Applicants to the PhD program must have completed a master’s degree in a related field with an outstanding academic record. Applicants are interviewed by faculty members during the admission review. Acceptance will also depend on the capacity of faculty mentors to mentor additional doctoral students.

Applicants to doctoral programs are expected to have a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in a closely aligned field of study as the doctoral program. Admission decisions are made by the departmental doctoral faculty. Criteria include:

High level of academic achievement – typically GPA above 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
GRE scores in the upper percentiles on the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing components
Non-English speakers: Demonstration of proficiency in English to be able to study and communicate in English. In general scores of 89 or higher on TOEFL or an IELTS band of 6.5 are desired. Language testing will be waived if student has received an degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
In addition, admission decisions consider:

The applicant’s Statement of Purpose and Objectives indicating career goals, research area, and achievements related to the area of study.
Recommendations from three instructors or employers who are familiar with the applicant’s ability to succeed in doctoral study.