phd in finance in usa

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Wharton’s PhD program in Finance provides students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and empirical tools of modern finance, drawing heavily on the discipline of economics.

The department prepares students for careers in research and teaching at the world’s leading academic institutions, focusing on Asset Pricing and Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Financial Institutions and Macroeconomics.

Wharton’s Finance faculty, widely recognized as the finest in the world, has been at the forefront of several areas of research. For example, members of the faculty have led modern innovations in theories of portfolio choice and savings behavior, which have significantly impacted the asset pricing techniques used by researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Another example is the contribution by faculty members to the analysis of financial institutions and markets, which is fundamental to our understanding of the trade-offs between economic systems and their implications for financial fragility and crises.

Faculty research, both empirical and theoretical, includes such areas as:

• Structure of financial markets
• Formation and behavior of financial asset prices
• Banking and monetary systems
• Corporate control and capital structure
• Saving and capital formation
• International financial markets

Candidates with undergraduate training in economics, mathematics, engineering, statistics, and other quantitative disciplines have an ideal background for doctoral studies in this field.

Effective 2023, The Wharton Finance PhD Program is now STEM certified.

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• PhD in Accounting
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PhD in Finance

• PhD in Management Science and Operations Management
• PhD in Marketing
• PhD in Microeconomics
• Joint Program in Financial Economics
• Joint Program in Psychology and Business
• Joint PhD/JD Program

Chicago Booth has long been recognized for its PhD in finance. Our finance faculty—which includes Nobel laureates Douglas W. Diamond, Eugene F. Fama, and Lars P. Hansen—sets the course for research in all areas of the field.

As a finance PhD student at Chicago Booth, you’ll join a community that encourages you to think independently.

Taking courses at Booth and in the university’s Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, you will gain a solid foundation in all aspects of economics and finance--from the factors that determine asset prices to how firms and individuals make financial decisions. Following your coursework, you will develop your research in close collaboration with faculty and your fellow students. Reading groups and workshops with faculty, student-led brown-bag seminars, and conferences provide many opportunities to learn from others.

The Finance PhD Program also offers the Joint Program in Financial Economics , which is run by Chicago Booth and the Department of Economics in the Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago.

Our Distinguished Finance Faculty

Chicago Booth finance faculty are leading researchers who also build strong relationships with doctoral students, collaborate on new ideas, and connect students with powerful career opportunities.

Francesca Bastianello

Assistant Professor of Finance and Liew Family Junior Faculty Fellow, Fama Faculty Fellow

Emanuele Colonnelli

Professor of Finance and Entrepreneurship

George M. Constantinides

Leo Melamed Professor of Finance

Douglas W. Diamond

Merton H. Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance

Eugene F. Fama

Robert R. McCormick Distinguished Service Professor of Finance

Niels Gormsen

Neubauer Family Associate Professor of Finance and Fama Faculty Fellow

Lars Hansen

David Rockefeller Distinguished Service Professor The University of Chicago Departments of Economics, Statistics and the Booth School of Business

John C. Heaton

Joseph L. Gidwitz Professor of Finance

Steven Neil Kaplan

Neubauer Family Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance and Kessenich E.P. Faculty Director at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Anil Kashyap

Stevens Distinguished Service Professor of Economics and Finance

Ralph S.J. Koijen

AQR Capital Management Distinguished Service Professor of Finance and Fama Faculty Fellow

Professor of Finance and Fama Faculty Fellow

Stefan Nagel

Fama Family Distinguished Service Professor of Finance

Scott Nelson

Assistant Professor of Finance and Cohen and Keenoy Faculty Scholar

Pascal Noel

Neubauer Family Professor of Finance and Kathryn and Grant Swick Faculty Scholar

Lubos Pastor

Charles P. McQuaid Distinguished Service Professor of Finance and Robert King Steel Faculty Fellow

Raghuram G. Rajan

Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance

Bruce Lindsay Distinguished Service Professor of Economics and Public Policy

Quentin Vandeweyer

Assistant Professor of Finance and Fama Faculty Fellow

Pietro Veronesi

Deputy Dean for Faculty and Chicago Board of Trade Professor of Finance

Robert W. Vishny

Myron S. Scholes Distinguished Service Professor of Finance and Neubauer Faculty Director of the Davis Center

Michael Weber

Associate Professor of Finance

Anthony Lee Zhang

Luigi Zingales

Robert C. McCormack Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance

Professor of Economics and Finance

Alumni Success

Graduates of the Stevens Doctoral Program go on to successful careers in prominent institutions of higher learning, leading financial institutions, government, and beyond.

Shohini Kundu, MBA '20, PhD '21

Assistant Professor of Finance UCLA Anderson School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles Shohini Kundu's research lies in financial intermediation and macroeconomics, security design and externalities of financial contracts, and emerging market finance. Her dissertation area is in finance.

Jane (Jian) Li, PhD '21

Assistant Professor of Business, Finance Division Columbia Business School, Columbia University Jane's research lies at the intersection of macroeconomics and finance. She is particularly interested in how financial intermediaries affect the real economy and how different types of financial institutions can contribute to financial instability. Her dissertation area is in financial economics.

Spotlight on Research

The pages of Chicago Booth Review regularly highlight the research findings of finance faculty and PhD students.

A Brief History of Finance and My Life at Chicago

Chicago Booth’s Eugene F. Fama describes the serendipitous events that led him to Chicago, and into his monumental career in academic finance.

Climate-Policy Pronouncements Boost 'Brown' Stocks

It was a dramatic example of how White House communications on climate policy can affect asset prices, according to Washington University in St. Louis’s William Cassidy, a recent graduate of Booth’s PhD Program.

With Business Loans Harder to Get, Private Debt Funds Are Stepping In

It’s become harder for many prospective borrowers to access capital. But private debt funds have stepped in to fill the gap, according to Joern Block (Trier University), Booth PhD candidate Young Soo Jang, Booth’s Steve Kaplan, and Trier’s Anna Schulze.

Too Many 'Shadow Banks' Can Limit Overall Access to Credit

While go-betweens can benefit the broader economy by smoothing the flow of credit, there are now probably too many links in the credit chain, argue Zhiguo He and Jian Li (Booth PhD graduate).

A Network of Support

Chicago Booth is home to several interdisciplinary research centers that offer funding for student work, host workshops and conferences, and foster a strong research community.

Fama-Miller Center for Research in Finance Tasked with pushing the boundaries of research in finance, the Fama-Miller Center provides institutional structure and support for researchers in the field.

Becker Friedman Institute for Economics Bringing together researchers from the entire Chicago economics community, the Becker Friedman Institute fosters novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems.

Center for Research in Security Prices CRSP maintains one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive stock market databases. Since 1963, it has been a valued resource for businesses, government, and scholars.

Kent A. Clark Center for Global Markets Enhancing the understanding of business and financial market globalization, the Clark Center positions Chicago Booth as a thought leader in the understanding of ever-changing markets and improves financial and economic decision-making around the world.

George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State Dedicated to examining issues at the intersection of politics and the economy, the Stigler Center supports research by PhD students and others who are interested in the political, economic, and cultural obstacles to better working markets.

Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation Committed to making the world more equitable and sustainable, the Rustandy Center works to solve complex social and environmental problems. The center’s student support includes fellowships, research funding, and networking opportunities.

The PhD Experience at Booth

For Itzhak Ben-David, PhD ’08, the PhD Program in Finance was an exploratory journey.

Video Transcript

Itzhak Ben-David, ’08: 00:03 For me, the PhD Program was an exploratory journey. It was about discovering what was interesting for me, what will be interesting for other economists. It was about discovering something new about the world. Much of the PhD Program experience is to explore and to wonder a bit and to just think and expose yourself to new ideas and new disciplines. Back then, this was 2006, I found a billboard that said, "If you buy this house, we're going to give you a free car or $20,000 in cash." And this seemed really odd to me. What I realized that was going on, that this was part of a borrower fraud and the idea was that seller and the buyer will agree on a higher price on a house and the lender would be under the impression that the collateral worth more than it really is.

Itzhak Ben-David, ’08: 00:58 So I started to investigate other parts of the real estate food chain. What I saw is that in many parts of this chain, there were incentives in place pushing the intermediaries or the different economic agents to inflate prices. It's not always a bubble, but oftentimes it points out behavior that is not consistent with our textbook behavior. I had the dream team of advisors, Toby Moskowitz, Dick Taylor, Steve Levitt, and Erik Hurst. Each one of them contributed in different way to my dissertation and brought different ideas, brought different aspects. There is no better place of doing research than in Booth. It's really a hub of academic activity. There is no important work that doesn't pass at Chicago before being published. It's really an intellectual home. When you meet people and you know that they are from Booth, you can see the difference in their thinking.

Current Finance Students

PhD students in finance study a wide range of topics, including the behavior and determinants of security prices, the financing and investment decisions of firms, corporate governance, and the management and regulation of financial institutions. They go on to careers at prestigious institutions, from Yale University to the International Monetary Fund.

Current Students

Rahul Chauhan Ching-Tse Chen Aditya Dhar Mihir Gandhi  Huan (Bianca) He Jessica Li Edoardo Marchesi Rayhan Momin Lauren Mostrom Meichen Qian Francisco Ruela Sixun Tang Hui (Judy) Yue

Booth also offers joint degrees. Learn more about the current students in our Joint Program in Financial Economics .

Program Expectations and Requirements

The Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth is a full-time program. Students generally complete the majority of coursework and examination requirements within the first two years of studies and begin work on their dissertation during the third year. For details, see General Examination Requirements by Area in the Stevens Program Guidebook below.

Download the 2023-2024 Guidebook!

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From the Finance Ph.D. Liaison

“Welcome to UCLA Anderson’s Finance area, long recognized as one of the world’s top programs. Our Ph.D. students work with renowned faculty whose expertise covers corporate finance, macroeconomics, asset pricing, derivatives, investments and behavioral finance. The UCLA Anderson Doctoral Program is highly selective. We expect you to develop a passion and tenacity for excellent research in finance and, through mentorship and collaboration, we prepare you for a distinguished academic career. We look forward to receiving your application.”

Barney Hartman-Glaser Professor of Finance

Explore the Program

Recent publications.

Risk and Return in Segmented Markets with Expertise Andrea Eisfeldt

Complex assets appear to earn persistent high average returns, and to display high Sharpe ratios – but investor participation is very limited. Eisfeldt, along with co-authors Hanno Lustig and Lei Zhang, provides an explanation for these facts using a model of the pricing of complex securities by risk-averse investors who are subject to asset-specific risk in a dynamic model of industry equilibrium.  

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Learning Millennial Style Bruce Carlin

The growing use of online educational content and related video services has changed the way people access education, share knowledge, and possibly make life decisions. Here, Carlin – with co-authors Li Jiang and Stephen A. Spiller – characterizes how video content affects individual decision-making and willingness to share in the context of a personal financial decision.  

Volatility Managed Portfolios Tyler Muir

Managed portfolios that take less risk when volatility is high produce large, positive alphas and increase factor Sharpe ratios by substantial amounts. Muir, together with co-author Alan Moreira, documents a profitable trading strategy that increases stock market exposure in low volatility episodes and reduces exposure in high volatility times.  

