Online PhD Finance

By Derick de Souza

Updated March 15, 2024
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Derick de Souza

Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.

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Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

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In business academics, a Online PhD Finance program is considered a terminal degree, which means it reflects one of the highest levels of expertise in the field. Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Finance acquire a comprehensive education and practical training in the areas of corporate finance, financial products and markets, investment banking, etc. A strong emphasis is placed on research in both DBAs and Ph.Ds. in Finance programs, which provides doctoral candidates with opportunities to learn about research procedures and conduct self-guided independent studies. Students enrolled in an online Ph.D. finance gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in business and advance their careers in the finance industry. While a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) is better suited for working professionals interested in furthering their career in senior positions in the industry, the Ph.D. in finance program is best suited for those interested in academia. Employment in finance occupations is projected to grow at 8% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average rate for all occupations. The median annual wage for finance occupations was $72,250 in May 2020. While these figures are primarily applicable to master’s degree holders, Ph.D. holders can earn considerably more and land senior roles, indicating a bright future ahead of them. This page contains information about the doctorate in finance, including its curriculum, certifications, accreditation, funding, and the best Ph.D. in finance programs, among other things.

Online-PhD-Finance

Best Online Phd Finance
Programs

A successful school should, of course, have outstanding infrastructure, well-structured programs, trained, qualified, and experienced teaching staff, excellent research facilities, and strong student support services, among other things. Accreditation is also what distinguishes a well-known school committed to providing high-quality education. Many universities in the United States offer notable Ph.D. in finance programs, and most of them are competitive, making finding the finest one challenging. Using a variety of essential components and factors, FBD’s numerous teams discovered and evaluated hundreds of schools to generate a finance Ph.D. ranking. The following is a list of some of the best online Ph.D. programs in finance: *

Founded in 1878, A Jesuit education advancing knowledge and humanity. Creighton is a comprehensive, private university with a dynamic network of campuses in Omaha, Phoenix, and the Dominican Republic. Creighton is known nationally for its quality of programs in a range of disciplines, such as business, nursing, pharmacy, and law. The tuition and graduation rate are as below:
Univ Address Tuition Grad Rate
Creighton University 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68178 $16,686 82%

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page

What to expect from the Online
Phd Finance?

So, what is a PhD in finance? The Ph.D. in finance is an advanced and highest level of education one can pursue to seek top positions in industry and academics. The program entails heavy coursework, extensive examinations and seminars, in-depth research, and a dissertation or thesis submission.

The doctoral program in finance prepares students to conduct independent research in theoretical and empirical finance. It offers advanced study in the areas of financial institutions, financial markets, portfolios, risk management, asset pricing, investments style analysis, market behavior, derivative securities, wealth management, corporate finance, empirical methods in finance, analysis, research methods, and more. Some of the courses students will come across in a Ph.D. in finance program include:

  • Asset Pricing
  • International Macroeconomics and Finance
  • Empirical Methods in Finance
  • Market Design
  • Behavioral Finance
  • Actuarial Science
  • Microeconomic Theory
  • Financial Markets in the Macroeconomy
  • Econometric Methods in Finance
  • Statistics
  • Portfolio Management
  • Corporate Governance
  • Options Pricing & Credit Risk
  • Venture Capital
  • Asset Management
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Mathematics for Economists
  • Corporate Finance
  • Real Estate Finance

Ph.D. students are also required to conduct exhaustive research and present a dissertation/thesis, which they must also defend in front of a panel of senior, experienced professors and professionals. Students can choose from a wide range of topics for their thesis, some of which include but are not limited to:

  • Cognitive Behavior in Renewable Energy
  • Impact of the Macroeconomic Variables on Non-Performing Loans
  • Equity Strategies using Fundamental Momentum
  • Fintech
  • Financial Economics
  • Determinants of Credit Risk in Banks
  • Behavioral Finance
  • Financial Markets
  • Optimal Capital Ratio to the Survival of Commercial Banks
  • Corporate Finance

