Applying to the Darden Doctoral Program
PhD - Admissions - FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Darden is committed to maintaining a thorough and fair admissions process for all applicants. In this section, you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Don't see your question here? Email us to connect with a member of our Admissions Committee.
FAQ about the Darden PhD format and application process are sorted into the following categories:
-
General
What MBA formats does Darden offer?
How can I learn more about the Darden PhD?
- Visit the PhD website.
- Complete the PhD Interest form.
- Take the Darden School Virtual Tour.
- Attend an event.
- Contact current students.
- Stay connected with Darden on Facebook, Instagram and/or LinkedIn
Can I begin the PhD in the spring?
No, Darden only offers fall admission.
Does Darden accept transfer credits?
No, Darden does not accept transfer credits into the PhD program.
If I am offered admission, can I defer my enrollment?
Deferral requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
I do not have an MBA. Am I eligible for admission?
An MBA or Master’s equivalent is preferred but not required to apply to the program.
How does Darden maintain a fair admissions process?
We do not tolerate conflicts of interest at Darden, and all UVA Darden personnel are prohibited from engaging in any outside employment or consulting which presents a conflict of interest with their duties (https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-025).
In order to meet regulatory, accreditation and other reporting requirements, the Darden School asks applicants to report their race/ethnicity, as defined by U.S. Department of Education standards, as part of the application process. This individual applicant information on race/ethnicity is not available to anyone involved in the evaluation process while an applicant being considered for admission to the school. Individuals with any ethical or other concerns in the admissions process are able to report such concerns by email so that they can be independently reviewed and investigated.
-
Application
What are the application requirements?
Visit PhD Admissions page for application requirements.
How do you assess candidates for the Darden PhD?
A minimum of two members of the admissions committee will review and evaluate your application. This is a very holistic process. The committee will be looking for evidence that you can handle the rigor of a PhD program.
My undergraduate college does not grade students with the GPA system. Should I leave the min and max GPA range on the application blank?
If your undergraduate institution does not use the GPA system, then please enter a "0" (zero) in the fields on your application. Your transcript will tell us everything we need to know about the grading system used.
How should I provide my transcripts?
At the time of applying, Darden asks for unofficial transcripts. If an applicant is admitted and chooses to matriculate at Darden, then Darden will require official transcripts. These official transcripts can be emailed or mailed directly from the degree-granting institution. Electronic copies can be sent to [email protected] and hard-copy transcripts can be mailed to the following address. Please do not fax transcripts to Darden.
Mailing Address:
Darden School Admissions
100 Darden Blvd
Charlottesville, VA 22903My official transcripts will not reach Darden in time for the deadline. Will my application still be considered for that deadline?
We do not require official transcripts in order to process your application and get it to the committee for review. In the education section of the application, please enter the data requested and upload unofficial copies of all transcripts. If offered admission, you will need to send official documents. If you choose to send official documents in lieu of self-reporting on the online application, they must arrive in our office by the application deadline. For international students, attested transcript copies are considered official.
How can I submit my recommendations?
When you add contact information for your recommenders within the application, they will receive an email containing the steps to submit their evaluation online. Once submitted, the recommendation will automatically associate with the application record, and the applicant will receive a confirmation email that their recommendation has been submitted.
How many recommendations are required?
We require two letters of recommendation and candidates may include a third letter if they wish to do so.
What if there isn't enough space for me to enter my information in some of the data fields, for example in responses to the short answer essay questions?
Some fields are deliberately restricted. With regard to the essay, applicants should respond to the essay question within the stated limit.
If I applied before and was denied, offered or waitlisted, can I reapply next year?
Please view the Reapplicant web page for additional information.
-
Application Fees
Does Darden offer application fee reductions or waivers?
A nonrefundable application fee of $100 is required to process your application. However, we do offer fee waivers in select circumstances.
The following are eligible for application fee waivers:
-
U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members
-
Current and recently separated Federal, State and Local government employees (U.S. and non-U.S. government entities)
-
National Service Alumni (AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Teach for America, Teach for All)
-
First-generation college students
-
UVA alumni and current UVA graduate students
-
Alumni of colleges and universities in Virginia
What is a first-generation college student?