Alumni Success

Robert Richmond (’16)

First academic placement: NYU Stern

In 2016, Robert Richmond earned the Conference on International Finance Best Paper Award (2016), the Cubist Systematic Strategies Ph.D. Candidate Award for Outstanding Research and the Xavier Drèze award for most outstanding Ph.D. research paper. His current research uncovers an economic source of exposure to global risk that drives international asset prices.

Mindy Xiaolan Zhang (’14)

First academic placement: UT Austin

Mindy Zhang is recipient of the 2014 Trefftzs Award for Best Student Paper, WFA; and the 2014 Yihong Xia Best Paper Award, CICF. She conducts research on macro finance, equilibrium asset pricing, dynamic contracting, dynamic corporate theory, labor and finance.

Tobias J. Moskowitz (’98)

First academic placement: University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Recipient of numerous honors and awards, Tobias "Toby" Moskowitz is one of UCLA Anderson's Inspirational 100 alumni. Moskowitz was named the inaugural Dean Takahashi '80 B.A., '83 M.P.P.M. Professor of Finance at Yale School of Management in 2016. He was previously the Fama Family Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he had taught since 1998. In 2011, he co-authored the best-selling book Scorecasting , which uses economic principles to explain the hidden side of sports.

Joshua D. Coval (’97)

First academic placement: University of Michigan Business School

Joshua Coval's current research investigates the structured finance market and how investor reliance on ratings and unsound pricing models led to the spectacular rise and collapse thereof. His research awards include the 2000 and 2005 Smith-Breeden Prize for the best paper in the Journal of Finance . His research has been featured in The Economist, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, Time, Money Magazine and Financial Times .

William F. Sharpe (’61)

Winner of the 1990 Nobel Prize in Economic Science, William Sharpe was mentored at UCLA by the late Professor J. Fred Weston. Sharpe was one of the originators of the Capital Asset Pricing Model and developed the Sharpe Ratio for investment performance analysis. He co-founded the independent investment advisory firm Financial Engines.

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Wharton’s PhD program in Finance provides students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and empirical tools of modern finance, drawing heavily on the discipline of economics.

The department prepares students for careers in research and teaching at the world’s leading academic institutions, focusing on Asset Pricing and Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Financial Institutions and Macroeconomics.

Wharton’s Finance faculty, widely recognized as the finest in the world, has been at the forefront of several areas of research. For example, members of the faculty have led modern innovations in theories of portfolio choice and savings behavior, which have significantly impacted the asset pricing techniques used by researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Another example is the contribution by faculty members to the analysis of financial institutions and markets, which is fundamental to our understanding of the trade-offs between economic systems and their implications for financial fragility and crises.

Faculty research, both empirical and theoretical, includes such areas as:

• Structure of financial markets
• Formation and behavior of financial asset prices
• Banking and monetary systems
• Corporate control and capital structure
• Saving and capital formation
• International financial markets

For information on courses and sample plan of study, please visit the University Graduate Catalog .

Get the Details.

Visit the Finance website for details on program requirements and courses. Read faculty and student research and bios to see what you can do with a Finance PhD.

Finance Doctoral Coordinator Prof. Luke Taylor John B. Neff Associate Professor in Finance, Professor of Finance Co-Director, Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research Email: [email protected] Phone: (215) 898-4802

PhD | Finance

The Ph.D. in Finance

Stern’s Ph.D. program in finance trains scholars to conduct research at the leading edge of financial economics. The faculty represents one of the largest finance research groups in the world that has been ranked consistently as the leading publisher of academic research in top finance journals. Comprised of more than 40 researchers, including a Nobel-prize-winning economist, our faculty are active in all areas of finance—asset pricing, corporate finance, derivatives, market microstructure, and behavioral finance—with both theoretical and empirical focus, and with emerging specialization in the areas of financial intermediation, crises, and macro-finance. As a result of this unusual breadth, students have access to expertise in almost any topic that they might wish to explore.

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The 10 Best PhD Programs in Finance

In essence, finance is the study of economics and the claims on resources. The best PhD programs in finance help you develop professionally so you can make difficult decisions around fund allocation, financial planning, and corporate financial management. This qualification will also equip you for a career in teaching or research at top universities.

Which of the 10 best finance PhDs is best for you?

Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Why Get a Doctorate in Finance?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), finance managerial professionals have an average salary of $131,710  per year, and jobs are estimated to grow by 17%  from 2020 to 2030. This is much more than the average across all occupations. With a PhD in finance, you may work as a finance manager or even become a CEO of a large corporation.

Jobs and Salaries for Doctors of Finance

After earning a PhD in finance, you can find well-paid jobs as a professor or in various corporate finance roles.

Here are some of the most common finance professions with the average annual salaries for each:

• Financial Manager ( $96,255 )
• Financial Analyst ( $63,295 )
• Finance Professor ( $73,776 )
• Chief Financial Officer ( $140,694 )
• Investment Analyst ( $67,730 )

Read More:   The Highest Paying PhD Programs

What’s the average cost of a phd program in finance.

The tuition for a PhD in finance can vary depending on the university, with public institutions generally being much more affordable than private ones.

Across all schools, the average tuition is around $30,000 per year.

However, on top of this, you need to factor in other expenses, which could add up to another $30,000 a year. Some top universities offer full funding, including tuition and a stipend for all students who are successfully admitted to the program.

Read Next: The Average Cost of a Master’s Degree in Finance

Top finance phd programs and schools, stanford university, graduate school of business.

PhD in Finance

Stanford University is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Its PhD in finance programs has an emphasis on theoretical modeling and empirical testing of financial and economic principles.

• Courses include: Financial markets, empirical asset pricing, macroeconomics, and financial markets.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : Full funding
• Financial aid: Research & teaching assistantship, grants, outside employment, and outside support.
• Delivery: On-campus
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location: Stanford, California

The University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School

The University of Pennsylvania’s renowned Wharton School of Business is home to faculty who are well-known in the field of business research. The school boasts a low student-faculty ratio in an atmosphere that allows you to work with faculty members as peers. This doctor of finance program emphasizes subjects like asset pricing, corporate finance, and portfolio management. This helps students become experts in research and teaching in these areas.

• Courses include: Topics in asset pricing, financial economics, and international finance.
• Credits: 18 courses
• Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, student employment, health insurance, stipend, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

Booth School of Business is a major center for finance education because its faculty includes Eugene F. Fama, Nobel laureate and the father of modern empirical finance. This finance doctoral degree has an option for a joint PhD in collaboration with the university’s economics department.

• Courses: Financial economics, financial markets in the macroeconomy, and behavioral finance.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Grants, stipends, health insurance, scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Gies College of Business

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is one of the best places for studying and conducting research in finance. Its finance research faculty was ranked #4  in the UTD Top 100 Business School Research Rankings between 2016-2019. In this PhD in finance program, students can take the qualifying examination at the end of the first year and, if successful. They’ll be able to start their research project earlier and complete the degree sooner.

• Courses include: Empirical analysis in finance, corporate finance, and statistics & probability.
• Duration: 4-5 years
• Financial aid: Full tuition waiver, stipends, scholarships, grants, student employment, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 63%
• Location: Champaign, Illinois

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management

The Sloan School is one of the top research centers in the world, which aims to transform students into experts who can handle real-world problems in a wide range of spheres, from business and healthcare to climate change. This PhD program in finance gives students the flexibility to choose between a wide range of electives and even study some courses at Harvard.

• Courses include: Current research in financial economics, statistics/applied econometrics, and corporate finance.
• Duration: 6 years
• Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, health insurance, fellowships, scholarships, and loans.
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

The Kellogg School of Management allows students to conduct independent research under the supervision of faculty who’ve made significant contributions to the field and have earned numerous prestigious awards. This doctorate of finance program’s admission process has a dual application option. You can also apply to the Economics PhD simultaneously, so if you are not selected for the finance program, you may be considered for economics.

• Courses include: Econometrics, corporate finance, and asset pricing.
• Duration: 5.5 years
• Financial aid: Tuition scholarship, stipends, health insurance, moving allowance, and subsidies.
• Location: Evanston, Illinois

The University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business

The Haas School of Business in Berkeley is an innovative institution that questions the status quo, takes intelligent risks, and accepts sensible failures in its path to progress. This finance PhD program offers students opportunities to learn about cutting-edge research from faculty from around the world.

• Courses include: Corporate finance theory, stochastic calculus, and applications of psychology & economics.
• Tuition : Refer cost page
• Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, tuition allowance, stipends, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.
• Acceptance rate: 17%
• Location: Berkeley, California

The University of Texas at San Antonio, Alvarez College of Business

The Alvarez College of Business is one of the forty largest business schools in the USA. It follows a comprehensive and practical approach to education that allows students to apply the knowledge they gain directly in the workplace. This PhD in finance encourages students to do collaborative research with the faculty, which helps them publish their own academic papers before they even complete the program.

• Courses include: Corporate finance, international financial markets, and microeconomic theory.
• Credits: 84 (post-bachelors)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, research fellowships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 84%
• Location: San Antonio, Texas

Liberty University, School of Business

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Finance

Liberty University is a non-profit institution among the top five online schools in the USA and has been offering fixed tuition fees for the past seven years. This is one of the best PhD in Finance programs you can do completely online. It aims to prepare students to address issues in business finance through research, best practices, and relevant literature.

• Courses: Managerial Finance, Investments & Derivatives, Business Valuation, etc.
• Credits: 60
• Duration: 3 years average
• Tuition : $595 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study, veteran benefits, and loans.
• Delivery: Online
• Acceptance rate: 50%
• Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Northcentral University

PhD in Business Administration (PhD-BA) – Finance Management

Northcentral University was founded with the objective of offering flexible, fully-online programs to working professionals around the world. This doctorate degree in finance online is flexible and allows you to design your own schedule. You will also get one-on-one personal mentoring from qualified faculty.

• Courses include: Business financial systems, business statistics, and business leadership & strategy.
• Duration: 84 months average
• Tuition: $1,105 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and military scholarships.
• Acceptance rate: NA
• Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Things To Consider When Choosing a Finance PhD Program

The right PhD program for you is a very personal decision and will depend on several individual factors.

However, these general questions will help you to make the right choice:

• Is the university properly accredited?
• Does the university conduct innovative and cutting-edge research?
• Are there renowned faculty members who you’ll want to work with?
• Do they offer subjects or specializations that match your career goals?
• What is the school’s placement history?
• What are the tuition fees, costs, and options for scholarships and financial aid?
• Does the program offer online study options?

It’s also important to consider if you want to pursue a career in academia or work in organizations as a senior finance professional. A PhD degree will generally set you up for a career in research or academia, while a DBA is more suited to a career in business or government.

Preparing for a Finance Doctorate Program

It’s important to start preparing early if you want to be selected for one of the best finance PhD programs.

These handy tips can help you put your best foot forward:

• Research the requirements of the best universities offering PhD in finance degrees, including pre-requisite subjects and qualifying grades. Keep these in mind when completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Understand your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the program’s requirements. Work on your weaknesses and continue to hone relevant skills.
• Read extensively in the field and keep up-to-date on regional and global developments.
• Join communities of finance professionals to build your network and be exposed to the latest knowledge in the discipline.

