phd of finance

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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

Associate Professor of Finance and MV Advisors Faculty Fellow

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

Associate 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 Associate 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

Constantine Yannelis

Associate Professor of Finance and FMC Faculty Scholar

Anthony Lee Zhang

Assistant Professor of Finance

Luigi Zingales

Robert C. McCormack Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship 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.

Initiative on Global Markets Enhancing the understanding of business and financial market globalization, the IGM 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

Rahul Chauhan Ching-Tse Chen Aditya Dhar Mihir Gandhi  Huan (Bianca) He Agustin Hurtado Young Soo Jang Piotr Langer Jessica Li Edoardo Marchesi Rayhan Momin Lauren Mostrom Meichen Qian Francisco Ruela Sixun Tang Hui (Judy) Yue

Booth also offers joint degrees. Learn more about the current students in our Joint Program in Financial Economics .

Program Expectations and Requirements

The Stevens Program at 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!

About / Departments

Finance Department | PhD Program

Phd program.

Our faculty, ranked #1 worldwide based on publications in top finance journals (ASU Finance Rankings), consists of more than 30 researchers who study all major areas of finance, making it one of the largest finance faculty in the country. Stern’s finance faculty is highly rated in terms of research output, and faculty members sit on the editorial boards of all major finance journals.

The finance department offers an exceptionally large range of courses devoted exclusively to PhD students. Apart from core PhD courses in asset pricing and corporate finance, students can choose from a range of electives such as household finance, macro-finance, and financial intermediation. PhD students also enjoy the benefits of Stern’s economics department, NYU’s economics department in the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS), and the Courant Institute of Mathematics.

Graduates of Stern’s Finance PhD program have been placed at leading research institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Chicago, Stanford, Wharton, Yale, and UCLA.

Holger Mueller , Finance PhD coordinator

More information on the Finance PhD

Download the Finance PhD poster (PDF)

Explore Stern PhD

• Meet with Us

• 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

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Finance Requirements

I. preparation.

The study of financial economics requires a grasp of several types of basic mathematics. Students must enter with or very quickly acquire knowledge of the concepts and techniques of:

It is strongly advised that students without a strong and recent background in calculus, linear algebra, or statistics come to Stanford in June to take courses to strengthen any weak areas.

Computer programming skills are necessary in coursework (as early as the first quarter of the first year) and in research. If students do not have adequate computer programming skills, they may wish to take a computer programming course before they arrive at Stanford, or take an appropriate Stanford computer science course while here.

II. Course Requirements

All required courses must be taken for a grade (not pass/fail or credit/no credit). Exceptions are made if the required course is offered pass/fail or credit/no credit only. Each course must be passed with a grade of P or B- or better. Substitutions of required courses require approval from the faculty liaison. Waiving a course requirement based on similar doctoral level course completed elsewhere requires the approval of the course instructor, faculty liaison, and the PhD Program Office.

III. Practicum

Students are required to sign up for either a research or teaching practicum each quarter of enrollment. Below is a description of the practicum requirements for Finance students.

During the student’s first year, the student will be assigned each quarter to work with a different faculty member. This assignment will involve mentoring and advising from the faculty member and RA work from the student. The purpose of new assignments each quarter is to give the student exposure to a number of different faculty members.

In subsequent years, the practicum will take the form of a research or teaching mentorship, where the student is expected to provide research or teaching support under the guidance and advice of a faculty member. Faculty assignments here will be made through informal discussions between faculty and students, and may be quarterly, or for the entire year.

For students of all years, one requirement to satisfy the practicum is that students regularly attend the Finance seminar. The only exception to this will be if there is a direct and unavoidable conflict between the seminar and necessary coursework.

IV. Summer Research Papers

All students in all years are expected to complete a research paper over the summer, and present this paper in the Fall quarter. A draft of this research paper should be submitted by the end of September to the field liaison. Students can continue to work on and improve their paper up to their presentation.

For students completing their first year, the summer paper should demonstrate the mastery of a specific area in the literature together with the early development of a research idea in this area. The student will be expected to present this paper to a gathering of three Finance faculty members of the student’s choosing in October.

In all years after the first year, the summer research paper should be a well-developed research paper. (Well-developed does not mean completed – research is always presented as work in progress. Rather, it means that the work shows enough progress and development to merit a seminar presentation.) Students will then present their papers to the overall Finance faculty and PhD student body in scheduled talks over the Fall quarter. Student presentations will typically be 45 minutes, save for job market paper presentations, which will be a full hour and a half.

A passing grade on the paper at the end of the second year is one requirement for admission to candidacy. More generally, these presentations throughout all years will be a primary manner that faculty who are not advising the student become familiar with the student’s work, and will play a crucial role in the assessment of the student’s academic progress.

V. Field Exam

Students take the field exam in the summer after the first year. Material from the field exam will be based on required first year coursework. This includes required finance courses, as well as the required microeconomic and econometric classes. The primary purpose of the exam is to ascertain that students have learned the introductory material that is a necessary foundation for understanding and undertaking research in the field. Additionally, studying for the field exam will give students the opportunity to review and synthesize material across all their different first year courses. Students may be asked to leave the program if they fail the field exam, or may be allowed to retake the exam at the Faculty’s discretion. Students who fail the field exam two times will be required to leave the program.

VI. Teaching Requirement

One quarter of course assistantship or teaching practicum. This requirement must be completed prior to graduation.

VII. Finance Oral Exam

The finance oral exam takes place at the end of the spring quarter of the second year, in early June.

At the beginning of the spring quarter of the second year, the student meets with the liaison to determine three finance faculty members who will administer the exam. The student then meets with the selected faculty examiners to discuss a set of topics that will be covered in the finance oral exam. These topics will generally be chosen from coverage in the Finance PhD classes. An important component of the exam involves the student identifying a particular research area to discuss at the exam. The student will be expected to discuss major results in the literature related to this area and to identify important unresolved questions that need to be addressed. In addition the student will be expected to discuss how one or more of these questions might be addressed either theoretically or empirically. This discussion can be viewed as a preliminary step towards identifying the research project of the second year paper. The results from the finance oral exam plus the result from the second-year summer research paper (presented in the fall of 3rd year) and overall performance in the program are weighed in the decision to admit to candidacy.

VIII. Candidacy

Admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree is a judgment by the faculty of the student’s potential to successfully complete the requirements of the degree program. Students are required to advance to candidacy by September 1 before the start of their fourth year in the program.

IX. University Oral Exam

The university oral examination is a defense of the dissertation work in progress. The student orally presents and defends the thesis work in progress at a stage when it is one-half to two-thirds complete. The oral examination committee tests the student on the theory and methodology underlying the research, the areas of application and portions of the major field to which the research is relevant, and the significance of the dissertation research. Students are required to successfully complete the oral exams by September 1 before the start of their fifth year in the program.

X. Doctoral Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is expected to be an original contribution to scholarship or scientific knowledge, to exemplify the highest standards of the discipline, and to be of lasting value to the intellectual community. The Finance faculty defer to the student’s Dissertation Reading Committee to provide general guidelines (e.g., number of chapters, length of dissertation) on the dissertation.

Typical Timeline

Years one & two.

• Field Requirements
• Directed Reading & Research
• Advancement to Candidacy
• Formulation of Research Topic
• Annual Evaluation
• Continued Research

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From the Finance Ph.D. Liaison

“Welcome to UCLA Anderson’s Finance area, long recognized as one of the world’s top programs. Our Ph.D. students work with renowned faculty whose expertise covers corporate finance, macroeconomics, asset pricing, derivatives, investments and behavioral finance. The UCLA Anderson Doctoral Program is highly selective. We expect you to develop a passion and tenacity for excellent research in finance and, through mentorship and collaboration, we prepare you for a distinguished academic career. We look forward to receiving your application.”

Barney Hartman-Glaser Professor of Finance

Explore the Program

Recent publications.

Risk and Return in Segmented Markets with Expertise Andrea Eisfeldt

Complex assets appear to earn persistent high average returns, and to display high Sharpe ratios – but investor participation is very limited. Eisfeldt, along with co-authors Hanno Lustig and Lei Zhang, provides an explanation for these facts using a model of the pricing of complex securities by risk-averse investors who are subject to asset-specific risk in a dynamic model of industry equilibrium.  

