Download detailed Field Description (pdf)
We prepare our doctoral candidates for careers in research and teaching. It is required that candidates demonstrate an acceptable knowledge base to enter into careers related to both of these areas. We expect our graduates to be able to perform research that advances the state of knowledge in the area of public finance and financial management. We also expect them to be prepared to teach a wide variety of finance courses in schools similar to the Wagner School.
Research in the areas of public finance and financial management often requires the candidate to acquire a great depth of knowledge in a specific area, such as education financing, or financial management of managed care organizations or tax policy. Such a depth of knowledge generally requires both a foundation gained from the content of courses, and also significant literature review and study beyond the material contained in standard courses. Preparation for teaching requires competency in a breadth of public finance and financial management areas.
The doctoral comprehensive field in public finance and financial management requires that students exhibit competency in the material covered in the courses listed in the complete field description. We do not require each student to take all of the courses listed. Prior coursework or self-study is an acceptable alternative. Students are encouraged to consult with faculty advisors for assistance in devising the most appropriate mix of coursework and self-study in their individual case. Regardless of the approach chosen, competency in the content of all of the listed courses is required. (Note that while many of these courses are aimed primarily at MPA students, doctoral students are expected to have a deeper understanding of the issues and greater familiarity with the literature than is typically required of Master’s students on exams.)
The comprehensive exam in the field of public finance and financial management is designed to test the candidate’s breadth of knowledge, and also allow the candidate to demonstrate depth of knowledge in a particular area. It requires the candidate to demonstrate understanding of the material covered in the courses listed, to show a familiarity and understanding of the literature of public finance and financial management, and to show an ability to apply appropriate research tools to research questions related to public finance and financial management issues.
It is advisable for candidates to become familiar with the course outlines for each of the courses listed in the field description. They should be familiar with all of the literature assigned for each of these courses. In addition, candidates should become familiar with the most current literature in the field. A good way to do this is to regularly read articles in the journals listed in the field description.
Finally, while knowledge of both public finance and financial management is required for the field, it is typical for a student to “specialize” in one or the other. Students should, however, be sure to develop doctoral level expertise and breadth and not ignore the “other” side.
