Ph.D. Program : Admissions

The LeBow College of Business seeks applicants with exceptional ability and motivation who can succeed in a research-oriented program. Admission to this full-time program is competitive and highly selective. Applicants are only admitted for full-time status. Applicants must specify their proposed area of specialization, and their credentials are ultimately compared to the credentials of other applicants to the same specialization area. There may be relatively few openings in a given area.

In reviewing an applicant's credentials, the faculty consider the following factors:

• Prior Academic Accomplishments: The faculty will examine all course work taken prior to application, paying particular attention to the specific courses that have been completed. Applicants should have attained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate course work completed. They also should have attained a minimum 3.3 average for any graduate-level course work taken. The faculty generally expect applicants to demonstrate a substantially higher level of accomplishment than these minimum requirements. A master's degree is not a requirement.
• Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT/GRE): Applicants to all specializations within the Ph.D. program are required to submit either the GMAT or the GRE scores. GMAT and GRE scores are not accepted if they are more than five years old.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): applicants whose native language is not English and who have not already received a degree from a U.S. university, must also submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Personal Statement/Essay: Each applicant must submit a personal statement. The personal statement should explain the applicant's educational and personal experiences that have influenced the decision to pursue a Ph.D. and should discuss the candidate's career plans and goals. The faculty are especially interested in learning about an applicant's prior research experience and the commitment to future research in the applicant's area of specialization.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation must be submitted in support of the application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek recommendations from academics or other professionals who can assess the applicant's likelihood of success in a research-oriented Ph.D. program.

Admission Procedures

The Ph.D. Program in Business admits students each fall. To be considered for admission, the completed application must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions no later than January 15th. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation, as well as the application form and the personal statement, are received by Drexel University no later than January 15th.

• For applicants who are either current or former Drexel University students, click here for more information.
• For International Applicants: Those applying for the PhD program do not need to submit an I 20 form until after they are accepted into the program.

Assistantships and Financial Aid

The LeBow College of Business strives to provide a graduate assistantship to each entering Ph.D. student. Therefore, each applicant to the Ph.D. program is automatically considered for a graduate assistantship as well as for admissions into the program. First-year graduate assistants are assigned to work with a faculty member on research activities. During the second and subsequent years, graduate assistants are generally assigned a combination of teaching and research responsibilities. Assistants receive a stipend and 27 credits of tuition remission per academic year. Doctoral students who are making satisfactory progress toward the degree can expect to be provided with an assistantship for four years.

To obtain an application, please contact:
Office of Graduate Admissions
LeBow College of Business
Drexel University
Matheson Hall, Suite 207
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 895-6804
or apply online.