These cookies are essential to enable the services to provide the requested feature, such as remembering you have logged in.
ALWAYS ACTIVE | | Accept | Reject |
PERFORMANCE AND ANALYTIC COOKIES These cookies are used to collect information on how users interact with Chicago Booth websites allowing us to improve the user experience and optimize our site where needed based on these interactions. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. | |
FUNCTIONAL COOKIES These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages or by us. | |
TARGETING OR ADVERTISING COOKIES These cookies collect information about your browsing habits to make advertising relevant to you and your interests. The cookies will remember the website you have visited, and this information is shared with other parties such as advertising technology service providers and advertisers. | |
SOCIAL MEDIA COOKIES These cookies are used when you share information using a social media sharing button or “like” button on our websites, or you link your account or engage with our content on or through a social media site. The social network will record that you have done this. This information may be linked to targeting/advertising activities. | |
Confirm My Selections
- MBA Programs
- Specialized Masters Programs
- Other Offerings
- Request Information
- Start Your Application
- Dissertation Areas and Joint PhD Programs
- PhD Career Outcomes
- PhD Proposals and Defenses
- PhD Job Market Candidates
- PhD Research Community
- 100 Years of Pioneering Research
- Rising Scholars Conference
- Yiran Fan Memorial Conference
- Frequently Asked Questions
PhD in Accounting
- PhD in Behavioral Science
- PhD in Econometrics and Statistics
- PhD in Economics
- PhD in Finance
- PhD in Management Science and Operations Management
- PhD in Marketing
- Joint Program in Financial Economics
- Joint Program in Psychology and Business
- Joint PhD/JD Program
Chicago Booth has one of the preeminent PhD accounting programs. Our faculty conduct groundbreaking scholarly work, and our graduates have played a central role in the evolution of modern accounting research.
As a PhD student in accounting at Booth, you’ll have the freedom to explore and cultivate your research interests from day one—wherever they lead.
You’ll join a collaborative research community and work with prominent scholars whose groundbreaking research is recognized for its impact on the academic literature, accounting practice and policymaking, securities regulation, and elsewhere. In addition to your stipend, you may apply for research and conference travel funding from our research centers and the Stevens Doctoral Program. In research workshops and conferences, you’ll present your work and hear about the work of fellow researchers.
Our Distinguished Accounting Faculty
As measured by research productivity and impact, Chicago Booth has one of the best accounting faculty groups in the world. The group includes Philip G. Berger, Hans B. Christensen, Merle Erickson, Christian Leuz, Michael Minnis, Valeri Nikolaev, Haresh Sapra, Douglas J. Skinner, and Abbie J. Smith, as well as an outstanding group of research-active junior faculty. The school is committed to maintaining the quality of this group.
These distinguished scholars are also teachers and mentors who will advise you, coauthor papers with you, supervise your thesis, help you find an outstanding job, and serve as colleagues throughout your career.
![why get a phd in accounting Philip G. Berger](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/philip-g-berger/chicago-booth-philip-g-berger.jpg?cx=0.45&cy=0.3&cw=194&ch=270&hash=1F658CAAEDC51FE55E3AAD7A711D506C)
Philip G. Berger
Wallman Family Professor of Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Hans B. Christensen](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/hans-b-christensen/chicago-booth-hans-b-christensen.jpg?cx=0.35&cy=0.3&cw=194&ch=270&hash=68EB609B3CE8748A2BA2E9A44E3C75CE)
Hans B. Christensen
Chookaszian Family Professor of Accounting and David G. Booth Faculty Fellow
![why get a phd in accounting Anna Costello](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/anna-costello/chicago-booth-anna-costello.jpg?cx=0.54&cy=0.35&cw=194&ch=270&hash=B7A144954AC07291B5535F87E03E586B)
Anna Costello
Jeffrey Breakenridge Keller Professor of Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Merle Erickson](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/merle-erickson/chicago-booth-merle-erickson.jpg?cx=0.45&cy=0.37&cw=194&ch=270&hash=474B8CDD79606B316E0FAD682B653C77)
Merle Erickson
Professor of Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Joao Granja](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/joao-granja/chicago-booth-joao-granja.jpg?cx=0.49&cy=0.36&cw=194&ch=270&hash=54145119B454F68488C88DBEB36C1183)
Joao Granja
Associate Professor of Accounting and Jane and Basil Vasiliou Faculty Scholar
![why get a phd in accounting Christian Leuz](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/christian-leuz/chicago-booth-christian-leuz.jpg?cx=0.41&cy=0.38&cw=194&ch=270&hash=7ACC2043E4836A7D0247FAFC15484F2F)
Christian Leuz
Charles F. Pohl Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting and Finance
![why get a phd in accounting Bradford Levy](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/bradford-lynch-levy/chicago-booth-bradford-levy.jpg?cx=0.49&cy=0.28&cw=194&ch=270&hash=03A378FB9F8FF5EE49958E89E89F2B22)
Bradford Levy