A first-generation college student is defined as an individual for whom neither parent nor guardian completed a Bachelor’s degree or Bachelor’s degree equivalent.
How will I know if I have received an application fee waiver?
If you qualify for a waiver, your application fee waiver will be applied automatically and you will receive an email confirmation for any fee waiver applied. If you have further questions, please email us at [email protected].
-
-
Standardized Tests
What standardized tests does Darden accept?
In our PhD application process, we accept two standardized tests that are viewed equivalently by the Admissions Committee: GMAT (Previous and Current Editions) and GRE.
Differences between the Previous and Current Editions of the GMAT:
GMAT Previous Edition:Offered from 2012 to 2024, the previous GMAT version had total scores ending in a “0” and contained four test components:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Integrated Reasoning
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) *Not applicable for online tests
GMAT Current Edition:
Offered since November 2023, the current GMAT version has total scores ending in a “5” and three test components:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Data Insights
If I have already taken the GMAT, should I take the GRE?
No. You only need to take one of these exams. If you have taken the GMAT, we will have access to that score. Taking both tests will not give you an evaluative advantage.
What are the minimum requirements for the GMAT, GRE and GPA?
Darden has no minimum requirements for the GMAT, GRE or GPA. If you take the GMAT or GRE multiple times, Darden will consider your highest total score when evaluating your application — we do not combine scores.
What is a verified test score?
A verified test score is a score report sent directly from the testing agency. The applicant must initiate this being sent to Darden. It is recommended that applicants initiate this process two weeks prior to a deadline. Applications that do not have a verified score or test waiver will remain incomplete.
My test score is about to expire. Will you still accept it?
Standardized test scores must be valid as of the deadline date of the round in which you apply.
Do I need to send verified (official) test scores by the application deadline?
We recommend that you send verified test scores to Darden prior to the application deadline. You may submit your application with unverified test scores; however, please note that we must receive a verified score within one week of the application deadline for your application to be considered complete.
School codes:
- GMAC: KC7-0X-86
- ETS: 4629
- TOEFL: 5820
- There are no school codes for the IELTS or DET. To submit your score for the IELTS, login to your IELTS dashboard and search for "University of Virginia - Darden School of Business." To submit your score for the DET, login to your DET dashboard and search for "UVA Darden."
While Darden allows applicants to manually enter test scores, at least one test score must be a verified score report. Darden recommends that the applicant sends the verified report from their strongest test performance(s).
If an application does not have verified test scores or a test waiver following the round deadline, it will remain incomplete. Applications may be moved to the next subsequent round and reviewed for admission once a verified test score or test waiver is received.
I took a standardized test but do not think the score is reflective of my abilities. Should I still submit the score?
Unless granted a test waiver, applicants are required to submit all valid test scores (GMAT/GRE) with their application. In instances of cancelled or expired test scores, candidates should note the test administration but are not required to report the overall score or score breakdown for those administrations. As a reminder, standardized tests are just one piece of information in a broad, holistic application review process.
How does Darden think about these tests and does Darden have a test preference?
Standardized tests are just one piece of information in a broad, holistic application review process, and applicants are encouraged to choose the test that best aligns with their strengths, background and application plans. Our Admissions Committee has no test preference, and we view each of the tests we accept in our application process equivalently.
-
International Applicants
Why is English proficiency required for applicants?
Darden’s PhD format is built upon an immersive learning experience that requires public speaking, group discussion and active class participation. To succeed, students must possess a highly developed proficiency in written and oral English.
How are English abilities assessed?
Written and oral communication, as well as one of the following tests:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- DET (Duolingo English Test)
Are international applicants required to take one of the approved English assessment tests listed above (even if I attended a school where the medium of instruction was English)?
Use the following guidelines to determine whether or not you need to take one of these exams:
- Not Required: Candidates who received their bachelor's degree from a university where the medium of instruction was English are not required to take an English language assessment test.
- Required: Candidates who received their bachelor's degree from a university where the medium of instruction was not English are required to take an English language assessment test.
- Strongly Recommended: Candidates who received their bachelor's degree from a university where the medium of instruction was not English, but received a master's or Ph.D. from a university where the medium of instruction was English, are strongly encouraged to take an English language assessment test.
