Fields of Study: Finance

Finance is one of the most popular areas of study for business students because of its unique program options, comprehensive curriculum, and world-class faculty. The Smith School of Business has become a leader in finance education by assembling a group of talented faculty members who are well-known industry experts and prominent in academic and business circles. As a result, the Smith School offers practical education in finance while providing the research and consulting knowledge to challenge the common wisdom.

The finance faculty at the Smith School has a distinguished record of research accomplishments and professional leadership. The research and external activities of the finance faculty keep them on the leading edge of financial theory and practice. This translates into excellent learning opportunities for students who may choose from a wide spectrum of courses.

Program Requirements

Major Specification

The major field requirement of 18 credits is usually completed by taking five core courses and by taking or waiving one course from a list of MBA electives. See Doctoral Program in Finance Handbook for MBA courses.

  • BMGT 840 Theory of Finance
  • BMGT 841 Seminar in Corporate Finance
  • BMGT 843 Seminar in Asset Pricing
  • BMGT 828A&B Special Topics I and II
  • BMGT 828C Research Seminar

Minor Specification (Usually Economics)

The requirements for an economics minor are usually fulfilled by taking four of the following courses:

  • ECON 603 Microeconomics (required)
  • ECON 604 General Equilibrium Theory (required)
  • ECON 601 Macroeconomic Analysis I
  • ECON 602 Macroeconomic Analysis II
  • ECON 661 The Corporate Firm
  • ECON 662 Industry Structure, Conduct, and Performance
  • ECON 664 Empirical Studies in Industrial Organization
  • ECON 681 Comparative Institutional Economics I
  • ECON 682 Comparative Institutional Economics II
  • ECON 741 Advanced International Economics I
  • ECON 742 Advanced International Economics II
  • ECON 743 Topics in International Finance

MBA Core Requirement

Two courses required from the MBA core, with waiver of requirement for students with an MBA degree, a Bachelor's degree in Business, or a minor in the core.

  • Economics Requirement
  • Waived in view of minor in Economics.

Qualifying Exam

Students in the Finance concentration need to pass a qualifying examination at the end of the first year. For more details, please refer to PhD Finance Doctoral Handbook.

For academic issues, contact:

Dr. Richmond Mathews
Assistant Professor of Finance
Phone: 301-405-4113
Email: rmathews@rhsmith.umd.edu

For admission issues, application status, or other questions, please Email businessphd@rhsmith.umd.edu or call 301-405-2214.