Admission to the Ph.D. Business Program

Admission Requirements

The Kent State University Ph.D. Program in Business Administration admits students once per year for the fall semester. We typically admit two to three applicants per concentration each year.

The application deadline is January 1 for international applicants and February 1 for domestic applicants. All admission requirements must be received by the application deadline.

To apply for admission, you will need to submit:

  • Online application and fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Official GMAT or GRE score
  • Professional resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Essay of goals and objectives
  • International applicants: test of English proficiency

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Financial Support

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP

• Tuition waiver plus competitive stipend

• Guaranteed for all students for four years

• Fifth year available for research active students

• Discounted health insurance available

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

• Summer appointment opportunities

• Access to research databases and software

• Support for direct research expenses and conference travel

• Office and computer

KENT, OHIO LIVING

• College town located close to major cities and national parks

• Available housing close to campus

• Low cost of living makes your financial support go further

Admission FAQs

Can I apply for admission if I do not have a Master’s Degree?

Our program requires a Master’s Degree in Business or a related area. We are unable to admit students who only hold a Bachelor’s Degree.

Do you require a minimum GMAT or GRE score?

We require a minimum GMAT score of 600 or equivalent GRE score of 315. The minimum score does not guarantee acceptance into our program. The average GMAT score for students admitted in the past three years is 653, and scores vary considerably across concentrations.

What tests of English proficiency do you accept?

Information about our English language proficiency requirements can be found on the KSU Admissions requirements webpage.

Some international students are able to have the English proficiency exam requirement waived. More information the KSU Admissions waiver webpage.

Do I need to apply separately for a graduate assistantship?

Applying to the Ph.D. program includes an application for a graduate assistantship. It is not necessary to complete a separate application for financial support.

Do I need to be accepted into a faculty member’s research team before I am admitted?

You do not need to secure admission by a faculty member before applying. All of our students are matched with faculty mentors after they are admitted to the program.

 

Do I need to submit official transcripts with my application?

You do need to upload official transcripts with your application. Electronic copies of official transcripts are acceptable. We do not require hard copies to be mailed.

Can I get a waiver for the GMAT/GRE requirement or the application fee?

We are unable to waive our admission requirements or application fee. Please make sure you submit all of the required components for your application to be considered.

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