PhD Finance | LSU Department of Finance

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class="breadcrumb"> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="https://www.lsu.edu/">Home</a></li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="https://www.lsu.edu/business/">Business</a></li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="https://www.lsu.edu/business/finance/">Department of Finance</a></li> <li class="breadcrumb-item active" aria-current="page">PhD Finance</li> </ol> </nav> </div> </div> </div> </div> <section> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-12"> <div class="container"> <div class="row mx-lg-n5"> <div class="col-lg-7 py-3 px-lg-5"> <h1>PhD Finance</h1> <h2 class="lead">The mark of highest achievement in finance scholarship.</h2> <p>The PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in finance is a research-oriented program designed to prepare students for professions in the academic and business communities. The program is an intensive course of study in the theory and empirical analysis of finance. Coursework is designed to introduce the student to all essential areas of finance, but the responsibility for mastering the material lies with the student. To be successful in this program, students must be committed to the highest level of academic achievement. A combination of classroom instruction, seminars, independent studies, and individual work with faculty prepares the student for continued research in the field of finance.</p> </div> <div class="col-lg-5 py-3 px-lg-5"> <div style="background-color: #FFFFFF;padding: 20px; border-radius: 5px;"> <p class="label">Quick Links</p> <p><a class="btn btn-purple btn-block" href="/business/finance/index.php">DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE</a><a class="btn btn-purple btn-block" href="/business/finance/faculty-staff.php">FINANCE FACULTY & STAFF</a><a class="btn btn-purple btn-block" href="/business/finance/phd-student-directory.php">PhD Student Directory & Placements </a></p> <p><a class="btn btn-purple btn-block" href="/business/finance/research.php">Research & Seminars</a></p> <p><a class="btn btn-purple btn-block" href="https://lsu.edu/graduateschool/admissions/apply.php">Apply Now</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="background-color: #FFFFFF;padding: 20px; border-radius: 5px;"> <h2 style="text-align: center;">Our Areas of Research</h2> <hr> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-lg-4"> <ul> <li>Banking</li> <li>Capital structure</li> <li>Credit ratings</li> <li>Consumption-based asset pricing</li> <li>Corporate governance</li> <li>Corporate finance</li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-lg-4"> <ul> <li>Financing decisions</li> <li>Financial derivatives</li> <li>Financial disclosure</li> <li>Financial innovation</li> <li>Financial intermediation</li> <li>Fixed-income securities</li> </ul> </div> <div class="col-lg-4"> <ul> <li>Household finance</li> <li>Indexing</li> <li>Institutional investors</li> <li>Real estate finance</li> <li>Risk management</li> <li>Poverty</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tabs"> <nav> <div class="nav nav-tabs" id="nav-tab-d26e236" role="tablist"><a class="nav-item nav-link active" id="tab-d26e236-1" data-toggle="tab" href="#d26e236-1" role="tab" aria-controls="tab-d26e236-1" aria-selected="true">Phases of the PhD Program</a><a class="nav-item nav-link" id="tab-d26e236-2" data-toggle="tab" href="#d26e236-2" role="tab" aria-controls="tab-d26e236-2" aria-selected="false">Curriculum</a><a class="nav-item nav-link" id="tab-d26e236-3" data-toggle="tab" href="#d26e236-3" role="tab" aria-controls="tab-d26e236-3" aria-selected="false">Admission </a><a class="nav-item nav-link" id="tab-d26e236-4" data-toggle="tab" href="#d26e236-4" role="tab" aria-controls="tab-d26e236-4" aria-selected="false">Assistantship</a></div> </nav> <div class="tab-content" id="nav-tabContent-d26e236"> <div id="d26e236-1" class="tab-pane fade show active" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="tab-d26e236-1"> <p class="lead">Phases of the PhD Program</p> <p>The PhD program at LSU, similar to most research-oriented schools, has three distinct phases: (1) coursework, (2) general exams and (3) the writing of a dissertation and passing its oral defense. Each of these areas is covered in more detail below.</p> <div class="accordion-section"> <div id="accordion-d26e265" class="accordion"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingd26e265-1"> <h2 class="mb-0"><button class="btn btn-link" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapse-d26e265-1" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-d26e265-1">Coursework<span class="icon-accordion-wrap"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 7.67 7.67" class="icon-expand"> <title>Expand accordion</title> <g> <rect y="2.83" width="7.67" height="2" class="icon-expand-x"/> <rect x="2.83" width="2" height="7.67" class="icon-expand-y"/> </g></svg></span></button></h2> </div> <div id="collapse-d26e265-1" class="panel-collapse collapse" aria-labelledby="headingd26e265-1" data-parent="#accordion-d26e265"> <div class="card-body"> <p><strong>Program of Study</strong><br>At the beginning of the program the student completes a "program of study." This official document outlines the intended coursework. Its purpose is to inform the student of exactly what courses will be required and how long the entire program will take to complete.