Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the DBA programs and the PhD programs?
- Why is the DBA program not called a "PhD program"?
- Does the DBA program provide less rigorous training than the PhD Program?
- Are students required to write business cases?
- Should I contact faculty before I apply?
- Do you offer a distance learning or part-time doctoral program?
- I am an advanced doctoral student at another institution, and would be interested in doing research at your institution. How can I do this?
- Can I reapply to the program?
- Are students required to stay in residence for the entire duration of the program?
- What is the minimum GRE and GMAT requirement?
- I am applying to a joint-PhD program (BE, OB, HPM, or STM), where should I send my transcripts?
- Can I apply to both an HBS joint-PhD program and another GSAS doctoral program? How do I do this?
- If I have an MBA degree, will that make a difference?
- What is the difference between the DBA programs and the PhD programs?
The DBA programs are administered by Harvard Business School, and the PhD programs are offered jointly with Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
- Why is the DBA program not called a "PhD program"?
At Harvard University, only the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) can grant the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Therefore, only doctoral programs administered by or jointly administered with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences are "PhD programs."
- Does the DBA program provide less rigorous training than the PhD Program?
Students in all of our programs take two years of rigorous course work at HBS, at various Harvard departments as well as at MIT.
The rigor of our DBA program is evidenced by the stunning placement record of our DBA graduates. Recent DBA graduates have gone on to successful academic careers at leading institutions such as MIT, Kellogg, Wharton, among others.
- Are students required to write business cases?
No. Doctoral students are not required to write business cases as part of their program.
- Should I contact faculty before I apply?
Contacting faculty prior to application is not necessary or recommended. Faculty receive hundreds of emails from prospective students and regret that they are unable to respond to all inquiries. Prospective students are encouraged to learn about faculty research using the following tool: http://pine.hbs.edu/external/index.jsp
- Do you offer a distance learning or part-time doctoral program?
No. HBS Doctoral Programs are full-time programs. Online or part-time options are not available.
- I am an advanced doctoral student at another institution, and would be interested in doing research at your institution. How can I do this?
Scholars intending to do research who hold a doctorate, or have equivalent professional experience, or are advanced doctoral candidates who have completed all required coursework, may apply for Visiting Fellow status within Harvard University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). For more information, please see http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/programs_of_study/non-degree_programs.php
- Can I reapply to the program?
Application materials are kept on file for one year. Applicants who filed more than one year ago should follow regular application instructions.
Applicants who applied last year must file a new application, pay the full application fee, submit at least one new letter of recommendation from someone who has not written previously, and submit transcripts covering any academic work undertaken since the time of last application. It is the policy of HBS Doctoral Programs that prior applications and supporting materials will be considered along with new application materials.
HBS Doctoral Programs will not accept more than three applications from any individual during the course of his or her academic career.
- Are students required to stay in residence for the entire duration of the program?
Students are required to be in full residence during their coursework (2-3 years), and are highly encouraged to remain in residence for the remainder of the program.
- What is the minimum GRE and GMAT requirement?
HBS Doctoral Programs does not have a minimum GRE or GMAT requirement. Generally, successful applicants score in the 80th and 90th percentiles on their standardized tests.
- I am applying to a joint-PhD program (BE, OB, or HPM), where should I send my transcripts?
Applications for the joint-PhD programs (BE, OB, and HPM) are processed by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Please send your transcripts to:
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Harvard University
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 9129
Cambridge, MA 02238-9129 - Can I apply to both an HBS joint-PhD program and another GSAS doctoral program (ex. Business Economics and Economics)? How do I do this?
Applications for the joint-PhD programs (BE, OB, and HPM) are processed by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Applicants may apply to one of our joint-PhD programs and a GSAS doctoral program in any given year through the GSAS online application system. Applicants will need to submit two separate applications through the GSAS online application; this requires creating two separate application accounts using two different email accounts.
- If I have an MBA degree, will that make a difference?
Some students have an MBA or another masters degree before entering the program. However, an MBA or another masters degree is not required for admissions.