Although the Graduate School of Business offers no courses during summer quarter, students use this period to engage in research, to participate in special directed reading programs, and to enroll in courses offered by other schools and departments in the University. The summer research assistantship usually requires 20 hours per week for a period of two months. During this time of individual study and one-on-one contact with faculty, students have the opportunity to bring increased focus to their growth as research scholars.

Every field requires submission of a research paper at the end of summer. Summer paper requirements vary according to field, but in general, a paper is required at the end of either the first or the second summer or in some fields following both summers. The summer paper is generally presented in a seminar format and/or before field representative faculty.

Ph.D. students remain on campus for at least two months of the summer in order to take University courses, undertake directed reading, or complete the summer paper with adequate faculty guidance and supervision.