Tepper School of Business

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Ph.D. Program in Financial Economics

This field devotes attention to the study of the effects of information, attitudes toward risk, taxation, macroeconomic fluctuations, and security market prices..

The purpose of the Ph.D. program in financial economics is to educate students in the concepts and analytical techniques needed to understand and advance the frontiers of knowledge in financial economics.

The program provides students with sound training in economics, finance, and quantitative methods, as well as the opportunity to work closely with faculty on original research.

Financial economics deals with the pricing of capital assets and the financial decisions of individuals and firms. Much of its attention is devoted to the study of the effects of information, attitudes toward risk, taxation, macroeconomic fluctuations, and time on investors' investment choices and security market prices. Issues involving the behavior of firms are also of interest, including the importance of corporate dividend, capital structure, and investment policies to firm valuation.

The Ph.D. program in financial economics is designed to educate students in the concepts and analytical techniques required for basic and applied research in these and related areas. This training typically leads to academic careers at other major business schools and economics departments.

Carnegie Mellon is one of the few institutions at which the economics department for the university as a whole is housed in the business school. This creates an environment which is especially conducive to close integration between the various management studies and economics. The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon has long played a pioneering role in the application of new ideas and techniques in economics to financial problems.

Research Topics

Asset pricing theory.

  • Market Incompleteness
  • The Effect of Incomplete Markets on Security Valuation
  • Risk Preferences
  • Asset Pricing and Investor Risk Preferences
  • Mortgage Valuation
  • The Valuation of Mortgage Loans

Tax Effects in Security Markets

  • Treasury Bonds
  • Tax Effects in the Relative Pricing of Treasury Bonds
  • Municipal Bonds
  • Term and Tax Effects in the Pricing of Municipal Bonds
  • Capital Gains Taxation
  • The Effect of Capital Gains Taxation on the Optimal Trading and Equilibrium Pricing of Financial Assets

Corporate Finance

  • Corporate Control
  • Capital Structure And Corporate Control
  • Optimal Bankruptcy Law

Market Microstructure

  • Design of Financial Markets
  • Limit and Market Orders
  • Trading Strategies

International Finance

  • Risk Premia in Currency Markets
  • Lottery Bonds

P lease visit our Ph.D. Student Profiles page t o view the profiles of our current doctoral candidates.

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  • university of new orleans
  • henry bernstein college of business administration
  • doctor of philosophy degree in financial economics

Financial Economics Ph.D. Program

The Department of Economics and Finance at the University of New Orleans offers a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Financial Economics. The innovative curriculum incorporates both contemporary economic and financial analysis into a program that reflects the growing integration of these two disciplines. It is one of the first programs to formally respond to the substantial demand for financial economists in research and policy making positions in universities, business and government.

graduate school

PhD Curriculum

The Financial Economics program is divided into three stages

  • Core preparation
  • Advanced specialization

Dissertation

Core courses.

The PhD consists of core qualifying exams, including two specialized fields and a corresponding general exam. The capstone is a dissertation, including an oral defense. 

Typically, students, before their second fall semester, will take a finance qualifying, which focuses on corporate finance and asset pricing. Following the complete of the second fall semester, students will complete an economic qualifying, including micro and macro economics. 

A total of 60 credit hours are needed. To be considered a full time student, 9 credit hours are required for each semester. 

Dissertation information

doctoral degree requirements

Graduate School Admission Requirement

College of business administration.

Contact Dr. Mohammad Kabir Hassan  [email protected]

Application Deadline Fall Admission:  March 15

Test Requirements :  GRE

Other Requirements 3 Letters of Recommendation  Statement of Purpose  CV or Resume Writing Sample

Financing your Education

There are numerous options to help finance your PhD program

  • Graduate School Scholarships
  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Funding Workshops
  • Financial Resources

Tuition & Fees

For more information, visit the Graduate Schools page

Graduate school financial information

Financial Economics Ph.D. Alumni Profile

Since the inception of the Ph.D. program in 1984, there have more than 100 degrees granted. Our graduates hold academic tenured and tenure-track positions in institutions around the United States such as

  • The University of Missouri, St. Louis
  • Wayne State University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • Baruch College
  • Temple University
  • Boston University
  • Nichols State

As well as Abroad

  • Isik University (Turkey)
  • Universidad de Sonora (Mexico)
  • King Saud University (Saudi Arabia)
  • King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Saudi Arabia)
  • Imam Muhmmad University (Saudi Arabia)
  • Hashemite University (Saudi Arabia) 

In non-academic areas, positions have been taken with

  • The First Commerce Corporation
  • The Army Corps of Engineers
  • The Controller’s Office of the City of New York.

See a list of our alumni

Rumpa biswas.

Headshot of the student

PhD Student Department: Economics and Finance Education: MBA Finance, Hofstra University, NY, USA Teaching Interests: Corporate Finance, Investments, Portfolio Analysis, Derivatives, Fixed Income, Risk Management, Financial Markets and Institutions Research Interests: Investments, Corporate Finance, Derivatives, Risk Management Office: KH 435 Phone:  Email:  [email protected]

Nicolas Duvernois

Headshot of the student

PhD Student Department: Economics and Finance  Education: MS in Management - ESCE Business School, MBA - Nicholis State University, MS in Financial Economics - University of New Orleans   Teaching Interests: Investments, Financial Management, Data Analytics, and Microeconomics Research Interests: Macro-Finance, Empirical Asset Pricing, Risk-sharing, Income Inequality, Climate Finance    Office: KH 424 Phone:  504-875-5659. Email: [email protected].

Obed Izaguirre

Headshot of the student

PhD Student Department: Economics and Finance Education: BA in Business and Industrial Management - Universidad Tecnologica Centroamericana (Honduras), MBA - Nicholls State University, MS in Financial Economics - University of New Orleans   Teaching Interests: Corporate Finance, Statistics, Financial Management, Investments, Economics, Financial Institutions   Research Interests: Corporate Finance, International Finance, Corporate Governance, Ownership Structure, Financial Markets, Sports Economics Office: KH 432 Phone: Email: [email protected]

Kiran Paudel

Headshot of the student

PhD Graduate - 2020 May Department: Economics and Finance Education: Ph.D. in Financial Economics, University of New Orleans, MS in Finance, University of North Texas, BS in Computer Science, Minor in Economics, the University of Texas at Dallas   Teaching Interests: Corporate Finance, Investments, Portfolio Analysis, Derivatives, Fixed Income, Risk Management, Financial Markets and Institutions   Research Interests: Investments, Corporate Finance, Derivatives, Risk Management Phone:  469-579-1450 Email: [email protected]

Seungho Shin

PhD Student Department: Economics and Finance Education: BA in Finance - University of Central Florida, MBA in Finance and Operations Management - Rollins College, MS in Financial Economics - University of New Orleans   Teaching Interests: FinTech, Business and Economics Statistics, Financial Management, Microeconomics   Research Interests: Empirical Asset Pricing, Market Microstructure, Corporate Governance, FinTech Office: KH 342 Phone:  Email: [email protected]

PhD Student Department: Economics and Finance Education: MBA in Finance - State University of New York at Buffalo, MS in Finance - University of New Orleans   Teaching Interests: Investments, Portfolio Analysis, Derivatives, Financial Management, Corporate Finance, Economics, Statistics   Research Interests: Empirical Asset Pricing, Risk Management, Market Microstructure Office: KH 436 Phone: Email: [email protected]

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes specify what students will know, be able to do, or be able to demonstrate when they have completed a program of study.

View Outcomes

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The Financial Economics PhD program is a joint degree offered through the Finance Department at the Kellogg School of Management and the Economics Department at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. 

Students within Financial Economics will have access to a broad array of faculty across a variety of disciplines within economics, tapping into the interdisciplinary strengths found within our Finance-Economics curriculum. Additionally, this program benefits by location – our Economics department, PhD students, and research faculty are conveniently located within our new building, the Global Hub, just one floor down from the Finance department.

Some of the most active areas of current research are at the intersection of economics and finance. The aim of the Financial Economics program is to leverage the close ties and common research interests of the Economics Department and the Finance Department at Northwestern to train PhD students interested in these interdisciplinary areas. Students are required to do coursework in multiple fields in economics and finance, and are exposed to the most up-to-date models and methods in these fields. Faculty members from both departments supervise students as they develop their own research projects. PhD students also benefit from close collaborations with students in both departments, and participate in weekly seminar series that draw faculty and PhD students together for scholarly discussions across common research areas, including finance, macroeconomics, industrial organization, development economics, economic theory, and more. The program aims to produce scholars who can be successful in both economics and finance departments. 

Active Research Areas : The study of finance aligns with numerous areas within economics: macroeconomics, public finance, econometrics, household finance, economic development and economic history. This is why broad training in economics is essential for those who wish to do innovative work that straddles both finance and economics. Some examples include the financing and investment decisions of firms, households and governments; the interplay between asset prices, capital markets and the macro-economy; and the role and limitations of financial institutions in facilitating access to credit.  

Financial Economics PhD students will collaborate with world-renown scholars within our Finance and Economics departments. They include elected fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Econometric Society, the Society for Financial Econometrics, and the National Bureau of Economic Research. They serve/served as directors of the American Finance Association and past-presidents of the Econometric Society and Western Finance Association. Several faculty serve/served in editorial positions at leading journals, such as the American Economic Review , Econometrica , Journal of Economic Theory , Journal of Finance and RAND Journal of Economics . Recent publications within top economics and finance journals include American Economic Review , Econometrica , Journal of Finance , Journal of Financial Economics, Journal of Political Economy, Review of Economic Studies, and Quarterly Journal of Economics.

What We Are Looking for in Applicants

We seek students with strong training in mathematics and statistics and a solid background in economics, either through prior study or through work and research experience. Recommended coursework at an advanced level includes calculus, linear algebra, optimization, probability and statistics . Prior research experience is not required.

There are two points of entry into the Financial Economics program: as a new graduate student to Northwestern or as a transfer student from either the Economics or Finance PhD programs.

  • New Graduate Student to Northwestern – Applicants submit one application to the Financial Economics PhD Program that is reviewed by both Finance and Economics faculty, who then render a joint admission decision. Students enter the program as a first-year PhD student. 
  • Transfer Student – Economics or Finance PhD students who are completing their first year of study and have satisfied all the requirements within Economics may apply for a transfer by contacting the Director of Graduate Study in the program they are currently enrolled in. Applications must be approved by both the Economics and the Finance admissions committees. If the application is approved, the student will initiate a degree transfer request to The Graduate School.

Program Requirements

Coursework In years one and two, students take three or four courses each quarter (fall, winter, spring). The first-year students complete the three core sequences in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics. In year two, students enroll in a minimum of nine approved courses including at least two courses from the sequence in asset pricing, at least two course in corporate finance, two economics field sequence of at least two quarters each, and at least one course in economic history. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA).

Qualifying Exam At the end of year one, students are required to establish competence in the three cores areas of study: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. This competence is satisfied by achieving a 3.0 GPA in each of the three-courses sequences.

During the summer following the student’s second year of study, students must pass a comprehensive qualifying exam designed to measure competence in both asset pricing and corporate finance or they demonstrate competence by maintaining a 3.6 GPA average across both course sequences.

Candidacy As students transition from coursework to research, they are required to write an original research paper in the summer of their second year supervised by a faculty advisor. Students present their completed research project to the faculty of the joint program in September following the summer quarter of their second year. At that time, their performance is reviewed by the faculty of the joint program, and upon successfully completing their coursework, passing of their qualifying exam and second-year paper, students are admitted to candidacy.

Third-Year Paper A second paper is typically completed by winter quarter of the third year and presented during the Economics 501 seminar of spring quarter of the third year. The research paper has to be sufficiently advanced to be part of the student's dissertation.

Research, Proposal & Dissertation The main activity in years three and four is research toward a thesis of publishable quality, under the direction of one or more faculty advisors.  A thesis proposal must be presented to the faculty committee no later than the end of the fall quarter of their fourth year of study. In their final year in the program, each candidate must complete a dissertation demonstrating original and significant research and must pass a final oral examination (“defense”) on the dissertation.

Teaching Requirement To promote engagement with faculty and integration with the intellectual life of the department, students serve as research assistants and teaching assistants during years two, three, and four. Research assistantships (RAs) are an excellent lead-in to research; teaching assistantships (TAs) prepare students for teaching after obtaining the PhD.

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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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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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Heather Tookes

Financial economics encompasses a broad area of topics and issues, including corporate investments and financing policy, security valuation, portfolio management, the behavior of prices in speculative markets, financial institutions, and intermediation.

The PhD specialization in finance is designed to give the student a strong background for study and research in both theoretical and empirical work in finance and related areas. Emphasis is placed on understanding the important concepts and models. Students normally take several graduate courses in the Department of Economics, particularly in microeconomics and macroeconomic theory, the economics of uncertainty, and econometrics.

Will Goetzmann

The program offers two courses specifically in financial theory and its applications. In addition, the faculty and doctoral students attend a seminar that features speakers from around the country. However, the specialization is built primarily around individual study and research under the guidance of the faculty.

Examples of potential areas of research for the financial economics dissertation:

  • Principal-agent relationships
  • Financial intermediation
  • Efficiency of markets
  • Portfolio selection

UCL School of Management

University college london, phd programme in financial economics.

Start date:  September 2024 Duration: 5 years (1 year MRes + 4 years PhD) Fees:  We offer fully-funded scholarships to all admitted students who have applied by the 31 January 2024 (see details below)  Application deadline:  31 January 2024, 17:00 UK time (late applications submited by the 05 April 2024 may still be considered, see details below) Entry:  Applicants must hold a distinction in a master’s degree in Economics or a closely related subject. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of analytical and quantitative skills (such as in mathematics and statistics), evidenced by strong performance in relevant modules taken on previous degree programmes and/or through relevant standardised test performance (such as GRE Quantitative of at least 160). International students, please note that UCL’s English language requirement for this programme is a ‘ Level 2 ’ (IELTS and TOEFL are the preferred test, however others on the UCL recognised test list will be accepted if required) - further details regarding this can be found on the  UCL English Language Requirements  page.

The MRes and PhD in Financial Economics is a joint programme between the UCL Department of Economics and the UCL School of Management.

The MRes programme is the first year of the five-year integrated MRes/PhD programme in Financial Economics. The MRes programme will provide you with training in research methods together with an advanced understanding of financial economics, to enable you to conduct insightful and original PhD level research in financial economics. 

The MRes will firstly provide quantitative training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and finance. These will be taught in the context of cutting-edge research and relevant applications. Secondly, it will provide you with analytic frameworks and transferable skills that will allow you to identify relevant and promising research topics, present ideas in order to obtain feedback, and provide feedback yourself. 

