PhD in Business with a Specialization in Finance

The PhD specialization in finance prepares students to conduct significant financial research. Through course work and by working closely with the finance faculty in research, students gain a strong understanding of the theoretical foundations of finance, an intimate knowledge of the theoretical and empirical research literature, and the ability to effectively utilize the software and data bases used in financial research.

The goal of the PhD in Business with a specialization in finance is to provide the tools needed to become academic scholars. PhD-level scholars should meet the following learning outcomes by the completion of the doctoral program:

• Write research papers independently that will be published in top journals, some of which will become highly cited
• Present research papers at external seminars
• Present and discuss research papers at conferences
• Write good referee reports on research papers written by other scholars in the field
• Teach effectively in the classroom

Meet current finance PhD students
View a sample plan of study

Faculty

The Department of Finance faculty pursue research in such areas as risk management, commercial banking, investment banking, initial public offerings, corporate governance, mutual funds, real estate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Their research findings have been published in leading scholarly journals.

Finance Program Features

PhD Idol

All PhD students participate in this program each year where they present an idea for a summer paper to faculty reviewers. It allows them to make multiple presentations throughout their doctoral program to improve their presentation skills and gain feedback on their research ideas. They present a brief overview of an idea, engage in faculty-led discussion and gain feedback from faculty members.

Student Brown Bag Presentations

Presenting research papers well at conferences is one of the qualities of a complete scholar. PhD students are presented with multiple opportunities to present research papers during internal brown bag seminars. Every third- and fourth-year student makes at least one presentation each year. This allows students to learn how to respond to questions raised during the seminar and improve their presentation skills.

Candidacy Examination

At the completion of their coursework, students take written and oral candidacy examinations, also referred to as field exams. These examinations test each student’s preparation for dissertation research based on the finance seminars taken in the first two years. Each student must pass the field exam in the area in which they wish to pursue research. Once the candidacy examinations are passed, the student is recognized as a PhD candidate.

Doctoral Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is a piece of original research designed to make a contribution to the student’s chosen discipline. Each candidate selects a dissertation advisor and an advisory committee of additional faculty members is formed. The candidate prepares a detailed dissertation proposal that is defended before the University community. After successfully defending the proposal, the candidate conducts the research and prepares a written dissertation. The completed dissertation is then defended in a final oral examination.

Instructor Training

LeBow and Drexel provide PhD students with training in how to be highly effective teachers in their first and second years. Typically, after the candidacy exam has been passed, doctoral candidates in LeBow assume teaching duties as sole instructors for four courses total before graduating the program.

Assistantships and Financial Aid

LeBow and Drexel provide PhD students with training in how to be highly effective teachers in their first and second years. Typically, after the candidacy exam has been passed, doctoral candidates in LeBow assume teaching duties as sole instructors for three courses total before graduating the program.

Learn more about assistantships and aid

For general questions about the doctoral programs at LeBow College of Business, email lebowphd@drexel.edu.