Skills You Gain from Earning a PhD in Finance

The most important skills you learn as a doctor of finance include:

• Communication skills, including writing and presentation skills
• Data analytical skills
• Economics and accounting skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Mathematical skills
• Analytical software skills
• Management and leadership skills
• Problem-solving skills

PhD Programs in Finance FAQs

How long does a phd in finance take.

PhD programs in finance usually take between three and eight years to complete.

Is It Worth Getting a PhD in Finance?

A PhD in Finance is a qualification that’s in high demand today. It is a terminal degree and can help you get top-level jobs with lucrative salaries in corporate or large organizations.

How Much Can You Make With a PhD in Finance?

With a finance doctorate, you can expect to earn a salary anywhere from around $45,000 to $150,000, depending on your experience, role, and the organization you work for. According to the BLS, the average salary for finance PhD holders is $131,710 .

What Do You Need To Get a PhD in Finance?

The admissions requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance. The programs can take three to eight years of coursework and research.

To apply, you’ll usually need to submit:

• Application
• Academic resume
• Academic transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• GRE or GMAT score
• Personal essay

Final Thoughts

With a doctorate in finance, you can build a rewarding career in academia, research, or the business sector. Like any doctorate, these programs ask for dedication and hard work. By planning early, you’ll set yourself up to pursue one of the best PhD programs in finance.

For more on how to build your career in the field, take a look at our guides to the best master’s degree in finance , the highest paying PhDs , and fully-funded PhD programs .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
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Which program is right for you?

Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.

A rigorous, hands-on program that prepares adaptive problem solvers for premier finance careers.

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Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

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This 20-month MBA program equips experienced executives to enhance their impact on their organizations and the world.

Non-degree programs for senior executives and high-potential managers.

A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.

PhD Program in Finance

2023-24 curriculum outline.

The MIT Sloan Finance Group offers a doctoral program specialization in Finance for students interested in research careers in academic finance. The requirements of the program may be loosely divided into five categories: coursework, the Finance Seminar, the general examination, the research paper, and the dissertation. Attendance at the weekly Finance Seminar is mandatory in the second year and beyond and is encouraged in the first year.  During the first two years, students are engaged primarily in coursework, taking both required and elective courses in preparation for their general examination at the end of the second year.  Students are required to complete a research paper by the end of their fifth semester, present it in front of the faculty committee and receive a passing grade.  After that, students are required to find a formal thesis advisor and form a thesis committee by the end of their eighth semester. The Thesis Committee should consist of at least one tenured faculty from the MIT Sloan Finance Group.

Required Courses

The following set of required courses is designed to furnish each student with a sound and well-rounded understanding of the theoretical and empirical foundations of finance, as well as the tools necessary to make original contributions in each of these areas. Finance PhD courses (15.470, 15.471, 15.472, 15.473, 15.474) in which the student does not receive a grade of B or higher must be retaken.

First Year - Summer

Math Camp begins on the second Monday in August. 

First Year - Fall Semester

14.121/14.122 Micro Theory I/II

14.451/14.452 Macro Theory I/II ( strongly recommended)

14.380/14.381 — Statistics/Applied Econometrics

15.470 — Asset Pricing

First Year - Spring Semester

14.123/14.124 Micro Theory III/IV

14.453/14.454 Macro Theory III/IV (strongly recommended)

14.382 – Econometrics

15.471 – Corporate Finance

Second Year - Fall Semester

15.472 — Advanced Asset Pricing

  14.384 — Time-Series Analysis or  14.385 — Nonlinear Econometric Analysis  (Enrolled students receive a one-semester waiver from attending the Finance Seminar due to a scheduling conflict)

15.475 — Current Research in Financial Economics

Second Year - Spring Semester

15.473 — Advanced Corporate Finance

 15.474 — Current Topics in Finance (strongly encouraged to take multiple times)

15.475 — Current Research in Financial Economics

Recommended Elective Courses

Beyond these required courses, students are expected to enroll in elective courses determined by their primary area of interest. There are two informal “tracks” in Financial Economics: Corporate Finance and Asset Pricing. Recommended electives are designed to deepen the student's grasp of material that will be central to the writing of his/her dissertation. Students also have the opportunity to take courses at Harvard University. There is no formal requirement to select one track or another, and students are free to take any of the electives.

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The Columbia Advantage

Finance Doctoral students are trained in major areas in finance and economics, including, asset pricing, corporate finance, continuous-time models in finance, information economics, international finance, market micro-structure, and banking. The program prepares students for careers in scholarly research, and graduates take jobs primarily in academic or research institutions, while some students opt to work in industry. Details about the coursework and research students conduct on their way to earning their doctorate can be found on the  Academics page.  

The Finance Division at Columbia Business school has a track record of training scholars who go on to become academics at Universities, including many of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Our placement success is due in part to the close working relationship that students develop with the faculty in the division. The School intentionally keeps the PhD program small making it easier for students to find faculty collaborators and thrive. See our  Placement page  for more information.

Student Life

The Columbia Business School doctoral community consists of 125 students across six programs. The program attracts exceptional students from all over the world who are looking to develop research skills under the tutelage of faculty experts. Students come to the School for the exceptional training but also because they value the diversity, creativity, entrepreneurship and social tolerance that NYC offers. See here  for more about student life. 

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PhD in Financial Technology (FinTech)

Drive Innovation at the Intersection of Finance and Technology

The future of finance is here and it’s unfolding at an unprecedented pace. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the finance industry is undergoing a transformative shift, necessitating a new breed of professionals. Our program is dedicated to cultivating leaders who will pioneer the next wave of innovation in the financial sector.

Value Proposition Description

Why FinTech?  

The fusion of finance and technology, known as FinTech, represents one of the fastest-growing industry sectors globally. With a market capitalization exceeding $550 billion and more than 272 fintech unicorns, the potential for groundbreaking work in this field is vast. The rise of digital payments, mobile banking, cryptocurrencies, and beyond has reshaped the landscape of financial services, making FinTech an essential area of study and innovation.  

A Multidisciplinary Approach  

WPI’s FinTech PhD program is uniquely positioned to offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary education that bridges finance, technology, computer science, and ethics. Leveraging the expertise of our distinguished faculty and the resources of our state-of-the-art FinTech Innovation Hub, students engage in cutting-edge research and practical applications of their studies.  

Curriculum for PhD in Financial Technology (FinTech)  

The FinTech PhD program offers a rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of both the technological and financial aspects of this evolving field. Our program emphasizes:  

Covering blockchain technology, Asset Pricing, Price Theory, Econometrics, Macroeconomics, digital payments, AI, and machine learning, our courses are tailored to meet the demands of the FinTech industry.

By working closely with regional FinTech firms and departments across the university, students gain a well-rounded perspective on the technical, regulatory, and business dimensions of FinTech. The collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute's (WPI) world-renowned faculty presents a unique and invaluable opportunity for scholars to engage in cutting-edge research in the field of finance. WPI's faculty are leaders in their disciplines, known for their innovative approaches and contributions to technology and finance.  

Collaborating with world-renowned faculty at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) significantly benefits students, especially in refining their research for publication in top finance journals. Working alongside leading academics offers students unparalleled access to advanced methodologies and insights into the finance field. This mentorship helps students navigate the complexities of research and publication, ensuring their work meets the high standards of prestigious journals. Such collaboration not only boosts students' academic profiles but also contributes valuable insights to the finance community.  

The benefits of this scholarly collaboration extend beyond individual achievements, contributing to the broader academic and professional communities by setting new benchmarks in finance research.

Our curriculum incorporates discussions on ethics, data privacy, and financial inclusion to prepare students for the ethical challenges they may face in their careers.

Graduates of our program are poised to make significant contributions to the FinTech sector, whether in academia, industry research, or leading their own innovative startups. Our alumni network spans the globe, with members holding pivotal positions in major financial hubs and pioneering the development of new technologies and business models.

Important Dates

Next Start: August 22, 2024  

Application Deadline: Apply by May 1st

FinTech Education at WPI: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Dean Debora Jackson and Professors Kwamie Dunbar, Joseph Sarkis, and Robert Sarnie of the WPI Business School discuss how the university’s cross-disciplinary experiential learning and collaboration make it the ideal place to study FinTech.

FinTech for Inclusivity, Growth, and the Future

In partnership with Flame University, Boston Blockchain Association (BBA), and the Massachusetts High Technology Council, the WPI Business School and the Future Finance and Economics Association (FFEA) hosted their inaugural conference in October 2023—the first such FFEA event in the United States.

WPI & Flame University FinTech Lab

In partnership with Flame University, WPI’s FinTech Lab recognizes the critical role of adept individuals in driving this transformation. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, it cultivates a dynamic environment where experts from finance, technology, data science, and entrepreneurship converge to develop cutting-edge solutions.

Similar Majors

Dr. Dunbar is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Finance at WPI. In addition to his extensive experience in teaching and research, he has a wealth of industry experience working with several fortune 500 companies in various capacities.

Professor Dunbar's research has appeared in leading economics and finance journals such as Quantitative Finance, Economic Modeling, International Review of Financial Analysis, and Research in International Business and Finance, amongst others. His [...]

Joseph Sarkis is a Professor of Management within Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Business School. He previously served as a faculty member at Clark University and the University of Texas at Arlington. His teaching and research interests are in the fields of environmental sustainability, operations and supply chain management. He is the author or co-author of over 600 publications. His research is widely cited and earned the designation of highly cited researcher for eight years from&n [...]

Rob joins WPI from Fidelity Investments, where he spent 23 years in the finance industry, holding multiple executive leadership positions including VP of Strategy and Planning, VP Human Resource Systems, and VP Finance, Procurement, and Accounting Systems. Rob also previously held positions in both the public and private sectors for companies in the manufacturing and nonprofit industries.

At Fidelity, Rob exercised his passion for coaching and mentoring by leading multiple mentoring pro [...]

Take the First Step Today

Prepare to be a research or industry leader in the rapidly growing world of FinTech.

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PhD Programs

• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has five areas of study: Accounting and Management , Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , management  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

PhD in Finance

The Department of Finance, Real Estate, and Insurance and Risk Management at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business offers a rigorous, systematic, and highly structured doctoral program that develops quantitative, analytical, and teaching skills required for a successful career as a financial economist or as a faculty member. Our primary objective is to train scholars who will join top academic and research institutions or enter the field of financial economics.

The department has experienced phenomenal growth in the past few years, with exceptionally talented and highly energetic fresh PhDs from Columbia University, Indiana University, London Business School, and the University of Michigan joining our internationally renowned faculty. We work with a select number of PhD candidates each year on a wide range of empirical and theoretical research topics in finance.

• Asset pricing
• Corporate finance
• Experimental finance
• Financial institutions
• High-frequency trading
• International finance
• Market microstructure

Real Estate

• Housing policy
• Real estate finance
• Real estate investment
• Urban economics

Insurance and Risk Management

• Castastrophe risk
• Decision-making under risk
• Economics of uncertainty
• Innovations in managing risk
• Insurance markets
• Risk literacy
• Risk management

Our faculty publications appear in journals such as Geneva Risk, Insurance Review, Journal of Risk and Insurance, Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Journal of Finance , Journal of Financial Research , Financial Review , Journal of Real Estate Finance & Economics , Quarter Journal of Business and Economics , Journal of International Business Studies , and the Pacific-Basin Finance Journal . 

