Ph.D. FAQS

When is your application deadline?
Our admission deadline is Feb 1, 2025. 

What is the application fee?
Our application fee is $65.

How long does it take to complete your program? Our program is designed to be completed in 4 years, although there are situations where some may take longer. 

Do you offer tuition waivers or other financial support? We offer a limited number of competitive Graduate Assistantships. These include tuition remission, stipend, and health benefits. They are subject to academic performance and require 20 hours of weekly work (teaching, assisting faculty).

Can I apply for a start time other than the Fall?
No, we only accept applications for Fall admission. 

Do you require a Master’s Degree?
Yes, we require a Master’s Degree. 

Is work experience required? Although there is no formal requirement, relevant industry experience is a preferred qualification.

What is the URI College of Business PhD program’s placement record? We train scholars primarily to take academic jobs after graduation. Some examples of our recent placements include The Citadel, St Thomas University, California State University Long Beach, and Providence College, among others. Many of our graduates have held esteemed leadership positions, such as journal editors and academic deans. Learn more

What do I need to apply? A complete application file includes:

  1. Complete, submitted online Application Form
  2. Up-to-date CV
  3. Personal statement (submitted via online application)
  4. College transcripts submitted via the online application
  5. Letters of recommendation
  6. Test score reports (GRE/GMAT) and IELTS for international students (the ETS institution code for the University of Rhode Island is 3919)
  7. Non‐refundable application fee submitted via online application.

What is the average GMAT/GRE score? We do not calculate or share average test scores. We only have minimum score requirements: GRE (minimum 308) and GMAT (minimum 600). Please note that we evaluate all applicants holistically and consider all materials, including personal statements and recommendation letters.

Do you require GPA information to be submitted through a credential evaluation site? No, you can upload unofficial transcripts to the BusinessCAS. When you are selected, the Graduate School will ask you to submit a certified transcript.

Can I submit unofficial test scores such as GMAT, GRE, and IELTS?
Yes. You can upload unofficial test scores to BusinessCAS. The admission committee will evaluate your applications using unofficial test scores.

  1. GRE/GMAT – Our Ph.D. program (at the College of Business) requires GRE or GMAT test scores. We accept unofficial test scores (the test scores you receive) in your application. Official scores will be requested after review of your application.  
  2. IELTS – Once selected, the Graduate School will ask you to arrange for official English proficiency test results to be sent directly to URI. The ETS institution code for the University of Rhode Island is 3919.

Do you accept the Duolingo test for English proficiency for international applicants? Yes. we accept Duolingo scores. The minimum test score is 115 for all applicants and 120 for applicants who are offered a Teaching Assistantship. More information for international student admissions can be found on the graduate school website.

Do you offer fee waivers for International Applicants? We understand many international students face financial difficulties due to economic conditions. However, we do not waive application fees for international students. 

Please visit the international student admissions webpage for information specific to international applicants. 

Can you waive the GRE/GMAT requirement? No, applicants must submit these scores to be considered for admission.

I am in my 30s. Am I too old to apply? No, we have had multiple doctoral students who switched to academic careers after many years of industry experience.

Can I do interdisciplinary work? Yes, we encourage our students to explore interdisciplinary areas such as business technologies, sustainability, etc. Students are admitted to a particular doctoral program (Marketing, Supply Chain, or Finance) and have to primarily work with a professor in that area. However, dissertation committees could have professors from other disciplines.

Can you evaluate my CV and give me an assessment of my admission chances before formal application? Due to the high volume of inquiries we receive, we are unable to conduct these evaluations. 

I plan to self-fund or have an external scholarship (e.g., government) to fund my PhD studies, is the admission process the same? We encourage self-funded students to apply. Students who meet admissions requirements but are not awarded a graduate assistantship may choose to attend using an external funding course (external scholarships, self-funding, etc.). Only students receiving graduate assistantships are required to do 20 hours of weekly work (teaching, assisting faculty).

What is the difference between your PhD and DBA programs? The DBA program is designed for working professionals with a minimum of ten years of experience, including at least seven years in a managerial position. The PhD program is a full-time program with no specific work experience requirements. 

Do applicants need to identify faculty who they would like to work with when applying? No, you do not need to identify a specific faculty member to work with; however, it may be beneficial to note specific faculty and research areas you are interested in your personal statement.