Online PhD in Finance Degree Programs

Doctorate (DBA) in Finance through Distance Learning

An online PhD in finance or a doctorate in finance (DBA) degree program is the degree of choice for individuals interested in attaining management positions in the business sector or pursuing teaching careers at the college and university level.

Although many traditional universities offer finance PhD programs, more and more students interested in pursuing this degree are doing so through online doctoral programs in finance.

An online finance PhD or DBA program is specifically designed to train students in the science of money management and includes a wide array of subject matter such as the valuation of markets and claims wherein financial transactions occur.

Requirements for an online doctoral program in finance

The requirements for an online doctorate degree in finance are no different than those required for a traditional campus-based finance doctoral program. Because of the fact that all coursework, participation and interaction are relegated to the virtual educational environment, some students assess the online program as more rigorous. In order to be successful in the online form of study, prospective doctorate students must be willing to put forth the necessary time and effort.

Students must possess a mastery of certain skills including comprehension of numeric programming and language, mathematics, and critical analytic skills, as preeminent doctoral programs will incorporate these essential skills into the required coursework. As a prerequisite to acceptance in a PhD in finance online program, students may have already acquired:

• Master in Finance
• Master in Economics
• Master in Business
• Master in Commerce
• Master in Quantitative finance

In addition, a number of prospective finance doctorate students may have significant work experience in the financial arena to include careers as financial analysts, real estate agents, financial planners, hedge fund managers, commercial or investment bankers. The educational and practical experiences prospective students bring to the online learning environment make acquiring an online PhD finance an exciting experience.

Curriculum and specializations

The kind of coursework an online PhD in finance student can expect to encounter will prepare students for a number of career opportunities. A number of the courses will focus on quantitative analysis, informed decision making, and the application of theory with financial environments. Although all PhD in finance online programs are different, there are some core courses that students can expect to encounter, such as:

• Theory of finance - this level of coursework emphasizes analytic decision making as well as strategic planning within a corporation or organization. In this course, students will learn to apply a theoretical contextual framework to real life situations.
• Financial mathematics - this course stresses the importance of stochastic models in the financial marketplace. Students can expect to learn how to structure terms for contracts using mathematical reasoning and logic as well as interest rates and derivatives.
• Empirical methods of financial research - because so much of the doctorate program focuses on research and statistical analysis, this course teaches the application of empirical methodology within case studies. Courses in financial research will be particular helpful in completing the doctorate dissertation.

Students in the doctorate program in finance may also able to select an area of specialization within the discipline; specific to the kind of career the student is interested in pursuing. Some options to consider in online finance doctoral programs include financial management, quantitative finance, computational finance, financial mathematics etc.

Featured Colleges offering Online PhD in Finance Degree Programs

Walden University: Online PhD in Management - Finance - In this specialization, you can develop and use financial models and theoretical tools to help gain an understanding of some of the most challenging national and international financial problems. Pursue original research and advanced knowledge in areas such as corporate finance and financial management. Analyze case studies, incorporate principles of social and behavioral research, and expand your expertise in financial theories, systems, and practices. This specialization can help prepare you for a career in private industry, international agencies, consulting, or teaching.

Walden University:PhD in Management - Finance - Course-based - In this specialization, you can develop and use financial models and theoretical tools to help gain an understanding of some of the most challenging national and international financial problems. Pursue original research and advanced knowledge in areas such as corporate finance and financial management. Analyze case studies, incorporate principles of social and behavioral research, and expand your expertise in financial theories, systems, and practices. This specialization can help prepare you for a career in private industry, international agencies, consulting, or teaching.

Northcentral University - Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Financial Management: This specialization concentrates on developing essential skills needed to manage and allocate financial resources. Learners will analyze financial and non-financial organizations - private, public, religious, and corporate. The specialization focuses on international financial issues, quality concepts in financial management, and accounting for profit/nonprofit organizations. Learners will complete a final written research project demonstrating the ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventative action.

Northcentral University - Online Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD) - Financial Management: This specialization concentrates on research and development analyses used to manage and allocate financial resources and develop effective strategic planning for projection and ROI issues. Learners will analyze financial and non-financial organizations - private, public, and corporate. The specialization focuses on international financial issues, quality concepts in financial management, and accounting for profit/nonprofit organizations.

Education focus within the online doctorate in finance program

In general, the online PhD or a doctorate in finance (DBA) will take 4 to 5 years for completion. Although many undergraduate and master level programs focus on the operational aspects of the discipline, at the doctorate level, most online programs emphasize research and the theoretical components of the field. In order to successfully matriculate through an online doctorate program in finance, students are required to complete all pertinent coursework as well as complete a finance related dissertation that is original to the candidate. Most online doctoral programs also have residency requirements.

Careers with a doctorate degree in finance

Those who graduate with a doctoral program in finance can look forward to significant and successful careers within the finance industry. They may take up high level management positions in both government and private sector. They may work as C-level executives, financial consultants, finance advisors or do research and teaching at the universities.

Presently, job opportunities for PhD holders in finance remain very strong especially in research and teaching at the institutions of higher learning as a result of growth in college enrollments and the need to replace professors who were hired during the baby-boom generation, and are now retiring.

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