Read Publication

Learning Millennial Style Bruce Carlin

The growing use of online educational content and related video services has changed the way people access education, share knowledge, and possibly make life decisions. Here, Carlin – with co-authors Li Jiang and Stephen A. Spiller – characterizes how video content affects individual decision-making and willingness to share in the context of a personal financial decision.  

Volatility Managed Portfolios Tyler Muir

Managed portfolios that take less risk when volatility is high produce large, positive alphas and increase factor Sharpe ratios by substantial amounts. Muir, together with co-author Alan Moreira, documents a profitable trading strategy that increases stock market exposure in low volatility episodes and reduces exposure in high volatility times.  

Alumni Success

Robert Richmond (’16)

First academic placement: NYU Stern

In 2016, Robert Richmond earned the Conference on International Finance Best Paper Award (2016), the Cubist Systematic Strategies Ph.D. Candidate Award for Outstanding Research and the Xavier Drèze award for most outstanding Ph.D. research paper. His current research uncovers an economic source of exposure to global risk that drives international asset prices.

Mindy Xiaolan Zhang (’14)

First academic placement: UT Austin

Mindy Zhang is recipient of the 2014 Trefftzs Award for Best Student Paper, WFA; and the 2014 Yihong Xia Best Paper Award, CICF. She conducts research on macro finance, equilibrium asset pricing, dynamic contracting, dynamic corporate theory, labor and finance.

Tobias J. Moskowitz (’98)

First academic placement: University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Recipient of numerous honors and awards, Tobias "Toby" Moskowitz is one of UCLA Anderson's Inspirational 100 alumni. Moskowitz was named the inaugural Dean Takahashi '80 B.A., '83 M.P.P.M. Professor of Finance at Yale School of Management in 2016. He was previously the Fama Family Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he had taught since 1998. In 2011, he co-authored the best-selling book Scorecasting , which uses economic principles to explain the hidden side of sports.

Joshua D. Coval (’97)

First academic placement: University of Michigan Business School

Joshua Coval's current research investigates the structured finance market and how investor reliance on ratings and unsound pricing models led to the spectacular rise and collapse thereof. His research awards include the 2000 and 2005 Smith-Breeden Prize for the best paper in the Journal of Finance . His research has been featured in The Economist, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, Time, Money Magazine and Financial Times .

William F. Sharpe (’61)

Winner of the 1990 Nobel Prize in Economic Science, William Sharpe was mentored at UCLA by the late Professor J. Fred Weston. Sharpe was one of the originators of the Capital Asset Pricing Model and developed the Sharpe Ratio for investment performance analysis. He co-founded the independent investment advisory firm Financial Engines.

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Smart. Open. Grounded. Inventive. Read our Ideas Made to Matter.

Which program is right for you?

Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.

A rigorous, hands-on program that prepares adaptive problem solvers for premier finance careers.

A 12-month program focused on applying the tools of modern data science, optimization and machine learning to solve real-world business problems.

Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

A joint program for mid-career professionals that integrates engineering and systems thinking. Earn your master’s degree in engineering and management.

An interdisciplinary program that combines engineering, management, and design, leading to a master’s degree in engineering and management.

Executive Programs

A full-time MBA program for mid-career leaders eager to dedicate one year of discovery for a lifetime of impact.

This 20-month MBA program equips experienced executives to enhance their impact on their organizations and the world.

Non-degree programs for senior executives and high-potential managers.

A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.

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.

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PhD Coordinator: Joseph Golec [email protected]

The UConn Finance department has a wide range of faculty scholars publishing regularly in some of the top academic journals in the mainstream topics of corporate finance and asset pricing. The department is highly rated in specialty topics such as real estate and insurance.

The Ph.D. Program in Finance prepares students to conduct state-of-the-art research and to take faculty positions in business schools at leading universities. The program emphasizes: (1) student/faculty interaction; (2) flexibility in designing a program to meet individual needs; and (3) timely completion of the degree.

Learn More About the Finance Department

Research topics

• Corporate finance
• Asset pricing
• Investment management
• Macro finance
• Financial distress
• Behavioral finance
• Corporate governance
• Real options
• Risk management
• Financial intermediation
• Commercial real estate
• Real Estate market analysis
• Capital structure
• Mutual funds
• Healthcare finance

Graduates have accepted faculty positions at Boise State University, Bangkok University, Concordia University, Michigan State University, Nankai University, Norwegian School of Economics, Sun Yat-sen University, Syracuse University, Texas Christian University, and Universities of Amsterdam, Georgia, Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Carolina-Charlotte, Illinois-Chicago, New Mexico,  North Texas, Toledo, Utah, DePaul, Fairfield, and Hofstra.

Finance Ph.D. Faculty

Hang Bai Associate Professor of Finance PhD, Finance, The Ohio State University Research Interests: asset pricing, credit risk, macro finance, and international finance

Fred Carstensen Professor of Finance Director, CCEA PhD, Yale University

Resul Cesur Associate Professor of Healthcare Economics PhD, Georgia State University Research Interests: health economics, labor economics, and applied microeconomics

Jeffrey Cohen Professor of Finance PhD, University of Maryland at College Park Research Interests: impact of airports on commercial and residential property values, property taxation, housing price spillovers across jurisdictions, the determinants of land values, and the impacts on REITs liquidity of own- and neighboring-states’ economic variable

Assaf Eisdorfer Professor of Finance PhD, University of Rochester Research Interests: corporate finance, financial distress, default

Yao Deng Assistant Professor of Finance PhD, University of Minnesota Research Interests: asset pricing, behavioral finance, macro finance

Meng Gao Assistant Professor PhD, University of Illinois Research Interests: financial market technology and information, political connections, informed trading, hedge funds.

Chinmoy Ghosh Professor of Finance & Finance Department Head, Gladstein Professor of Business and Innovation PhD, Pennsylvania State University Research Interests: efficiency of the capital market, corporate governance, managerial decision-making, stock prices, risk management, real estate

Joseph Golec Professor of Finance & PhD Coordinator  PhD, Washington University, St. Louis Research Interests: investments, financial institutions, mutual funds, corporate finance, real estate, health finance, regulation

Andrew Jing Liu Assistant Professor DBA, Harvard Business School Research interests: fair value, earnings management, reporting, disclosure, market microstructure.

Jose Martinez Associate Professor of Finance PhD, Columbia University Research Interests: capital markets and investments, institutional asset management, investor behavior household finance

Shane Murphy Assistant Professor of Healthcare Economics PhD, Lancaster University Research interests: measurement of health, measurement of healthcare provision, health inequality, and determinants of health.

Yiming Qian Professor of Finance and Toscano Family Chair in Finance PhD, NYU Stern School of Business Research Interests: varying topics in corporate finance, including initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, behavioral finance, and emerging markets

Jaideep Shenoy Associate Professor of Finance PhD, Georgia State University Research Interests: corporate finance, product and labor market interactions, banking competition

Ahn Tran Assistant Professor PhD, University of Rochester Research Interests: empirical asset pricing, mutual funds, financial econometrics, and corporate governance

Alex Van de Minne Assistant Professor of Real Estate PhD, University of Amsterdam Research Interests: commerical property asset pricing

Lingling Wang Associate Professor of Finance PhD, Georgia State University Research Interests: corporate finance (especially executive compensation and corporate governance), the influence of culture on finance, and international finance.

Fan Yang Associate Professor of Finance PhD, University of Minnesota Research Interests: theoretical and empirical asset pricing, macroeconomics

Xiang Zheng Assistant Professor of Finance PhD, Boston College Research Interests: fintech, corporate finance, and entrepreneurial finance

Finance Quick Facts

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Business PhD applications are accepted from September until the fall cohort is complete.

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Ph.D. in Finance

An international reputation for academic excellence.

Finance faculty at Boston College 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
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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 2019–2023. Updated September 25, 2023.

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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Baruch College (City University of New York)

Bocconi University

DePaul University

Fordham University

George Washington University

Indiana University

Lehigh University

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Michigan State University

National University of Singapore

Texas A&M University

The College of William and Mary

University of Alberta

University of Arizona

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University of New South Wales

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

University of Virginia (Darden School)  

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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 2024 is January 9, 2024.

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 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.

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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.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
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PhD in Finance

Finance and real estate finance.

