We are now accepting application for Fall 2026.
The priority deadline to apply for fall semester enrollment is January 10. Fall semester classes begin mid-August. If you are unable to meet the priority application deadline, the college will accept applications until mid-March.
ADMISSION STEPS
1. COMPLETE THE WSU GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION
Submit the application fee (USD, non-refundable) with the WSU Graduate School application.
2. SUBMIT LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
At the same time you submit your application online, you will need to provide the names and email addresses of three people who will write letters of recommendation for you. We recommend you send them your resume and written request for a letter prior to applying. Submitting your electronic application will automatically send your references an email from Washington State University requesting that they complete an online recommendation.
3. SUBMIT RESUME
Provide up-to-date document.
4. SUBMIT A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This document is similar to a cover letter. The statement of purpose should provide insights about your unique qualities and commitment to success. It should address your academic area of interest, related experiences, and intended research focus. The admissions committee will rely on the statement to choose between otherwise equally qualified applicants. The statement of purpose should be a single page in length. The goal of this document is to provide a basis for the admissions committee to choose between otherwise equally qualified applicants. The document address your academic area of interest, related experiences, and intended research focus.
5. SEND OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
Transcripts must be sent directly from the registrar of previous school(s) you’ve attended to WSU Graduate School.
Graduate School
Washington State University
PO Box 641030
Stadium Way, 324 French Administration
Pullman, WA 99164-1030.
6. TAKE THE ENGLISH PROFICIENCY EXAM (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY)
International applicants should send official TOEFL reports (93 minimum) to the WSU Graduate School (WSU school code 4705). We also accept the IELTS (7.0 minimum), IALC (6.5 minimum), MELAB (90 minimum), Duolingo (125 minimum), or the Pearson Test of English (62 minimum, use code 8Z2-GT-38).
Code 8Z2-GT-38
We will consider waiving the test if you earned your most recent degree (at least a 4-year bachelor’s) from a US college or university or an institution that provides 100% of instruction in English. * Applicants from Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Guyana, Kenya, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, and Trinidad, and Tobago are exempt from the English proficiency requirement under section 6.
REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year institution
- A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 system) of graded undergraduate coursework, or a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 system) from graded graduate coursework when there are six or more semester hours of graded graduate coursework taken after the bachelor’s degree.
- For international students: Completed English language proficiency documentation (e.g.,TOEFL, IELTS, IALC, MELAB, or PTE)
GMAT/GRE
To enroll in the PhD program, you are required to complete the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which measures your ability to communicate and solve problems. GRE scores are also accepted. In either case, the exam must have been taken within five years of the time of application to WSU.
WHERE TO TAKE THE GMAT
GMAT testing is offered Monday through Thursday by appointment at University of Idaho (8 miles east of WSU). To make an appointment, contact the UI Career Center. Alternatively, you can find a range of test dates and locations online. GMAT Code: 09D-TL-81
More information about the GMAT
DEADLINES AND DATES
JANUARY 10
Priority application deadline for fall semester
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST DATES
(International students only) The English language proficiency test results we accept are offered on a regular basis online and in hundreds of locations worldwide. Please check the websites of the test providers for more details.
Nondiscrimination Notice
WSU does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran/military status, or immigration or citizenship status in any education program or activity that it operates complaint with Title IX and other civil rights laws and regulations. Inquiries regarding Title IX, ADA, or other civil rights laws, as well as reports of discrimination can be directed to the Compliance and Civil Rights, WSU ADA Coordinator, or WSU Title IX Coordinator. More information on WSU’s policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement.