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The 10 Best PhD Programs in Finance

In essence, finance is the study of economics and the claims on resources. The best PhD programs in finance help you develop professionally so you can make difficult decisions around fund allocation, financial planning, and corporate financial management. This qualification will also equip you for a career in teaching or research at top universities.

Which of the 10 best finance PhDs is best for you?

Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Why Get a Doctorate in Finance?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), finance managerial professionals have an average salary of $131,710  per year, and jobs are estimated to grow by 17%  from 2020 to 2030. This is much more than the average across all occupations. With a PhD in finance, you may work as a finance manager or even become a CEO of a large corporation.

Jobs and Salaries for Doctors of Finance

After earning a PhD in finance, you can find well-paid jobs as a professor or in various corporate finance roles.

Here are some of the most common finance professions with the average annual salaries for each:

• Financial Manager ( $96,255 )
• Financial Analyst ( $63,295 )
• Finance Professor ( $73,776 )
• Chief Financial Officer ( $140,694 )
• Investment Analyst ( $67,730 )

Read More:   The Highest Paying PhD Programs

What’s the average cost of a phd program in finance.

The tuition for a PhD in finance can vary depending on the university, with public institutions generally being much more affordable than private ones.

Across all schools, the average tuition is around $30,000 per year.

However, on top of this, you need to factor in other expenses, which could add up to another $30,000 a year. Some top universities offer full funding, including tuition and a stipend for all students who are successfully admitted to the program.

Read Next: The Average Cost of a Master’s Degree in Finance

Top finance phd programs and schools, stanford university, graduate school of business.

PhD in Finance

Stanford University is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Its PhD in finance programs has an emphasis on theoretical modeling and empirical testing of financial and economic principles.

• Courses include: Financial markets, empirical asset pricing, macroeconomics, and financial markets.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : Full funding
• Financial aid: Research & teaching assistantship, grants, outside employment, and outside support.
• Delivery: On-campus
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location: Stanford, California

The University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School

The University of Pennsylvania’s renowned Wharton School of Business is home to faculty who are well-known in the field of business research. The school boasts a low student-faculty ratio in an atmosphere that allows you to work with faculty members as peers. This doctor of finance program emphasizes subjects like asset pricing, corporate finance, and portfolio management. This helps students become experts in research and teaching in these areas.

• Courses include: Topics in asset pricing, financial economics, and international finance.
• Credits: 18 courses
• Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, student employment, health insurance, stipend, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

Booth School of Business is a major center for finance education because its faculty includes Eugene F. Fama, Nobel laureate and the father of modern empirical finance. This finance doctoral degree has an option for a joint PhD in collaboration with the university’s economics department.

• Courses: Financial economics, financial markets in the macroeconomy, and behavioral finance.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Grants, stipends, health insurance, scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Gies College of Business

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is one of the best places for studying and conducting research in finance. Its finance research faculty was ranked #4  in the UTD Top 100 Business School Research Rankings between 2016-2019. In this PhD in finance program, students can take the qualifying examination at the end of the first year and, if successful. They’ll be able to start their research project earlier and complete the degree sooner.

• Courses include: Empirical analysis in finance, corporate finance, and statistics & probability.
• Duration: 4-5 years
• Financial aid: Full tuition waiver, stipends, scholarships, grants, student employment, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 63%
• Location: Champaign, Illinois

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management

The Sloan School is one of the top research centers in the world, which aims to transform students into experts who can handle real-world problems in a wide range of spheres, from business and healthcare to climate change. This PhD program in finance gives students the flexibility to choose between a wide range of electives and even study some courses at Harvard.

• Courses include: Current research in financial economics, statistics/applied econometrics, and corporate finance.
• Duration: 6 years
• Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, health insurance, fellowships, scholarships, and loans.
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

The Kellogg School of Management allows students to conduct independent research under the supervision of faculty who’ve made significant contributions to the field and have earned numerous prestigious awards. This doctorate of finance program’s admission process has a dual application option. You can also apply to the Economics PhD simultaneously, so if you are not selected for the finance program, you may be considered for economics.

• Courses include: Econometrics, corporate finance, and asset pricing.
• Duration: 5.5 years
• Financial aid: Tuition scholarship, stipends, health insurance, moving allowance, and subsidies.
• Location: Evanston, Illinois

The University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business

The Haas School of Business in Berkeley is an innovative institution that questions the status quo, takes intelligent risks, and accepts sensible failures in its path to progress. This finance PhD program offers students opportunities to learn about cutting-edge research from faculty from around the world.

• Courses include: Corporate finance theory, stochastic calculus, and applications of psychology & economics.
• Tuition : Refer cost page
• Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, tuition allowance, stipends, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.
• Acceptance rate: 17%
• Location: Berkeley, California

The University of Texas at San Antonio, Alvarez College of Business

The Alvarez College of Business is one of the forty largest business schools in the USA. It follows a comprehensive and practical approach to education that allows students to apply the knowledge they gain directly in the workplace. This PhD in finance encourages students to do collaborative research with the faculty, which helps them publish their own academic papers before they even complete the program.

• Courses include: Corporate finance, international financial markets, and microeconomic theory.
• Credits: 84 (post-bachelors)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, research fellowships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 84%
• Location: San Antonio, Texas

Liberty University, School of Business

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Finance

Liberty University is a non-profit institution among the top five online schools in the USA and has been offering fixed tuition fees for the past seven years. This is one of the best PhD in Finance programs you can do completely online. It aims to prepare students to address issues in business finance through research, best practices, and relevant literature.

