Applying to the Lundquist College PhD Program
What is the minimum GMAT score for admission into the program?
Applicants should have an overall GMAT score of 600 or higher. Over the past few years the median GMAT score of accepted applicants has ranged between 690 and 720.
May I submit a GRE score in place of a GMAT score?
Yes. However, we prefer, and most applicants submit, a GMAT score.
I am an international student who has studied at a U.S. university. Do I need to submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score? Do you accept the IELTS? Do I need to submit a TSE (Test of Spoken English) score?
You do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score report IF you submit degree transcripts proving that you have received a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
All other international applicants must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score, but not a TSE score, at the time of application. The TSE may be taken at the time of arrival to begin the PhD program. The TOEFL score needs to be 96 or higher on the internet-based version or 600 or higher on the paper-based version of the exam. A TOEFL score is good for two years. The TOEFL test is preferred but the IELTS is also accepted with a minimum score of 7.5.
See the Complete Requirements for the PhD Application Process
General Questions
How many students enter the PhD program each year?
On average, two students enter in each of the areas of Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Operations and Business Analytics. Five to ten percent of applicants are admitted into the PhD program.
Do you accept foreign students into the program?
Yes, more than half our PhD students come from countries other than the U.S.
Should I have or be about to receive a graduate degree before entering the PhD program?
A graduate degree is helpful, but not necessary. Students' programs of study in our PhD program vary according to their previous course work and preparation. Over the years we have had several students successfully complete our PhD program with only an undergraduate degree in hand at the time they entered the program.
Do I need to know in what area I will do my thesis research before applying to or entering the PhD program?
No. It is normal not to have specific research interests before entering the program. While it is important to know yourself--your interests and goals--it is equally important and helpful to enter the PhD program with an open mind, willing to explore new topics and subjects. An important part of the development of a PhD student is to learn what is known and where significant unresolved issues lie in one's field of study.
How do your PhD students develop the skills necessary to be an effective classroom teacher?
All of our students teach a total of four undergraduate classes during the third and fourth years in the PhD program. Before taking on the responsibility for a course, PhD students serve as teaching assistants to faculty members and observe faculty teaching the course they will teach. They also attend seminars on effective teaching, utilize the services of consultants in the University's Teaching Effectiveness Program, and are mentored by outstanding teachers on the business faculty.
What time commitment is required to succeed in your PhD program? How many years should it take to complete the degree requirements for a PhD?
Our program is designed to be completed in four or five years. Even so, students must realistically put in very long hours to successfully complete their course work and other degree requirements. You should expect to work 60 hours or more a week throughout most of the calendar year.
Who should consider an academic career in business? How should I choose a PhD program?
Visit the Harvard Business School Website for a discussion of what a doctoral program and academic career in business entail and how to choose a PhD program.
How can I obtain more information about your program?
Please visit the main Lundquist College of Business PhD Program website for further information and links to Financial Support, Admissions and Departments which details the Areas of Concentration for the program. Additionally, the main Lundquist College of Business website has information about the business school, university, and surrounding community.
Is the Lundquist College PhD Program the Right Fit for Me?
Do you offer a distance learning PhD program? Can I commute from Portland, Oregon to attend the PhD program?
No. Our PhD program requires full-time study by students who are in residence.
I am interested in obtaining a PhD to augment my consulting credentials and to teach college level business classes. I am not interested in making the commitment required to do rigorous, original research after completing the PhD program. Is your PhD program a good fit for me?
Not likely. Our program is designed to develop students to become scholars who are effective as both researchers and teachers in an academic setting.