Areas of Specialization for Online
Phd Finance

Most universities offer financial education through various concentration areas, which differ from each other. Specializations and concentrations allow students to delve deeper into their chosen fields of study. In a specific field of finance, they provide specialized knowledge and abilities that can be applied in a variety of business and industrial settings. They also have a substantial impact on one’s earning potential and future employment opportunities. Here are some examples of specializations available for students pursuing an online Ph.D. in finance:

Specialization Description InstitutionsCareers
Ph.D. in Banking and FinanceThe Ph.D. in Banking and Finance specialization studies the critical components of the domestic and international banking sector from a financial and economic standpoint.Doctorate in Banking & Finance holders can find positions in banks, asset management firms, wealth management firms, non-banking financial corporations, etc.
Ph.D. in Quantitative FinanceThe Ph.D. in Quantitative Finance specialization covers mathematical and quantitative approaches to financial innovation and disruption. It focuses on increasing returns and lowering the risks in the market.Doctorate in Quantitative Finance holders can find positions in banks, asset management firms, wealth management firms, non-banking financial corporations, governmental agencies, trusts & foundations, multinational corporations, etc.
Ph.D. in International FinanceThe Ph.D. in International Finance specialization focuses on international finance and matters related to it, such as currency, international business law, cross-border trade, international investments, etc.Doctorate in International Finance holders can find positions in banks, multinational corporations, governmental agencies, wealth management companies, or work as independent consultants.
Ph.D. in Computational FinanceThe Ph.D. in computational finance examines the use of computational intelligence in financial decision-making, as well as the modeling of financial markets, along with how to analyze and interpret data and create data-driven investment strategies using various software tools.This specialization emphasizes analytical and quantitative approaches to analyze and interpret data and create data-driven investment strategiesDoctorate in Computational Finance holders can find positions in multinational corporations, wealth management companies, asset management companies, or governmental agencies.
Ph.D. in Financial EconomicsThe Ph.D. in Financial Economics specialization studies the economic effects on finance and generates a unified curriculum that focuses on asset pricing, metrics, macroeconomics, and banking.Doctorate in Financial Economics holders can find positions in multinational corporations, international funding agencies, asset management companies, or governmental agencies.
Ph.D. in Financial EngineeringThe Ph.D. in financial engineering specialization is built on a solid base of financial science and incorporates the development of new quantitative responsibilities such as delivering risk models and trading directly, library control, model validation, risk management, and programming.Doctorate in Financial Engineering holders can find positions in banks, asset management firms, wealth management firms, non-banking financial corporations, governmental agencies, trusts & foundations, multinational corporations, etc.
Ph.D. in Corporate FinanceThis specialization focuses on the management of financial resources of non-financial firms and business houses. It involves the planning, acquisition, and financing of resources for businesses.Doctorate in Corporate Finance holders can work in businesses, non-banking financial corporations, banks, or work as independent consultants.
Online Ph.D. in Accounting and FinanceThe Ph.D. in Finance and Accounting specialization focuses on the fundamental principles of finance and accounting and financial markets. It emphasizes financial management and comprehending a country’s economic issues and monetary policies, among other things.Doctorate in Accounting & Finance holders can find positions in banks, asset management firms, wealth management firms, non-banking financial corporations, governmental agencies, trusts & foundations, multinational corporations, etc.

Some examples of other specialization areas with Ph.D. finance include:

  • Ph.D. in Financial Analytics
  • Online Ph.D. in Economics and Finance
  • Online Ph.D. in Finance and Economics
  • Ph.D. in Investment Management
  • Ph.D. in Investment Analysis
  • Ph.D. Financial Planning

Why should I do an Online
Phd Finance?

Why do a PhD in finance? A Ph.D. in finance can lead to rich and rewarding careers in finance. Candidates who pursue this program usually wish to work in academics or research or those who want to attain high positions in the financial industry, such as portfolio managers, investment advisors, finance directors, etc.

Learners can select between two types of doctoral degrees in finance: a Ph.D., which is a research-based degree, and a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), which is a professional degree that is more vocationally focused.