• Courses: Managerial Finance, Investments & Derivatives, Business Valuation, etc.
• Credits: 60
• Duration: 3 years average
• Tuition : $595 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study, veteran benefits, and loans.
• Delivery: Online
• Acceptance rate: 50%
• Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Northcentral University

PhD in Business Administration (PhD-BA) – Finance Management

Northcentral University was founded with the objective of offering flexible, fully-online programs to working professionals around the world. This doctorate degree in finance online is flexible and allows you to design your own schedule. You will also get one-on-one personal mentoring from qualified faculty.

• Courses include: Business financial systems, business statistics, and business leadership & strategy.
• Duration: 84 months average
• Tuition: $1,105 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and military scholarships.
• Acceptance rate: NA
• Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Things To Consider When Choosing a Finance PhD Program

The right PhD program for you is a very personal decision and will depend on several individual factors.

However, these general questions will help you to make the right choice:

• Is the university properly accredited?
• Does the university conduct innovative and cutting-edge research?
• Are there renowned faculty members who you’ll want to work with?
• Do they offer subjects or specializations that match your career goals?
• What is the school’s placement history?
• What are the tuition fees, costs, and options for scholarships and financial aid?
• Does the program offer online study options?

It’s also important to consider if you want to pursue a career in academia or work in organizations as a senior finance professional. A PhD degree will generally set you up for a career in research or academia, while a DBA is more suited to a career in business or government.

Preparing for a Finance Doctorate Program

It’s important to start preparing early if you want to be selected for one of the best finance PhD programs.

These handy tips can help you put your best foot forward:

• Research the requirements of the best universities offering PhD in finance degrees, including pre-requisite subjects and qualifying grades. Keep these in mind when completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Understand your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the program’s requirements. Work on your weaknesses and continue to hone relevant skills.
• Read extensively in the field and keep up-to-date on regional and global developments.
• Join communities of finance professionals to build your network and be exposed to the latest knowledge in the discipline.

Skills You Gain from Earning a PhD in Finance

The most important skills you learn as a doctor of finance include:

• Communication skills, including writing and presentation skills
• Data analytical skills
• Economics and accounting skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Mathematical skills
• Analytical software skills
• Management and leadership skills
• Problem-solving skills

PhD Programs in Finance FAQs

How long does a phd in finance take.

PhD programs in finance usually take between three and eight years to complete.

Is It Worth Getting a PhD in Finance?

A PhD in Finance is a qualification that’s in high demand today. It is a terminal degree and can help you get top-level jobs with lucrative salaries in corporate or large organizations.

How Much Can You Make With a PhD in Finance?

With a finance doctorate, you can expect to earn a salary anywhere from around $45,000 to $150,000, depending on your experience, role, and the organization you work for. According to the BLS, the average salary for finance PhD holders is $131,710 .

What Do You Need To Get a PhD in Finance?

The admissions requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance. The programs can take three to eight years of coursework and research.

To apply, you’ll usually need to submit:

• Application
• Academic resume
• Academic transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• GRE or GMAT score
• Personal essay

Final Thoughts

With a doctorate in finance, you can build a rewarding career in academia, research, or the business sector. Like any doctorate, these programs ask for dedication and hard work. By planning early, you’ll set yourself up to pursue one of the best PhD programs in finance.

For more on how to build your career in the field, take a look at our guides to the best master’s degree in finance , the highest paying PhDs , and fully-funded PhD programs .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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PhD Program

• Program of Study

Wharton’s PhD program in Finance provides students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and empirical tools of modern finance, drawing heavily on the discipline of economics.

The department prepares students for careers in research and teaching at the world’s leading academic institutions, focusing on Asset Pricing and Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Financial Institutions and Macroeconomics.

Wharton’s Finance faculty, widely recognized as the finest in the world, has been at the forefront of several areas of research. For example, members of the faculty have led modern innovations in theories of portfolio choice and savings behavior, which have significantly impacted the asset pricing techniques used by researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Another example is the contribution by faculty members to the analysis of financial institutions and markets, which is fundamental to our understanding of the trade-offs between economic systems and their implications for financial fragility and crises.

Faculty research, both empirical and theoretical, includes such areas as:

• Structure of financial markets
• Formation and behavior of financial asset prices
• Banking and monetary systems
• Corporate control and capital structure
• Saving and capital formation
• International financial markets

Candidates with undergraduate training in economics, mathematics, engineering, statistics, and other quantitative disciplines have an ideal background for doctoral studies in this field.

Effective 2023, The Wharton Finance PhD Program is now STEM certified.

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Finance Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 210 results

Harvard Business School

Boston, MA •

Harvard University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.2 out of 5   5 reviews

Other: The HBS community fosters an environment where students are motivated to pursue their entrepreneurial interests. The extensive resources available cater to the distinct requirements of innovators, both in and out of the classroom. The diverse global perspectives within the immersive learning setting contribute to a continuous exchange of dynamic ideas, resulting in significant and enduring impact. With a rich history of entrepreneurship, marked by over 50% of graduates initiating at least one new venture, HBS remains committed to supporting alumni through comprehensive programs that encourage collaboration and lifelong learning. ... Read 5 reviews

Harvard University ,

Graduate School ,

BOSTON, MA ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Other says The HBS community fosters an environment where students are motivated to pursue their entrepreneurial interests. The extensive resources available cater to the distinct requirements of innovators,... .

Read 5 reviews.

Wharton School

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   15 reviews

Master's Student: Intensive but interesting. Great people, but professor quality varied. Lectures tend to be very interesting, but are high level in some cases. Coming from an engineering background, this felt "easy", but it is a different type of learning- more focused on the concepts than proving theories and underlying complexities. TAs are great and there is a lot of effort put towards making students understand the material. Since there isn't a sink or swim culture, I think it incentivizes learning for the sake of learning rather than curving to a "B". Professors are very friendly and actually enjoy getting to know their students. ... Read 15 reviews

University of Pennsylvania ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Intensive but interesting. Great people, but professor quality varied. Lectures tend to be very interesting, but are high level in some cases. Coming from an engineering background, this felt "easy",... Professors are very friendly and actually enjoy getting to know their students. .