Assistant Professor of Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Charles McClure](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/charles-mcclure/chicago-booth-charles-mcclure.jpg?cx=0.53&cy=0.36&cw=194&ch=270&hash=8AF922A621E89D51EEDB418B6DE77D56)
Charles McClure
Associate Professor of Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Michael Minnis](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/michael-minnis/chicago-booth-michael-minnis.jpg?cx=0.52&cy=0.36&cw=194&ch=270&hash=6C1D7AE528340967B91F1F0209456BE2)
Michael Minnis
Deputy Dean for Faculty and Fuji Bank and Heller Professor of Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Maximilian Muhn](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/maximilian-muhn/chicago-booth-maximilian-muhn.jpg?cx=0.52&cy=0.35&cw=194&ch=270&hash=ED76041AE8AFA55DF851F7811EDB5879)
Maximilian Muhn
![why get a phd in accounting Valeri Nikolaev](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/valeri-nikolaev/valeri-nikolaev.jpg?cx=0.5&cy=0.19&cw=194&ch=270&hash=B1B8089DE68A0A9E068051EC257730FE)
Valeri Nikolaev
James H. Lorie Professor of Accounting and FMC Faculty Scholar
![why get a phd in accounting Madhav Rajan](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/madhav-g-rajan/chicago-booth-madhav-rajan.jpg?cx=0.66&cy=0.47&cw=194&ch=270&hash=1A929A066D054A5BC819DA4BC8E50FA2)
Madhav Rajan
Dean and George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Thomas Router](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/thomas-rauter/chicago-booth-thomas-rauter.jpg?cx=0.61&cy=0.32&cw=194&ch=270&hash=B14D2BF499F6205E938CF607E1D981C7)
Thomas Rauter
![why get a phd in accounting Amoray Riggs-Cragun](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/amoray-riggs-cragun/chicago-booth-amoray-riggs-cragun.jpg?cx=0.55&cy=0.31&cw=194&ch=270&hash=7A27A5A3EE14F5C7B3C66E3402DD8E93)
Amoray Riggs-Cragun
Assistant Professor of Accounting and Kathryn and Grant Swick Faculty Scholar
![why get a phd in accounting](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/faculty/delphine-samuels/delphinesamuels032022.jpg?cx=0.49&cy=0.31&cw=194&ch=270&hash=35281953FA40487F9F0E0F8EE839DF34)
Delphine Samuels
Associate Professor of Accounting and James S. Kemper Faculty Scholar
![why get a phd in accounting Haresh Sapra](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/haresh-sapra/chicago-booth-haresh-sapra.jpg?cx=0.53&cy=0.27&cw=194&ch=270&hash=BFDEB76D9551149BA95429605109848B)
Haresh Sapra
Charles T. Horngren Professor of Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Douglas Skinner](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/douglas-skinner/chicago-booth-douglas-skinner.jpg?cx=0.47&cy=0.31&cw=194&ch=270&hash=6927068C72FA6C3A7F8F658B634C0AF0)
Douglas J. Skinner
Sidney Davidson Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Abbie J. Smith](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/abbie-j-smith/chicago-booth-abbie-j-smith.jpg?cx=0&cy=0&cw=194&ch=270&hash=E381C08C8A8D1D5EA56E4CDD9D8FC710)
Abbie J. Smith
Boris and Irene Stern Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Chris Stewart](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/faculty/christopher-stewart/_chicago-booth-christopher-stewart.jpg?cx=0.53&cy=0.35&cw=194&ch=270&hash=C0EDE55E53C346545B982F4C9BC08260)
Christopher Stewart
Assistant Professor of Accounting and Fama Faculty Fellow
![why get a phd in accounting Rimmy Tomy](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/rimmy-tomy/chicago-booth-rimmy-tomy.jpg?cx=0.65&cy=0.39&cw=194&ch=270&hash=D17A79CE61F517C36857C4CA2EAED8F6)
Associate Professor of Accounting and Kathryn and Grant Swick Faculty Scholar
![why get a phd in accounting Anthony Welsh](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/anthony-welsh/chicago-booth-anthony-welsh-2023.jpg?cx=0.51&cy=0.3&cw=194&ch=270&hash=2C80DB11D6C9E63C236907DEC8350B2A)
Anthony Welsch
![why get a phd in accounting Anastasia A. Zakolyukina](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/ /-/media/project/chicago-booth/faculty-and-insights/faculty/anastasia-a-zakolyukina/chicago-booth-anastasia-a-zakolyukina.jpg?cx=0.67&cy=0.32&cw=194&ch=270&hash=65B1BD092EEA7C82180853D1AA8DA10B)
Anastasia A Zakolyukina
Alumni success.
The American Accounting Association periodically awards a prize for seminal contributions to the accounting literature. Graduates of the PhD Accounting Program are regular winners of this prestigious prize.
Our PhD graduates in accounting go on to faculty positions at some of the world's most prestigious institutions.
Kalash Jain, MBA '23, PhD '23
Assistant Professor of Business, Accounting Division Columbia Business School, Columbia University His research examines the impact of information processing frictions and investor decision making on asset prices and firm investment. His dissertation area is in accounting.
Sinja Leonelli, MBA '23, PhD '23
Assistant Professor of Accounting Stern School of Business, New York University Sinja's research primarily examines misconduct reporting, regulation and enforcement, and the use of ESG information by stakeholders such as regulators, employees, and consumers. Her dissertation area is in accounting.
Shirley Lu, MBA ’21, PhD ’21
Assistant Professor of Business Administration Harvard Business School, Harvard University Shirley Lu studies Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure, with a focus on climate change and gender diversity. Her dissertation area is in accounting.
Spotlight on Research
Chicago Booth Review frequently highlights the work of accounting PhD students, faculty, and alumni.
