Org Behavior/Human Resources PhD Program

Ph.D. in Management Frequently Asked Questions



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

A: We choose to look at the "big picture" in evaluating applications. This means we look at traditional measures like test scores, grade point average (particularly undergraduate GPA), recommendation letters, and transcripts. But we're also interested in intangibles like fit with the program. This is why we ask potential students to visit campus and get to know the faculty and current students.

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

A: 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 or 1250 GRE score, with a reasonable balance between verbal and quantitative scores; and (3) a minimum ibTOEFL score of 100.

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.

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 in organizational behavior/human resources, and 2-3 students in strategic management every other year. Our overall program size is approximately 12-18 students at any one time.

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

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

Q: Do I need a postgraduate degree to apply?

A: No. We have an option for students to enter directly into our program without a graduate degree. If you have exceptional scores and demonstrate requisite maturity, we sometimes waive this requirement. A more frequent option is to require a year-long sequence of courses that we view as equivalent to a graduate degree.

Q: How long does the doctoral program last?

A: The management 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 in management 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 issues of journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, and Strategic Management Journal to learn more about management research.

Q: Can I get financial assistance?

A: Yes. Each student admitted to the doctoral program receives a tuition waiver, assistantship, and stipend. The standard package is worth approximately $35,000 per year for out-of-state students and $20,000 per year for in-state students. However, financial assistance varies according to program (i.e., organizational behavior/human resources versus strategic management) and individual circumstance.

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 FSU doctoral program in management?

A: Please feel free to 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.