The subsequent years (for students who progress from the MRes to MPhil) will focus on the skills you will need to run research projects to completion and to present completed research projects to various kinds of specialised audiences. Likewise, teaching skills will also be developed.

phd financial economics online

PhD Structure

  • The MRes programme consists of taught modules (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics. Real Analysis and Probability with Economic Application), a hybrid module (Financial Economics) with taught components and research based components, and a research project in the final part of the year. For the MRes project, you work under supervision to design and carry out a substantial piece of original research. This enables you to gain a deep understanding of the entire research process.
  • Superior performance is required for automatic progression from MRes to MPhil. In particular, students should achieve an average mark of not less than 60% in the independent, original research components of the programme, and not less than 50% in the taught element.
  • Our highly selective and small-sized PhD programme ensures that each student receives personal attention and guidance from our faculty members throughout their doctoral study. The close mentorship process forms the foundations of a successful academic career. At the same time, you will be part of both the School of Management PhD cohort and the Economics PhD cohort, with which you will share most of the taught modules.
  • We expect our PhD graduates to have as their goal an academic career as a faculty member in a top business school or Economics department or in the research group of an international institution or a central bank.

Students take a total of 180 credits in the MRes year. This is made up of the MRes Research Project (MSIN0135) and 75 credits of compulsory taught modules. 

All modules in the MRes year are core modules, there are no optional modules. 

  • ECON0107 - Macroeconomics, 15 credits  
  • ECON0106 - Microeconomics, 15 credits  
  • ECON0108 - Econometrics, 15 credits  
  • ECON0118 - Real Analysis and Probability with Economic Applications, 15 credits
  • MSIN0234 - Topics in Financial Economics, 30 credits  
  • MSIN0135 - MRes Financial Economics Research Project, 105 credits  

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and class discussion. Student performance is assessed through presentations, coursework, projects, and examinations. 

Students will study 4 compulsory taught modules. A typical taught module is taught over two terms (2 x 10 weeks) with 4 hours of contact hours per week (3 hours of lecture + 1 hour of review session). In addition, students spend approximately 6-8 hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study to further develop the skills and knowledge covered in lectures and seminars.  

Students will also undertake a substantial research project, which would usually start in Term 2 and be completed over the Summer. The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the weekly activities being undertaken.

Why choose us

What makes us different:.

Unlike many PhD Programmes in finance, our programme has a full anchor in economics and econometrics. Hence, we offer a unique world-class environment that combines the best of a leading business school, located in Canary Wharf, the heart of London’s modern financial district, and the tradition of economic research and teaching of the Department of Economics, which is located in Bloomsbury, London’s historical intellectual centre.

If you want to become an academic economist conducting research in finance, this programme is for you.  

UCL School of Management and the Department of Economics  

Founded in 2007, UCL School of Management has forged a reputation for world-leading research in management studies with 95% of the School’s research deemed to be world-leading or internationally excellent, the second highest percentage of any business school in the UK, according to the 2021 REF . The PhD programme is an integral part of our School’s active and ambitious research environment where students receive rigorous academic training and personalised research mentorship. 

The UCL Department of Economics has an outstanding international reputation in key areas of current research. The Department ranked top in the UK for research environment and outputs in the field of Economics and Econometrics in the 2021 REF . 

Our research programme offers a unique education and research experience with the intent of preparing you for scholarly careers at the highest level. Our highly selective and small-sized programme ensures that you receive personal attention and an opportunity for guidance from our world-leading scholars. The close mentorship process forms the foundations of a successful academic career. 

As a research student you will join a highly active research environment which involves frequent research seminars and visits by leading scholars worldwide, reading groups, brown bag seminars and panels in which PhD students and faculty members present and discuss their ongoing work. Such forums provide an excellent opportunity to receive critical constructive feedback on your research and to develop academic, generic and transferable skills.

Applications

Applying for our mres/phd programme.

Entry requirements and admissions criteria:

Applicants to the MRes+PhD programme must hold a distinction in a master’s degree in Economics or a closely related subject. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of analytical and quantitative skills (such as in mathematics and statistics), evidenced by strong performance in relevant modules taken on previous degree programmes and/or through relevant standardised test performance (such as GRE Quantitative of at least 160). Submitting a GRE test result is encouraged but not compulsory and is only one of the components used to assess the strength of applications. 

We only have a single intake in September. We accept applications throughout the year. Successful candidates who have submitted their MRes application by 31 January 2024 will receive a scholarship (full fee waiver plus a stipend). Successful candidates who have submitted their application after this date may receive a scholarship subject to availability, or will come with their own funding.

In your personal statement you are expected to suggest one or more faculty members as potential supervisors. On the application form you may see that it states that it is preferred that you contact potential supervisors beforehand. However, we strongly discourage applicants from contacting individual faculty members or potential supervisors when applying to our programme. All applications are first evaluated by a joint admissions committee, so contacting potential supervisors separately will not increase your chances.

We also require you to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores if English is not your first language. Our School requires a “Level 2” English language qualification which corresponds to:

IELTS: Overall grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the sub-tests.

TOEFL: Score of 96 overall, plus 24/30 in the reading and writing subtests and 22/30 in the listening and speaking subtests. 

Application Deadline

The application window closes 31 January 2024 (17:00 UK time) and a late submission window closes on 05 April 2024 (17:00 UK time). We advise those interested in the programme to apply before 31 January 2024, as those applying in the late submission window will only be considered if there are still places remaining.

Application Procedure

Apply via UCL Postgraduate Admissions System here . When starting the application, you must select the MRes Financial Economics option. In addition to filling out the online application form, please upload a copy of the following documents:

  • Official Transcripts of Grades / Course marks
  • A 1 page personal statement that clearly indicates: (i) your research interests and preliminary research ideas, (ii) potential faculty member(s) you may want to work with (this is a suggested list, you don’t need to contact potential supervisors beforehand), and (iii) your motivation to do a PhD.
  • Your  GRE  score report, if you took the test.
  • Your IELTS/TOEFL score report, if English is not your first language.

Funding/Scholarships

We offer fully funded five year scholarships to all admitted students who apply before the 31 January 2024. The scholarship is open to all nationalities. It covers all tuition fees, and includes an annual stipend of £25,000 which is tax-free. 

Successful candidates who have submitted their application after 31 January 2024 may receive a scholarship subject to availability or will come with their own funding.

Additional Costs

This programme does not have any compulsory additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying.  Students may have the opportunity to participate in conferences in the UK and internationally. The UCL School of Management provides MRes/PhD students with an annual budget for conferences, which students will use to cover the travel, accommodation, food and other costs whilst at conferences, in line with UCL’s expenses policy. 

Further Information and Contact Details

The full-time MRes/PhD programme runs from September each academic year. Entrance is therefore every September. While we may accept applications until 05 April 2024 we encourage candidates to apply as early as possible. Our programme is very selective and we only admit a limited number of students, so applying before 31 January 2024 increases your chances.

How to Apply

For queries about the MRes/PhD Programme that are not addressed on our web pages, please contact [email protected] .

Video Library

Frequently Asked Questions about the UCL School of Management MRes/PhD Programme

Programme Information

Application process, admissions requirements.

Students are required to possess a “Level 2” English language qualification if it is not their first language. This means: TOEFL: Score of 96, plus 24/30 in the reading and writing, and 22/30 in the listening and speaking subtests. IELTS: Overall grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the subtests.

Further Information

If you have any other questions regarding the programme that are not addressed on our web pages please email the programme team ( [email protected] )

phd financial economics online

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Top 9 Best Online PhD Economics Programs [2024]

Lisa Marlin

Economists have excellent job prospects in today’s labor market. With a doctorate in economics from a reputed university and strong academic record, you’ll find many well-paid job opportunities in academia or policy. Almost every field needs economists — organizations rely on economists’ statistical, analytical, and problem-solving skills  to find solutions to important issues.

Most students need a master’s of economics  degree to move forward with the PhD. But some schools accept transferable credits from related programs, too!

However, not everyone can afford to earn a doctorate on campus. So, an online PhD economics degree is a great alternative.

Below are some of the best online economics PhD programs and helpful information on jobs, salaries, costs, preparation tips, and more.

Table of Contents

Best Online PhD Programs in Economics

Ready to pursue your doctorate in economics online? Let’s dive into our list of top PhD economics online programs.

Liberty University

Liberty University logo

PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy

Liberty University offers opportunities to pursue higher education across diverse disciplines with a foundation of Christian ethics. This 100% online PhD in economics program allows you to learn from established leaders in economic policy-making.

  • Courses : Economic policy studies, economics & public policy, policy analysis & research design
  • Credits : 60
  • Duration : 3 years
  • Tuition : $595 per hour
  • Financial assistance : Grants, scholarships, and loans.
  • Acceptance rate : 50.1%
  • Location : Lynchburg, Virginia

Atlantic International University, School of Business and Economics

Atlantic International University logo

Doctor of Economics

AIU is a primarily online university that emphasizes freedom of inquiry and free thought exchange between students and faculty. This PhD in economics online degree aims to help students who want to pursue research or teaching in economics or business.

  • Courses : Economics of growth & development, microeconomic research, mathematics for economists
  • Tuition : Refer tuition page
  • Financial assistance : Scholarships
  • Acceptance rate : N/A
  • Location : Honolulu, Hawaii

Bircham International University

Bircham International University logo

Doctor – Economic Science

Bircham International University is a global educational institution with a decentralized structure offering higher education programs in many languages. The university’s PhD economics distance learning program helps students develop a deep understanding of how people see value in the production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services.

  • Courses : Micro- and macroeconomics, capital markets, economic analysis.
  • Credits : 45-72
  • Duration : 24 months
  • Tuition : $7,650 to $12,240
  • Location : Miami, Florida

Ottawa University

Ottawa University logo

Doctor of Business Administration

Ottawa University is affiliated with the Ottawa tribe of Oklahoma and the American Baptist Church. It offers a range of online programs to mold students into valuable leaders. This distance PhD economics program is mostly online but requires six two-day residencies. Finally, the program offers courses in strategy, capital management, and finance with a focus on economics.

  • Courses : Finance value generation strategy, strategic human capital management, informed decision-making
  • Credits : 56
  • Cost : $4,887 per semester
  • Acceptance rate : 70.3%
  • Location : Ottawa, Kansas

California Baptist University

California Baptist University logo

California Baptist University is a non-profit, private university that ranks #34  of the best western regional colleges. Although not an entirely online doctorate in economics, this DBA program offers courses in economics, especially on applying theories of economics to business.

  • Courses : Applying economic theory to business, international business in global markets, and quantitative research
  • Duration : 36 months
  • Tuition :  $795 per unit
  • Financial assistance : Grants, loans
  • Acceptance rate : 80.2%
  • Location : Riverside, California

Hampton University Online

Hampton University logo

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

Hampton University Online provides opportunities for adults to continue their studies through mostly online means and with a scientific approach. This PhD is a hybrid business administration program that involves two compulsory four-week summer residencies and covers managerial economics as part of the program.

  • Courses : Managerial economics, organization theory & practice, organizational behavior
  • Credits : 61
  • Duration : 3.5 years
  • Tuition : $695 per credit
  • Financial assistance : Scholarships, grants, work-study, loans, and military benefits.
  • Acceptance rate : 36%
  • Location : Hampton, Virginia

Marymount University, College of Business, Innovation, Leadership, and Technology (BILT)

Marymount University logo

Online DBA in Business Intelligence

Marymount University  was ranked #31   by US News & World of all southern regional colleges. This online Doctor of Business Administration is equivalent to an economics PhD online program as you can study economics for business decision-making and courses in strategy with a data-driven approach.

  • Courses : Economics for business decision making, using data for business intelligence, and strategy in a changing climate.
  • Credits : 36
  • Tuition :  $1,140 per credit hour
  • Financial assistance : Grants, scholarships, loans, student employment, and assistantships.
  • Acceptance rate : 85.3%
  • Location : Arlington, Virginia

William Howard Taft University

William Howard Taft University logo

William Howard Taft University is a leader in distance education and aims to provide affordable and quality education in business, law, education, and other disciplines. This DBA program includes several courses in economics and its application in the business sector.

  • Courses : Designing economic business strategies, global economy, and global business practices & challenges.
  • Duration : 37 months
  • Tuition : $360 per credit
  • Financial assistance : Scholarships, grants, military benefits, loans, and employer reimbursement.
  • Location : Lakewood, Colorado

Baker College

Baker College logo

Baker College was named one of Newsweek’s top American online schools  and offers fully online and hybrid programs in fields such as business, health science, and education. This DBA program has microeconomics and macroeconomics courses and explores how business leaders implement successful global strategies with limited resources.

  • Courses : Global financial economy, leading 21st-century organizations, managing in a worldwide context
  • Tuition : $915 per credit hour
  • Financial assistance : Scholarships, grants, and loans.
  • Acceptance rate : 73%
  • Location : Owosso, Michigan

What Do I Need to Get a PhD in Economics?

You will likely need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in economics or a related field to apply for a PhD in economics program. Certain programs may have other prerequisites, so check with the admissions office well in advance of the application deadline.

Once accepted, you’ll have to study various courses in economics, finance, business, management, mathematics, statistics, and strategy to earn your PhD in economics online degree.

Finally, you’ll have to pass examinations and other assessments, including a final qualifying exam. Most programs also have a research component, which means submitting a thesis or dissertation.

Preparing for an Economics Doctorate Program

Our advice? Prepare early for your PhD in economics program.

At the undergraduate level, consider taking more courses in subjects like mathematics, statistics, and calculus. It also helps to work with faculty, conduct undergraduate research, and complete professional internships whenever possible. All this lays the groundwork to prepare you well for a PhD in economics program.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Online PhD Economics Program

The right program for you depends on a range of personal factors. Consider the following when assessing programs to narrow it down:

  • Make sure the specializations and subjects offered by the program match your passions and will help you achieve your career goals.
  • Review available research options and make sure these also match your goals
  • The faculty should have a strong reputation, especially in your field of choice
  • Ensure the costs fit your budget or that there are sufficient funding options available
  • Look at where past alumni  are now working, and see how this fits with your ideal future

Why Get a Doctorate in Economics?

A doctorate in economics opens doors to some of the best jobs in academia and policy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an economist’s median salary  is $105,630. Even better, jobs in the field are expected to grow by 13% from 2020-2030, higher than the average of all occupations.

Jobs and Salaries for Doctors of Economics

A PhD in economics online credential can equip you for roles in business, government, research, and education. Here are some top jobs for graduates, with average salaries for each:

  • Economist ( $79,352 )
  • Statistician ( $78,596 )
  • Financial Manager ( $96,045 )
  • Urban Planner ( $59,309 )
  • Financial Analyst ( $63,195 )

What Is the Average Cost of a PhD in Economics?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition for a PhD in economics program  is $19,749 per year. You can expect to pay around $12,500 for public university programs and $26,621 for private. Keep in mind these figures only cover tuition – you’ll also need to pay for books, technology fees, and other educational expenses.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD in Economics?

Typically, a PhD in economics takes 4-6 years to complete. However, you may be able to complete a doctorate in three or even two years at some universities, especially with an online PhD.

What Skills Do You Gain From a PhD in Economics?

First and foremost, you’ll gain strong mathematical, statistical, and analytical skills as part of your doctorate in economics. You’ll also learn to apply economic concepts and modeling to address issues in business, government, finance spaces. Finally, economics PHD grads gain expertise in writing, presentation, communication, and problem-solving.

Facts and Statistics about Economics PhD Holders

According to Brookings, universities awarded 1,216 PhDs in economics  in 2020 —  66% to men and 34% to women. Foreign students with temporary visas earned around 60% of the doctorates.

Among the permanent residents who got doctorates in economics, 4.9% were black and 71.8% white, with the remaining graduates of Asian, Hispanic, and other descent.

Final Thoughts

Compared to online PhDs  from other disciplines, you won’t find as many online PhD economics programs. However, you can find related programs, like online Doctor of Business Administration ( DBA ) or accounting  with an emphasis on economics-related subjects like microeconomics and macroeconomics. This is a good substitute if your preferred university doesn’t offer a PhD economics online degree.

Considering other business-related PhD programs? Keep a clear path toward a lucrative career with our list of the highest paying PhDs .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a phd in economics online.

Yes – some universities offer online PhD economics programs that you can complete online. Many of these online programs can be completed in as little as three years.

Is an Economics PhD Worth It?

A PhD in economics is one of today’s most sought-after qualifications. Economists are in high demand and have an annual median salary of $105,630 , with prospects even greater for graduates with a PhD.

How Many Years is a PhD in Economics?

A PhD in economics takes 3-6 years to complete.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa Marlin

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

  • Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
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  • Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 25 Best Gifts for Law Students for 2024

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Find Online PhD in Economics Programs in 2023

Is your goal to become a top leader in the world of economics? See what it takes to get there by finding the online PhD in economics program that best suits your academic and career goals.

Search hundreds of top schools for the doctorate YOU want.

PhDs.me Staff

Last updated

Apr 24, 2023

The demand for economic professionals with a PhD in economics is rising across various fields, including business, finance, academics, and research. To meet this demand, colleges and universities are offering online PhD in economics programs that provide flexibility and convenience for students. As a result, there is a growing number of fully accredited online and blended PhD in economics programs that provide high-quality education. If you’re interested in moving into a career that places you in the very top of the economics profession, you’ll need to answer several important questions, including:

Do I need to earn a PhD in economics to reach my career goals? How can I fit a degree program into my busy work and life schedules? Which PhD in economics program is right for me?

By reading this guide, you can find answers to all of your questions regarding online PhD in economics programs. You will be able to explore the top programs currently available and discover how to select the best program to suit your needs.

Programs that might interest you:

Best Online PhD in Economics Programs for 2023

Selecting the best PhD in economics program to meet your academic and career goals, study preferences, and busy lifestyle is crucial to your success, regardless of whether you choose to complete your degree online or on-campus. It is important to take the time to assess your individual situation and explore the various available degree programs. To help you get started with your program search, we have highlighted some online doctorate programs in economics that provide insight into the cost, study formats, admissions and academic requirements, and other important factors.

phd financial economics online

Online Economics PhD Spotlight: Liberty University

Liberty University’s PhD in economic policy is designed for students interested in economics policy as it relates to the public interest on both the national and global levels. Study is focused on developing student expertise in economic politics, as well research and policymaking skills. The program is offered 100% online, including a dissertation that is presented and defended virtually. The average completion time for all degree requirements, including dissertation, is three years.

  • The cost of this 60-credit hour program is $595 per credit.
  • Students can save on program costs by transferring in up to 30 previously earned credits.
  • Admissions requirements include a master’s degree earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students with a master’s GPA below 3.0 may be admitted under caution.

Benefits of the Online PhD in Economics

Earning your PhD in economics online has numerous benefits, especially for busy working adults, including flexibility and convenience. Online programs offer customized curriculums, specialization options, and easy access to coursework, making it easier to balance academic pursuits with work and personal responsibilities. Below are two of the biggest conveniences of online doctorate in economics programs:

Individualized study pace Doctorate degree programs typically consist of two stages: pre-candidacy and candidacy. The time it takes to complete both of these stages, particularly the candidacy state, varies from student to student. This is due mostly to a combination of the time required to complete research on the specific dissertation subject and the amount of time the individual student can devote to his or her academic studies.

Online programs accommodate these issues by offering both full-time and part-time study options and generous completion times. It’s not unusual, for example, for online doctorate students to be allowed as much as six years or more to complete all of their program requirements. As always, it’s important to gain a clear understanding of the specific program completion length requirements of any degree program you’re considering.

Asynchronous coursework Asynchronous coursework can be completed anytime. You can access course content, like reading assignments and lectures, at times that fit your schedule. Some programs may include an occasional lecture or activity that must be attended at a specific time. All programs still have deadlines for assignments and tests. Still, you’ll be able to complete the bulk of your coursework at times most convenient to you.

Types of Online PhD in Economics Programs

Another very important feature of online learning has to do with study formats. There are two basic types of online study formats available: fully online and partially online. Here’s what to expect from both:

Fully online

Online PhD in economics programs are typically presented in 100% online formats, allowing students to complete all coursework and program requirements via distance learning. This includes lectures, readings, assignments, and tests, as well as access to support services such as academic, career, and personal counseling.

When considering an online PhD in economics program, be sure to carefully review program requirements to ensure that the program is fully online, as some programs may have in-person components like orientations or residencies that are not fully virtual.

Partially online

A partially online PhD in economics program may include both online coursework and in-person components, such as on-campus orientations, seminars, residencies, and dissertation presentations and defenses. Be sure to clarify the program’s requirements to ensure it meets your needs.

Timeline: Online Economics PhD

PhD in economics programs, like those for other majors, consist of two basic stages.

Pre-candidacy: Students complete foundational coursework in research skills and advanced major-specific topics, culminating in general comprehensive examinations qualifying the student to advance to degree candidacy.

Candidacy: Consists mainly of the completion, presentation, and defense of the candidate’s dissertation. The total time required to complete both stages can be as long as six years or more. On the shorter end, some programs offer fast-track options that allow students to complete their doctorate in economics in as little as three years or less.

The timeline below provides a look at the year-by-year progression for completion of a typical PhD in economics degree program. The actual course of progression you’ll take will vary depending on your particular program, so be sure you’re aware of the specific progression requirements and time-limits of any program you’re considering before enrollment.

First-year curriculums center on coursework that develops the student’s core analytic skills in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, mathematics, and research methods. Elective courses in specialized subjects of interest to the student may be included. Progress is measured in course grades, culminating with year-end qualifying exams. Only students meeting minimum stated GPAs on their exams will be permitted to continue into the second year of studies. Students may be required to work with faculty members as research assistants.

In the second year of a typical PhD in economics program, students focus on specialized areas of economics and complete a research project, either with faculty supervision or as a research assistant. The year culminates with qualifying exams and preparation for the candidacy stage and dissertation work.

If they haven’t already, students complete the exams required to advance to candidacy and begin the dissertation process. Students attend workshops and seminars and work on dissertation research and writing. They’ll also typically complete their research projects fairly early in the year and present them in a seminar or other program-related setting. Fast-track students in three-year programs will, of course, be on the “fast-track” this year, completing all degree requirements and graduating on to their careers.

Year 4 and beyond

At this point, it’s all about the dissertation. The number of years it will take to complete your dissertation depends on several factors, like the dissertation’s subject matter and nature of the necessary research, but mostly on the amount of time you have to devote to dissertation work.

The dissertation process is the culmination of the PhD in economics program and begins with the submission of a dissertation proposal for approval by a faculty committee. Students then conduct research and write the dissertation under the guidance of a faculty advisor, with the final step being an oral presentation and defense of the dissertation before the committee.

PhD in Economics Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome statement is an essential component of any doctorate in economics degree program, and it outlines the fundamental knowledge, key concepts, competencies, and practical skills that students will acquire upon completion of the program. You can usually find a program’s learning outcome statement on the degree program’s website, but if you can’t find one, you can always contact the program directly to request it.

Below are five learning outcomes similar to ones you can expect to find in your program’s learning outcome statement:

Economic theory A developed understanding of advanced economic theory and principles related to core fields of microeconomics and macroeconomics, including a mastery of all relevant historical and current scholarly research and literature. Attained breath of knowledge in economic institutions and empirics, as well as advanced expertise in one or more areas of specialization.

Research Developed strong foundational knowledge of both established and current advanced research methods and practices, as well as specialized skills applicable to the student’s chosen field of economics research. Students will be able to create, develop, conduct, and present high-quality research projects suitable for publication in academic books and journals, as well as for use in both academic and non-academic settings.

Mathematics and statistics A developed understanding and demonstrated mastery of advanced mathematical and statistical concepts, tools, and techniques as employed in the economics field. Ability to apply mathematical and statistical methodology to scholarly work both within and outside of academic settings.

Communications Developed communications skills, both oral and written that allow the graduate to effectively present their work in the full range of presentation environments, including governmental agencies, non-governmental policy and research organizations, private businesses and non-profit organizations, as well as in the classroom and other academic settings.

Teaching Developed teaching and assessment methods to assure effective learning in college-level classrooms and in one-on-one interactions with students. Ability to create effective course syllabi, lectures, and presentations, and lead class discussions that support and facilitate learning. Developed skills in the evaluation of learning outcomes and in giving constructive feedback to students.

Specialization in Economics: Making Your Degree More Valuable by Focusing Your Studies

Choosing a specialization is a key component of a PhD in economics, with many programs requiring students to select one or two areas of focus. Specializations allow students to tailor their academic work to their unique interests within the economics field and prepare for careers in those specialized areas.

Below are examples of five specializations currently offered by PhD in economics programs that you may be able to incorporate into your degree studies:

Econometrics

Econometrics is the area of economics that concerns the quantitative use of mathematical and statistical models in describing economic systems. Students learn about the history of econometrics and methodologies employed in econometric practice.

Health Economics

This specialization focuses on the application of economic theories and empirical methods of analysis to a range of health and healthcare issues and subjects, including patient care, provider and insurer policies and practices, evaluation of health care interventions, and more.

International Economics

Students choosing this specialization will focus on the application of economic theory and methodologies as they apply to a range of international economics topics, including international business, international development, and finance.

The labor specialization focuses on labor and workforce issues and challenges in business operations, such as pay and benefits, employee recruitment and retention, and legal and public policy issues.

Public Economics and Public Policy

This specialization concerns the subjects of governmental policy and economics of the firm, and how they relate to one another. Topics covered include, international markets and finance, trade and migration, environmental economics, and others.

Accreditation & Online PhDs in Economics

Postsecondary accreditation is the process of acknowledging that a school or degree program has fulfilled and upholds specific minimum education criteria. It is crucial to ensure that a PhD program in economics has proper accreditation to ensure that the curriculum and support services offered meet the necessary standards, providing you with a strong educational foundation for a successful career. Therefore, it is highly recommended to only consider online PhD programs in economics that are properly accredited.

Accreditation in the U.S. comes in two basic types: institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation most commonly applies to the entire college or university and indicates that each entity within the institution contributes to meeting its overall objectives. In the U.S., institutional accreditation is provided by a number of accrediting agencies approved by the Department of Education .

Programmatic accreditation is typically focused on assessing specific degree programs and departments within a larger institution. Although certain business schools and departments that offer PhD programs in economics may be accredited, there is currently no programmatic accreditation exclusively for doctoral programs in economics in the United States.

Applying to an Economics PhD Online

It is not surprising to discover that the majority of both online and on-campus PhD programs in economics share similar admission requirements. These requirements typically include a previously obtained degree in economics or a related field, minimum GPA standards for prior college coursework, resumes, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency for international applicants. However, some unexpected admissions requirements can also significantly impact your chances of being accepted into the program. Here are three of the most important that you should know about:

Previously earned degree

All PhD in economics degree programs require applicants to hold a previously earned degree from a properly accredited program. In most cases, this will be a master’s degree. Some programs, however, require only a bachelor’s degree. Acceptance with only a bachelor’s degree may include additional admissions requirements.

Prerequisite coursework

Doctorate in economics programs often require applicants to have completed one or more undergraduate or graduate courses in subjects like microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and calculus prior to acceptance into the program. Most applicants will have completed these courses as part of their master’s programs. If you haven’t, speak with an admissions counselor to see if you can take the courses in the initial term of the PhD program.

Real-world experience

Whether or not it’s an actual stated requirement, admissions committees prefer candidates who come into their programs with real-world experience, particularly in those areas of economics that correspond to the degree specializations they offer. So, be sure to emphasize your experience in your resume/CV and personal statements.

Tuition & Fees

The costs associated with obtaining any college degree, including a PhD in economics, are substantial. This is true whether you’re pursuing your degree online or in a traditional campus setting. These costs can vary significantly from program to program depending on such elements as the total credits required after factoring in previously-earned credits transferred into the program, and whether the school offering the program is public or private.

The table below offers current tuition rates for four PhD in economics programs, including some with on-campus formats. Bear in mind, however, that these are tuition figures only, and the actual cost of your program will be different due to additional items than can add to your costs (like fees and charges, out-of-state residency, books and supplies, computers, and Wi-Fi), as well as items that can lower total costs (like savings on campus-related expenses such as transportation and parking).

NOTE: Don’t let the numbers above intimidate you. Many colleges and universities offering online doctorates in economics offer a range of financial aid and assistance opportunities to students, some of which are available to all students enrolled in the program. Examples include school-sponsored scholarships and grants, enrollment incentive discounts, tuition discounts for members of special interest groups like active military and veterans, and full-time students. In light of these potential program cost cutters, consider the above tuition figures as merely a starting point when calculating the total costs of any PhD in economics program you’re considering.

Salaries for Economics PhDs

According to the most recent data from payscale.com , the estimated average salary for PhD in economics degree holders is $98,394. For comparison, PayScale.com’s current comparable salary figure for MS in economics degree holders is $80,092. Of course, what you will actually earn with your degree depends on several variables, most notably work experience, geographic location, and specific job title. The table below offers a look at recent payscale.com salary figures for three job titles commonly occupied by PhD in economics graduates. These figures do not include additional payments, such as bonuses, profit sharing, and 401(k) match.

2024 Best Online PhD in Finance Programs [Doctorate Guide]

An online PhD in Finance offers the opportunity to study finance and economics at the highest level.

Best Online PhD in Finance Programs

You can learn how to use financial models and theories to develop a deeper understanding of economic systems and solve business problems. Finance PhD degrees also teach students to conduct quantitative research on financial networks and policies.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Graduates can use their knowledge and skills to pursue careers in a variety of areas, including academia, business consulting, data science, finance, and the public sector.

PhD in Finance Programs Online

Woman taking PhD in Finance online

A Ph.D. in Finance is designed for people who want to immerse themselves in academic research and theory. This degree focuses on advanced financial models and concepts used to explain and forecast the performance of the economy, financial institutions, investments, and other aspects of modern finance.

Doctoral students in this field also study approaches and techniques for conducting empirical research. Students practice collecting and interpreting data from a variety of sources, such as consumer surveys and income statements. They also use econometrics to statistically analyze financial data and trends.

