PhD in International Finance

A doctoral program in International Finance at SOGANG UNIVERSITY examines how capital, currency, and financial markets operate across national borders, drawing on economics, financial theory, and international monetary policy. Students in this discipline study topics such as exchange rate dynamics, cross-border investment, sovereign debt, financial risk management, and the policies that govern global capital flows between countries and financial institutions. At the doctoral level, the program shifts from broad financial theory toward independent research, requiring candidates to investigate a specific question in international finance and to present original findings in a dissertation supervised by faculty within the Graduate School of International Studies. Graduates typically pursue careers as financial economists, policy analysts, university faculty, or specialists within central banks, international financial institutions, investment firms, and government finance ministries. The quantitative and analytical skills developed through an international finance doctorate, including econometric modeling, risk analysis, and market evaluation, are also valuable in banking, asset management, and economic consulting roles. This program is delivered as a PhD with a duration of 2 years, offered through the Graduate School of International Studies, with intakes in March and September of every year. It is based in Mapo-gu, South Korea, and instruction is conducted in English, allowing international students to pursue advanced research in global finance without requiring Korean language proficiency. Doctoral candidates typically combine seminars in financial theory and international economics with independent research, culminating in a dissertation defense before a faculty committee. Applicants generally hold a master's degree in finance, economics, or a related quantitative field.