PhD Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

How long does it take to get the doctoral degree?
Students should be able to complete the program in four years. However, many students find they need an additional year.
Can I attend part-time so I may continue working?
The Finance PhD program is very demanding and rigorous, and requires a full-time commitment.
Can I be admitted for spring semester?
New students are accepted into the program only for fall semester. In addition, we often recommend (or require) some students to take some courses in the summer before their first year in the program.
Does UGA accept transfer credits?
In general, transfer credits are not allowed. However, there is some flexibility in determining which courses a particular student takes.
Can I work on my MBA and my PhD simultaneously?
An MBA and a PhD are philosophically very different from one another. Thus, there is little overlap in coursework. However, doctoral students without an MBA will be required to take several MBA courses in their program. Indeed, many students with an MBA find it useful or necessary to re-take some MBA courses.
Where can I find out more specifics about UGA?
Prospective applicants can obtain information about the program, including a sample plan of study, course descriptions and application materials, from the Terry College PhD page. Please note that all application materials for Terry graduate programs must be sent directly to the Terry College of Business at the address given on each degree program's application page. DO NOT SEND ANY APPLICATION MATERIALS TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL. It slows down the application process considerably.
Are interviews required?
We attempt to interview, preferably in-person, all candidates that make the "short list" for admission.

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Admissions

Can I apply for the PhD program without an MBA?
A master's degree is not necessary; however, doctoral students without an MBA will be required to take several MBA courses in their program. Indeed, many students with an MBA find it useful or necessary to re-take some MBA courses.
What are the prerequisites for application to the PhD program?
All doctoral applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.
What factors does the Admissions Committee consider desirable?
Strong candidates will be highly motivated individuals with the appropriate intellectual qualities for a life of scholarship. We give considerable weight to letters of recommendation that highlight a candidate's research potential, past academic achievements, and a commitment to scholarly endeavor. Work experience will be considered along with everything else in your application. Relevant work experience is not required, but often desirable.
Should I take the GMAT or the GRE?
We accept either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Your test score is only one of a number of factors that the committee takes under consideration.
Is there a minimum GPA required for admission? Individuals holding a four-year baccalaureate degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited institution and an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) are eligible to be considered for the program. Note that the GPA is only one of a number of factors that the admissions committee takes under consideration.
Do foreign students have to take an English proficiency test?
Yes, foreign students are required take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. Information is included with the admissions packet.

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Application Procedures and Financial Aid

How can I get an application?
Prospective applicants can obtain information about the Terry College's PhD program, including admission requirements, application deadlines and application materials from the Terry College PhD website.
What is the application deadline?
Please refer to the Application Deadlines link at the Terry College PhD website. While the application deadline is set by the graduate school, it is strongly advised that you submit your fully completed application by the end of December — your probability of gaining acceptance and of getting financial aid may decline substantially if you submit your completed application too far beyond this date. Please be careful to fully and accurately fill out the application, providing all requested information. The most common cause of delays is missing information/documents.
Is an interview required?
We attempt to interview, preferably in-person, all candidates that make the "short list" for admission.
What sources of financial aid are available?
Subject to continuation of state funding, satisfactory academic performance and satisfactory performance in your assigned duties, annual support packages are generally provided for four years. For more information, please email the Department of Management's Graduate Coordinator.