Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do I mail my supplementary application materials?
- Does the UW-Madison offer a part time or distance learning PhD Program?
- How many applicants apply and how many are admitted to the PhD Program each year?
- What test scores are required for admission? Is there a minimum score?
- Do international applicants have additional test requirements?
- What type of visa would I be admitted under as an international student?
- What type of financial support documentation is required for international students?
- How much are the tuition and living expenses?
- May I request a waiver of the UW application fee?
- If I am currently enrolled in another UW-Madison graduate program, may I request a "Change or Addition of Major" to enter the School of Business PhD Program?
- How do I check on the status of my on-line application?
- What parts of the application can be submitted online, and what needs to be sent via post?
- How long does it take to get a decision on my application?
- May I make a "campus visit?"
- How long will it take to earn a PhD degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison?
- May I transfer into the PhD Program from another university?
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- How long is funding support for the PhD Program available?
- Is work experience necessary for a PhD program at the UW-Madison?
- Is the UW-Madison the right choice for my PhD if my primary goal is to prepare for a teaching career or a career in business or industry?
- Is there a minimum grade point average requirement for admission?
- How are admission decisions made at the UW-Madison School of Business?
- The deadline has passed. May I still apply?
- I applied last year. Are there special circumstances for reapplication?
- What is the difference between the financial aid priority deadline and the final deadline?
Where do I mail my supplementary application materials?
Mail your supplementary materials to:
PhD Programs Office
University of Wisconsin-Madison
School of Business
975 University Avenue, Suite 1149
Madison, WI 53706
Does the UW-Madison offer a part time or distance learning PhD Program?
No. Because of the intense academic and research commitment, requiring a high degree of interaction with faculty members and other PhD students, only full time pursuit of the degree in residence on the UW campus is permitted.
How many applicants apply and how many are admitted to the PhD Program each year?
In general, between 5 and 10 percent of all applications are admitted to the PhD Program. For example, for the Fall 2007 semester, 337 applications were completed. Offers of admission were extended to 26 of these. The prior year, for Fall 2006, 336 applications were received and 25 offers of admission extended. The number of offers extended is based upon such factors as anticipated yield, faculty availability, financial resources available and the quality of the applicant pool.
What test scores are required for admission? Is there a minimum score?
Applicants may use Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Scores must be less than five years old at the time you begin the program. There are no waivers of the standardized test score requirement. There is no minimum score requirement, but few students scoring lower than the 90 th percentile are considered competitive. Applicants may also visit the About Our Students page for statistics on our current group of students.
YOUR GRE OR GMAT SHOULD BE DATED NO EARLIER THAN SEPTEMBER 2003 IN ORDER TO BE APPLICABLE FOR THE FALL 2008 APPLICATION.
UW Insitution Code: 1846
Beginning 1/2/06 for GMAT Tests, use 79K-2S-02
Do international applicants have additional test requirements?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of international applicants whose native language is not English. The School of Business has a minimum TOEFL requirement of 250 CBT, 100 IBT, or 600 PBT. Applicants may also visit the About Our Students page for statistics on our current group of students.
Applicants may request a waiver of the TOEFL requirement if they have studied for four or more semesters (approximately 2 years) in an institution where English is the language of instruction. WORK EXPERIENCE IS NOT INTERCHANGABLE WITH UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE, AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED IN A TOEFL WAIVER REQUEST. If you meet this criteria, please include a brief letter with your supplemental materials stating the name and location of the university and the dates that you attended. We will verify the information, and grant the waiver if all information is correct and applicable to this waiver.
Any applicant may be required to undergo an English as a Second Language Assessment Test (ESLAT) prior to beginning the PhD Program and those individuals will be required to complete any course work mandated by the ESL Department as a result of the ESLAT.
Your TOEFL must be less than 2 years old when you begin the program, not 2 years old or less when you apply. YOUR TOEFL SHOULD BE DATED NO EARLIER THAN SEPTEMBER 2006 IN ORDER TO BE APPLICABLE FOR THE FALL 2008 APPLICATION. The School of Business DOES NOT accept IELTS as a substitute for TOEFL.
UW Insitution Code: 1846
Department Code: 82
What type of visa would I be admitted under as an international student?
For complete and up-to-the minute information regarding international applicants and students, see the web site of the UW-Madison International Student Services Office (ISS). International students in the School of Business are most frequently admitted under the status of F-1, the full time student visa category. Such students must carry a full load of studies and are not permitted to work off campus, except in the case of approved curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). Only under special circumstances, and where a unique situation may warrant, might an alternative visa status be utilized.
International applicants to the University of Wisconsin-Madison are required to complete a student financial statement indicating that they have adequate financial resources to support themselves and any accompanying family members while they are pursuing a degree on this campus. What must I actually submit?
