Queen’s Finance PhD Program: A Rigorous Path to Research Excellence

Queen’s University’s Finance PhD program, housed within the Smith School of Business, is a highly competitive and rigorous program designed to train exceptional scholars capable of producing cutting-edge research in all major areas of finance. The program is structured to equip students with the theoretical foundations and methodological skills necessary for successful careers in academia and research-oriented institutions.

Curriculum and Structure

The program typically spans four to five years and follows a structured curriculum. The initial two years are primarily dedicated to coursework, covering core areas such as:

• Financial Economics: A deep dive into asset pricing models, market efficiency, and capital structure theories.
• Corporate Finance: Exploring topics like investment decisions, dividend policy, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.
• Econometrics: Building a strong foundation in statistical methods and techniques essential for empirical finance research, including time series analysis, panel data methods, and causal inference.
• Microeconomic Theory: Providing a solid understanding of individual and firm behavior, including game theory and information economics.

Beyond the core courses, students have the opportunity to specialize in their areas of interest through elective courses. This allows them to develop expertise in fields such as asset pricing, behavioral finance, corporate finance, financial econometrics, and market microstructure. The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest advancements in the field and ensure relevance to contemporary research questions.

Research Focus

Research is at the heart of the Queen’s Finance PhD program. Students are actively involved in research from an early stage, often collaborating with faculty members on ongoing projects. The program emphasizes the importance of developing original research ideas and contributing to the existing body of knowledge. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and provide close mentorship to guide students through the research process.

Faculty and Resources

The program benefits from a distinguished faculty with expertise in a wide range of finance areas. Faculty members are actively involved in publishing in top-tier finance journals and are committed to mentoring students and fostering their research development. The Smith School of Business also provides excellent research resources, including access to extensive databases, computational facilities, and travel funding to attend conferences and present research.

Admission and Expectations

Admission to the Queen’s Finance PhD program is highly selective. Successful applicants typically possess a strong background in economics, finance, mathematics, or a related quantitative field. They are expected to have excellent academic records, strong GRE scores, and a demonstrated aptitude for research. The program demands a high level of commitment, intellectual curiosity, and a strong work ethic.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Queen’s Finance PhD program are well-prepared for careers in academia and research-oriented institutions. They have been placed at leading universities and business schools around the world. The program’s rigorous training and emphasis on research excellence provide graduates with a competitive edge in the academic job market.