The Ph.D. program in Finance provides a comprehensive study in the areas of corporate finance, investments and asset pricing and financial econometrics. Graduates will be prepared for careers as university professors focused on research and teaching, as well as careers as government researchers and industry experts.
We seek to admit students with high intellectual capability, high motivation and the interest to pursue independent research projects. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members in small classes, seminars, research projects and other assignments aimed at developing strong analytical skills and breadth of knowledge in finance to conduct independent, quality research. The department emphasizes collaboration between our faculty and our doctoral students. Our students routinely publish academic papers prior to completing the program.
Admissions Requirements
Must complete university-wide graduate requirements in addition to the following.
- A completed application form
- A statement of academic interests and goals
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Official Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (no more than five years old)
- Three recommendation letters
- A current resume with employment or other experience
- TOEFL or IELTS (international students)
Annual application deadline is February 1.
Program Background
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Finance program have the practical knowledge and analytical skills to conduct research and teach at the highest level. The concentration specializes mainly in the areas of corporate finance and investments. Beginning with systematic, rigorous training in quantitative methods, economics and finance, our students complete major research projects in their summer semesters and serve as research and teaching assistants.
Program Requirements
Students are required to develop computer proficiency in data analysis using statistical packages and financial databases.The program of study has sufficient flexibility to allow each student the opportunity to develop a program that complements individual interests. A background in finance, economics or statistics is helpful, but not required for admission to the program. However, a student entering the program with inadequate skills in mathematics will be obliged to overcome the deficiency through additional coursework. A student without any business background may be required to take as many as five graduate level business courses in addition to the Ph.D. level courses. Students should expect to complete the program in four to five years (not including any leveling coursework that may be required).
Faculty & Research
Finance doctoral students work with exceptional faculty conducting cutting-edge research in their areas of expertise and acclaimed for their scholarship, research and mentorship. Finance faculty have published in the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Journal of Corporate Finance, Journal of Financial Intermediation, Journal of Banking and Finance, Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting and the Journal of Future Markets.
Scholarships & Assistantships
Early application is strongly recommended to be considered for scholarships, assistantships or other forms of financial support. Please note that admission into the program is not a guarantee of financial support. Ph.D. students who are selected for funding typically receive a financial package for a period of up to four years.
See Current Compensation Package
For more information contact Onur Bayar, Ph.D. program advisor at onur.bayar@utsa.edu.
Participating University
