PhD and DBA Admission Requirements

Admissions Documents and Policies

• Academic Background

  Doctoral program requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. 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 the 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.

  PhD 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 will not be uploaded by Olin.

• GMAT/GRE Test Score

  Although there is no minimum test score requirement, a good performance is weighted by the admissions committee. Successful applicants tend to have overall scores in the 90th percentile or higher.

  GMAT institution code

  • PhD: R4T-WG-45
  • DBA: R4T-WG-14 

  The GRE institution code is 6929.

• TOEFL or IELTS Test Score

  An English language test is required for all international students. The TOEFL and IELTS exams test the level of English as a foreign language. The average internet-based TOEFL score of PhD students is 105.

  The TOEFL institution code for Washington University in St. Louis is 6929.

  An English Proficiency Test Waiver may be available to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. For more information, please visit the Office of International Students and Scholars page.

• Letters of Recommendation

  We accept only three letters of academic or professional recommendation. 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. If this presents a problem, please contact us.

• Essay Questions (Statement of Purpose)

  • Why do you want to obtain a doctoral degree? (Please include what research interests you the most within your field of study.)
  • Describe any experience you have in conducting or assisting in any research or teaching activities.
  • Provide your own evaluations of your strengths and weaknesses in pursuing the PhD program at WashU Olin.

• Curriculum Vitae

  All applicants are required to upload a copy of their CV or resume as part of the application process.

• Writing Sample

  You may upload a research paper or abstract (30-page maximum) with your online application, although it's not required for admission to our PhD program.

  Please note: If you choose to submit a research paper or abstract, you should upload your paper into your application. Papers submitted by mail or email PDF will not be uploaded into your application. Revised versions of your paper will not be uploaded.

  If you have technical difficulties with uploading your paper, please contact the PhD program office by email at phdinfo@olin.wustl.edu. Applicants are encouraged to list this paper and any other papers they have on their resume with web links to these papers.

• Decision Process

  Due to the high number of applications we receive each year, faculty members initiate phone or campus interviews for only the strongest candidates or for candidates from whom additional information is needed. Applicants cannot request interviews.

  The admissions committee will closely review each applicant’s academic record. Transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, resume, the statement of purpose and the writing sample (optional) are reviewed by the admissions committee to determine the applicant’s fit within the doctoral program and their potential for scholarly research.

  Each application will be evaluated against the application pool as a whole. Decisions for fall admissions are made between March 15 and April 15. Applicants will be notified of the admission decision by April 15.

  Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment. The university does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status or disability.

  Apply to the PhD program.