Other topics commonly taught in finance doctoral programs include:

  • Asset pricing
  • Banking systems
  • Corporate finance and capital markets
  • Empirical analysis
  • Financial decision-making
  • Financial markets
  • International financial topics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Market design
  • Microeconomics
  • Time series analysis

Additionally, students can develop many technical skills related to financial research. For instance, finance PhD programs often encourage students to use programming languages like Python and R to extract and analyze data. Students may also learn to use the latest digital tools to interpret data and create financial models, such as MATLAB and Stata.

Graduates can use their finance PhD degrees to pursue a broad range of careers. Many students enroll in these programs because they want to work in higher education. They may use their specialized knowledge to become professors and academic researchers.

The private sector also provides many employment opportunities for PhD holders. All organizations need business-savvy professionals who can manage financial resources, make predictions, and formulate financial strategies. As a result, there are numerous finance-related jobs in all industries.

Graduates may also secure jobs with nonprofit organizations. Some work as grant writers, while others become policy analysts. Other potential careers in this sector include development officer and program manager. These roles all focus on helping nonprofit organizations generate more income and solve economic or social issues.

Finally, this degree can be beneficial for people who want to become consultants or entrepreneurs. You can learn business tactics and skills that you can use to help clients perform better or to launch your own company.

Finance Careers & Salaries

Finance Careers & Salaries

A doctoral degree in finance can pave the way for many career paths. Many graduates pursue careers as college professors in business, economics, and finance departments. These professionals teach students and publish research in their area of specialty.

Additionally, many graduates secure employment with private corporations and financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and investment firms. They can become actuaries, cost estimators, financial analysts, and other finance professionals.

These specialists use the advanced knowledge and research skills they gained during their PhD programs to analyze financial data and help corporations make data-driven business decisions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are careers associated with finance and their median salaries.

Some graduates become financial analysts and researchers for government agencies and think tanks. They often help their employers develop and explore the implications of economic policies, political strategies, and social policies. Graduates can also work for or start consulting firms.

Business and management consultants examine their clients’ financial records and operations. They use their findings to identify inefficient workflows and other issues and make recommendations to help businesses improve their performance.

Online Finance PhD Curriculum & Courses

students pursuing Finance PhD degree

Finance PhD programs teach advanced finance concepts and research skills. The specific curricula vary by program but may include courses similar to these:

  • Empirical Methodology in Finance : You’ll learn how to use popular empirical research methods to investigate and solve issues in the finance industry.
  • Financial Economics : This course analyzes foundational theories and applications of modern financial economics, such as arbitrage pricing theory, mean variance theory, and stochastic dominance.
  • Financial and Economic Networks : You’ll use empirical and theoretical research methodologies to deepen your understanding of financial modeling and networks.
  • Household Finance : You’ll explore recent empirical research projects in household finance and learn strategies to gather and analyze data.
  • International Finance : This class traces the history of academic research on international finance and covers techniques students can use to conduct research in this field.
  • Introduction to Asset Pricing : You’ll investigate how finance institutions use asset pricing models to predict the expected rate of return for investments.
  • Introduction to Corporate Finance : You’ll learn how to create, interpret, and conduct quantitative research with corporate finance models.
  • Macro-Finance : You’ll examine fundamental areas and methods in macro-finance, such as asset pricing, fiscal policy, and household finance.
  • Microeconomics : This course overviews applications and theories of microeconomics, including aggregated demand and general equilibrium analysis.
  • Theories of Finance : You’ll study contemporary financial theories and their relationship to asset pricing, corporate finance, and financial markets.

Additionally, many programs require finance PhD students to take courses in statistics and probability.

How to Choose an Online PhD in Finance Program

Co-workers checking on PhD in Finance Program online

All finance PhD programs have different educational opportunities, learning environments, and resources. As a result, there are many factors to consider as you compare finance degree online programs, such as:

  • Program reputation . Employers often look more favorably at job candidates who graduated from high-ranking institutions with excellent reputations. Additionally, attending a top program could provide more opportunities to develop a robust professional network in your chosen area.
  • Research areas . Doctoral students typically research and write about specific topics or subfields that align with their personal and professional interests. It’s beneficial to look for a program with well-known faculty specializing in your chosen areas, such as corporate governance or behavioral finance. These professors can guide your research and connect you with resources.
  • Funding opportunities . Some PhD programs in finance offer full or partial funding for qualifying students. You might qualify to receive a tuition waiver, a stipend to cover conference travel, and other financial assistance. You can also inquire about additional funding opportunities, such as grants and scholarships from the college.
  • Course format . The specific mode of delivery for online courses varies. Some programs offer synchronous online classes, which allow you to interact with professors and peers over video chat. Others have asynchronous courses that you complete on your own schedule.

Additionally, you can ask a program’s staff if they have current students or recent alumni willing to speak with you. These informal conversations can help you get a better sense of the program’s culture and strengths and weaknesses.

Admissions Requirements

Man preparing requirements for PhD in Finance

Many PhD programs in finance only admit a limited number of students each year, so the admissions process can be competitive.

Every institution has its own admissions criteria, but here are a few typical requirements:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in related field
  • Statement of purpose describing your interests, goals, and reasons for applying
  • CV listing education, work experience, applicable skills, and volunteer activities
  • Confidential letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts

Some colleges and universities also request GMAT or GRE scores, but many programs are phasing out this requirement.

Online PhD in Finance Programs Accreditation

University offering Online PhD in Finance

Accreditation is an essential factor to consider as you compare finance doctoral programs, much like when considering an MBA in Finance online or on campus programs. Colleges and universities can earn regional accreditation if an external regional accreditor assesses their programs and faculty and verifies that they meet agreed-upon educational standards.

Accredited programs offer professional and academic benefits. Employers often prefer to hire graduates from accredited schools because they know these candidates have received a quality education. Accredited doctoral programs typically provide access to student support services, such as online library databases and career centers.

Plus, many government agencies and private organizations only distribute financial assistance to students enrolled at accredited institutions.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

PhD in Finance Financial Aid

As you investigate finance PhD programs, you can also search for financial aid opportunities to help pay for your degree.

Many doctoral programs offer full funding for qualified students. These funding packages could include a stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Students may need to work as a teaching or research assistant in exchange for this funding. Also, they are typically required to maintain a certain GPA and meet program milestones.

The federal government also offers several types of financial assistance for graduate students. You may be eligible for federal grants, student loans, or a part-time work-study program. You can learn more about these opportunities by visiting the Federal Student Aid website.

In addition, many employer offer financial support for workers who want to further their education. You can ask your supervisor about any tuition assistance or reimbursement opportunities.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Finance?

Financial Risk Specialist & Economists discussing

A doctoral degree in finance can help you qualify for many lucrative careers. Many graduates use their expertise and research skills to secure positions as postsecondary teachers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for this career will increase by 12% over the next decade. Additionally, a PhD in Finance can help prepare you for numerous jobs in business and finance. Some graduates become financial managers and oversee their organization’s investments and revenue.

Finance is a good career path for many students. Other potential career paths in the finance industry include financial examiner, chief financial officer (CFO), management analyst, and operations research analyst. These positions focus on data analytics and strategic decision-making.

Should I Get a PhD in Finance?

Financial Manager discussing with Financial Analysts

Finance PhD degrees tend to be rigorous and involve extensive research and writing.

Here are a few signs that this degree could be the right fit:

  • Your preferred career requires a terminal degree in the field.
  • You enjoy studying economics, mathematics, and statistics.
  • You want to become an expert in financial systems and theories.
  • You’re passionate about researching topics in business and finance.
  • You want to publish your research for academic audiences.
  • You’re interested in teaching students.

If some of these criteria apply to you, a doctoral degree in finance could be a strategic next step.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Finance Online?

Woman pursuing PhD in Finance online

Most PhD programs in finance take 3 to 5 years to complete if you enroll full-time. But several factors can affect how long it takes you to graduate.

Programs that require a dissertation typically take longer. Many students spend a total of 5 years—including 3 years completing coursework and 2 years writing their dissertation. Some students take longer, though, to finish their dissertations, extending the length of their program.

Doctorate programs that don’t require a dissertation may be completed in 3 to 4 years if students are enrolled full-time.

What’s the Difference Between a DBA vs. PhD in Finance?

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are both terminal degrees in finance, but they have a few crucial differences.

A PhD could be a strategic choice if you’re passionate about research and teaching.

Is a PhD in Finance Worth It?

Financial Risk Specialist in a meeting with finance team

Yes, a PhD in Finance is worth it for many students. This degree allows you to develop a deeper understanding of economics, financial markets, and investment techniques. You’ll also learn how to identify business problems and mitigate risk.

In addition, a doctorate in finance enables you to develop expertise in specific areas of finance. For instance, you could specialize in behavioral finance, econometrics, or financial technologies. Expertise in these fields could lead to career paths in academic institutions, corporations, tech startups, and other organizations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that overall employment of business and finance professionals will increase by 7% over the next ten years, and 12% job growth is projected for postsecondary teachers.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Finance Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Kansas State University

A Doctorate in Personal Financial Planning is available through Kansas State University. The program is 1 of only 4 in the country recognized by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Coursework is completed online during the fall and spring. There are three summer residencies, lasting 10 days each. The final residency is abroad. Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

National University

National University offers a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Management. The program may be completed entirely online. On average, the required 60 credits may be completed in 73 months. Courses are 4 to 8 weeks long. The school offers weekly start dates. National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Pace University

A Doctorate of Professional Studies with a concentration in Finance may be earned through Pace University. Coursework is completed online with Friday sessions on campus once per month. Courses follow a semester schedule. Typically, the 19 required courses may be completed in 3 years. Pace University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers a PhD in Personal Financial Planning. The program is available fully online or on campus. The program requires 72 credits. Courses follow a semester schedule with 3 start dates. Upon completion, graduates may be eligible to take the CFP Certification exam. Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of the Cumberlands

A PhD in Business with a specialization in Finance through the University of the Cumberlands. Coursework is online with fieldwork or an internship required. The program requires 66 credits including 24 hours in professional research and 24 hours in Finance. Courses are in half- or full-terms. The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University

Walden University offers a PhD in Management with a specialization in 21st Century Finance. The program is fully online and requires 4 brief academic residencies. The program is course-based with weekly assignments. Most courses are asynchronous in format. Courses are in an accelerated format with several start dates each year. Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your Doctorate in Finance Online

student getting Doctorate in Finance Online

If you want to study and help solve complex business and financial problems, you might consider earning an online PhD in Finance.

Finance doctoral programs teach students about asset planning, financial models, regulations, and other topics. They also cover empirical research skills, such as creating surveys and managing datasets. Graduates apply their knowledge in many positions. Some become college professors, while others pursue roles as financial managers, consultants, and marketing analysts.

You can kickstart your doctoral journey by exploring online finance PhD programs from accredited schools today.

phd financial economics online

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DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

  • Degree Requirements & Goals
  • Financial Economics

Financial Economics Ph.D.

Kellogg Program Description

Finance Department Website

The Department of Economics and the Finance Department in the Kellogg School of Management have a joint Ph.D. degree in Financial Economics.

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon,  general degree requirements  and the policies on  Satisfactory Progress, Probation and Exclusion  of The Graduate School, and additional requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress of the Department of Economics and the Finance Department.

Coursework Requirements

Total Required Units:  18

Other Ph.D. Degree Requirements

Examinations: satisfactory grades in each of the three core areas (microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics); oral examination for approval of dissertation prospectus

  Research/Projects:  two research papers presented in the student seminar (ECON 501) or equivalent. Out of these, one paper is the second-year summer paper detailed below

  Finance Comprehensive Exam : Students must pass a Finance Competence Requirement. This can be done by achieving a 3.6 GPA across the six finance doctoral courses (FINC 585-1,2,3 and FINC 586-1,2,3), or by passing a comprehensive Finance exam. The Exam takes place at the beginning of the summer quarter of the second year, typically in June.

  Second-year Research Paper and Advisors: Students need to complete a research project to be presented to the department in the first week of September at the end of the summer quarter of the second year. The research project must be supervised by an individual faculty advisor (who can be the same as, or distinct from, the Academic Advisor) selected by the end of the winter quarter. The second-year advisor need not be the same person as the eventual main dissertation advisor.

  Ph.D. Dissertation:  original, independent research

  Final Evaluations:  oral dissertation defense

  Supervised Teaching Experience:  All doctoral students are required to act as a teaching assistant for at least one quarter. As part of these duties, the student must lead a weekly discussion section. Teaching experience is an essential part of graduate training. Foreign students must demonstrate acceptable English proficiency as prescribed by The Graduate School. Evaluations are made and kept as part of the students' record.

 There are two points of entry into the joint graduate program in Financial Economics.

  • The first is a direct application when applying to graduate school at Northwestern. Admission requires approved by both the Economics and the Finance admissions committees.
  • The second is for students initially enrolled in the Economics Ph.D. program to apply for entry after achieving candidacy. (Students initially enrolled in the Finance Ph.D. program can do the same.) Economics students should initiate the process by contacting the Economics Director of Graduate Studies immediately after candidacy. Applications must be approved by both the Economics and the Finance admissions committees. If the application is approved, the student initiates a degree transfer request to The Graduate School.

phd financial economics online

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Best Online Doctorates in Economics: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salary

The best online PhD in Economics offers a broad, comprehensive knowledge of how economics affects the global landscape. An online program at the doctoral level in economics provides graduates with the advanced analytical and critical thinking skills they need to build successful careers in banking, government, politics, healthcare, insurance, and non-profit sectors.

If you are looking to get an online PhD in Economics, then this article is for you. This guide contains a list of the best schools you can earn your economics PhD online, their admission requirements and tuition, as well as the economics jobs you’ll qualify for after graduating from business school.

Find your bootcamp match

Can you get a phd in economics online.

Yes, you can get a PhD in Economics online. Online degree programs offer students the opportunity to earn an economics doctoral degree without the inconvenience of taking physical classes on the university campus. Online graduate programs are a great choice for students who are restricted by geographical location or who prefer to take online classes.

Is an Online PhD Respected?

Yes, an online PhD is respected. They have the same coursework, curriculum, and degree requirements as in-person degrees. A survey by the Society for Human Resources Management on hiring practices and attitudes reported that 55 percent of organizations would not give preference to a candidate with an in-person degree over one with an online degree if both had the same job experience.

That being said, students need to ensure that they get their online degrees from an accredited online school . Accreditation demonstrates that a school meets the minimum acceptable academic standards set by an external accreditation body to be able to offer academic degrees. Checking a school’s accreditation status before beginning the application process is recommended.

What Is the Best Online PhD Program in Economics?

The best online PhD program in economics is the PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy offered by Liberty University. Out of all the online doctoral degree programs on our list, Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy’s high-quality curriculum and faculty stand out among the others.

Why Liberty University Has the Best Online PhD Program in Economics

Liberty University has the best online economics PhD program because of its well-rounded curriculum, giving students a comprehensive understanding of national and global public and economic policies. Students take classes taught by industry leaders and experienced policymakers and take high-level courses in public and economic theory and policy, policy analysis, and research design.

