We prefer the GMAT, but we do accept the GRE test as a substitute. In either case, the exam must have been taken within five years of the time of application to WSU. A GMAT conversion will be applied to the GRE score submitted by applicants who take the GRE in lieu of the GMAT. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) provides a conversion chart. The converted GRE score will then be applied to the Carson College of Business admissions index score in the same manner as a standard GMAT score.

1 CREDIT

• Students will take the one-credit college-wide professional development colloquium (BA 598) during their 1st year or as soon as possible when approved by the area coordinator.

3 CREDITS

• Students will take the 3-credit BA 596 teaching course, ideally in the fall of their second year.

12 CREDITS

• ANOVA (e.g., PSYCH511, STAT507, STAT512, SOC522)
• Regression, Econometrics and Linear Models (e.g., PSYCH512, SOC521, STAT530, ECONS511/STAT 531, ECONS512/STAT552, MGTOP 591)
• Psychometric Theory (e.g., PSYCH514)
• Multivariate Statistics or Categorical Data Analysis (e.g., STAT519/MGTOP519, STAT 520)

The student may, with the approval of his/her program committee, substitute other courses for the suggested courses above, as long as the alternative courses treat each of the above topics in a comprehensive fashion.

15 CREDITS

• Seminar in Consumer Behavior (MKTG 590) – This course consists of a survey of the current literature in consumer behavior. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: information processing, attitude theory, persuasion, consumer decision-making, retailing, public policy issues. Other topics may be included as the professor identifies emerging issues in the consumer behavior literature.
• Seminar in Marketing Management (MKTG 591) – This seminar provides a survey of the current literature on marketing management and strategy. In addition, it consists of readings on important theory and topics that have widespread influence in the marketing area. These include, but are not limited to: market orientation, competitive advantage, performance, transaction cost theory, the environment, new product development and product management issues, inter-firm relationships and alliances and other new topics identified by the professor as relevant in the student’s scholarly development.
• Seminar in Marketing Foundations (MKTG 592) – This seminar explores the key topics that are generally associated with the marketing domain. This seminar will address the question “what is marketing” and offer an overview of its fundamental aspects including (but not limited to) the following: advertising, pricing, brand management, product positioning, new product development, relationship marketing, and marketing public policy. The professor will include additional topics from the field as they emerge in the literature.
• College of Business Research Methods Seminar (currently MKTG 593) – This seminar covers the basics of theory development and methods used in gathering data in the social and behavioral sciences. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: paradigm development and shifts, theory and theory development, philosophy of science, field study designs (survey research), experimental design, quasi-experimental field study design, secondary data acquisition and use, and qualitative research design. Internal and external validity and measurement validation will be included as the professor deems necessary. In addition, any new topics emerging as important may be included.
• Additional Graduate-Level Seminar Relevant to Marketing – An additional 3 credits of advanced course work that provide theoretical and/or practical foundations for marketing research and theory. Courses may include those offered under MKTG 565 (various additional marketing seminars), graduate level coursework in business, psychology, sociology, or other disciplines deemed relevant by the student’s program committee (e.g., political science, communication).

9 CREDITS

• A minimum of 9 credit hours of coursework approved for graduate credit must be designated and approved by the student’s Ph.D. committee.

3 CREDITS

• MKTG 600: In addition to their coursework, students must complete a second year paper. The second-year paper is a pass/fail, faculty-supervised independent research project involving an empirical study. Expectations are that the project will test research hypotheses using data gathered and analyzed by the student.

MINIMUM OF 32 CREDITS

• In addition to the research tool and field requirements, the Ph.D. in Business requires an additional body of research credits in preparation and development of the final dissertation. A minimum of 32 (800-level) research credits hours is required.