PhD in Business, Finance

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process and Selection

When are applications due?

February 1st. We will consider applications received after this deadline only until our selections have been made.

How many applicants do you admit each year?

Our goal is to admit two to three new PhD students in the fall semester each year.

What criteria do you look at when making selection choices?

Our criteria include test scores, grades, alma maters, reference letters, and personal statements.

Do you have a minimum GMAT/GRE score?

We do not seriously consider candidates with GMAT scores below 700 except in extremely rare circumstances. In addition to preferring GMAT scores higher than 700, we also want to see quantitative scores in the 95th percentile or higher.

Do all international students have to take the TOEFEL?

Only international students who have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree where the coursework is taught in English are exempt from the TOEFEL.

Do you require a master’s degree for admission?

No, but foundation courses may be required for students with limited or no course in business.

Do you require a U.S. degree for admission?

No.

Do you require applicants to have a business degree?

No, but we do expect applicants to have taken one or more courses in finance, economics, and accounting.

I am interested in applying. Can I come for a visit before I apply?

We encourage you to visit if you meet the admissions requirements. Please contact the PhD Advisor before your visit.

Do you require visits?

Short list candidates must either visit or participate in a video conference before we make final selection decisions.

How do I apply?

You will need to complete the online Graduate School application, send official undergraduate/graduate transcripts to the Graduate School, and send GMAT or GRE scores to the Graduate School.

See our Admissions page for complete details.

Funding

Do you offer graduate student funding?

Yes. Incoming students are typically offered a graduate assistantship (GA) position that includes a monthly stipend and waived tuition. The assistantship is renewable for four years, and students with promising research programs may be supported for a fifth year.

Are any health benefits available to incoming PhD students?

New students are automatically enrolled in the Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan. Graduate student assistants currently receive a $500 supplement toward the total annual cost of approximately $2,028 (2020–2021).

If you already have health insurance, you may opt out of the Graduate Student Health Insurance plan by completing the Waiver Request form and providing proof of current insurance.

Do PhD students get assigned an office or have access to other resources?

All PhD students are assigned an office in the Lowder Business Building. Typically, 2-3 students share an office with each having a personal desk and computer. Printing and copying is available in a central location.

Do PhD students get support for travel to conferences and academic meetings?

Yes, support for such travel is available if the student is presenting a paper. Other funding is periodically available to those not submitting papers.

Program Questions

About the department of Finance

The Department of Finance includes fourteen tenure-track faculty. With over 1,000 majors, it is the largest department in Auburn’s largest college. The department’s undergraduate program is also distinguished by strong placement in investment banking and high starting salaries.

Harbert faculty research spans top journals, including Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies, and the department offers both PhD and MS degrees in Finance. Based on UTD Research rankings (top three finance journals) over the past five years, Auburn is ranked 70th.

What is the placement record of PhD graduates in Finance?

The Harbert College of Business PhD in Business, Finance is a relatively new degree. Our first class was admitted in 2014, and we graduated five students in 2019. All graduates were placed in tenure track positions as Assistant Professors. Placements included Ryerson University (Toronto), Neoma Business School (France), Manhattan College (New York), California State University, Dominguez Hills (Los Angeles), and Troy University (Troy, AL).

What kind of academic focus does the program provide?

The program focuses on the core areas of investments, corporate finance and financial institutions and markets. The strengths of the faculty also include theoretical and empirical work in options and futures.

I want to be a consultant. Is this a good program for me?

Our program is primarily designed to train future academicians and is focused on research. Choose Auburn if you are interested in and motivated to do research in the field of finance.

Can I do the program part-time or in the evenings?

No. The program is a traditional residency based program.

How important is statistics?

Very important. We will typically require two or more courses in econometrics and other key methodologies required for rigorous research in empirical and theoretical finance.

What kind of academic position can I get after earning this degree?

We expect all graduates to be competitive for tenure-track positions at universities in the U.S. and abroad. Having accepted publications before graduation is extremely important for successful job placement.

What makes Auburn special?

Several things:

Our PhD program is new, and we are well funded due to the Endowment of Raymond J. Harbert. We have a strong, dedicated faculty, many of whom are leading experts in their fields. Moreover, the Harbert Endowment allows us to recruit additional faculty with strong research records.
Our graduate student stipends are expected to be competitive with those of most major state universities.
Our people and collegial atmosphere. Auburn is a great small college town with easy access to larger cities such as Atlanta and Birmingham.

Still Have Questions?

Contact Us

Albert Wang

Program Officer