Read 15 reviews.

Kellogg School of Management

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

• • Rating 4.81 out of 5   16 reviews

Master's Student: An MBA (Master of Business Administration) academic experience typically involves a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed for leadership roles in various areas of business. The general overview of what you might expect from an MBA academic experience: After completing the core courses, students often have the opportunity to choose elective courses based on their interests and career goals. Elective courses can cover specialized topics such as entrepreneurship, international business and sustainability. A common teaching method in MBA programs is the use of case studies. their knowledge and skills to a real-world business challenge. MBA programs incorporate experiential learning opportunities such as simulations, consulting projects, or international study trips Overall, the MBA academic experience is designed to be challenging, dynamic, and , preparing students for leadership roles in the business world. ... Read 16 reviews

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says An MBA (Master of Business Administration) academic experience typically involves a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives... .

Read 16 reviews.

Bentley University McCallum Graduate School of Business

Graduate School •

WALTHAM, MA

• • Rating 4.7 out of 5   20

University of La Verne

LA VERNE, CA

• • Rating 4.48 out of 5   64

School of Business - Mississippi College

Mississippi College •

CLINTON, MS

Owen Graduate School of Management

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

• • Rating 4.4 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: I attend my first semester in the fall of 2024. My experience so far has been amazing. I cannot wait until I start my experience. ... Read 5 reviews

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I attend my first semester in the fall of 2024. My experience so far has been amazing. I cannot wait until I start my experience. .

Olin Business School

St. Louis, MO •

Washington University in St. Louis •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: The enrolment process was an absolute pleasure. Being able to sit in on classes and interact with faculty and students was a fantastic opportunity. It gave me a real feel for the academic dynamic and the supportive community. This firsthand experience greatly influenced my decision, and I'm eagerly looking forward to becoming a part of the institution. ... Read 7 reviews

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The enrolment process was an absolute pleasure. Being able to sit in on classes and interact with faculty and students was a fantastic opportunity. It gave me a real feel for the academic dynamic and... .

Read 7 reviews.

College of Science - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

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McDonough School of Business

Washington, DC •

Georgetown University •

• • Rating 4.88 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: It's a great experience. The opening term, before mod 1 classes, gets you ready for anything academic wise. Because the experience has been great, the "worst" part would be early 8 AM classes for a semester a couple times a week. ... Read 8 reviews

Georgetown University ,

WASHINGTON, DC ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says It's a great experience. The opening term, before mod 1 classes, gets you ready for anything academic wise. Because the experience has been great, the "worst" part would be early 8 AM classes for a... .

Read 8 reviews.

Carey Business School

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.58 out of 5   24 reviews

Master's Student: Great experience so far. Excellent professors and very helpful staff. Challenging and rigorous course of study, but ai intend to complete the program in one year. ... Read 24 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

24 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Great experience so far. Excellent professors and very helpful staff. Challenging and rigorous course of study, but ai intend to complete the program in one year. .

Read 24 reviews.

Tepper School of Business

Pittsburgh, PA •

Carnegie Mellon University •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   10 reviews

Master's Student: Embarking on Carnegie Mellon's Master in Business Analytics promises unparalleled growth. Its esteemed reputation in academia assures an intellectually stimulating environment, fostering collaboration and innovation. The meticulously crafted curriculum equips students with advanced analytical skills and a deep understanding of business dynamics. Beyond coursework, experiential learning opportunities abound, from hackathons to industry partnerships. Moreover, the vibrant community fosters inclusivity and camaraderie, enriching the overall experience. With each lecture and interaction, I anticipate expanding my knowledge, honing my skills, and becoming a catalyst for positive change. Carnegie Mellon's program is not just an education; it's a transformative journey toward personal and professional excellence. ... Read 10 reviews

Blue checkmark.

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Embarking on Carnegie Mellon's Master in Business Analytics promises unparalleled growth. Its esteemed reputation in academia assures an intellectually stimulating environment, fostering... .

Read 10 reviews.

D'Amore-McKim School of Business

Northeastern University •

• • Rating 2.5 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: Recently began my journey in the GSPA MS in Accounting/ MBA program! So far classes have been tailored to students with nonbusiness/ accounting allowing for any interested parties to join. Teachers are both flexible with grad students and amazing at providing real-world experience. ... Read 4 reviews

Northeastern University ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 2.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Recently began my journey in the GSPA MS in Accounting/ MBA program! So far classes have been tailored to students with nonbusiness/ accounting allowing for any interested parties to join. Teachers... .

Read 4 reviews.

Leonard N. Stern School of Business

New York, NY •

New York University •

• • Rating 4.82 out of 5   28 reviews

Master's Student: As a part-time MBA candidate at NYU Stern, I'm deeply impressed by the program's blend of academic rigor and practical application. The faculty, industry leaders in their own right, provide invaluable insights, fostering a rich learning environment. The diversity among my peers enhances our discussions, offering varied perspectives on business challenges. Stern's location in NYC is ideal for networking and accessing career opportunities, which is crucial for a working professional like me. The flexibility of evening and weekend classes allows me to balance my professional and academic commitments effectively. Stern equips students with advanced business knowledge and fosters personal and professional growth, making it an exceptional choice for anyone aspiring to excel in the business world. ... Read 28 reviews

New York University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

28 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says As a part-time MBA candidate at NYU Stern, I'm deeply impressed by the program's blend of academic rigor and practical application. The faculty, industry leaders in their own right, provide... .

Read 28 reviews.

