PhD FAQ

Is the TOEFL exam always required as part of the application for an international student?

There are 2 ways a student can qualify for a waiver of the TOEFL:

1. The student successfully completed the highest level at the American English and Culture Program (AECP).
2. The student attended a regionally accredited college/university in the United States and meets one of the following conditions:
   a. Earned a bachelor's degree or higher
   b. Completed at least 12 semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or higher
   c. Completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or higher
   

The exam must be taken no more than approximately 2 years prior to applying. Specific date requirements and additional detail on TOEFL requirements are listed here: https://students.asu.edu/graduate/proficiency.

What is the decision process for evaluating the application?

Applications are reviewed by a SCM Doctoral Committee using a portfolio approach. GMAT/GRE scores, prior academic performance, letters of recommendation and the personal statement are all considered to ensure a good fit between the student's goals and abilities and the SCM program. A recommendation for action is made by the Doctoral Committee to the ASU Graduate College. The Graduate College notifies the applicant of the decision.

I have already taken the GMAT (or GRE). Can I use my exam results in my application?

Exams must not be more than 5 years old. More specifically, an exam taken before July 1st six years before for the year entering the program will not be accepted (e.g., admission to fall 2020 semester requires an exam no earlier than July 1, 2014).

When will I be notified of the admission decision?

Applicants typically will receive notification from the Graduate College no later than March 31.

Which documents go to the ASU Graduate College and which documents go directly to the SCM department?

The application, application fee, transcripts, letters or recommendation, and all supporting documentation must be sent to the ASU Graduate College.

Can I begin the program in the spring or summer?

Students can only start the SCM doctoral program in the fall semester.

How many students are typically enrolled in the SCM doctoral program?

Typically eight to twelve students are enrolled at all times.

How many students does the supply chain doctoral program admit each year?

Typically two or three students are admitted each year. This will vary from year to year depending on competitiveness of the applicant pool and internal budget considerations.

Can I transfer in credits from a master's degree?

Up to 16 hours from a relevant master's degree can be transferred into our PhD program.

How long does it typically take to complete the doctoral program?

Students making normal progress complete the degree within four to five years.

Other ways to demonstrate English proficiency:

*Admission Services is unable to officially review you for an English proficiency exemption until you have applied to ASU. Once you have submitted your application, please allow up to 72 hours for processing and then email gograd@asu.edu with your application ID number and the document or proof of proficiency you would like us to review to grant you an exemption.

• Applicants who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
• Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
• Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the country is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List.
• Applicants who have completed at least nine semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S or from an international institution that is officially recognized in that country and is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List.
• Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the sole medium of instruction for the program was in English. Students should email gograd@asu.edu to request exemption and include a letter from the institution on letterhead indicating language of instruction or provide information on the institution website to verify language of instruction.
• Applicants who have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
• Four years of high school in the U.S. with four years of English.
• Applicants who are citizens from a country or territory listed on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List.