Our finance group conducts high-impact and high-quality research in corporate finance, asset pricing, macro-finance, real estate, labor and finance, household finance and neuroeconomics. Our mission is to create knowledge that advances our understanding of the economic decisions made by investors, consumers, firms and policymakers. We also offer a specialized program in real estate finance.

Our program is quantitative in nature and students typically have a background in economics, engineering, mathematics or statistics. We value past experience in research related to finance or economics and some students already have completed graduate work, but we don’t require either.

Students in the Finance PhD Program benefit enormously from working with our world-class faculty who value working with PhD students and have designed many courses to specifically meet your needs.

We are committed to providing you with the benefits of training and true mentorship in our collaborative environment. You will have a faculty mentor assigned to you, and you will learn the research process as you work closely finance professors on their current research. Close collaboration your classmates offers additional mentoring opportunities.

With the knowledge, skills and network you develop at UNC Kenan-Flagler, we expect you to graduate ready to succeed as a researcher at a top business school.

Typical Finance PhD Curriculum Path

During the first two years of the PhD program, you focus on developing the tools you need to produce high-quality research.

By the end of you second year, you take a comprehensive exam. It consists of a written exam covering all of the Finance courses you took during your first two years and an oral presentation of your current research.

After passing the comprehensive exam, you begin the second part of the program where you spend the majority of your time working on research.

In the third year, you focus most of your time on your dissertation. During this process, you will collaborate closely with faculty members and present your work during faculty research seminars.

You spend the rest of the program finishing the dissertation and preparing for the job market.

Upon successful completion of the program, your receive a PhD in Business Administration.

• You may take any elective offered by UNC Kenan-Flagler, other UNC or Duke departments with guidance from your advisor.
• You are invited to participate in all finance and real estate-related research seminars and guest speakers at UNC Kenan-Flagler. Guest speakers regularly include faculty members from other top business schools such as Chicago, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, NYU and Wharton.

Fellowships in Finance

All admitted students are considered for financial support from UNC Kenan-Flagler or University fellowships. Fellowships typically require you to conduct research and teach during the academic year.

The finance area also provides special fellowships in two research areas.

Private Equity

The UAI Foundation Fellowship in Private Equity Research is available to students with a demonstrated research interest and expertise in the field of private equity and venture capital. If you would like to be considered for this fellowship, note your interest as part of your research statement in your application.

Real Estate

Thanks to generous funding from The Leonard W. Wood Center for Real Estate Studies , we support students specializing in real-estate finance. This specialized program is unique in the academic world. In addition to fulfilling the finance requirements, students complete rigorous training to prepare them to teach and research issues in commercial real estate.

Our aim is dual. Our graduates will be highly qualified academics capable of producing research published in the best journals in economics and finance. They also develop the skills to teach institutionally detailed courses in commercial real estate finance.

View our current Finance PhD students .

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Tippie College of Business

Phd in finance - phd programs.

PhD in Finance

In business, the big questions are usually finance questions.

Prompted by the Great Recession, and the government’s response to it, some of the greatest questions facing businesses and policymakers today are questions of finance.

Can asset bubbles be predicted and avoided? How do markets respond to political policies? More sophisticated financial modeling than ever before is opening up new avenues of study, thanks to huge volumes of data and technology-driven mathematical tools.

As you pursue your PhD in finance, you’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with our world-renowned faculty, perfecting your research, writing, and teaching skills. By the time you hold that PhD in your hand, you’ll have everything you need to explore answers to the big finance questions—and many more of your own.

Request Info

Respected and renowned

Our faculty are among the best in the world in researching and teaching. Our dream team is composed of faculty like Professor Erik Lie , one of the world’s most influential thinkers on managerial compensation, and Professor David Bates , a renowned researcher on the stochastic process of stock returns and option pricing. Our finance faculty members are actively doing research on a diverse set of topics, including corporate finance, asset pricing and investment management, risk management and insurance, and real estate.

You’ll work closely with these and many more finance faculty, and among them you’ll find mentors and dedicated scholars alike.

See faculty research

“I applied to schools all over the world, including some very famous schools in Asia and Europe, but I finally chose the University of Iowa. I made a very good choice.” Jasmine Shu, PhD, Finance Read Jasmine's story

Since 2001, Tippie finance PhDs have accepted tenure-track faculty positions at an impressive list of universities as their initial placements:

• Bilkent University, Turkey (2)
• Bradley University *
• California State University-Fullerton (2)
• City University of Hong Kong
• Drexel University
• Fordham University
• Higher School of Economics, Russia
• Iowa State University (2)
• Kansas State University
• Lehigh University (2)
• Louisiana State University
• Miami University (Ohio) *
• Michigan State University
• Singapore Management University
• St. Louis University
• Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
• University of Alabama-Huntsville
• University of Arizona
• University of Binghamton
• University of Buffalo (2)
• University of Illinois-Chicago *
• University of Missouri (2)
• University of New Hampshire (2)
• University of Richmond
• University of Saskatchewan, Canada
• University of Texas-El Paso
• University of Toledo
• Washington State University
• West Texas A&M University

But it’s not just academia clamoring for finance PhDs. Financial service industries and financial market regulators are leaning on finance PhDs to steer their strategy. Our PhD program is STEM-designated, which offers flexibility to students interested in "alt-ac" job opportunities. Since 2001, our finance PhDs have joined non-academic institutions such as:

• Brattle Group
• Ibbotson Associates
• Jacob Levy Asset Management
• Promontory Financial Group
• Securities and Exchange Commission
• State Street Global Advisors

Finally, our finance PhD program has a very long history—it goes back to the 1980s. Before the recent two decades, the initial placements of our finance PhDs already included a very impressive list of universities, such as:

• Case Western University
• Iowa State University
• National Taiwan University
• Tulane University
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Texas-San Antonio
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Yuan Ze University

“Academics in general is a close community and the relationships I’ve made at Iowa will last a long time. It’s competitive, but it's also small and collaborative." Brooke Wang, PhD, Finance Read Brooke's story

First, you need to meet the minimum PhD admission requirements . Other criteria for admission include:

Academic record

An undergrad concentration in finance or economics isn't required to be admitted. The minimum GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. We also consider the rigor of your undergrad or master's institution(s), and grades you earned in finance, econ, stats, and math courses. The recommended background is coursework in finance and economics through intermediate micro and macro, math through one year of calculus, and introductory mathematical statistics.

GMAT or GRE score

Our admitted students average around 700 on the GMAT. The quantitative scores in particular are considered.

Letters of recommendation

We're interested in their assessment of your strengths, weaknesses, motivation, and ability to succeed.

English proficiency

This requirement applies only to international applicants whose native language is not English. We follow the Graduate College's  English proficiency requirements . 

Statement of purpose

Content and overall seriousness are considered.

Curriculum and sample plan of study

The PhD in finance requires 72 semester hours of credit, in addition to a dissertation. The typical time to complete the degree is five years.

The first year, finance PhDs take three or four courses per semester, depending on their background in finance, and three courses per semester in year two. The finance electives in year one are normally MBA-level courses, but if you've already covered this material, we may give you an exemption (these exemptions are at the discretion of the PhD director). We sometimes give exemptions for statistics as well.

Finance Department Handbook

Finance PhD Program

The finance Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students for academic careers in financial economics. Financial economics is the study of how individuals and firms raise and invest resources, and how financial assets are priced. Specific topics in asset pricing include the determinants of asset returns, pricing of risk, behavior of investors, and trading mechanisms. Specific topics in corporate finance include capital structure, payout policy, financial intermediation, internal capital markets, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.

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• ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Requirements

Sample Schedule

• GSBA 602. Selected Issues in Economic Theory I
• GSBA 604. Regression and Generalized Linear Models for Business Research
• Elective(s)
• GSBA 612. Selected Issues in Economic Theory II
• FBE 630. Fundamentals of Corporate Finance
• FBE 633. Fundamentals of Asset Pricing
• [Statistics or research design]

Students are assigned a faculty mentor upon entering the program. The faculty mentor advises the student on course selection and as appropriate involves the student in a research project. During the first summer, each student conducts a supervised reading of the literature and prepares a research proposal or study.

