Admission Steps
Executive PhD - PHD
Admission Requirements
For the 2024-2025 academic year
Fall 2024 quarter (beginning in September)
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Priority deadline 1: January 1, 2024
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Priority deadline 2: March 1, 2024
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Final submission deadline: August 26, 2024
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International submission deadline: June 4, 2024
Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.
Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.
Degrees and GPA Requirements
Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
Masters degree: This program requires a masters degree as well as the baccalaureate.
University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:
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A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.
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A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.
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An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.
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A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.
Program GPA requirement: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers
Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.
The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:
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Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 94 (No less than a 20 on any section)
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Minimum IELTS Score: 7.0 (No less than a 6.0 on any section)
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Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 185 (No less than a 170 on any section)
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Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 125
Additional Information:
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Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.
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Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.
Additional Standards for International Applicants
Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.
Application Materials
Transcripts
We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.
Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.
Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.
Letters of Recommendation
Two (2) letters of recommendation are required from accomplished individuals (non-relatives) who can personally attest to your abilities. It is strongly recommended that one of these letters come from your current employer (if applicable) expressing support for your pursuit of the Executive PhD program. All letters should speak to your accomplishments, leadership abilities, intellectual curiosity and potential for success in a rigorous, fast-paced doctoral program. Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.
Essays and Statements
Essay Instructions
Personal essay demonstrating a solid rationale and passion for pursuing a PhD in business and how it will prepare you for your future career aspirations or your personal goals.
Résumé Instructions
Submit a professional résumé that demonstrates the scope of professional experience and educational achievements. Utilize our résumé template for assistance.
Other Required Materials
Additional requirements for this program:
Applicants may be contacted by a Daniels representative to schedule an admissions interview, which will be conducted on campus or via webcam. The admissions interview is an opportunity for both you and Daniels staff to evaluate whether or not the program is a good fit. Interviews are by invitation only, sent after all other application requirements have been completed.
Start the Application
Start Your Application
Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.
Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.
Application Fee: $100 Application Fee
International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.
Financial Aid Information
Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.