What are the minimum required scores for English assessment tests?
Darden does not have a minimum score requirement, but the average TOEFL is 106. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.
How do I submit my English language assessment scores?
Candidates who are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or DET must have received at least their unofficial scores prior to submitting their application. Both overall and component test scores must be reported on the application form. All applicants must request that ETS (for the TOEFL), IELTS, Pearson and/or DET send official copies of their scores to Darden.
Darden's code for TOEFL is 5820 Dept. 02 and the code for IELTS is 5099.
There is not a school code for the DET. To submit your score for the DET, login to your DET dashboard and search for "UVA Darden." Here are step-by-step instructions.
-
Visits & Interviews
Can I visit Darden?
Yes! Please connect with the PhD Program Director to arrange a visit to Darden. We look forward to welcoming you to Grounds!
Is an interview required?
Interviews play a critical role in our assessment of candidates and are required prior to acceptance into the program. Two invitation-only interviews will be conducted as part of the PhD program application process, interviews are conducted by Darden Doctoral Faculty.
Interview notifications can take place at any time up until the decision release date for the deadline in which you have applied and may not necessarily fall during the designated interview periods. For important Admissions deadlines, visit Application Deadlines.
Can I decide which Faculty Members I wish to interview with?
No, however, we will do our best to schedule you with faculty members who align with your academic and research interests.
-
Financial Aid
What is the cost of the Doctoral program?
PhD students receive competitive full tuition and fee support for the five years of full-time study, conditional on satisfactory progress in the program.
In addition, students receive:
- a subsidy to pay for the University's student health insurance
- a 9-month bi-weekly salary, contingent upon maintaining full-time student status, 20 hours per week as a Graduate Research Assistant for Darden faculty, and satisfactory progress in the program.
- an annual budget to use toward travel and research
- supplemental summer support for continued GRA work with Darden faculty
-
Inside the Program
What does the typical journey look like for PhD students?
During the first two years in the program, students will be heavily engaged in completion of the required 48 hours of coursework.
In years 3-5, students will be focused on developing their dissertations before defending in their fifth year.
Throughout all 5 years of the program, students will work closely with their advisors and other faculty in the relevant fields on research projects and contributing to scholarly papers and articles. Additionally, students can expect to attend conferences in each year of the program to expand your network of research and practitioners.
What courses will I be taking?Students will work with their advisor(s) to develop customized course schedules each semester during their first two years. A typical student will be enrolled in 12 credit hours of courses per semester, and all students will complete a minimum of 48 credits before the end of year two, consisting of:
- 21 hours of doctoral-level concentration courses
- 3 hours pedagogy
- 24 hours of other customized coursework
Some examples of courses for SEE students include:
- Darden faculty-led seminars focused on Strategy, Ethics & Entrepreneurship
- UVA "Main Grounds" courses:
- Economics for Public Policy
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Microeconomic Theory
- Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
- Advanced Research Methods in Social Psychology
- Approached to Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Language and Identity
- Sociology of Development
...and more
Some examples of courses for DADS students include:
- Darden faculty-led seminars focused on Data Analytics and Decision Sciences
- UVA "Main Grounds" courses:
- Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory
- Intro to Mathematics Statistics
- Stochastic Modeling
- Probabilistic Machine Learning
- Optimization Models and Methods
- Real Analysis and Linear Spaces
- Special Topics in Computer Science
...and more
What are the mimimum grades required to pass a course?
Students must earn a grade of SP/B in Darden seminars, and at least the miminum grade acceptable for credit toward a graduate degree in the schools at which non-Darden ("Main Grounds") courses are taken (typically a B or B-).
Am I able to choose my advisors?
While preferences are taken into consideration, we cannot guarantee that you will end up with your preferences. We do our best to not only align you with advisors who share common areas of expertise with students, but also to those who may offer ideas and benefits beyond your interests. Advisors are not static throughout your 5 years in the program, and can be reassigned as needed.
How long do I have to complete the program?
The program is designed to be completed in five years (60 months). Financial support is expected to be available during this timeframe if a student makes satisfactory progress and remains in good academic standing. Students may petition for additional time.
Do I have to live in Charlottesville while enrolled in the PhD Program?