In a Ph.D. program, students learn cutting-edge research in finance and economics that they can apply in the financial industry. In particular, financial econometrics, one of the most applied parts of finance, is studied extensively during this course. Research skills are also greatly emphasized to enable candidates to become industry leaders. Furthermore, many universities offer specializations such as international finance or innovation & entrepreneurship for candidates who wish to work closely with business ventures. Most top schools allow students to choose their own research topic under faculty guidance.

Regardless of their career paths after they graduate from a Ph.D. program in finance, candidates will have a competitive advantage over others due to their advanced expertise and research abilities that can be used across multiple industries.

Apart from an in-depth knowledge and expertise in finance, Ph.D. in finance students go on to acquire a host of transferable skills that can be applied or translated to new and different settings, situations, and tasks. In general, finance Ph.D. holders will have the ability to:

  • Synthesize and analyze complicated content, solve problems, keep the broad picture in mind while managing details, use advanced research methods, make consistent judgments about abstract knowledge, and exercise sound judgment. A 
  • Raise funds or manage finances to promote a research objective or an organization’s mission 
  • Organize, plan, and manage a project, maintain records, negotiate complex situations, organize, plan events, prepare programs, panels, or presentations, and recruit people to participate. 
  • Illustrate a challenge, find relevant resources, set criteria, synthesize and cite other people’s work, prioritize and allocate tasks, and cooperate successfully with other researchers and employees. 
  • Use both general and specialized software and technical tools.
  • Demonstrate a solid theoretical foundation in finance, as well as an awareness of financial operations, concepts, and the industry.
  • Demonstrate strong managerial and entrepreneurial skills.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of worldwide financial companies and industries, as well as an increased awareness of global issues.

Career prospects and salary-wise, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs in finance are set to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average rate for all occupations, and the median annual wage for finance occupations was $72,250 in May 2020.

How to get into the Online Phd
Finance program?

Can you get a PhD in finance? The Ph.D. program is rigorous and comprehensive, and it is only natural for the acceptance procedure to be equally rigorous. During enrollment, admissions officers or committee members check to see if the applicant has what it takes to pursue the program and will put in the effort necessary to complete the program effectively and successfully.  Colleges look for competent applicants with experience in their subject and vital academic records, with a keen interest in research and delivery. Apart from rudimentary admissions requirements, it is not uncommon for an interview with a member of the admissions committee to be called for during the final stages of the application process. It is worth noting that each school has its own admissions process and set of standards distinct from the others. Here are some of the essential and generic admissions requirements for an online Ph.D. in finance program:

  • Application for Admission
  • Application Fee
  • Official Academic Transcripts
  • An Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
  • Acceptable undergraduate coursework and Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • A Master’s degree in finance or a closely related field from an accredited institution. (Preference is generally given to applicants with a master’s in finance)
  • A Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 in graduate-level studies
  • Acceptable Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score (no more than five years old)
  • Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
  • Professional Resume
  • At least 3 to 4 Letters of Recommendation

Apart from this Ph.D. in finance requirements, some schools may require students to submit an Admission Essay or Scholarly Writing Sample and complete prerequisites courses such as mathematics, statistics, financial analysis, micro, and macroeconomics, etc., especially if they do not have a background in finance.

How long does it take to complete the
Online Phd Finance?

How long does a PhD in finance take? The Ph.D. program in finance takes about four to five years (sometimes six) to finish after completing high school or acquiring a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university. The entire Ph.D. process can be completed online because it mainly consists only of coursework. However, it is much more common for Ph.D. candidates to complete their dissertation/thesis through regular coursework than exclusively online. In most instances, coursework is completed in the first 2 years or 4 semesters of the program, with the remaining years dedicated to research, writing, and defending a thesis, dissertation, or other similar assignments/requirements. The 65 to 75 credits program also includes seminars and extensive examination throughout multiple.

