The application deadline is January 15.

Admission to the Ph.D. program is open from September 15 through January 15. The program is small and selective. Students must start in the fall semester and be on campus. Students cannot hold a full-time job during the program.

Ph.D. applicants may be admitted into our program with a master's or a bachelor's degree and must meet Wayne State University's graduate student admission requirements. They must be competent in written and oral communication, and especially so in analytical and quantitative skills.

Applicants are evaluated for admission based on the following requirements:

• A minimum GMAT score of 600 out of 800 (or its GRE equivalent will be accepted, but the GMAT is preferred). This is a requirement and cannot be waived.
• A minimum graduate degree GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0
• A Statement of Purpose indicating why you would like to pursue a doctoral degree in the program of study you have chosen and why at the Ilitch Business School
• Three letters of recommendation from, for instance, former professors or work supervisors
• International students only: must meet the university's English proficiency requirement, see English proficiency requirements - Admissions - Wayne State University

Please note that past teaching, research, and/or business experience are considered after the other requirements are met and positively evaluated. The admission committee in each discipline considers these plus a personal interview, in its evaluation of candidates. The admission process is selective and aims to establish a good fit between the candidate's background and objectives and each discipline's programmatic goals.

The Ilitch School’s full-time finance doctoral program specializes in corporate finance and asset pricing. Students explore high-level finance concepts and quantitative methods, including econometrics, and conduct empirical research into these topics. 

Work with faculty to publish research in finance and teach relevant courses to undergraduate students. Complete the Ph.D. program by passing written and oral qualifying exams, as well as writing and defending a dissertation based on your original findings. 

Earn your Ph.D. in finance in as little as four years. You may be able to may be able to transfer up to 32 master’s level credits to your doctoral academic plan. 

View the finance concentration page and WSU's Graduate Bulletin for program overview and requirements.

Begin your journey to becoming a professor with a Ph.D. in management from the Ilitch School of Business. Our full-time, research-based program helps you discover your specific academic interests and introduces you to important methodologies. 

Management Ph.D. students also choose between two tracks to study quantitative methods. The Organizational Behavior Track tackles advanced psychology theories, while the Strategic Management Track covers econometrics. After completing your coursework and comprehensive exams, research and write your dissertation. In addition, lead undergraduate classes to gain teaching experience. 

Complete the doctoral program in management in four to five years. You may be able to may be able to transfer up to 32 master’s level credits to your doctoral academic plan. 

View the management concentration page and WSU's Graduate Bulletin for program overview and requirements

Study consumer behavior through a comprehensive, research-based lens with our marketing doctoral program. This full-time program combines courses from the Ilitch School of Business and Wayne State’s Department of Psychology to help you understand advanced concepts in both fields. 

As a marketing doctoral student, work on faculty projects and teach undergraduate students. Once you have completed your comprehensive exams, begin conducting original research to develop your dissertation. 

Earn your Ph.D. in marketing in four to five years. You may be able to may be able to transfer up to 32 master’s level credits to your doctoral academic plan. 

View the marketing concentration page and WSU's Graduate Bulletin for program overview and requirements

Start a rewarding career in academia with a Ph.D. from the Ilitch School. Many of our students secure professorships even while pursuing their degrees, and post-graduation, they continue to excel in tenure-track teaching and research roles.

Prepare for the next step in your career with our many resources, including networking and professional development opportunities. 

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