Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the program.

When do new students enter the marketing doctoral program?
We accept applications for the fall semester only. Generally, we complete our selection process during the spring.

What form of financial aid do you have?
All admitted students receive some form of financial support. We have competitive Graduate School and Dean’s (McCombs business school) fellowships, which are offered to the most qualified applicants. In addition, most students receive 20-hour appointments as teaching and research assistants. A 20-hour appointment or a fellowship qualifies a student to receive a tuition waiver.

How long is the program?
The goal is for students to complete the program in 4 to 5 years. The first two years are devoted to coursework. Students are involved in research projects from the onset of the program and an original research paper is required during the first summer. Students take a comprehensive written exam in their chosen area of specialization by the end of their second year. Students then take additional courses in their area of specialization and proceed to submit a dissertation proposal. The last 1 to 2 years of the program are devoted to dissertation research and coursework.

What is a good indicator of Ph.D. coursework and research?
Coursework revolves around scholarly research in journals such as the Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing, and Marketing Science. Similarly, the expected output from McCombs Ph.D. students is scholarly research in these journals. Examination of these journals to gain insight into the research process and research topics of interest is highly recommended.

What is the latest date the GMAT can be taken?
It must be taken before January 1 of the planned entrance year (no exceptions).
What is the average GMAT score for admitted applicants?
The average GMAT score is 700 (for the last 5 years). The range is 650-780.

How many applicants are admitted each year?
Approximately 2-4 people are admitted out of 90-100 applicants. The program currently has about 12 students.

What is the suggested application deadline?
The application deadline for the Marketing doctoral program is the first Monday of January of the year you wish to enter the program.

How much teaching do your students do?
Students typically teach once during their tenure in the Ph.D. program. In the third or fourth year, students have the opportunity to teach an undergraduate Principles of Marketing course as an assistant instructor (AI). All other semesters, students serve as teaching assistants (TA) to top faculty instructors. Our aim is to have students gain quality teaching experience while having ample time to focus on research.

Can I transfer credits from another program?
The Graduate School limits transfer credits to six course hours.

What is the overriding goal of the Ph.D. program in marketing program at McCombs?
The general objective of the marketing Ph.D. program is to prepare you for an academic career at a leading university. Each course of study is designed to accommodate an individual’s educational background, experience and career goals. Obtaining a doctoral degree in marketing requires mastery of fundamental business and research-related concepts, competency in core marketing subjects, demonstrated expertise in a marketing specialty and successful defense of a dissertation. Due to this, the doctoral program requires a robust combination of formal coursework and independent study.