PhD Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to complete the program?
Assuming students perform well in their courses, exams, and research projects, the program is a five-year program.
- Can I attend part-time, commute from Atlanta, or complete the program online?
The program is very rigorous and demands a full-time, in-residence commitment.
- Can I work on my MBA and my PhD simultaneously?
An MBA and a PhD serve different goals. An MBA facilitates a career in industry while a PhD provides training for an academic career at a research university. Thus, there is little overlap in coursework, and no overlap in goals for placing students after graduation.
- Can I transfer credits from my MBA to my PhD?
Because of the difference in focus described above, few credits will transfer from any MBA program to any PhD program.
- Can I apply for the PhD program without an MBA or Masters degree?
Absolutely, neither is required for being admitted into the PhD program. Students without an Masters degree may be required to take some general business courses as part of their coursework in the PhD program.
- Do students receive financial assistance?
Yes. Students who are admitted into the program receive a financial package of around $20,000, assuming satisfactory performance and continuation of state funding. Students also receive a tuition waiver.
- Do students receive health insurance?
There are health insurance benefits available to graduate students, and in some cases that coverage is mandatory. For a review of the insurance policies and procedures, please visit The University of Georgia HR website.
- Should I take the GMAT or the GRE?
We accept either the Graduate Management Admissions Test or the Graduate Record Exam. Most of the applicants who make our "short list" tend to have a GMAT score in the upper 600's (or an equivalent score on the GRE). Test scores are one of a number of factors that the admissions committee takes into consideration.
- What is the TOEFL requirement?
The accrediting agency for the Terry College requires an iBT score of 26 to be an instructor for an undergraduate class, and all PhD students will do some teaching during the program. There is a remedial English sequence for non-native English-speaking applicants, but entry into that sequence is limited to those with an iBT of 24. The PhD programs at Terry therefore need additional evidence regarding English-speaking ability before a decision for admission can be made.
- 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 GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are eligible for consideration for the program. GPA is one of a number of factors that the admissions committee takes into consideration.
- How many students do you admit in a given year?
The program typically accepts 2–4 students in a given year. Some of those students will focus on an organizational behavior track whereas others will focus on a strategic management track.
- When will I hear a decision on my admission?
The admissions committee typically decides its "short list" in January or February, with interviews with the short list candidates often proceeding into March. Decisions are made and offers are extended at that point.
- How much teaching do PhD students do?
Most students teach four sections during the course of their five-year program. Students interested in organizational behavior will typically teach that course to undergraduates, and students interested in strategic management will typically teach that topic to undergraduates. There are opportunities to teach related courses, however.
Contact Information
The University of Georgia
