Application Requirements

The PhD Program is designed for students who intend to pursue full-time study, with entry in Autumn Semester only. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available on August 1, 2024. 

The application deadline for those applying to Accounting, Marketing and Operations Management is December 15, 2024 and for Finance applications will close on January 31, 2025.  

Those applying to the are strongly encouraged to have all of their materials submitted and ready for review before the deadline.  These specialties will evaluate applications on a rolling basis.

Submit Accounting/MIS PhD application

Submit Business Administration PhD application (all specializations)

Note: Logistics and Organizational Behavior/Human Resource Management, Strategy/Entrepreneurship and International Business will not be accepting applications for Fall 2025

The following materials are required for the PhD application

1. A completed online application form
   1. If you are a current or previous OSU graduate student, you will also need to submit a Transfer of Graduate Program Form.
2. Application fee
   1. A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required for domestic applicants; $70 for international applicants.
   2. If you have previously attended a graduate program in OSU, no fee is required.
3. GRE or GMAT test score
   1. Official scores must be sent to The Ohio State University using the GRE institution code 1592 (department code 4299), GMAT institution code ZLJ-9D-76 for the PhD in Business Administration, or GMAT institution code ZLJ-9D-02 for the PhD in Accounting and Management Information Systems. Please note, we are unable to accept copies of mailed GMAT of GRE scores. We require that scores be submitted electronically directly from the Electronic Test Service's website using the codes above. Kindly allow 2-3 for your GMAT/GRE scores to be processed after ordering them through ETS.
   2. All programs accept either GMAT or GRE. Please note that the Accounting and MIS program strongly prefers the GMAT. Scores are valid within 5 years of the application submission date.
4. TOEFL Score (International Students Only)
   1. The Ohio State University requires official TOEFL scores from all international applicants. We will also accept the IELTS and/or MELAB and/or Duolingo in lieu of the TOEFL.  Scores must be sent to The Ohio State University using the institution code 1592.
   2. Applicants who are citizens of or who have received a bachelor’s degree or higher from one of the following countries are exempt from the English proficiency requirement:
      
      Australia, Belize, the British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States and Wales.
   3. Additional information on English proficiency requirements and exemptions.
5. Academic Transcripts
   1. You are required to submit copies of transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended, including study abroad and transfer credit.
   2. Upload a scanned copy of each official transcript to the online application. DO NOT upload web-generated advising reports, as they will not be accepted. Please note that scanned copies of transcripts are considered unofficial; a transcript is only considered official if issued to The Ohio State University directly from the institution.
   3. You will only need to submit official transcripts if admitted to the program. These must be sent directly from each institution attended. Certified English translations must be enclosed if the originals are not in English. Please send transcripts to the following address:
      
      The Ohio State University
      Graduate / Professional Admissions
      P.O. Box 182004
      Columbus, OH 43218-2646
       
   4. Current or previous OSU students do not need to request an official transcript from The Ohio State University.
6. Three Recommendation Letters
   1. These should be uploaded to the application system by the recommendation provider (further instruction is provided in the application). If sending a hard copy is preferred, the letter should be written on the recommender's letterhead and returned in sealed envelopes along with the recommendation form to the following address:
      
      The Ohio State University
      Graduate / Professional Admissions
      P.O. Box 182004
      Columbus, OH 43218-2646
       
7. Statement of Intent
   1. This is an essay highlighting academic and work experience, career objectives, and motivation for pursuing a PhD.
8. Resume/CV

The application deadline for those applying are specified above. Due to high application volume, please allow up to 10 business days for items to post to your checklist. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for admission without prior faculty approval.