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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.

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• Best Online Ph.D. In Finance Programs

Best Online Ph.D. In Finance Programs Of 2024

Updated: Mar 28, 2024, 12:10pm

A Ph.D. in finance can prepare you for various specialized, high-level roles in financial management , business management, financial analysis and academia. Schools of business often offer finance as a concentration within a broader business management or business administration doctoral program .

Finance doctoral programs explore investment analysis, strategic financial planning, advanced accounting and corporate finance. In addition to coursework, students must research, write and defend a dissertation.

This page lists all four schools that meet our ranking criteria and offer online Ph.D. in finance programs. Learn how to choose and what to expect from a Ph.D. in finance program.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked four accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ph.D. in finance programs in the U.S. using 14 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience :

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility :

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes :

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability :

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We listed all four schools that met our ranking criteria.

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Online Ph.D. in Finance Options

How to find the right online finance ph.d. program for you, should you enroll in an online ph.d. in finance program, accreditation for online ph.d.s in finance, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d.s in finance, university of the cumberlands, texas tech university, kansas state university, national university.

Program Tuition Rate

$749/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

The University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky, offers a hybrid executive Ph.D. in business with a specialty in finance. Learners develop leadership, research and teaching skills that can help them excel in business.

The curriculum includes core, professional research and specialty area coursework. The program also requires an applied learning practicum every semester, which lets students apply knowledge in real-world settings and gain professional experience. Learners must also attend an intensive in-person residency weekend each semester.

Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA and a master’s degree in a relevant field.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 66 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Managerial ethics and social responsibility, comparative economics
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for residency weekends and applied learning practicums

$9,518/year (in-state)

Texas Tech University claims to offer the first Ph.D. in financial planning, a 60-credit program that equips students for careers in financial planning research and academia. Texas Tech delivers the Ph.D. both on campus and online.

Students in the program must complete a dissertation in addition to 60 credits of graduate coursework. The degree prepares students to become Certified Financial Planners™ (CFPs), and learners who have not yet completed a CFP board-registered financial planning program may have to complete additional classes. The degree program requires an entrance exam and field experience.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Security industry essentials for financial planning professionals, legal and regulatory aspects of personal financial planning
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for field experience

$661/credit

Kansas State University features a Ph.D. in personal financial planning available in a hybrid format, with some degree requirements taking place on the school’s Manhattan, Kansas, campus. K-State claims to offer the first predominantly online personal financial planning doctorate, one of only three programs registered with the CFP Board. The program is designed with working professionals in mind.

Learners take online courses during the winter and spring semesters. During summer terms, students complete residency sessions and 10-day intensives on campus. The final summer term involves international travel to explore how global markets impact financial planning in the United States.

• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 90 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Retirement planning for families, introduction to financial therapy
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus residencies and cohort travel

$442/quarter credit

You can earn a fully online Ph.D. in business administration degree with a concentration in financial management from National University , based in San Diego, California. The program explores financial analysis, strategic planning, and research and development. Coursework focuses on international financial issues, accounting for nonprofit organizations and investment analysis. Students also complete dissertation research.

You can start working on your degree whenever it’s most convenient for you, with start dates every Monday. The program requires 20 courses and takes 40 months to complete. For direct entry into the program, you’ll need a master’s degree in a general business area or a master’s in any field and an undergraduate business degree.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 quarter credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Investment portfolio analysis, advanced financial statement analysis
• In-Person Requirements: No

Not sure where to start in your college search? Let’s explore your options.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online doctorate in finance can help you obtain the knowledge and credentials you need to qualify for an advanced, research-based career in finance . But each program is unique, so you’ll need to do some research to find the one that best matches your career goals.

For example, find out if your prospective online Ph.D. in finance requires an internship or another form of field experience. Real-world experience can round out your education and help you make valuable connections for when you graduate. However, it can also add time to your degree and make it more difficult to work your learning around a full-time job.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Our guide includes four online Ph.D. in finance programs. Though tuition rates vary widely among programs, total tuition for the best online Ph.D. in finance programs on our list averages around $45,000.

To help fund your degree, you can apply for federal student aid, including scholarships, grants and loans, by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid . You can also ask about funding opportunities like scholarships, grants, fellowships, and graduate research and teaching assistantships offered directly by your university or department.

Online learning can make a graduate-level education more accessible in many ways, but distance learning doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. Weigh the following when deciding whether to enroll in an in-person or online finance Ph.D.

• What’s your learning style? Online programs work best for students who don’t have a problem staying on task, managing deadlines and motivating themselves. If you think you’d do better with the structure and support that comes with attending scheduled in-person classes, consider an on-campus program.
• What’s your budget? If you’re looking to earn your Ph.D. in finance at a lower cost, online programs can provide savings. While out-of-state students usually pay higher tuition rates to attend in-person programs at public universities, online learners often receive discounted rates regardless of where they live. Distance learners can also save money by avoiding high costs associated with relocation, housing and transportation.
• What’s your schedule? If you need flexibility to manage a job or other time-consuming responsibilities while in school, an online program might be your best bet. Asynchronous programs in particular allow you to complete coursework on your schedule through pre-recorded lectures and online discussion boards.

Any school you consider for your online finance Ph.D. should hold institutional accreditation. You’ll need to attend an accredited school if you want to qualify for federal financial aid. Plus, employers and credentialing bodies often recognize degrees only from accredited institutions.