The International Financial Statement may be submiited after the student has received an admission offer from the university. Know, however, that we are unable to finalize the admissions process until proof of adequate financial support is on file. Instructions for the student financial statement require specific information that is formally certified. Given that virtually all admitted students are guaranteed financial support for up to four years, the question often arises about whether or not the form actually must be submitted. The form should be submitted at the time of application, showing your best estimate for financial support. It is not necessary to provide notarized financial institution documentation at this time. A student financial statement that shows a "good-faith" estimate of available resources will suffice for initial consideration of your application. Should you receive an offer of admission, you will also receive an offer of a financial package that covers most expenses, including tuition and medical insurance. For more information, see the Financial Support section of our web site. If you are admitted and accept the offer of financial support, please ask the PhD Coordinator to place a letter to that effect in your file so that the admissions process may be finalized without further delay.
How much are the tuition and living expenses?
Please visit the Office of the Registrar website for current information on tuition and fees. Additional information related to living expenses may be found at the Graduate Programs Office's Prospective Students site.
May I request a waiver of the UW application fee?
A $45 application fee is mandated by state statute for application to any graduate degree program and may not be waived. The fee is good for one year only and must be paid again if the applicant is re-applying. If an applicant is currently enrolled in a UW-Madison graduate degree program (having already paid the $45 application fee for that program), the applicant is not required to pay the fee for the Business application. These students must also complete a "Change of Major/Degree" form in addition to completing the ApplyYourself application.
Applicants who are applying to more than one graduate program in the same semester are required to pay the fee to one program only. Students should contact the PhD Coordinator for further information if currently enrolled in any UW-Madison Graduate Program or are applying to more than one UW-Madison graduate program.
If I am currently enrolled in another UW-Madison graduate program, may I request a "Change or Addition of Major" to enter the School of Business PhD Program ?
No. It is necessary for all applicants to complete the on-line application for the UW-Madison School of Business PhD Program even if they are currently enrolled in another UW graduate degree program. While the School of Business graduate degree programs are under the academic jurisdiction of the UW Graduate School, our admissions process is both separate and independent of that of other Graduate School departments. If you have additional questions about the admissions process for the School of Business , please contact the PhD Coordinator at phd@bus.wisc.edu and identify yourself as a current UW graduate student who is interested in applying to the Business PhD Program. You will then receive specific advice relevant to the procedures you should follow.
How do I check on the status of my on-line application?
The ApplyYourself web site permits you to track your application and allows you to see what is still missing. You may also see decision information when it becomes available. Please be aware that there may be a delay between receipt of materials and the updating of the system to show that application materials are in. Please be patient.
What parts of the application can be submitted online, and what needs to be sent via post?
Follow instructions for the self-managed application, being sure that all pieces that are not completed on line are submitted in one mailing prior to applicable deadlines
| Application Sections: | Submit ONLINE: | Submit via MAIL/POST: |
| Application | YES | NO |
| Record of Residence | YES | NO |
| Application Fee (either) | Credit card | Check in the amount of $45 U.S. dollars, payable to: University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| Essays: Statement of Purpose for graduate study and four required financial aid questions | YES | NO |
| Resume or Vitae | YES | NO |
| Three letters of recommendation | Once the recommendation provider information is saved and you indicate that the letter will be submitted online, an email will be sent to the online recommendation provider with an access code and instructions on how to proceed with the online recommendation. | The letters can be prepared on letterhead or stationery and enclosed in an envelope with the recommender's signature across the seal. Download recommendation form. |
| Official transcripts: from each institution attended after the completion of secondary education | NO | YES |
| GMAT or GRE scores | GRE scores should be ordered from ETS and sent to code number 1846. GMAT scores PhD-79K-2S-02 : MS-79K-2S-68 | A photocopy of an unofficial or official score report should also included in the application package |
TOEFL score INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY |
Should be ordered from ETS and sent to code number 1846 | A photocopy of an unofficial or official score report should also included in the application package |
International Applicant Financial Statement INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY |
NO | YES |
How long does it take to get a decision on my application?
Because each academic department has its own independent admissions committee and the process varies from department to department, there is no predetermined time frame in which you may expect a decision. Some departments make decisions on a "rolling basis" (as they are received) while others make decisions after all applications are received. In general, most decisions are made in February or March and you should expect a decision no later than mid-April.
May I make a "campus visit?"
Formal campus visits are by invitation of the department to which an applicant is applying. Selective invitations are normally extended after the application is complete and has been reviewed by the departmental admissions committee. However, individuals are certainly welcome to make a visit to Madison and should feel free to stop by the School of Business in Grainger Hall while they are becoming acquainted with the campus. The Campus Information and Visitor Center (CIVC) is an excellent source of information and assistance. See their web site at http://www.civc.wisc.edu/
How long will it take to earn a PhD degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Most students complete the doctoral degree in 4 - 5 years. See information about PhD Program requirements on this web site for more detail on what is expected.