• FBE 631. Advanced Corporate Finance
• FBE 634. Advanced Asset Pricing
• FBE 670. Selected Topics in Finance Research #1
• FBE 670. Selected Topics in Finance Research #2
• GSBA 690. Tutorial on the Research Process
• BUCO 637. Communication for Doctoral Students
• Paper #2 (Screening Exam)

Students spend much of the second year developing and producing an independent study. The study is submitted to the program at the end of the summer, and serves as the qualifying exam for the second year.

• FBE 670. Selected Topics in Finance Research #3-#N
• Dissertation proposal (USC Qualifying Exam)
• Dissertation proposal
• GBSA 794. Doctoral Dissertation
• Job Market Paper
• GSBA 794. Doctoral Dissertation
• Dissertation

Job Market Candidates

The program maintains a supportive and collegial environment that fosters collaboration between faculty members and PhD students. All students are assigned one or more faculty mentors for the duration of their studies, and faculty members are actively engaged in supervision of student research.

PhD Students

Robin y. lee.

• PhD Candidate in Finance and Business Economics

Robin Lee is a 5th year Ph.D. candidate in Finance at the Marshall School of Business. Her research interests encompass social and behavioral finance, asset management, and empirical corporate finance. Before joining USC, she earned a B.B.A. in Business Administration and a B.A. in Economics from Yonsei University, and an M.A. in Statistics from Columbia University.

Federica Ansbacher

• PhD Student in Finance and Business Economics

Wenqian (Winston) Chen

Applying to the phd program, dates + deadlines.

December 15, 2023: Application Deadline - Accounting, Data Sciences & Operations, and Management & Organization* 

January 15, 2024: Application Deadline - Finance & Business Economics and Marketing 

The link to the PhD Program application is available on the Admissions page and the next opportunity to apply is for Fall 2024 admission. Late applications may or may not be considered at the discretion of the admissions committee. 

Admissions decisions are made from mid-February to mid-April. You will be notified by email when a decision has been made.

ADMISSIONS CONTACT

Ph.D. Program USC Marshall School of Business 3670 Trousdale Parkway, BRI 306 Los Angeles, California 90089-0809 EMAIL

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The Finance PhD program prepares students to engage in original research on financial markets and decision-making. Students acquire critical technical skills in economic theory, finance theory, data analysis and coding. They also learn to identify promising ideas, write compelling papers and present effectively. Contribute to leading edge research

Our faculty’s research interests and technical approaches are broad, with particular strength in fields and methods such as:

• Corporate finance
• Household finance
• Labor and finance
• Social impact investing
• Textual analysis
• Theoretical modeling

Work with top thought leaders

Because the Finance PhD program is small, students benefit from broad access to faculty as co-authors, advisors and mentors. Students also have direct access to leading scholars within professional associations, including five members of the Finance Theory Group, five members (including one founder) of the Labor and

Additional  information about our Finance faculty  can be found here

General details about the curriculum, requirements, and structure of the  program can be found here . Please be aware this document is not an exhaustive list of the requirements for the Program.

How to Apply

PhD in Finance Program Flyer

PhD Graduates' Publications

ETF Arbitrage, Non-Fundamental Demand, and Return Predictability (2021) Review of Finance David C. Brown (PhD 2014) Shaun William Davies Matthew Ringgenberg

Financing Efficiency of Securities-Based Crowdfunding (2020) Review of Financial Studies (Editor's Choice as Lead Article) David C. Brown (PhD 2014) Shaun William Davies

Learning by Owning in a Lemons Market (2022) Journal of Finance Jordan Martel (PhD 2018) Brian Waters Kenneth Mirkin

A Theory of Financial Media (2022) Journal of Financial Economics Eitan Goldman Jordan Martel (PhD 2018) Jan Schneemier

A Text-based Analysis of Corporate Innovation (2021) Management Science Gustaf Bellstam (PhD 2018) Sanjai Bhagat J. Anthony Cookson

Rival Growth Prospects & Equity Prices: Evidence from Mass Layoff Announcements (2021) Journal of Money, Credit and Banking Adam Bordeman (PhD 2015 Accounting) Bharadwaj Kannan (PhD 2016) Roberto Pinheiro

Employment, corporate investment and cash flow uncertainty (2018) Journal of Financial & Quantitative Analysis Saad Alnahdeh (PhD 2017) Sanjai Bhagat, Iulian Obreja – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Tax uncertainty and retirement savings diversification (2017) ​ Journal of Financial Economics David C. Brown (PhD 2014) Scott Cederburg Michael S O'Doherty

• Moral hazard in active asset management (2017)  Journal of Financial Economics David C. Brown (PhD 2014) ​Shaun William Davies  
• Size, leverage, and risk-taking of financial institutions (2015) Journal of Banking and Finance Sanjai Bhagat Brian Bolton (PhD 2006) Jun Lu - Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing (PhD 2011)  
• Financial crisis and bank executive incentive compensation (2014) Journal of Corporate Finance Sanjai Bhagat Brian Bolton (PhD 2006)  
• Director ownership, governance and performance (2013) Journal of Financial & Quantitative Analysis​ Sanjai Bhagat Brian Bolton (PhD 2006)  
• Manager characteristics and capital structure: Theory and evidence (2012) Journal of Financial & Quantitative Analysis Sanjai Bhagat Brian Bolton (PhD 2006) Ajay Subramanian 
• PhD in Accounting
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Download our PhD brochures to learn more about our programs.

The PhD concentration in finance emphasizes theoretical economics and provides a rigorous, analytically-grounded education. The Finance Department has a long and prominent intellectual history. Ideas that we now take as commonplace, such as moral hazard problems caused by deposit insurance and the Hansen-Jagannathan bounds in asset-pricing, have their origin at the Carlson School.

About the Program

Faculty members are also dedicated to producing top-flight scholars by offering both doctoral courses that focus on cutting edge research as well as collaborative research opportunities. Students who have strong interests and abilities in quantitative methods, mathematics, and economics will find this program both challenging and stimulating.

Our faculty members are more than just educators; they are accomplished leaders in the finance industry and dedicated researchers shaping the future of finance.

The PhD finance concentration requires a strong mastery of economic theory.

Get to know current students in the PhD Finance program.

Learn more about their educational background, expertise, and research interests. 

Finance Seminars & Conferences

Learn more about the events and conferences presented by the Carlson School of Management's Finance Department.

Alumni Perspectives

Hongda Zhong

"I enjoyed each and every day of my five-year PhD study at the Carlson School of Management. Here, we have world-leading scholars who care and nurture PhD students. Faculty and students constantly discuss research ideas and collaborate on joint projects in a collegial atmosphere. The rigorous academic standard and the patient guidance from my advisory team prepared me for my future career in academia. PhD life in Minnesota is fun as well, camping, hiking, road trip, just to name a few. Even in the winter, life is never boring. I miss my time with my classmates to go ice fishing and skiing. The helpful staff in the school also made all administrative processes very straightforward. In short, Carlson offers everything I wished for as a PhD student and I wish you the opportunity to share my joy."

Assistant Professor of Finance Naveen Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas

More about Hongda Zhong

Get in touch

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Lomonosov Moscow State University

Preparatory course (pre-university programme).

• Duration of study: March 2024 – July 2025.
• Holidays: July – August 2024.
• Start date: 1 March – 30 March 2024.
• Exams: June 2025.
• Tuition: $8900.
• The level of Russian: Beginner.
• Duration of study: September/October 2024 – July 2025.
• Start date: September – October.
• Tuition: $7000.
• The level of Russian: All levels.

• 1 BUSINESS SCHOOL
• 2 FACULTY OF BIOENGINEERING AND BIOINFORMATICS
• 3 FACULTY OF BIOLOGY
• 4 FACULTY OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
• 5 FACULTY OF CHEMISTRY
• 6 FACULTY OF COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND CYBERNETICS
• 7 FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
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• 9 FACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
• 10 FACULTY OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
• 11 FACULTY OF FUNDAMENTAL MEDICINE
• 12 FACULTY OF FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL ENGENEERING
• 13 FACULTY OF GEOLOGY
• 14 FACULTY OF GEOGRAPHY
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• 23 FACULTY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
• 24 FACULTY OF SOCIOLOGY
• 25 FACULTY OF WORLD POLITICS
• 26 GRADUATE SCHOOL OF INNOVATIVE BUSINESS
• 27 GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND INNOVATION
• 28 GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINIASTRATION
• 29 HIGHER SCHOOL OF MODERN SOCIAL SCIENCES
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• 35 MOSCOW SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
• 36 SOIL SCIENCE FACULTY
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Finance - MS

• Eberhardt School of Business
• Business Analytics, BSBA
• Finance, BSBA
• Management and Human Resources, BSBA
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• Master of Accounting
• Master of Business Administration
• MS in Business Analytics
• MS in Finance
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Increase your earning potential with a career in finance.