Institutional accreditation comes from third-party agencies that assess colleges to ensure they meet minimum quality standards related to faculty, academic programs, student outcomes and educational resources.

Accrediting bodies in the U.S. receive approval from the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Programmatic accreditation offers a similar stamp of approval for individual degree programs or departments within universities. You may need a programmatically accredited degree to qualify for certain jobs and professional certifications.

An online Ph.D. in finance might hold programmatic accreditation from an accrediting agency that evaluates business-related programs, such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.

You can look up school and program accreditation information on CHEA’s website .

What is a Ph.D. in finance?

A Ph.D. in finance is a terminal business degree that develops advanced knowledge and skills in investing, corporate finance and economics. This diploma can prepare for finance-related roles in research and academia.

How long is a Ph.D. in finance?

The time it takes to earn a Ph.D. in finance varies depending on your program and enrollment status. It typically takes four to eight years to complete a doctorate, but you may be able to graduate from an online finance Ph.D. program in a little less than four years.

Is a Ph.D. worth it financially?

It depends on how much your degree costs and how much you can expect to make after you graduate, but a doctoral degree in finance can be well worth the investment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that workers employed in business and financial occupations earned a median annual wage of $76,850 in May 2022. If you pursue one of the higher-paying roles in this field, like financial analyst, you can earn a median salary of $96,220 per year.

How much does a Ph.D. in finance make in the U.S.?

How much you can expect to make with a Ph.D. in finance depends on your job, employer, geographic location and experience level. Ph.D. holders commonly work in academia; the BLS reports that business professors, including finance professors, earn a median annual salary of $88,790.

Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.

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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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The field of finance covers the economics of claims on resources. Financial economists study the valuation of these claims, the markets in which they are traded, and their use by individuals, corporations, and the society at large.

At Stanford GSB, finance faculty and doctoral students study a wide spectrum of financial topics, including the pricing and valuation of assets, the behavior of financial markets, and the structure and financial decision-making of firms and financial intermediaries.

Investigation of issues arising in these areas is pursued both through the development of theoretical models and through the empirical testing of those models. The PhD Program is designed to give students a good understanding of the methods used in theoretical modeling and empirical testing.

Preparation and Qualifications

All students are required to have, or to obtain during their first year, mathematical skills at the level of one year of calculus and one course each in linear algebra and matrix theory, theory of probability, and statistical inference.

Students are expected to have familiarity with programming and data analysis using tools and software such as MATLAB, Stata, R, Python, or Julia, or to correct any deficiencies before enrolling at Stanford.

The PhD program in finance involves a great deal of very hard work, and there is keen competition for admission. For both these reasons, the faculty is selective in offering admission. Prospective applicants must have an aptitude for quantitative work and be at ease in handling formal models. A strong background in economics and college-level mathematics is desirable.

It is particularly important to realize that a PhD in finance is not a higher-level MBA, but an advanced, academically oriented degree in financial economics, with a reflective and analytical, rather than operational, viewpoint.

Faculty in Finance

Anat r. admati, juliane begenau, jonathan b. berk, michael blank, greg buchak, antonio coppola, darrell duffie, steven grenadier, benjamin hébert, arvind krishnamurthy, hanno lustig, matteo maggiori, paul pfleiderer, joshua d. rauh, claudia robles-garcia, ilya a. strebulaev, vikrant vig, jeffrey zwiebel, emeriti faculty, robert l. joss, george g.c. parker, myron s. scholes, william f. sharpe, kenneth j. singleton, james c. van horne, recent publications in finance, dollar safety and the global financial cycle, monetary tightening and u.s. bank fragility in 2023: mark-to-market losses and uninsured depositor runs, global capital allocation, recent insights by stanford business, a “grumpy economist” weighs in on inflation’s causes — and its cures, the surprising economic upside to money in u.s. politics, your summer 2024 podcast playlist.

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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.

Explore Finance

Discover our other fields of study.

2100 accredited US Universities for Graduate Programs. 400+ specializations.

1400 No GRE, GMAT schools for the Master’s program

700+ Graduate scholarships totaling $3.5 mm

Doctoral / PHD Programs in Finance

99 universities offer graduate PHD program in Finance

Princeton University

The funding mix after the first year varies by division and term, but typically includes a blend of internal fellowships, assistantships in research or instruction, and external fellowships that together cover tuition, the student health plan, and full stipend throughout regular program enrollment. (Ph.D. program length is typically four or five years.

Bolster your base support with external awards that offer academic flexibility and prestige.

The Financial Shopping Sheet outlines expected financial obligations associated with graduate study at Princeton as well as support options available to you.

Graduate School - Model

• GRE Required:  Yes
• Research Assistantships:  733
• Teaching Assistantships:  655
• Financial Aid: Register to view the details

Stanford University

Stanford University offers a Ph.D. program in finance. At Stanford GSB, professors of finance and Ph.D. students research a variety of financial issues, such as asset pricing and valuation, the operation of financial markets, and the organizational structure and financial judgment of businesses and financial intermediaries. Through the creation of theoretical models and the empirical evaluation of those models, questions that arise in these domains are investigated. Students will gain a solid understanding of the techniques used in theoretical modeling and empirical testing as part of the PhD program.