</p> <p><strong>Establishing a Program of Study</strong><br>The program of study is initiated in the student's second semester. The program of study is determined by the doctoral advisor and the student. Once the student and the doctoral advisor have agreed on a program of study, an advisory committee, which oversees this program, is formed. Normally, the doctoral advisor chairs this committee and a representative from the student's minor field is also a member of this committee.</p> <p><strong>Making Changes in the Program of Study</strong><br>Frequently, changes in a program of study become necessary for a variety of reasons: scheduling conflicts, program changes, course numbering changes, etc. When such changes become necessary, the student must get the permission of the doctoral advisor in finance and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingd26e265-2"> <h2 class="mb-0"><button class="btn btn-link" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapse-d26e265-2" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-d26e265-2">General Examination<span class="icon-accordion-wrap"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 7.67 7.67" class="icon-expand"> <title>Expand accordion</title> <g> <rect y="2.83" width="7.67" height="2" class="icon-expand-x"/> <rect x="2.83" width="2" height="7.67" class="icon-expand-y"/> </g></svg></span></button></h2> </div> <div id="collapse-d26e265-2" class="panel-collapse collapse" aria-labelledby="headingd26e265-2" data-parent="#accordion-d26e265"> <div class="card-body"> <p>The second major phase of the PhD program is the general examination. A request for the general examination must be submitted to the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School by the chairman of the examining committee at least three weeks prior to the proposed examination date. At this time any changes in the program of study are noted and a 'Request for Change in the Program of Study for the Doctoral Degree' form is submitted by the college.</p> <p><strong>Timing of the General Exam</strong><br>Students who have completed all coursework in their major are eligible to take the general exam. This would normally be after the end of the fall semester of the third year of the program. The exam may not be taken while a student is currently taking a major course in the program of study or if an "Incomplete" grade is outstanding on major coursework. Under unusual circumstances and upon approval of the department and Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School, a student may take the exam while taking coursework in an area outside of finance or while taking a finance course not in his/her program of study.</p> <p>The department requires a student to take the exam at the first opportunity of eligibility. Students seeking to defer the exam must petition, in writing, the chair of the finance department for permission. The petition must clearly state the reason for the requested deferral. An unexcused absence from a scheduled general exam is counted as a failure. Permission is not normally granted for postponement except in extraordinary circumstances. The general exams are customarily given during January. Under special circumstances, the exam may be offered at other times, by student petition.</p> <p><strong>What the General Exam Covers</strong><br>The general exam covers the entire field of finance and is not course specific. It is quite common for material not covered in the classroom to be included on the general exam. Students are expected to be familiar with the current literature and to be able to integrate their knowledge of finance.</p> <p><strong>General Examination Procedures</strong><br>The general examination is a written rigorous test of the student's grasp of the field of finance. Although the exact procedures for administering the exam may change from time to time, currently the General Exam is a six-hour in-class exam. Specific instructions are handed out prior to each General Examination.</p> <p>The department chair assembles an examining committee of from 4 to 6 members, and designates a committee chair. All members of the examining committee are members (associate or full) of the graduate faculty. The role of the examining committee is to evaluate and vote on each exam. Only committee members have a vote on the exam, although all finance department members may submit questions for the exam, grade the exam and participate in discussions regarding performance on the exam. The general exam is blind-graded by the examining committee.