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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. My GRE/GMAT score is below the cutoff score mentioned on the Ph.D. Website. Could I still be accepted into the Ph.D. program?

A: Admission decisions are based on the suitability of the applicant along different criteria including GPA in previous degrees, standardized test scores, scholarly publications and their quality, alignment of research interests with ongoing faculty research, etc. Deficiency on any one of these criteria, e.g., the GRE/GMAT score might be compensated by a demonstration of outstanding achievements in one or more of the remaining criteria. Having said that, it is also important to note that students that have been admitted into the program based on excellent achievement in other criteria besides the GRE/GMAT scores have had a minimum GRE/GMAT score only about 1-8% below the cutoff score.

All applicants to the Ph.D. program are required to have a valid GRE/GMAT score, irrespective of whether they are applying for an assistantship or not. 

Q2. I am an international student but my TOEFL score has expired or I never wrote TOEFL. Could I still apply?

A: Email UNO office of international studies to discuss your case. 

Q3. I have just completed my undergraduate degree but do not have any academic publications. Could I still be accepted into the Ph.D. program?

A: Applicants should have high-quality scholarly publications because they are an appropriate demonstration of research potential. Admissions to the Ph.D. program are very competitive and almost every student admitted into the program has one or more academic publications.

Q4. What is the size of the Ph.D. program? How many students are there? How many faculty? How many courses do I have to take if I get admitted into the Ph.D. program?

A: This information is given under the "Directory: Current Student List" and "Home: Faculty Research Areas" sections of this Website respectively. Refer to the "Home: Program Description" section of this Website for coursework related information.

Q5. Are part-time students admitted into the Ph.D. program? Can I get my Ph.D. degree online? Can I take all my courses online?

A: A limited number of part-time students with demonstrated research potential and excellent academic background are admitted into the program. All Ph.D. students, full-time or part-time, have to be resident students and take courses by attending class lectures and do research under their supervisor/advisor.