Furthermore, while some online Ph.D. programs allow students to take lectures and tests at their own pace, others follow a strict class schedule and enroll students in a cohort for the duration of their program. This, too, can influence the length of a finance Ph.D. program.

Accreditation for Online
Phd Finance

Accreditation is a critical component of an institution’s credibility since it establishes its legitimacy. As confirmation that the college meets and maintains established standards in administrative support and policies, instructor hiring and evaluation, program quality, infrastructure, and curriculum requirements, it assures students and employers that the college or program is valuable and reputable. Accreditation from one of the six major regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S Department of Education is required for legitimacy and transferability of credentials. Regional accrediting agencies are comprised of the following six organizations:

  • New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Community and Junior Colleges Accrediting Commission (WSCUC)

The accreditation can also be provided by specialty accreditors, who examine the same characteristics as general accreditation committees but with a particular emphasis on the expert competencies demanded of students. They ensure that programs are well-rounded in terms of business knowledge, that teacher standards are based on real-world experience, and that the curriculum is up to date with the latest developments in the subject. Moreover, a recognized degree from a specialty program means that the institution has met subject-specific requirements established by the business community, such as those set by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The following are the three most well-known specialty accreditors for advanced finance programs in the United States who the CHEA also recognizes:

International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)

In addition to accrediting nearly 2,000 business and accounting schools throughout the world, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) also provides a supportive environment for members to build high-quality, creative business education programs.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

A global business education certification authority, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) was the first accrediting body to grant accreditation to all levels of college business education degree programs, from the associate to the doctoral level.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and learning and development services to over 1,700 member organizations and more than 900 accredited business schools around the world.

Students can check the accreditation of a college offering a Ph.D. in finance on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or U.S Department of Education websites.

Online PhD in Finance no
GRE Programs

Most universities, except for a few, require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) tests to be taken or scores to be submitted at the time of applying to a Ph.D. in finance program. The few schools that have waived this requirement or made it optional have done so, at least for the Fall 2024 intake, due to the Covid pandemic. No distinction is made between those who submit a GMAT/GRE score and those who do not. Here is an example of a university that has a No GRE PhD in Finance program:

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Due to the current pandemic, Chicago Booth will not require the GRE/GMAT for admission to the Ph.D. program in Fall 2024. Those who do not have a GRE or GMAT will be fully considered. Applicants who do not submit a GRE/GMAT score for the Fall 2024 application do not need to request a waiver or submit a request, as these scores are entirely optional for the Fall 2024 application.

Fully Funded Online PhD
Finance Programs

Several universities, private organizations, and research firms offer fully-funded online Ph.D. programs in finance and other business concentrations. However, students may have to meet additional admissions criteria or other program requirements to receive funding. Here are some colleges offering fully funded finance Ph.D. programs:

University/College Description
The University of Southern California – Marshall School of BusinessThe University of Southern California automatically considers its applicants for a full-tuition fellowship, which includes a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, health and dental insurance, and various administrative and institutional fees. The Marshall School of Business gives its Ph.D. students full financial support for up to 5 years, and more, if necessary.
University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton SchoolThe Wharton School offers a full fellowship that covers tuition, health insurance, and a monthly stipend for living expenses for five years of study. The total cost of the fellowship is $39,370, which does not include fees or insurance costs.
Binghamton University – School of ManagementBinghamton University School of Management provides a Ph.D. in finance fully funded through a research assistantship. Students receive full tuition and work closely with a faculty member in their research projects.
Rice University – Jones Graduate School of BusinessIn exchange for twenty hours of research work each week with Rice University faculty, Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business offers its Ph.D. students full financial support through a 20-hour per week research assistantship. The presiding faculty member and the administration evaluate the student’s work throughout the assistantship to maintain student funding. A stipend of $40,000 is given to each student who completes the program for the entire academic year. A laptop with necessary business software, access to library reserves, and $1,000 in spending money are also provided to students in this assistantship.