Carroll School of Management

Chestnut Hill, MA •

Boston College •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: I am currently enrolled in the part time, professional evening MBA program. So far it has brought me to communicate with like minded individuals and the professors truly want to see you succeed so they will go out of their way to connect with you and help you. ... Read 2 reviews

Boston College ,

CHESTNUT HILL, MA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am currently enrolled in the part time, professional evening MBA program. So far it has brought me to communicate with like minded individuals and the professors truly want to see you succeed so... .

Read 2 reviews.

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Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA •

CLAREMONT, CA ,

McCombs School of Business

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   12 reviews

Master's Student: Being in the accounting program at UT Austin has been a remarkable opportunity for me. The best part of being an accounting major at McCombs is the diverse set of classes that students can utilize to explore different interests within business and broaden their career opportunities. The worst part of being at McCombs is the competitive environment, although it incentivizes students to work harder, it can be mentally draining to constantly try to outperform one's peers. ... Read 12 reviews

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

12 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Being in the accounting program at UT Austin has been a remarkable opportunity for me. The best part of being an accounting major at McCombs is the diverse set of classes that students can utilize to... .

Read 12 reviews.

College of Business - Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA •

Lehigh University •

Lehigh University ,

BETHLEHEM, PA ,

Hough Graduate School of Business

Gainesville, FL •

University of Florida •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: The academics at UF are rigorous but prepare you for real life scenarios. The coursework is well rounded for students to be able ready for all aspects of business administration. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Florida ,

GAINESVILLE, FL ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The academics at UF are rigorous but prepare you for real life scenarios. The coursework is well rounded for students to be able ready for all aspects of business administration. .

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - Boston University

Boston University •

Boston University ,

Questrom School of Business

• • Rating 4.29 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: Boston University's MBA program transformed me. Faculty, experts in their fields, nurtured my learning. A diverse student body broadened my perspective. Experiential learning honed skills and purpose. BU's strong alumni network opened doors. The sense of community is invaluable. BU has equipped me for success and instilled a passion for growth. Grateful for this transformative journey. ... Read 7 reviews

7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Boston University's MBA program transformed me. Faculty, experts in their fields, nurtured my learning. A diverse student body broadened my perspective. Experiential learning honed skills and... .

Wisconsin School of Business at UW Madison

Madison, WI •

University of Wisconsin •

University of Wisconsin ,

MADISON, WI ,

Business School - University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL •

University of Miami •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   9 reviews

Current Master's student: I'm currently enrolled in the online MBA program at the university of miami at Herbet Business School. As an online student and the sole provider for my family, I find the online format and curriculum to be rigorous and fulfilling. What makes this program great is the ability to complete my MBA on my time (for the most part) without sacrificing my income. The classes and professors are nothing short of amazing. I appreciate the time and dedication they put into making the videos and encouraging us to speak with fellow students and share differences in opinion to get the answer. ... Read 9 reviews

University of Miami ,

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says I'm currently enrolled in the online MBA program at the university of miami at Herbet Business School. As an online student and the sole provider for my family, I find the online format and... .

Read 9 reviews.

Simon Business School

Rochester, NY •

University of Rochester •

• • Rating 4.6 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: Academic at Simon in the business analycitcs program is quite rigorous and we hit the ground running with a July start for the fall semester. Very good program. Benet Career services are outstanding a really valuable resource to all students who are preparing to quickstart their careers even before graduating ... Read 5 reviews

University of Rochester ,

ROCHESTER, NY ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Academic at Simon in the business analycitcs program is quite rigorous and we hit the ground running with a July start for the fall semester. Very good program. Benet Career services are outstanding... .

Cox School of Business

Dallas, TX •

Southern Methodist University •

• • Rating 4.43 out of 5   14 reviews

Master's Student: While acting as a Divisional CISO at Bank of America, I had colleagues and mentors that recommended that I attend a graduate college. With my near decade of supporting military operations with the Department of Defense and my nearly 10 years of financial experience I felt that a MBA would be the logical next step. When searching for programs at SMU I met with the admissions staff who helped me find that the Executive MBA would be the best program for me and provide me with all of the knowledge, skill sets and experience to succeed in my future business endeavors. ... Read 14 reviews

Southern Methodist University ,

DALLAS, TX ,

14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says While acting as a Divisional CISO at Bank of America, I had colleagues and mentors that recommended that I attend a graduate college. With my near decade of supporting military operations with the... .

Read 14 reviews.

Weatherhead School of Management

Cleveland, OH •

Case Western Reserve University •

• • Rating 2.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Current Master's student: My time so far at the Weatherhead School of Management has been challenging, yet it has also been extremely rewarding and has opened up so many doors for me in terms of networking and expanding my intellectual world. I would highly recommend the Weatherhead School's online MBA in Healthcare Management because it is giving me the tools to succeed both through a traditional MBA curriculum and through courses that will help me to be successful in Healthcare Management simultaneously. ... Read 5 reviews

Case Western Reserve University ,

CLEVELAND, OH ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 2.8 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says My time so far at the Weatherhead School of Management has been challenging, yet it has also been extremely rewarding and has opened up so many doors for me in terms of networking and expanding my... .

A. B. Freeman School of Business

New Orleans, LA •

Tulane University •

Tulane University ,

NEW ORLEANS, LA ,

Leavey School of Business

Santa Clara, CA •

Santa Clara University •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: Smaller class sizes and up to date equipment make for a comfortable experience. Class is mostly younger international students. ... Read 2 reviews

Santa Clara University ,

SANTA CLARA, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

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Master of Finance: Is This The Right Degree For You?

Choosing a graduate program is a major decision. After all, it can be considered the final stepping stone to your dream career ! If you've been curious about a Master of Finance degree, stick around as we answer all of your questions. We'll also provide you with the tools you need to be on your way to completing a Master of Finance program.

How long does it take to complete a Master of Finance program?

