PhD FAQ
We understand that you might have further questions about the PhD with a concentration in marketing after reviewing our web pages. If you still have questions after reviewing this FAQ page, please contact Cindy Roup, Department of Marketing, at wpcareymkt@asu.edu or the ASU Graduate College.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due on December 18 for admission in the fall of the following year. All supporting documents (e.g., recommendation letters, transcripts, and test scores) must be submitted by January 8. We do not accept late applications, and we do not admit students for the spring or summer terms. We do not participate in rolling admissions, so there is no advantage to submitting your application earlier than the deadline.
How do I submit my application?
Submit your application, including letters of recommendation, to the ASU Graduate College online via the Graduate Online Application.
Do you accept GMAT scores or GRE scores?
We accept either the GMAT or the GRE. You must submit a score from one of these two tests. We do not waive scores under any circumstances.
What is the required GMAT score for admission? What is the average GMAT score for admitted applicants?
GMAT scores of 650+ (or above the 80th percentile on the GRE), though we do not have firm a “cutoff” for scores. We consider all aspects of the application, including grades, personal statement, research interests, and interviews.
What is the required TOEFL score?
ASU has a minimum requirement of 550 (paper-based) or 80 (internet-based) on the TOEFL. The PhD in Marketing program seeks applicants with excellent written and spoken English communications skills. We evaluate these skills via the personal statement and interviews with the applicant. Please see the ASU Graduate College website for possible exemptions to the TOEFL requirement.
Can I have letters of recommendation from non-academic individuals?
Yes. Although ideally applicants have letters of recommendation from scholarly academics who can speak to their potential as a researcher, we recognize that not all applicants have three faculty references. However, if an applicant has a letter from a non-academic position, it should speak to the applicant’s initiative, ability to work independently, and any experience collecting, analyzing, or synthesizing data, as well as any communication or presentation experience.
What is the acceptance rate?
In recent years, we have accepted between 5% and 10% of those applying to the PhD in Marketing program. We typically accept between 2 and 4 students per year.
If I am accepted, will I receive funding?
If you are accepted, your tuition will be covered for five years, and you will receive a stipend to cover living expenses for five years (given satisfactory progress in the program). There may be additional opportunities to earn money as an instructor or teaching assistant, particularly in the summers.
Do you have a part-time program? Do I need to be physically present to complete the requirements for a PhD?
No, we do not have a part-time program. The program is full-time for 4 – 5 years, and you should plan to be physically present at the ASU Tempe campus for that time period.
What should I include in my personal statement?
Please discuss the rationale behind your decision to pursue a PhD in Marketing, your interest in ASU in particular, and your specific research interests.
What is the timeline for admissions?
After receiving all documents by January 8th, we begin contacting applicants for Zoom interviews in late January and early February. Decisions are typically made by the start of March. However, if you are on the wait list, you may not receive a final decision until April 15th.
How can I best prepare for my interview?
Interviews are intended to get a sense of your own research experience and interests, as well as why you are applying to ASU. The initial Zoom interview typically lasts 30 minutes with 3-4 faculty members. Students may be asked to elaborate on their personal statement, or comment on a research article provided to them in advance.
Does the program accept applicants with more significant industry experience?
Yes. We accept applicants with more limited and more extensive work experience. While we welcome applicants with industry experience and believe it can be an asset, the strongest applicants typically have academic research experience in psychology, statistics, or marketing (from undergraduate positions, master’s programs). We believe it is important for applicants to seek out academic research experience (reach out to prior faculty, consider one-year master’s programs) if possible. Fundamentally, we are looking for students who can demonstrate a passion for and understanding of our scholarly discipline. Applicants should be familiar with scholarly marketing research in our major journals (e.g., Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Consumer Research, Marketing Science, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Journal of Consumer Psychology).
What is the department's placement record?
Please see our Placement Data page.
Will you please read my attached credentials and tell me my chances of admission?
No. We do not have staff dedicated to the admissions process full-time, so we are unable to provide this service. The only way to find out the answer to this question is to apply to the program.
I would like to pursue a career in teaching and/or consulting. Is this degree program for me?
No. The goal of our program is to train people for careers in research. If that is not your goal, we recommend that you explore other degree programs that better suit your needs.
When can I meet with an admissions counselor?
Our program is very small, so we do not employ any admissions counselors on our staff. If you have general questions about applying to ASU, please contact the ASU Graduate College (grad-ges@asu.edu; (480) 965-6113). If you have specific questions about our doctoral program in marketing, please first read everything on our website (including this FAQ). Please send any questions not answered here to Cindy Roup, Department of Marketing (wpcareymkt@asu.edu). Thank you.
Will you waive my application fee?
Applicants who are U.S. citizens or U.S. Registered Permanent Residents may be eligible for a waiver of the application fee, but only if they are McNair Scholars or PhD Project participants. We do not waive application fees for international students.
Do I really need to send my official transcripts from my university, or can I send my unofficial transcripts instead?
You may include your unofficial transcripts to get the admissions process started, but your official transcripts will be required before you can be admitted into the program.
Requesting an application fee waiver: We do not waive application fees for international students.
What is it like to live in the Tempe / Phoenix area?
This is a vibrant area and community. ASU has put together broad information on living in the area that you can find here.
For more information:
Please contact Cindy Roup in the Department of Marketing (wpcareymkt@asu.edu), if you have questions not answered in the FAQ list.
If you have technical questions related to submitting your application, please contact the ASU Graduate College (grad-ges@asu.edu; (480) 965-6113).
You may also find this website helpful for additional general information
about getting a PhD in marketing:
Marketing Doctoral Student Special Interest Group (DocSIG) Portal of
Knowledge