An online doctoral degree in finance may provide students with advanced research and theoretical knowledge in the finance field. In this three to five-year program, students may learn how to evaluate financial theory and how it is applicable in the current market. Program coursework may include research-heavy dissertation classes alongside major-specific core courses such as management theory, applied research methods, and global finance.

Upon graduation, students may seek entry to upper-level employment in the finance field. Doctoral-level graduates may seek employment in corporate finance, stocks and bonds, financial institutions, post-secondary education, and government programs.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 23% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for doctoral-level finance degree programs may integrate research-based courses alongside core finance courses. These classes may teach students how to conduct financial research, develop both analytical and practical finance theories, and prepare research for a dissertation. Core doctoral finance courses may include:

• Corporate Finance
• Global Finance
• Investments and Portfolio Management
• Management Theory
• Financial Institutions and Markets
• Applied Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may explore opportunities in post-secondary education, banking, investments, corporate finance, and government programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities are projected to increase by 23% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Financial Analyst
• Finance Professor
• Budget Analyst
• Cost Estimator
• Financial Examiner

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook