The Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (USC) offers a highly competitive and rigorous PhD program in Finance. It’s designed to train exceptional scholars who will contribute significantly to the advancement of finance research and education.
The program’s core strength lies in its faculty, comprised of renowned researchers with diverse expertise across various domains within finance. These include corporate finance, asset pricing, behavioral finance, financial econometrics, and real estate finance, among others. Students benefit from close mentorship and collaboration with faculty, enabling them to develop their research skills and pursue independent research projects.
The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in economic theory, econometrics, and quantitative methods. In the first two years, students complete a sequence of core courses covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, probability and statistics, and advanced finance topics. These courses are designed to equip students with the theoretical and methodological tools necessary to conduct cutting-edge research.
Beyond the core curriculum, students can tailor their coursework to their specific research interests. The program offers a wide range of elective courses in specialized areas of finance, allowing students to delve deeper into their chosen fields. Furthermore, students are encouraged to attend research seminars and workshops, where they can learn about the latest developments in finance research and present their own work.
A key component of the Marshall Finance PhD program is the emphasis on research. From early on, students are encouraged to engage in research projects, often in collaboration with faculty. This hands-on experience is invaluable in developing their research skills and preparing them for a career in academia. Students are expected to present their research at leading academic conferences and publish their work in top-tier finance journals.
The program also provides ample support for students to pursue their research. This includes funding for conference travel, access to research databases, and computational resources. The Marshall School of Business also has a dedicated career services office that provides guidance and support to students in their job search.
Graduates of the Marshall Finance PhD program have gone on to successful careers at leading universities and research institutions around the world. The program’s strong reputation, combined with the rigorous training and research opportunities it provides, makes it an excellent choice for aspiring finance scholars.
Admission to the program is highly selective, with applicants typically possessing a strong background in mathematics, economics, and finance. Successful applicants also demonstrate a strong aptitude for research and a clear passion for the field.