One Way Discrimination Creeps into the Supply Chain
A Q&A with Chicago Booth’s Anna Costello about how the pandemic affected which suppliers got paid on time.
AI Reads between the Lines to Discover Corporate Risk
“Corporate risk exposures are often subtly implied in conference call discussions rather than explicitly stated,” write Chicago Booth PhD student Alex G. Kim and Booth’s Maximilian Muhn and Valeri Nikolaev.
Civilization is Based on Accounting
A Q&A with Chicago Booth’s Ray Ball on accounting’s past and future.
Financial Data Privacy Could Help Fight Poverty
Historical data can shape future outcomes, helping to determine whether a prospective borrower has access to a home, car, or other opportunities, write University of Utah’s Mark Jansen, Chicago Booth PhD student Fabian Nagel, and Booth’s Constantine Yannelis and Anthony Lee Zhang.
A Network of Support
Doctoral students at Booth have access to the resources of several research centers that offer funding for student work, host workshops and conferences, and foster a strong research community.
The Chookaszian Accounting Research Center The Chookaszian Accounting Research Center coordinates accounting research at Chicago Booth and hosts research brown bags and workshops. It also publishes the Journal of Accounting Research , one of the top accounting research journals in the world.
George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State Dedicated to examining issues at the intersection of politics and the economy, the Stigler Center supports research in the political, economic, and cultural obstacles to better working markets.
Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation Chicago Booth’s destination for people committed to tackling social and environmental problems, the Rustandy Center supports the work of PhD students and others who are focused on transforming the social sector.
Inside the Student Experience
For Andrew Sutherland, PhD ’13, coauthoring research with Booth faculty was a highlight of the Stevens Program.
![why get a phd in accounting Dark Side of Finance](https://www.chicagobooth.edu/-/media/programs/phd/carousel/darksidethumb.jpg?cx=0.42&cy=0.43&cw=764&ch=430&hash=5763D7054499C089CFC622A968539EA5)
Video Transcript
Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 00:09 In accounting, there's tons and tons of research on these big public firms that have an army of investor relations people and they constant disclosing things. That's where most of the research was happening, but there's this whole other half of the economy, these private firms, that we didn't really know a lot about. We didn't know a lot about how they got credit. What was interesting to me is that a lot of time, firms are able to get credit without even providing any financial statements or any information whatsoever to the bank. The reason they're able to get credit is that they have a credit score. So in other words, the information is coming, not from the form itself, but from another bank who had dealt with them in the past. What really struck me was there wasn't really a lot of research out there on this information channel. That's when I decided I wanted to learn a little bit more about what this reporting channel does to contract and help firms get credit and how it changes banks' incentives to lend.
Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 01:01 Basically, the firms that have a good credit record or a long track record of borrowing successfully were the ones that were able to shop around. We would think that's a good thing, that giving firms more choice about who to borrow from kind of increases social welfare, you get better matching between lenders and firms. Kind of the dark side is that the firms that have had payment trouble that have defaulted or missed some payments on loans sort of get shut out of the credit part. You have a harder time starting any new relationships with outside lenders. That's kind of a cost.
Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 01:34 The second cost is that information sharing changes the game for lenders. So, if participating in this credit bureau basically allows outside lenders to pick off the firms that are doing better, then that destroys the incentive for lenders to kind of invest in relationships to begin with. That's sort of the second dark side of information sharing, if you will.
Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 01:54 So, I coauthor on a number of projects with the junior faculty member here named Mike Minnis. I probably talked to Mike more than I talk to my wife. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. But, I mean, as a PhD student, there's only so much you can learn in class, and having a faculty member to work with that's kind of gone through the ropes and understands the review process, that's done something on their own, it gives you a really good opportunity to learn. That's something, I think that was absolutely instrumental in my success
Current Accounting Students
PhD students in accounting come to Chicago Booth with a wide range of interests and goals. Recent dissertations have focused on everything from machine learning to the impact of fiscal monitoring, and graduates have gone on to positions at some of the world’s preeminent institutions, including Columbia Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Current Students
Samuel Chang Jonas Dalmazzo Jewel Evans Lingyu Gu Yanzi (Yvonne) Han Grant Hayes Maria Khrakovsky Alex Kim Ginha Kim Andrew McKinley Pietro Ramella Hanbyul Yoon
Program Expectations and Requirements
The Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth is a full-time program. Students generally complete the majority of coursework and examination requirements within the first two years of studies and begin work on their dissertation during the third year. For details, see General Examination Requirements by Area in the Stevens Program Guidebook below.
Download the 2023-2024 Guidebook!
![why get a phd in accounting](https://bat.bing.com/action/0?ti=5102214&Ver=2)
- EXPLORE Random Article
- Happiness Hub
How to Earn a PHD in Accounting
Last Updated: February 6, 2023 References
This article was co-authored by Felipe Corredor . Felipe is a Senior College Admissions Consultant at American College Counselors with over seven years of experience. He specializes in helping clients from all around the world gain admission into America's top universities through private, one-on-one consulting. He helps guide clients through the entire college admissions process and perfect every aspect of their college applications. Felipe earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Chicago and recently received his MBA. There are 21 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 73,602 times.
A PhD in accounting is an ideal academic path if you intend to teach at a university or conduct serious research. Getting into a PhD program in this field requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree, although some programs prefer applicants with a graduate degree. Finishing a doctorate in accounting usually takes four to five years, and involves taking the required courses, writing a dissertation and, passing a comprehensive exam.
