PhD in Finance

Doctorate programs in finance deepen students' understanding of financial methods, technologies and trends through applied research and studies. Most programs aim to prepare students for successful careers in academia.

A PhD in a finance program typically involves intensive course work in finance, economics and statistics. Courses may also cover investments, corporate finance, financial intermediation, portfolio management, capital planning and technology.

Students pursuing a doctorate in finance typically work with a faculty member, collaborating on research projects and helping publish papers. In some cases, students may conduct research that they will be able to incorporate into a paper published in their own name.

Additional requirements for a doctorate in finance vary between schools. Most programs, however, require that students complete a dissertation that entails rigorous planning, research and review. Conducting the research and writing involved in a dissertation may take two to three years aside from the years spent attending classes. Many schools also expect students to acquire teaching experience as part of their finance PhD program; this typically translates into working as a teaching assistant for the faculty mentor and helping to teach a class related to your primary area of study.  

PhD in Finance—Walden University

Foundation Course (required)
Foundations for Doctoral Study

Core Knowledge Area Modules (all courses required)
Theories of Societal Development
Current Research in Societal Development
Professional Practice and Societal Development
Theories of Human Development
Current Research in Human Development
Professional Practice and Human Development
Principles of Organizational and Social Systems
Theories of Organizational and Social Systems
Current Research in Organizational and Social Systems

Foundation Research Sequence (all courses required)
Foundation Research Seminar I: Human Inquiry and Science
Foundation Research Seminar II: Design in Applied Management and Decision Sciences Research
Foundation Research Seminar III: Data Analysis in Applied Management and Decision Sciences Research

Specialized Knowledge Area Modules (all courses required)
Theory of Corporate Finance
Current Research in Corporate Finance
Professional Practice: Application of Corporate Finance
Theory of Investments and International Finance
Current Research in Investments and International Finance
Professional Practice: Application of Investments and International Finance
Research Methods
Selected Research Methods
Research Design

Dissertation (required)