Haas Ph.D. Program
Program of Instruction
The Berkeley Ph.D. Program is strongly oriented toward discipline and research. Emphasis is placed on preparing you to evaluate the state of knowledge in your particular field and to advance it through the application of theory from the social sciences, mathematics, or statistics.
Upon applying to the program, you are required to choose a field of study, which will not only determine your coursework, but also focus your future employment opportunities. You may choose from the following seven fields:
- Accounting
- Business and Public Policy
- Finance
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Organizational Behavior and Industrial Relations
- Real Estate
Instruction in the program is separated into three general phases. The first encompasses formal coursework in basic and advanced subjects. The time devoted to these studies depends on prior preparation, but generally requires two years. You are usually required to complete two semester courses in each of the following areas: (a) a common core of knowledge; (b) a field of specialization; (c) a basic discipline; and (d) a research methodology and strategy. The first phase ends with the preliminary exam.
The second and third phases together usually require two to three years for completion. In addition to coursework, students are normally expected to serve as either teaching or research assistants for one or more semesters.
