We will not be accepting applications for Fall 2010.
The Vanderbilt PhD in Management Program is a highly selective program. We seek applicants with superior academic credentials and the motivation to excel at scholarly research in a chosen field. Because the program emphasizes close collaboration between faculty and students, we favor candidates who can both articulate their scholarly interests and demonstrate a clear fit with research interests of current faculty in the applicant's chosen area of specialization. Many candidates with otherwise fine academic qualifications are not offered admission because their applications do not accomplish these objectives.
Given the importance of scholarly fit, serious candidates should explore the research interests and agendas of our faculty before making application by perusing the faculty section of the Owen website and examining faculty members' published research. It is also appropriate to make personal contact with faculty members in the area of intended specialization when such contact can help establish common scholarly ground. This will aid faculty as they make admissions decisions. These contacts are best initiated via email or in writing.
Administratively the Vanderbilt PhD in Management Program is part of the Graduate School of Vanderbilt University. Application to the program is made through the Graduate School, and the examination for admission to candidacy—the qualifying examination—is administered through the Graduate School, as is the final dissertation defense. The Graduate School also periodically reviews the quality of all PhD Programs.
Admission is based on undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) grade point averages, scores on standardized tests—either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)—and recommendations. We also consider the nature and appropriateness of courses taken in previous collegiate work, the statement of purpose the candidate provides on the application, and relevant prior business experience.
The admissions decision is heavily influenced by evaluations of these factors by faculty in the area in which the student proposes to specialize. The area faculty provide recommendations to the PhD Committee, which makes the final decision.
Applicants must take the GMAT or GRE before applying. Scores should be less than five years old. The GMAT is preferred for applicants in finance; for other specializations, the two tests are equally acceptable. We delay consideration of applications without these test scores until they are available. While there are not fixed thresholds, students admitted to the program generally score above the 90th percentile on both the quantitative and verbal scales and have GPAs from prior studies in excess of 3.5.
International students who do not possess a degree from an English-speaking university must submit a report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. Scores should be less than two years old and above 620 (paper-based), 260 (computer-based) or 104 (internet-based) to demonstrate proficiency.
Applications must be completed by January 15. Final admission decisions are made and the results communicated by late March. You may complete an application online through the Graduate School website. Choose "Management" (in the "Social Sciences" group) as the program to which you are applying. Within the application, specify your chosen area of specialization (Finance, Marketing, or Organization Studies).
In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Vanderbilt University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities; its admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered programs; or employment. Consistent with University nondiscrimination policy, the University also does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to: Opportunity Development Officer, Baker Building, Box 1809 Station B, Nashville, TN 37235. Telephone 615.322.4705 (V/TDD; Fax 615.343.4969).
To inquire about the status of an application or other administrative matters, please contact the Owen PhD program administrator, Janet Sisco, by email (preferably) at PhDProgram@owen.vanderbilt.edu or by telephone at 615.322.5652.