Apr 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Management (Finance) PhD


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Built on a foundation of excellence, the Management PhD program will provide the training education and skills you need to launch a successful academic career. Choose from six majors: accounting, finance, management science and systems, marketing, operations management and strategy, or organization and human resources.

Finance Emphasis Requirements


First Year


Spring Semester


Typically four of the following, with at least one being a finance class:

Second Year


Spring Semester


If research interests dictate, you may register for research seminars or other classes in related disciplines such as econometrics (e.g., ECO 712SEM - Econometrics: Time Series Analysis ; ECO 713SEM - Advanced Econometrics I ; ECO 796SEM - Special Topics ), accounting (e.g. accounting research methodology, seminar in financial accounting), computer science (e.g. machine learning, big data, computing), industrial and systems engineering (e.g. simulations and stochastic models), etc. Some of these are subject to approval by your PhD advisor.

By the end of your second year, you will be required to present a full research paper of publishable quality. The Department of Finance uses the 2nd-year paper requirement in order to evaluate each student’s potential and ability to develop and execute research ideas independently. The evaluation of research potential/capabilities will be made by the Second-Year Paper Committee (hereafter ‘committee’). The committee is chosen by the student and should consist of at least two finance faculty members (including a committee chair and a committee member).

In the summer after the second year, you will be required to pass the comprehensive exam. The exam consists of two written parts and takes two days. On day one, you will be asked to answer questions inspired by the finance research classes you have taken. On the second day, you will be required to write a paper review for a hypothetical finance journal.

Third Year and Beyond


After passing the comprehensive exam, you will work closely with your faculty advisor toward the completion of your thesis. While you may continue to take regular classes, your focus will be on the quality of your research and its publishability.

External Area of Focus for Management Students


If you are a doctoral student in the School of Management who is interested in obtaining an external area of focus in Economics, you should consult with your academic advisor. The following courses satisfy the Management doctoral core requirements in statistics (two courses) as well as the requirements for an external focus area in Economics (a grade point average of 3.0 is required in external focus area courses).

Total Credit Hours: 72


3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method


  • In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options


  • Full Time

Credits Required


  • 72 Hours

Time-To-Degree


  • 3 to 5+ Years

Application Fee


  • $50

Program Contact


School of Management
Office of Strategic Marketing and Enrollment Management
150 Jacobs Management Center
Buffalo, NY 14260
Contact Admissions

SED Statement


This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.

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