</p> <p>There are three possible outcomes of the general exam. One, the student may be deemed by the committee to have passed. For a student to pass the examination there may not be more than one dissenting vote. Two, for students who pass marginally, or for those students who perform poorly only on a certain portion of the exam, the committee may impose an additional examination. In these cases, the additional requirements are considered an integral part of the general exam and the student is not considered to have passed or failed until the additional requirements have been met. Three, the student may fail the general exam.<br><strong>Consequences of Failing the Examination</strong></p> <p>Students who fail the general examination are not permitted to take it again until the next scheduled offering. Sufficiently poor performance on the General Exam results in the revocation of the student's assistantship/fellowship. No one is permitted to take the general examination more than two times.</p> <p><strong>Time Limit</strong><br>No less than one academic year must elapse between the passing of the general examination and the completion of all requirements for the PhD degree. Programs for the doctoral degree must be completed within seven years from the time a student is classified as a doctoral student (GRAD7). This time limit may not be exceeded except by special permission of the dean of the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School. Despite this Graduate School time limit, it is unusual for assistantship support to extend beyond four years.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingd26e265-3"> <h2 class="mb-0"><button class="btn btn-link" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapse-d26e265-3" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-d26e265-3">Dissertation<span class="icon-accordion-wrap"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 7.67 7.67" class="icon-expand"> <title>Expand accordion</title> <g> <rect y="2.83" width="7.67" height="2" class="icon-expand-x"/> <rect x="2.83" width="2" height="7.67" class="icon-expand-y"/> </g></svg></span></button></h2> </div> <div id="collapse-d26e265-3" class="panel-collapse collapse" aria-labelledby="headingd26e265-3" data-parent="#accordion-d26e265"> <div class="card-body"> <p>The third and final requirement for the PhD degree is the writing of a dissertation and the passage of a final, oral examination. The dissertation must be a contribution to knowledge in its particular area and must demonstrate a mastery of research techniques, ability to do original and independent research and skill in formulating conclusions that in some way enlarge upon or modify accepted ideas.</p> <p><strong>The Dissertation Advisory Committee</strong><br>A dissertation advisory committee must be formed prior to the start of writing of the dissertation. This committee consists of at least four members (at least two of these must be full members) of the graduate faculty from the finance department and at least one member from the student's minor field. The advisory committee is formed by the student with the assistance of the PhD advisor. Normally the chair of this advisory committee must be a full member of the graduate faculty; however, under special circumstances including the approval of the department chair, the advisory committee may be chaired by an associate member of the graduate faculty.</p> <p><strong>The Dissertation Proposal</strong><br>Before officially beginning the dissertation, the student must prepare and successfully defend a written proposal. This proposal includes a description of (a) the intended research, (b) its place in the literature, and, (c) if empirical, sources of data, method of analysis and expected results. The formal defense is before the student's dissertation advisory committee and is open to the public. The purpose of the formal defense is to provide feedback and guidance to the student regarding the topic, method and quality of the proposed dissertation. Customarily the committee will have amendments and other requirements that must be added to the proposal before its final approval. The chairman of the committee indicates to the student the results of the proposal defense and, if the topic is approved, all additional requirements. A completed dissertation is one that, in the opinion of the committee, satisfies the plan of work described in the approved proposal, incorporating all amendments.</p> <p><strong>Composition of the Final Examining Committee</strong><br>The Dean of the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School appoints the final examining committee, consisting of the student's dissertation advisory committee, and one or more additions, as representatives of the university graduate faculty.