Accelerated Online PhD
in Finance

Some colleges offer fast-track or accelerated programs for students who desire to obtain their Ph.D. in less time than the standard 4 to 6 years. However, students should keep in mind that these programs need a lot of time and effort (daily). If students are going to get an accelerated doctorate, they will have to take three courses a term instead of two and would have to work on their dissertation throughout the entire program instead of putting it all together at the end. That said, accelerated executive Ph.D. programs in finance are very hard to come across; universities tend not to offer them for various reasons.

How to Pay for Online Phd
Finance Programs?

Even though online Ph.D. finance programs can potentially be cheaper than traditional in-state or out-of-state finance Ph.D., the program’s cost can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Most Ph.D. students are usually working professionals and try to fund their doctoral studies by themselves. However, with family, work, medical, and lifestyle commitments, doing so may not always be easy, which is why looking for alternatives to fund one’s doctoral program may be a prudent thing to do. Here are a few options of financial aid for an online Ph.D. finance student to explore:

In terms of financial help for most students, scholarships are by far the most popular option. Individual donors, private groups, alumnae associations, cultural, religious, and commercial organizations all contribute to the funding of scholarships for advanced education students. The academic performance and achievements of applicants are considered first and foremost when determining whether or not they will be awarded a scholarship. Besides academic achievement, scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership in their communities, have a particular cultural background, or are members of a specific religion, among other things. (Note: Read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed.)

Fellowship

A Ph.D. Fellowship, also known as Predoctoral Fellowship, is a monetary award given to a doctoral student. Some forms of Ph.D. fellowships provide financing for specific reasons, to students with specific traits, or the requirement that students complete a future assignment in exchange for funds. Fellowships are also awarded as incentives for exceptional performance, while others are meant to lure and retain highly desired pupils. Departments, universities, individuals, government agencies, corporate bodies. etc., all award fellowships.

Academically gifted students yet hail from low-income families are more likely to be awarded grants. In contrast to scholarships, grants are not entirely merit-based but need-based, typically awarded considering the family’s financial status.

Obtaining a Teaching Assistantship is an option for students who want to work as assistants to professors, assisting them with instructional constraints, working in a lab or workshop, or teaching and demonstrating for graduates and undergraduates. In exchange for their work, they will receive a fee waiver or stipend. Research Assistantships are another option that provides a fee waiver or stipend but differs from teaching assistantships in that they allow students to assist a professor with their research rather than teaching.

Employer Sponsorship

Many companies allow their employees to study further while working. Prospective doctoral students should check to see if their employer sponsors Ph.D. studies and the terms and conditions against which such sponsorship may be available. In most instances, employers will require a long-term commitment of some sort in exchange for the sponsorship of the employee’s doctoral program.

Student Loans

If they are eligible, doctoral students and working professionals pursuing their Ph.D. might also explore taking out government, bank, or private loans that will require them to make interest payments. It must be noted that loans that are not repaid on time will accrue additional interest and penalties, which will almost likely result in a rise in student debt.

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form students can fill in and submit to check their eligibility for financial aid against various criteria. More FAFSA-related information is available here.

Read the best Financial Guide to know more about various types of financial aid.

Free Courses for Online
Phd Finance

Students can seldom find quality free online courses in finance that are relevant and applicable to Ph.D.-level studies. Nevertheless, a few study portals offer free courses that may be of us to Ph.D. finance students. Most such offerings, however, serve as guide rails for a thesis, at best. One must also remember that free courses do not lead to a certificate; they provide additional knowledge and information to widen one’s horizons and study beyond the textbook. Here are some resources where free courses and classes can be found:

Course Description Offered by
Finance and Finance-related TopicsEdX, a leading study portal, offers a host of finance and finance-related topics across different learning levels. Topics include ‘Electronic Trading in Financial Markets’, ‘Public Financial Management’, ‘Deep Learning & Neural Networks for Financial Engineering’, ‘Fintech: AI & Machine Learning in the Financial Industry’, ‘Financial Development and Financial Inclusion’, ‘Managing Personal Cash & Credit’, and more.EdX
Finance and Finance-related TopicsOpenLearn (The Open University) offers 4 free finance courses in collaboration with other institutions – ‘Equity Finance’, ‘Introducing Corporate Finance’, ‘Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Finance’, and ‘Stakeholders in Marketing and Finance’. While these are better suited for master-level studies, they may be of use to Ph.D. students as well.OpenLearn
Finance and Finance-related TopicsMIT Open Courseware has several free graduate-level courses on various finance topics, which could potentially serve as refresher courses for Ph.D. students. Topics include ‘Behavioral Economics and Finance’, ‘Consumer Finance: Markets, Product Design, and FinTech’, ‘The Law of Corporate Finance and Financial Markets’, ‘Financing Economic Development’, and more.MIT Open Courseware – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

FAQs about Online Phd
Finance Programs

How to get a doctorate in Finance?

A bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in finance or a discipline closely connected to finance is required to enroll in an online Ph.D. finance program. In the first years of study, students must take courses in five categories: foundation courses, core courses, specialization courses, research techniques courses, and capstone/thesis preparation courses. The student must subsequently conduct research, prepare, and submit a dissertation or thesis, as well as defend it in front of a panel of academicians and professionals.

What are the best PhD programs in Finance?

What can you do with a doctorate in Finance?

What is the average fee charged by the colleges?

How long is a PhD in finance?

Can you get a PhD in finance online?

 What is the difference between a PhD and DBA?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after
Online Phd Finance

Although a Ph.D. in finance is better suited to enter senior positions in academia, it is not uncommon for individuals to seek careers in business and industry as well. Some potential Ph.D. careers are in investment banking, financial research & analysis, and private equity, higher up in the hierarchy.

What can you do with a PhD in finance? A Ph.D. degree in finance qualifies professionals for a variety of challenging executive positions, including controllers, financial managers, and chief financial officers (CFOs). When it comes to teaching at colleges and universities, a Ph.D. is often necessary, and many graduates go on to become professors, take up research, or become consultants.

Some finance Ph.D. careers and job titles include but are not limited to:

The PhD in finance salary varies according to seniority, industry type, geographic location, and company size, among other things. But as an indicator, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for finance occupations was $72,250 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations, and employment in finance occupations is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Here is a list of a few examples of occupations that Ph.D. holders in finance can qualify for (with additional experience and training), and their salaries as reported by salary.com:

OccupationJob DescriptionJob Growth (up to 2030)
Finance ProfessorA Finance Professor is primarily involved in teaching excellence, including traditional and online classes, in the fields of financial and managerial accounting, at universities, colleges, and other educational institutions.$77,802 – $104,156
Quantitative FinanceA Quantitative Finance demonstrates a strong knowledge of ratings criteria and cash flow analysis by helping to resolve clients’ analytical questions. They also review third-party model output and reconcile it with cash flow results from internal models.$71,086 – $75,499
Chief Financial Analysis OfficerA Chief Financial Analysis Officer evaluates organizational projects or plans to determine financial impact, plans and directs all aspects of an organization’s financial analysis projects and statistical studies, and identifies short-term and long-term business plans in accordance with standard financial policies and regulated procedures.$241,799 – $269,324
Chief Financial OfficerA Chief Financial Officer develops an organization’s overall financial policies, provides strategic direction of all financial functions, including accounting, budget, credit, insurance, tax, and treasury.$374,879 – $431,351
Finance DirectorA Finance Director directs an organization’s financial policies, planning, reporting, and controls while overseeing all financial functions, including accounting, budgeting, credit, risk, tax, and treasury.$173,747 – $192,393
Manager – Budgeting and Financial ControlA Budgeting and Financial Control Manager monitors actual performance against estimates, prepares annual and intermediate budgets, directs and coordinates budgeting activities and the implementation of the organization’s budget policies, and reviews operating budgets periodically to analyze trends affecting budget needs.$119,984 – $128,805

