A baccalaureate or master's degree in business, economics, or a related field such as mathematical finance, mathematics, or physics with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. In the case where an applicant holds a master's degree, a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale on all graduate coursework is required.
A GMAT score of at least 650. The Belk College anticipates that most applicants that are admitted will have GMAT scores of 700 or higher. Although the GMAT is the preferred exam, the program will accept GRE scores in lieu of GMAT scores provided that the applicant scored at least 162 on the quantitative section and at least 158 on the verbal section.
For non-native speakers of English who do not hold degrees from a U.S. university, a minimum TOEFL score of 220 (computer-based), 557 (paper-based), or 83 (internet-based) is required. Alternatively, a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 is required. This is a Graduate School requirement and cannot be waived. Non-native speakers of English may be required, at the discretion of the Graduate School or the Program Director for the Ph.D. in Business Administration, to enroll in ESL courses at the English Language Training Institute.
Three positive letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a former professor.
A statement of purpose from the applicant explaining their desire to pursue a finance doctorate.