Students can complete the Ph.D. program in five years. The curriculum to be studied over the years includes:

Coursework: Students need to finish courses in both their chosen field and other academic areas. They might complete up to 50% of your coursework outside of Stanford GSB, depending on the field. students need to study 17 credit courses.

Field Investigation: They must pass a test by the end of the second year that assesses their level of expertise and understanding of the methodology, theoretical framework, and empirical data in their chosen field.

Term papers for the summer: All students must turn in papers based on their own research at the end of either the first or second summer, or both summers, depending on the field.

Apprenticeships: Doctoral education includes both research and teaching apprenticeships. Students get the chance to collaborate closely with professors and learn the skills needed for both teaching and research.

Dissertation: The Ph.D. dissertation is the last prerequisite. It must be of publishable quality and make a meaningful contribution to the field of scholarship.

Finance PhD

• Research Assistantships:  2280
• Teaching Assistantships:  1007

Yale University

Full Listing of Courses Counting to the Major.

Yale offers a full funding package for all incoming Ph.D. students for a minimum of five years, with some students in FAS programs eligible for a sixth year of funding. The package includes a full tuition and annual stipend. Whenever external funding is avaialble, this amount is increased somewhat.

Applied Mathematics Program

• Research Assistantships:  1565
• Teaching Assistantships:  1598

860 universities offer the Master's program in Finance.

Which one best suits your need?

Harvard University

Offices Academic Societies Admissions Anatomical Gift Program Curriculum Services Disability Services Educational Quality Improvement Finance Administration Financial Aid Health Sciences Technology Learning Resources Support MD-PhD Recruitment Multicultural Affairs Registrar Scholarly Engagement Student Affairs.

PME Finance Administration Harvard Medical School Tosteson Medical Education Center Suite 384 260 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115.

Finance Administration - Harvard Medical School

• GRE Required:  Register to view the details
• Research Assistantships:  Register to view the details
• Teaching Assistantships:  Register to view the details

University of Chicago

A full-time PhD in Finance program is offered at the University of Chicago. The behavior and factors influencing security prices, business financing and investment choices, corporate governance, and the administration and supervision of financial institutions are just a few of the subjects covered by Ph.D. candidates in finance. They pursue positions in esteemed organizations like the International Monetary Fund and Yale University.

The majority of coursework and exam requirements are typically completed by students within the first two years of their study, and they start working on their dissertations in the third year. The Chicago Booth finance professors are eminent academics who cooperate on novel ideas, foster close relationships with Ph.D. students, and introduce them to exciting employment options. The program can be completed in five years.

The IGM places Chicago Booth as a thought leader in the comprehension of constantly changing markets and enhances financial and economic decision-making globally by enhancing awareness of business and financial market globalization. By bringing together researchers from the whole Chicago economics community, the program creates fresh perspectives on the most challenging economic issues facing the world. The program at Booth accepts up to three courses for transfer credits from other approved institutions.

PhD in Finance

University of pennsylvania.

Wharton’s Ph.D. program in Finance gives students a strong foundation in modern finance's theoretical and empirical techniques while prominently referencing the field of economics. The program focuses on Asset Pricing and Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Financial Institutions, and Macroeconomics to prepare students for careers in research and teaching at the top academic institutions in the world.

Students systematically examine the theoretical foundations of contemporary financial economics. Individual investment decisions under uncertainty, stochastic dominance, mean-variance theory, capital market equilibrium, asset valuation, arbitrage pricing theory, option pricing, incomplete markets, and potential applications of these themes will all be covered in the course. Students are expected to complete 18 credits as a part of the program. The program can be completed in five years. Some of the important areas of study include:

• Financial market structure
• Pricing and trading patterns for financial assets
• Monetary and banking systems
• Corporate governance and capitalization
• Saving and generating capital
• Worldwide financial markets

The world-renowned Wharton Finance faculty has been at the forefront of research in a number of fields. After completing this program, students should have a solid understanding of the key theoretical findings on people's consumption and investment choices in the face of uncertainty as well as how these findings affect the value of securities.

Ph.D. in Finance

Northwestern university.

Northwestern University offers a PhD in Finance program. Students who enroll in the finance PhD program receive thorough study in finance, economics, mathematics, and statistics. Students can contribute to the understanding of financial markets and institutions by using these tools and opportunities for supervised independent research, which paves the way for successful research careers.

The curriculum which comprises 18 credits seeks to generate academics who do original and rigorous research in the fields of finance and economics. In their courses, students are exposed to a range of research methodologies. Corporate finance and asset pricing are two areas of current theoretical and empirical research in finance. Corporate governance, personal financial management, macro-finance, financial crises, the pricing of securities on financial markets, international finance, financial history, development economics, market microstructure, regulation, and financial econometrics are some of the research areas. The program can be completed in five years.

Students also engage directly with faculty members as they develop their own research projects. The program's strong linkages with the Department of Economics—fostered by shared seminars, cross-collaborative student mentoring, and regular research project collaboration—are one of its distinguishing features.

The research interests of the finance faculty are likewise highly diverse, ranging from the detection of jump risk premiums to the importance of culture and trust in financial markets. Students are encouraged to pursue advanced research because of the faculty's variety of expertise and interests. The Ph.D. program in finance prepares students to apply theoretical concepts and empirical techniques to further their understanding of how financial institutions and markets operate and how they could influence economic growth.

