Finance PhD Admissions

Finance PhD Admissions

Our goal in admissions is to work closely with you to ensure your application process is personal, simple and successful.

The next application deadline is January 15, 2024 for Fall 2024 admission consideration for all applicants, international and domestic. 

We look for students who bring quantitative strengths, a passion for finance, and the ability to be successful in a specialized doctoral program.

The PhD in Management with a Major in Finance offered by The University of Arizona is designed to lead to a career of scholarly research and teaching in finance. Finance is a growing and exciting area, with a myriad of opportunities for research.

Application Strengths

  • An academic background demonstrating strong intellectual capacity
  • Clear research goals in finance academics
  • References that support your study, quantitative and research skills
  • Strong GMAT results-both quantitative and verbal
  • Solid English communication skills

Application Package Requirements

To expedite the processing of your application follow these instructions carefully. All information must be received for an application to be considered complete.

All applicants should add email.arizona.edu, eller.arizona.edu and grad.arizona.edu to their authorized email sites to avoid important mail regarding the application to be tagged as junk mail.

Requirements

You must meet the minimum entrance requirements to apply for the PhD-Finance program.

  • Minimum GMAT: 650 (must be current)
  • Minimum GPA: 3.50
  • International students (whether currently studying in the U.S. or internationally) must satisfy the English speaking proficiency requirement by submitting a TOEFL iBT speaking section score of 24 or better. 
  • Complete online application packet with materials as detailed below

Apply to the UA Graduate College

Full instructions and requirements are included in the online application.

Online Application Package Requirements

  • Affidavit of Domicile (Arizona residents complete with application)
  • Proof of Financial Resources (international students)
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • 3 Letters of Reference: Names and contact information
  • Transcripts from all colleges/universities, except UA
  • GMAT (School Code 4832)
  • TOEFL (international students only; School Code 4832)

Submitting Official Transcripts

In addition to completing this online application, you are required to send Official Transcripts from all institutions directly to the Finance Department at:

Finance PhD Program
Department of Finance
The University of Arizona
McClelland Hall, Room 315R 
1130 E. Helen Street
Tucson , AZ 85721-0108

Statement of Purpose

The statement of Purpose is your chance to describe your academic and professional goals in Finance. It is your personal expression of what has led you to desire to attend the program and can include life and academic experiences.

As you write your statement, ask yourself, "Would I likely admit this person to graduate school?" Statements are generally two or three typed, double-spaced pages and can be addressed to the Finance Department Admissions Committee.

Opening

In the opening statement, describe generally why you are applying to the program.

Body

In the main body of the statement, describe your experiences and how they are a foundation for your work in the doctoral program in Finance, how your interest in finance developed, and your undergraduate and graduate studies relate to the PhD program. Any academic achievements or specific learning experiences that demonstrate your interest in doctoral level of study and research of finance should be developed.

Your Statement will ideally illustrate your initiative and ability to develop ideas, the capacity to work through problems and develop research independently, and the determination to achieve your goals. You should clearly and honestly convey that you are qualified and motivated. Describe why you will be successful in the PhD in Finance program, in the coursework, with research and your dissertation, and in working with the faculty in the department.

Closing

In closing, briefly summarize why you believe you possess the experience and skills to be admitted to the program.

UA Graduate College

The UA Graduate College website includes all of the information you should need to know as a prospective graduate student at The University of Arizona. There are two information packages provided:

Funding Your Education

Assistantships, Tuition, and Fee Waivers

Currently, if receiving full funding, Finance PhD students receive waivers of non-resident tuition, funding to cover resident registration (except miscellaneous University fees of about $650-1000 per semester) and a stipend of just over $29,400 for acting as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) under the direction of a faculty member. As a GTA, individual health insurance coverage is provided by the University. 

PhD students receiving funding are assigned to work with a faculty member during the year. About two-thirds assist with research and the other third assist with teaching and research.

Summer Funds

After the first year of coursework, most students supplement the assistantship stipend by teaching one course in a summer session. This gives students invaluable experience in teaching prior to the job search and additional salary (just over $2,600 per class for a summer semester 3-credit course).

Financial Aid

Visit the University of Arizona financial aid website.