Completing Requirements for a PhD Program in Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Step 1 Take all necessary academic prerequisites.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f9/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-1.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-1.jpg)
- Check the prerequisite list of the specific program you’re interested in applying to. If you are unsure, contact the university department directly with your questions. This can help you see if the classes you took at one school will transfer to another university.
- Common perquisites include linear algebra, multivariate calculus, and an understanding of integration and differentiation. An MBA-level statistics course is a good class to take as well.
![why get a phd in accounting Step 2 Complete a graduate degree.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/99/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-2.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-2.jpg)
- Earning a master’s will also make your university application much stronger.
- In addition to earning a master’s, some programs prefer applicants to have worked or conducted research in the accounting field prior to applying. For instance, a job as a CPA or independent auditor could strengthen your understanding of the field.
![why get a phd in accounting Step 3 Take the appropriate tests.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/dc/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-3.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-3.jpg)
- The GRE is a general proficiency test covering verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. [4] X Trustworthy Source Educational Testing Service Educational and testing assessment organization responsible for administering various standardized exams, such as the GRE and the TOEFL Go to source The test lasts about four hours, including short breaks allowed between the test sections. There are a variety of test prep materials available for free at https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/ . You can take either a paper-based or computer-based test, and sign up for either online at https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register/centers_dates/ .
- The GMAT is a general proficiency test covering analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative problem solving, and verbal comprehension. The exam lasts 3.5 hours. [5] X Research source There are a variety of test prep materials available online at http://www.mba.com/us/the-gmat-exam/prepare-for-the-gmat-exam.aspx . You could also check out your local library or bookstore for GMAT handbooks and sample tests. To sign up to take the GMAT, visit https://accounts.gmac.com/Account/Register .
Applying to a PhD Program
![why get a phd in accounting Step 1 Pen your personal statement.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/bc/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-4.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-4.jpg)
- Decide what type of research you want to do -- archival, experimental or behavioral, or analytical -- and commit to it in your personal statement before applying to a school. [7] X Research source To get a better idea of what type of research is available, read some current academic literature and meet with the professors at the school(s) you’re thinking of applying to.
- Later, you can incorporate a modified version of your personal statement along with your university application. Add information about why or how the particular PhD program you’ve applied to will help you meet the goals you expressed in your personal statement. Follow the doctoral program's guidelines for word length and content.
![why get a phd in accounting Step 2 Select a program specialty.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7e/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-5.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-5.jpg)
- Whatever school you choose, ensure its program offers the necessary coursework and will provide you with the experience you want to help you meet your future goals.
- You should also look at requirements for obtaining a PhD at the various schools. Do they expect students to graduate in three years? Two years? What classes and skills does the program emphasize?
![why get a phd in accounting Step 4 Talk to professors in the accounting program at the universities you’re applying to.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9c/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-7.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-7.jpg)
- Explain why you need the letter, and why you’re asking for the particular professor’s advice. For instance, you might explain to a favored professor that he or she inspired you to continue developing your understanding of accounting, and you’re now following up on their advice by pursuing a PhD.
![why get a phd in accounting Step 6 Submit your applications.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c0/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-9.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-9.jpg)
Being a Good Student
![why get a phd in accounting Step 1 Arrive early at the school.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b9/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-10.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-10.jpg)
- Additionally, stay late once in a while. Stick around to talk to students you’re teaching, or put in some extra time on your dissertation.
- Show up on at least one day during the weekends, too. Vary the time you go to campus on weekends so that you see many different professors (and many different professors see you).
![why get a phd in accounting Step 2 Dress professionally.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/20/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-11.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-11.jpg)
- Presentation experience looks great on a resume.
- Even if you can’t present at a conference, you should attend as many as you can to keep up with current research and meet your fellow accounting colleagues.
Completing the PhD Program in Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting Step 1 Enroll in and complete the required courses.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d6/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-14.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-14.jpg)
- Most PhD programs require two years of coursework, though some require three years. [18] X Research source
![why get a phd in accounting Step 2 Meet exam requirements.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c5/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-15.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-15.jpg)
- To prepare for the comps, write a brief (one page) summary of each academic article you read during your seminars and classes. Summarize the main argument or question the author is tackling, as well as his or her findings and conclusion.
![why get a phd in accounting Step 3 Develop your dissertation topic.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b1/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-16.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-16.jpg)
- You may have suggested the topic you want to work on in your initial application to the university. Don’t feel obligated to stick to that exact topic, since other issues or problems in accounting might spark your interest as you progress in your program. However, ensure that whatever topic you select is one that you’ll be able to receive guidance on from your academic advisor.
- Current trends in accounting encourage PhD students to pursue positivist (non-theoretical) research on subjects relating to the influence of accounting practices on global markets. [19] X Research source
![why get a phd in accounting Step 4 Craft a research plan.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/90/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-17.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-17.jpg)
- You might begin by drafting an outline of your dissertation on the topic of tax evasion. Perhaps you’ll break the dissertation down into various subtopics or chapters, each focused on a particular issue or question related to tax evasion such as the ethics of tax evasion, the law regarding tax evasion, and the future directions accountants that investigate tax evasion could pursue.
- Decide when you want each chapter completed and give yourself a certain number of hours each week to work on the dissertation.
- If you're conducting research at a far-away archive, ask the archive or its parent institution if they offer funding for visiting scholars. Alternately, contact the head of your own school's accounting department about getting travel funds.