Student support

Lindner doctoral students receive excellent research support. Our seminar series features prominent researchers. Our department has subscriptions to all major finance and accounting databases through WRDS, and funding is available to doctoral students for travel to conferences. Our top-ranked Carl H. Lindner III Center for Insurance and Risk Management and the UC Real Estate Center provide a great opportunity for doctoral students to interact with practitioners.

A collegial environment has long been a hallmark of Lindner PhD programs. Students frequently collaborate with one another and with faculty to produce original research. We strongly encourage these collaborations and place a high priority on students pursuing their own research agendas as quickly as possible. The finance program is highly selective, allowing faculty to work closely with each doctoral student to customize a program of study that meets his or her interests and needs. The goal of this interaction is for you to develop the ability to conduct original research that will become the cornerstone of your dissertation.

In order to enhance our students' teaching abilities, Lindner offers teaching workshops to develop their classroom skills. In our program, students are mentored by department faculty while in various teaching assistant roles and they are given hands-on teaching experience in the classroom to complete their teacher training.

The program begins with a thorough grounding in quantitative methods and economic and financial theory and is complemented by a sequence of seminars covering all the major areas of financial economics. Through work on an independent research paper, students develop the skills and ability necessary to conduct original research. Satisfactory performance on a written comprehensive examination marks the transition from coursework to full-time thesis research. A brief list of the research topics students may choose to pursue as a dissertation topic include theoretical, experimental, or empirical aspects of asset pricing, corporate finance, financial institutions, market microstructure, or real estate.

The program offers a thorough grounding in the basic tools of economics, statistics, and mathematics through a series of introductory courses followed by a series of well-defined seminars that cover the major areas of financial economics.

In addition to gaining basic analytical tools, candidates learn to develop economic intuition into financial problems and acquire the necessary mind-set to teach and conduct independent research as a university professor.

The curriculum consists of four components: required courses, an independent research paper, a comprehensive exam and a dissertation.

Course requirements

Students complete a program of study that leads to competency in three areas: quantitative methods, economics, and finance. The requirements of the program of study are typically satisfied by completing 18 courses in the first two and a half years of the program. Required courses include seven courses in quantitative methods and economics, six in finance, and several electives. In some cases coursework prior to entering the Program may be substituted for required courses.

Research paper

Students are expected to engage in research early in the program. All students work at least part-time as research assistants during the first two years of the program. By the end of their second year, students are required to submit a research paper as part of the FIN 9025 Research Colloquium. A more detailed description of the research paper and the standards and criteria used to evaluate it is available from (and maintained and updated by) the PhD Committee.

Comprehensive examination

Satisfactory performance on a written comprehensive examination marks the student's transition from coursework to full-time thesis research. The examination is intended to allow the student to demonstrate substantial knowledge of finance, economics and quantitative methods.

The candidate will have completed most course work, including all finance coursework, and submitted a satisfactory research paper prior to taking the comprehensive examination.

Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is expected to be a substantial, significant and original contribution to knowledge. It is prepared under the guidance of a thesis committee of three or more faculty members (including one from outside the Finance department) selected by the candidate in consultation with his or her thesis advisor. Early in the process, the candidate submits a thesis proposal. The proposal is presented in a seminar to which the finance faculty and doctoral students are invited. The purpose of the presentation is to give the student an opportunity to hear the suggestions and comments of members of the UC finance community while the research plan is still fluid.

A thesis-defense seminar, open to the entire University of Cincinnati academic community, is held when the research is completed.

Required coursework

The finance PhD program requires the following coursework:

Introductory courses

• Introduction to Research and Teaching: taken the first semester in the program
• Philosophy of Science
• Business Core: if you do not have an MBA degree, you are required to become familiar with the basic body of knowledge (e.g, marketing, management, and accounting). Many of these courses can be waived if you have an MS degree.

Economic and Quantitative Methods (five courses)

• Principles of Probability
• Statistical Inference
• Econometrics I and II
• Microeconomic Theory

Typical electives (five courses):

• Options and Futures
• Math for Economists
• Financial Engineering
• Forecasting/Time Series Analysis
• Introduction to Cognitive Psychology
• Theory of Incentives
• SAS Programming
• Data Mining
• Linear Models
• Financial Mathematics I and II
• Applied Probability and Stochastic Processes
• Applied Economic Forecasting

The department offers the following seminars. The final seminar, FIN 9025 Research Colloquium: Special Topics in Finance, does not meet as a regular course. It is the course credit associated with the second-year paper.

FIN 9011: Foundations of Finance

• This course will introduce students to decision making under uncertainty (including consumer and producer theory, industrial organization, and welfare economics). Models with symmetric information (including static and dynamic portfolio and consumption choice problems) and asymmetric information (including models of moral hazard and adverse selection) will be covered.

FIN 9012: Corporate Finance Theory

• This course covers the theory of financial decision making in a variety of corporate forms (including public, private, start-up/entrepreneurial firms and financial intermediaries). This course will consider the theoretical foundations of the following topics: capital structure and payout policy, security issuance, governance (including mergers and acquisitions and performance incentives), and the existence of financial intermediaries. The course will also introduce the student to the tools of game theory (Nash equilibrium and refinements, screening/signaling models, etc.) used in theoretical corporate finance research.

FIN 9013: Empiracal Studies in Corporate Finance

• This course covers the empirical methodologies used in testing and investigating corporate finance topics and empirical examinations of important corporate finance issues. Representative topics covered include Empirical Methods/Techniques (event studies, long-term performance measurement); Mergers and Acquisitions (general issues, merger waves, proxy fights and takeovers); and, Performance Incentives and Organizational Form (boards of directors, compensation and insider holdings, institutional investors, blockholders, and corporate governance).

FIN 9014: Asset Pricing Theory

• This course covers the theory of how financial assets are priced (including equities, debt, and derivatives). Representative topics covered include the Efficient Markets Hypothesis, CAPM and APT, Intertemporal CAPM, Consumption CAPM, Derivatives Markets, and the Black-Scholes-Merton model.

FIN 9015: Empiracal Studies in Asset Pricing and Investments

• This course introduces students to current empirical asset pricing research. Representative topics covered include Time-Series Stock Return Predictability, Cross-Sectional Stock Return Predictability, the Dynamics of Stock Market Volatility, and the Stock Market Risk/Return Relationship over Time. Each topic will be addressed in three respects: commonly used empirical methodologies; main empirical findings; and the relation between empirical research and theory. The course will provide an overview of the tension between empirical findings and economic theories and discuss recent theoretical developments that provide a better explanation of data.

FIN 9020: Advanced Topics in Finance

• This course will cover a series of selected research topics that are not currently addressed within the department's other semester-length courses. As a result, this seminar may be structured as a series of mini-courses, each covering a few sessions, taught by multiple instructors. Representative topics that may be covered include Behavioral Finance, Real Estate, Financial Institutions, Experimental Economics, and Market Microstructure.

FIN 9025: Research Colloquium: Current Topics in Finance

• It is anticipated that most students will take this course during their second year in the program. In this colloquium the student will develop an independent, original research idea under the supervision of one or more faculty mentors. During the course the student will carry out all the theoretical analysis and empirical tests required to convert their research question into an original paper. The colloquium will culminate with the circulation of the finished research paper and a professional presentation of the research to the entire faculty.

Recent graduates of Lindner's Finance PhD concentration have accepted positions at:

• Arcadia University
• Marymount Manhattan College
• Shippensburg University
• University of Manitoba

Bond, Shaun, Pai, Yu-Jou , Wang, Peng, and Suyan Zheng (2019), “The Impact of Dividend Reinvestment Plans on Firm Payout Choices -Evidence from Real Estate Investment Trusts”, Real Estate Economics , 47(1), 178-213.

Suyan Zheng, “Why Do Multinational Firms Hold So Much Cash? Further Evidence on the Precautionary Motive,” Journal of Accounting and Finance , forthcoming

Suyan Zheng (2017), “Can Corporate Diversification Induce More Tax Avoidance Practices?”, Journal of Multinational Financial Management , 41, 47-60.

Doina C. Chichernea , Anthony D. Holder, and Alex Petkevich. "Does return dispersion explain the accrual and investment anomalies?" Journal of Accounting and Economics .

Doina C. Chichernea , Michael F. Ferguson, and Haimanot Kassa, "Idiosyncratic Risk, Investor Base and Returns," Financial Management .

Hui Guo and Buhui Qiu , "A Better Measure of Institutional Informed Trading," Contemporary Accounting Research .

Kee H. Chung and Sean Yang. "Reverse Stock Splits, Institutional Holdings, and Share Value" , Financial Management .

Kee H. Chung and Chairat Chuwonganant. "Uncertainty, Market Structure, and Liquidity" . Journal of Financial Economics 113 (September 2014), 476-499.

Guo, Hui, Michael F. Ferguson, and Haimanot (Haim) Kassa , "On the Relation between EGARCH Idiosyncratic Volatility and Expected Stock Returns," Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis 49(1) (2014), 271-296.

Guo, Hui, and Buhui Qiu . "Options-implied variance and future stock returns." Journal of Banking & Finance 44 (2014): 93-113.

Glascock, John, and Ran Lu-Andrews . "An examination of macroeconomic effects on the liquidity of REITs." The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics 49.1 (2014): 23-46.

Qiu, Buhui , Svetoslav Trapkov, and Fadi Yakoub. "Do target CEOs trade premiums for personal benefits?" Journal of Banking & Finance 42 (2014): 23-41.

Kee H. Chung and Hao Zhang. "A Simple Approximation of Intraday Spreads with Daily Data." Journal of Financial Markets 17 (January 2014), 94-120.

Finance PhD Program

The finance Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students for academic careers in financial economics. Financial economics is the study of how individuals and firms raise and invest resources, and how financial assets are priced. Specific topics in asset pricing include the determinants of asset returns, pricing of risk, behavior of investors, and trading mechanisms. Specific topics in corporate finance include capital structure, payout policy, financial intermediation, internal capital markets, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.

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• ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Requirements

Sample Schedule

• GSBA 602. Selected Issues in Economic Theory I
• GSBA 604. Regression and Generalized Linear Models for Business Research
• Elective(s)
• GSBA 612. Selected Issues in Economic Theory II
• FBE 630. Fundamentals of Corporate Finance
• FBE 633. Fundamentals of Asset Pricing
• [Statistics or research design]

Students are assigned a faculty mentor upon entering the program. The faculty mentor advises the student on course selection and as appropriate involves the student in a research project. During the first summer, each student conducts a supervised reading of the literature and prepares a research proposal or study.

• FBE 631. Advanced Corporate Finance
• FBE 634. Advanced Asset Pricing
• FBE 670. Selected Topics in Finance Research #1
• FBE 670. Selected Topics in Finance Research #2
• GSBA 690. Tutorial on the Research Process
• BUCO 637. Communication for Doctoral Students
• Paper #2 (Screening Exam)

Students spend much of the second year developing and producing an independent study. The study is submitted to the program at the end of the summer, and serves as the qualifying exam for the second year.

• FBE 670. Selected Topics in Finance Research #3-#N
• Dissertation proposal (USC Qualifying Exam)
• Dissertation proposal
• GBSA 794. Doctoral Dissertation
• Job Market Paper
• GSBA 794. Doctoral Dissertation
• Dissertation

Job Market Candidates

The program maintains a supportive and collegial environment that fosters collaboration between faculty members and PhD students. All students are assigned one or more faculty mentors for the duration of their studies, and faculty members are actively engaged in supervision of student research.

