Admissions
Application to the program requires the following materials:
- A completed on-line application for admission to graduate studies at Michigan State University (MSU) with fees paid. The application form can be obtained on-line at http://grad.msu.edu/apply.htm
- College transcripts showing grades received while pursuing all prior undergraduate and graduate degrees if any. Official copies should be sent directly to the Department of Supply Chain Management (see above for address and contact information).
- Three letters of reference from individuals able to appraise the candidate’s personal interests, abilities, and the likelihood of successful completion of the PhD Program.
- Standardized Test Scores: The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is preferred but Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores may be considered. English language requirements for the program are the same as those for the University. Applicants without full native fluency in English must fulfill proficiency requirements as defined by the University (for details, see http://grad.msu.edu/prospect/gradappintl.pdf). The program does not allow provisional admission; applicants must demonstrate proficiency prior to admission.
- A written statement of personal goals. This statement should address (a) your primary interest area within OSM; (b) why you believe the program and faculty at Michigan State University fit your interests, and (c) your career objectives upon completion of your degree. This statement should be no longer than two pages (double-spaced).
- A pre-admission interview as required. Prior to making a final decision regarding admission, the candidate would complete an interview with at least two faculty members. Ideally, candidates would visit MSU for an on-campus visit. In cases where a campus visit is not possible, phone interviews are conducted.
The doctoral programs committee in OSM is comprised of the tenured operations management faculty in the department. The committee will screen the applications to determine the fit with current MSU operations and sourcing management researchers. The judgment regarding fit is based on the applicant's goal statement, letters of recommendation, and previous work and/or academic experience. Applicants passing this initial screening are then considered for acceptance by the full operations management faculty. Specific entrance criteria change from year to year, but it is generally the case that an applicant will not be accepted if his/her GMAT Cumulative score is lower than 600. Students begin the program in the Fall semester. The program admits 2-3 students every year, in order to preserve an appropriately low faculty-student ratio. Admissions standards and procedures conform to the equal opportunity and affirmative action policies of MSU.