Certifications and Licensing for
Online Phd Finance

Many financial careers entail taking on significant responsibilities, making it crucial for anyone working in the field to have the necessary education, training, and experience. Even with an advanced degree such as a Ph.D., an individual’s abilities are enhanced by certifications, which serve as a seal of approval that they possess the required expertise to work in a specific sub-field of finance. In most circumstances, certifications serve as a kind of licensure or serve as a pathway to licensure, which is required for important occupations. When it comes to choosing a career path in a field such as accounting or financial services, such as securities or insurance, certain certification and/or licensure will almost always be required by the employer. The following are some examples of certification and licensure:

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

The Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), awarded by the American College of Financial Services, covers a must-have list of requirements for financial advisors, from knowledge on tax and retirement planning to special needs advising, wealth management, insurance, and more. This certification can help financial advisors open doors and expand their business while putting them in a position to branch out and take their chartered financial practice to the next level.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification is the gold standard of excellence in financial planning and opens the door to numerous opportunities to serve clients and help them reach their financial goals.

Series 6 Certification/License

The Series 6 Exam, or the Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative Qualification Examination (IR), measures and assesses whether each candidate has the knowledge and skills required to fulfill the important duties of an investment firm and variable contract products representative, such as mutual fund and variable annuity sales.

Series 7 Certification/License

The Series 7 exam, also known as the General Securities Representative Qualification Examination (GS), evaluates an entry-level registered representative’s ability to fulfill the duties of a general securities representative. The exam assesses each candidate’s ability to perform the essential responsibilities of a general securities representative, such as selling corporate, municipal, and investment company securities, as well as variable annuities, direct participation programs, options, and government securities.

Certifications from AICPA

The AICPA provides several designations for accountants with a CPA, such as Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Certified Financial Forensics (CFF), Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), Certified in Entity and Intangible Valuations (CEIV), and Certified in the Valuation of Financial Instruments (CVFI). All these credentials require experience in the related area, continuing education, and passing an exam.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter offers expertise and real-world skills in investment analysis. It is one of the highest distinctions in the profession of investment management.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) offers candidates the information and tools they require to guide them to a successful entry into the accounting profession.

Some other prominent certifications online Ph.D. in finance graduates can explore and consider are:

Additional Resources for Online
Phd Finance Degree

With finance being a vast ocean and having so many sub-disciplines in which one can specialize, keeping current and up to date is critical. It is always preferable to connect with industry experts, gain more significant insights into finance, collaborate with peers to resolve complex issues, and do much more than what an individual could accomplish on their own. Here are a few resources Ph.D. finance students and professionals can use for their study, research, or careers:

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) provides its members with world-class education, training, and sales and marketing resources. It also provides networking opportunities and access to great ideas and top-notch practitioners and an official publication that is a resource for sales ideas and industry news for insurance and financial advisors.

Association for Finance Professionals (AFP)

The Association for Finance Professionals (AFP) is an organization that provides certification, training, ideas and inspiration, events and networking, publication and data, and a career hub. AFP’s mission is to drive the future of finance and treasury and develop the leaders of tomorrow.

Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA)

The Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA) provides an open forum for the development and promotion of the risk profession. It connects practitioners, researchers, students, and others interested in the field of risk management. PRMIA offers its members information on the best risk management practices, professional development opportunities, certification programs, and valuable networking events.

Entrepreneurs’ Organization

Entrepreneurs’ Organization is a high-quality support network of 14,000+ like-minded leaders across 61 countries that helps entrepreneurs achieve their full potential through the power of life-enhancing connections, shared experiences, and collaborative learning. EO’s member network is committed to learning and helping each other succeed, gaining access to the world’s top experts, and helping individuals grow beyond their personal limits.

Financial Service Professionals (FSP)

Financial Service Professionals (FSP) is an organization that helps build one’s professional network, enhance one’s knowledge base, and grow one’s practice. It provides local access to world-class resources that are critical for success. Members can meet with peers, develop life-long connections, and grow their business through networking and educational events.

Author Bio:

Derick de Souza

Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

Disclaimer:

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