Doctoral in Finance

What is finance?
The field of finance involves the practical application of economics and accounting principles in business to control and supervise monetary operations in various organizations such as research and development funds, employee payroll and taxes. Finance professionals also analyze past market trends and propose the most viable investments for the future. They are also responsible for auditing a company’s finances and reporting any irregularities to superiors. Those who obtain a finance education rely heavily on their mathematical skills in addition to their analytical & problem solving abilities.

Doctoral in Finance Programs

How do I obtain a PhD in finance?
To enroll in a doctoral degree of finance, applicants must have at least a master’s degree in a business related field, and pass an entrance exam and interview with the university faculty. Once admitted, students start their coursework by studying core subjects such as market structure, corporate finance, asset pricing, taxation and empirical finance. Students also take courses in calculus, linear algebra and statistics. This is followed by conducting a case study or research on a particular topic within finance, upon the completion of which students submit their thesis to the faculty. The thesis is then reviewed, and once approved; students are called in for a dissertation where they defend their research methods and findings.

Why should I obtain a doctorate in finance?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an increase of 8% in employment opportunities for finance professionals, in banks, investment companies, credit unions, insurance companies and securities dealers. A doctoral degree in finance can also help you land a top managerial job at a federal or state government body. Wages in this field greatly vary with the place of work and the current national average stands at $150,000 per year.