About the program.

Pacific's Master of Science in Finance program offers the perfect blend of finance theory and application. With a $3.5 million student-run investment fund, our STEM-designated program offers students the unique opportunity to manage a large equity portfolio using state of the art tools of the industry. In just one year, our program prepares students for the CFA certification and is offered in-person and online simultaneously using a hyflex modality providing flexibility for working professionals.

Growing Demand

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment of finance professionals has a projected growth range from 6% to 17%, which is above average for all occupations from 2020 to 2030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for a financial analyst role in 2019 was $81,590, and the average compensation earned by finance professionals ranges up to $316,000 for portfolio managers according to the CFA Institute's compensation study.

Courses offered in a Hyflex of online and classroom learning

Curriculum aligned with premier cfa-certification prep, $3.5 million student-managed fund.

Pacific Finance students gain experiential learning through managing a $3.5 million Student Investment Fund (SIF), in addition to required internships and an optional study abroad program. In the Eberhardt SIF, students do research and evaluation, write reports, and make choices regarding where and how to invest in the live fund. This is not a simulation or paper trade fund, but rather a live, real-money fund. Students will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, visit top finance companies and connect with Eberhardt alumni throughout their time in the program.

Connect with the University of the Pacific

If you have any questions about the application or admission requirements, set up a meeting to speak with our Recruitment and Outreach Manager.

The Eberhardt School of Business develops knowledgeable, innovative business leaders in a personalized, experience-based learning environment and produces scholarship that contributes to disciplinary knowledge, informs teaching, and advances the practice of business.

We share a set of underlying principles that govern our behaviors and our ability to achieve our mission:

• Maintaining a student-centered learning environment
• Educating the whole person
• Stimulating intellectual growth
• Maintaining a mutually supportive community of faculty, staff, and students
• Engaging external stakeholders
• Promoting excellence
• Being socially responsible
• Behaving ethically and with integrity
• Providing service to the university, community, and profession

Program Learning Objectives

Graduates of the Master of Science in Finance degree will be able to: 

• Employ quantitative methods
• Apply and integrate knowledge in financial analysis
• Apply and integrate knowledge in investment decisions and risk management
• Understand the provisions of the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct
• Recognize and resolve ethical issues in financial decision-making 
• Effectively communicate in ways appropriate to the audience and the subject matter
• Effectively lead or cooperate with team members in conducting complex investment analysis

Admission Requirements

The admission process involves a holistic review of each applicant’s background and experiences. The following are required for admission:

• Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA
• Official transcripts* 
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Applicants may demonstrate their foundational business knowledge through the completion of an undergraduate degree in business or through the completion of prerequisite courses which may be completed either prior to or in addition to this program’s coursework.

*Official transcripts for all course work taken after high school are required to complete your application. Official transcripts should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admission.

Office of Graduate Admission University of the Pacific Knoles Hall Room 204 3601 Pacific Avenue Stockton CA 95211

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Please visit the International Graduate Applicants  site to learn more about the additional application requirements. 

Course Sequence

Fall semester.

BUSI 230 — Ethics in the Investment Profession (1 credit)  BUSI 231 — Quantitative Methods in Finance  BUSI 232 — Economics for Finance  BUSI 218 — Advanced Financial Accounting  BUSI 277 — Management Skills  BUSI 220 — Corporate Finance

Spring Semester

BUSI 222 — Student Investment Fund (SIF)  BUSI 233 — Fixed Income Securities  BUSI 234 — Derivative /Alternative Investments  BUSI 225 — Investment / Portfolio Analysis  BUSI 226 — Financial Statement Analysis

Tuition and Fees

Master of Science in Finance

We strongly encourage anyone interested in joining the program to attend an information session to learn more.

Business programs offered by the Eberhardt School of Business are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the premier business school accrediting organization in the world. The five-year continuous review process ensures students and employers of the most current and high-quality programs. Learn more about the AACSB and the continuous review accreditation process. Learn more about what it means for you to attend an AACSB accredited school.

We take a hands-on approach with our students. This means we want to get to know you throughout your discovery and application process. Help us connect with you by taking the next step.

3601 Pacific Ave. Stockton, CA  95211

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Banking and Finance MSc

Search the website.

Located a short train ride from London's financial centre, Middlesex University is the perfect place to develop the foundational skills to thrive in banking and finance

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• Course overview

About your course

Teaching and learning, entry requirements, fees and funding.

• Download prospectus

Why choose Banking and Finance MSc at Middlesex?

The banking and finance industry has become a major end-user and even a major driver of technological innovation, such as machine learning, big data analysis and algorithm trading. This course uniquely combines theory and applications of finance, economics, quantitative methods, and big data analysis to allow you to increase your career opportunities in this fast paced field.

Based near the heart of the UK's financial centre, our MSc Banking and Finance degree provides the foundations for a career in financial services and the banking industry.

This course emphasises prominent contemporary issues for the sector such as financial regulation, risk management, corporate finance, banking institutions, equity analysis and securities markets. It covers all aspects of the industry from macroeconomic and corporate to computational and quantitative.

We'll also teach you advanced skills in financial modelling, econometrics, equity analysis and quantitative risk management that will leave you in an excellent position when entering the industry.

What you will gain

By the time you graduate from this course, you will have developed a thorough theoretical and practical understanding of:

• Banking theory and regulation and compliance of financial institutions
• Financial assets, such as equities, fixed-income securities and derivatives
• Financial engineering and other quantitative techniques to evaluate financial instruments
• Financial databases such as Bloomberg, Datastream, Eikon and Thomson Reuters
• Equity analysis and investing in financial markets.

3 great reasons to pick this course

University in the uk - times higher education young universities 2022, postgraduate success.

95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022)

Global Champion of Campus Culture

Our Accounting Finance Department has been awarded a CIMA Campus Culture Excellence Award – Global Champion, 2022

Our modules are specifically structured to give you plenty of time to utilise large amounts of data and explore complex subjects to their fullest. The course will equip you with the theory and practice needed to communicate and evaluate empirical work, as well as give you valuable training in specialist databases and software packages. You will then move on to explore relevant theories such as financial derivative products, international financial regulation, financial risk management and key aspects of equity analysis and corporate finance, as well as how to apply them to practical situations in the financial sector. The dissertation research project is a chance for you to extend your knowledge of a selected topic and apply it to the formulation and design of a substantive investigation.

Explore: Ethics and Aesthetics (30 credits)

This module aims to facilitate a process of open exploration and experimentation in practice, with a view to you negotiating a viable, well positioned, ethically sound MA proposal by the module end. The module aims to familiarise students with key debates in historical and contemporary photography, with a particular focus on questions of ethics and on the visual strategies taken up by photographers in the communication of ideas. Through both formative and summative assessments and through on-going discussion, debate and reflection, the module further aims to support the development of advanced level communication skills, criticality and professional practice.

Advanced Research Skills (15 credits)

This module provides you with the knowledge and skills required to undertake independent academic research in Visual Arts and Design at postgraduate level.  By introducing you to contemporary and emergent research resources in the discipline; essential frameworks and tools for navigating research ethics in creative fields, linking to Middlesex University’s Research Ethics guidelines; and consolidating advanced knowledge of referencing conventions for academic integrity, you will be able to propose and structure a relevant research proposal for independent enquiry and investigation at Master’s level.

Contexts: Critical Review (15 credits)

This module aims to deepen the student’s knowledge and skills in the critical review of influential research pertinent to the contexts of their creative practice.  Designed as a set of specialist elective seminar courses, led by a variety of researchers within the university, this module allows the student to experiment with new areas of knowledge and deepen their critical understanding of the wider contexts for their creative practice.

Contexts: Materials and Methods (15 credits)

This module helps develop your knowledge and skills in the research methods and materials pertinent to the contexts of your creative practice.  Designed as a set of specialist elective seminar courses, led by a variety of researchers within the university, this module allows you to experiment and learn first-hand about the methods and materials used by the researcher and to gain and apply insights into knowledge at the cutting edge of Visual Arts and Design, and relate this to your own emerging research interests.