Students are expected to reside within Charlottesville or surrounding counties during their first two years in the program and must reside within the U.S. for the last three years (and are expected to be present on Darden grounds at regular intervals).
Where can I find out more information about housing?
View Student Housing Options.
What MBA formats does Darden offer?
How can I learn more about the Darden PhD?
- Visit the PhD website.
- Complete the PhD Interest form.
- Take the Darden School Virtual Tour.
- Attend an event.
- Contact current students.
- Stay connected with Darden on Facebook, Instagram and/or LinkedIn
Can I begin the PhD in the spring?
No, Darden only offers fall admission.
Does Darden accept transfer credits?
No, Darden does not accept transfer credits into the PhD program.
If I am offered admission, can I defer my enrollment?
Deferral requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
I do not have an MBA. Am I eligible for admission?
An MBA or Master’s equivalent is preferred but not required to apply to the program.
How does Darden maintain a fair admissions process?
We do not tolerate conflicts of interest at Darden, and all UVA Darden personnel are prohibited from engaging in any outside employment or consulting which presents a conflict of interest with their duties (https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-025).
In order to meet regulatory, accreditation and other reporting requirements, the Darden School asks applicants to report their race/ethnicity, as defined by U.S. Department of Education standards, as part of the application process. This individual applicant information on race/ethnicity is not available to anyone involved in the evaluation process while an applicant being considered for admission to the school. Individuals with any ethical or other concerns in the admissions process are able to report such concerns by email so that they can be independently reviewed and investigated.
What are the application requirements?
Visit PhD Admissions page for application requirements.
How do you assess candidates for the Darden PhD?
A minimum of two members of the admissions committee will review and evaluate your application. This is a very holistic process. The committee will be looking for evidence that you can handle the rigor of a PhD program.
My undergraduate college does not grade students with the GPA system. Should I leave the min and max GPA range on the application blank?
If your undergraduate institution does not use the GPA system, then please enter a "0" (zero) in the fields on your application. Your transcript will tell us everything we need to know about the grading system used.
How should I provide my transcripts?
At the time of applying, Darden asks for unofficial transcripts. If an applicant is admitted and chooses to matriculate at Darden, then Darden will require official transcripts. These official transcripts can be emailed or mailed directly from the degree-granting institution. Electronic copies can be sent to [email protected] and hard-copy transcripts can be mailed to the following address. Please do not fax transcripts to Darden.
Mailing Address:
Darden School Admissions
100 Darden Blvd
Charlottesville, VA 22903
My official transcripts will not reach Darden in time for the deadline. Will my application still be considered for that deadline?
We do not require official transcripts in order to process your application and get it to the committee for review. In the education section of the application, please enter the data requested and upload unofficial copies of all transcripts. If offered admission, you will need to send official documents. If you choose to send official documents in lieu of self-reporting on the online application, they must arrive in our office by the application deadline. For international students, attested transcript copies are considered official.
How can I submit my recommendations?
When you add contact information for your recommenders within the application, they will receive an email containing the steps to submit their evaluation online. Once submitted, the recommendation will automatically associate with the application record, and the applicant will receive a confirmation email that their recommendation has been submitted.
How many recommendations are required?
We require two letters of recommendation and candidates may include a third letter if they wish to do so.
What if there isn't enough space for me to enter my information in some of the data fields, for example in responses to the short answer essay questions?
Some fields are deliberately restricted. With regard to the essay, applicants should respond to the essay question within the stated limit.
If I applied before and was denied, offered or waitlisted, can I reapply next year?
Please view the Reapplicant web page for additional information.
Does Darden offer application fee reductions or waivers?
A nonrefundable application fee of $100 is required to process your application. However, we do offer fee waivers in select circumstances.
The following are eligible for application fee waivers:
-
U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members
-
Current and recently separated Federal, State and Local government employees (U.S. and non-U.S. government entities)
-
National Service Alumni (AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Teach for America, Teach for All)
-
First-generation college students
-
UVA alumni and current UVA graduate students
-
Alumni of colleges and universities in Virginia
What is a first-generation college student?
A first-generation college student is defined as an individual for whom neither parent nor guardian completed a Bachelor’s degree or Bachelor’s degree equivalent.
