Admissions
Students are admitted to the doctoral program only for the Fall Semester and on a full-time basis. For admission to the program, an applicant must:
- Hold, at minimum, a bachelor degree from a recognized educational institution (note: a Master degree is preferred);
- Have a superior academic record;
- Demonstrate strong work experience;
- Have an acceptable GMAT score (exam taken within a five year period). Generally, the minimum acceptable score for the GMAT is 620 (GMAT is preferred, but the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) may be considered);
- Meet university English language proficiency requirements for applicants without full native fluency in English (http://grad.msu.edu/apply/docs/international.pdf); and
- Demonstrate perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and an interest in scholarly research.
While the University deadline for applications for August admission is March 1, we strongly recommend you submit your application as soon as possible (and preferably by January 15th) so that you may be eligible for university fellowships and funding.
Application to the program requires the following materials:
- A completed on-line application for admission to graduate studies at Michigan State University with associated fees paid. The application form can be found at http://grad.msu.edu/apply
- Official copies of college transcripts showing grades received while pursuing all prior undergraduate and graduate degrees, if any.*
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals able to appraise the candidate's personal interests, abilities, and likelihood of successful completion of a doctoral program.*
- Standardized test scores, including the TOEFL, if required.*
- A written statement of personal goals, including your primary interest area within logistics; why you believe the program and faculty at Michigan State University fit with your interests; and your career aspirations and goals upon receipt of your doctoral degree. Please keep your statement to a minimum of two pages, double-spaced.*
* NOTE: Items 2-5 above should be mailed directly to the Department of Supply Chain Management, Attn: Cheryl Lundeen, Graduate Program Secretary, N370 N. Business Complex, East Lansing, MI 48824.
A pre-admission interview is encouraged. This interview is best conducted face-to-face, especially if you have not visited the MSU campus previously. When a campus visit is not feasible, the interview can occur over the telephone.
The applications are reviewed by the logistics doctoral programs committee which is comprised of 3-4 tenure-stream, logistics faculty. The committee screens applicants to determine the fit with the current faculty and the likelihood of successful completion of the doctoral program. The program admits up to 3 students per year to preserve an appropriate faculty-student ratio.