PhD in Finance

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

27

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Graduation Rate

93%

Job Placement

87%

Top recruiters

Deloitte

JPMorgan Chase

Goldman Sachs

Bank of America

Morgan Stanley

McKinsey

Aetna

Dell

BAE Systems

Visa

AECOM

McGill University

Marsh McLennan

McAfee

PayPal

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

$66,850 / year

Overall Cost

$81,850 / year

FAQs

• How long does it take to complete the PhD?
  
  The program typically takes 5–6 years of full-time, on-campus study, starting in the fall
• What resources and research centers are available?
  
  Students benefit from the Wells Fargo Advisors Center for Finance and Accounting Research (WFA-CFAR), which supports data acquisition, student travel, and organizes conferences with leading researchers. The center also facilitates corporate collaborations, providing access to unique datasets and real-world research opportunities.
• What are the main areas of faculty research and student collaboration?
  
  Faculty research covers a broad range of topics, including: Banking and financial intermediation Corporate finance and control Capital structure Mergers and acquisitions Asset pricing models Investments and portfolio allocation Market microstructure Students collaborate with faculty on research projects, often resulting in co-authored publications in top journals such as the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, and Review of Financial Studies.
• What is the curriculum structure?
  
  Prework: Mandatory math camp before the first year. First Year: Courses in microeconomics, quantitative methods, econometrics, empirical methods in finance, asset pricing, and corporate finance. Students must attend finance seminars, complete a summer research paper, and pass the Micro Prelim Exam (with one retake allowed). Second Year: Advanced finance research courses, directed readings, and independent studies. Continued seminar participation and further specialized coursework. Research and Milestones: Students must submit progress reports, attend research seminars, and present papers. Collaboration with faculty is encouraged from the outset, and students gain experience through summer papers and ongoing research projects.
• What backgrounds do successful applicants typically have?
  
  Admitted students usually have strong quantitative backgrounds, often with undergraduate or graduate degrees in economics, mathematics, engineering, or other quantitative disciplines. High GMAT or GRE scores are common among successful applicants
• What is the main focus of the PhD in Finance at WashU Olin Business School?
  
  The program emphasizes rigorous analytical training and prepares students for research and teaching careers at leading academic institutions worldwide. Students develop expertise in theoretical and empirical finance, working closely with renowned faculty and engaging in collaborative research early in the program