Eligibility:

Entry requirements into a Ph.D. program are liberal and flexible. For Ph.D. in economics, one must be at least M.A./M.Sc. economics (or B.A./B.Sc. 4 years with economics as a major subject in graduation) with at least second division. For Ph.D. in finance, at least Master degree in any subject related to business or decision sciences (or B.A./B.Sc. 4 years in these subjects), with at least second division. The core courses to be offered for Ph.D. finance will depend on deficiency in the academic background of a student enrolled in this program. A comprehensive examination will be held after the successful completion of the course work that is expected to last for at least 1 to 1 ½ years. Those who pass the core courses with 70% or higher grade will be permitted to proceed to conduct the thesis research for Ph.D.

Hajvery University follows semester system for most of its programs including Ph.D. The coursework may take at least 3 semesters of four months each. In a semester a full time student may enroll for not more than 3 courses. Part time students may design their own course work and research program according to courses being offered in the university.

The doctoral degree is the highest degree awarded by universities, and is done  after an extensive program of study and research in a specialized subject has been successfully completed by a student. The degree signifies a capability to assimilate the most advanced and recondite level of knowledge in the subject. The degree is crowned with a doctoral thesis, which is expected to be a thorough and intensive contribution to a specialized subject based on original research and inquiry.

As is obvious from the above, a prerequisite for pursuing a doctoral degree is an active interest in, and the inclination to do, intensive research work. It requires putting in long and laborious hours of study on a specific subject. In this way, a doctoral degree is quite an antithesis of the master's degree, which covers a broad range of subjects in a particular field of study. The potential candidate must demonstrate an inclination towards research and exhibit a good academic record.

Choose your topic of research: 

The first step towards applying for a Ph.D. program is deciding on a subject for your doctorate. The essential aspect here is to focus on as specific field of study as you possibly can. For instance, saying that you wish to do a doctorate in international trade is not good enough, you have to be more specific than that  (say, doctorate in the effect of WTO on livestock exports from Pakistan, which is a specific field within the broad ambit of international trade). Spend time on deciding this  the critical factor here is a very high level of interest in the specific field you choose. In fact, some experts recommend that you should have a rough idea of what your research topic in the doctoral program is going to be even before you apply for admission.

The content of the doctoral program:

Study in the doctoral program at Hajvery University is divided into two parts, pre-dissertation study and the doctoral thesis. Once admitted, you are required to spend the first year or so in acquiring a solid foundation in research skills. This entails regular course work in subjects that enhance research skills. These courses include statistics, mathematics, econometrics, English communication, research methodology, computer applications and advanced theory courses.

You will have to attend lectures and seminars in these courses, give presentations and participate fully in discussions. This course work culminates in a “qualifying examination”, on clearing of which you will formally be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree.

The advance core course work for Ph.D. economics consists of advanced microeconomics, advanced macroeconomics, international trade and economic development. This course work in advance subject courses will be completed in two semesters. The advance course work for Ph.D. finance will be designed according to deficiency in background of students who enroll for Ph.D. finance.

When all course work is completed, a comprehensive examination will be held, minimum pass marks of which is 70%. A student who cannot pass the comprehensive exam in three attempts will be dropped from the Ph.D. program. Those who pass the comprehensive exam will be allowed to start on Ph.D.  thesis research.

Specialized field within your chosen discipline:

Thus, if your doctoral subject is organizational behavior, you may have narrowed down your research interest to “leadership”, an important element within organizational behavior. A number of seminars may have to be offered by the student before his/her topic gets finalized. This stage ends in starting on a thesis research on the specific topic of your interest.

The doctoral thesis:

This final stage of the doctoral study is usually regarded as the most important, during which you have to complete a dissertation (a detailed study on a topic), which can be as specific as “Employee Motivation at the XYZ Corporation”, but should contribute to the existing level of knowledge in that field of study. During the research, you will be assigned to an advisor with whom you are required to work in close association. This advisor is usually a faculty member, most knowledgeable about the special area of a given dissertation research.

Thesis research and preparation is a highly cognitive process. The culmination of the process is in the form of the final thesis defense, in which you are presumed to be an expert in your field and you are supposed to literally defend your findings and conclusions on the subject in front of a committee. The completed dissertation becomes a public document, placed in the University library and also often published in the University journal or even on its web site in some cases.

How long does it take?

The entire process of getting a doctorate degree usually takes a minimum of three-and-a-half years, nearly two of which are spent exclusively in preparing the thesis. The degree usually leads to employment in the academic world, but in recent years, more and more doctorates are finding employment in the professional world at par with or even ahead of professionals in other areas.

Financing your doctoral study:

At Hajvery University, the doctoral program is being initiated with a missionary objective. Registration fee and tuition fee are nominal and affordable. Getting financial aid for a doctoral program is also possible. The aid is given either semester wise or on yearly basis in the form of teaching or research assistantships. You have to apply for financial aid. The registration fee is Rs.10,000/- (Once in the program), which is non-refundable. The tuition fee will be Rs. 2000 per month that may be revised due to inflation. In deserving cases or for large research projects, the Hajvery University may provide partial assistance to Ph.D. students to help them in completing their Ph.D. programs successfully.

Hajvery University is a rapidly growing institution with a good library, computer laboratory and inter-net facilities. These facilities are likely to help Ph.D. students in completing their academic requirements effectively and timely.