The PhD program requires dissertation on an approved topic in finance and is designed to prepare students for academic careers in research-oriented schools of business. Accordingly, the program's primary focus is on research. Over the first two years in the program students develop their conceptual and empirical tool kits by taking a series of graduate level courses in Economics, Statistics, Econometrics and four semesters of doctoral seminars in Finance. Students are also required to write research papers after their first and second year in the program, in addition to the dissertation. They are also provided the opportunity to teach at least two courses during the program. Thus the program aims to prepare them for the research and teaching missions of their academic career. As a small program with typical enrollment of two or three a year, the students get plenty of personal attention from our department faculty which is nationally recognized for its contribution to research.<br>The Department of Finance, Insurance, and Business Law has a long-term commitment to research excellence among its faculty, including renowned experiential education for its students and doctoral students. Ongoing research activity enables the department to continuously upgrade course content to make it contemporary and relevant to modern business needs. Our faculty members stay informed of current trends and the latest research in the financial world and publish their research in top-tier finance journals.