Ph.D. Admission

General

New doctoral students are admitted each fall. The deadline for receipt of ALL application materials is February 1.  Applicants should submit their initial application at least one month prior to the deadline to ensure that all materials are received on time.

Doctoral admission decisions are made by the College of Business Doctoral Admissions Committee. Admission to the doctoral program is based on a combination of factors such as grades, GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, experience and record of accomplishments, and the number of qualified applicants we receive each year. The College admits a small number of the most highly qualified students from a large number of applicants. The following information is used in making the admission decision:

• An excellent prior academic record, from accredited universities, to include grades and the trend and direction of grade performance.
• High verbal and quantitative scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), as well as, the total GMAT score, taken within the past five years.
• Three recommendation letters that speak specifically of the applicant's ability to successfully complete the Ph.D. program and the applicant's potential for teaching and research.
• Applicant's statement of purpose for pursuing the Ph.D. Program (1-2 pages).

For international applicants whose native language is not English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. A minimum score of 100 on the internet-based examination, taken within the past five years, is required.

While there are no absolute minimum cutoff test scores or grades, it is unlikely that an applicant will be admitted with less than: (1) a 3.00 undergraduate and a 3.50 graduate grade point average; (2) a 600 GMAT score (average score for the most recent class is 681), with a reasonable balance between verbal and quantitative scores; and (3) a minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the internet-based examination, if applicable.

The above grades and test scores do not guarantee admission. The Doctoral Admissions Committee carefully reviews each applicant's grades and test scores in conjunction with letters of reference, prior universities and programs attended, experience and the applicant's statement of purpose. Decisions to admit students depend on the number and relative strengths of applications received each year, the current enrollment in the doctoral program and the College's ability to offer financial assistance.

Florida State University Ph.D. Application Process Checklist

The following information is provided to clarify the application procedures for doctoral programs in The College of Business.

I. The following items should be sent directly to FSU through the online admissions application. Please do not send hard copies of these materials through the mail.

• University Application for Admission to a Graduate Program (available exclusively online https://admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp/)
• Nonrefundable application fee of $30.00 (see University Application.) Pay online at http://fees.fsu.edu.
• Applicant's statement of purpose for pursuing the Ph.D. Program (1-2 pages).
• An up-to-date curriculum vita/resume, clearly indicating an excellent prior academic record, from accredited universities and any work experience including dates and positions held.
• Three recommendation letters that speak specifically to the applicant's ability to successfully complete the Ph.D. program and the applicant's potential for teaching and research.

II. The following three items should be sent to the Admissions office

• Two official transcripts from all schools attended
• Florida Resident Affidavit (see University Application or http://admissions.fsu.edu/residency/)
• Official TOEFL Score Report (required of international applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of academic background) Admissions Office
   PO Box 3062400
   282 Champions Way
   Florida State University
   Tallahassee, FL 32306-2400

III. The following should be sent directly to the FSU College of Business:

• Official GMAT scores and, if applicable, a copy of TOEFL scores

 Graduate Office
 College of Business
 Florida State University
 821 Academic Way, RBB 215
 PO Box 3061110
 Tallahassee, FL 32306-1110
 Phone (850) 644-6458
 Fax (850) 644-0588 (please use a cover sheet)

International applicants should visit http://admissions.fsu.edu/intl/graduate.htm for information concerning financial responsibilities, degree equivalency, etc.