Positioning your Research (15 credits)

This module aims to develop you as a confident researcher and communicator and to provide a showcase opportunity for the student to engage in peer review and public debate as a means for professional development and consolidation of the research scope, methods, context, and practice of your Master’s project.

Collaborate: Strategies for Change (30 credits)

This module aims to explore photography as a necessarily collaborative practice and to support students in developing viable strategies for working productively with others. You will be introduced to different debates around authorship and the photograph as collaboration. The module aims to encourage you to consider the purpose and aims of your own work and to develop your own participant groups/contacts and professional networks as necessary. At the end of the module you will curate an interim group show.

Realise: Reaching your Audience (60 credits)

This module aims to support you in producing and making public either a significant body of photographic work or a significant written commentary at an advanced level. The module aims to consolidate earlier discoveries through exploration, collaboration, research and contextualisation to present a rigorously investigated concluding body of work. The final outcome will incorporate a viable strategy for making the work public and will be presented in a form that is appropriate for its intended audience. The module aims to further support you in developing their professional skills in preparation for your chosen career paths.

To find out more about this course, please download the Banking and Finance MSc specification (PDF).

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

Alongside lectures and seminars, you'll learn through individual and group presentations. This academic-focused work will be augmented by sessions and training in computer labs, including our Financial Markets Lab. You will also be shown how to collect data from resources such as Datastream, CapitalIQ, and Bloomberg.

• How we'll teach you
• Coursework and assessments

The course also includes several workshops on the various aspects of writing a dissertation delivered by academics who have produced high-quality, internationally-reputed research.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. Your personal tutor will support you with help and advice throughout your studies.

Where will I study?

You will be studying at our leafy north London campus in Hendon.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study. We aim to make your timetable available at least 2 weeks before you the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time over two years.

Academic support

You have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.

Our support services will be delivered online and on campus and you have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you’re studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.

You have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Coursework & assessments

Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed by presentations, in-class tests, and written assignments in the form of individual and/or group coursework and through the research and writing undertaken to complete your dissertation.

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.

North London campus

Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.

How can the Banking and Finance MSc support your career?

Our postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career. 95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022).

Career paths

Some of the roles our graduates have gone on to work in include investment management, hedge fund management, equity, bond and foreign currency markets, corporate treasury management and risk management.

Our employability service , MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

• The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
• A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

• International entry
• How to apply

Qualifications

We welcome your application regardless of your background or experience. If you have relevant  qualifications or work experience , we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.

For this course, ideally, we are looking for these qualifications:

• A 2.2 honours degree or above in accounting, business economics, finance, or economics and two or more years of relevant business experience
• Graduate-level professional qualifications

Personal statements

Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your   personal statement   that are relevant to this course. Such as your ability to be forward-thinking, creative and collaborative.

You won’t be required to attend an interview.

We welcome students from the UK, EU and all over the world. Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:

• Quality teaching with top facilities plus flexible online learning
• Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
• Work placements and networking with top London employers
• Career support to get you where you want to go after university.

We require a  2.2 honours degree or above in accounting, business economics, finance, or economics and two or more years of relevant business experience, and/or graduate-level professional qualifications If you have relevant qualifications or work experience , we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.

English language

You'll need good English language skills to study with us. Find out more about our English language requirements . And, don’t worry If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, as we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course .

To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa .

Apply as early as possible to make sure you get a place. You can submit your application before you receive your final qualification.

Find out how to apply for   postgraduate taught courses   and watch our step-by-step video.

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students 1

Full-time students: £12,600 Part-time students: £84 per credit Part-time students: £42 per dissertation credit

International students 2

Full-time students: £17,600 Part-time students: £117 per credit Part-time students: £59 per dissertation credit

Additional costs

We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.

• Free – laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing
• Free specialist software for your course
• Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.

Postgraduate scholarships

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

• The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
• The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
• The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
• The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
• Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees.

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Student Testimonial

“I previously studied Business and Business Economics. I chose to continue studying with Middlesex at a postgraduate level as the teaching was prodigious, which assisted me in achieving a First Class degree. One of the most rewarding aspects was the opportunity to meet the inimitable academics who are inspirational individuals and experts in their subject area. My studies here have enabled me to become a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Economics for the University. I am thoroughly enjoying the experience so far and I am now keen to remain in the field of academia. I would highly recommend Middlesex University to those considering post graduate study. The teaching is prodigious, the ambience is delightful and the academics are truly inspirational. There really isn’t a better venue to build your academic foundations and shine. ” Aisha Asad, MSc Banking and Finance graduate

“I chose to study this course at Middlesex University because I have experience in the banking industry and the modules offered on the course make it a good combination to climb the career ladder in the banking and financial industry. The tutors on the course were helpful, cooperative and some of them, Dr Amrit Judge and Marie Wong especially, were great. The way of rendering knowledge is appreciable and this helps me a lot. The interaction in seminars and the support extended by the tutors remained remarkable. I currently work in Credit Risk Analysis at the Standard Chartered Bank in Pakistan. I am currently planning to work on my Doctorate within the next few years, and Middlesex University would be my first choice of institute.” Jamshed Shaikh, MSc Banking and Finance graduate

“I chose to study at Middlesex because it was one of a few universities providing a master degree in banking and finance. My decision was based on the expertise of the teaching staff, the course content, location and value for money. I wish to help to develop the financial sector of my home country and become a senior research fellow in a research institution focusing on East Asian economies. The course lecturers are very helpful and because of their encouragement, I graduated MSc degree with distinction. I then decided to do a PhD in Middlesex University and was awarded a four-year PhD studentship by the university. The basis of my research is analysing how exchange rate volatility affects the exports of emerging East Asian economies: China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines.” Myint Chit, MSc Banking and Finance graduate

Get answers from our Unibuddy student ambassadors

Related courses for you.

We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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• Best Graduate Student Loans of 2024
• College Ave
• Custom Choice
• Federal Direct
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Graduate Student Loans of May 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate student loans to write unbiased product reviews.

Student loans may allow people to bridge the gap between what they can afford for college and the overall cost of an education. If you've already used your "free money" (scholarship, grants, and your savings) to pay for college and still find that you're unable to pay for school, a student loan could be a good option.

When considering your options, federal student loans should always take precedence over private ones. Federal loans have the lowest interest rates and come with a level of protection that private lenders don't offer.

The Best Graduate Student Loans of 2024

Ascent graduate student loans, college ave graduate student loans, earnest graduate student loans, sallie mae graduate student loan, custom choice graduate student loans.

• Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

Compare the Top Graduate Student Loans

Graduate students don't qualify for all types of federal loans, but they are able to take out Direct Unsubsidized loans and Direct PLUS loans.  Here are some of the best options for graduate students looking to take out private loans. 

6.69% - 15.19% variable and 5.01% - 14.81% fixed (with AutoPay discount, varies by program)

Undisclosed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No prepayment or origination fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low APRs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Multiple ways to contact customer support
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. May be eligible without a cosigner
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cashback reward after graduation
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Credit check required
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Late payment fee
• Apply through your computer
• Customer service available via phone, email, and physical mail
• Provided you are eligible, you'll receive 1% of your initial loan balance as a cashback bonus after graduation
• Seven, 10, 12, or 15-year repayment terms available (15-year term only available for variable loans)
• Loan minimum of $2,001*, maximum up to 100% cost of attendance per term
• *The minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.
• Overall maximum loan amount of $400,000
• Loans made through Bank of Lake Mills, Member FDIC

Ascent has a lower minimum APR on fixed-rate graduate student loans than most other competitors. However, its maximum APRs on both fixed and variable are higher than what you'll find at most comparable companies. 

Ascent also doesn't charge any origination fees. 

What to watch out for: Late payment fee. Ascent charges a late payment fee equivalent to 5% of the past due amount, up to a maximum of $25.

Read our Ascent graduate loans review .