![why get a phd in accounting Step 5 Conduct your research.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f4/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-18.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-18.jpg)
- Use academic literature databases like Corporate Information ( http://www.corporateinformation.com/ ), EconLit ( https://www.aeaweb.org/econlit/ ), and Research Papers in Economics ( http://repec.org/ ) to look for useful academic resources.
- Examine raw data relevant to your topic. There are man sources of raw data that you can use to develop your dissertation, including stock prices, financial statements, and mathematical proofs. [22] X Research source
- Think about the sources that would be most useful to you and ask your academic advisor for advice as to where you might look for more information.
- If you’re interested in experimental research, you will need to arrange controlled experiments with people to probe questions related to accounting. For instance, perhaps you want to find out how much people know about different types of investments. You could conduct oral interviews or administer surveys asking specific questions about the differences between IRAs, Roth IRAs, stocks, and mutual funds.
![why get a phd in accounting Step 6 Take rigorous notes.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/88/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-19.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-19.jpg)
- Ensure you obtain permission before recording potential interview subjects.
![why get a phd in accounting Step 7 Write your dissertation.](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/24/Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-20.jpg/v4-460px-Earn-a-PHD-in-Accounting-Step-20.jpg)
- The front portion of the dissertation should be used to ground your research process by demonstrating how your research relates to the other academic publications in the field. For instance, if you write about managerial accounting, you should read as much as possible in the academic literature about managerial accounting, including past PhD theses. Use prior studies to give meaning to your own work by demonstrating that your dissertation is exploring new territory. [26] X Research source
- You should end the introduction with a specific statement outlining your argument, and a summary of each chapter or section of your dissertation.
- The body of the dissertation lays out your main findings. Each chapter should look at a specific topic relating to the larger issue you're examining. For instance, if you write about managerial accounting, you might use each chapter to examine accounting practices in several different large firms within a single industry. The chapters would offer in-depth information comparing and contrasting the different accounting practices with each other.
- Conclude your dissertation with a final section summarizing your findings overall and suggesting new directions or solutions to the topic you've examined. Include raw data -- stock prices, interview transcripts or surveys, and other documents -- in an appendix.
- During your writing process, submit chapters or portions of the dissertation to your academic advisor for review. Use his or her feedback to shape your dissertation.
- After completing the dissertation, you must present your dissertation before a departmental committee. The committee will ask you probing questions about your research process and findings. Talk to your academic advisor about how you can best prepare for the questions you might be confronted with.
Expert Q&A
![why get a phd in accounting Felipe Corredor](https://www.wikihow.life/images/thumb/4/44/Felipe_Corredor.png/-crop-200-200-200px-Felipe_Corredor.png)
- Make regular appointments with your academic advisor to form a relationship with them, as this can be of extreme importance. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
You Might Also Like
![why get a phd in accounting Become Taller Naturally](https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cf/Become-Taller-Naturally-Step-12-Version-6.jpg/-crop-342-184-245px-Become-Taller-Naturally-Step-12-Version-6.jpg)
Expert Interview
![why get a phd in accounting why get a phd in accounting](https://www.wikihow.life/images/thumb/e/e7/WikiHow-Expert-Interview-Transcript-Felipe-Corredor-CFD_sample.png/340px-WikiHow-Expert-Interview-Transcript-Felipe-Corredor-CFD_sample.png)
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about earning a PhD, check out our in-depth interview with Felipe Corredor .
- ↑ http://goingconcern.com/post/what-you-need-know-about-getting-accounting-phd-program
- ↑ http://goingconcern.com/post/whats-getting-phd-accounting-really-all-about
- ↑ http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/departments/accounting/programs/phd_program/apply.aspx
- ↑ https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/content/
- ↑ http://www.mba.com/us/the-gmat-exam/gmat-exam-format-timing.aspx
- ↑ http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2009/mar/pursuingaphdinaccounting.html
- ↑ http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/Phd/academics/index.html
- ↑ http://goingconcern.com/post/five-tips-first-year-accounting-phd-candidates
- ↑ http://goingconcern.com/post/five-tips-first-year-accounting-phd-candidates/
- ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=0NZLQlBEpnAC&lpg=PA14&pg=PA13#v=onepage&q&f=false
- ↑ http://www.terry.uga.edu/phd/concentrations/accounting
- ↑ https://gpae.wcu.edu/Vol6/Reading_and_Understanding_Academic_Research.pdf
- ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=0NZLQlBEpnAC&lpg=PA14&pg=PA14#v=onepage&q&f=false
- ↑ http://www.chappellseminars.com/basic-rules-of-composing-an-accounting-dissertation-topic.htm
About this article
![why get a phd in accounting Felipe Corredor](https://www.wikihow.life/images/thumb/4/44/Felipe_Corredor.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Felipe_Corredor.png)
Reader Success Stories
![why get a phd in accounting Akua Serwaa Darko](https://www.wikihow.life/images/thumb/0/0a/CommunityAvatar1.png/-crop-72-72-72px-CommunityAvatar1.png)
Akua Serwaa Darko
Dec 4, 2016
Did this article help you?