How will I know if I have received an application fee waiver?
If you qualify for a waiver, your application fee waiver will be applied automatically and you will receive an email confirmation for any fee waiver applied. If you have further questions, please email us at [email protected].
What standardized tests does Darden accept?
In our PhD application process, we accept two standardized tests that are viewed equivalently by the Admissions Committee: GMAT (Previous and Current Editions) and GRE.
Differences between the Previous and Current Editions of the GMAT:
GMAT Previous Edition:
Offered from 2012 to 2024, the previous GMAT version had total scores ending in a “0” and contained four test components:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Integrated Reasoning
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) *Not applicable for online tests
GMAT Current Edition:
Offered since November 2023, the current GMAT version has total scores ending in a “5” and three test components:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Data Insights
If I have already taken the GMAT, should I take the GRE?
No. You only need to take one of these exams. If you have taken the GMAT, we will have access to that score. Taking both tests will not give you an evaluative advantage.
What are the minimum requirements for the GMAT, GRE and GPA?
Darden has no minimum requirements for the GMAT, GRE or GPA. If you take the GMAT or GRE multiple times, Darden will consider your highest total score when evaluating your application — we do not combine scores.
What is a verified test score?
A verified test score is a score report sent directly from the testing agency. The applicant must initiate this being sent to Darden. It is recommended that applicants initiate this process two weeks prior to a deadline. Applications that do not have a verified score or test waiver will remain incomplete.
My test score is about to expire. Will you still accept it?
Standardized test scores must be valid as of the deadline date of the round in which you apply.
Do I need to send verified (official) test scores by the application deadline?
We recommend that you send verified test scores to Darden prior to the application deadline. You may submit your application with unverified test scores; however, please note that we must receive a verified score within one week of the application deadline for your application to be considered complete.
School codes:
- GMAC: KC7-0X-86
- ETS: 4629
- TOEFL: 5820
- There are no school codes for the IELTS or DET. To submit your score for the IELTS, login to your IELTS dashboard and search for "University of Virginia - Darden School of Business." To submit your score for the DET, login to your DET dashboard and search for "UVA Darden."
While Darden allows applicants to manually enter test scores, at least one test score must be a verified score report. Darden recommends that the applicant sends the verified report from their strongest test performance(s).
If an application does not have verified test scores or a test waiver following the round deadline, it will remain incomplete. Applications may be moved to the next subsequent round and reviewed for admission once a verified test score or test waiver is received.
I took a standardized test but do not think the score is reflective of my abilities. Should I still submit the score?
Unless granted a test waiver, applicants are required to submit all valid test scores (GMAT/GRE) with their application. In instances of cancelled or expired test scores, candidates should note the test administration but are not required to report the overall score or score breakdown for those administrations. As a reminder, standardized tests are just one piece of information in a broad, holistic application review process.
How does Darden think about these tests and does Darden have a test preference?
Standardized tests are just one piece of information in a broad, holistic application review process, and applicants are encouraged to choose the test that best aligns with their strengths, background and application plans. Our Admissions Committee has no test preference, and we view each of the tests we accept in our application process equivalently.
Why is English proficiency required for applicants?
Darden’s PhD format is built upon an immersive learning experience that requires public speaking, group discussion and active class participation. To succeed, students must possess a highly developed proficiency in written and oral English.
How are English abilities assessed?
Written and oral communication, as well as one of the following tests:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- DET (Duolingo English Test)
Are international applicants required to take one of the approved English assessment tests listed above (even if I attended a school where the medium of instruction was English)?
Use the following guidelines to determine whether or not you need to take one of these exams:
- Not Required: Candidates who received their bachelor's degree from a university where the medium of instruction was English are not required to take an English language assessment test.
- Required: Candidates who received their bachelor's degree from a university where the medium of instruction was not English are required to take an English language assessment test.
- Strongly Recommended: Candidates who received their bachelor's degree from a university where the medium of instruction was not English, but received a master's or Ph.D. from a university where the medium of instruction was English, are strongly encouraged to take an English language assessment test.
What are the minimum required scores for English assessment tests?
Darden does not have a minimum score requirement, but the average TOEFL is 106. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.
How do I submit my English language assessment scores?
