PhD Admission Requirements

Read all application instructions in its entirety before beginning an application. Incomplete applications will not be processed.  Viewing the FAQs is strongly encouraged and may be helpful during the application process.

Note: Only an applicant can make changes or updates to an application.  Check all documents carefully before uploading.  We can not change or delete any material that has already been submitted within an application.

• A completed online application
• Unofficial transcripts of all college or university work to date
• Three letters of recommendation from professors, employers or associates qualified to evaluate your academic and professional qualifications.  NOTE: All letters must be uploaded directly by each recommender and cannot be emailed separately to Kenan-Flagler.
  
• Official GRE or GMAT test scores reported directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Home based test scores for all required tests are accepted. Must be current and no more than five years old. NOTE: Only applicants who already hold, or will earn prior to any offer of admissions, a research or professional doctorate degree may be exempted from this test requirement. All other applicants must have official scores reported by the ETS. Please use these institutional test codes when submitting official scores:
  • GRE: University of North Carolina Graduate School, institution #5816; no departmental code is required
  • GMAT: Kenan-Flagler Business School – PhD Program, code D40-HL-50
• International applicants must also submit acceptable, official TOEFL (iBT, iBT Home Edition, and iBT Paper Edition accepted), IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores directly from the testing center. Must be current and no more than two years old as of the date of application submission. (TOEFL MyBest, IELTS One-Skill Retake, or any other English proficiency test scores are not accepted.) Exemption requests for the English exam are processed within the online application and are only available for three categories detailed here.  Please use these details when submitting official scores:
  • TOEFL: code #5816
  • IELTS: either electronically to gradadmissions@unc.edu or mailed to – The Graduate School, ATTN: Graduate Admissions, 200 Bynum Hall, CB# 4010, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-4010
  • Duolingo: Applicants should search for “University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill – Graduate Admissions” to share their test scores

• A Statement of Purpose (no formatting or word limit restrictions) that briefly describes why you want to earn a PhD degree from UNC Kenan-Flagler; your professional goals both during the program and post-graduation; any research projects or independent research you have actively participated in and how they have influenced your career choice and desire to pursue a PhD; etc.
  
• A current resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
• Community Standards Questions
• A $95 non-refundable application fee. NOTE: Only applicants who meet the criteria detailed here can request an application fee waiver.  Kenan-Flagler does not provide any other fee waiver option.
  

The starting point for writing statements of purpose and other application requirements should be applicant-generated. While the use of generative AI tools may be useful for structuring and editing writing, it should primarily be the voice of the applicant. Any use of AI must be cited clearly.

We seek candidates with:

• A demonstrated ability to think analytically, independently, creatively and critically
• The emotional maturity and self-discipline to complete a rigorous program of study
• The knowledge of elementary calculus and basic computer skills
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• High academic marks and test scores
• Intellectual prowess as demonstrated by prior academic experience or other activity
• Commitment to a career of scholarship and research

Previous completion of a master’s degree is not required, but in some cases it might enable you to waive some business requirements.

The PhD committee makes admission decisions. It is comprised of faculty in each area and the program’s associate dean.

• Evaluations begin as completed applications are received and continue after the Jan. 13 deadline.
• The committee schedules interviews with students who are being seriously considered.
• The committee makes initial decisions as soon as the evaluation process is complete.  The process continues until the class is full.
• We notify applicants by email.