Columbia Finance PhD Program should be avoided at all cost. There are too few faculty involved in or committed to the program. The professor in charge of it resents his responsibilities (Huberman), does not actively research or publish, and is a tax on the students. The program has involuntarily dismissed four students from three different cohorts within one year's time without due cause. Seminars are held infrequently and poorly attended. Overall, the program is a nightmare and a punishment to students who select it. Placements are poor and students are unhappy and inadequately advised. Stay away - it's in your own best interest!
