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 four-year program. Students occasionally take five years to complete.
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.
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. In order to gain research experience in working closely with the faculty, students must be available and that would be enabled by living in Athens.
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 a 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. Outstanding students might get additional 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. Applicants tend to have a minimum score GMAT score of 650 and those who make our "short list" tend to have a GMAT score in the 700’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?
International students for whom English is a second language must have a 26 or higher TOEFL score to be considered for admission. Possessing a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree from a university in the United States or other country where English is the primary language (e.g., Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand etc.) does not exempt the international student for whom English is a second language from the TOEFL test. Thus he/she must take the TOEFL and include it as part of his/her application.
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.
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 up to four sections during the course of their four-year program.