</p> <p><strong>Final Examination</strong><br>The final examination is the formal defense of the completed dissertation. Although the exam is normally conducted as an oral test primarily concerned with the dissertation and related problems, the examining committee determines procedures. Content may extend into subject matter related to major and minor fields even though well-removed from topics suggested by the dissertation. For the student to pass the final exam there shall not be more than one dissenting vote.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> </div> <div id="d26e236-2" class="tab-pane fade" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="tab-d26e236-2"> <p class="lead">First Year</p> <p><strong>Fall Semester</strong></p> <div class="table-responsive"> <div class="table-responsive"> <table class="table table-hover"> <thead> <tr class="top-row"> <th scope="col">Course </th> <th scope="col">Hours</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>ECON 7610: Math for Economics</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ECON 7700: Price Theory I - Minor</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>FIN 7520: Seminar in Finance Research Methods - Research</td> <td>3</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p><strong>Spring Semester</strong></p> <div class="table-responsive"> <div class="table-responsive"> <table class="table table-hover"> <thead> <tr class="top-row"> <th scope="col">Course</th> <th scope="col">Hours</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>FIN 7550: Theory of Finance</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ECON 7630: Econometric Methods I - Minors</td> <td>3</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p> </p> <p class="lead">Second Year</p> <p><strong>Fall Semester </strong></p> <div class="table-responsive"> <div class="table-responsive"> <table class="table table-hover"> <thead> <tr class="top-row"> <th scope="col">Course</th> <th scope="col">Hours</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>FIN 7750: Seminar in Corporate Finance</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>FIN 7855: Seminar in Options and Futures</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ECON 7631: Econometric Methods II - Research</td> <td>3</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p><strong>Spring Semester</strong></p> <div class="table-responsive"> <div class="table-responsive"> <table class="table table-hover"> <thead> <tr class="top-row"> <th scope="col">Course</th> <th scope="col">Hours</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>FIN 7850: Seminar in Investments</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ECON 7720: Price Theory II - Minor</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ECON 7632: Econometric Theory III - Research</td> <td>3</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <div class="table-responsive"> <p> </p> <p class="lead">Third Year</p> <p><strong>Fall Semester</strong></p> <div class="table-responsive"> <div class="table-responsive"> <table class="table table-hover"> <thead> <tr class="top-row"> <th scope="col">Course</th> <th scope="col">Hours</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>FIN 7650: Seminar in Financial Markets and Institutions</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ECON 7633: Econometric Theory IV - Research</td> <td>3</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p> </p> <p class="lead">Anytime</p> <div class="table-responsive"> <div class="table-responsive"> <table class="table table-hover"> <thead> <tr class="top-row"> <th scope="col">Course</th> <th scope="col">Hours</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>MGT 7xxx: Breadth of Study</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MKT 7xxx: Breadth of Study</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>ACCT 7xxx: Breadth of Study</td> <td>3</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Electives: 7000 level courses in math or experimental statistics</td> <td>6</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: #69696d; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', sans-serif; font-size: 1.55rem; font-weight: 600;">Total: 54 Hours</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="d26e236-3" class="tab-pane fade" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="tab-d26e236-3"> <p>The procedures for admission to the PhD program differ depending on whether the student is currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at LSU or not. Students currently enrolled at LSU in a graduate degree program have already been admitted by the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School, and these students need only apply for admission through the College of Business and the Department of Finance. All other students must make a formal application for admission through the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School.</p> <p>The admissions procedures require that each student submit credentials to the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School. The critical decision regarding admission is made by a departmental committee. Please note that the departmental committee will not consider students whose file with the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School is incomplete.