Break new ground through leading supply chain research.
Our competitive Ph.D. program prepares doctoral candidates to become productive researchers and educators at top research universities.
Ph.D. in Logistics Program Overview
Our logistics and supply chain doctoral program is designed to prepare its graduates for success in academic positions at top-tier research institutions around the world. The Ph.D. in Logistics program is designed for students with solid work experience who are able to commit to a full-time program with the goal of an academic career in research and teaching supply chain logistics. The coursework covers a broad range of topics, including theory development and research methods. Logistics doctoral students are assigned as teaching and/or research assistants at various phases of the program. Upon completion of coursework, students are required to pass a comprehensive examination in logistics and then complete a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to conduct and lead an original research project.
A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree signifies that the candidate has demonstrated the required high level of scholarship to lead an academic career at the university level as well as to conduct independent scholarly research.
Simone Peinkofer
- Logistics Doctoral Program Director
From the Director
The Department of Supply Chain Management offers a Ph.D. concentration in logistics and one in operations and sourcing management. Our programs focus on preparing students for academic positions at top-tier research universities. As such, we are interested in prospective students who desire to become highly recognized as scholars in the field of logistics and supply chain management.
Our logistics doctoral program is a small, but elite program focusing on theory and research that advances the logistics and supply chain management discipline. From the start of the program, our outstanding faculty provides training and mentorship to our Ph.D. students to ensure the best preparation for a career in academia. By working closely with our faculty, Ph.D. students are exposed to different thought leadership and expertise and will be able to develop a unique skill set throughout the duration of the program. Our Ph.D. students will collaborate with faculty on faculty and student led research projects that eventually will lead to publications in top-tier academic journals. In addition to research skills, our Ph.D. students will also develop superior teaching skills. Overall, our program will equip students with the necessary skills to become a well-rounded scholar in the logistics and supply chain management field.
As the director of the logistics Ph.D. program, I am happy to answer any questions you have about our program, academic careers and/or the application process. Please review our program information online and contact me via email at simonep@broad.msu.edu if I can be of assistance.
Dive Deeper
Ph.D. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management students are admitted for the fall semester only and a full-time basis. Learn more about admission requirements and the application process.
Learn MoreFaculty-student collaboration is a significant part of the Broad experience. Logistics doctoral students have the opportunity to work with some of the top researchers across multiple disciplines. Find out more about the research opportunities for logistics doctoral students at MSU.
Learn MoreThe supply chain management faculty at the Michigan State University Broad College of Business are among the best in the world. Find out more about our faculty currently working with doctoral students.
Learn MoreSee a roster of current doctoral students in the program as well as a listing of our graduates’ placements at research institutions across the globe.
Learn MoreGet answers to common questions regarding the Ph.D in Logistics program at Broad.
Learn MoreTuition and Financial Aid
At the present time, all doctoral students receive financial support from the department, the college and/or various external organizations.
Our goal is to provide every student admitted to the program with a graduate assistantship and/or a fellowship. The assistantship is usually at a half-time level, although some students may be appointed quarter time. A half-time appointment requires that the student be a teaching assistant and/or a research assistant for 20 hours a week.
Renewal of financial assistance is contingent on the student making satisfactory progress in the program. Assistantships include a nine-credit-hour tuition waiver for each of the fall and spring semesters, a waiver for the out-of-state portion of tuition for non-Michigan residents, and health insurance. The waiver does not include registration fees or other fees.
Financial support is assured for the first four years of the program. Further support is provided subject to the available of financial resources and the candidate making satisfactory, significant progress in the doctoral program.
Fellowship aid is available from the university, the department and external sources.
For more information about funding sources, visit the MSU Graduate School.
Contact Information
- Department of Supply Chain Management
- Business College Complex
- 632 Bogue St Rm N370
- East Lansing, MI 48824
- broad.msc.inquiries@msu.edu
- Phone: (517) 355-2241
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
- Can I study part time and work full time?
No. The program is strictly a full-time program and we are not able to accommodate part-time students. Aside from coursework, research and independent study require students to be on campus on a full-time basis.
- If I have a degree from a U.S. university, am I required to take the TOEFL test?
No. A degree from a U.S. school should exempt you from the TOEFL requirements.
- How long does it generally take to complete the Ph.D. in Logistics program?
These programs are designed for students to complete in four years.
Admissions
- What is the deadline for applications?
The university deadline for applications is March 1. To be eligible for the full range of university fellowships and funding, it is important to have applications by early December. However, most applications are reviewed between January and April for an August admission.
- Do I need to submit a GMAT or GRE test score?
One of the requirements most often questioned by applicants is that of the need for a GMAT/GRE as part of the admissions process. Let’s begin by being clear on one point – we cannot admit nor can we offer a place in our doctoral program to any student who fails to provide the doctoral committee with such documentation. If you do not offer it, then your application will be considered incomplete and you will not be considered.
There are several reasons for this requirement. First, it is a good independent indicator of the candidate’s capabilities in terms of analytical, quantitative and verbal areas – areas considered critical to success. Second, it allows us to compare candidates. Third, we use the results of this test as a screen – it helps us identify candidates who do not have the necessary skills. Finally, we are required to have an admissions process that is both visible and fair. The requirement for a GMAT/GRE score is critical to meeting this demand.
Consequently, we have taken a position that clearly states that all candidates must submit a GMAT/GRE score from a qualified test center in order for their application to be considered. We hope that you understand the reasons for this position.
- Are there minimum GMAT or GRE test scores for successful applicants?
No. We do not have minimum cut-off scores on the GMAT or GRE. However, admission to the doctoral program is extremely competitive, and our current students have averaged in the 90th percentile on the verbal and 80th percentile on the quantitative portions of the GMAT and/or GRE. An applicant with any score below the 70th percentile or a cumulative score below the 75th percentile is unlikely to be admitted. However, regardless of test scores, each applicant is fully reviewed by the admissions committee.
International students are required to take the TOEFL. The Broad Graduate School of Management specifies a minimum total score of 600 for the paper version or 250 total for the computer version. Scores at or above this minimum will not guarantee admission.
- Which program code do I use for Department of Supply Chain Management doctoral programs?
Logistics: 1331.
Operations and Sourcing Management: 1350.
Use the following school codes for test givers to route your test scores online to Michigan State University:
GMAT Scores: QH0-5P-02. GRE and TOEFL: 1465.
Financial Aid
- What kind of financial aid is available to Ph.D. in Logistics students?
Most of our students are supported by teaching assistantships or research assistantships. Entering students are generally awarded a teaching assistantship, provided they meet basic language qualifications. There is no separate application for teaching assistantships. Research assistantships are generally awarded to advanced graduate students.