Best Online Master’s Degrees

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Online PhD in Economics Admission Requirements

The typical admission requirements for an online PhD in Economics are a Master’s Degree in Economics or in a related field from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Other common requirements include recommendation letters, an interview, your resume, a statement of purpose or personal statement, and professional work experience.

While the specific requirements will differ from one school to the next, prospective students are always required to submit their unofficial or official transcripts of all of their undergraduate and graduate coursework. Although some schools have waived this due to the pandemic, many require students to submit GMAT or GRE test scores as part of the application process.

  • A Master’s Degree in Economics or in a related field from an accredited institution
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A copy of your resume
  • A statement of purpose or personal statement
  • Professional work experience
  • Your GMAT or GRE test scores
  • An online interview

Best Online PhDs in Economics: Top Degree Program Details

Best online phds in economics: top university programs to get a phd in economics online.

The top university programs to get a PhD in Economics online are able to let students benefit from experiencing diverse cultures and learning from a high-quality curriculum with many research opportunities without having to relocate. It is a great option for students who want to balance school with work, family, or other personal commitments. Here are the best online PhDs in Economics.

California Baptist University was founded in 1950 and is located in the city of Riverside in Southern California. This private, Christian university offers a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and associate degrees , as well as certificate programs in an in-person and online format.

Doctor of Business Administration

The online Doctor of Business Administration at California Baptist University is a 56-credit-hour doctorate program that equips students with the specialized skills and insights needed to achieve their career goals. Students will gain the tools and theoretical foundation to carry out research and develop actionable plans with the goal of solving complex business problems.

Doctor of Business Administration Overview

  • Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
  • Program Length: 3 years
  • Acceptance Rate: N/A
  • Tuition and Fees: $795/credit 

Doctor of Business Administration Admission Requirements

  • A Master’s Degree in Business Administration from an accredited institution
  • A copy of your resume with your work experience and education, and your leadership, professional and scholarly activities
  • Meeting the professional guidelines set by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • Your official transcripts

Hampton University , founded in 1861, is a dynamic institution of higher learning offering a wide range of technical, liberal, and arts degree programs at all education levels. Its 97 degree programs can be found in different fields of study, including business, engineering and technology, nursing, pharmacy, science, and liberal arts.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

This is a 60-credit-hour program for students aspiring to become consultants, researchers, and academicians in leadership roles in the industry. It is a hybrid program with two compulsory four-week summer residencies. Students take core courses in managerial economics, quantitative business analysis, and accounting.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration Overview

  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Tuition and Fees: $695/credit 

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration Admission Requirements

  • A master’s degree from an accredited institution. Prerequisite courses may have to be taken depending on the master’s degree held
  • A copy of your resume with at least three years of work experience relevant to the field of study
  • A GMAT score of at least 400
  • A written Statement of Career Plans or Professional Plans
  • Your official transcripts 

Liberty University was founded in 1971 in Lynchburg, Virginia and is a private, Christian college offering world-class education. It has a total enrollment of over 100,000 students across its over 700 programs at all educational levels, including doctoral programs. The majority of its students are enrolled in online courses, making it one of the largest distance learning institutions in the country.

PhD in Public Policy - Economic Policy

This is a 60-credit hour program for students wanting to learn how to better serve the public interest and create actionable solutions to today’s global economic challenges. It provides the specialized knowledge that students need to land leadership job roles in government, consulting, and international organizations.

PhD in Public Policy - Economic Policy Overview

  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 
  • Tuition and Fees: $595/credit 

PhD in Public Policy - Economic Policy Admission Requirements

  • Complete and submit an online application form
  • A master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Pay a non-refundable $50 application fee
  • Submit your official undergraduate and graduate transcripts

Marymount University is a private catholic university founded in 1950. Ranked 38th among the best southern regional universities by US News & World Report, it has over 4,000 students enrolled in its wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Marymount combines theory with experiential learning to provide its students with valuable education, leading them to gratifying careers.

Online Doctor of Business Administration in Business Intelligence

Offered by Marymount’s College of Business, Innovation, Leadership, and Technology, this 36-credit program introduces students to real-world business intelligence tools currently used by professionals in leadership positions. Students develop analytical, higher-order thinking, and research skills and work on a doctoral research project that attempts to solve real-world issues.

Online Doctor of Business Administration in Business Intelligence Overview

  • Accreditation: Southern Associations of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 
  • Tuition and Fees: $1,140/credit 

Online Doctor of Business Administration in Business Intelligence Admission Requirements

  • A completed online application
  • A master’s degree in a business or IT related field
  • Five to 10 years of work experience
  • A minimum GPA of 3.5
  • A statement of research background and interest
  • A writing sample

Founded in 1947 and headquartered in College Park, Maryland, the University of Maryland - Global Campus (UMGC) is the online division of the University System of Maryland. UMGC first began offering online courses in the mid-1990s and is now home to a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs obtainable fully online.

PhD in Business Administration

This 48-credit program provides its students with a solid foundation in economic theory and statistical methods. Offering advanced courses in data analytics, management solutions, and research methods, this terminal degree requires the completion of a 12-credit dissertation project.

PhD in Business Administration Overview

  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Acceptance Rate: NA
  • Tuition and Fees: $1,087/credit 

PhD in Business Administration Admission Requirements

  • Completed the Foundation of Doctoral Studies course with a minimum B grade
  • Completion of UMGC’s online admission application
  • A master’s degree
  • Two professional references
  • A personal statement
  • A writing sample (optional)
  • An interview, if requested by the UMGC admission committee

Online Economics PhD Graduation Rates: How Hard Is It to Complete an Online PhD Program in Economics?

It is very hard to complete an online PhD in Economics. This can be attributed to the stress students experience, as well as lack of motivation. Those that want to pursue a PhD must be certain that they are academically and financially prepared.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Economics Online?

It takes about three years to get a PhD in Economics online. Although, it can take as long as seven or eight years, depending on the school’s curriculum, learning pace, and specialization. Over these three years, students need to complete a certain number of courses, pass written or oral exams, and research and write a dissertation on their chosen research topic.

How Hard Is an Online Doctorate in Economics?

An online Doctorate in Economics is very hard. It is a broad, multidisciplinary degree that involves the study of complex business, sociology, mathematics, and accounting topics. Students in an online Doctoral Degree in Economics take advanced courses that require strong skills in critical thinking and complex mathematical models to succeed.

The overall level of difficulty of an online PhD in Economics depends on a student’s academic foundation and their chosen program’s curriculum. Programs offered at universities with a higher reputation or higher school ranking are usually more difficult. That being said, these programs will usually better prepare you for the real world and impress potential employers.

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Best PhD Programs

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What Courses Are in an Online Economics PhD Program?

An online economics PhD program includes courses such as Economic History, Economics and Public Policy, Policy Analysis and Research Design, Introduction to Economic Policy Studies, and Managerial Economics. These courses will prepare you for a long and lucrative career in the industry and equip you with the skills you need.

Main Areas of Study in an Economics PhD Program

  • Economic history
  • Economics and public policy
  • Policy analysis and research design
  • Introduction to economic policy studies
  • Managerial economics

How Much Does Getting an Online Economics PhD Cost?

It costs around $19,314 per year to get an online PhD in Economics, according to the National  Center for Education Statistics. However, this is a ballpark estimate. The actual amount you will spend to get an online economics PhD largely depends on whether the school is public or private. On top of tuition costs, you also need to consider fees, study material costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.

How to Pay for an Online PhD Program in Economics

You can pay for an online PhD program in economics through an upfront payment, grants and scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, government loans, and private loans. Students in the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and the US Military can also benefit from tuition reduction. For example, Liberty University offers their doctoral degree for $300 per credit for members of the military, which is an almost 50 percent discount.

How to Get an Online PhD for Free

You can’t get an online PhD for free. All legitimate PhD programs charge tuition, and there are no fully funded online PhDs in Economics. That being said, students needing financial aid can inquire about available scholarships and grants offered by their school. Online PhD students can register for the Free Application for Federal Scholarship Aid.

What Is the Most Affordable Online PhD in Economics Degree Program?

The most affordable online PhD in Economics is the PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy offered by Liberty University. At $595 per credit, this 60-credit program costs a total of $35,700 in tuition. Compared to the most expensive program on our list, which costs approximately $52,000, you could save up to $16,300.

Most Affordable Online PhD Programs in Economics: In Brief

Why you should get an online phd in economics.

You should get an online PhD in Economics because it’ll provide you with specialized knowledge of economics and equip you with the in-demand skills you’ll need to work in leadership positions across the fields of politics, history, business administration, and finance. A PhD is the highest level of education you can get and will give you a leg up over other candidates during the hiring process.

Top Reasons for Getting a PhD in Economics

  • Increased job opportunities. A PhD in Economics will make you more attractive to employers looking to fill high-level leadership positions in the industry. PhD graduates have more career options than lower-level degree holders.
  • Enhanced earning potential. A PhD in Economics can improve your earning potential. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that PhD holders have a median weekly salary of $1,885. This is higher than the salary for master’s and bachelor’s degree graduates.
  • Higher employment rate. The skills and knowledge that economics doctoral degree holders have can qualify them for a wider range of positions. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that PhD holders have a higher employment rate than all other degree holders.
  • Specialized skills. Getting a PhD will provide you with advanced technical skills in your field of study as well as transferable soft skills. Both of these hard and soft skills are things you need to succeed in the highest possible career after graduation.

Best Master’s Degree Programs

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What Is the Difference Between an On-Campus Economics PhD and an Online PhD in Economics?

The difference between an on-campus economics PhD and an online PhD in Economics is each program’s cost, flexibility, interactivity with faculty and fellow students, and availability of funding. While their course content and curricula may be alike, there are a few differences between an online economics PhD and an on-campus PhD in Economics.

Online PhD vs On-Campus PhD: Key Differences

  • Cost. Online doctoral programs usually cost less than on-campus degrees. Not only is the tuition itself usually lower for an online program, but you’ll also avoid needing to pay additional fees related to transportation, student accommodation, and labs or study materials.
  • Flexibility. Students in on-campus programs have to be physically present at specific times and locations on the school campus to take classes, while online PhD students can take their classes from the comfort of their homes. Many online courses are also asynchronous and can be taken when convenient.
  • Interactivity. Students in an on-campus PhD program enjoy physical interaction with faculty and peers, which can help with learning and motivation. On the other hand, online students have to employ virtual platforms to contact faculty at scheduled times.
  • Availability of funding. There are more funding opportunities for on-campus students than students in online programs. On-campus students usually have access to fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.

How to Get a PhD in Economics Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

A woman attending an online class on her laptop.

To get a PhD in Economics online, you need to gain admission into an accredited university, complete your course credit requirements, pass all examinations, get your dissertation project topic approved, research your dissertation topic, and defend what you wrote during the final stage of the dissertation process. Doctorate programs take a lot of work to complete, but knowing what to expect will help you prepare.

The first step you need to take to get a PhD in Economics online is to look for schools that offer the program and that offer the specific specialization that you want to study. Afterward, you should review each program’s admissions requirement for prospective students. Once you’ve gathered your application materials, you’re ready to apply to your desired doctorate degree programs.

All doctoral students need to complete a certain number of online courses. Some schools also have residency requirements. While these are less common for online programs, residencies do require in-person attendance. Make sure to review the delivery format of each of the doctoral programs you’re interested in before enrolling.

During your PhD program, you will have to pass certain examinations. These examinations are used by the faculty at graduate schools to track and gauge your progress and understanding of the course material. You won’t be able to graduate without passing your examinations.

As you complete your classes, you will also need to pick a dissertation topic and get it approved by the faculty. Your dissertation is a long-term research project that you must complete along the course of your PhD program. Make sure to pick a topic you’re interested in as it’ll make the research process much more enjoyable.

After getting your topic approved, you will be able to start your research, which you will work on either at the same time as or after your course requirements. You will be asked to demonstrate your progress to your dissertation supervisor many times during your studies. It’s typical for 12 of your required credits to be dedicated to your dissertation.

As you research your dissertation project, you will need to write a paper on your findings under the guidance, support, and supervision of your program’s faculty. Once you’ve completed your research and finished writing your paper, you will need to explain and defend your findings to your program’s faculty. Once you pass, you will be able to get your PhD.

Online PhD in Economics Salary and Job Outlook

Online economics PhD graduates can earn between $77,427 and $153,460 per year, depending on their job title, location, employer, and experience. An online PhD in Economics will provide you with the skillset needed to land high-paying roles in different sectors, including academia, business, finance, government, and politics.

What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Economics?

With an online Doctorate in Economics, you can become an economic consultant, postsecondary professor of economics, economist, financial manager, and financial analyst. Some of these roles are high-paying senior-level positions requiring applicants to hold a PhD.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Economics

  • Economic Consultant
  • Postsecondary Professor of Economics
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Manager

Potential Careers With an Economics Degree

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What Is the Average Salary for an Online PhD Holder in Economics?

The average salary for a PhD holder in Economics is $110,000 per year , according to PayScale. PhD graduates can qualify for a wide range of high-paying positions across many industries. Keep in mind that your actual annual salary can vary depending on factors such as location, years of experience, industry, and position.

Highest-Paying Economics Jobs for PhD Grads

Best economics jobs for online phd holders.

Knowing the best economics jobs for online PhD holders will help you decide whether or not it’s worth it for you to embark on the long journey of earning your PhD. In this section, we’ve  put together a list of the best economics jobs for online PhD holders, a description of what they do, their job outlook, the number of jobs, and the highest-paying states.

Financial managers coordinate banking, accounting, insurance, security, and other financial operations in an organization. Financial management includes ensuring good financial health, monitoring cash flow, managing an organization’s expenses, analyzing profitability, and providing accurate financial information.

  • Salary with an Economics PhD: $131,710
  • Job Outlook: 17% job growth from 2020 to 2030
  • Number of Jobs: 681,070
  • Highest-Paying States: New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Colorado, District of Columbia

Economists collect and analyze data to study the relationship between economic resources and the production and distribution of goods and services. They conduct surveys and review economic problems to find actionable solutions. They also advise businesses and organizations on economic issues.

  • Salary with an Economics PhD: $105,630
  • Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
  • Number of Jobs: 18,600
  • Highest-Paying States: New York, District of Columbia, California, New Hampshire, Illinois

Professors of economics teach in economics departments at a university. They prepare and deliver lectures, examinations, and curricula for undergraduate and graduate economics students. They also conduct research and publish their findings to contribute to the field of economics.

  • Salary with an Economics PhD: $96,198
  • Job Outlook: 12% growth from 2020 to 2030
  • Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
  • Highest-Paying States: New Hampshire, Montana, California, Indiana, District of Columbia

Financial analysts study current and past financial data and economic trends to gain a better understanding of a company’s financial health. They advise the organization on the best investments to make to help them maximize profits according to the data they’ve studied.

  • Salary with an Economics PhD: $81,410
  • Job Outlook: 6% job growth from 2020 to 2030
  • Number of Jobs: 492,100
  • Highest-Paying States: New York, Alaska, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Wyoming

Economic consultants develop plans to improve the policies and operations of the company they work for to increase their economic gains. They conduct surveys and create forecasts to discover economic trends to improve the company’s practices. They also work in the production, budgeting, and accounting department to optimize quality control practices.