</p> <p>The PhD advisor for the program will not “pre-screen” an applicant’s credentials to estimate the likelihood of admission into the program should the applicant decide to formally apply. See the “Admission Standards” section below. Students are admitted to the program each semester. Although it is possible to apply for admission beginning in the spring term, most students begin in the fall, and the program of study is designed around a student entering for this term. Generally a student must have his/her admission file complete by February 15 for admission the following fall. Some students may be admitted after this date; however, most assistantship awards are made shortly after February 15.</p> <div class="accordion-section-2"> <div id="accordion-d26e699" class="accordion"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingd26e699-1"> <h2 class="mb-0"><button class="btn btn-link" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapse-d26e699-1" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-d26e699-1">General Admission Requirements<svg viewBox="0 0 11.88 8.72" class="icon-accordion-arrow"><use xlink:href="/_resources_fierce/svgs/icon_down_arrow.svg#icon"></use></svg></button></h2> </div> <div id="collapse-d26e699-1" class="panel-collapse collapse" aria-labelledby="headingd26e699-1" data-parent="#accordion-d26e699"> <div class="card-body"> <p>Admission to the PhD program is awarded on the basis of evidence of academic achievements and promise. Admission decisions are made only after receipt of all credentials, which include the following items:</p> <ul> <li>The completed application for admissions form. This form is available online (preferred) and from the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School.</li> <li>Official transcripts of all college work done outside LSU.</li> <li>Scores of either the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE); these scores must be sent directly from the Education Testing Service to the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School. The GMAT is preferred. The code for LSU is 6373.</li> <li>Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for students who have completed degree requirements outside of the U.S. and whose native language is not English. The code for LSU 6373.</li> </ul> <p>A campus visit to meet with the PhD advisor and finance faculty is strongly encouraged. This visit is at the applicant's expense and is arranged through the PhD advisor.</p> <p class="fine-print">Note: Do not send registered mail that requires a signature form from the post office. Either send by regular mail or by an express carrier.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingd26e699-2"> <h2 class="mb-0"><button class="btn btn-link" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapse-d26e699-2" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-d26e699-2">Admission Standards<svg viewBox="0 0 11.88 8.72" class="icon-accordion-arrow"><use xlink:href="/_resources_fierce/svgs/icon_down_arrow.svg#icon"></use></svg></button></h2> </div> <div id="collapse-d26e699-2" class="panel-collapse collapse" aria-labelledby="headingd26e699-2" data-parent="#accordion-d26e699"> <div class="card-body"> <p>Regular admission is considered for applicants who exceed the following minimum requirements:</p> <ul> <li>A four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from an international institution.</li> <li>A grade point average of at least 3.00 (on a 4-point system) on all undergraduate work and a 3.40 GPA or better on any graduate work already completed.</li> <li>Acceptable GMAT or GRE scores. The department generally requires a GMAT score of 650 or higher (or comparable performance on the GRE). Those awarded assistantships typically have GMAT scores above 700. Performance on the quantitative sections of the exams is given greater weight than performance on the verbal sections.</li> <li>Satisfactory TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students. A TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based exam, 213 on the computer-based exam, or 79 on the internet-based exam is required for consideration for a graduate assistantship. An IELTS score of at least 6.5 required for consideration for a graduate assistantship. The TOEFL/IELTS is waived if the student has completed a degree in the U.S.</li> </ul> <p>It should be noted that these are minimum admission criteria and the satisfaction of these standards does not necessarily imply admission is assured. Other factors, such as the applicant's research interests and successful completion of graduate courses, the composition of the graduate faculty, the availability of support resources, and the ability of the program to support additional students also weigh in the admission decision.