Curriculum

The PhD degree is awarded by the Graduate College of the University of Oklahoma and degree requirements are set by the University and Price College of Business, as well as the Finance Division. What follows is a brief overview of the coursework in a typical Finance PhD student's program and is not intended to be definitive or complete. For a complete understanding of the degree requirements, students should consult the Graduate College Bulletin and the Finance PhD Student Handbook.

 

Core or Background Courses:

Finance PhD students are normally expected to enter the program with background courses at the undergraduate or graduate level in mathematics (including differential and integral calculus, and matrix algebra), statistics, and economics. In addition the College requires at least one graduate level course in marketing, management, and accounting. The latter courses may be taken during the program if a student does not have them already.

 

Economics and Statistics:

Finance PhD students are required to have a concentration (at least three PhD level courses) in econometrics/statistics and a concentration in either economic theory or accounting. Most of the coursework in the first year of the Finance Ph.D. program is normally devoted to econometrics, economic theory, and statistics. Students are generally required to take two PhD level courses in microeconomics.

 

Finance:

FIN 6603 Introduction to Financial Theory
FIN 6703 Portfolio Theory and Asset Pricing
FIN 6803 Corporate Finance Theory
FIN 6903 Institutions and Markets
FIN 6973 Business Plan
FIN 6603 is normally a prerequisite for the other courses. In addition a summer research project is expected of all students.

 

Sample Finance PhD Schedule

General Examinations:

Finance PhD students are required to take general or comprehensive examinations in finance, econometrics, and either economic theory or accounting.