  • Salary with an Economics PhD: $77,427

Is It Worth It to Do a PhD in Economics Online?

Yes, it is worth it to do a PhD in Economics online because it allows you to get advanced education and expertise in economics from the comfort of your home while preparing you to land high-profile positions where you can make an impact on the world. Economics PhD graduates gain advanced knowledge in the theoretical foundations, methodology, and philosophy of economics.

Additional Reading About Economics

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Online PhD in Economics FAQ

Yes, you can do a PhD in Economics entirely at a distance. An increasing number of schools are beginning to offer completely online economics PhD programs for distance learners. Online degrees are respected by hiring managers as well and are considered as good as in-person degrees.

No, you can not get a PhD in Economics in one year. It usually takes a minimum of three years to complete the graduate degree requirements. This includes the credit requirements and dissertation paper.

Yes, it is possible to do a PhD in Economics without a master’s. Although the typical requirements for a PhD program include having an in-person or online Master’s Degree in Economics or relevant field from an accredited institution, some schools allow students to apply to their PhD program without one.

No, 50 is not too late to get a PhD. There is no age limit in the pursuit of higher education, and you can go back to college at 50 or at any time you want. Anyone can enroll in a PhD program regardless of age. All it takes is the willingness to learn and the determination to succeed. In fact, your work experience can help you get into a PhD program.

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PhD Program

Year after year, our top-ranked PhD program sets the standard for graduate economics training across the country. Graduate students work closely with our world-class faculty to develop their own research and prepare to make impactful contributions to the field.

Our doctoral program enrolls 20-24 full-time students each year and students complete their degree in five to six years. Students undertake core coursework in microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, and econometrics, and are expected to complete two major and two minor fields in economics. Beyond the classroom, doctoral students work in close collaboration with faculty to develop their research capabilities, gaining hands-on experience in both theoretical and empirical projects.

How to apply

Students are admitted to the program once per year for entry in the fall. The online application opens on September 15 and closes on December 15.

Meet our students

Our PhD graduates go on to teach in leading economics departments, business schools, and schools of public policy, or pursue influential careers with organizations and businesses around the world. 

Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

phd financial economics online

We rank the best online PhD degree programs in economics.

Key Takeaways

  • The PhD in economics degree is a highly prestigious and advanced degree that leads to many professional opportunities.
  • Earning an economics doctorate can qualify you to become an economist with influence in public policy, post-secondary education, or research.
  • Only a select few accredited graduate schools offer an online economics PhD or related studies.

Featured Programs

The PhD in economics is a highly prestigious degree. However, only a select few schools offer the economics PhD online. Some graduate schools of business offer doctoral or business administration degrees with courses focused on economics.

The PhD in economics is a terminal degree. This means it is the highest degree you can earn in the economics field.

Graduates with an economics doctorate can become economists. Economists enjoy well-paying careers in areas like economics research, public policy consultation, economics education, finance, and corporate executive leadership.

PhD in Economics candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field. This means that students seeking their doctorate must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education. For many graduate students, online courses and fully online programs provide a way to achieve this balance.

For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the The Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees .

Or find out what your options are with a look at our full List of University Rankings .

Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online PhD in economics.

Two economists comparing notes

About Accredited Online PhD in Economics Degree Programs

Quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online PhD. The best online doctorate programs will have proper accreditation:

  • Institutional Accreditation : Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online PhD programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body. A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates.

When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

  • Programmatic Accreditation : In addition to institutional accreditation, consider online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. In many cases, the preferred specialized accreditation for economics degrees will be the same as that preferred for business administration degrees.

Look for doctoral programs with accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This is generally an indication of credibility to prospective employers.

  • Carnegie Classification : The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, or as it is more commonly known, the Carnegie Classification, is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online Phd programs.

Key Point: The best online doctoral programs will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Two economists working together

Admission Requirements

Schools that offer online doctorate programs have different admission requirements. However, most online doctoral programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:

  • A completed online application
  • Official undergraduate college transcripts
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
  • GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal interviews
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Plan of study

Key Point: In most cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, some specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Economists explaining to a team

Curriculum and Courses

As with other advanced degree and graduate programs, research is the central component of your online PhD in economics program. This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid degrees combining online education with traditional on-campus courses. Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to six years.

The typical components of your online PhD program may include:

Foundational Courses

Foundational courses will typically focus on introductory topics like economic theory, models of economic analysis, economic history, international business, financial economics, and more.

You will also take courses focused on practicing your critical thinking and research skills. You may be able to complete many of these requirements online through your distance learning program.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation

In most cases, the central component of your online economics PhD program will be your dissertation research. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question.

This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this question through applied research and the demonstration of advanced knowledge. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in your ability to conduct research independently. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some online PhD programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Key Point: The online doctor of economics degree program is a research-focused degree. Your dissertation will be a central part of earning your economics degree online.

Careers for Students Who Earn Their Doctoral Degree in Economics Online

The PhD in economics is a terminal degree program. This means that students who complete credible online doctoral programs in economics are generally eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the top 10% of earners among economists earned more than $193,000 in 2021. Many of these top earners worked in fields like finance, insurance, federal governance, technical consulting services, and more.

PhDs in economics are also more likely to be sought out by prestigious international organizations for leadership and consultation opportunities.

These higher earnings reflect the high demand for qualified PhDs in economics in the following fields:

  • Federal Government
  • Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
  • Management Consulting
  • Public Policy Consultation
  • Economic Theory Research
  • Post-Secondary Education
  • Corporate Executive Leadership

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students who complete the economics doctorate program will be eligible for top-paying roles in finance, insurance, public policy, and more.

Female economist doing a calculation

What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online PhD programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.

The Best Online Economics Doctorates (PhDs)

The online PhD in economics programs identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment. Also included are online Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) degrees courses focused on economics and related topics.

Hampton University

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  • #10 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
  • #12 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
  • #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
  • #16 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
  • #19 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
  • #25 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
  • #5 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

What do we love about Hampton University?

Hampton University is a private HBCU based in Hampton, Virginia. Founded in 1868 by a joint commission of Black and White leaders, Hampton was established with the mission of educating freedmen in the immediate aftermath of the U.S. Civil War.

Today, Hampton University is home to 16 leading research facilities, including the largest free-standing Proton Therapy Institute in the world.

Among its numerous post-graduate programs, Hampton University offers an online Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration , which includes noteworthy courses in areas like Managerial Economics, Empirical Research Methods, and Advanced Topics in Research.

Wish to attend an HBCU that consistently ranks among the top ten Historically Black institutions.

Prefer a college with a major athletics program.

Two economists smiling

Liberty University

  • #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024
  • #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2024
  • #7 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024
  • #7 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
  • #9 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
  • #19 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
  • #21 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
  • #1 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students
  • #1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
  • #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
  • #1 Best Online Associate in Economics
  • #1 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
  • #1 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #1 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs
  • #1 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates)
  • #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #1 Best Online Associate in Education
  • #1 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
  • #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs
  • #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
  • #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
  • #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
  • #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
  • #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
  • #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2024
  • #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
  • #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
  • #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
  • #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
  • #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
  • #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
  • #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
  • #3 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
  • #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
  • #3 Best Online Master's in Theology
  • #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
  • #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
  • #3 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
  • #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
  • #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting
  • #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
  • #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
  • #4 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
  • #4 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
  • #4 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
  • #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
  • #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
  • #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
  • #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
  • #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
  • #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
  • #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
  • #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
  • #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
  • #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
  • #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
  • #6 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
  • #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
  • #7 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
  • #7 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
  • #7 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
  • #8 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
  • #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
  • #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
  • #8 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
  • #9 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
  • #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
  • #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
  • #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
  • #9 Best Online Associate's in Physics
  • #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
  • #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
  • #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
  • #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
  • #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
  • #11 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
  • #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
  • #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
  • #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #12 Best Online Master's in Project Management
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  • #12 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
  • #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
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  • #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
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  • #14 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
  • #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
  • #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
  • #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
  • #17 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
  • #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
  • #18 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
  • #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
  • #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance
  • #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
  • #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
  • #23 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
  • #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
  • #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
  • #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #6 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
  • #6 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs

What do we love about Liberty University?

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world as well as one of the largest private non-profit universities in the U.S. Much of this size is based on its online enrollment.

Liberty University enrolls roughly 15,000 residential students across its 17 colleges, and an additional 80,000 through its extensive online course and degree offerings.

Liberty University is noted for the sheer volume of advanced degrees and online degrees earned by its student body. With more than 47,000 students pursuing advanced degrees, Liberty University offers an extremely wide range of online doctoral programs, including online PhD programs in many different disciplines.

For instance, Liberty University offers an online Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy with a concentration in Economic Policy . Liberty University’s PhD program is structured to build upon your existing knowledge of economics and provide a deeper look at how the discipline of economics relates to public policy.

Wish to attend the world’s largest seminary—Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity.

Students who do not identify with Evangelical Christianity.

Baker College

  • #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Cybersecurity
  • #20 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024
  • #24 Best Online Associate Degrees in Michigan 2024

Baker College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice

What do we love about Baker College?

Baker College was founded in 1911, and established its first campus in Flint, Michigan. Beginning as a for-profit institution called the Baker Business College, Baker would evolve into a non-profit college in 1977.

Today, Baker’s primary campus is located in Owosso, Michigan with another ten satellite campuses throughout the state’s Lower Peninsula region. Nearly 5000 undergraduate and postgraduate students are currently in pursuit of degrees at Baker.

Baker College offers an online Doctor of Business Administration geared toward aspiring international business leaders, featuring courses such as Global Financial Economy, Leading 21st Century Organizations, and Introduction to Research Methods and Design.

Are looking for an accessible academic institution. More than 85% of applicants are accepted into Baker.

Are looking to get involved in campus life. Students indicate that Baker has a limited offering of campus clubs and activities.

Other Options for Aspiring Economists

Students considering an online doctoral in economics should also check out the best on-campus options to compare features like cost, curriculum, acceptance rate, and more.

University of California, Berkeley

  • #2 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #2 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
  • #4 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #5 Best Universities in the World 2024
  • #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
  • #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
  • #1 Best Public Colleges California 2024
  • #1 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
  • #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
  • #2 Best Colleges in California 2024
  • #2 Best Research Universities in California 2024
  • #2 Best Grad Schools California 2024
  • #2 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
  • #3 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
  • #4 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
  • #4 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
  • #4 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
  • #4 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
  • #5 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
  • #5 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
  • #6 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
  • #7 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
  • #7 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
  • #7 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
  • #7 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
  • #8 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
  • #8 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
  • #8 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
  • #9 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
  • #9 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
  • #1 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #1 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
  • #2 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #2 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #2 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #3 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #4 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
  • #6 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
  • #9 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  • Earth Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Anthropology
  • Communications

Most Influential Alumni

  • Daniel Kahneman
  • John Kenneth Galbraith
  • Timothy Leary
  • Shing-Tung Yau
  • Ken Thompson
  • Niklaus Wirth
  • Douglas Engelbart
  • Theodosius Dobzhansky
  • Betty Friedan
  • George Dantzig
  • Octavio Paz
  • Gary Snyder

New York University

  • #23 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
  • #2 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
  • #2 Best Colleges in New York 2024
  • #2 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
  • #2 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
  • #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
  • #3 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
  • #3 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
  • #7 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
  • #7 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
  • #8 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
  • #8 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
  • #12 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
  • #12 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
  • #12 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
  • #14 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
  • #15 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
  • #15 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
  • #15 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
  • #15 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
  • #15 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
  • #18 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
  • #18 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
  • #23 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
  • #23 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
  • #1 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
  • #1 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
  • #1 Best Online Master's in Management
  • #1 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #1 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #1 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
  • #2 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #3 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #3 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #3 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #5 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
  • #7 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  • Social Work
  • Erich Fromm
  • Robert Mueller
  • Martha Nussbaum
  • John Archibald Wheeler
  • Glenn Greenwald
  • Howard Zinn
  • Eric Kandel
  • Lewis Mumford
  • Alvin Toffler
  • Louis Nirenberg

University of Michigan

  • #4 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
  • #9 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #11 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #11 Best Universities in the World 2024
  • #22 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
  • #1 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024
  • #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
  • #1 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024
  • #1 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
  • #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2024
  • #1 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024
  • #2 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
  • #4 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
  • #5 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
  • #6 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
  • #6 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
  • #8 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
  • #8 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
  • #9 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
  • #10 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
  • #11 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
  • #11 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
  • #11 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
  • #11 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
  • #12 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
  • #12 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
  • #13 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
  • #13 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
  • #13 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
  • #13 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
  • #14 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
  • #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
  • #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2024
  • #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
  • #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
  • #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #1 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #2 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #2 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #2 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
  • #2 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #3 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #4 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #6 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
  • #5 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Michigan

University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  • Claude Shannon
  • Arthur Miller
  • Alvin Plantinga
  • Edgar F. Codd
  • Hans-Hermann Hoppe
  • Stephen Smale
  • Urie Bronfenbrenner
  • John Henry Holland
  • Amos Tversky
  • Marshall Sahlins

University of California, Los Angeles

  • #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
  • #13 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #14 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #17 Best Universities in the World 2024
  • #2 Best Public Colleges California 2024
  • #2 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
  • #3 Best Colleges in California 2024
  • #3 Best Research Universities in California 2024
  • #3 Best Grad Schools California 2024
  • #6 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
  • #8 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
  • #9 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
  • #10 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
  • #11 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
  • #12 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
  • #12 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
  • #12 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
  • #13 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
  • #14 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
  • #14 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
  • #14 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
  • #14 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
  • #14 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
  • #15 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
  • #15 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
  • #16 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
  • #17 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
  • #18 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
  • #21 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
  • #4 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #4 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #4 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #14 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  • Hilary Putnam
  • Elinor Ostrom
  • Judea Pearl
  • Glenn T. Seaborg
  • Barry Boehm
  • Stanley Cavell
  • William F. Sharpe
  • John Ehrlichman
  • Stephen Krashen
  • Edward O. Thorp
  • Stephen Kosslyn

George Mason University

  • #2 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
  • #2 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
  • #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
  • #14 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
  • #2 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
  • #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
  • #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
  • #5 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)

Career Outlook for Economics degree at George Mason University

George Mason University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  • Political Science
  • Tyler Cowen
  • Peter Boettke
  • Stephen Moore
  • Steven Horwitz
  • Alex Tabarrok
  • Peter Leeson
  • Fred Foldvary
  • Stephen Blair Hedges
  • Jon Gettman
  • Richard Bausch
  • Ivan Katchanovski

Check out the full List of Online Programs .

2024 Best Online PhD in Financial Planning [Doctorate Guide]

If you’re interested in pursuing research or advancement in the field of finance, then earning a PhD in Financial Planning may be a strategic step in your professional goals.

Best Online PhD in Financial Planning

A PhD is a research-heavy program, and you will likely have the opportunity to study theoretical knowledge and research methods in specific fields, such as consumer economics or risk management.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Earning this degree could help you grow your qualifications for several rewarding and lucrative career paths, depending on your desired area of focus.