![why get a phd in accounting why get a phd in accounting](https://www.wikihow.life/images/9/92/Guide_survival_quote_728x180_2.jpg)
- About wikiHow
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Do Not Sell or Share My Info
- Not Selling Info
Research Skills to Advance Accounting Knowledge
![why get a phd in accounting Professor conducting a PhD in Accounting course at Olin School of Business](https://olin.wustl.edu/_assets/images/16-9/PhD-Accounting.jpg)
Get Your PhD in Accounting
The PhD in Accounting program focuses on a broad base of knowledge and research skills so you can enjoy a robust career as a university educator and researcher.
In this program, you study issues in two areas: the role of financial information in facilitating the operations of capital markets and assistance for managers planning and controlling the way institutions operate.
Accounting Faculty and Research
Olin’s accounting faculty members conduct world-class research focused on analysis and preparation of financial statements, auditing and managerial accounting. Some faculty members focus on disclosure issues related to the role of financial information in capital markets, both domestic and international. Others examine the effects of legal institutions on the credibility of information produced and used in such markets and the resulting effects on economic performance.
Here are just some of the important journals in which our Accounting faculty have been published:
- Journal of Accounting Research
- The Accounting Review
- Journal of Accounting and Economics
- Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory
- Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance
- Contemporary Accounting Research
Read about collaboritve research by Accounting faculty and PhD students.
![why get a phd in accounting WashU Olin Business School’s accounting program focuses on infusing students with a broad knowledge base and the necessary research skills to enjoy a robust career as a university educator and researcher.](https://olin.wustl.edu/_assets/images/4-3/PhD-VideoCover.jpg)
PhD Accounting
WashU Olin’s accounting program focuses on infusing students with a broad knowledge base to enjoy a robust career as a educator and researcher.
Collaborative Research
The Wells Fargo Advisors Center for Accounting Research is dedicated to the dissemination of cutting-edge research in finance and accounting.
PhD in Accounting Curriculum
Prior to the first year—mandatory attendance at math camp (offered through the Economics department)
Recommended Course Sequence
First semester.
MEC 610 Microeconomics I (3 credits) Econometrics course* Olin PhD Accounting courses
Second Semester
- MEC 611 Microeconomics II (3 credits)
- L11 Quantitative Methods II (3 credits)
- Econometrics course*
- Olin PhD Accounting courses
- L11 5161 Applied Econometrics
- B52 620 Empirical Methods in Finance
- B53 620 Empirical Methods in Business
- Attend Accounting seminars.
- Begin research collaborations.
- First-year summer paper
- Complete annual progress report
- Improvisation Course B53 660 Seminar in Presentation Skills (fall semester, required)
- Attend accounting seminars
- Paper presentations (brown bag seminars and conferences)
- Dissertation research
- Attend Accounting seminars
- Dissertation Proposal—Students must be able to assemble a Research Advisory Committee for the proposal of their dissertation and must submit a Title, Scope and Procedure Form as the committee’s approval of the proposed dissertation by September 30 after the fourth year.
- In the summer, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD Office by August 1.
- Paper presentations (job market paper presentations with faculty and at conferences)
- Intent to Graduate (complete form online)
- Job market and placement
- Oral defense of dissertation
- Submission of Examination Approval form, which signifies committee’s approval
- Upload of final, approved Dissertation to Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Submission of documented teaching requirements to PhD office
Download Accounting PhD course descriptions
Meet the Accounting Faculty
![why get a phd in accounting Richard Frankel](https://dmdav.olin.wustl.edu/Files/frankel/pci/frankel-2.jpg)
Richard Frankel
Full Professor
![why get a phd in accounting Jared Jennings](https://dmdav.olin.wustl.edu/Files/jaredjennings/pci/jennings-1.jpg)
Jared Jennings
Associate Professor
Doctoral Programs
Campus Box 1133-124-05 One Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Quick Links
- PhD & DBA Admissions
- PhD Bulletin
- Greater St. Louis
- Pre-Doctoral Program
![why get a phd in accounting NYU Stern Logo](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/themes/custom/stern9/img/logo.png)
PhD | Accounting
![why get a phd in accounting why get a phd in accounting](https://www.stern.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/styles/2505w_x_1326h/public/assets/images/GettyImages-472132537_1.jpg?h=14e542d2&itok=093fDBFT)
The Ph.D. in Accounting
Stern’s accounting department is exceptional in its balance between research in empirical financial accounting and theoretical financial and managerial accounting. It is also unusual in the breadth of the research conducted (e.g., capital markets, earnings management, voluntary disclosure/management guidance, corporate governance, and financial institutions and instruments). These attributes result in part from its size, but also from the individual and collective wide-ranging interests of the faculty. The curriculum is designed to provide a thorough understanding of current accounting theory, practice, and research, taught within the framework of modern economic and finance theories as applied to the behavior of today’s corporations and financial markets.
Explore Accounting
Discover our other fields of study.
- Student Services Online
- Class search
- Student email
- Change my password
- MyCDES+ (job board)
- Course outlines
- Learning essentials
- Libraries and Learning Services
- Forms, policies and guidelines
- Campus Card
- Enrol in courses
- Postgraduate students
- Summer school
- AskAuckland
- Student Hubs
- Student IT Hub
- Student Health and Counselling
- Harassment, bullying, sexual assault and other violence
- Complaints and incidents
- Career Development and Employability Services (CDES)
- Ratonga Hauātanga Tauira | Student Disability Services (SDS)
- Rainbow support
- Covid-19 information for our community
- Emergency information
- Report concerns, incidents and hazards
- Health and safety topics
- Staff email
- Staff intranet
- ResearchHub
- PeopleSoft HR
- Forms register
- Careers at the University
- Education Office
- Early childhood centres
- University Calendar
- Opportunities
- Update your details
- Make a donation
- Publications
- Photo galleries
- Video and audio
- Career services
- Virtual Book Club
- Library services
- Alumni benefits
- Office contact details
- Alumni and friends on social media
- No events scheduled for today You have no more events scheduled for today
- Next event:
- Show {0} earlier events Show {0} earlier event
- Event_Time Event_Name Event_Description
- My Library Account
- Change Password
- Edit Profile
- My GPA Grade Point Average About your GPA GPA not available Why can't I see my GPA?