PhD Students

Robin y. lee.

• PhD Candidate in Finance and Business Economics

Robin Lee is a 5th year Ph.D. candidate in Finance at the Marshall School of Business. Her research interests encompass social and behavioral finance, asset management, and empirical corporate finance. Before joining USC, she earned a B.B.A. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Economics from Yonsei University, and an M.A. in Statistics from Columbia University.

Federica Ansbacher

• PhD Student in Finance and Business Economics

Wenqian (Winston) Chen

Applying to the phd program, dates + deadlines.

December 15, 2023: Application Deadline - Accounting, Data Sciences & Operations, and Management & Organization* 

January 15, 2024: Application Deadline - Finance & Business Economics and Marketing 

The link to the PhD Program application is available on the Admissions page and the next opportunity to apply is for Fall 2024 admission. Late applications may or may not be considered at the discretion of the admissions committee. 

Admissions decisions are made from mid-February to mid-April. You will be notified by email when a decision has been made.

ADMISSIONS CONTACT

Ph.D. Program USC Marshall School of Business 3670 Trousdale Parkway, BRI 306 Los Angeles, California 90089-0809 EMAIL

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Get Your PhD in Finance

Olin’s PhD in Finance emphasizes rigorous analytical training and prepares you to pursue a career in research and teaching at leading academic institutions across the globe.

As a PhD student in Finance, you will train alongside some of the most respected and accomplished academics in the world. Students in this program have strong quantitative backgrounds and analytical abilities, typically with undergraduate training in economics, mathematics, engineering or another quantitative discipline as well as high GMAT/GRE scores.

Finance research is mostly based on economic models, which are used to address problems such as the allocation of capital, risk and rewards in the economy. Empirical work widely uses the tools of econometrics—the application of statistics to economics. Mathematical tools are extremely important in finance, helping to solve sophisticated models that reflect, as closely as possible, the important features of the market.

You have the unique opportunity to benefit from and engage in corporate collaborations with partners such as Equifax and Alibaba. These collaborations have resulted in unique access to robust datasets and have already yielded several dynamic working papers.

Our research-active faculty members are easily accessible to you. Collaboration is encouraged early in the program, with faculty/student joint research resulting in co-authored papers published in important journals.

Our finance faculty members are active and renowned researchers dedicated to advancing the understanding of financial economics. Their research interests encompass many areas of finance, both empirical and theoretical topics, including banking and financial intermediation, corporate finance, corporate control and capital structure, mergers and acquisitions, asset pricing models, investments and portfolio allocation models, and market microstructure.

Research papers by faculty members have recently been published in well-respected journals such as:

• Journal of Finance
• Journal of Financial Economics
• Review of Financial Studies
• Econometrica
• Management Science
• Journal of Financial Intermediation
• Harvard Business Review

Read about collaborative research by Finance faculty and PhD students.

As part of the program, you have access to the Wells Fargo Advisors Center for Finance and Accounting Research (WFA-CFAR). In addition to organizing a number of conferences that bring cutting-edge researchers to Olin, WFA-CFAR also funds data acquisition and student travel.

PhD Finance

Olin’s PhD program in finance emphasizes rigorous analytical training and prepares you to pursue a career in research and teaching.

Research Center Collaboration

The Wells Fargo Advisors Center for Accounting Research is dedicated to the dissemination of cutting-edge research in finance and accounting.

PhD in Finance Curriculum

Prior to the first year, we require mandatory attendance at math camp (offered through the Economics department).

Required Courses

• MEC 610 Microeconomics I (3 credits)
• MEC 611 Microeconomics II (3 credits)
• L11 511 Quantitative Methods I (3 credits)
• L11 5161 Applied Econometrics (3 credits)
• B52 620 Empirical Methods in Finance (if available first year; if not, required in the second year)
• B52 652 Introduction to Asset Pricing
• B52 655 Introduction to Corporate Finance

Prerequisites for FIN 642

• B62 538 Stochastic Foundations for Finance
• B62 539 Mathematical Finance

Olin PhD Finance courses – you will take one of the following groups of courses:

• B52 FIN 643 Info Econ & Corp Finance Theory (3 credits) – Prof. Anjan Thakor
• B52 FIN 642 Advanced Continuous Finance (1.5 credits) – Prof. Phil Dybvig (Pre requisite: B62 539 Mathematical Finance and B62 538 Stochastic Foundations for Finance)
• B52 651 Topics in Finance (1.5 credits)
• B52 654 Empirical Methods in Asset Pricing (1.5 credits) – Prof. Asaf Manela
• Compulsory attendance in all finance brown bag lunches and Friday Seminars
• First-year summer paper; papers are due by end of September after the first year.
• In the summer of the first year, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD Office by September 1 after the first year.
• The Micro Prelim Exam is offered in August. Students must receive a “Distinction/Honors” or “PhD pass” to continue in the PhD program. One retake of the exam is permitted.
• In August after the first year, students must attend an RA/TA orientation offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning.
• B52 FIN 615A and B Research in Finance (both semesters)
• B52 620 Empirical Methods in Finance (if not taken during the first year)
• Directed readings and/or independent studies

Olin PhD Finance courses—you will take one of the following groups of courses:

Other Electives (see below for some choices)

• B50 665 Applied Empirical Research in Accounting
• B53 620 Empirical Methods in Business
• B50 664 Doctoral Seminar in Financial Accounting
• B55 675 Empirical Methods in Structural Modeling
• B62 500R Topics in Quantitative Finance
• E35 516 Optimization in Function Space
• L11 501 Macroeconomics I
• L11 518B Seminar in Applied Econometrics II: Time Series Analysis and Macroeconomics
• B54 661 Analysis of Time Series Data
• Compulsory attendance in all finance brown bag lunches and department seminars
• Second-year summer paper; papers are due by the end of September after the second year.
• Second-year paper—Students must have paper approved by faculty to continue in the PhD program. Papers will be presented to faculty in fall of the third year.
• Field exam, given in June after the second year. Students must pass the field exam to continue in the PhD program.
• In the summer, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD office by September 1.
• B25 615 A and B Research in Finance (both semesters)
• B53 660 Seminar in Presentation Skills (fall semester, required)
• Improvisation Course
• Compulsory attendance in all finance brown bag lunches and Friday seminars
• Second year paper (due in September of third year) must be presented during a brown bag seminar before October 30 and must be approved by the faculty to continue in the PhD program.
• Dissertation research
• Paper presentations (brown bag seminars and conferences)
• Dissertation Proposal—Students must be able to assemble a Research Advisory Committee for the proposal of their dissertation and must submit a Title, Scope and Procedure Form as the committee’s approval of the proposed dissertation by September 30 of the fifth year.
• Paper presentations (job market paper presentations with faculty and at conferences)
• Intent to Graduate (complete form online)
• Job market and placement
• Oral defense of dissertation
• Submission of Examination Approval form, which signifies committee’s approval
• Upload of final, approved dissertation to Graduate School of Arts &Sciences
• Submission of Documented Teaching Requirements to PhD office

Download Finance PhD course descriptions

Brittany Lewis

Assistant Professor

• [email protected]
• 314.935.2935

Todd Milbourn

Full Professor

• [email protected]
• 314.935.6392

Doctoral Programs

Campus Box 1133-124-05 One Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130-4899

• [email protected]
• 314-935-6340

Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Quick Links

• PhD & DBA Admissions
• PhD Bulletin
• Research collaborations PDF
• Greater St. Louis
• Pre-Doctoral Program

• Enroll & Pay
• Prospective Students
• Current Students

Ph.D. in Finance

Program information.

At the University of Kansas, finance doctoral students are trained to teach at the university level, to do research that is publishable in top academic journals, and to analyze questions that are important to government agencies and the private sector. Successful students develop close working relationships with the KU finance faculty, both in the classroom and on co-authored research. Many of our students publish their first research study before finishing the program, and most students accept jobs at universities rated “high” or “very high” in research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.

We emphasize rigorous training and hands-on experience. Five semesters of coursework include a firm grounding in economic theory, thorough training in statistics and econometrics, and an immersion in the most important research studies in corporate finance, investments and financial institutions.

Application deadlines

Priority: December 15

Final: January 10

• Application requirements

Students begin their own research during the first year of the program and present their first research seminar early in the second year of the program. Many of our students publish their first research study before finishing the program, and most students accept jobs at universities rated “high” or “very high” in research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.

We emphasize rigorous training and hands-on experience. Successful students develop close working relationships with the KU finance faculty, both in the classroom and on co-authored research. Students typically teach three undergraduate finance classes before graduating.

Program details

Core courses, statistical methods.

BSAN 920: Probability for Business Research OR MATH 727: Probability Theory

BSAN 921: Statistics for Business Research OR MATH 728: Statistical Theory

BSAN 922: Advanced Regression

ECON 800: Optimization Techniques I

ECON 801: Microeconomics I

ECON 802: Microeconomics II

BE 917: Advanced Managerial Economics

Concentration courses

FIN 901: Current Research in Finance

FIN 937: Seminar in Business Finance

FIN 938: Seminar in Investments

FIN 939: Seminar in Financial Institutions

Supporting courses

ECON 817: Econometrics I

ECON 818: Econometrics II

One of the three sequences below

Sequence 1: Minor in Research Methods

ECON 715: Elementary Econometrics

Advanced elective research methods course

Sequence 2: Minor in Research Methods and Financial Accounting

ACCT 928: Introduction to Accounting Research

ACCT 932: Seminar in Financial Accounting Research I

Sequence 3: Minor in Research Methods and Applied Economics

ECON 770: Economics of the Labor Market

ECON 870: Applied Microeconomics

For more information, view a detailed list of courses in the academic catalog.

A course that is not being offered within a reasonable timeframe, or a course in which a student can demonstrate competence my be, with the approval of the area group and the Ph.D. Team, replaced with another course.

Area-specific core requirements may by changed subject to the approval of the area group and the Ph.D. Team.

A minimum of 15 courses, plus BUS 902 and BUS 903 are required for completion of the degree.

Courses recommended for preparation for the qualifier assessment may not be included in the concentration or minor areas.

• Summer research
• Pass the Finance Qualifier Assessment
• Present first-year research paper
• Teach an undergraduate finance class
• Pass the Finance Comprehensive Exam
• Present second-year research paper
• Present your dissertation proposal
• Defend your dissertation proposal

Program faculty

• Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs
• Anderson Chandler Professor
• School of Business Administration
• Dean's Office
• Finance Academic Area

• Assistant Professor
• Finance academic area

• Koch Professor in Business Economics

• Koch Distinguished Professor in Business Economics
• Harold Otto Chair of Economics

• Area Director, Finance
• O. Maurice Joy Professor

• Associate Professor
• Director, Davis Center for Figure Sense

• Capitol Federal Fellow

• Associate Dean of Graduate Programs
• Capitol Federal Professor
• School of Business administration

Finance doctoral students

• Ph.D. Student

• Ph.D. Candidate

PhD Handbook

PhD in Finance ...

