Opportunities for Pre-Doctoral Research Fellows:
- Take doctoral-level courses in business, economics, statistics, math, or related fields
- Work closely with faculty on mentored research experiences
- Attend research seminars
The program seeks to promote a diverse, scholarly environment and is designed for individuals wanting to gain necessary training and experience toward a career in academic research before applying to a PhD program in business and related fields. Fellows receive exposure to the various fields of study at WashU Olin, including Accounting, Business Economics, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, and Technology, Organizational Behavior, and Strategy and Entrepreneurship.
The program will be quantitatively focused but individually designed to fit each fellow’s background. In the course of the program, each fellow should gain a thorough grounding in calculus, matrix algebra, basic and intermediate statistics, and basic and intermediate economics. Fellows will also have the opportunity to assist faculty in research to become familiar with what research involves. Pre-Doctoral Fellows will enroll in up to nine credits of coursework per semester in the first year. The second year will focus on mentored research experience.
Pre-Doctoral Program Summary
The WashU Olin Pre-Doctoral Research Fellows program is a two-year full-time program. Fellows will begin their program in July. The fellowship offers tuition and a living stipend ($29,000 in 2022-2023). As non-matriculated, non-degree students at Washington University in St. Louis, Fellows have access to the rich resources that WashU offers. Fellows will be provided with a workspace that is co-located with WashU Olin PhD students.
Fellows are expected to fully participate in the intellectual life at WashU Olin and the university.
Research Assistantship
Olin faculty conduct research on a wide variety of topics. Fellows participate in research projects and assist with research papers initiated by Olin faculty members. Projects are assigned based on interest and faculty/project availability. Fellows can expect to work closely with Olin faculty members and receive individual instruction on the techniques required.
Courses
Fellows may take up to nine credits of doctoral-level courses in business, economics, statistics, math, or related field each semester in the first year. Course selection is made in consultation with faculty. Possible courses include:
L24 Math 131 Calculus I
L24 Math 132 Calculus II
L24 Math 1011 Introduction to Statistics
L24 Math 309 Matrix Algebra
B62 Finance 539 Mathematical Finance
L24 Math 3200 Elementary to Intermediate Statistics
L11 1011 Introduction to Microeconomics
L11 413 Introduction to Econometrics
L11 Econ 493 Mathematical Economics
(Other courses as appropriate for the student/area)
Seminars
Fellows are expected to attend department seminars. Faculty members, doctoral students and visiting speakers may present at these sessions, which consist of an interchange of research ideas.
Eligibility
This is a full-time, in-residence, non-degree program. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or will complete one by the time the program starts) and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible to apply.
Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid, and employment. The University does not discriminate regarding access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.
High GMAT/GRE Test Score: Although there is no minimum score requirement, a good performance is weighted by the Admissions Committee. Successful applicants tend to have overall scores in the 90th percentile or higher. The GMAT institution code for the Olin - PhD in business is R4T-WG-45. The GRE institution code is 6929.
Letters of Recommendation: We require two letters of recommendation. Recommenders may be either academic or professional; however considerable weight is given to letters of recommendation from faculty members that highlight a candidate's research potential, past academic achievements, and a commitment to scholarly endeavor. Letters of recommendation are submitted online. We do not accept paper letters of recommendation. If this presents a problem, please contact us.
Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose should include details on why you want to pursue an academic career, any experience you have in conducting or assisting in any research or teaching activities, and your own evaluations of your strengths and weaknesses in pursuing the Pre-Doctoral Research Fellows program.
Curriculum Vitae: All applicants are required to upload a copy of their CV or résumé as part of the application process.
Transcripts: Please upload unofficial transcripts—one from each college-level institution attended. Scanned copies of transcripts may be too dark and difficult to read, so please adjust scanner settings accordingly. Photographs of transcripts are not acceptable. If the transcript is in a language other than English, applicants must provide an official translation issued from the university or by certified members of the American Translators Association. Applicants who have already graduated must show a transcript with the degree conferred and date unless a copy of their diploma/degree certificate is required. Official transcripts of all college-level work must be submitted to the program office upon admission to Olin Business School. Updates to transcripts after applications are submitted are not necessary and will not be uploaded by Olin.
Pre-Doctoral Research Fellows Application Checklist
A complete application should include the following:
- Scanned copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (uploaded in the application)
- Scanned copies of GMAT score report (pdf uploaded in the application)
- Scanned copies of GRE score report (pdf uploaded in the application)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Résumé/CV
- Application fee paid online