Assuming that you've completed your undergraduate studies, a Master of Finance program takes an average of three years to complete. Like other schooling programs, this timeline often depends on your specific situation. If you plan on enrolling as a full-time student and can pass all your courses, you can complete this program in two years.

When deciding which institution to complete your Master of Finance degree at, it is important to consider their options for this program. Some grad schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months and online courses to better fit your schedule.

Is it hard to earn a master's in finance?

Like all graduate programs, earning a master's in finance can vary in difficulty depending on a student's skill level, understanding of courses, and study habits. If you're wondering if a master's in finance will be difficult for you, you should first look at what the program entails and assess your ability to perform well in those areas.

A major aspect of all Master of Finance programs is that they are interdisciplinary, touching on various topics like:

If you enjoy these subjects, chances are you will enjoy this graduate program! That is not to say that it won't be challenging — however, with the right tools and study habits , we are confident that you will find success.

What career can I have with a master's in finance?

A graduate program is a great way to set you up for your future career and help you accelerate your job growth. With a growing economy, the finance industry offers many opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations in the financial sector are expected to see an 8% growth from 2020 to 2030, making this your prime time to complete your grad program and join the workforce. Obtaining your master's in finance will also give you the competitive edge you need to land a rewarding position with competitive pay.

Some career options you have upon completing your Master of Finance degree are:

• Budget Analyst
• HR Specialist
• Purchasing Manager

If you want to explore the different career opportunities offered in the finance industry, be sure to use our Places to Work tool. You will be able to view stats on different companies and hear from employees' personal experiences.

Where do I start a master's in finance?

If you're ready to begin your journey in earning your Master of Finance degree, look no further! At Niche, we are your one-stop shop for all things college, graduate school, and post-grad life. Check out our list of the best finance graduate programs and start narrowing your search to a school that fits your needs as a student. If you find yourself having questions along the way, visit our blog, where we offer you all of the best guidance for navigating life as a student.

External Sources:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm

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

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

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

Preparation and Qualifications

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

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

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

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

Faculty in Finance

Anat r. admati, juliane begenau, jonathan b. berk, greg buchak, antonio coppola, peter m. demarzo, darrell duffie, steven grenadier, benjamin hébert, arvind krishnamurthy, hanno lustig, matteo maggiori, paul pfleiderer, joshua d. rauh, claudia robles-garcia, ilya a. strebulaev, vikrant vig, jeffrey zwiebel, emeriti faculty, robert l. joss, george g.c. parker, myron s. scholes, william f. sharpe, kenneth j. singleton, james c. van horne, recent publications in finance, behavioral responses to state income taxation of high earners: evidence from california, beyond the balance sheet model of banking: implications for bank regulation and monetary policy, fee variation in private equity, recent insights by stanford business, “geoeconomics” explains how countries flex their financial muscles, car loans are a hidden driver of the ride-sharing economy, public pensions are mixing risky investments with unrealistic predictions.

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PhD | Finance

The Ph.D. in Finance

Stern’s Ph.D. program in finance trains scholars to conduct research at the leading edge of financial economics. The faculty represents one of the largest finance research groups in the world that has been ranked consistently as the leading publisher of academic research in top finance journals. Comprised of more than 40 researchers, including a Nobel-prize-winning economist, our faculty are active in all areas of finance—asset pricing, corporate finance, derivatives, market microstructure, and behavioral finance—with both theoretical and empirical focus, and with emerging specialization in the areas of financial intermediation, crises, and macro-finance. As a result of this unusual breadth, students have access to expertise in almost any topic that they might wish to explore.

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• Dissertation Areas and Joint PhD Programs
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• PhD in Accounting
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PhD in Finance

• PhD in Management Science and Operations Management
• PhD in Marketing
• Joint Program in Financial Economics
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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!

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

Wharton’s PhD program in Finance provides students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and empirical tools of modern finance, drawing heavily on the discipline of economics.

The department prepares students for careers in research and teaching at the world’s leading academic institutions, focusing on Asset Pricing and Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Financial Institutions and Macroeconomics.

Wharton’s Finance faculty, widely recognized as the finest in the world, has been at the forefront of several areas of research. For example, members of the faculty have led modern innovations in theories of portfolio choice and savings behavior, which have significantly impacted the asset pricing techniques used by researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Another example is the contribution by faculty members to the analysis of financial institutions and markets, which is fundamental to our understanding of the trade-offs between economic systems and their implications for financial fragility and crises.

Faculty research, both empirical and theoretical, includes such areas as:

• Structure of financial markets
• Formation and behavior of financial asset prices
• Banking and monetary systems
• Corporate control and capital structure
• Saving and capital formation
• International financial markets

For information on courses and sample plan of study, please visit the University Graduate Catalog .

Get the Details.

Visit the Finance website for details on program requirements and courses. Read faculty and student research and bios to see what you can do with a Finance PhD.

Finance Doctoral Coordinator Prof. Luke Taylor John B. Neff Associate Professor in Finance, Professor of Finance Co-Director, Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research Email: [email protected] Phone: (215) 898-4802

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PhD in Finance

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

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

Table of Contents

Program Options

• Core Concepts

Top PhD in Finance Programs

• Select Schools with a PhD in Finance

Jobs with a PhD in Finance

Frequently asked questions.

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

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

Online Degree Formats

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

Admission Requirements

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

Core Concepts and Coursework

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arizona State University Top Schools for Finance Rankings 1990-2020

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

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

Select PhD in Finance Programs

Traditional programs, duke university.

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

Northwestern University

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

Ohio State University

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

University of Pennsylvania

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

University of Texas at Austin

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

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

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

How much is a PhD in Finance salary?

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

Why should I get a PhD in Finance?

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

What is the job outlook for PhDs in Finance?

