PhD Business Administration Admissions

We admit students to the PhD program in finance on a full‑time basis only. Competitive candidates typically have strong GMAT scores and letters of reference that indicate likelihood of success in a Ph.D. program. A graduate degree in a quantitative field such as business, economics, engineering, or statistics is desirable, but not required. Feel free to contact the Ph.D. Coordinator if you have any questions about applying.

The Department of Management does not specify a minimum GMAT or GRE score, but applicants must have taken one of those two tests for admission to the PhD program in management.

Admission to the PhD program in marketing is selective. Candidates typically have a GMAT score of at least 650 (or GRE equivalent), with satisfactory aptitude in both verbal and quantitative elements, and a GPA of 3.3+ in junior, senior, and graduate coursework. Those with a GMAT score of less than 600 (or GRE equivalent) should not apply. An MBA or research-focused graduate degree is strongly preferred, but not required.

Strong applicants have a demonstrated record of academic accomplishment, intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery, and a general understanding of the demands of a doctoral program. Work experience in business, management, research, or similar endeavors is welcome and desirable but not required. It is strongly preferred that students whose native language is not English either have lived for several years in an English-speaking country or have a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a university where the instructional language is English.

Transcripts: Upload unofficial copies of all transcripts. If you are accepted by our program, you will be asked to provide official transcripts to Mizzou Graduate School. Please do not send official transcripts until you have received an official letter of acceptance.

Test Scores: Official GRE or GMAT scores are required for all applicants. Plan to take your test early enough to have official scores submitted by the February 1s t deadline. Official scores are requested so that if selected, an offer of admission can be made without delay.

GMAT code is 596-15-99. GRE & TOEFL codes are 6875.

Statement of Purpose: A statement of purpose includes a description of your career objectives and your interests in the area to which you are applying. You may also use this opportunity to describe why your skills and experiences will help you be successful in a doctoral program.

Resume/Vita: Should be up to date with work experiences and educational experience. It should also list relevant research and academic achievements as applicable.

Letters of Recommendation: Request recommendations from at least three references through the online application system. There are no firm guidelines regarding who the references should be, though references who can comment meaningfully on your academic skills and likelihood of success in the Ph.D. program are particularly valuable.

All non-native English-speaking applicants are required to provide proof of English language ability. Please visit the Graduate School website to see the required minimum scores.

Supplemental Information: Supplemental Information is the place for you to enter information or upload one document that does not fit into any preset links in your application. This provides applicants an opportunity If you need to explain something about your their application or clarify information, you can. This is not a required component of your application and you are encouraged to only enter information you feel it is necessary or would be helpful to faculty reviewing your application