Duke University

The Graduate School provides a competitive package that provides Ph.D. students with for at least a majority of the time they are registered and working toward their degree. This support includes four main components: a stipend, tuition coverage, fees coverage, and coverage of health insurance premiums.

Generally speaking, The Graduate School guarantees Ph.D. students five years of stipend, tuition, and fees support, plus six years of full coverage for health and dental insurance premiums.

Departments with Ph.D. programs vary in the they provide beyond the guaranteed funding package. We have created a table showing who paying for what in which year to help students plan their finances during graduate school.

The Graduate School guarantees all Ph.D. students a stipend for their first five years of study. Starting in fall 2022, all Duke Ph.D. students will receive a 12-month stipend during their first five years of study (details on how this is handled in each Ph.D. program).

In year 6 and beyond, stipend support is at the discretion of each Ph.D. program. Programs differ in the amount, length, and requirements of their stipend support, so check with the DGS.

Tuition for all Ph.D. students in their first five years of study is covered by either The Graduate School or external fellowships.

In year 6, as long as students make an effort to get tuition support from their department or an external source, their tuition is covered.

In year 7 and beyond, tuition is paid by external funding, departmental funding, or the student. Ph.D. programs differ in whether they provide tuition support, so check with the DGS.

The Graduate School covers mandatory fees for all Ph.D. students in their first five years of study.

In year 6, as long as students make an effort to get fee support from their department or an external source, their mandatory fees are covered.

In year 7 and beyond, fees are paid by external funding, departmental funding, or the student. Ph.D. programs differ in whether they provide fees support, so check with the DGS.

Support for Ph.D. students comes from a combination of funding from The Graduate School, the departments, and external funding sources such as governmental or private grants. Students are expected to play a part by making a good-faith effort to obtain external fellowships at some point during their funding period, and they should be encouraged to pursue such opportunities. It is important to understand that the overall graduate awards budget is dependent on a significant number of students obtaining such external support. External grants and fellowships also benefit students because they bring distinction, and competing for such awards provides opportunities to practice grant-writing skills that could serve students well in their future careers.

Fellowship stipends: Require no service. Many departments also offer endowed fellowships.

Training program appointments: For US citizens and permanent residents participating in federally funded training programs.

Some departments use, when possible, the federal work-study program to help fund research and teaching assistantship positions.

Aside from the main support package, The Graduate School also offers a number of other financial resources, such as conference travel grants, childcare subsidies, medical expense and financial hardship assistance, and short-term loans for emergencies.

The Graduate School - Ph.D.

Brown university.

Graduate students who are candidates for the PhD are accepted into TSGP with a commitment of full (tuition, stipend, health insurance fees) while their research and academic studies progress satisfactorily. The Graduate School guarantees this support for 5 years, as will be stated in each student acceptance letter every effort is made to provide funding for students in good standing whose work extends beyond the 5th year, and so far no student has ever had to leave any program in the Division of Biology and Medicine because of a loss of beyond the 5th year.

Washington University in St Louis

Students enrolled in the DBA program are assessed tuition on a per-credit-hour basis. Any tuition increase approved by the Washington University Board of Trustees takes effect during the summer semester.

However, financing in the form of federal or private student loans may be available.

Washington University has a health insurance requirement for all full-time, degree-seeking students. Students must either purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan or demonstrate comparable coverage via another plan. Students will automatically be enrolled in the health insurance plan and billed accordingly. Spousal and or dependent coverage is available at an additional charge.

The Olin Financial Services team can help students understand the billing process at Washington University and provide information loan options and eligibility requirements. Please reach out to the Olin Financial Services team for assistance.

Enrolled PhD students who are making satisfactory progress in the program are guaranteed for five years. This includes full tuition remission plus a stipend for living expenses that is distributed over 12 months. The annual stipend for students entering the PhD program in the fall of 2023 is $40,000. All applicants are automatically considered for Olin Business School fellowships no separate application is required. New applicants are encouraged to apply for other fellowships with generous stipends that are available to outstanding new students at Washington University.

The OCF will begin admitting fellows for the 2023-24 academic year. The OCF offers a competitive award package and a best-in-class graduate fellowship experience including exceptional leadership and development opportunities, access to exemplary resources, and networking and mentorship opportunities that will empower fellows to demonstrate all-around excellence.

Interested applicants should OCF at the same time they apply for admission to their chosen academic program.

Olin PhD students can apply for up to $500 to help support research projects. This funding can be used for things like purchasing databases or providing honorariums for projects involving human research participants. Students may only be awarded this grant once per year, and the applications must be approved and signed by the student area coordinator.

Washington University has a health insurance requirement for all full-time, degree-seeking students. Under this requirement, students must either purchase the Washington University Student Health Insurance Plan or prove that they have adequate coverage through another plan. If a student does not demonstrate that they have adequate coverage from another plan, that student will be automatically enrolled in the Washington University student plan and billed accordingly.

Working outside of the school or obtaining external grants and fellowships may be other sources of funding for students.

Because external grants are awarded in a variety of ways, it is not possible to set a standard regarding how the Olin funding available to a student receiving an external award will be adjusted. However, the program is committed to ensuring that there is a financial advantage for PhD students who receive such awards.

Doctoral Program Financial Information Washington University in St.Louis

What kind of scholarships are available for graduate programs in finance.