PhD in Finance in USA: Best Universities for PhD in Finance in USA

USA happens to be one of the most sought after destinations for a PhD. The program structure here allows you to get a lot of training alongside research which is not common in the European countries or UK is what makes it desirable. Usually, master of finance graduates plan to get a PhD but it is also a good option for MBA in USA graduates to advance their careers. After a PhD in finance in USA, you can either go on the path to become a professor or take the road to work with global companies.

We have prepared a guide including best universities for PhD in finance in USA, eligibility criteria, admission process, cost of studying, scholarships, future opportunities and a lot more to help you grab the best opportunities to pursue PhD in finance from USA.

Why Study PhD in Finance in USA?

• US universities dominate almost all major rankings. If we talk about the QS World University Rankings by Subject for Accounting and Finance, 73 universities are included in the list of top universities.
• USA spends enormous amounts on research and development and is said to be ahead of several other countries in terms of innovation.
• The rigor of curriculum offered at US universities is much higher in standard than research programs at other institutions.
• US universities offer state-of-art research infrastructure which attracts aspirants from all around the world.

Best Universities for PhD in Finance in USA

A PhD is a long duration course so be assured that you choose your university wisely considering accreditation, co-curricular factors, facilities, faculty, location, etc. Here is a list of the 5 best universities for PhD in finance in USA:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of Chicago
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Pennsylvania

Discussed below are the insights of these 5 universities including ranking, specializations and tuition fees can be seen below:

1.  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

PhD in finance at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is offered under the MIT finance group. The program duration can be categorized into coursework, seminar, general examination, research paper and dissertation.

2.  University of Chicago

For pursuing PhD in finance at University of Chicago , you will get full tuition support for 5-6 years of your full-time study. Additionally, the university gives you the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant in the third and fourth year.

3.  Stanford University

At Stanford University , your PhD program will come with a five year funding guarantee which includes tuition, assistantship salary and fellowship stipend. Phd programs have been a constant preference for most international students to pursue here.

4.  University of California, Berkeley

The Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley offers a five year, fully funded PhD in finance program that aims to integrate modern developments in the field of finance. The course expects the student to have a strong background in mathematics and statistics.

5.  University of Pennsylvania

The finance faculty at the Wharton School of Business is one of the most renowned faculties of University of Pennsylvania . The ideal candidate for a PhD at Wharton should have a background in economics, mathematics, statistics, engineering and other quantitative disciplines.

Course Curriculum for PhD in Finance in USA

Although a US PhD degree is longer than a UK degree, it has its own benefits and gives candidates the time to get a better hold and develop expertise in the subject area. Discuss in the table below the course curriculum for PhD in finance in USA:

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Finance from USA

The PhD in finance in USA requirements may vary from one university to another. Before looking at the cost of studying PhD in USA, let us understand the basic eligibility criteria for the same:

• Completed master’s degree
• English language proficiency requirements
• Entrance test scores

Take a look at the detailed discussion on eligibility criteria to study PhD in finance in US:

1.  Completed master’s degree

To pursue PhD in finance in USA, you must have a master’s degree in finance from a recognized institution equivalent to a US master’s degree. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above is required.

Suggested: MS in finance in USA

2.  English language proficiency requirements

As international students, you will have to provide proof of English language proficiency if your native language is not English. IELTS and TOEFL are among the most widely accepted test scores. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL-iBT score of 90 or above is recommended.

3.  Entrance test scores

Before enrolling for a PhD in finance in USA, you may be asked for your GMAT or GRE scores. You may not have to take the test again as you must have already taken it before applying for your master’s degree.

Suggested: MS in USA

Documents Required to Study PhD in Finance from USA

It is crucial to understand the PhD in finance in USA requirements to complete the application process hassle-free. Listed below are the documents that most institutions will ask you to submit:

• Transcripts of academic records from all previous post-secondary institutions
• Test scores of GMAT/ GRE
• English language proficiency test scores
• Research proposal
• Writing sample
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Copy of passport
• Proof of finances

Admission Process for PhD in Finance in USA

Here is the step-by-step process to apply for PhD in finance in US:

• Check the eligibility criteria for your chosen institution before applying.
• Visit the official university website and look for the upcoming intake and application deadlines.
• Complete the online application for admission and pay the necessary application fee, which usually ranges between 100 USD-150 USD.
• Gather all documents to be submitted along with the application.
• Once you complete the application and submit all relevant documents, keep an eye on the university website to get updates on your application.
• You may be called for an interview and be asked about your research proposal before getting the acceptance letter.
• If you are accepted, fulfill the enrollment requirements and apply for a visa to study in USA.

Suggested: USA student visa guide

How Much Does it Cost to Study for a PhD in Finance in USA?

Getting a PhD in USA requires a huge sum of investment. The cost of studying for a PhD in finance in USA can be categorized into tuition fees and cost of living. Let us consider the costs for each of these components.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for PhD in finance in USA ranges between 35,000 USD - 70,000 USD per year. You can find programs with lower tuition fees at public universities.

Suggested: Phd in USA cost for Indian students

Cost of Living

An international student’s cost of living in USA is estimated at around 12,000 USD-18,000 USD per year i.e. 1000 USD-1,500 USD per month, varying according to the student’s budget. It is true that the living expenses in USA are higher compared to many other study abroad destinations. However, affordable options are available to choose from, such as various accommodation options, public transport, personal expenses, etc.

Scholarships for PhD in Finance in USA

You will find multiple funding options for pursuing research in USA. Most US universities offer fully funded PhD programs , so you do not have to fret about the huge tuition fees. Take a look at the table below to learn about the various university-provided scholarships for international students:

Career Opportunities After PhD in Finance in US

Accounting and finance professionals in USA earn 97,600 USD per year on average. With a PhD in finance from USA, you can expect 23% higher salaries than a master’s degree. New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia are some of the states offering the highest salaries compared to other cities in USA.

Take a look at the popular job titles and average salaries for PhD in finance from USA:

Suggested: How to find jobs in USA?

A PhD in finance in USA is worth considering to advance your career and boost your earning potential. Get in touch with our Yocket counsellors today and get answers to all your questions related to PhD in finance in USA and a roadmap to secure a seat in one of the best universities for a PhD in finance in USA.

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD in Finance in USA

How many years is a PhD in finance in USA?

A PhD in finance in USA takes 4 to 6 years depending on the candidate’s knowledge level. Generally, an individual spends around 2-4 years in the coursework and another 2-4 years on the dissertation.

How much does it cost to do a PhD in finance in USA?

The annual fees for PhD in finance in USA is somewhere between 30,000 USD-55,000 USD per year which may vary across universities.

Can Indian students get a scholarship to pursue PhD in finance in USA?

Yes, there are several scholarships for Indian students to pursue PhD in finance in USA, such as Fulbright Scholarship, Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship program and several other university-specific scholarships.

Can I apply for PhD in finance with an MBA in finance?

Yes, you can apply for a PhD in finance with an MBA in finance.

Is it better to do PhD in finance in USA from a private or public university?

Both types of universities have equally good options to pursue PhD in finance in USA. If you wish to apply to public universities in USA some of the best options are University of California - Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Illinois - Urbana, etc. Top private universities include Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, among others.

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Pay less, achieve more: KU’s affordable online MBA tuition

Costing less than $40k, ku’s top 10 online mba stands out for its quality and affordability . 1.

While other nationally leading MBA programs charge, on average, roughly $1,605 per credit and can cost upwards of $150,000 to complete, KU's online master of business administration program costs just $865 per course credit*—nearly half the price without compromising on excellence. 1 Additionally, earning KU’s online MBA can cost a third of what it costs at other top 10 programs.

In any situation, understanding the financial aspect of your MBA is crucial to ensure you earn your degree with confidence.

This tuition and financial aid information page provides essential details and resources to help you budget for your degree.

Read on to discover KU’s online MBA program tuition fees, graduate student financial aid information, scholarship options, and additional MBA funding options and tips that can help students like you earn your MBA tuition and fees.

*Cost for out-of-state tuition

KU online MBA tuition guide

Tuition is calculated on a per credit hour basis with estimated total program costs outlined below:

Tuition and costs effective as of February 2, 2024. Tuition rates are not inclusive of textbooks and fees. Tuition and costs are subject to change and should be confirmed on the University’s official tuition listing at registrar.ku.edu/online-tuition-fees .

Please contact an admissions outreach advisor for more information on tuition and fees by calling 855-639-7799.

University of Kansas online MBA financial aid information

Everyone's financial situation is unique. Whether through scholarships, employer assistance, or government support, aspiring students have numerous paths to affordably plan for their futures.

The following options are available to you as a KU School of Business student:

Financial aid options

At the University of Kansas School of Business, there are several types of financial aid available to students: grants, scholarships, and loans. To be eligible for any form of financial aid, prospective and current students must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

It is recommended that applicants file the FAFSA as early as possible for the upcoming school year (the priority date is usually December 1) so they are eligible for the highest award possible.

Get details on each type of MBA financial aid below.

Grants are available from federal, state, and university sources. They are typically awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid.

Scholarship

There are dozens of private, state, and federal scholarships available to online MBA students . Scholarship eligibility requirements can vary according to background, accomplishments, and abilities. International students may wish to pursue scholarships offered in their home countries as well.

Online MBA students may also apply for loans to cover their education costs. According to U.S. News & World Report, the median base salary plus bonus paid for new MBA graduates from 124-ranked programs in 2023 was $128,997. 2

Financial aid for veterans

Military veterans may use funding from the GI Bill to pay for the online MBA program, either alone or in combination with other forms of financial aid. There are also a number of veteran-specific scholarships, grants, and fellowships available from other sources.

Employer support

Many companies cover education costs for relevant courses. These benefits are especially accessible for online MBA students as they can keep working as they study. As taxpayers, working students can alleviate the cost of higher education using government tax credits, deductions, and savings plans. 3

Work-study programs

Work-study programs offer graduate students part-time, need-based employment to help cover educational expenses. These positions, available on-campus and off-campus, often relate to the student’s field of study and offer relevant experience.

Financial aid and tuition insights: KU online MBA webinar video

Watch this informative webinar to learn about the variety of funding and financing options available for the University of Kansas’ top-ranked, affordable online MBA.

Video Transcript

Tuition and financial aid faqs, how do i finance my mba.

To finance your online MBA, consider leveraging a combination of the following options:

• Scholarships : Explore merit-based and need-based scholarships offered by universities, private organizations, and foundations
• Loans : Investigate federal and private loan options tailored for graduate students to cover tuition and living expenses
• Personal savings : Utilize personal savings or investments to offset tuition costs and reduce reliance on loans
• Employer sponsorships : Check if your employer offers financial support or tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing higher education
• Employer education assistance programs : Many companies realize the value of advanced education and provide assistance through partnerships with educational institutions to allow employees to pursue advanced degrees with reduced financial burden

These avenues can help you effectively manage the costs associated with pursuing an online MBA while aligning with your financial goals, resources, and career.

What is involved in understanding MBA tuition and financial aid?

What’s included in a comprehensive guide to mba tuition and financial aid, does ku offer financial aid webinars for mba students, what scholarships and loans are available for mba programs, what are effective strategies for managing mba costs, contact ku for graduate program financial aid advice.

Whether you want to stop by in person, give us a call, or send us an email, the following offices are more than happy to answer any of your questions regarding financial aid for the online MBA.

