Application Process FAQs

Q: Is it possible to apply to the program online?
A: Yes, Go to the admissions page for the application form. (provide link)

Q: What is the application deadline?
A: The deadline for submitting application materials for Fall 2009 admission is January 31, 2009.

Q: What areas of specialization are available?
A: There are three areas in which a student can specialize: Customer Management, Management of Information Technology, or Supply Chain Management.

Q: Will you accept GRE scores instead of GMAT?
A: Yes.

Q: What is the minimum acceptable GMAT/GRE score?
A: There is no minimum, but a score of 600 and above in the GMAT is desirable. In the case of GRE, the combined verbal and quantitative score needs to be above 1300.

Q: What is the code I should use to send my GMAT scores to Iowa State University?
A: Use this code to send your GMAT scores for the Ph.D. in Business and Technology: TNQ-WX-02

Q: Do you accept copies of test scores?
A: Test scores must be received directly from the testing services; no copies will be accepted.

Q: Do you accept notarized copies of transcripts?
A: Original transcripts must be submitted. No copies, even notarized ones, will be accepted.

Q: Do international students have to submit a financial support statement?
A: All students admitted into the program will receive funding, so no statement is required.

Q: What are the score report codes of GMAT and GRE?
A: The Ph.D. Program code for GMAT is: TNQ-WX-02. The institutional code for ETS is yyyy. You may use any of the "Business" department codes.

Q: What is the application fee?
A: For processing your application, you will need to pay $50 to the College of Business.
This fee will not be waived under any circumstance.

Q: How can I pay the application fee?
A: Application fees can be paid by credit card or e-check for online applications only. Applications submitted on paper must be accompanied by a check or money order.

Q: Is TOEFL required?
A: International students for whom English is not their first language will be required to take the TOEFL and submit the test score. The only exception is if the international student completed an undergraduate degree in an English-speaking country.

Q: If I have made an error in my online application, who should I call?
A: You can call the Graduate Programs Office in the College of Business—send an e-mail with information on changes to xxx@iastate.edu.

Q: Can I apply to the PhD program without a Master’s degree?
A: Undergraduate students with an outstanding record and profile can apply to the PhD program.

Q: How will my application be evaluated?
A: We look for several factors that signal the potential for a life in academe. These include academic achievements, letters of recommendation that highlight a candidate’s research potential, actual research contributions, statement of purpose, passion for academic work, and intellectual curiosity.

Q: Which test is appropriate—GMAT or GRE?
A: The College strongly prefers the GMAT.

Funding/Assistantship FAQs

Q: What funding is available for doctoral students?
A: All students admitted into the doctoral program will receive tuition scholarships and stipends. Students will however have to maintain good standing in the program to continue to receive the scholarship. In addition, university fellowships and scholarships may be available to students according to their qualification. The student will be required to provide 20 hours per week of research or teaching assistance to assigned faculty. Beginning in the third year, students will be given the opportunity to teach in the undergraduate program.

Program Information FAQs

Q: How many students do you admit each year?
A: We expect to admit between 3 to 6 students each year, depending on available funding.

Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: Typical students will take four years to complete the program. Some students may take longer particularly if they enter the program without having completed the foundation requirements.

Q: Can I attend part-time so I may continue working?
A: No, the program is rigorous and will require the full attention and application of students. Students are expected to spend significant time with their mentors working on research projects and learning research approaches and philosophies.

Q: Would a Spring admission be feasible?
A: If you do not fully meet the foundation requirements, you can start early. You could also take courses offered in other departments that fulfill part of your doctoral program requirements.

Q: How would you describe a doctoral student’s life?
A: Unlike undergraduate or master’s-level education, where individual courses and highly structured learning with many different faculty members is the norm, doctoral education places a greater emphasis on self-directed learning and close relationships with few faculty in a particular area of specialization. Students typically engage in intense reading of academic journal articles and conducting/writing original research. Students are expected to select one or two major areas of expertise within which they can build a research career.

Placement Information

Q: How strong is the demand for business professors?
A: According to a survey conducted by AACSB International, demand for Ph.D.s in business schools has been on the rise. Two factors contribute to this demand: the current unfilled positions which is at 6.8 percent and planned growth in business faculty positions (4.7% for 2007). Overall, the shortage of business faculty is predicted to reach 2,400 by 2012.

The faculty shortage has resulted in increasing salaries for faculty at business schools. The range of salary for entry-level faculty in research-oriented business schools is $100,000 to $170,000 for 9 months.  Combined with additional compensation for activities such as summer teaching and research activities, consulting, executive program teaching, textbook writing, and sponsored papers and presentations, business faculty enjoy very healthy incomes.

Spotlight

This new program development occurs at a critical time in business education. According to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which accredits business programs, a shortage of 1,800 qualified business faculty will exist in 2008—and the shortage is projected to reach 2,500 by 2012. By some estimates, more than 1,000 PhD vacancies remain open today. Yet less than one-third of accredited business schools have doctoral programs.

Sridhar Ramaswami, Ph.D.
(515) 294-5341
sramaswa@iastate.edu
3216 Gerdin Business Building
Ames, IA 50011