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="headingd26e699-3"> <h2 class="mb-0"><button class="btn btn-link" type="button" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#collapse-d26e699-3" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse-d26e699-3">English Language Competency<svg viewBox="0 0 11.88 8.72" class="icon-accordion-arrow"><use xlink:href="/_resources_fierce/svgs/icon_down_arrow.svg#icon"></use></svg></button></h2> </div> <div id="collapse-d26e699-3" class="panel-collapse collapse" aria-labelledby="headingd26e699-3" data-parent="#accordion-d26e699"> <div class="card-body"> <p>Upon arrival on campus and before registration, international applicants (except those who are citizens of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, certain Caribbean islands, or the United Kingdom) must take the LSU Comprehensive English Language Test. If the test indicates a deficiency in English, the student is required to register for the appropriate courses. In the case of a major deficiency in English, the Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School may require postponement of enrollment in graduate courses until proficiency is demonstrated. Graduate assistants are also required to participate in a speech interview.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="d26e236-4" class="tab-pane fade" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="tab-d26e236-4"> <p><strong>Philosophy Concerning Assistantships</strong><br>Assistantship duties are an integral part of the PhD program and are treated as such. When the assistantship involves research work, the student uses this opportunity to develop and hone research skills. These skills are critical to a successful academic career. When the assistantship involves teaching, the student uses this opportunity to develop classroom skills and to enhance his/her understanding of finance. Because of the importance placed on the skills earned through assistantships, it is not common for a student to be admitted into the program without either a fellowship or an assistantship. Those students that are not awarded an assistantship are strongly encouraged to form a mentoring relationship with a faculty member.</p> <p><strong>Application for Assistantships</strong><br>All assistantship decisions are made after a student's full application package has been received. If the selection committee decides to pursue a particular student, a representative from the Department of Finance will contact the student via email with an assistantship application.</p> <p><strong>Assistantship Awards</strong><br>Awards are competitive, and their continuation depends on satisfactory assistantship performance as well as acceptable academic performance. Performance criteria include, but are not limited to, grades, research papers, progress toward the degree, and sitting for the general exam when eligible. Students receive a competitive stipend, and those on assistantship do not pay tuition and fees.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities of Graduate Assistants</strong><br>Assistantships are typically twenty (20) hour per week assignments. Graduate assistants with teaching duties usually teach two sections of one undergraduate course. Graduate assistants with research duties are assigned to one or two faculty. In addition to these duties, graduate assistants may be assigned other duties by the PhD advisor or department chairman, such as work during the week of registration. All PhD students are expected to teach at least one semester during their program of study.</p> <p><strong>Performance Reviews</strong><br>At the end of each semester the doctoral advisor conducts a review of the performance of each doctoral student. The review consists of an evaluation of the student's classroom and assistantship performance. Any student who is not performing satisfactorily is notified and if performance does not improve, the assistantship may be revoked. It should be noted that, although the Graduate School considers a student with a 3.00 grade point average to be in good standing, the Department of Finance encourages students to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5. A year-end performance review is in writing and becomes part of the student's record.</p> <p><strong>Board of Regent Graduate Fellowships</strong><br>Applicants who are U.S. citizens may be eligible for a Board of Regents Graduate Fellowship (BRGF). A BRGF award entitles a student to $16,000 per year plus an amount equal to tuition and fees for up to four years of study. Students holding fellowships are not required to perform normal assistantship duties. However, all students are encouraged to work closely with faculty in the development of research projects. As with an assistantship, fellowship holders are expected to teach at least one semester during their program of study. More information can be obtained from the Department of Finance PhD student advisor.