5.59% - 14.49% variable and 4.07% - 14.49% fixed (with AutoPay discount, varies by program)

mid-600s for cosigners

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. International students eligible with an eligible cosigner
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Multiple options for repayment term length
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Many ways to contact customer support
• Apply through your computer or mobile device
• Customer service available via phone, text, email, and live chat
• Five, eight, 10, or 15 year repayment terms available
• Late payment of 5% of the amount due, capped at $25
• Loan minimum of $1,000, maximum up to 100% cost of attendance
• Loans made through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC

College Ave offers many term lengths and doesn't charge any origination or prepayment fees. Five, eight, 10, or 15 year repayment terms are available. A longer repayment term will reduce out your monthly payments, but you'll pay more in overall interest.

What to watch out for: Middle-of-the pack interest rates. College Ave's graduate student loans aren't quite as good of an offering as its undergraduate students loans, as the lender has so-so APRs compared to competitors and comes with no extra perks.

Read our College Ave graduate loans review .

5.89% - 15.97% variable and 4.11% - 14.30% fixed (with AutoPay discount)

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No origination fees, prepayment penalties, or late fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great APR
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Many options for repayment term length
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Quick application process
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Skip a payment option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low loan minimum
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Credit check
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. May need a cosigner
• Five, seven, 10, 12, 15, and 20-year repayment term lengths available
• Customer service available via phone, live chat, email, and standard mail
• Skip a payment feature allows you to forgo making one payment every year
• Loans are originated by Earnest Operations LLC
• This is an advertisement. You are not required to make any payment or take any other action in response to this offer.

Earnest's loans have a distinguishing feature: the ability to skip one payment every year. You can request your first skip once you've made at least six months of consecutive on-time, full principal and interest payments, as long as your loan is in good standing.

However, interest will accrue during this time, and the lender will extend the final payoff date of your loan by the length of the skipped payment period. 

What to watch out for: May need to add a cosigner. To get the lowest rates, you may need to enlist a cosigner to help. Cosigners can also help you qualify for a loan where you otherwise might not have. 

Read our Earnest graduate loans review .

6.62% - 16.22% variable and 4.99% - 14.48% fixed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Part-time students are eligible
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High APR
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only one repayment term length
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Customer service unavailable on Saturday and Sunday
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No loan preapproval
• Customer service available via phone Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET or on Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
• 15 year repayment term
• Loan approval requires a hard credit pull
• $1,000 loan minimum
• Member FDIC

Sallie Mae loans are available to international students with an eligible cosigner. Not all lenders allow international students to apply, so Sallie Mae may be able to help you if you're coming to the US to study from abroad. 

What to watch out for: Only one repayment term option. Your repayment term will be set for you at 15 years. However, if you want to pay off your loan earlier and avoid forking over more cash in interest, you won't pay any prepayment penalties. 

Read our Sallie Mae graduate loans review .

5.37% - 15.19% variable and 4.43% - 14.66% fixed

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can receive graduation discount
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Get your rates within a few minutes
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low minimum loan amount
• 7, 10, or 15-year repayment terms available
• Customer service available by phone, email, or standard mail
• $1,000 loan minimum, up to $180,000 lifetime loan limit
• 2% principal reduction upon graduation
• Loans are made by Citizens Bank, Member FDIC

Custom Choice offers a 2% reduction of your loan's principal after you graduate. This may not seem like much, but will save you some on the overall cost of your loan. 

What to watch out for: Credit check required. While most of the lenders on the list require a credit check, you run the risk of not qualifying if your credit isn't in the best shape. 

Read our Custom Choice graduate loans review .

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

5.50% undergraduates and 7.05% graduate and professional students

1.057% loan fee

Not applicable

Up to $5,500 for first-years, scales up each year you're in school

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low interest rate
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No credit check needed
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No cosigner
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Not based on financial need
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Interest accrues while you're in school
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No variable loans
• 10-year standard repayment term
• Rates are fixed, but new rates for each school year
• Loan maximum of $5,500 for first-years, $6,500 for second-years, and $7,500 per year for each school year after that

Federal loans have some of the lowest rates around. And you don't need to have a superb credit score to qualify for them like you would with the private lenders on our list.

You'll also qualify for certain protections with federal loans that you otherwise wouldn't with private loans. This includes the ongoing repayment pause on federal loans and the potential for student loan forgiveness — though that is currently being challenged in courts.

What to watch out for:  Interest will begin to accrue shortly after you take out the loan. This means that if you don't pay off your interest while in school, you'll end up with a higher balance than you initially borrowed. 

Federal Direct PLUS Loan

Federal loans offer some of the lowest rates available, and you don't need to have excellent credit to qualify for them like you would with the private lenders on our list.

Additionally, you'll qualify for certain protections with federal loans that you otherwise wouldn't with private loans. This includes the ongoing repayment pause on federal loans and the potential for student loan forgiveness.

What to watch out for: You'll pay an origination fee of 4.228% with Direct PLUS loans, which will be deducted from the loan disbursement. However, there are no prepayment penalties with a Direct PLUS Loan, so you can pay it off early without facing a fee.

Which Graduate Student Loan Lender Is the Most Trustworthy?

We've only selected student loan lenders with no public controversies in the last three years. We've also compared each institution's Better Business Bureau  score.

The BBB, a non-profit organization focused on consumer protection and trust, evaluates companies by judging a business's responses to consumer complaints, honesty in advertising, and clarity about business practices. Here is each company's score:

Of our top private lender picks, only Custom Choice is not currently rated an A- or higher by the BBB. The BBB doesn't have a rating for Custom Choice. That said, this doesn't necessarily reflect Custom Choice's trustworthiness, and you should ask others about their experiences with the businesses before deciding against borrowing from the companies. 

Graduate Student Loans FAQs

Federal student loans have a number of protections that private student loans don't. These include  income-based repayment plans , which help to lower payments to a percentage of a person's income. It's always best to use all of your available federal loan options first to take advantage of these protections.

Unfortunately, private student loans are not eligible for any federal forgiveness programs. However, if you have federal student loans, you may be eligible for forgiveness if you are under a certain income threshold or if you work a certain job.   

Interest will accrue during the six-month grace period after you graduate, similarly to how it does while you are in school.  

Graduate student loan interest will probably accrue while you're in school, depending on your lender. Paying some of the principal, interest, or both, can be beneficial because when your loan goes into repayment, any unpaid interest will be added to the principal balance of your loan. Interest is then determined using this new, higher loan balance.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Graduate Student Loans

Personal Finance Insider's mission is to help smart people make the best decisions possible with their finances. To do that, we looked through many student loan companies, comparing interest rates, terms, and fine print so you don't have to. We looked for several factors in determining the best student loans, including: 

• Interest rates: The lower the interest rate the better, and we prioritized lenders with the lowest interest rates for graduate students.
• Nationwide availability: We searched for student loans available in all or most US states. 
• Flexibility of repayment plans:  There are four main options for repayment offered by most lenders: defer payments until after school; interest-only payments in school; small, fixed payments in school; and full monthly in-school payments. We looked for lenders with the most ways to pay.
• No or few fees: We prioritized lenders that didn't charge fees, like origination fees or prepayment penalties.

See our full ratings methodology for student loans >>

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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Academic Degrees , Business Administration Articles , MBA News

MBA Finance Specialization: Top Trends

Published: April 26, 2024

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular graduate programs worldwide, as it has been for the past decade. With many types of MBAs available, the Master’s of Business Administration is a versatile degree that can be customized to suit a variety of different career paths.

Along with the advanced business knowledge, problem-solving skills, and leadership experience students gain, an MBA is highly respected in the business world. Graduates are often rewarded with career opportunities and increased earning potential. 

According to The Princeton Review , one of the most in-demand MBA specializations is the Finance MBA. In this article, we will take a deep dive into that program to help you discern whether it is the right educational path for you. 

Let’s jump in!

What is an MBA in Finance? 

An MBA in Finance is a specialized graduate-level degree that focuses on the management of financial resources within businesses and organizations. Students learn how companies make financial decisions, manage risk, and handle financial resources to maximize profitability and ensure stability. It provides a strong foundation in business principles while emphasizing finance-specific skills such as financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

For students interested in advancing their careers in the financial sector, an MBA in Finance can open doors to leadership positions such as financial manager, chief financial officer, investment banker, financial analyst, or portfolio manager. The degree aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills to handle complex financial issues in a dynamic business environment, making it an excellent choice for those looking to excel in the business world .

What is the Scope of an MBA in Finance?