KU financial aid & scholarships

1502 Iowa St. Lawrence, KS 66045 785-864-4700 (phone) 785-864-5469 (fax) [email protected]

Office hours 8 AM-5 PM CT, Monday-Friday Closed on all state holidays.

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PhD Students in the Natural Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Medical Sciences

Phd students in the humanities and social sciences programs of the faculty of arts and sciences, phd students in humanities and social sciences programs offered in partnership with other harvard schools, acceptance of financial support.

The Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) offers incoming PhD students full financial support—including tuition, health insurance fees, and basic living expenses—for a minimum of five years (typically the first four years of study and the completion year). This funding package includes a combination of tuition grants, stipends, traineeships, teaching fellowships, research assistantships, and other academic appointments.

Each student is provided a Notice of Financial Support at the time of admission and is assigned a financial aid officer who administers this funding and is available to assist with financial concerns. Each spring, continuing students supported by Harvard Griffin GSAS-administered funding sources are required to activate their funding for the upcoming academic year using the Student Aid Portal, an online financial aid management system.

A typical funding package* includes:

• grants toward tuition and the Harvard University Student Health Program  paid in full for years G1 through G4 and the dissertation completion year
• a combination of stipend, teaching fellowships, and/or research assistantships during years G1 through G4
• summer research support from Harvard Griffin GSAS or faculty grants following the first four academic years.
• subsidy payments to defray dental insurance and transportation costs.

*In some programs, the timing and structure of living expense support may vary from this pattern.

The initial Notice of Financial Support assumes continuous enrollment as a full-time resident student; students not enrolled are not eligible for Harvard Griffin GSAS financial aid programs. Students may find that their actual enrollment patterns necessitate adjustments to the timing of their funding. Students wishing to defer Harvard Griffin GSAS-administered funding indicate this in the Student Aid Portal during the annual financial aid acceptance process. The options for deferring financial support vary by type of aid; please refer to the applicable sections of the financial aid policy web pages for details. Students who are considering deferring financial support are strongly encouraged to contact their financial aid officer to review how such actions may impact their funding in future years.

While funding packages vary by program, PhD students in the sciences typically receive full funding until they complete their programs of study. Contact your department administrator or financial aid officer for details.

See more detailed information about funding for students in humanities and social sciences programs of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

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• History of Science
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• Middle Eastern Studies
• Social Policy

A number of humanities and social sciences PhD programs are offered in partnership with Harvard's professional schools. While funding packages vary by program, PhD students in these interfaculty programs generally receive at least four years of financial support for tuition, health fees, and living expenses; most programs provide dissertation completion fellowships as well. For more information, refer to your Notice of Financial Support or contact your financial aid officer .

Interfaculty Programs in the Humanities and Social Sciences

• Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning
• Business Administration
• Business Economics
• Health Policy
• Organizational Behavior
• Political Economy and Government
• Public Policy

Each student is provided a Notice of Financial Support at the time of admission and is assigned a financial aid officer who administers this funding and is available to assist with financial concerns. Students are required to formally accept their financial aid offers and acknowledge their understanding of financial aid policies. Students should also consult their academic programs to determine whether program-specific conditions apply.

Each spring, continuing students supported by Harvard Griffin GSAS-administered funding sources are required to activate their funding for the upcoming academic year using the Student Aid Portal, an online financial aid management system. Continued eligibility for financial aid is contingent upon an annual report by the faculty that the student is making  satisfactory progress toward the degree.

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Accounting vs. Finance Degree: How to Choose Your Path

Did you know that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8 percent growth in business and financial operations jobs from 2020 to 2030, adding around 750,800 new jobs? This surge is driven by an expanding economy and complex regulatory environment, making skills in finance and accounting more valuable than ever. As you think about a degree in accounting vs finance, it’s important to understand the unique roles and impacts each field has in the business world.

Both accounting and finance are crucial to the success of any business, but they serve different purposes. Think of accounting as the language of business. It’s all about tracking, reporting, and analyzing financial information. Accountants ensure financial records are accurate and taxes are paid correctly and on time. On the other hand, finance takes this financial data to strategize, plan, and manage assets and liabilities, focusing on future growth and sustainable cash flow. While accountants handle the day-to-day management of financial reports and records, finance professionals use that information to make forecasts, analyze trends, and advise on investment decisions.

Understanding these differences is important to decide which path resonates best with your career goals and interests in the dynamic business world. Whether you’re drawn to the detailed-focused nature of accounting or the strategic planning of finance, both fields offer rewarding opportunities and are essential to the fabric of any business.

Should You Study Accounting or Finance?

Choosing between an accounting or finance degree can be pivotal for many aspiring professionals. Both fields are essential to the business sector but appeal to different interests and career paths, making a choice not just about what you want to study but where you see your career heading. 

If you have a sharp attention to detail, enjoy working with numbers daily, and are strongly interested in regulatory standards and compliance, accounting might be your path. Accountants are fundamental to a company’s financial health, as they carefully record, report, and analyze financial transactions. This role is vital for ensuring accuracy and providing the factual basis for businesses’ most important financial decisions.

On the other hand, if you enjoy analyzing market trends, making strategic investment choices, and planning financial strategies, then a finance degree might be a better fit for your goals. Finance professionals look at the bigger economic picture, using accountant data to assess risks, manage investments, and ensure a company or client’s financial growth and health.

Both paths offer rewarding careers with strong prospects but require different skill sets and personal interests. Accountants often focus on details and historical data, while finance professionals are geared toward future possibilities and broader financial planning. Your career goals might also influence your decision: do you see yourself as a future CFO benefiting from a solid grounding in finance or as a Chief Accounting Officer, where deep expertise in accounting would be indispensable?

Ultimately, the choice between accounting and finance should reflect your personal strengths and career aspirations. Think about what excites you most about working in business, and use that passion to guide your educational journey. Whether you’re interested in the precision of accounting or the strategic nature of finance, both fields offer valuable and fulfilling career opportunities.

What is Accounting?

Accounting is often regarded as the systematic process of recording, reporting, and analyzing financial transactions. Here are some essential aspects of accounting:

• Precision and Compliance: Accountants are tasked with ensuring financial accuracy and adherence to laws and regulations, which are critical for maintaining trust and legality in business operations.
• Tax Expertise : One of the central roles of accountants involves managing and preparing tax returns and ensuring that companies or individuals comply with tax regulations efficiently.
• Financial Reporting: Accountants develop key financial documents, such as cash flow statements, balance sheets, and income statements, which indicate a business’s financial health.
• Audit and Assurance: Many accountants specialize in auditing services, providing independent verification of financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Career Pathways : From forensic accounting to management accounting, the field offers diverse specializations that cater to various interests within the broader financial landscape.

What is Finance?

Finance deals with managing, creating, and studying money and investments. Key aspects include:

• Financial Analysis and Planning: Finance professionals analyze economic trends and market behaviors to forecast future conditions and advise on investment strategies.
• Capital Management: A significant part of finance is finding efficient ways to manage a company’s or individual’s capital to maximize earnings and reduce risks.
• Investment Strategies: Finance experts often identify and manage investment opportunities. They assess various assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate for potential growth.
• Corporate Finance: In corporate settings, finance professionals focus on decisions regarding mergers and acquisitions, capital structure, and investment opportunities to support organizational growth.
• Risk Management: A big part of finance is spotting and managing potential risks to an asset’s return. Experts use sophisticated models to minimize these risks and keep finances secure.

Career Opportunities

When it comes to the business world, both accounting and finance professionals are crucial for their ability to manage and strategize around financial systems. Understanding the career opportunities in each field can help you decide which path aligns best with your personal and professional aspirations.

Accounting Careers:

Accounting offers a stable and varied career path with numerous opportunities for specialization. Here are some popular roles:

• Public Accountant: Often working for an accounting firm, public accountants serve various clients and manage a wide range of financial documentation, including audits, taxes, and financial planning. The work environment can be dynamic, with opportunities to work with diverse industries.
• Internal Auditor: These professionals review their company’s financial operations to ensure compliance and efficiency. Working mostly within corporate offices, internal auditors help identify risks and recommend improvements.
• Tax Accountant: Specializing in preparing tax returns and advising on tax strategies, tax accountants play a critical role in helping clients comply with legal requirements. They often work long hours during tax season.

Accountants may also delve into niches like forensic accounting, which involves investigating financial discrepancies and fraud. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average starting salaries for accountants vary but typically range from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on geographic location, educational background, and the specific sector.

Finance Careers:

The field of finance is noted for its lucrative pay scales and the analytical nature of its work. Popular finance roles include:

• Investment Banker: These professionals help companies and governments raise money by issuing stocks or bonds, and they also provide advice on mergers and acquisitions. Investment banking is fast-paced and can involve long hours, particularly in larger cities where financial activities are concentrated.
• Financial Analyst: Financial analysts evaluate the performance of various investments, such as stocks and bonds, to advise businesses and individuals on investment decisions. They usually work in offices but may travel to meet clients.
• Financial Planner: Working directly with individuals, financial planners help manage personal finances, from investments to retirement planning. They need strong interpersonal skills as much of their job involves advising clients on personal financial decisions.

Those in finance might specialize in areas such as corporate finance, which focuses on managing a company’s capital, or venture capital, which involves funding promising startups. Starting salaries in finance also vary, with the BLS reporting an average range from $50,000 to $70,000 annually. These figures can significantly increase with experience and success in the field, especially in high-stakes areas like investment banking.

Both accounting and finance careers offer promising paths filled with professional growth and specialization opportunities. Whether you lean towards the detailed and regulated world of accounting or the dynamic and high-impact realm of finance, both fields offer substantial rewards and challenges.

Professional Associations

Joining professional associations in accounting and finance offers valuable resources, networking opportunities, and certifications. These organizations support career growth and keep professionals updated with industry trends and standards. In this section, we highlight key associations that can enhance your professional journey in these fields.

• American Institute of CPAs ( AICPA ) : The AICPA provides a range of services, including professional development, ethical standards, and advocacy for Certified Public Accountants.
• Institute of Management Accountants ( IMA ) : The IMA offers the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential and focuses on advancing the management accounting profession.
• International Federation of Accountants ( IFAC ) : IFAC promotes high-quality international standards and supports the global accountancy profession.
• CFA Institute : The CFA Institute offers the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification and is dedicated to leading the investment profession globally.
• Financial Planning Association ( FPA ) : The FPA provides support and resources for financial planning professionals and promotes high standards of professional competence and ethical practice.
• Global Association of Risk Professionals ( GARP ) : GARP focuses on advancing the risk profession through education, training, and the globally recognized Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification.

Essential Skills for Success in Accounting and Finance

Both accounting and finance professionals need a core set of skills that enable them to navigate their respective fields effectively. Here are the essential skills required for each:

Skills for Accounting Professionals:

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills : Ability to analyze financial data and solve complex problems is crucial, especially when ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial reports.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: Precision is key in accounting to ensure the accuracy of all financial records and the compliance with regulatory standards.
• Strong Communication Skills: Accountants need to explain financial information in a clear and concise manner, both in writing and when speaking.
• Proficiency in Accounting Software: Familiarity with software like QuickBooks, Xero, and other financial management tools is essential for modern accounting practices.
• Research and Investigative Skills: For roles such as forensic accounting, the ability to research and investigate financial discrepancies is vital.