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="bullets-wrap"><img src="/_resources_fierce/img/aerial_texture_yellow.png" alt="Aerial view" class="bullets-texture"><section aria-label="Bulleted list section" class="bullets"> <div class="bullets-content"> <h2 class="bullet-column-header"> Beyond the PhD </h2> <p class="bullet-column-text"> Our alumni enjoy successful careers in academia. Institutions that employ our graduates: </p> <ul> <li>American University</li> <li>Baylor University</li> <li>Belmont University</li> <li>Binghamton University</li> <li>Lehigh University</li> <li>National Taiwan University</li> <li>San Diego State University</li> <li>Sacramento State University</li> <li>Texas Christian University</li> <li>University of Mississippi</li> <li>University of Missouri – St. Louis</li> <li>University of North Texas</li> </ul> </div> <div class="bullets-image-wrap"><img src="/_resources_fierce/img/bullets-image-background.png" alt="Aerial view" class="bullets-image-background"><img class="bullets-image" src="/business/images/phd_students_working_team.jpg" alt="Students work as team in conference room" width="1645" height="1097" onerror="this.onerror=null;this.src='https://a.cms.omniupdate.com/files/content?site=www&path=/business/images/phd_students_working_team.jpg'"></div> </section> </div> <p> </p> <div class="container"> <div class="row mx-lg-n5"> <div class="col-lg-5 py-3 px-lg-5"> <p><img class="img-fluid" style="float: right;" src="/business/images/finance_images/finance-chance-don-lecture.jpg" alt="Don Chance speaks at podium during lecture" width="334" height="500" onerror="this.onerror=null;this.src='https://a.cms.omniupdate.com/files/content?site=www&path=/business/images/finance_images/finance-chance-don-lecture.jpg'"></p> </div> <div class="col-lg-7 py-3 px-lg-5"> <h3>Faculty Feature</h3> <p><strong>Don Chance</strong><br>Finance Professor & James C. Flores Endowed Chair of MBA Studies</p> <p>When he took a job at a regional bank, Don Chance never expected that he would one day be the author of three books and numerous journal articles. Professor Chance’s research focuses on foreign exchange risk management, dividend rights as executive compensation, the performance of random securities analysts, the measurement of alphas from option strategies, corporate boasting, and companies that move from the NYSE to the Nasdaq. He is also involved in developing and authorship the derivatives and risk management curriculum in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. In 2015, he received the C. Stewart Shepard Award for his many years of service to the CFA Institute in the development of its educational programs.<br><br></p> <p><a class="btn btn-purple" href="/business/finance/faculty-staff.php">MEET MORE FINANCE FACULTY</a></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;padding: 20px; border-radius: 5px;"> <h2>Contact Us</h2> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-lg-4"> <p class="lead">Department of Finance</p> <p>2900 Business Education Complex<br>501 South Quad Dr.<br>Baton Rouge, LA 70803<br>225-578-6291<br><a href="mailto:finance@lsu.edu?subject=">finance@lsu.edu</a></p> </div> <div class="col-lg-4"> <p class="lead">Carlos Slawson</p> <p>Director of Graduate Studies - PhD Finance Program<br>2927 Business Education Complex<br><a href="mailto:cslawson@lsu.edu">cslawson@lsu.edu</a> </p> </div> <div class="col-lg-4"><a class="btn btn-purple btn-block" href="https://lsu.edu/graduateschool/admissions/apply.php">PINKIE GORDON LANE GRADUATE SCHOOL</a><a class="btn btn-purple btn-block" href="/business/about/baton-rouge.php">Discover Baton Rouge</a><a class="btn btn-purple btn-block" href="/business/about/bec.php">Explore the BEC</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div><button data-target="#0" class="cd-top">Top</button> <footer class="footer"> <div class="row footer-main"><div class="footer-info"><a href="/"><img src="/_resources_fierce/svgs/lsu-logo.svg" class="footer-logo" alt="Louisiana State University"></a><address class="footer-address"> Louisiana State University<br> Baton Rouge, LA 70803 </address> </div><div class="footer-campus"> <nav class="footer-nav" aria-label="Campus links"> <ul> <li><a href="/a-z/index.php">A-Z Directory</a></li> <li><a href="/hrm/careers/index.php">Careers at LSU</a></li> <li><a href="https://map.lsu.edu/">Campus Map</a></li> <li><a href="https://lsu.edu/staysafe/index.php">Campus Safety</a></li> <li><a href="https://lsu.edu/employeehub/index.php">Employee Hub</a></li> </ul> </nav> </div><div class="footer-campus"> <nav class="footer-nav" aria-label="Campus links"> <ul> <li><a href="https://lsu.edu/registrar/academics/academic-calendars/index.php">Academic Calendar</a></li> <li><a href="https://calendar.lsu.edu/">Event Calendar</a></li> <li><a href="https://lsu.edu/catalogs/">General Catalog</a></li> <li><a href="/academicaffairs/cxc/geaux-communicate.php">Geaux Communicate QEP</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.lib.lsu.edu/">LSU Libraries</a></li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class="footer-contact"> <nav class="footer-nav" aria-label="Contact links"> <ul> <li><strong>E. 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