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John Chambers College of
Business and Economics
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Marketing Ph.D. Admissions

  1. Transcripts/GPA: To be admitted as a Ph.D. student, applicants must have completed a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and should have cumulative GPA scores of 3.25 or better for undergraduate work and 3.5 or better for graduate work (based on U.S. standard of 4.0).  

    Applicants must send their transcripts to WVU's Office of Admissions. Official electronic copies of transcripts may be emailed to GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. This will help expedite the admissions process. If the institution does not offer the electronic transcript service, please have your official transcripts mailed to: 

    West Virginia University Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment   
    PO Box 6510   
    Morgantown, WV 26506-6510

  2. GMAT or GRE scores: An official GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) or GRE (Graduate Records Exam) score must be submitted.  A minimum 650 GMAT score is required. The GRE-GMAT comparison tool will be used to evaluate GRE scores submitted. 

    The GMAT/GRE Institution code is 5904, Department code is 1801.

  3. TOEFL / IELTS: Applicants whose native language is not English or who did not complete an undergraduate degree at an institution in an English-speaking country must demonstrate they are able to perform successfully in university-level coursework where English is the language of instruction and assessment. WVU requires candidates to submit the appropriate English test scores. The minimum acceptable scores are 100 on the TOEFL-ibt, or 7.0 on the IELTS. Go to  www.toefl.org or www.ielts.org to register and find out more about the test. 

    If you completed your bachelor’s degree in one of the following countries, then you have met the WVU English proficiency requirement and do not have to submit a test score (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.): Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Liberia, Nigeria, Commonwealth Caribbean Countries (Anguilla, Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caico).

    F    or TOEFL, our Institution Institution code is 5904, Department code is 1801. 

    Generally, West Virginia University and our department will accept test scores that are no more than five years old as long as the applicant can provide a valid copy of the official score report.

Apply by January 2023

Students begin their graduate work in the fall semester. To be assured full consideration for August admission and/or financial aid, the department must have received completed applications by January 15. The department makes most admission decisions during January and February. Given application processing time, we encourage potential students to apply early to ensure all materials are received prior to the due date.

Applying Online

WVU has now implemented an application process that is almost completely electronic. Other than academic records (transcripts, etc.), all application materials can now be submitted electronically, including letters of reference. The WVU Admissions Office begins accepting applications for the next academic year on or about September 15.

  1. Enter the WVU Application portal.

  2. Create a username and password.

  3. Once an account has been created, applicants can edit the application at their discretion. Please complete all questions asked.

  4. Upload an up-to-date resume: Your resume should include enough information for the admissions committee to trace your entire professional work history and should indicate any relevant affiliations.

  5. Request 1-3 letters of recommendation through the online portal. Individual letters should not exceed one page: We recommend that your reference provide some information that is not found in the other materials being submitted. Topics with regards to your ability to work with others, your discipline and ambition, leadership potential, etc. should be addressed. Your reference letter(s) should cover aptitudes necessary for your success in the program to which you are applying.

  6. Create a Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose should address why you are interested in earning your Ph.D. from WVU (what you hope to learn, career goals, etc.). You should demonstrate your understanding of what academic research is and your commitment to doing this type of work, both in the Ph.D. program and throughout your career. You should discuss any research experience you have, your general area of interest and your specific research interests.

  7. Writing Sample (if available): Examples include class research papers, conference papers, published research articles, research manuscripts in progress, white papers, technical reports, etc.

  8. You may also send other supporting materials you wish to have considered with your application. All of these can now be submitted electronically as part of the online application process. This method is strongly preferred since it assures timely receipt of the documents. 

  9. Pay application fee.

  10. Submit application.