PhD Program Application and Admission
Ph.D. applicants are admitted through an evaluation process of the graduate faculty in the College of Technology. A controlled enrollment approach ensures that only a manageable number of highly talented degree aspirants with genuine academic leadership potential are admitted. It is the CoT’s goal that every admitted Ph.D. graduate student has the opportunity to be supported by one of the CoT’s research and development projects or teaching assignments.
Persons seeking admission to the program should have relevant prior coursework and experience in the discipline to ensure a significant potential for success in the program. Additionally, a requirement for acceptance is that a match exists between the applicant’s goals and interests and that of the program’s intent and the faculty research. When faculty, in their judgment, identify deficiencies in either the applicant’s formal education or experiential background, they have a responsibility to require appropriate prerequisite experiences in addition to the standard program requirements.
Admission Criteria
The admissions process selects highly qualified applicants into the CoT’s Ph.D. program by considering each of the following criteria in judging the overall strength of the applicant. Typically, no criterion is used as a sole determinant for admission.
- For students holding a qualified M.S. degree, a graduate GPA of 3.5 or better and an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or better (or equivalent class rank) from accredited institutions and in programs with specific relevance to technology will be required for unconditional admission. For students entering from a qualified bachelor’s degree, an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better (or equivalent class rank) from accredited institutions and in programs with specific relevance to technology will be required for unconditional admission.
- A four-year undergraduate degree or an undergraduate degree that conforms to the Bologna Accords.
- GRE or GMAT scores at or above the 50th percentile (for each subscale) are required for unconditional admission for applicants holding a qualified M.S. degree. For direct admission from a B.S. degree, GRE or GMAT scores at or above the 60th percentile (for each subscale) are required for unconditional admission for applicants. Note, pursuant to ETS’ recommended practice, the program does not require a specific minimum score.
- For direct admission from a B.S. degree, applicants should show substantial evidence of undergraduate research experience.
- At least two years of relevant work experience is preferred as is breadth in educational experience.
- Review and recommendation for acceptance by the relevant department’s graduate faculty at least one of which is willing to serve as major professor.
- A statement of purpose judged to be a good fit for the college’s Ph.D. program mission.
- A positive admission interview report evidencing oral English proficiency
- Personal and professional characteristics commensurate with success in the profession
- International applicants whose first language is not English and who have not graduated from a University or College using English as the primary language of instruction, must present a TOEFL according to the requirements of the university.
- Demonstration of a high level of competence in written communication as evidenced by a writing sample.
PhD Application Package Components
Applicants must submit the following items to create an application package suitable for review.
- Purdue University Graduate College On-Line Application Form along with the application fee as specified
- A detailed, reflective statement of purpose highlighting career goals, capabilities to be developed, and a self assessment highlighting both strengths and weaknesses
- Detailed resume
- Transcripts of all universities/post-secondary institutions attended
- Official GRE (preferred) or GMAT scores
- A writing sample that documents a high level of competence in written communication such as a thesis or other significant personally written product
- At least three letters of recommendation from faculty with the doctoral degree and others well qualified to judge potential for success in research and PhD program
- Official TOEFL scores (if required)
- Documentation of financial support (required only for international applicants)
Admission Deadlines
Candidates for admission must have submitted all necessary application materials by the deadlines indicated below. Applications will be reviewed expeditiously and admission decisions made within 30 days of each deadline date.
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Students (applying outside the US) | February 15 | April 1 | September 1 |
Domestic Students |
April 1 | April 1 | October 1 |