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

How long does it take to get a Finance PhD?

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

What are the admission requirements for PhD-Finance programs?

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

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

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PhD Programs

• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has five areas of study: Accounting and Management , Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , management  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

• Quantitative Finance Specialization
• Academic Programs
• Management Science and Analytics (Ph.D.)

The Quantitative Finance specialization in the Ph.D. in Management Science and Analytics program is excellent preparation for either academic careers or for students who want to apply the theoretical, analytical, and quantitative rigor of management science to careers in finance.

Dissertation research in this area may include a wide range of topics such as risk modeling, financial time series analysis, and investment analysis.

Required courses for the Quantitative Finance specialization (three credits per course):

• MSC 621—Corporate Finance
• MSC 623—Investments
• MSC 631—Theory of Finance I
• MSC 633—Theory of Finance II
• MSF 545/MSC 613—Structured Fixed Income Portfolios
• MSF 546/MSC 614—Quantitative Investment Strategies

View the curriculum for the Ph.D. in Management Science (MSC) program and MSC course descriptions .

Career Opportunities

Industry and Research

The specialization in Quantitative Finance prepares students for a wide range of careers in finance, particularly in areas such as investment and commercial banking, trading, and risk management. This background also opens career opportunities across industries in business functions focused on finance, financial modeling, economics, and risk compliance.

Chicago’s position as a global center for finance and fintech, as well as the home to the world’s largest markets in financial derivatives, make it a prime location for internships, networking, and job opportunities for Stuart students in quantitative finance.

Our graduates are ready to step into roles such as:

• Senior quantitative analyst or quantitative analytics manager-economic modeling
• Quantitative developer, senior quantitative modeler, or quantitative risk modeler
• Research data scientist, senior quantitative researcher, or quantitative researcher-asset management
• Portfolio risk analyst, senior quantitative risk analyst, or exotic rates quantitative analyst
• Equity derivatives quantitative strategist or quantitative portfolio strategist
• Senior quantitative markets analyst or machine learning analyst

Students interested in academic careers are supported by strong mentoring relationships with our faculty, opportunities to co-author papers published in prestigious scholarly journals, and help in securing adjunct positions to develop their teaching skills.

As a result, our graduates have launched teaching and research careers as finance faculty members at colleges and universities in the United States and around the world, such as:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Beijing Normal University
• Lewis University
• Brooklyn College - City University of New York
• Benedictine University
• Northeastern Illinois University
• East China Normal University
• Saint Michael’s College (Vermont)

Learn more...

How to Decide if an MBA Is Worth it

Understand your financial and career goals before enrolling in an MBA program.

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A master's degree in business administration can be a great asset when looking for jobs but applicants should weigh the commitment of this opportunity.

Key Takeaways

• Earning an MBA is always a significant time investment.
• Consider career goals and costs before enrolling in an MBA program.
• An MBA may lead to salary, promotion or job market benefits.

An MBA is a game changer for many professionals – a way to build specialized skills, make salary gains and valuable professional connections, or even change careers.

But it's not the right fit for everyone. Before committing to graduate business school to pursue a master of business administration degree, it's important to consider the time commitment, costs, potential return on investment and your personal career goals, experts say.

"You don't do it because you don't have anything else to do," says Sue Oldham, associate dean of MBA operations at Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management in Tennessee. "You are doing it because you really want this career pivot and you want to be doing something different."

What to Consider Before Applying to an MBA Program

Time commitment.

A full-time MBA program typically takes two years, although accelerated full-time programs can take a single year. Executive and part-time MBA programs, designed for professionals who are attending school while working a full-time job, vary in length depending on how many credits a student takes each semester. Online and hybrid programs are also options, but every pathway to an MBA is a significant time investment.

Students should consider whether it's the right "season of life" to commit to an MBA program, Oldham says.

"Are you at a place in your life where you can step out of the workforce for two years (for a full-time MBA) and invest in yourself like that?" she says. "I think that's why part-time MBA programs are a much better option for people that are like, 'Listen, I can't take two years off. I've got to work. I've got a family. I've got a mortgage.'"

Academic Needs

Before applying, build a list of schools that meet your educational requirements, such as location, class size and academic tracks that align with your career goals.

"Unless you are definitely bound and determined and headed toward one of the very few slots available at the Ivys , the world is at your disposal for what you need and want," says Jeanne Allen, founder and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Education Reform, which focuses on expanding educational opportunities.

Allen says some non-Ivy League colleges and newer MBA programs may offer "a better service – they are better priced; they are accelerated in terms of graduating; they are personalized to your needs; they are often competency-based. And that's going to get you your best education."

Experts advise visiting prospective programs virtually or in person , especially while classes are in session.

"Spend some time getting to know the students, the alumni and the staff at the various schools, because I always think culture really matters and each school has its own unique culture," Oldham says. "You have to figure out what that school's culture is and say, 'Does this mesh with who I am, the way I learn and the way I want to work?'"

Return on Investment

According to the 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council, the organization that designs and administers the GMAT, MBA graduates had the highest median earning potential in the U.S. among business school graduates, with an estimated median starting salary of $125,000 in 2023. Hiring is expected to remain stable over the next five years.

To decide whether an MBA program offers good return on investment , consider tuition costs and potential starting salaries – which most schools track – and calculate the salary-to-debt ratio. The return on investment is calculated by dividing the average salary and signing bonus of recent grads by the average student debt of those who borrowed.

Per GMAC's 2023 Enrolled Students report – which surveyed more than 660 enrolled business graduate students or recent graduates in 36 countries – 90% of respondents rated the overall value of their graduate business degree as "good," "excellent" or "outstanding." In addition, median total compensation increased by one-third after graduate business training, with greater increases for full-time MBA students, according to the study.