May I transfer into the PhD Program from another university?
A new application is required of all applicants regardless of prior course work completed. While not officially referring to such applicants as "transfer students," a student who has satisfactorily completed academic work toward a PhD at another accredited school may not need to complete some comparable course work in our program. The admitting department will review the work and decide what may or may not be used to satisfy requirements of the program. All of our degree requirements must be met in some way and the student may have to substitute the credits for work taken at another institution with course work approved by the major department. The length of time needed to complete the degree is not likely to be shortened by the completion of course work at another institution.
How do I apply for financial aid?
All applicants to the Business PhD Programs are automatically considered for funding packages. In general, all students admitted receive a full funding package. Completion of all four financial aid essays, found on the online application, are a requirement of applying for financial aid. For information on additional financial assistance options, please click the Financial Aid button on the menu.
How long is funding support for the PhD Program available?
Departments strive to create the most competitive financial award packages possible each year. Students should expect to receive funding support through some source related to the department, the School of Business , the Graduate School , or the University throughout their course of study assuming that the student remains in good standing academically and is making satisfactory progress toward degree completion. In general, students are guaranteed four academic years of support and may receive additional research or teaching support if needed. Some appointments may require specific teaching or research responsibilities. Summer support is frequently available in addition to support provided during the academic years. Individual and family health insurance plans are provided with most forms of support. Packages may vary from year to year and department to department.
Is work experience necessary for a PhD program at the UW-Madison?
Work experience is not an explicit requirement for PhD study, although it may prove beneficial in strengthening some applicants' overall credentials. Work experience that may prove meaningful or beneficial in the application process should provide evidence to support the academic/ research interests and career direction/aspirations of the applicant. In general, evidence of superior academic achievement potential and strong independent research capabilities weigh significantly more than prior work experience. If the work experience supports these elements, it is more influential.
Is the UW-Madison the right choice for my PhD if my primary goal is to prepare for a teaching career or a career in business or industry?
Both of these objectives are important and admirable goals. UW-Madison Business PhD graduates are prepared to perform well in the classroom and many are considered exceptional teachers. Likewise, some graduates will choose to pursue research positions in private industry and will find options available to them. However, the emphasis of the PhD Program at the UW-Madison is on academic research and preparation for tenure track positions at the nation's (and the world's) finest research institutions. Most of our students are preparing for this track. Those whose primary interest is not the pursuit of rigorous research culminating in a challenging research-oriented academic position might wish to consider alternative degree programs more in line with their ultimate career interests.
Is there a minimum grade point average requirement for admission?
The Graduate School of the UW-Madison requires a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. Most of the departmental admission committees of the School of Business are seeking evidence of strong academic potential and therefore will expect significantly better performance than the minimum requirement.
How are admission decisions made at the UW-Madison School of Business?
After an application is complete (see Admissions Process information for more details), it will be forwarded to the appropriate independent departmental admission committee. Each department offering a PhD has its own committee of faculty members and they review applications independently and by methods determined within that department. Specific criteria and standards of applicant competitiveness vary by department. Some departments consider all applications in a group only after the deadlines when all applications are complete; other departments consider applications on a "rolling" basis, or as they are designated complete throughout the admissions season. Under either method, decisions of the committees are communicated to the PhD Coordinator, who then posts those decisions to the ApplyYourself web site (only the applicant may view the decision). The applicant will receive an e-mail notification that the decision has been posted. Decisions are never given out over the telephone. If an applicant is admitted, the offer of a financial package may be communicated with the admission decision or may follow some days later. In most cases, this communication comes directly from the Faculty Chair of the PhD Admissions Committee in the department to which the student is admitted. Any questions about the admissions process should be directed to the PhD Coordinator at phd@bus.wisc.edu.
The deadline has passed. May I still apply?
We will allow late applications, up to one month past the final deadline, with approval from the head of the department to which you are applying. It is the applicant's responsibility to get this approval.
I applied last year. Are there special circumstances for reapplication?
Certain supplemental materials may be used from your prior year's application. You will need tocontact the PhD Programs Office at phd@bus.wisc.edu to indicate which materials you would like to resubmit for your current application, as well as include this information in your statement of purpose. Materials that may be reused are complete official transcripts, letters of recommendation and official test score if they have not expired. It is required thsat you reapply via the online Apply Yourself system and as part of this application you will need to submit a current resume, statement of purpose and financial aid essays.
What is the difference between the financial aid priority deadline and the final deadline?
In order to be considered for the most financial aid opportunities (university fellowships and graduate school awards) you must meet the financial aid priority deadline. We will continue to accept applications until the final deadline, and while all admitted PhD students receive full funding, if you do not meet the financial aid priority deadline you will not be eligible for all types of financial aid.