We have 19 scholarships awarding up to $92,694 for Masters program in for Finance, targeting diverse candidates and not restricted to state or school-based programs.

Find scholarships and financial aid for Finance graduate programs

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PhD in Finance

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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

Ching-Tse Chen Natalia Corado Mihir Gandhi  Huan (Bianca) He Jessica Li Edoardo Marchesi Alexa Marciano Rayhan Momin Lauren Mostrom Meichen Qian Francisco Ruela

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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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.

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.

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

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

• Certificate
• Pennsylvania

PhD in Finance

• Author: Audrey Stoffle
• Expert Reviewer: Rob Voce
• Editorial Process

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Finance prepares graduates for research careers and to teach at the postsecondary level. Since most finance careers and certifications require a bachelor’s in finance or, more often, a master’s degree in finance , students pursuing a PhD in Finance often have their sights set on academic or research careers. Finance programs at the PhD level cover a variety of financial topics that including the behavior of financial markets, pricing and valuation of assets, and problem-solving in financial intermediaries and firms. Study is often focused on a combination of finance theory and practice, which involves the testing of models using various methods in order to investigate issues in finance and conduct research. PhD students also choose to focus on a particular area of finance (sometimes called concentrations or specializations as well as research topics or tracks, depending on the school). Common research areas are often influenced by current faculty research topics and include capital markets, financial intermediaries, international finance, and corporate finance.

Table of Contents

Program Options

• Core Concepts

Top PhD in Finance Programs

• Select Schools with a PhD in Finance

Jobs with a PhD in Finance

Frequently asked questions.

PhD in Finance degrees usually take between four and six years to complete, and most require full-time, on-campus attendance. In addition to a certain number of credit hours through traditional coursework, PhD programs also typically require comprehensive exams, research papers, a dissertation proposal, and a completed dissertation. These components often have deadlines, and each student is responsible for ensuring that all deadlines are met throughout the program. Some programs grant PhD in Finance or Financial Economics degrees, while others grant a PhD in Business Administration or Business Economics with a Concentration in Finance. As mentioned above, PhD programs in Finance often offer further areas of specialized study, both through formal concentration areas and through active research topics of current faculty that align with students’ goals. Common concentration and research areas include:

• Asset Pricing Theory
• Behavioral Finance
• Capital Markets
• Corporate Finance
• Corporate Governance
• Development Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Equity Markets
• Financial Crises
• Financial Econometrics
• Financial Intermediaries
• Fund Management
• Household Finance
• International Finance
• Investments
• Macro-finance
• Market Microstructure
• Real Estate
• Strategy and Decision-Making
• Tax Effects in Security Markets

Online Degree Formats

Since PhD programs involve intense study and are highly collaborative in nature, most schools do not offer online options for students. At most, PhD Finance programs may offer some online coursework during the program. However, the traditional coursework in a PhD program is usually completed in the first two to three years of study, with the remaining years devoted to the writing of the dissertation and teaching assistantships. As a result, much of the work in the latter half of PhD programs may be able to be completed remotely as long as program deadlines continue to be met.

Admission Requirements

Common admission requirements for Finance PhD programs include a resume, Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and often an interview. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Finance is sometimes required–or at least preferred–for admission, but not always. Some prospective students have backgrounds in other areas, including mathematics, economics, engineering, or statistics. Check with your school or schools of interest to inquire about their requirements for admission.

Core Concepts and Coursework

Coursework in Finance PhD programs will vary by school and program, but possible courses may include:

• Econometrics
• Empirical Asset Pricing
• Finance Research Seminar
• Information and Trading in Financial Markets
• Statistical Theory

The following are recent rankings of the best Finance PhD programs in the nation. Schools in bold appear on both lists.

US News & World Report’s Best Business Schools with PhD-Finance Programs 2022

US News & World Report annually ranks the top business schools for finance based on factors like recruiter rating, average starting salary, employment rate, and student selectivity. 1 The below business schools with PhDs in Finance top the list:

• University of Pennsylvania (#1; Wharton)
• University of Chicago (#2; Booth)
• New York University (#3; Stern)
• Columbia University (#4; Columbia)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#5; Sloan)
• Stanford University (#6; Stanford)
• University of California-Berkeley (#7; Haas)
• Harvard University (#8; Harvard)
• University of California-Los Angeles (#9; Anderson)
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (#10; Ross)
• Duke University (#11 tie; Fuqua)
• Northwestern University (#11 tie; Kellogg)
• Boston College (#13; Carroll)
• Fordham University (#14 tie; Gabelli)
• University of Texas-Austin (#14 tie; McCombs)

Arizona State University Top Schools for Finance Rankings 1990-2020

Arizona State University’s (ASU) W.P. Carey School of Business ranks colleges and universities based on the number of annual articles published in the top four finance journals each year. The following schools topped the rankings from 1990 to 2020: 2

• New York University (#1; Stern)
• Harvard University (#3 tie; Harvard)
• University of Pennsylvania (#3 tie; Wharton)
• University of California-Los Angeles (#5; Anderson)
• Columbia University (#6; Columbia)
• Duke University (#7; Fuqua)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#8; Sloan)
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (#9; Ross)
• Ohio State University (#10; Fisher)
• Stanford University (#11; Stanford)
• Northwestern University (#12; Northwestern)
• Cornell University (#13; Johnson)
• University of Texas-Austin (#14; McCombs)
• University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (#15; Kenan–Flagler)

Select PhD in Finance Programs

Traditional programs, duke university.

At Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, students can earn a technically-focused Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance that will prepare them to become faculty at the nation’s top research universities. Two main subfields are offered, Asset Pricing Theory and Corporate Finance; a third, Behavioral Finance, is emerging. Students can typically complete the PhD in four to six years and they collaborate with faculty to determine a concentrated course of study that aligns with their career goals. A comprehensive exam in the content area is required as well as a dissertation. Duke’s Fuqua School of Business provides PhD students with stipends as well as tuition, registration, and health fees for up to 10 semesters. Courses include Microeconomics I and II; Empirical Corporate Finance; Theoretical Asset Pricing; a finance seminar; and Theoretical Corporate Finance. GMAT or GRE scores are required for admission and cannot be waived for any reason. An MBA or master’s degree is not required for admission, nor is previous work experience.

Northwestern University

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University offers a full-time doctoral program in finance that leads to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and draws on economics, mathematics, and statistics in its exploration of finance. Applicants should have a strong education or work background in mathematics, statistics, and economics, and while a master’s degree is not required, about half of PhD students at Northwestern have one. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Original research papers, as well as a proposal and dissertation, are required for graduation. In addition, PhD students serve as research and teaching assistants during the second, third, and fourth years of the program. Coursework includes three levels of asset pricing and corporate finance. Most students can complete the degree in about five and a half years, with the first two years usually spent on coursework and the final three years spent on research and writing the dissertation.

Ohio State University

Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Finance program that prepares students to become researchers and postsecondary instructors in finance. The program is designed to be taken full time, with courses offered in the daytime. At least 10 credit hours per quarter are required, in addition to other responsibilities. Coursework in Ohio State’s program includes the subjects of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and research tools, as well as courses like Empirical Asset Pricing, Advanced Corporate Finance, and a Finance Research Seminar taken in the third year. A written and oral Candidacy Examination is taken between the second and third year of the program. All students must also choose a second field of study based on their interests. Microeconomics is highly recommended for finance students, but other fields may be chosen with advisor approval. GRE or GMAT scores are required for admission, along with three recommendation letters, a statement of intent, and a resume or CV. A master’s in finance is preferred for admission; without one, students may have to take additional coursework.

University of Pennsylvania

The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Finance that combines the theoretical and empirical study of finance with the related discipline of economics. Students in Penn’s PhD program are prepared for research careers and teaching positions at top academic institutions. With a student-to-faculty ratio greater than one-to-one, Penn’s faculty research has contributed to the modern understanding of economic systems and how they can affect financial fragility and crises. Study focuses on areas like corporate finance; asset pricing and portfolio management; international finance; financial institutions; and macroeconomics. A total of 18 courses are required for the PhD, including economics core classes, econometrics/statistics courses, finance core classes, and electives in finance. No more than six courses can be transferred from other schools. The program consists of two phases: Pre-Candidacy and Candidacy. Students must maintain a “B” average in order to graduate. Four teaching fellowships are required, as well as various papers, presentations, and a dissertation. A master’s degree in finance is included in the PhD program for eligible students.

University of Texas at Austin

At the Texas McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, students can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Finance to prepare them for research and teaching careers. Specializations are offered in Corporate Finance, Investments, Financial Intermediaries, International Finance, and Real Estate. In addition to the area of specialty, students are required to choose two minor fields. Popular fields are economics, statistics, or mathematics. The student-to-faculty ratio is one-to-one; as a result, students participate in multidisciplinary research through close collaboration with faculty and benefit from one-on-one mentoring. Applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s degree in any subject, but a reasonable background in math, statistics, and economics is expected, as well as adequate computer programming skills.

Most graduates of PhD programs in Finance begin academic careers in teaching or research, though they may also work for corporations in various finance and analyst roles. A PhD may also prepare graduates to become certified in an area of finance. More information on licensure and certification options can be found on our finance careers page . Possible job titles for PhD-Finance grads include:

• Chief Financial Officer
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Examiner
• Financial Manager
• Financial Planner
• Investment Analyst
• Quantitative Analyst

How much is a PhD in Finance salary?

Most graduates with PhDs in Finance work as professors and researchers at academic research institutions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), postsecondary business teachers earned a median of $88,010 per year and postsecondary economics teachers earned a median of $107,260 per year as of May 2020. 3 By comparison, financial managers earned a median annual salary of $134,180 per year, and top executives earned a median of $107,680 per year. 4,5

Why should I get a PhD in Finance?

If you are interested in a career in academia–either in teaching at the postsecondary level or in conducting financial research to solve industry problems–a PhD in Finance might be right for you. Typically, other positions in finance, such as financial manager or chief financial officer (CFO) require a MFin or a MBA-Finance . Therefore, a PhD in Finance, given its time commitment, is best for those who aspire to be college or university professors and researchers.

What is the job outlook for PhDs in Finance?

According to the BLS, postsecondary teaching positions in business are expected to grow 12% through 2029, while postsecondary teaching positions in economics are expected to grow 5% over the same time period. 3 Employment of postsecondary teachers as a whole is projected to grow 9% through 2029. 3

How long does it take to get a Finance PhD?

