OBHR program frequently asked questions

Q: What do you look for when you evaluate potential students?

A: We look at the "big picture" in evaluating applications. This means we look at traditional measures like test scores, grade point average (particularly undergraduate GPA), and recommendation letters. We also look at applicants’ knowledge of, and preferably experience conducting, research relevant to OBHR, such as serving as an undergraduate research assistant for a faculty member. Finally, we are interested in intangibles like fit with the program. This is why we ask candidates to visit campus and get to know the faculty and current students.

Q: What are the minimum and preferred GPAs and GMAT scores for admission to your program?

A: Although there are no absolute minimum cutoff for grades or test scores, successful candidates typically have at least: (1) a 3.00 undergraduate and a 3.50 graduate grade point average and (2) a 600 GMAT or 1250 GRE score.

Q: I'm a non-native English speaker. What are the TOEFL or iBT requirements?

A: The minimum score for TOEFL is 600 for the paper version, and 250 for the computer version. We also require that non-native English speaking applicants take the Test of Spoken English (TSE) in order to qualify for a teaching assistantship. Both the TOEFL and TSE exams have been combined into the new, internet-based TOEFL (iBT). The minimum score on the iBT exam is 100. Applicants who have a degree from an accredited, English-speaking college or university are not required to take the TOEFL.

Q: Do you admit students who start the program in the spring or summer semesters?

A: No. Students in our program start only in the fall semester.

Q: How many students do you recruit in a typical year?

A: We select 2-3 new students each year.

Q: Do you have part-time or online options for the doctoral program?

A: No. The OBHR program is full time and requires students to be in residence.

Q: Do I need a postgraduate degree to apply?

A: No. Although we prefer applicants to have a master’s degree, applicants who have strong credentials and demonstrate maturity can be accepted without a master’s.

Q: How long does the doctoral program last?

A: The OBHR doctoral program lasts four years. The first two years focus primarily on coursework, and culminate in a comprehensive examination. The next two years focus primarily on research and teaching, and culminate with a dissertation, which is a large research project developed and conducted by the student.

Q: What is it like to get a doctoral degree at FSU?

A: Although we value teaching and help our students excel in this area, a Ph.D. in management is a research-focused degree. We prepare students to do high-quality scholarly research and to place them in respected, research-oriented universities around the world.

Q: What do you mean by "research in management"?

A: Our research attempts to understand and improve the management of people and organizations. We publish theoretical articles, as well as empirical articles (e.g., using data collected from managers in one or more organizations). We strongly encourage you to review journals such as Journal of Applied Psychology, Personnel Psychology, Journal of Management, or Journal of Organizational Behavior to learn more about management research.

Q: Can I get financial assistance?

A: Yes. Each student admitted to the OBHR doctoral program receives a tuition waiver, an assistantship, and a stipend. We also have been successful in obtaining scholarships and awards that provide additional funding for our students.

Q: I hear that your program has a reputation for producing minority graduates. Is this true?

A: We have a very diverse student body at FSU. Few other universities have produced as many minority doctoral graduates in business as FSU. We welcome applications from students of all ethnic and social backgrounds.

Q: Do you waive the application fee for McKnight applicants?

A: Yes.

Q: Where can I get more information about the OBHR doctoral program?

A: Please contact Dr. Chad Van Iddekinge (cvanidde@fsu.edu), the doctoral program director, if you have further questions about our program. For more general questions about graduate education in the FSU College of Business, please contact Jennifer Clark (jsclark2@cob.fsu.edu) in our graduate programs office.