Candidates who are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or DET must have received at least their unofficial scores prior to submitting their application. Both overall and component test scores must be reported on the application form. All applicants must request that ETS (for the TOEFL), IELTS, Pearson and/or DET send official copies of their scores to Darden.
Darden's code for TOEFL is 5820 Dept. 02 and the code for IELTS is 5099.
There is not a school code for the DET. To submit your score for the DET, login to your DET dashboard and search for "UVA Darden." Here are step-by-step instructions.
Can I visit Darden?
Yes! Please connect with the PhD Program Director to arrange a visit to Darden. We look forward to welcoming you to Grounds!
Is an interview required?
Interviews play a critical role in our assessment of candidates and are required prior to acceptance into the program. Two invitation-only interviews will be conducted as part of the PhD program application process, interviews are conducted by Darden Doctoral Faculty.
Interview notifications can take place at any time up until the decision release date for the deadline in which you have applied and may not necessarily fall during the designated interview periods. For important Admissions deadlines, visit Application Deadlines.
Can I decide which Faculty Members I wish to interview with?
No, however, we will do our best to schedule you with faculty members who align with your academic and research interests.
What is the cost of the Doctoral program?
PhD students receive competitive full tuition and fee support for the five years of full-time study, conditional on satisfactory progress in the program.
In addition, students receive:
- a subsidy to pay for the University's student health insurance
- a 9-month bi-weekly salary, contingent upon maintaining full-time student status, 20 hours per week as a Graduate Research Assistant for Darden faculty, and satisfactory progress in the program.
- an annual budget to use toward travel and research
- supplemental summer support for continued GRA work with Darden faculty
What does the typical journey look like for PhD students?
During the first two years in the program, students will be heavily engaged in completion of the required 48 hours of coursework.
In years 3-5, students will be focused on developing their dissertations before defending in their fifth year.
Throughout all 5 years of the program, students will work closely with their advisors and other faculty in the relevant fields on research projects and contributing to scholarly papers and articles. Additionally, students can expect to attend conferences in each year of the program to expand your network of research and practitioners.
What courses will I be taking?
Students will work with their advisor(s) to develop customized course schedules each semester during their first two years. A typical student will be enrolled in 12 credit hours of courses per semester, and all students will complete a minimum of 48 credits before the end of year two, consisting of:
- 21 hours of doctoral-level concentration courses
- 3 hours pedagogy
- 24 hours of other customized coursework
Some examples of courses for SEE students include:
- Darden faculty-led seminars focused on Strategy, Ethics & Entrepreneurship
- UVA "Main Grounds" courses:
- Economics for Public Policy
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Microeconomic Theory
- Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
- Advanced Research Methods in Social Psychology
- Approached to Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Language and Identity
- Sociology of Development
...and more
Some examples of courses for DADS students include:
- Darden faculty-led seminars focused on Data Analytics and Decision Sciences
- UVA "Main Grounds" courses:
- Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory
- Intro to Mathematics Statistics
- Stochastic Modeling
- Probabilistic Machine Learning
- Optimization Models and Methods
- Real Analysis and Linear Spaces
- Special Topics in Computer Science
...and more
What are the mimimum grades required to pass a course?
Students must earn a grade of SP/B in Darden seminars, and at least the miminum grade acceptable for credit toward a graduate degree in the schools at which non-Darden ("Main Grounds") courses are taken (typically a B or B-).
Am I able to choose my advisors?
While preferences are taken into consideration, we cannot guarantee that you will end up with your preferences. We do our best to not only align you with advisors who share common areas of expertise with students, but also to those who may offer ideas and benefits beyond your interests. Advisors are not static throughout your 5 years in the program, and can be reassigned as needed.
How long do I have to complete the program?
The program is designed to be completed in five years (60 months). Financial support is expected to be available during this timeframe if a student makes satisfactory progress and remains in good academic standing. Students may petition for additional time.
Do I have to live in Charlottesville while enrolled in the PhD Program?
Students are expected to reside within Charlottesville or surrounding counties during their first two years in the program and must reside within the U.S. for the last three years (and are expected to be present on Darden grounds at regular intervals).
Where can I find out more information about housing?
View Student Housing Options.