Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ph.D. in Management with a specialization in Finance is an online program designed for business professionals who are interested in expanding their knowledge of decision science and finance through research and analysis. As a student of the program, you will have the opportunity to focus on such areas as corporate financial theories, investments, and international finance. The program explores organizational and social structures, professional applications of human development, the impact of social change, and the decision-making process. Walden University's Ph.D. in Management program with a specialization in Finance is offered in a traditional course-based format and in a flexible, self-directed format that focuses on advanced research courses and papers known as Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs).

What Are the Prerequisites?

The program is designed for current business or administrative professionals. Experience in corporate finance, management, or teaching is helpful. Most of Walden University's doctoral programs require a master's degree or higher and three years of related academic or professional experience. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. The Walden University Ph.D. in Management program with a specialization in Finance incorporates online study as well as four residency periods (for a minimum of 16 units) and culminates in a dissertation. The required courses are listed below.

Self-Directed Program Format

Foundation Course, Core KAMs, and Research Courses

• Foundations for Doctoral Study
• KAM I: Principles of Social Change
  • Breadth: Theories of Social Change
  • Depth: Current Research in Social Change
  • Application: Professional Practice and Social Change
• KAM II: Principles of Human Development
  • Breadth: Theories of Human Development
  • Depth: Current Research in Human Development
  • Application: Professional Practice and Human Development
• KAM III: Principles of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Breadth: Theories of Organizational and Social Systems
  • Depth: Current Research in Organizational and Social Systems
  • Application: Professional Practice and Organizational and Social Systems
• Foundation Research Sequence
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Advanced Research Course:Students choose one.
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis

Specialized KAMs: Students choose KAM V or KAM VI. KAM VII is required

• KAM V: Corporate Financial Theory
  • Breadth: Theory of Corporate Finance
  • Depth: Current Research in Corporate Finance
  • Application: Professional Practice: Application of Corporate Finance
• KAM VI: Investment and International Finance
  • Breadth: Theory of Investments and International Finance
  • Depth: Current Research in Investments and International Finance
  • Application: Professional Practice: Application of Investments and International Finance
• KAM VII: Research
  • Breadth: Research Methods
  • Depth: Selected Research Methods
  • Application: Research Design

Dissertation

• Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Walden University's Ph.D. in Management program with a specialization in Finance have the opportunity to pursue careers in trading, investments, corporate consulting, or strategic corporate initiatives. Management finance specialists often work with corporate leaders and portfolio managers to implement efficient asset selection strategies or analyze trends. Graduates may wish to pursue careers in research, teaching, or consulting.

Positions that graduates may seek include:

• Professor
• Financial consultant
• Investment research analyst
• Securities trader
• Corporate executive