic research and data-analytics skills, and provides insight into careers in academia.
Who should apply?
This is a multi-disciplinary program, and candidates from all disciplines — including business, statistics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, the physical sciences, and the social and behavioral sciences — are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate is curious, organized, eager to learn, interested in learning more about a career in academia, and capable of independent work.
Application Requirements
To be considered for the CUBS program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be current Columbia University or Barnard College students.
- Applicants must be at least Sophomores at the start of the program.
- Applicants must have a minimum of two consecutive semesters available to commit to the program. Seniors with only one semester remaining are not eligible to apply. Participation is not permitted while studying abroad.
- Students are required to be on-site at Kravis Hall for 2.5 hours per week for an in-person shift.
- Shift structure:
- Shifts are scheduled in advance.
- Each student selects one fixed shift per week, which remains the same throughout the semester.
- Morning shifts: Monday - Friday, 10am - 12:30pm
- Afternoon shifts: Monday - Friday, 12:30pm - 3pm
Research Projects
Selected students are matched with faculty members and Phd students from the Business School’s academic divisions: Accounting; Decision, Risk, & Operations; Economics; Finance; Management; or Marketing. Students are hired to work 5 hours per week, including a 2.5 hour on-site at Kravis Hall but can work more depending on projects’ needs.
Learning and Community Building
CUBS will learn basic research methodology and develop stronger data analytics skills. The work may include literature reviews, data collection and cleaning, basic data analysis, and the use of statistical software and computer programming languages.
As part of their learning, CUBS participate in programming that promotes team building and academia as a career pathway. This includes cohort events, seminars on research, one-on-one support, and networking with current doctoral students.
Program Details
CUBS is an academic-year program but students may work over school breaks (including the summer) with prior approval from the program managers. The next cohort of CUBS will begin on September 8, 2026.
Student Application Process
Applications for the Fall 2026 semester are now closed. The applications for Spring 2026 cohort will open in October 2026.
Faculty Partners
Faculty partners and researchers play a pivotal role in creating a positive research experience for students while advancing their own research projects. Columbia Business School faculty interested in requesting a CUB will be able to apply through a dedicated website during one of two annual application periods — in April and November.