About the USF Finance PhD Program

The Finance PhD program at the University of South Florida (USF), located in Tampa, offers rigorous training for aspiring academics in finance. The program aims to develop highly skilled researchers capable of producing impactful contributions to the field.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The program typically takes four to five years to complete. The first two years are heavily focused on coursework, providing a solid foundation in core areas such as:

• Financial Economics
• Econometrics
• Corporate Finance
• Asset Pricing

Students also take specialized elective courses based on their research interests. Successful completion of comprehensive exams after the second year is required to advance to candidacy. Following the coursework phase, the focus shifts to dissertation research.

Research Opportunities

USF’s Finance PhD program emphasizes original research. Students work closely with faculty members on research projects throughout their time in the program. Faculty expertise covers a broad range of topics, including:

• Behavioral Finance
• Market Microstructure
• Real Estate Finance
• FinTech
• Sustainable Finance

The program encourages students to present their research at leading academic conferences and publish in top-tier finance journals. USF provides resources and support to facilitate high-quality research, including access to extensive databases and research software.

Faculty and Resources

The program boasts a dedicated faculty with strong research records and a commitment to mentoring students. The faculty are actively involved in the field, publishing in leading finance journals and participating in academic conferences.

USF’s Muma College of Business provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including a financial trading room, data analytics labs, and dedicated office space for PhD students.

Placement

The USF Finance PhD program has a strong track record of placing graduates in tenure-track positions at reputable universities. The program’s focus on research and rigorous training prepares graduates for successful academic careers. The program also prepares students for research roles in government organizations and financial institutions. Career services are offered by the business school to aid students in their job search.

Admission

Admission to the program is highly competitive. Successful applicants typically have a strong academic record, including a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field (e.g., finance, economics, mathematics, statistics). Strong quantitative skills and a demonstrated interest in research are essential. The application requires GRE or GMAT scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the USF Muma College of Business website for detailed information about the Finance PhD program, including admission requirements, curriculum, and faculty profiles.