The question is, "do you see the degree helping to advance your salary, your work experiences and your opportunities to make a difference, in the sense of being able to pay that (debt) down so that's not some overwhelming burden?" says Sean Schrader, an MBA student in his final year at the University of South Florida's Muma College of Business and president of the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students.

Postgraduation, he plans to study abroad before pursuing more graduate education in law school . Schrader's ultimate goal is to work in public and government service.

"A lot of people would say, 'Why would you want to get an MBA if you're more interested in government?'" he says. "That can be a fair point. But I think that the MBA gives you a lot of skills that are very relevant in almost any environment."

Benefits of an MBA

Skill and career development.

The best MBA programs help you develop entrepreneurial habits, Allen says. "They build your ability to move, develop and manage programs in more innovative ways. It's not so much about what skills (you gain), it's about what kind of learning is going to best set you up for an increasingly complex, technologically sophisticated society, where just about anybody can start a business, manage or create a product."

Andrew Walker, director of research analysis and communications at GMAC, says MBA candidates want to graduate with problem-solving, communication, data interpretation and leadership skills, among others.

"Employers say things like patience, data analytics and strategy are the most important skills that graduate management education alumni can have and bring to their organizations," he says. "And these skills are only going to grow in importance in the next five years or so. There is a lot of alignment with the type of skills that candidates are looking for out of business school and what employers are looking for, which to us (means) a lot of business schools really are on the right track with what they are teaching alumni to be successful."

With full-time programs in particular, students graduate "better prepared to work in a culturally diverse organization," Oldham says.

Even more valuable is that MBA programs also teach certain hard skills, says Daniel Snow, director of MBA programs at Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Business in Utah.

"I think that a lot of people out there think that an MBA program is about ticking boxes on a series of skills," he says. "And while our program and other top programs do give you those skills, the really important differentiator is when you come out of an MBA program with managerial judgment. You can look at a messy situation that hasn't been contemplated in your textbooks, find the core of the problem and then you can go after that problem leading an organization."

An MBA may bring salary, promotion or job market benefits. But "if you think you're going to get an MBA and it's automatically catapult you into a CEO job, that's a bad reason to get an MBA," Allen says. "It can't necessarily do that and doesn't. It all depends on who you are."

Success with an MBA "really is (about) what you put into it and whether or not it helps you advance things that you already can do, but you want to take it to another level completely," she says. "It doesn't teach you business. It builds a mindset and an understanding of business culture and exposure to what's happening in the world of business that you don't necessarily get just by reading on your own."

A New Professional Network

Experts say an MBA also helps students expand their professional networks and build new connections that may broaden their opportunities and advance their career goals .

Networks vary by school, and experts recommend considering that in your research. Some MBA programs have alumni living around the world, for instance, while others are more localized.

"It's not just quality, but where do you want to go live your career geographically?" Snow says. "The quality of the people that you are going to be around is related to the network. ... You don't want to just be some place where you are not going to be pushed. You want to be around people who are going to really push you, that are excellent, that are striving to do the same things that you are doing."

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There are several options for contacting Ascent's customer support. You can call the company from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST Monday through Thursday, or 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PST on Friday and Saturday. You can also email the lender, or send physical mail to its address in San Diego.

1. Collect the required documents and information. This includes your Social Security number, your school of enrollment, your major field of study, the loan amount you need, your address, and certain financial documents.

2.   Fill out Ascent's online application . You can complete the application in just several minutes. After doing so you'll get your prequalified rates without affecting your credit score. 

3.   Review loan offers and pick the one you can afford.  After you submit your information, Ascent will give you different term options. A shorter term length means larger monthly payments — but you'll save more in interest. 

4. Accept your loan terms and plan for repayment . After you sign the document accepting your loan terms, your loan will be approved and funded. Make sure you've worked your loan payments into your budget — late payment may add significant costs to your loan. 

Ascent Student Loans Pros and Cons

• Many repayment term lengths . You'll have a choice between five, seven, 10, 12, 15, or 20-year repayment terms (20-year term only available for variable loans).
• No origination fee or prepayment penalty . Origination fees can add to the overall cost of your loan and increase the cost of your borrowing. Ascent doesn't charge those fees. 
• Low minimum fixed interest rates . Ascent has competitive minimum fixed interest rates on its student loans. 
• May qualify without a cosigner . Ascent has options for borrowers who want to qualify for a loan without a cosigner. Generally, you'll pay higher rates, but it's an option many lenders don't offer. 
• Cash-back reward . Provided you are eligible, you'll receive 1% of your initial loan balance as a cashback bonus after graduation
• Late payment penalty . Ascent charges undisclosed late fees on its student loans. 
• Higher rates for non-cosigned loans . While loans that aren't cosigned may be easier to qualify for, the trade off is that you'll pay higher rates. 

Ascent Student Loans Repayment Options

You have three options to repay your Ascent student loan after you've taken it out: deferred, minimum, and interest-only. Each option has its advantages for different types of borrowers. 

With deferred payments, you won't pay off any of your balance until after the grace period, so it will be the most expensive option as a whole. Interest-only payments will cost the most while you're in school, but it will cost the least overall because you won't accrue any interest while in school.  

Ascent has student loans for many degree types, including:

• Undergraduate

Ascent Undergraduate Student Loans

Ascent has several repayment options for its undergraduate loans, with terms of five, seven, 10, 12, and 15 years available. The minimum rates on its fixed undergraduate student loans are lower than many competitors' rates. You may qualify for a 1% cash-back reward with Ascent after graduating. 

Ascent Graduate Student Loans

Ascent's graduate student loans have repayment terms of five, seven, 10, 12, 15, and 20 years available. Ascent has a lower minimum APR on fixed loans than many other competitors do on its graduate loans, but its maximum APRs on both fixed and variable are higher than what you can find elsewhere. 

