Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
Can I apply to the program online?
How much does it cost to apply to the program? Are application fee waivers offered?
When is the application deadline?
Is there a minimum acceptable GMAT or GRE score to apply to the program?
What other characteristics do you consider for admission purposes?
How do you evaluate my application?
Does Mississippi State offer health insurance?
Can I transfer any credits from my master's degree?
How many students do you typically recruit?
Do you have part-time or online options in your doctoral program?
Is a master's degree required for admission to the PhD program?
Do you admit students in the Spring and Summer semesters?
Does your program include Summer semesters?
How long does it take to complete the program?
Do you prefer the GMAT or the GRE?
How recent must my test scores be?
Where have you placed students who graduated from your program?
What does an assistantship entail?
Do doctoral students receive financial aid?
Do you have funds available for students to travel to academic conferences?
How will I be assigned to a professor in regards to my assistantship duties?
If I am only interested in teaching on the college level, is getting a PhD right for me?
What is Mississippi State University like?
What is the deadline to apply for the PhD program in Management?
Can I apply to the program online?
Yes, you can apply here (https://goto.msstate.edu/apply/)
How much does it cost to apply to the program? Are application fee waivers offered?
The Graduate School application fee information is available at https://www.grad.msstate.edu/faq. We do not offer application fee waivers.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit your application is January 15 for admission the following fall.
Is there a minimum acceptable GMAT or GRE score to apply to the program?
We are looking for high GPAs and high GMAT scores, usually in excess of 600 (or GRE equivalent), but keep in mind we consider the entire set of characteristics and experiences of the applicant.
What other characteristics do you consider for admission purposes?
We highly recommend exposure to statistics in preparation for the PhD since we are research focused, and the first year of the program will include statistics courses.
How do you evaluate my application?
With regard to admissions, we consider a variety of criteria in evaluation of PhD applicants, including, but not limited to:
- GMAT or GRE scores, bot quantitative and verbal scores
- Undergraduate and graduate areas of study
- GPA on undergraduate work or completed graduate work
- Work experience
- Research experience
- Recommendations
- Statement of purpose
- Interviews (in-person or via Skype)
Does Mississippi State offer health insurance?
Yes, to learn more visit the following website (http://www.health.msstate.edu/healthcenter/insurance_student.php).
Can I transfer any credits from my master's degree?
With departmental approval (case-by-case), up to 9 credit hours (3 classes) can be transferred. For more information, contact Angella Baker at abaker@business.msstate.edu or call (662) 325-8519 from 8 am until 5 pm (Central Time).
How many students do you typically recruit?
We normally recruit one or two students a year and have seven to eight total students in the program.
Do you have part-time or online options in your doctoral program?
No, our doctoral program is for full-time on campus students.
Is a master's degree required for admission to the PhD program?
No, having a master's degree does make your application more competitive but we do admit students who do not have a previous graduate degree. Since the applicant has not taken graduate business courses, he or she would be required to take the full 24 semester hours in the management concentration area compared to those applicants that have the ability to transfer credits from their master's degree.
Do you admit students in the Spring and Summer semesters?
No, we only admit students in the Fall semester.
Does your program include Summer semesters?
Many students try to fulfill their minor coursework during the summer. The summer session is a critical time for students to collect and analyze data in order to jump start the research publishing process. Students may also have the opportunity to teach a class over the summer to supplement their assistantship. There is an expectation that students will be in Starkville over the summer session.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Most students complete the program in four years. Your first two years will be spent in coursework. Your last two years will be spent towards your dissertation.
Do you prefer the GMAT or the GRE?
We prefer that you submit a GMAT score.
How recent must my test scores be?
GMAT test scores must have been taken within the last five years. TOEFL test scores must have been taken within the last two years.
Where have you placed students who graduated from your program?
Job placement for students who complete their PhD in our program is 100 percent. Recent job placements include East Carolina University, University of Dayton, University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of New South Wales, and University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
What does an assistantship entail?
For the first year of the program you will be a research assistant. This requires the student to spend 20 hours a week assisting a professor in any academic need that promotes research or instruction. After your first or second year, you will spend 10 hours a week as a research assistant and be required to teach one undergraduate management class.
Do doctoral students receive financial aid?
Yes. All accepted doctoral students will receive a stipend along with a full tuition fee waiver during the Fall and Spring semesters of the school year.
Do you have funds available for students to travel to academic conferences?
Yes. Our department has a dedicated travel budget for each student. The graduate school also has funds that can be applied for to aid students in the travel expenses and fees for academic conferences.
How will I be assigned to a professor in regards to my assistantship duties?
We try to match student's interests with that of the professor. If you have a particular interest in working with one of our faculty members, please make note of that in your statement of purpose letter.
If I am only interested in teaching on the college level, is getting a PhD right for me?
Our PhD program is research focused. If you don't have a desire to conduct research, then our PhD program may not be a good fit for you.
What is Mississippi State University like?
Mississippi State University is the largest university in the state of Mississippi with over 22,000 students. MSU adjoins the city of Starkville, MS. With a population of over 25,000, Starkville offers an appealing blend of college town traditions and 21st-century innovations. MSU is a Carnegie Research University holding the “Very High Research Activity” designation, as well as a Carnegie designation for “Community Engagement.” As part of the Southeastern Conference, you can experience the best of collegiate athletics. We have a regional airport located 15 minutes from Starkville which allow for easy access in regards to travel.
What is the deadline to apply for the PhD program in Management?
All application materials must be received by January 15. Applicants are strongly encouraged to get their application packet in early as acceptance into the program is competitive.