Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)


Admissions
What is the decision process for evaluating the application?
When should I apply?
When can I expect to hear whether I have been admitted?
Can GRE scores be substituted for GMAT scores?
Can I begin the program in the Spring or Summer?
Does my undergraduate degree have to be in Information Systems?
Are there specific course prerequisites required for entry to the PhD program?
Is a master's degree required for admission to the PhD?
May I transfer in credits from a master's program?
Is work experience required for admission to the PhD?

International
Is the TSE required for international applicants?
Do I need to submit TOEFL scores?

School
What is the size of the PhD program?

Program of Study
How long does it typically take to complete the doctoral program?
Where have the recent graduates been placed?

Housing
Is graduate student housing available through ASU?


What is the decision process for evaluating the application?
Applications are initially reviewed by a faculty committee using a portfolio approach. In addition to GMAT scores and prior academic performance, letters of recommendation and the personal statement are reviewed to ensure a good "fit" between the student's goals and the department. A recommendation for action is then made to the Associate Dean in the W. P.Carey School who in turn makes a recommendation to the Graduate College. The Graduate College either admits or denies each applicant and notifies him or her in writing.

[top]

When should I apply?
You should apply by December and submit all required application materials to the Graduate College by January 15.

[top]

When can I expect to hear whether I have been admitted?
Applicants will receive written notification from the Graduate College in March or early April. Application decisions may not be released via phone or e-mail.

[top]

Can GRE scores be substituted for GMAT scores?
Scores from the GRE may not be used in place of GMAT. Contact GMAT for information about scheduling the exam.

[top]

Can I begin the program in the spring or summer? 
Students in the Information Systems concentration start the program in the Fall semester only. 

[top]

Does my undergraduate degree have to be in information systems?
No, but the primary purpose of the doctoral program is to develop scholars specialized in information systems. Thus, students need to have the competency to teach and research in their chosen field by the time they complete the degree.

[top]

Are there specific course prerequisites required for entry to the PhD program?
There are no specific course prerequisites. Doctoral applicants admitted to the W. P. Carey School of Business must have demonstrated competence in mathematics and must show strong quantitative ability. In addition, doctoral applicants must have obtained competence in the use of computer technology for analytical purposes as well as in using spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation packages.

[top]

Is a master's degree required for admission to the PhD?
While a master's degree is not an absolute requirement, those candidates who possess an advanced degree will be more competitive in the admissions process. We prefer the graduate degree to be in the area of business, accounting, or information systems.

[top]

May I transfer in credits from a master's degree program?
Up to 30 credit hours of relevant master-level coursework may count towards the minimum total of 84 hours of coursework in our doctoral program.

[top]

Is work experience required for admission to the PhD?
The Admissions Committee evaluates applications using a portfolio approach and considers a candidate's previous academic performance, test scores, work experience, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. The strongest applicants possess relevant work experience.

[top]

Is the TSE required for international applicants?
Yes.  ASU requires all non-native English speaking international applicants to take the Test of Spoken English (TSE) as a requirement for teaching.

[top]

Do I need to submit TOEFL scores?
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFEL exam, unless they have completed a degree from a U.S. college or university.

[top]

What is the size of the PhD program?
We seek to admit 3 or 4 students per year.  Historically, there are between 11-15 students in the program at any one time. 

[top]

How long does it typically take to complete the doctoral program? 
Although some students complete the program in 4 years, many take 5 years.  

[top]

Where have the recent graduates been placed?
See the placement information section of our web site. 

[top]

Is graduate student housing available through ASU? 
ASU has limited on-campus graduate student housing. More information can be found by contacting Residential Life. Most graduate students take advantage of off-campus housing available in close proximity to the campus.

[top]