Ascent Student Loans FAQs 

Ascent provides as much as $200,000 for undergraduate and graduate credit-based Loans and $20,000 for undergraduate non-cosigned outcomes-based loans.

Ascent says international students attending US colleges and universities may be eligible for its private student loans. 

Private student loans, including those from Ascent, don't qualify for federal student loan forgiveness programs. However, the company says its loans may be forgiven if the borrower is permanently and severely disabled or dies.

Ascent allows you to pay off your student loans early without penalty.

Ascent requires you to maintain GPA of at least 2.9  and meet your school's satisfactory academic performance in order to qualify for its student loans.

Ascent has an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, the organizations highest rating. However, an excellent BBB rating doesn't guarantee you'll have a good experience.  Be sure to check online customer reviews and see if any of your friends and family have experiences with the lender. 

Ascent has low minimum fixed rates, but higher minimum rates on variable loans than comparable lenders — though your rates will depend on your unique financial situation. However, if you or your cosigner don't have the best credit score, Ascent's maximum rates on both variable and fixed undergraduate loans are lower than competitors. Here's how Ascent compares:

Ascent Student Loans vs. College Ave Student Loans

College Ave Undergraduate Student Loans is the only company among the three competitors listed here that allows you to make full payments on your loan while you're in school. All three comparable competitors offer deferred, fixed, and interest-only repayment options. 

You can pick a repayment term length of five, eight, 10, or 15 years with College Ave undergraduate loans, while Ascent offers term lengths of five, seven, 10, 12, and 15 years.

College Ave Student Loans  

Ascent Student Loans vs. Sallie Mae Student Loans

While Ascent offers term lengths of five, seven, 10, 12, and 15 years on its undergraduate loans, Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loans  will assign you a term length of either five, 10, or 15 years. 

Sallie Mae Student Loan Review   

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Rated Ascent Student Loans

We rate all student loan products in our reviews and guides on a 1-5 scale. The overall rating is a weighted average that takes into account seven different categories, some of which are judged more heavily than others. They are:

• Interest rate (20% of rating)
• Fees (20% of rating)
• Term lengths (15% of rating)
• Repayment options while in school (15% of rating)
• Borrower accessibility (15% of rating)
• Customer support (7.5% of rating)
• Ethics (7.5% of rating)

Each category's weighting is determined based on its importance to your borrowing experience. Rates and fees have the most significant impact on the total cost of your loan, so we weigh those the most heavily. Customer support and ethics are still crucial parts of the borrowing experience, but do not directly tie to a student loan's terms, so they have less of an impact on the overall rating.

Read more about how we rate student loans »

Ascent Student Loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills, Member FDIC.

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.

• Main content

College of Professional Studies

Nonprofit management.

This graduate certificate provides a comprehensive overview of nonprofit management through an in-depth study of both theory and practice, preparing students to excel in the nonprofit sector.

Nonprofits today simply require a higher level of management expertise, and nonprofit managers are required to manage people and programs more efficiently and effectively. The online Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management focuses on developing a range of skills in organizational management, financial management, fundraising, grant and report writing, human resources management, and governance. The program integrates theoretical approaches with practical applications.

Working and collaborating via the internet, students participate in case studies, individual and group projects, and class discussions. The program is designed for individuals who already work in the nonprofit sector as executive directors, managers, program staff, board members, or volunteers. The online format makes it easier for these working professionals to balance coursework with their other commitments, and offers a level of interaction that more than equals the educational experience delivered in a traditional classroom.

More Details

Unique features.

• Online program design allows for flexibility and balance for working professionals
• Courses from this certificate can be applied to Northeastern's MS in Organizational Leadership and MS in Nonprofit Management
• Designed to help students develop and enhance practical and relevant management skills such as grant and report writing
• Program designed for an interactive online student experience through group projects and discussions

Career Outlook

Hiring in nonprofit organizations is on the upswing. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nonprofit sector ranks third in the U.S. in overall employment, with more than 12.3m employees.

The fastest-growing jobs are in:

• Direct services
• Fundraising
• Program management
• Program support

A sample of where our recent graduates are working:

• Boston Children’s Museum
• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
• Horizons for Homeless Children
• Oxfam America
• Marymount Manhattan College Prison Program

Testimonials

Monica borgida, program director, raymond heath, alumnus, ms nonprofit management '20, lia mancuso, alumnus, ms nonprofit management ‘17, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the university's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
• Professional resumé
• Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
• Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
• TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Learn About Getting Real World Experience

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Steve Smith

Monica Borgida

James J. Gorske, MBA

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Management alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• State Street
• Fidelity Investments
• Liberty Mutual Insurance

What They Do

• Business Development
• Entrepreneurship

What They're Skilled At

• Customer Service
• Microsoft Office
• Project Management

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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What Is a Doctor of Medical Science Degree?

Trustees set tuition for 2024-25

The Board of Trustees has set undergraduate tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year at $69,400, as part of a 4.3 percent increase in tuition, fees, room, and board, bringing the overall annual cost of attendance at Boston College to $88,632.  

To help offset the increased costs, the trustees voted to enhance need-based undergraduate financial aid by 6 percent, or $10.6 million, to a total of $177 million. Boston College meets 100 percent of demonstrated need for all domestic students for all four years, and the average need-based financial aid package is projected to exceed $58,000 in 2024-2025. Overall, more than 66 percent of Boston College undergraduates receive financial aid.

In addition, the Board of Trustees also set tuition for graduate programs for the 2024-2025 academic year, including Boston College Law ($69,600), and the full-time MBA program in the Carroll School of Management ($65,080).   

Boston College is ranked 51 st in the “Best Value Schools” category among national universities by U.S. News & World Report .