Online PhD in Financial Planning Programs

Man attending Online PhD in Financial Planning Program

PhD programs in financial planning are typically designed to prepare graduates to become members of university faculty or pursue research positions.

As such, this degree program contains a large amount of research coursework, like advanced research methods, theories and models in personal finance, and more.

You can also study:

  • Statistical methods in financial planning
  • Global issues in financial planning
  • Clinical research and applications
  • Financial planning theory

A large portion of a doctorate in financial planning program can also be devoted to financial decision-making, including risk management, retirement planning, and investments. You may also encounter coursework that focuses on best practices during economic decline, including preventative techniques.

You can explore how to analyze and evaluate financial public policy and even how to recommend courses of action for individuals based on policy. Since research is a core component of this degree, some of your courses will include the study of data analysis and interpretation techniques, regression analysis, and econometrics.

Most curriculums include leadership and ethics coursework as well. Dissertation preparation can also include coursework on writing academic and research papers as well as the skills required to publish in scholarly journals. This PhD seeks to prepare students to become faculty members and teachers at research-based universities, but it can also help prepare professionals for senior or leadership roles in the finance industry.

Financial Planning Careers & Salaries

Financial Planning Careers & Salaries

Earning a doctorate in financial planning online may open up several career opportunities. Typically, graduates of this PhD program move into postsecondary teaching or research positions. PhDs are a common requirement for careers in research and academia.

Some graduates choose to become a professor of finance, economics, or financial planning at a university, where they can also conduct research and publish in scholarly journals. Others choose to conduct research for large financial advising corporations, as these institutions sometimes have in-house research and training departments.

Potential roles for advanced professionals in the field include principal investment strategist, financial planning scientist, and economist.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the median annual salaries of positions related to the advanced study of financial planning.

Salaries can vary depending on your level of experience and education as well as the institution you’re working for. In addition to academic careers, graduates can also choose to pursue consumer-facing roles. These types of roles can include personal financial advisor and financial manager.

Financial planning professionals may advise individuals on risk assessment, investment strategies, estate planning, economic decline mitigation, family wealth, and more. Others choose to become involved in risk management for corporations or even focus on stocks and bonds.

Financial Planning PhD Curriculum & Courses

students pursuing Financial Planning PhD degree

While courses in financial planning doctorate programs can vary, here are some common subjects you may come across in a financial planning PhD program:

  • Research Methods in Financial Planning, Housing, and Consumer Economics : This course emphasizes research design, with a focus on common issues in data analysis and measurement.
  • Theory of Households, Consumer Economics, and Financial Behavior : This course overviews contemporary theories of household and consumer decision-making, including theories of saving and consumption and economic analysis.
  • Research Development : This course focuses on the development of a dissertation proposal and the necessary research skills required to do so, such as viable question identification and structuring empirical research papers.
  • Advanced Wealth Management : This course focuses on family wealth management and covers areas such as investment risk and return, securities markets, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and more.
  • Statistical Software Application in FP : This course overviews current statistical software in financial planning, along with its application in practical and research capacities.
  • Consumer Policy Analysis : This course analyzes the rationales and outcomes of financial policies that impact consumer well-being, housing, financial services, and other markets.
  • Statistical Methods in Financial Planning : This course focuses on the use of statistical methods and application in financial planning research.
  • Money and Relationships : This course explores the connection between couple and family relationships and money, with a focus on factors that impact money perceptions and management.
  • Advanced Estate Planning : This course explores advanced methods of family estate planning, including multi-generational techniques, property transfer, and trust income taxes.
  • Fundamentals of Risk Management: This course focuses on the fundamentals of risk management, specifically the use of insurance in risk financing.

A PhD program will often require more research-focused core courses.

How to Choose an Online Doctoral Program in Financial Planning

Friends doing research on Online Doctoral in Financial Planning

When choosing between online doctoral programs in financial planning, there are several considerations to keep in mind. These include:

  • Accreditation . Accreditation offers quality assurance that a school meets certain professional standards. You can also look one step deeper and find finance programs that are affiliated with the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) board.
  • Curriculum . Many PhD candidates have the opportunity to shape their curriculum to a degree. So, it’s strategic to look for programs with coursework that reflects your desired area of expertise, such as econometrics, regression analysis, research theory, and more.
  • Instructors . You will work more closely with your PhD professors than any other instructors, especially in a research capacity. So, it is beneficial to see if a program’s instructors have top-tier research and experience credentials.
  • Technologies for online learning . It’s strategic to confirm that whether an online program utilizes technologies and platforms that make it convenient to attend class virtually.
  • Access to resources . You might consider whether a program can offer access to resources like scholarly journals or personalized library assistance.
  • Job placement . You can inquire about schools’ placement programs for graduates, and you can also speak with alumni regarding their career process after graduation.

Keeping these considerations in mind when choosing a program may help you find the program that best supports your future career.

Admissions Requirements

Woman preparing requirements for PhD in Financial Planning

While admissions requirements for doctorate in finance programs can differ depending on your school, some common ones include:

  • Official transcripts and master’s degree
  • Resume or CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Interview with faculty (if applicable)
  • Letters of recommendation

A growing number of schools no longer require the submission of GMAT or GRE scores for graduate admissions, but some still do. Also, some programs require professional experience. It’s beneficial to verify the specific admissions requirements of prospective schools before applying.

Accreditation

University offering PhD in Financial Planning Programs

Determining whether your potential university is accredited is an essential step to take before applying. In essence, regional accreditation is a form of quality assurance that assures your university meets professional education standards.

Completing your PhD at an accredited school is often a requirement by different employers and certification boards. Plus, some forms of financial aid are only available at accredited schools. Only select organizations can provide regional accreditation.

You can view a list of credible organizations and verify a school’s accreditation status at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation ’s website.

Financial Planning Licensure and Certifications

Certified Financial Planners discussing statistical methods

Earning a professional certification alongside your degree could be a strategic way to showcase your expertise to employers or clients and enhance your career opportunities.

A few certification options include:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP) : This certification verifies your expertise in assessing financial portfolios and making personalized recommendations.
  • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) : This certification is similar to the CFP, but it allows specialization in niche areas, such as estate planning.
  • Financial Risk Manager (FRM) : This certification verifies expertise and experience in risk management, and it is available from the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).

Some doctoral programs are designed to help you meet certain certification requirements.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

PhD in Financial Planning Financial Aid

Many students pursue financial assistance to complete an online PhD in Finance. There are many types of aid available to qualifying students, including federal aid, state aid, grants, scholarships, and more.

Scholarships and grants can be based on a variety of factors, such as location, need, and area of study. They can also be offered by a variety of sources, such as schools, professional organizations, and public institutions. If you do need the assistance of loans, student loans from the federal and state governments often come with lower interest rates.

To apply for federal aid and determine your eligibility, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

What Is a Financial Planning PhD Degree?

Financial Manager updating the team on financial analysis

A PhD in Financial Planning degree is designed to prepare graduates for top-level careers as professors, academic researchers, chief financial officers, and even economists.

In this degree program, you can study advanced research methods—such as statistical methods and data analytics—in preparation for academic research. You can also study core topics like financial planning, economic theory, risk management, econometrics, and investment techniques.

Many graduates of this type of PhD program become faculty members at universities or even researchers for private financial firms.

What Do You Learn in an Online PhD in Financial Management?

Finance professionals doing data analysis and interpretation

Students in a PhD in Financial Planning degree program are immersed in all types of advanced financial planning topics. PhD programs will also heavily focus on research methods. Coursework in research may include research methodology, data analysis and interpretation, financial planning models, and statistical methods.

Other courses will cover fundamentals in risk management, financial policy analysis, regression analysis, estate planning, research development, and consumer economics. Students may even take courses on software used in financial planning as well as leadership and ethics courses.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Financial Planning?

Financial planning scientists for private corporation discussing

A PhD in Financial Planning can help qualify graduates to become researchers or members of university faculty. Many graduates go on to become professors in finance or financial planning, where they may also conduct original research and publish research papers.

Others become economists, principal investment strategists, or financial planning scientists for private corporations. Graduates may also find careers as financial managers, analysts, or advisors for public or private companies. Those with extensive experience may go on to become chief financial officers.

Can I Get a PhD in Financial Planning Online?

Man taking PhD in Financial Planning online

Many accredited schools offer PhD in Financial Planning programs online. These schools typically offer virtual learning options, where you can attend virtual classes and submit coursework remotely.

Before choosing a school, it’s helpful to verify whether you’ll need to attend in-person at any time. Some programs are listed as “hybrid,” meaning some classwork is in person. Most PhD programs do require in-person attendance for dissertation proposals and defense. There may also be some in-person requirements for seminar courses.

What Jobs Can I Get with a PhD in Financial Planning Degree?

Group of economists discussing market trends

Professionals with a PhD in Financial Planning may pursue a variety of career opportunities post-graduation.

Many graduates choose to enter the world of academia. They might become faculty members or professors at colleges or universities, where they can teach finance or a related subject. They may also pursue research positions at postsecondary institutions or private companies.

Financial planning professionals who use their studies to advance in the field may work as financial managers, economists, or even chief financial officers, depending on their qualifications and experience.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Personal Financial Planning Online?

Woman pursuing PhD in Personal Financial Planning online

Generally, a PhD can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time enrollment. This timeline can depend on the number of credit hours required and how long it takes to complete your dissertation.

If no dissertation is required, a doctoral program can often be completed in 3 years with full-time study. Of course, if you are enrolled part-time at any time, this may extend your time to completion. You can talk to a university about their specific program timelines to learn more.

Is a PhD in Financial Planning Worth It?

Financial Manager discussing consumer economics to the team

Yes, a PhD in Financial Planning is worth it for many students. Earning this terminal degree can help you stand out to potential employers as well as qualify for positions in research and academia.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of financial managers is forecast to grow 17% over the next ten years, which is considered much faster than the average. Similarly, 12% job growth is projected for postsecondary teachers over the same period.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Financial Planning Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Capella University campus

Capella University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management includes eleven core courses, five electives, and three virtual residencies. The program also requires the completion of a comprehensive exam and a dissertation to graduate. Throughout the dissertation process, students are paired with an academic mentor to help keep them on track.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Franklin University campus

Franklin University offers a Doctor of Business Administration that can be completed 100% online. Students typically spend 2 years completing coursework and 1 year working on the dissertation. The program is designed to allow students to complete their studies around their own schedule. The curriculum is highly customizable through a wide range of elective options.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Hampton University campus

Hampton University offers a hybrid online PhD in Business Administration designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. Online courses are 8 weeks long. Students are required to come to campus for two 4 week summer residencies and to defend their dissertations. Potential courses in the curriculum include Organizational Behavior, Advanced Computer Applications, and Managerial Economics.

Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Jacksonville University campus

Jacksonville University offers a Doctor of Business Administration. The curriculum is designed to offer networking opportunities and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Classes meet on campus one Friday and one Saturday each month, but the option to stream the class live online is available.

Jacksonville University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kansas State University campus

Kansas State University offers a Doctorate in Personal Financial Planning that is intended for working professionals. This hybrid program consists of online courses during the fall and spring semesters, supplemented by intensives on campus that are 10 days long during the summer. The program also requires a travel abroad experience to learn about global markets.

Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University campus

Liberty University’s Doctor of Business Administration requires the completion of 60 credit hours and takes an average of 3 years to complete. Courses are offered 100% online and are 8 weeks long. The program’s instructors have real-world business experience. Potential courses in the curriculum include Investments and Derivatives, Mergers and Acquisition, and Business Valuation.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University campus

National University offers a PhD in Business Management with a specialization in Financial Management. The program’s fully online format is designed to allow students to complete their studies in their own time. New students can start every Monday. Potential courses include Business Leadership and Strategy, Business Financial Systems, and Statistics I and II.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Pace University campus

Pace University offers a hybrid program for a Doctor of Professional Studies in Finance. Students can typically complete it in 3 to 5 years without interrupting their current careers. Most coursework is completed with a cohort. Graduates typically pursue academic careers or senior management positions.

Pace University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University campus

Texas Tech University offers a PhD in Personal Financial Planning that can be earned on campus or online. The curriculum is designed to develop practical skills in both research and teaching. Graduates often pursue tenure-track faculty positions at other universities or non-academic careers in business.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Touro University Worldwide campus

Touro University Worldwide offers a Doctor of Business Administration. Courses are 8 weeks long and 100% online. The program requires the completion of a research-based doctoral project on a topic such as finance, accounting, or technology. There are six start dates every year, and prospective students can apply without GRE scores at any time.

Touro University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Trident University International campus

Trident University International offers a PhD in Business Administration that can be completed 100% online. The program has no in-person requirements, and the course load and completion time may be adjusted to suit personal schedules. Faculty members are assigned to provide individualized support on the program’s required research project.

Trident University International is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of the Cumberlands campus

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online PhD in Business with a content specialty area in Finance. Potential courses include Corporate Finance: Fiscal Management in a Global Climate, Managerial Ethics and Social Responsibility, and Strategic Marketing: Research and Practice.

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University campus

Walden University offers a PhD in Management with a specialization in 21st Century Finance. The curriculum covers how to conduct original research, make strategic business decisions, and apply financial theory to real-world situations. In addition to coursework, the completion of a dissertation and attendance at four residencies are required.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your PhD in Financial Planning Online

student getting PhD in Financial Planning Degree online

You might consider earning a PhD in Financial Planning if you want to grow your professional qualifications or pursue original research in the financial planning field.

A PhD can also help you qualify for faculty positions at universities or research positions at postsecondary schools or private companies. Some graduates go on to publish research findings in scholarly journals while they maintain more client-facing roles, such as that of a financial manager or advisor.

You could start exploring accredited colleges and universities today to see which online PhD programs in financial planning best match your interests and goals.

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MRes/PhD Finance

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  • Starting 2024
  • Home full-time: Open
  • Overseas full-time: Open
  • Location: Houghton Street, London

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of finance. You will begin on the MRes, and will need to meet certain requirements to progress to the PhD.

Our programme is unique in its integration of finance and economics. During the first year, you will take microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics courses alongside PhD students in Economics. However, in the second year you will differentiate by taking advanced courses in asset pricing and corporate finance. You will leave with a broad understanding of finance and its relations to other fields in economics.

As one of the largest finance departments in the world, we are able to offer opportunities for research in virtually any field in finance. We have strengths in theory and empirics, asset pricing and corporate finance, as well as financial econometrics, behavioural finance, macro-finance, and microeconomic analysis of financial markets and institutions.

You are expected to participate in the regular departmental seminars (weekly), as well as occasional workshops and conferences given by internationally renowned speakers. This is viewed as an important part of the learning process on the MRes/PhD in Finance.

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for mres/phd finance.

Merit in a taught master's degree in finance, economics or another subject with a strong quantitative component.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission. 

