How do I Earn a Financial Engineering PhD?

A person who works in financial engineering deals with solving financial problem by using mathematical, computer science, and economic theory concepts. An individual who is pursing a career in financial engineering may work toward earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in financial engineering in order to make himself a more desirable job candidate or to seek advancement in this field. Generally, a person who wants to earn a financial engineering PhD finishes high school or earns a general educational development (GED) diploma and then goes on to seek a bachelor's degree in a related field. After college, a person interested in this degree may have to earn a master's degree before he can gain admission to a PhD program.

An individual who wants to earn a financial engineering PhD usually begins his education with high school, though some may take equivalency tests instead of earning high school diplomas. A person who is interested in this field may prepare himself for college by taking advanced math and science courses as well as those that help him to build computer and analytical skills, as these are critical for someone who wants to pursue a career in this field. Once in college, a person interested in this field usually works toward a bachelor's degree and most choose a major that provides a firm foundation of math courses. For example, a person interested in this degree may major in economics, math, or finance.

Beyond a bachelor's degree, the educational requirements a person has to meet to gain admission to a financial engineering PhD program may vary from school to school. Some schools may require applicants to earn master's degrees in a related major while others may admit students who only hold bachelor's degrees. No matter what level of education a person has achieved, however, he's usually required to submit official transcripts and take pre-admission exams or assessments. Additionally, a person who wants to gain admission to a financial engineering PhD program may have to submit letters of recommendation as well.

Once enrolled in a financial engineering PhD program, a person who wants to earn this degree has to complete the program's mandatory courses, which may vary from school to school. Often, this type of program consists of advanced courses, independent study, and research. A PhD candidate may also have to pass exams, deliver a lecture, or prepare exam papers as part of the work required for earning this degree. He may also have to prepare and defend a dissertation before earning his financial engineering PhD.