Required Application Materials

These are documents that are required to support a successful application. Supporting documents should be uploaded to the electronic application or mailed directly to the graduate program. See the sections below for more details. Supporting documents include the following unless otherwise noted:

• Transcripts

The admission committee is looking for transcripts with a GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. Prospective PhD students need a transcript that shows completion of a master’s degree. You can upload official copies directly to the application portal. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. If transcripts are not in English, an English translation will need to accompany the transcript.

You must provide physical copies of the official transcripts and/or academic records if you are admitted and choose to enroll. Official documents should be submitted to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Purdue University Graduate School
155 South Grant Street, YONG 170
West Lafayette, IN 47907

• GRE Test OR GMAT Test

The admissions committee values these tests and requires PhD applicants to take and send their scores as part of their application package for a holistic review. Master’s applicants are highly recommended to do the same.

We accept the submission of GRE (Graduate Record Examination) OR GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) report of scores taken within the last five years. Applicants may submit results from either the GRE or GMAT, but most students use the GRE. 

GRE (minimum)  | top 50 percentiles preferred | code 1631. For information and test dates visit www.gre.org.

GMAT (minimum) | top 50 percentiles preferred | code 1RZ-NJ-46. For more information visit www.mba.com.

• English Proficiency (a requirement for International Students)

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English proficiency for admission to all degree graduate programs. If you believe you qualify for a waiver, you must contact the department to have your situation evaluated.

TOEFL iBT (minimum) | Writing 18, Speaking 18, Listening 14, Reading 19 | Total 80 | code 1631. For further information, visit www.toefl.org.

TOEFL Essentials (minimum) | Writing 8, Speaking 8, Listening 8, Reading 8 | Total 8 | code 1631. For further information, visit www.toefl.org.

IELTS (minimum) | Writing 6, Speaking 6, Listening 6, Reading 6.5 | Overall score of 6.5. For further information, visit www.ielts.org.

Duolingo English Test (minimum) | Comprehension 115, Conversation 115, Literacy 115, Production 115 | Overall 115 | send to: Purdue University Graduate Office | For further information, visit  https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.

• Recommendation letters 

HTM requires three letters of recommendation: two from academia and one from an employer.
When you create an online application to the Purdue Graduate School, you will be asked to input the names and emails of your recommender. Once you click “Send to Recommender,” your recommendation providers will receive an email with instructions on submitting their recommendation online. The Purdue University Graduate School strongly encourages you to provide an email address affiliated with an academic institution, professional organization or employer. If there is not an affiliated email, please be sure to inform the individual writing your letter that they must be on business letterhead to ensure they are valid. Once the online recommendation is submitted the graduate program to which you applied will have access to view your online recommendation.

• Current Resume

HTM’s application review committee is looking for a minimum of one year of work experience in a related area or two completed internships (internships must total six months or more).

All Admitted PhD students are guaranteed Assistantships which are typically determined by past work experience and career goals outlined in the resume. Preference will be given to admitted applicants with related work experience that meet the needs of HTM.

• Personal History Statement

 The Personal History Statement helps reviewers learn more about you as a whole person, your resiliency, and your potential as a graduate student. This may include relevant details on community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and significant barriers that you overcame to pursue graduate studies. Your statement should:

1. Describe how your background and life experiences contribute to your ability to be both persistent and resourceful in your graduate studies.
2. Describe how your life experiences have prepared you to contribute to an academic community where scholars with diverse research interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences are supported, respected, and valued.

• Academic Statement of Purpose

The Academic Statement of Purpose is an opportunity for you to share information that will help reviewers understand your academic interests and objectives, assess your academic background, preparation, and training, and determine if you are a good match for the program to which you are applying.

The statement, not exceeding two pages in length, is encouraged.  The following topics should be addressed:

1. What are your professional plans and career goals? How will pursuing graduate studies assist you in reaching those goals?
2. Describe your research, scholarly, or creative interests. What topics are of particular interest to you? Reviewers know that interests change over time but try to be as specific as possible.
3. Discuss how your experiences, skills, and abilities have prepared you for graduate study. Relevant topics may include coursework, work and research experiences, internships, presentations, exhibits, publications, and community service. If you describe a research or scholarly experience, include information on the topic, research mentor, your role, and outcomes.
4. Describe how your skills, preparation, and interests are a match for the program to which you are applying. Identify faculty who share your research and scholarly interests. Reviewers will want to know that you have researched the program, faculty, and key focus areas.

Note: The Academic Statement of Purpose and the Personal History Statement are two of the most important documents in your graduate application. The documents should be concise, clear, and free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. You should have others review your document for content, organization, and to ensure that there are no errors. Information in the Personal History Statement should complement but not duplicate information in the Academic Statement of Purpose.

•  Pay Application Fee

A $60 application fee applies for domestic students, and a $75 application fee applies for international students. The department cannot grant fee waivers. There may be opportunities to qualify for a fee waiver by participating in recruitment programs.