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

GRE/GMAT requirement

GRE or GMAT is required from all applicants (GRE is preferred)

Find out more about GRE/GMAT

Assessing your application

We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff at the School, and we recommend that you investigate  staff research interests  before applying. However, please do not get in touch with faculty at this stage, 

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

  • academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
  • statement of academic purpose 
  • outline research proposal
  • sample of written work.

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE, but we recommend that you do.  See our English language requirements .

When to apply

The application deadline for this programme is 25 April 2024 . However, to be considered for any LSE funding opportunity, you must have submitted your application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section for more details.

Statement of Academic Purpose

Your Statement of Academic Purpose should clearly explain the below:

  • Why you want to do research in finance
  • How your studies and experience make you suitable to do research in finance

Research interests

Your Research Interests should be submitted in place of the Outline Research Proposal, along with your application form and other required supporting documents, via the LSE online application system.

  • Which aspect of the PhD do you think you will like the most? Which will you dislike the most? Why? (max. 200 words)
  • Tell us about your favourite paper in financial economics. What do you like about it? How would you improve it? (max. 400 words)
  • Write a comment for a general audience on a topic/question that interests you in finance: (max. 400 words).
  • Is CEO compensation excessive?
  • Markets function well as information is aggregated efficiently through prices.
  • What are the benefits of shareholder activism?

Fees and funding

Fees and funding.

Every research student is charged a fee in line with the fee structure for their programme.  The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for MRes/PhD in Finance

Home students: £4,829 for the first year (provisional) Overseas students: £22,632 for the first year

The fee is likely to rise over subsequent years of the programme. The School charges home research students in line with the level of fee that the Research Councils recommend. The fees for overseas students are likely to rise in line with the assumed percentage increase in pay costs (ie, 4 per cent per annum).

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for  LSE PhD Studentships , and  Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding . Selection for the PhD Studentships and ESRC funding is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.  

Funding deadline for LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC funding: 15 January 2024 Second funding deadline for LSE PhD Studentships: 25 April 2024

The Finance Department may also offer departmental scholarships.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

External funding 

There may be other funding opportunities available through other organisations or governments and we recommend you investigate these options as well.

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

Programme structure and courses.

A PhD in Finance from LSE consists of six coursework units, completed over two years, followed by a thesis which is usually expected to take a further three or four years.

We encourage our research students to participate fully in the intellectual life of the Department, and in the research seminar and workshop programmes of the Department and related research centres such as the Financial Markets Group (FMG). The weekly Capital Markets Workshops provide exposure to the work of leading academics from the UK and overseas. In addition, the FMG hosts a number of conferences each year with leading researchers and practitioners.

Students will normally commence in late August, by attending an introductory course before the start of the academic year.

Introductory Course in Mathematics and Statistics Provides students with the essential mathematical, statistical, economic and econometric background for the core Economics courses of these programmes.

During their first year, students take courses in Advanced Microeconomics, Advanced Macroeconomics and Advanced Financial Econometrics to build their core knowledge in these areas. They will also take two transferable skills courses which are not examined.

There is also the option to attend non-examined research workshops or seminars in finance given by faculty and internationally renowned scholars. Students also attend a PhD seminar in Finance throughout their MRes/PhD studies.

Microeconomics for MRes Students Introduces the basic analytical tools that are necessary to conduct research in any field in economics.

Macroeconomics for MRes Students Covers topics in advanced macroeconomics with emphasis on fundamentals and applications to recent theoretical advances.

Econometrics for MRes students Covers probability, mathematical statistics, and asymptotic theory, and theory and application of regression analysis. Provides a survey of the theory and application of time series methods in econometrics.

Financial Economics This non-examined course provides an in-depth introduction to the theories of asset pricing and corporate finance.

Capital Markets Workshop   

Second year

Students take courses in Corporate Finance and Asset Pricing, in addition to completing a research paper. They are also expected to attend research workshops or seminars in finance given by faculty and internationally renowned scholars.

Corporate Finance for Research Students The first half of this course focuses on the theory of corporate finance. The second half of the course will consider empirical research in corporate finance.  

Asset Pricing for Research Students Covers asset pricing theory, empirical asset pricing, as well as empirical evaluation of asset-pricing models.

Research Paper in Finance A research paper of between 6,000 and 8,000 words, related to your designated major field, to be submitted at the end of August of the second year.

PhD Seminar in Finance A seminar course for PhD students in the early stages of their research to present their work in progress.

Capital Markets Workshop

PhD programme

After meeting the progression requirements, students progress to PhD registration and begin to work on their thesis

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant   School Calendar page. 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises. 

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information  page.

Supervision, progression and assessment

Supervision.

You will be assigned a lead supervisor (and a second supervisor/adviser) who is a specialist in your chosen research field, though not necessarily in your topic. Lead supervisors guide you through your studies.

Progression and assessment

To progress at the end of each year, students must pass their examined courses at grades specified by the Department and make satisfactory progress in their research. Progress is regularly monitored by the Department's Postgraduate Assessment Review Panel.

You will also need to meet certain criteria to progress to PhD registration, such as achieving certain grades in your coursework, and earning a minimum mark on your research paper.

Your final award will be determined by the completion of an original research thesis and a viva oral examination.

More about progression requirements.  

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

The programme is aimed at training students to become an academic. Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on a career in academic institutions, or international organisations such as central banks or the IMF. See a list of past placements.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

How to apply

Virtual Graduate Open Day

Register your interest

Related programmes, mres/phd economics.

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MSc Finance and Economics

Code(s) LN43

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Code(s) G4ZS

MRes/PhD Accounting (Accounting, Organisations and Institutions)

Code(s) N2ZD (AOI track)

MPhil/PhD Social Research Methods

Code(s) L9ZM

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PhD in Economics

The doctoral program in Economics at Rice University provides rigorous training in economic theory and econometrics in order to prepare students for research careers in economics. In 2014, the department launched the Rice Initiative for the Study of Economics (RISE) in order to enhance its role as a leading center of economic research. Since then, the department has hired ten new faculty. In addition, it has established itself as a leading institution for structural empirical microeconomics, an approach to economic analysis that combines economic theory and econometrics to address substantive economic issues. The small size of the program, approximately 45 graduate students working with 24 full-time faculty, promotes close faculty student interactions and collaboration, as well as strong relationships among the students.

Effective 2021-2022 academic year, all students receiving MA or PhD degrees in Economics will also receive Major Concentration in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and will be able to apply for a 24-month STEM extension of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).

At a Glance

Full-time faculty working with students : 24

Students : 55 doctoral students

Number Admitted : 7-10 students each year

Fields of Study : Theoretical and Applied Econometrics, Applied Microeconomics, Economic Theory, Financial Economics, Game Theory, Political Economics, Energy Economics, Development Economics, Empirical Industrial Organization, Labor Economics, Macroeconomics, Public Finance, Health Economics.

Degrees awarded : PhD in Economics with a Major Concentration in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics (STEM designated) , Ph.D. in Economics with an M.A. in Statistics , and an additional Major Concentration in Finance . An M.A. degree is awarded to students pursuing Ph.D. in Statistics when they complete the requirements for M.A. in Economics with a Ph.D. in Statistics . It is also awarded to students who complete all the requirements for the Ph.D. in Economics working toward their dissertation.

Learn More about the Economics Doctorate Program

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The Ph.D. Program in the Department of Economics at Harvard is addressed to students of high promise who wish to prepare themselves in teaching and research in academia or for responsible positions in government, research organizations, or business enterprises. Students are expected to devote themselves full-time to their programs of study.

The program prepares students for productive and stimulating careers as economists. Courses and seminars offered by the department foster an intellectually active and stimulating environment. Each week, the department sponsors more than 15 different seminars on such topics as environmental economics, economic growth and development, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, industrial organization, law and economics, behavioral economics, labor economics, and economic history. Top scholars from both domestic and international communities are often invited speakers at the seminars.  The Harvard community outside of the department functions as a strong and diverse resource. Students in the department are free to pursue research interests with scholars throughout the University. Faculty of the Harvard Law School, Kennedy School of Government, and Harvard Business School, for example, are available to students for consultation, instruction, and research guidance. As a member of the Harvard community, students in the department can register for courses in the various schools and have access to the enormous library resources available through the University. There are over 90 separate library units at Harvard, with the total collections of books and pamphlets numbering over 13 million.  Both the department and the wider University draw some of the brightest students from around the world, which makes for a student body that is culturally diverse and likely unequaled in the range of intellectual interests of its members. These factors combine to add an important dimension to the educational process. Students are able to learn from one another, collaborate on research projects and publications, and form bonds that are not broken by distance once the degree is completed and professional responsibilities lead them in different directions.

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College of Business & Economics

PhD in Financial Economics

Objectives of the program This PhD program is one of the first programs to formally respond to the substantial demand for financial economists in research and policy making positions in government, universities, business and financial institutions. Hence, the general objectives of the program are to:-

  • Make training and research in financial economics is a sources of innovation and a critical means of solving the multifaceted challenges and problems surrounding the financial sector,
  • Provide a holistic learning experience that develops exceptional and financial researchers, policy makers, and chief executive leaders of financial institutions to meet challenges of a complex and dynamic local and international financial sector
  • Place our graduates at the forefront of financial economic science, to build the capacity of public and private financial sector ministry, agencies, and policy research institutes, universities, and consulting firms.
  • Produce high caliber professionals (having the required knowledge, skills, ethical values or attitude) capable of designing financial sector policies to reap the full benefits of financial deepening, promote capital market development, and ensure sustainable financial development in the country

Admission Requirements Applications to the PhD program in financial economics at the Department of Economics of Jimma University are accepted ones a year, prior to the beginning of each semester. Prospective candidates for the Ph.D. degree in Financial Economics should be advised that mathematical modeling is used heavily in the field. Indeed, it is virtually impossible to read any current major journal without considerable training in modeling methods. Admission to the program is on competitive bases and will be based on the cumulative average score of entrance exam, CGPA at MPhil degree, MSc or MA level, and service year/work experiences. Hence, an applicant for admission to the PhD in financial Economics should fulfill the academic criteria as;

  • Applicant must have completed MPhil degree or equivalent in Financial economics or MSc/MA in economics, (specialized in Economic Policy Analysis,, Development Economics, Agricultural Economics, Natural Resources Economics, Environmental Economics, Labour Economics, financial economics and other economics fields) accredited by Higher Education Relevance and Quality Assurance (HERQA) in Economics; or
  • Applicants must have completed MSc/MA degree in related field(s) of study other than economics field of studies listed above such as Accounting and Finance, Banking and Finance, Marketing Management, etc., but have already taken or are willing to take as a bridging four core economics courses- (Advanced Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, econometrics, and Mathematics specific to their field (e.g., Advanced Mathematics for Economists, Finance, or Managers, etc.,) with 3 credit hours and scored a minimum of B grade at postgraduate level.
  • All applicants should have a minimum CGPA of 3.00 (or its equivalent if the PG grading scale was different than GPA) during graduation from postgraduate programs in economics and related field(s) of studies; and non-academic requirements.

Graduate profile(Program outcome) Graduates of PhD in Financial economics should be equipped with the knowledge, skills, as well as attitudinal change; Knowledge:- Upon completion of their study graduates should gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of:

  • concepts and to think creatively about ground breaking ideas of how to regulate constantly developing financial markets and new financial instruments
  • modern financial economics theories and principles, monetary policy, financial regulations frameworks analysis techniques and methods  for solving national financial sector priority problems and issues
  • influential entities, such as central banks and investment/development banks, financial markets and institutions behavior, competitive strategies, policy instruments and regulation frameworks.
  • a broad range of state-of-the-art modeling, and data analysis technique that economists use to design and analyze financial policies and strategies, and
  • development projects analysis, appraisal, financing, monitoring, and management techniques

Skills:- After the completion of the PhD Program in Financial Economics, graduates should be able to:

  • investigate global secondary money markets and indirect instruments,
  • work extensively with theoretical models of financial economics and develop analytical skills they can transfer to other kinds of intellectual problems,
  • analyze the behavior of the different classes of market participants, for example, banks, insurances, pension funds, activist investors and hedge funds.
  • manipulate up to-date statistical software packages for econometrics modeling and analyze questions in financial strategies, competition policy, and regulation mechanisms,
  • conduct rigorous quantitative and qualitative researches and analyze a range of national financial challenges, problems, and policies for sustainable financial sector development,
  • design policies and strategies that could address the developing countries critical national financial sector challenges, and
  • develop/plan, appraise, monitor and evaluate, and manage development projects

Attitude:- The program should also enable graduates to develop the following attitudinal changes:

  • Act professionally and debate intellectually with different scholars and professionals in seminars, conferences, and workshops. on financial development and inclusiveness issues
  • Advocate public accountability in the dissemination of knowledge and research findings to financial institutions for effective and sustainable financial sector development
  • Having rational attitude towards developmental state financial policies and strategies of the country
  • Promote scientific research ethics free from plagiarism and acknowledging the property right of scholars and institutions in their research work, and
  • Participate actively and voluntarily in initiation, planning/formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of local saving mobilization, financial literacy, and development projects in collaboration with other stakeholders.

Duration of the Program The PhD program in Economics, specialized in financial economics, is research-based four years program fully taught in English. It has been restructured to a 2+2 year degree. The first two years of the Program is devoted to a range of post-MSc courses. The last two years of the PhD program are dedicated to full-time research for the completion of the doctoral thesis. Full time (regular) students admitted to the program are expected to complete their study in four years’ time (or 8 semesters) under normal circumstances. But, the duration of the study for those who have joined the regular program after taking the one or more of the four bridge courses for  semester will be four and half  years (or 5 years or 10 semesters). The case of any delayed student, who failed to complete his/her study within the duration of study mentioned in this section, shall be decided according to the University’s legislation. Upon completion of the program, graduates will earn a PhD’s Degree in Financial Economics from Jimma University, recognized by the Ministry of Education of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Graduation Requirement The candidate must satisfy the following requirements to qualify for graduation in PhD Degree in Financial Economics;

  • There must be No “F, NG or I‟ grade in any course taken.
  • To complete courses in the program, a candidate needs to obtain a minimum CGPA of 3.00 in total credit hours of 42 credit course workas and no “C ” or below grade in all courses.
  • When the CGPA of PhD student is less than 3.00, and/or if the student has to repeat all courses with “C” grades or lower and score a minimum grade of “B”
  • The candidate must write an acceptable PhD dissertation on topics related to financial economics and should obtain a satisfactory grade or above for graduation, which may appear on the transcript but will not be used for calculation of the CGPA of the student.
  • The candidate is expected to publish three articles in peer reviewed journal from the result of the PhD dissertation.
  • The candidate must attend all the department seminar/conference and obtain at pass grade. .

Degree Nomenclature Up on successful completion of their study, the graduates will get PhD degree having the following nomenclature in English and Amharic. In English: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Financial Economics

Amharic: · : “ የፍልስፍናዶክትሬት ዲግሪበፋይናንሻልኢኮኖሚክስ ” .

Course Breakdown by Year and Semester

 SEMESTER I

 SEMESTER II

SEMESTER III  

 SEMESTER IV  

 SEMESTER VI

 SEMESTER VII

 SEMESTER VIII 

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