<p>I know there's a huge difference between getting an MBA vs. a PhD in Finance (the latter is more theoretical, more academic, etc). But do most people who get their Finance PhD end up in a teaching position? How unusual is it for someone to go into the private sector? Also, is it an advantage for certain positions in the private sector to have a Finance PhD vs. an MBA?</p>
<p>I've heard those who receive their PhD in economics usually get jobs as professors, but I'm just curious if it's the same with finance. Thanks.</p>
<p>PHD's in finance are usually pretty worthless in the business world. You'd be better off with a HD in quantitive analysis</p>
<p>Let's see... since a PhD in Finance is not a common occurence (usually because a bachelor's in finance or accounting will suffice for most professional work in these fields), the starting salary for a Finance professor with such credentials is usually above $100,000.</p>
<p>Just clarifying, does "HD" stand for "honorary degree?"</p>
<p>You know something. I think I had some of the best professors I will ever have at a community college who didnt't have PHD's.</p>
<p>Think about this for a minute. I had proffessors who were CPA's and MBA's from top schools. I had a finance proffessor who was a baner at a bulge bracket firm years ago. a Professor who was the CFO at a fortune 100 company. Another who was partner at a a big 8 accounting firm. (yes I know it's not 8 anymore, he's retired and a professor now)</p>
<p>Now these guys won't get hired at many 4 year universities because they don't have PHD's. So when looking at these school I see all these PHD's professors who havn't accomplished anything worthwile in the business world. So I go from learning about business from a former fortune 100 CFO to learning about business from somebody that hasn't done anything but sat in a classroom his whole life.</p>
<p>I think in a lot of cases the better professors are at community colleges, they are retired REAL business men, not just peop[le who studies theory in a book but have no real valuable experience.</p>