Skills for Finance Professionals:

• Advanced Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Critical for forecasting, risk assessment, and making strategic financial decisions.
• Quantitative and Financial Modeling Skills: Essential for analyzing financial data and building models to predict future financial scenarios.
• Effective Communication and Presentation Skills: It’s important to explain complex financial ideas and concepts in a way that non-experts can easily understand.
• Strong Research Skills: Staying current with market trends and economic factors is crucial for making sound financial decisions.
• Negotiation and Interpersonal Skills: Especially important in fields like investment banking, where securing deals and managing client relationships are part of the job.

Both fields share a foundation in strong analytical capabilities, but the application of these skills can vary significantly. Accountants often focus on historical data and precision, while finance professionals are more oriented toward future outcomes and strategic analysis. Each role requires a unique mix of technical skills and soft skills, highlighting the variety of career paths available in the business world. Whether you are meticulously reviewing financial statements or forecasting market trends, these skills will equip you to handle the challenges and opportunities that come with a career in accounting or finance.

Should I Study Accounting or Finance at the Graduate Level?

Choosing between a graduate degree in accounting or finance involves carefully considering your interests, skills, and lifestyle preferences. Here’s how to decide which path might be the best fit for you:

• Detail-Oriented Tasks: If you find satisfaction in handling precise, detail-oriented tasks, a graduate degree in accounting ( Master of Accountancy ) may be ideal. This field focuses on the detailed management of financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Big-Picture Analysis: If you’re more intrigued by strategic analysis and looking at the broader economic picture, a degree in finance, such as a Master of Business Administration in Financial Management , might be more appealing. Finance involves analyzing market trends, investment opportunities, and economic forecasts to guide decision-making at higher levels.
• Numerical and Data Analysis: Both fields require a strong aptitude for numbers and data analysis. Whether you’re auditing financial statements or forecasting market trends, these skills are foundational.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills : While important in both fields, these skills are particularly critical in finance, where explaining complex financial strategies to clients or stakeholders and negotiating deals are routine tasks.

Lifestyle Preferences:

• Work Environment and Hours: Accounting often offers more predictable work hours, especially for positions in corporate environments or government, making it suitable if you prefer a more structured routine. However, it’s worth noting that tax season can significantly ramp up the workload for accountants.
• Travel and Pressure: Finance roles, particularly in areas like investment banking or fund management, might involve more travel and higher pressure, dealing with market fluctuations and investment risks. These positions often require a high level of stress management and the ability to thrive in a dynamic setting.

Choosing the right graduate program should align with what excites you most about the field, the skills you want to develop, and how you envision your daily professional life. Both accounting and finance offer robust career paths with the potential for fulfilling, well-compensated roles across industries. As you consider your options, consider where your passions lie and what environment will make you thrive. For more detailed program information and to help guide your decision, explore the Master of Accountancy and Master of Business Administration in Financial Management at National University.

Making the Right Choice: Accounting vs. Finance Degrees

As we wrap up our exploration of accounting and finance degrees, it’s clear that both fields offer distinct pathways with their own sets of challenges and rewards. Accounting focuses on recording financial transactions, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining compliance with laws and regulations. It’s ideal for those who enjoy detailed work and have a keen eye for accuracy, which is critical in ensuring a business’s financial integrity. On the other hand, finance is all about managing money, handling debts, and planning for future growth. This field suits those who excel at analyzing data to make strategic decisions and thrive in environments where they can evaluate investment opportunities and economic trends.

When choosing between these two impactful fields, consider your interests and skills. Do you prefer the structured world of accounting or the fast-paced field of finance? Each degree will develop different skill sets suited to specific career goals.

National University offers comprehensive programs in both disciplines for those ready to dive deeper. Whether you’re drawn to the Bachelor of Science in Accounting or the Bachelor of Science in Financial Management , or considering a specialized Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance or Accounting , each program aims to prepare you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen field.

Taking the time to understand your personal and professional desires will ensure that you choose a degree that meets your educational needs and sets you up for a successful and satisfying career. Explore your options, consider your future, and take the next step toward a rewarding career in either accounting or finance.

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Lindner professor recognized as a Fulbright Scholar

Finance professor charles appeadu to teach, mentor in ghana.

Charles Appeadu, PhD, associate professor-educator of finance at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, was recently recognized with a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award in finance to Ghana for the 2024-2025 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Appeadu will travel to the Catholic University of Ghana, Sunyani, in January 2025 to teach graduate students and mentor junior faculty, something he enthusiastically looks forward to.

“Anytime I have the opportunity to give back and to help anybody who wants to advance, especially young people, I'm excited because I believe there's so much potential that is untapped,” said Appeadu. “And if I can encourage somebody to move higher, to work harder, to advance in whatever area they want to advance, then I think I'm pretty happy doing that.”

Charles Appeadu, PhD, associate professor-educator of finance.

Appeadu received an invitation to complete his Fulbright program at the institution from the Catholic University of Ghana, Sunyani. The university recently received its accreditation to award doctoral degrees in business. Having grown up in Ghana, Appeadu’s deep connection to the country granted him the unique perspective to view the university’s needs and offer his expertise and guidance as the university moves forward in developing its graduate programs.

“Dr. Appeadu’s commitment to advancing education and mentorship globally, fostering academic excellence and developing future leaders in Ghana is truly commendable,” said Lindner Dean Marianne Lewis , PhD, a former Fulbright Scholar awardee herself. “Dr. Appeadu exemplifies Lindner's core values of impactful teaching, community engagement and problem solving. We applaud his approach, extending his expertise to benefit institutions abroad, embodying the spirit of Lindner's mission to make a meaningful impact locally and globally.”

Appeadu’s credentials are extensive, in both academia and industry. Appeadu has published works in The Journal of Portfolio Management , The Journal of Performance Measurement and the Transportation Planning and Technology journal. Additionally, he previously worked as a research analyst and portfolio manager within the investment industry.

This fits in directly to what Lindner is all about, making an impact both internally and externally, and the Fulbright Scholar program fits in perfectly to that.

Charles Appeadu, PhD, associate professor-educator of finance

Appeadu teaches a range of courses at Lindner, but his specialty lies in corporate finance, which he will teach while in Ghana. He also travels with students abroad to Ghana as part of INTB5029: The Microfinance Industry, the Informal Sector, and Women Entrepreneurs, most recently at the conclusion of the 2024 spring semester. 

“He is an almost perfect exemplar of the type of faculty member you would want to participate in such a program,” said Michael Ferguson , PhD, director of the department of finance, real estate, and insurance and risk management . “He will do an outstanding job, representing himself and the program extremely well, and have a positive impact on the institutions and people he interacts with.”

Appeadu attributes the support he has received from his colleagues and the college with helping to make this opportunity possible. 

“I think the Lindner College of Business acknowledges this kind of work for educators like me. That it's not only research that counts but teaching, mentoring and serving the community. This fits in directly to what Lindner is all about, making an impact both internally and externally, and the Fulbright Scholar program fits in perfectly to that.”

Featured image at top: Charles Appeadu (seventh from left) leads a study abroad experience for students in Ghana in May 2023. Photo provided.

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The School of Information is UC Berkeley’s newest professional school. Located in the center of campus, the I School is a graduate research and education community committed to expanding access to information and to improving its usability, reliability, and credibility while preserving security and privacy.

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The School of Information offers four degrees:

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Our Ph.D. in Information Science is a research program for next-generation scholars of the information age.

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Research by faculty members and doctoral students keeps the I School on the vanguard of contemporary information needs and solutions.

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Master of Information and Cybersecurity

Master’s in cybersecurity online from uc berkeley.

The Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS) online program prepares students with the cybersecurity skills needed to assume leadership positions and drive innovation in the field.

Through a holistic approach to cybersecurity, students develop a thorough understanding of information security technologies as well as the economic, legal, behavioral, and ethical impacts of cybersecurity. Students graduate as competitive candidates in the job market with connections to UC Berkeley alumni and professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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A Leadership-Focused Curriculum 

The interdisciplinary MICS curriculum provides students with hands-on practical experience with secure systems and applications, and the ability to lead, manage, and contribute to building cybersecurity solutions.

Students master core technical skills and become fluent in the business, political, and legal context of cybersecurity. They can expect to graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the following:

• Secure coding
• Government and national security
• Network and web security
• Usable privacy and security
• Cryptography
• Operating system security
• Security in context: legal, behavioral, and ethical issues
• Privacy engineering

The online MICS program is 9 courses (27 units) and can be completed in 20 months. Students complete foundation courses, electives, and a capstone project. They also attend one in-person immersion in the San Francisco Bay Area. The curriculum includes the following courses:

• Beyond the Code: Cybersecurity in Context
• Network Security
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Cryptography for Cyber and Network Security

Operating system security.

• Managing Cyber Risk
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• Usable Privacy and Security

Privacy Engineering

Learn more about about upcoming webinars, deadlines, and more, why a master’s in cybersecurity from uc berkeley.

Cybersecurity permeates almost all aspects of the human experience. Individuals, organizations, and societies are protected from cyber threats constantly without even realizing they occur. This is thanks to professionals who understand the complex relationship between human behaviors and advanced technology in securing information.

UC Berkeley is where the brightest minds from across the globe come together to explore, ask questions, and improve the world. Our MICS program does more than create experts in information security: it shapes leaders who understand the implications of cybersecurity across all industries and want to drive the future of innovation in cybersecurity.

Developed by faculty from the School of Information and the College of Engineering, the interdisciplinary MICS curriculum focuses on the intersection of technical, social, political, economic, legal, national security, and ethical components of cybersecurity. Students graduate with versatile knowledge needed to lead cybersecurity in private, public, or philanthropic sectors and with connections to the nearby technology hub Silicon Valley.

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity’s growth is turning it into a massive market with an increased demand for skilled cybersecurity labor. Due to constant evolution and escalation of threats, cybersecurity has become one of the most important and exciting career fields of the 21st century.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of information security analysts to grow 35% from 2021 to 2031, equating to an average of 19,500 new positions each year.¹

The cybersecurity industry is met with the challenge of not only filling the growing demand and talent shortage but with finding highly skilled professionals who can be trusted to effectively protect information systems. This creates an opportunity for graduates of the MICS program to enter the in-demand market as competitive cybersecurity experts.

Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity

No organization that operates online can ignore cybersecurity. With cyber threats growing and constantly changing, businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations are making significant investments in cyber defense and hiring increasingly large numbers of cybersecurity professionals.

MICS graduates are poised to enter this market in leadership roles with the requisite multifunctional skill sets and a strong network provided by the program.

Cybersecurity Salaries

Salaries for cybersecurity professionals range from $85,000 to $151,547 per year.¹

Featured Courses

Students learn about the mathematical and practical foundations of cryptography and the many different cryptosystems.

Students compare approaches to security taken among several modern operating systems and learn techniques for establishing trust across a set of interoperating systems.

Students survey privacy mechanisms applicable to systems engineering, with a particular focus on the inference threat arising due to advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Admissions Requirements for the Master’s in Cybersecurity Online Degree

When evaluating applicants, we consider both qualitative and quantitative factors to determine if they can meet the demands of the rigorous MICS program. These include:

• Academic coursework and performance
• Professional experience
• Communication skills
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation

¹ Cybersecurity Career Pathway, CyberSeek , 2023