The length of time it takes to get a PhD in Finance varies by program as well as the speed at which you complete your dissertation. That said, if you are considering pursuing this degree, you should expect to devote between four and six years of full-time study to finish it.

What are the admission requirements for PhD-Finance programs?

PhD programs vary widely in their admission requirements. Some may require a master’s degree or an MBA, while others may only require a bachelor’s degree. At this level, most schools look for students who have either studied finance in previous educational programs or who have a strong work background in the field. They may also require GRE or GMAT scores, a minimum GPA in previous finance study, as well as a strong application, letters of recommendation, and a successful interview. PhD programs, especially those that offer tuition assistance, are often highly competitive, so students with high GPAs, backgrounds, and test scores usually have the best chance of admission.

References: 1. US News & World Report Best Finance MBA Programs 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/finance-rankings 2. Arizona State University Top Schools for Finance Rankings 1990-2020: https://apps.wpcarey.asu.edu/fin-rankings/rankings/index.cfm 3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Teachers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm 4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Financial Managers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm 5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Top Executives: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm

• Doctoral Programs

Financial economics encompasses a broad area of topics and issues, including corporate investments and financing policy, security valuation, portfolio management, the behavior of prices in speculative markets, financial institutions, and intermediation.

The PhD specialization in finance is designed to give the student a strong background for study and research in both theoretical and empirical work in finance and related areas. Emphasis is placed on understanding the important concepts and models. Students normally take several graduate courses in the Department of Economics, particularly in microeconomics and macroeconomic theory, the economics of uncertainty, and econometrics.

The program offers two courses specifically in financial theory and its applications. In addition, the faculty and doctoral students attend a seminar that features speakers from around the country. However, the specialization is built primarily around individual study and research under the guidance of the faculty.

Examples of potential areas of research for the financial economics dissertation:

• Principal-agent relationships
• Financial intermediation
• Efficiency of markets
• Portfolio selection

• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →

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 four areas of study: Accounting and 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)  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

PhD Handbook

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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Ph.D. in Finance

An international reputation for academic excellence.

Faculty in the Seidner Department of Finance are experts in their disciplines and globally acclaimed for their scholarship, research, and mentorship. In our collegial environment, students typically collaborate with one another and with faculty to produce groundbreaking research.

The academic program begins with systematic, rigorous training in quantitative methods, economics, and finance. In addition, students complete a major research project, serve as research and teaching assistants, and write a doctoral dissertation.

• Academic Program
• Class Profile

Doctoral students in finance at Boston College complete a program of study that leads to competency in three areas: quantitative methods, economics, and finance. The program begins with course work in quantitative methods, economics, and finance. In the third year, students complete a major research project designed to develop their ability to do original research. Through hands-on experience as teaching assistants, students gain important pedagogical experience. Finally, each student completes a doctoral dissertation that contributes substantial, original work to the field of finance.

Students must 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 14 courses in the first two years in the program. In some cases, course work prior to entering the program or successful performance on waiver examinations may be substituted for required courses. However, each student must complete a minimum of 12 courses while in the Program.

Comprehensive Examination

Satisfactory performance on a comprehensive examination marks the student’s transition from course work to full-time thesis research. The examination is intended to allow the student to demonstrate substantial knowledge of the literature and theory of finance and economics and competence in the area of quantitative methods. The examination consists of two steps.

• Step 1: Students take an exam at the end of the second year in the program (late May). The exam covers all Finance Ph.D. classes taken during the first and the second year in the program. Whereas some of the questions will be specific and will test a particular topic, other questions will focus on broader understanding of the literature. Each student will be notified on their exam performance, immediately after it has been graded. There will be no second attempt to take the exam. If a student fails the exam, the only way to get admitted into “Ph.D. candidacy” would be to perform exceptionally well in Step 2.
• Step 2: Students submit independent research proposals by the end of the summer of the second year in the program (late August) to their faculty advisors. Students present research papers at the end of the third Fall semester (early December). Ph.D. committee members will attend the presentation and will jointly evaluate the proposal. Students will be evaluated based on their performance in the exam (step 1)  and  the quality of research paper presentation (step 2).

Doctoral students are expected to engage early in research. The culmination of the program is the doctoral dissertation, a substantial, significant, and original contribution to the field that is prepared under the guidance of a thesis committee of three or more faculty members. When the research is complete, students present a thesis-defense seminar that is open to the Boston College community.

Research and Teaching Assistant Requirement

Doctoral students at the Carroll School are expected to serve as research assistants, teaching assistants, and/or instructors throughout their studies. Students work for a set number of hours per week, throughout the duration of their Ph.D. programs. In exchange, the Carroll School provides financial support for doctoral students in the form of a stipend and tuition remission.

Sample Course Sequence

Course Descriptions

The Ph.D. Program in Finance at the Carroll School attracts applicants from all over the world and from a wide array of backgrounds. While notable for the diversity of their individual achievements, our students typically share a track record of leadership, a strong commitment to research and teaching, and a desire to make a difference in the world.

Note: The following information reflects data for the entering classes of 2020–2024. Updated September 10, 2024.

Demographics

Academic & Professional Profile

Where do our graduates work?

Our students and recent graduates are also prolific scholars and writers, publishing regularly in top economic and finance journals such as the American Economic Review, Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies, and the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis.

