Although no standardized test is perfect, like most programs we take the scores from the GMAT and GRE into account when we evaluate prospective students. Either test is acceptable although about 70% of our applicants take the GMAT. There is no hard and fast “cut off” score that we use in selecting candidates, but most of those admitted score around 700; we do not admit candidates who score below 500. Similarly, we consider the TOEFL score in our decision for students whose native language is not English.

Evidence of success in previous academic activities (as measured by GPA in undergraduate and graduate programs) is another major factor that we assess in our selection of doctoral students. Again, although there are no hard and fast rules that we apply to this criterion, candidates with higher GPAs are looked upon more favorably, with most students having a GPA of 3.5 or higher. In addition, we consider the rigor of the program (e.g., an honors degree or challenging major is evaluated more positively). Students need not have majored in business in their earlier studies.

Another possible indication of academic success is provided through completion of a doctoral seminar, at IU or at another university. Current MBA students who wish to take a seminar should contact the instructor directly to request permission. All doctoral courses in our department are full semester, for 3 credits, offered biannually. MBAs may request a variance from the department chairperson, so that course credit may be used toward the MBA majors or minors housed in our department. Doctoral seminars at the 600-level are appropriate and are described below.

We require three letters of recommendation. We appreciate letters from anyone who can assess your interest and abilities to perform successfully in a PhD program, but encourage applicants to provide at least two letters from faculty members from whom they have taken classes recently.

Most faculty members wish to work with doctoral students who share their interests so we evaluate the fit between applicants’ interests and those of the faculty. We recommend that applicants review the publications of our faculty to assess whether their ongoing research topics are of interest. Evidence of earlier research activities is not required but indicates to the Doctoral Committee that the applicant has prior experience with the research process which may be helpful to their maturation as a researcher.

We usually interview top applicants, either by telephone or in a campus interview. The Department of Management and Entrepreneurship is able to pay for partial travel costs for applicants invited to interviews.