Frequently Asked Questions

There are no application fees.

You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but you must supply official undergraduate and graduate degree transcripts once you are selected for the program. Transcripts must be in English with letter grades.

Start Your Application

For a list of required documents, visit the program landing page and click on the drop-down arrow for Admission Requirements. Review the list and click on the online application form. When the online application menu opens select Account Directions and Information. Here you will find complete instructions for setting up an account. Please read the entire set of instructions before clicking on "Go here" to create your CollegeNET ApplyWeb account. Be sure to record your username and password to access your account in the future.

The deadline for submitting a doctoral program application is Jan. 15 for those beginning in the subsequent fall term. While this is the official deadline, you are encouraged to submit all application materials, including transcripts, test scores (GMAT and TOEFL), statement of intent, and letters of recommendation, as early as possible. It is highly recommended that application packets are completed prior to the end of the month preceding the deadline. International applications should be submitted well in advance of the proposed enrollment date.

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is preferred for admission. However, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be considered in unique situations. The average GMAT scores for students entering in the last few years have been in the upper 600s**. However, after all required material is submitted, applications are reviewed holistically, considering the applicant's undergraduate and graduate work, professional and/or academic experience, test scores and professional goal statement.

**Interpret GRE Scores in the Context of GMAT® Scores Here

More information about exams accepted by Saint Louis University and the minimum scores requirements can be found in our catalog.

If the candidates have completed a master's degree from a U.S. university, this requirement may be waived.

Financial assistance is normally available to all admitted applicants. This is primarily in the form of half-time graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants typically work 20 hours per week in teaching and/or on research. These assignments are based on the instructional needs of the department and the requirements of current research projects. Any student who receives an assistantship receives tuition support for a normal doctoral load (nine credits for each of fall and spring semesters and four credits in the summer), individual health insurance, in-state status and a monthly stipend.

Applicants can upload unofficial copies of their transcripts and/or evaluations for the initial review by the department.  You may still receive the "awaiting"  message until the department receives the official documents. 

Applicants who are admitted and accept the offer of (provisional) admission must provide official documentation by April 15 or two weeks after receiving the provisional offer of admission. 

Failure to submit complete, accurate and authentic application documents by the due date may result in rescinding of admission.

For a transcript to be considered official, transcripts must be provided directly by the student's previous universities. We can accept them electronically if the university has that option or through mail. 

The Ph.D. program reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission for, but not limited to, the following reasons: 

• The applicant submitted misleading or false information or incomplete materials during the application process;
• The applicant failed to submit official documentation by the deadline;

The WES/ECE evaluation is required for all international applicants.

Transcripts from all universities attended are required for admission consideration. That is inclusive of any post-secondary courses taken.

You can contact us via email at phd.biz@slu.edu.

You will be notified by email when a decision is available to view in our online portal, normally by the end of March.

After screening out applications, the top candidates will be invited for a Ph.D. interview.

Each semester during the first two years, the Ph.D. student will take three courses, and serve as a research assistant (RA) and/or teaching assistant (TA) for a department faculty. In the spring semester of your second year, you will teach an undergraduate marketing or international business course. Ph.D. students generally teach 15 credit hours over the course of the program.

No, you don't need a faculty supervisor to apply. If you join the program, you will be assigned a faculty advisor whose research focus closely relates to your research interests.

Although our doctoral program focuses on international business and marketing, we allow students to concentrate their research, publications, and dissertation on related topics. Also, each student is assigned a faculty advisor whose research focus closely relates to students' academic/research interests. In terms of courses, students must pursue a support area with a minimum of nine semester hours. Support areas should be selected to provide depth in theory and research appropriate for the student's research interests. The specific support areas and courses should be customized to achieve the objectives of the Ph.D. candidate.

The program has a time limit of four years for completion of coursework, qualifying examinations, and dissertation proposal; with an additional three years to complete the dissertation. Not all students require the maximum allotted time of seven years.

Our Ph.D. program has consistently had a 100% job-placement rate since the program started.

Because the dissertation timeline varies from student to student the number of current students fluctuates from seven to nine participants each year.

The Chaifetz School's Ph.D. program requires students to complete the program as full-time students. 

All Ph.D. courses at the Chaifetz School of Business are offered in person, except in extenuating circumstances.