American University

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Bocconi University

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George Washington University

Indiana University

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Michigan State University

National University of Singapore

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University of Alberta

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University of New South Wales

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

University of Virginia (Darden School)  

University of Hong Kong

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Meet Our Students

Learn more about current Ph.D. in Finance candidates.

Finance Faculty

Faculty take an active role connecting students with exceptional career opportunities. 

Ph.D. Admission FAQ

Application link & deadlines.

Application Deadline:  The deadline to apply for Fall 2025 is January 7, 2025.

Application Fee: All applicants are required to pay a nonrefundable application fee of $100 USD.

Interviews: If selected, applicants will be invited to interview in early spring.

Admission Decisions: Applications are generally reviewed after the final deadline has passed. There is no specific decision notification date for Ph.D. programs. Final decisions are typically available by mid-spring.

CV and Resume

Your current curriculum vitae should include your education, research, and professional information.

We also require  a separate Employment History, using the form provided within the online application.

Recommendations

Recommendations from two individuals who can provide an objective appraisal of your capacity for intensive graduate study and potential for professional success.

Transcripts

All applicants must possess a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You must submit transcripts from every institution where you were enrolled in a degree-granting program. At the time of application, only a self-reported transcript is required but if you are admitted, we will require an official transcript sent directly from your degree-granting institution. Transcripts should include:

Course names

All grades received (including transfer credits and study abroad programs)

Cumulative GPA

Degree conferral information

Graduates of non-U.S. institutions must possess a college or university degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. If admitted, international students are required to submit an official English translation of all academic credentials, along with a third-party degree verification from an agency such as  SpanTran/TEC  or  World Education Services (WES) .

GMAT or GRE Scores

Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores from within the past five years. We accept both the GMAT Exam and GMAT Focus Edition. Our test codes are:

• GMAT school code: 44x-J5-96
• GRE school code: 3033

While Graduate Admissions does not have a preference between the GMAT or GRE, we encourage you to consult class profile data for average test scores in order to gauge where you stand.

English Proficiency

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you are required to submit an English language proficiency exam score with your application. We accept TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores. We do not accept the Duolingo English Test.

Scores must be from within the past two years, and applicants must meet the following minimum scores:

TOEFL, iBT, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 100

You are eligible to waive the language test requirement if you meet either of the following criteria:

You have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree or a two-year master’s degree (or higher) at an institution where the medium language of instruction is English. You must have completed your degree in its entirety at the English-medium institution. The medium language of instruction must be indicated on your transcript or verified in an official letter from the institution.

You have worked in a full-time, post-degree position for at least two years in the United States or a country where English is an official language. NOTE: Working for a company that conducts its business in English in a country where English is not an official language will not qualify you for a language test waiver. 

If you are eligible to waive the language test requirement, you do not need to submit a waiver request beforehand and can simply move forward with your application.

Required & Optional Essays

Applicants must submit a required essay discussing their research interests and career objectives. You may also submit an optional essay that addresses aspects of your candidacy that have not already been covered in other parts of the application.

If you have any further questions, please email us at bcmba@bc.edu , or schedule a phone call or Zoom appointment with a member of the Graduate Admission team.

Quick Links

Graduate admission faq, why the carroll school, diversity & inclusion, facts & figures.

The new EDHEC PhD in Finance cohort ready to embrace the challenges of PhD studies

"We are excited to meet our new PhD in Finance students in person on the Nice campus. Over the coming years, we will support them in becoming independent researchers by mastering the foundations of finance and the techniques of academic research, ” says Emmanuel Jurczenko, Executive Director of Graduate Finance programmes, at EDHEC. 

This week, we were thrilled to welcome a new cohort of 11 PhD executive track participants to the EDHEC PhD in Finance programme. They have kicked off their PhD journey with core courses such as Discrete-time Financial Economics with Professor Abraham Lioui, Doing PhD Research in Finance with Professor Tessaromatis Nikos, and Foundations of Econometrics with Professor Mirco Rubin.

"We are excited to meet our new PhD in Finance students in person on the Nice campus. Over the coming years, we will support them in becoming independent researchers by mastering the foundations of finance and the techniques of academic research, ” says Emmanuel Jurczenko, Executive Director of Graduate Finance programmes.

The class boasts a great diversity, encompassing seven nationalities and spanning four continents in terms of residence.

Our newcomers bring impressive professional and academic credentials. Most of them have first degrees in economics, finance, business administration or engineering, The participants hold one or two graduate degrees, MSc degrees in financial economics, financial markets, financial engineering,  economics, or MBA from reputed institutions such as Cambridge, John Hopkins, or New York University… A few of them hold professional certifications that include the CFA or the CQF.

In this cohort, there is a well-balanced proportion of senior professionals acting as head of units and more junior profiles that include portfolio managers, or investment and risk specialists. Participants mainly work in asset or investment management, corporate and investment banking, or financial services.

The average age of these students is 40 and together they average over 15 years of experience.

Without interrupting their careers, the experienced practitioners of the executive track usually join the programme to take a step towards senior positions in finance or positions in academia, or when they already hold such positions, to help them steer their organisations in new directions. During the programme, they work with leading specialists on research of particular relevance to their job. The PhD in Finance programme at EDHEC requires a strong personal commitment and is designed to be completed over three to four years.

More information on the participants profile, programme curriculum, doctoral theses, and alumni testimonials is available at this web page . 

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