Description
DESCRIPTION: Applications are invited to Auburn's Department of Finance Doctoral Program, starting in the Fall of 2026. The Harbert College Ph.D. in Finance is a research-oriented degree that prepares students for tenure-track faculty positions at research-oriented institutions. Faculty work closely with students and have nearby offices. Students typically work on a joint research project with one or more professors early in their program. Thus, students are quickly immersed in doing high-quality research. Recent placements include University of Toledo, Loyola Marymount University, Elon University, University of Tampa, and University of Northern Colorado.
Most coursework can be completed in the first two years. The core coursework is an intensive study of the theory and empirical analysis of finance, focused on investments, corporate finance, and financial institutions and markets. Graduate courses in microeconomics and econometrics are also required. Students typically serve as teaching/research assistants during the first two years, with teaching responsibilities beginning in the third year. As a full-time student, you will receive office space, computer resources, and departmental office support.
About the Department & Programs
The Department of Finance includes 14 tenure-track faculty, 5 lecturers, 2 staff dedicated to undergrad professional development, and 6–8 adjuncts per semester. With over 1,000 majors, it is the largest department in Auburn’s largest college. The department’s undergraduate program is distinguished by strong placement in investment banking and high starting salaries. Faculty research spans top journals (including Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies), and the department offers both Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Finance. Based on UTD Research Rankings (top three finance journals) over the past five years, Auburn is ranked 70th.
Why Auburn? Why Harbert?
Auburn University is a top-tier public research institution and one of the most respected universities in the nation. The Harbert College of Business is home to more than 7,000 students and ranked among the top 50 public business schools by U.S. News & World Report. The college is known for its commitment to excellence, robust corporate engagement, and its forward-looking approach to business education. More information about the college can be found in the following link (https://harbert.auburn.edu/about/why-the-harbert-college-of-business.html).
Auburn, Alabama boasts a wide range of public amenities, a highly-ranked public school system, and has been rated among the ‘Top 100 Best Places to Live in America’ by Money magazine in 2019 and one of the ‘10 Best Small College Towns in America’ by THE HILL in 2022. Auburn is conveniently located along Interstate 85, 90-minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Shores beaches less than four hours away.
Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability employer.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates should have a strong interest in research. A master’s degree in finance, economics, or related areas is recommended but not required. Additionally, candidates with solid quantitative and computational skills are preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are essential.
FUNDING: Incoming students are typically offered a graduate assistantship (GA) that includes a monthly stipend and waived tuition. The assistantship is renewable for up to five years with satisfactory annual progress. Other sources of funding (i.e., summer funding) can bring the total stipend to $35,000 per year. Exceptional candidates are eligible for competitive Presidential Awards that carry additional stipends of $15,000 for the first three years. To be nominated for this award, applicants must apply for admission before January 1, 2026.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Deadline: February 1, 2026.
Requirements:
-Complete the online Graduate School application (https://applygrad.auburn.edu/portal/apply)
-A personal statement of interest
-At least two letters of recommendation
-Send official undergraduate and graduate transcripts to the Graduate School
-Send GMAT or GRE scores to the Graduate School
-International students must submit TOEFL/IELTS scores to the Graduate School
For more information, please go to https://harbert.auburn.edu/degrees-programs/doctoral/phd-business-finance/index.html or contact Dr. Albert Wang, Ph.D. Program Coordinator (albertwang@auburn.edu)
