Finance PhD Program
The PhD in Management (Finance) at the Eller College of Management prepares its graduates primarily for careers as university professors, with research agendas in corporate finance and investments.
The faculty members, with degrees from internationally recognized universities, conduct research in these areas.
Only a small number of PhD students are admitted each year, enabling students to work closely with faculty members. Students have opportunities to work with faculty through small classes and ongoing research projects to develop the methodological and analytical tools needed for research and teaching.
Five Years of Study
The duration of the program is typically five years, depending on an individual's background and his/her progress. A set of economics and finance courses is required of all students, regardless of which areas of concentration they choose. All students are required to become competent in economics and econometrics and pass the requirements for a minor in economics.
In addition to courses in economics, the first two years include coursework in finance, accounting and quantitative fields such as math. During this time, students should be starting to formulate research projects of their own and should demonstrate their research skills by presenting a research proposal to the faculty in the summer after their second year.
The emphasis during the third and fourth years of the program is on conducting research, writing a dissertation and coursework in a more narrow area of interest. The dissertation must demonstrate to the faculty the student's ability to produce advanced research in finance.
Student in Good Standing
Throughout our program, our faculty will review each doctoral student’s performance to ensure he or she has demonstrated the aptitude and ability to become a solid financial researcher. This assessment is made on a semester-by-semester basis and is required for progress through the program.
Curriculum
During the first two years of our program, you’ll devote yourself first to coursework and the beginnings of your own research projects, then your first research proposal presentation. During your remaining years, you’ll conduct research, write a dissertation and focus coursework more narrowly.
Typical Course Sequence
Required courses for Finance doctoral students are offered through the Finance, Economics and Accounting departments during fall and spring semesters. Select elective courses are offered during fall and spring.
Doctoral Students and Faculty
Current Students
Our recently admitted classes have strong standardized quantitative test scores (over 95th percentile) and top GPAs in bachelor’s and master’s programs (3.5 and higher). They form a tight-knit community spanning many areas of finance research.
PhD Job Market Candidates
Check out our impressive Finance PhD job market candidates.
Finance Faculty
With degrees from internationally recognized universities and a dedication to consistent publication in top finance journals, our faculty fuel a department-wide standard of excellence. They enjoy developing close research mentorships with our doctoral students and undertaking cutting-edge projects together.