In the last decade, the academic study of finance has experienced an infusion of new concepts and quantitative methodologies that places it among the most sophisticated and dynamic areas of business and economics. New developments in the traditional areas of finance—theory of rational investor portfolio choice, interpretation and determination of security prices, efficient corporate decision-making—have been approached from the perspective of a single integrating paradigm derived from economic theory. This has led to extensive joint teaching and research between the finance, applied economics, and accounting faculties at Berkeley. Academic contributions are having profound effects on financial practice.
Curriculum
There are specific requirements for the doctoral program in each field of study. The faculty group can specify how certain departmental requirements are to be met and can add requirements or increase minimum standards. Optional courses may be taken in addition to the required courses, not instead of them. Students must consult with their field advisor to ensure that their choices make a sensible program.
Students are encouraged to take four courses in each semester of the first year. Not all courses might be offered each semester and the list of classes is subject to change.
Detailed course listings, and more about the PhD Curriculum in Finance