Marketing Doctoral Program

Ph.D. Admission

General

New doctoral students are admitted each fall. For U.S. citizens, applications for admission and all related materials should be received by March 1. International applicants must complete the application process by Feb. 1. Applications are reviewed beginning in November of the preceding year, and admission decisions are made during the spring semester until slots are filled for the following fall, with most classes filled as early as April 15. In order to be eligible for the widest range of financial assistance packages, it is recommended that applicants submit all materials by no later than January 1.

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. Although there are no minimum requirements, we prefer applicants to have undergraduate and graduate grade point averages of 3.50 or above.
  • High verbal and quantitative scores on the GMAT taken within the past five years. Although there is no required minimum test score, successful applicants rarely have scores less than 600, and most have scores of 650 or higher. Further, although we prefer applicants to have taken the GMAT, the Marketing program also accepts scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Successful applicants will have total scores (from the verbal and quantitative sections) of 1250 or higher.
  • Three letters of recommendation that speak specifically to 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 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 TOEFL, taken within the past five years, is required.

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 recommendation, 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 or send check or money order to:
    Florida State University
    PO Box 5000
    Tallahassee, FL 32314-5000
  • 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/images/pdf/residency.pdf)
  • 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 or GRE 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.