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DBA Program Admissions

While the DBA program is designed to be an extension of prior master’s level work in a relevant field, an earned master’s degree is not a prerequisite for admission to the DBA program. Candidates for admission must demonstrate a strong academic record, documented by academic transcripts, high GMAT/GRE scores and recommendations. Candidates must also have strong writing and research potential, demonstrated in writing samples submitted with the application for admission.

To be considered for admission into Olin’s DBA program, applicants must submit the following:

1. A completed online application
2. Application fee
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Scanned copies of transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate work
5. Scanned copies of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GMAT institution code for the doctorate in business is R4T-WG-14. The GRE institution code is 6929.
6. International students who do not possess a degree from an American university are required to submit a copy of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score or IELTS score.

In addition to the required application materials, applicants are evaluated on the strength and breadth of academic background, experience, ability to research, and aptitude.

DBA Application Deadline

The online application opens on September 1 with a deadline of March 1. Enrollment is for the fall semester only.

PhD Program Admissions

A successful academic background, research aptitude, intellectual curiosity, skills acquired in the basic disciplines (particularly economics, psychology, math, and statistics), passion for a chosen field and an uncompromising work ethic are necessary for successful and timely completion of our program. Applicants are evaluated on the strength and breadth of their academic background, experience, ability to research, and aptitude.

Application Checklist

A complete online application should include the following:

• Scanned copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (uploaded in the application)
• Scanned copies of GMAT score report (PDF uploaded in the application)
• Scanned copies of GRE score report (PDF uploaded in the application)
• Scanned copies of TOEFL or IELTS score reports (PDF uploaded in the application)
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Essay questions (considered Statement of Purpose)
• Resume/CV
• Application fee paid online

Academic Background

Olin requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Upload unofficial transcripts — one from each college-level institution attended. Scanned copies of transcripts may be too dark and difficult to read, so please adjust scanner settings accordingly. Photographs of transcripts are not acceptable. If the transcript is in a language other than English, applicants must provide an official translation issued from the university or by a certified member of the American Translators Association.

Applicants who have already graduated must show a transcript with the degree conferred and date unless a copy of their diploma/degree certificate is required. Official transcripts of all college-level work must be submitted to the program office upon admission to Olin Business School. Updates to transcripts after applications are submitted are not necessary and will not be uploaded by Olin.

High GMAT/GRE Test Score

Although there is no minimum score requirement, a good performance is weighted by the Admissions Committee. Successful applicants tend to have overall scores in the 90th percentile or higher. The GMAT institution code for the PhD in business is R4T-WG-45. The GRE institution code is 6929.

Successful TOEFL or IELTS Test Score

An English language test is required for all international students. The TOEFL and IELTS exams test the level of English as a foreign language. The average internet-based TOEFL score of admits is 105. The TOEFL institution code for Washington University in St. Louis is 6929.

Letters of Recommendation

We only accept three letters of recommendation. Recommenders may be either academic or professional; however, considerable weight is given to letters of recommendation from faculty members that highlight a candidate's research potential, past academic achievements, and a commitment to scholarly endeavor. Letters of recommendation are submitted online. We do not accept paper letters of recommendation. If this presents a problem, please contact us.

Essay Questions (Statement of Purpose)

Applicants are asked to provide answers to the following questions:

• Why do you want to obtain a doctoral degree? (Please include what research interests you the most within your field of study.)
• Describe any experience you have in conducting or assisting in any research or teaching activities.
• Provide your own evaluations of your strengths and weaknesses in pursuing the PhD program at Olin.

Curriculum Vitae

All applicants are required to upload a copy of their CV or resume as part of the application process.

Writing Sample

Applicants may include a research paper or abstract (30-page maximum) with their application. A paper is not required for admission to Olin's PhD programs. The paper should be uploaded within the online application.

Note: Papers submitted by mail or emailed PDFs will not be uploaded into the application; therefore, applicants should upload their papers during the application process. Revised versions of these papers will not be uploaded.

If there are technical difficulties with the paper upload, please contact the PhD program office by email: phdinfo@olin.wustl.edu. Applicants are encouraged to list this paper and any other papers they have on their resume with web links to these papers.

PhD Application Deadline

The online application opens on September 1 and closes on December 31 for enrollment the following fall semester.

Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowship Admissions

Eligibility

This is a full-time, in-residence, non-degree program. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or complete one by the time the program starts) and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible to apply.

Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid, and employment. The university does not discriminate regarding access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

Application Checklist

A complete online application should include the following:

• Scanned copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (uploaded in the application)
• Scanned copies of GMAT score report (PDF uploaded in the application)
• Scanned copies of GRE score report (PDF uploaded in the application)
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume/CV
• Application fee paid online

High GMAT/GRE Test Score

Although there is no minimum score requirement, a good performance is weighted by the Admissions Committee. Successful applicants tend to have overall scores in the 90th percentile or higher. The GMAT institution code for the PhD in business is R4T-WG-45. The GRE institution code is 6929.

Letters of Recommendation

We require two letters of recommendation. Recommenders may be either academic or professional; however, considerable weight is given to letters of recommendation from faculty members that highlight a candidate's research potential, past academic achievements, and a commitment to scholarly endeavor. Letters of recommendation are submitted online. We do not accept paper letters of recommendation. If this presents a problem, please contact us.

Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose should include details of why the applicant wants to pursue an academic career, any experience the student has conducting or assisting in any research or teaching activities, and their own evaluations of their strengths and weaknesses in pursuing the Pre-Doctoral Research Fellows program.

Curriculum Vitae

All applicants are required to upload a copy of their CV or resume as part of the application process.

Transcripts

Upload unofficial transcripts — one from each college-level institution attended. Scanned copies of transcripts may be too dark and difficult to read, so please adjust scanner settings accordingly. Photographs of transcripts are not acceptable. If the transcript is in a language other than English, applicants must provide an official translation issued from the university or by a certified member of the American Translators Association. Applicants who have already graduated must show a transcript with the degree conferred and the date unless a copy of their diploma/degree certificate is required. Official transcripts of all college-level work must be submitted to the program office upon admission to Olin Business School. Updates to transcripts after applications are submitted are not necessary and will not be uploaded by Olin.