Top 4 Part-Time PhD in Finance Degree Programs 2025

Finance is tremendously important aspect of the global economy. This field requires expert professionals to understand, research, and manage it effectively. You can attain such expertise by earning a part-time PhD in finance from one of the accredited institutions below.

Can You Earn a PhD in Finance Part-Time?

Yes, you can earn a PhD in finance part-time. Although full-time work is much more common at most American universities, there are a few institutions that specialize in flexible, part-time enrollment programs in finance and related disciplines. If you research your options, you should find a suitable way to finish a finance PhD at your own pace.

Can I Earn My Part-Time PhD in Finance Online?

Yes, there are institutions, like Liberty University, which offer a part-time finance PhD 100% online. Some online doctoral programs require specific meeting times for online courses (synchronous formats), whereas others let you complete online modules anytime you want (asynchronous formats). You may even find an online program that's slightly cheaper than traditional face-to-face graduate degrees.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Finance PhD?

This degree may take a while to complete, even if you enroll full-time. Part-time students may need at least five years to fulfill all the coursework, dissertation, and comprehensive examination requirements. Check with your intended university to verify whether there is a maximum time for doctoral degree completion.

Best Part-Time PhD Programs in Finance

Here's a list of part-time PhD programs in finance. Each school maintains an updated academic accreditation, and we also give you the estimated cost figures.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University has an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in finance, which serves many of the same training purposes as a PhD program. Liberty students can complete doctoral classes one at a time without campus visits or residencies.

The coursework focuses on financial leadership methods, business research, managerial and financial skills, and analysis of business mergers and acquisitions. This nonprofit university also prepares graduates for roles as professors, treasurers and controllers, and financial managers in all sectors.

• Estimated tuition cost: $645 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo offers a PhD in management or finance, primarily for full-time students, with some exceptions for part-time study. The program requires 72 credit hours and face-to-face instruction. Graduate students can utilize this degree curriculum to master several areas of finance: accounting, marketing, operations management, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $471 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology offers a choice of full-time or part-time study for its PhD in finance. The admissions requirements include submitting GRE or GMAT scores, earning a 3.0 GPA or higher, writing a statement of purpose, and obtaining three or four recommendation letters.

All coursework involves face-to-face learning at the university campus. Illinois Tech graduates have found employment at major companies such as Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Federal Home Loan Bank, Zacks Investment Research, and other private or academic institutions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $425 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Walden University

Walden University permits part-time enrollment for its flexible PhD in management and finance. Some graduates may qualify for a $5,000 grant to reduce tuition costs. You can complete most of the doctoral coursework online, but Walden requires at least four short in-person residencies.

• Estimated tuition cost:$780 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

Online Doctoral Degrees in Finance

If you do not find a suitable part-time program among the schools above, consider one of these other online doctoral degrees in finance. These are still full-time programs but provide convenient distance-learning options for graduate students who can attend courses in person.

National University

National University has a fully online PhD in financial management for students who already possess a master's degree in the field. The curriculum features five core courses, five specialization courses, two statistics classes, five research courses, and one other elective.

Many courses focus on developing future financial managers by addressing topics like investment analysis, analyzing financial statements, and understanding financial issues in the global market.

• Estimated tuition cost: $442 per credit hour
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Atlantic International University

Atlantic International University takes a flexible approach to train students pursuing PhDs in finance. This program expects graduate students to master empirical methods in finance, financial econometrics, derivatives and risk management, and asset pricing theory. It also encourages students to seek journal publishing opportunities before completing a dissertation project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC)

How We Rank Schools

Check out how we rank the schools for our list of part-time finance PhD programs. The primary criteria include academic accreditation, program flexibility, and a strong program reputation.

• Accreditation: Each school has an accreditation from an institution like SACSCOC.
• Program flexibility: We chose part-time programs with flexible degree completion options.
• Program reputation: These degree programs receive solid testimonies from previous graduates for possessing dedicated faculty who mentor PhD students during and after degree enrollment.

FAQs About Flexible PhD in Finance Programs

These are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) from prospective PhD students in finance. This section addresses cost concerns, degree value, degree duration, and whether employers take these credentials seriously.

How Much Does a Part-Time PhD in Finance Cost?

This PhD degree may cost between $10,000 and $80,000, but it depends on where you go to school. Private colleges may charge double or triple the cost-per-credit-hour of a public university with more affordable in-state tuition rates. The best way to control your graduate school expenses is to pursue as much financial aid (e.g., scholarships and grants) as possible.

Is a Part-Time PhD Program in Finance Worth It?

Yes, finance is almost always a growing field in academia, on Wall Street, and among businesses of various sizes. Some PhD graduates use their degrees to advance into positions like chief financial officer (CFO) or other corporate officer roles. There are also plenty of colleges hiring tenure-track assistant professors in this important research field.

Is It Worth Doing a Finance PhD Part-Time?

This depends on whether you wish to obtain your degree immediately or don't mind waiting a few years for your return on investment. If you still need to work while attending graduate school, then the part-time route is the only viable option. Just be aware that it could take several years to finish your degree by taking one or two classes each semester.

Are Online PhDs Taken Seriously?

Yes, employers and academic departments take these doctorates seriously. Part-time students acquire the same skills and subject-matter expertise as full-time students, just at a slower pace. Even many full-time students take a leave of absence before finishing their degrees, which also delays the completion process.

How Long Will a Part-Time PhD Take?

It could take at least five years to finish a part-time PhD in finance. Most doctoral programs require at least 70 credit hours, but you may have to complete much less if you already possess a master's degree in finance. Master's degree holders might only need an additional 30 to 45 credit hours if their previous credits transfer into the new PhD program.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

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