- My Progress
- Points Required Completed points My Progress Progress not available All done!
- Student hubs
- Health and counselling
- All support
- Health, safety and well-being
Breadcrumbs List.
- Ngā akoranga | Study
- Study options
- Find a study option
- You are currently on: Doctoral study
Doctoral study in Accounting
Why study with us.
- The University of Auckland consistently ranks in the top 100 globally and is New Zealand’s No. 1 university. (QS World University Rankings)
- The Business School at The University of Auckland is part of the 1% of Business Schools worldwide with Triple Crown accreditation. (AACSB International, EFMD-EQUIS, and AMBA)
- The University hosts more researchers in business and economics than any other New Zealand university. This expertise provides opportunities for original and significant contributions to knowledge in various disciplines.
- Students have opportunities to connect with professionals from their discipline through networking event, fostering collaboration and industry connections.
- The Business School offers state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated workspaces for full-time PhD students.
- Doctoral candidates receive annual Postgraduate Research Student Support (PReSS) funding to cover research expenses.
- The Business School Careers Centre assists students with career planning through skills workshops, employer interactions and individual support.
Research opportunities
When you undertake your doctorate in Accounting at the University of Auckland Business School, you’ll join a high-calibre research community and have opportunities to publish papers, attend international conferences and develop a network in academia and industry.
We welcome research proposals in topics relating to our two key research specialisations:
Financial accounting
- Financial reporting and its impacts
- External auditing
- Social and environmental accounting
- Accounting policy decisions
- Integrated reporting
Financial management
- Management control
- Diffusion of innovation in management accounting
- Management accounting systems and behaviour in organisations
- Transfer pricing in multinationals
- Performance measurement
Pursue your topic with us and benefit from the support and supervision of internationally recognised researchers.
Professor Norman Wong (Head of Department) Financial accounting; capital markets and accounting information; governance issues in accounting; accounting policy choice; taxation and accounting and research methods in accounting
Dr Davood Askarany : Diffusion of innovation, management accounting, organisational change, performance measurement and diffusion theoryDr Sharlene Sheetal Narayan Biswas: Management accounting, new product development, open innovation and auditing
Professor Steven Cahan : Auditing and financial reporting
Dr Lily Chen : Financial reporting and disclosure, financial analysts, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, and integrated reporting Dr Julie Harrison : Performance measurement, data envelopment analysis, revenue management, international tax and transfer pricing Professor David Hay : Auditing issues internationally and in New Zealand, including auditor independence, corporate governance and privacy auditing
Dr Fred Ng : Revenue management, customer accounting, customer analysis, and revenue and cost drivers.
Dr Winnie O’Grady: Management control systems, viable system approaches to performance management, and adaptive performance management models (eg, beyond budgeting approaches)
Professor Paul Rouse : Performance and productivity measurement with specialist applications to transport, education and health
Professor Jilnaught Wong : Contracting and agency issues in financial accounting, earnings management and corporate governance
Past research topics
- 'The Effect of Earnings Management Constraints on Management Earnings Forecasts: Evidence from Japan' | Supervised by Professor Norman Wong and Professor Steven Cahan
- ‘Sustainability: An Evaluation of Reporting, Disclosure and Performance’ Supervised by Dr Davood Askarany and Professor Paul Rouse
- 'A Multi-Stakeholder Framework for Performance Management of Community Health Services Contractors' | Supervised by Professor Paul Rouse and Dr Winnie O'Grady
- 'Privacy Audits: Expectations and Implementation' | Supervised by Professor David Hay and Associate Professor Gehan Gunasekara
Scholarships and awards
University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships
Barry Spicer and Owen G Glenn PhD Scholarship
Non-University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships
Phone the University
- 923 7186 (within Auckland)
- 0800 61 62 63 (outside Auckland)
- +64 9 373 7513 (overseas)
Apply for doctoral study
Doctoral programmes.
Related subjects
- Information Systems
- Commercial Law
Related links
- Doctoral applications
- Find a scholarship
![](//mangareview.fun/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
IMAGES
COMMENTS
According to Supply and Demand for Accounting Ph.D.s (American Accounting Association, 2005), the top six reasons students enter Ph.D. programs are, in order, personal growth and development, intellectual challenge, teaching, work/family balance, academic research and earnings potential.
Having said all of that, the PhD is really about statistics, mathematics, economics, econometrics, psychology, programming, finance theory, reading tons of papers in academic journals, and oh yeah, writing. Pure accounting is the backdrop for all of this, but it's often a second thought. Up next: "The PhD is not really about teaching.".
A Ph.D. is a research degree. If teaching is the only side of the faculty equation that interests you, you may want to pursue a different avenue to the classroom. For instance, many universities seek lecturers and adjunct faculty to meet classroom demand. Seek an opportunity to meet with college and university accounting program administrators ...