The scope of an MBA in Finance is broad and diverse, equipping graduates with in-depth knowledge of financial management, investment strategies, and market analysis. Here are some of the key lessons you will learn in a Finance MBA:

Financial Analysis and Reporting

Students learn to analyze financial statements, interpret financial data, and prepare reports on financial performance. 

Investment Strategies

The program covers various investment theories and practices, including portfolio management, risk assessment , and the evaluation of different investment vehicles. 

Corporate Finance

You will learn how corporations manage their finances, including capital raising, investment decisions, and dividend policies. 

Risk Management

Students learn to identify, analyze, and mitigate financial risks. This includes understanding market risk, credit risk, and operational risk.

Quantitative Analysis

MBA finance programs often include training in quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis and econometrics, to help students analyze and interpret complex datasets and make data-driven financial decisions.

Strategic Thinking and Planning

You will learn to think strategically about financial planning and business development. This skill is crucial for leadership roles, where long-term planning and strategic decision-making are key responsibilities.

Ethical Decision-Making

Students explore the importance of ethical decision-making in finance, ensuring the integrity of financial practices and compliance with regulations.

Communication and Presentation Skills

You will polish your communication and presentation skills, so you can convey complex financial information to non-experts and influence decision-making processes.

Leadership and Teamwork

Leadership training prepares students to lead teams, manage projects, and drive organizational success.

Global Financial Markets

Students will understand the impact of global economic events on financial markets and learn about international finance regulations and practices.

Technological Proficiency

You will become familiar with financial software, databases, and analytical tools, as well as fintech innovations and their applications in finance.

After mastering these lessons, graduates of MBA programs in finance are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the financial industry, lead with confidence, and make impactful decisions that drive business success.

What Jobs Can You Get With an MBA in Finance?

There are a wide variety of career paths you can follow once you have earned an MBA in finance. One of the most popular is a role in the financial services industry. This includes work in investment banking, asset management, private equity, or hedge funds.

Corporate finance is also a common place for MBA graduates to work. Consider taking on roles as a financial analyst, chief financial officer, or corporate controller. Additionally, you could work for a financial consulting firm, providing expert advice on financial management, restructuring, strategy, and risk management to businesses across various sectors. 

MBAs can also find opportunities in government agencies, public sector, and nonprofit organizations, managing finances, budgets, and funding strategies. Although these jobs are not often as highly compensated as corporate positions, they offer the opportunity to further a cause and improve the world around you.

The comprehensive skill set gained from an MBA in Finance can empower graduates to start their ventures as entrepreneur . Other options include specializing in real estate — financing real estate projects, managing property investment portfolios, and real estate valuation — or fintech, which involves work on financial technology innovations, digital banking, blockchain, and more.

An MBA in Finance is not just about acquiring a set of financial skills; it’s about developing a strategic mindset that can navigate the complexities of today’s business and financial landscape. The degree opens up myriad paths, from traditional finance roles to innovative sectors, ensuring that graduates can find their niche in a changing economic environment.

What are the Benefits of Earning an MBA in Finance?

Earning an MBA in Finance offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable investment for professionals aiming to enhance their career prospects in the financial sector. 

As we discussed above, an MBA significantly boosts career advancement opportunities, opening doors to high-level positions in a variety of industries. It equips graduates with a deep understanding of financial markets, corporate finance, investment strategies, and risk management, which are crucial for making informed and strategic financial decisions within organizations.

Additionally, an MBA in Finance often results in increased earning potential. Graduates with specialized skills and knowledge qualify for more senior, well-compensated roles in the finance industry. 

The program also broadens one’s professional network, connecting students with peers, alumni, and industry leaders, which can be instrumental in career growth. Moreover, the degree enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills , preparing graduates to tackle complex financial challenges effectively. 

Where Can You Earn an MBA in Finance?

UoPeople is an accredited online university offering MBA degrees that can be completed in less than a year, tuition-free. Of several specializations offered, UoPeople’s certificate in finance is best suited for students wishing to pursue a career in any of the areas we’ve discussed in this article.

UoPeople’s finance certificate layers financial lessons on top of the more traditional MBA curriculum. Students participating in the certificate program will understand basic principles of finance, develop budgets and financial plans, learn how to make financial decisions to maximize shareholder wealth and gain practical knowledge of personal finance management.

The MBA program at UoPeople is designed with flexibility, making it perfect for working professionals, multitasking parents, and returning students. The program provides asynchronous classes that allow learners to study on their own schedule, with the possibility of completing the 12-course curriculum in as few as seven months. 

Throughout the program, students will acquire skills in strategic planning, management, organization, and business operations. They will also learn to craft innovative solutions to complex business challenges and to thrive in the modern, globally interconnected business environment.

As you consider whether pursuing a finance MBA is for you, remember that this path is more than an educational commitment—it’s a strategic career investment. Thanks to the comprehensive skills and robust knowledge the program imparts, graduates emerge as sought-after professionals in the business world. 

Moreover, the connections you’ll make with peers, professors, and industry professionals will provide you with a powerful network that will help you climb the corporate ladder. You’ll graduate with a heightened ability to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to businesses and society at large. 

In an ever-evolving financial landscape, the investment in a finance MBA could be a prudent decision if you want to become a leader in the field. It’s an investment in a future marked by success, leadership, and continuous advancement in the exciting world of finance.

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Graduate Stephanie Florez Pursues Her Real Estate Passions in New York City

• Home  /  News  /  2024  /  April  /  Graduate Stephanie Florez Pursues Her Real Estate Passions in New York City

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Wendy Frost

“Business is the backbone of the economy,” said Florez, a Bold Promise scholar from San Antonio. “It can be applied to any field.”

Taking advantage of the many career resources available to UTSA students, she applied for internships her first year at UTSA utilizing Handshake, UTSA’s job platform.  She credits the university’s Career Center, the college’s Student Success Center and the Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement with helping her prepare.

“UTSA is the place to be with all the resources,” she said. “Everyone is welcoming, and they want to help you succeed. As big as UTSA is you still can receive one-on-one support.”

She first participated in a virtual internship with Project Destined, an organization that provides students with training in real estate, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.  Florez took part in an eight-week program that focused on commercial real estate.  She returned to work with them the following year as a program manager, leading a team of interns.

“That experience really helped prepare me for my future positions,” said Florez. “I liked real estate because I could go behind the scenes and see how things work.”

She then landed a coveted role as a commercial real estate summer analyst with JPMorgan Chase and Co. in Los Angeles her first summer at UTSA. “It was a really great experience, and it helped me gain perspective on the real estate industry.”

Florez also joined the Najim Center’s Strategist Program, an experiential learning program that provides students with real world business experiences. “I valued the opportunity to be able to give back to my community by working on these projects,” she said.

Last summer she completed an investment banking analyst internship with Wells Fargo in New York City. As a part of the real estate securitization and capital markets team, she worked on two projects that included pitching an investment retail suite based in Buda, TX and developing a 30-page FICC memo.

“What makes real estate so unique is that it gives opportunities to so many different types of people as well as connects people together,” she said.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Florez was active with several organizations at UTSA. She was a member of Delta Sigma Pi, the Investment Society, the Professional Businesswoman Society and helped relaunch the college’s chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America.

Building her network early on, she also participated in two business immersions to San Francisco and Washington, D.C. as well as numerous site visits and roundtables through the Embrey Real Estate Finance and Development program.

“UTSA does a good job of including commuter students,” she said. “I had so many opportunities to connect with my peers as well as with leaders in the real estate industry, like Walter Embrey.”

Capping off her senior year, she was selected as an inaugural member of the Alvarez Ambassadors, a group of student leaders who cultivate a sense of community within the college, promote resources to fellow students and engage with prospective students.

“I love the diversity and perspective that I’ve gained at UTSA,” she said. “And, I value being surrounded with like-minded students who were just as driven as me.”

Meeting her best friend her first year at UTSA, she has enjoyed amazing experiences expanding her global perspectives by traveling with friends within the United States as well as internationally to Brazil, Japan, Indonesia and Jordan. “One of the best things about UTSA is the relationships that I have developed.”

Although she’ll leave soon for New York, Florez will always consider San Antonio home.  “I hope people remember me not for the things that I’ve done, but how I’ve made people feel. This community has established my identity, and I’ll never forget that.”

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