Academics / PhD ProgramPhD Admissions
Admissions Information
The IEMS PhD Program accepts students just once a year, in the fall. Applications are open for Fall 2025 admission in October 2024. For more information about IEMS PhD admissions you may download the Admissions Handbook, which has all the information you will need including requirements, application checklist, and frequently asked questions.
Online Application
Applications to Northwestern University's Graduate School, and by extension to this department, must be submitted electronically, including supplemental materials. In addition, all fees must be submitted electronically as well. No checks will be accepted.
Decisions
Admission decisions are handled centrally in the Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences department. Please do not contact individual faculty members to ask about admissions or funding. Individual faculty members are not responsible for providing funding for first-year PhD students. Contact a faculty member only if you need to ask questions related to research (this can usually wait until after you have been admitted).
The application forms have a space in which you can enter the names of one or two faculty whom you might like to have as a research adviser. This enables you to ensure that your application will reach the desk of the appropriate faculty member.
GRE is now Required
IEMS will require all applicants to submit GRE scores.