Pursuing a doctorate in accounting can be an exciting and highly rewarding journey. However, especially if you're more accustomed to applying for jobs than to graduate programs, the application process can seem bewildering. It may be more time - consuming and require more preparation than anticipated. This article can serve as your road map ...
Full-time students usually take five years to complete a Ph.D. in accounting — three years of coursework and two of dissertation research and writing. Students entering with master's degrees or individuals attending school part time may need more or less time. Many schools cap the Ph.D. experience at seven years.
Accounting. Our doctoral program in the accounting field offers broadly based, interdisciplinary training that develops the student's skills in conducting both analytical and empirical research. Emphasis is placed on developing a conceptual framework and set of skills for addressing questions broadly related to accounting information.
PhD in Accounting. Stanford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with 19 institutes encouraging interdisciplinary learning and a $1.69 billion sponsored research budget. It offers one of the country's top accounting PhD programs, emphasizing both empirical and analytical research.
The PhD in Accounting at Stanford in Palo Alto, California, is one of the strongest programs in the country. The program requires students to enter with a solid academic foundation in microeconomic theory, econometrics, and math. It also requires students to have basic computer programming skills in programs like STATA, Python, and SAS.
The doctoral program in Accounting and Management, which falls under the PhD in Business Administration, focuses on understanding the role of information and measurement systems for: allocating resources among firms in the economy and between departments or divisions of individual firms; rewarding and monitoring the performance of managers; formulating, executing and evaluating strategy by ...
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP. Both U.S. News & World Report and Public Accounting Report rank the Texas McCombs Accounting PhD program number one in the nation, reflecting the program's diversity and excellence across education and scholarship. Our distinguished faculty members research various specializations, including financial reporting ...
Costs of Accounting Ph.D. Programs Most accounting Ph.D. programs not only offer tuition waivers, they also pay their students monthly salaries. The programs are full-time and students have to leave their regular accounting jobs to focus on their studies. To compensate for this loss of earnings, Ph.D. programs
Wharton's Ph.D. program in Accounting trains students to be successful academic researchers. To this end, the program is designed to provide students with opportunities to learn to develop their own research ideas and to learn to implement appropriate research methods. ... PhD Accounting Program Coordinator Luzi Hail Stephen J. Heyman ...
Welcome to the AAA Portal for students considering a PhD in accounting or another doctoral program. The portal acts as a gateway and a clearinghouse for the very best information for those of you thinking about a PhD. To help you navigate the confusing and complex plethora of information on the web, AAA's group of Doctoral Program coordinators ...
So Why Get a PhD in Accounting? You love research: Many people who decide to pursue a PhD in any subject are already intrigued by industry research. They often have subscriptions to publications and journals that keep them informed on current statistics and research developed by peer groups. If you enjoyed autonomy while working on projects and ...
Generally, a doctorate in accounting takes 4-7 years to complete. In addition to that time commitment, students may need to make a substantial financial investment in their education. Accounting programs generally cost over $18,000 per year on average. However, many Ph.D. programs waive the cost of tuition, and students actually receive a ...
Yale SOM's specialization in accounting is designed to develop strong theoretical and empirical skills. There is a heavy emphasis on original research to form a base for sustained scholarship. Co-authored research, with both faculty and fellow PhD students, is encouraged and supported. Yale's accounting program is small (matriculating one ...
A Ph.D. in accounting is a terminal degree, meaning it's the highest academic degree you can obtain in accounting. The degree requires students to pursue original research in addition to completing a set amount of coursework to expand their knowledge of the field. Having a Ph.D. in accounting can prove your knowledge and competence as a ...
Overview. The Accounting PhD program trains students to do rigorous research in accounting, a specialized area of financial economics. The program is highly analytical and quantitative. We look for strong undergraduate preparation in microeconomics and mathematics, while some prior accounting or finance training at the undergraduate or graduate ...
Through the program, which is the largest accounting PhD program in Canada, you'll combine substantive knowledge of an area of accounting (auditing and assurance, financial accounting, management accounting, and taxation) with in-depth knowledge of a base discipline and associated research methods. You'll be prepared for a successful career ...
Accounting. Chicago Booth has one of the preeminent PhD accounting programs. Our faculty conduct groundbreaking scholarly work, and our graduates have played a central role in the evolution of modern accounting research. As a PhD student in accounting at Booth, you'll have the freedom to explore and cultivate your research interests from day ...
Getting into a PhD program in this field requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree, although some programs prefer applicants with a graduate degree. Finishing a doctorate in accounting usually takes four to five years, and involves taking the required courses, writing a dissertation and, passing a comprehensive exam. Method 1.
Get Your PhD in Accounting. The PhD in Accounting program focuses on a broad base of knowledge and research skills so you can enjoy a robust career as a university educator and researcher. In this program, you study issues in two areas: the role of financial information in facilitating the operations of capital markets and assistance for ...
The Ph.D. in Accounting. Stern's accounting department is exceptional in its balance between research in empirical financial accounting and theoretical financial and managerial accounting. It is also unusual in the breadth of the research conducted (e.g., capital markets, earnings management, voluntary disclosure/management guidance ...
Phone the University. 923 7186 (within Auckland) 0800 61 62 63 (outside Auckland) +64 9 373 7513 (overseas) For specific advice on doctoral study in Accounting, please contact the Department of Accounting and Finance.