AdmissionsPh.D. program

The Ph.D. in Business program prepares students for scholarly careers in research and teaching. Our total program size is fewer than 40 students, which allows for extensive one-to-one interaction between students and faculty, and all required courses and teaching assignments are held on campus. Most students earn their degree in four to five years.

The Ph.D. program offers three tracks:

Accounting
Receive training in research methods and teaching in the accounting field.
Ph.D. in business, concentration in accounting
Information systems
Advance IS knowledge through design science and qualitative research.
Ph.D. in business with a concentration in information systems
Management
Prepare for research and teaching positions in business schools.
Ph.D. in business, concentration in management

Admissions requirements

The departments of Accounting and Management and Entrepreneurship only accept full-time Ph.D. students. The Department of Information Systems will consider part-time Ph.D. students on a case-by-case basis.

GMAT/GRE scores

Each Ph.D. applicant is required to submit a GMAT or GRE score. The Department of Accounting prefers a GMAT score. Test waivers are not permitted for Ph.D. applications.

Information Systems concentration

Admission recommendations are made by the information systems department Ph.D. committee. An applicant is admitted to the Ph.D. program only if at least one doctoral faculty member is willing to be the applicant’s advisor. We encourage you to speak with members of the IS Department Ph.D. committee before submitting your application.

Management concentration

We require a strong academic background (bachelor's or master's) in business or another discipline related to organizational behavior such as psychology or sociology. Other academic backgrounds may be considered.

Admissions cycle

  • The Department of Accounting's next application cycle is estimated to be for Fall 2024.
    Details will be shared in late 2023.
  • The Department of Management and Entrepreneurship is considering new applicants for Fall 2023.
    Apply by February 1, 2023.
  • The Department of Information Systems is considering new applicants for Fall 2023.
    Apply by February 1, 2023.

How to apply

To apply, submit the online application with all required supplemental materials, including:

  • A $70 nonrefundable application fee
  • Application for Virginia in-state tuition (if applicable)
  • Transcripts from each college/university attended
    • International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE accredited service. We require course by course evaluations, including letter grades and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) on the 4.0 scale.
  • A personal statement essay
  • A GMAT or GRE score
  • A current resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • International applicants shall submit one of the following to meet the English proficiency requirement:
    • TOEFL score of 100
    • IELTS score of 7.0
    • Duolingo score of 120
    • Pearson Test of English score of 65

For more details on graduate admissions requirements, visit VCU Admissions.

Assistantships

Accepted students are automatically considered for a Ph.D. assistantship. If awarded, this appointment covers all required tuition and fees, and pays a biweekly stipend. This stipend is compensation for 20 hours per week of teaching and/or research performed for the department. Students making satisfactory progress in the program typically receive tuition and stipend support for four years. Visit each concentration page for specific assistantship details.

Students that will be self-funding their study may visit the VCU tuition and fees calculator.