can you get a phd in accounting

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• ACCOUNTING EDUCATION

Road map to applying for a doctorate in accounting

Finding the right school is only half the battle..

• Accounting Education

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, making you aware of the possible roadblocks, speed bumps, and even the burnout you may encounter along the way (see the sidebar "Tips for Preventing Burnout" below). We outline the process of choosing schools to apply to, getting all your materials ready for application, and planning your time so you can meet the application deadlines. This guide is intended to help you navigate the highly competitive application process and position yourself as a prime candidate for consideration.

ROUTE PLANNING: CHOOSING THE TYPE OF DEGREE TO PURSUE

After you've made the decision to pursue a doctorate in accounting, the next choice you must make is which type of doctorate you want: a Ph.D. in accounting or a doctorate in business administration (DBA) with a concentration in accounting. Traditional accounting Ph.D. programs require full - time residency and consist of face - to - face instruction in a campus classroom. In these programs, tuition is usually waived, and students receive a stipend in exchange for working as a research or teaching assistant.

Nontraditional DBA programs may be conducted completely online or can be "hybrid" programs, where most instruction takes place online, but students are also required to be on campus multiple times throughout the program. One advantage of nontraditional programs is they allow you to pursue a degree while continuing to work, although some students may have difficulty balancing the demands of the program with the demands of their job (see the sidebar "Doctoral Programs for Practitioners" below). A drawback is that the cost of such programs can be quite high ($40,000 to $120,000) compared with the cost of traditional accounting Ph.D. programs. Also, note that having a DBA can affect the types of schools that will hire you as a faculty member, as many larger, research - focused schools prefer or even require candidates to hold a Ph.D. This may not be a problem if you plan to teach at a smaller or teaching - focused school.

CHOOSING SCHOOLS TO APPLY TO

After you determine which type of degree you want to pursue, you will then need to decide which schools to apply to. It is important to keep in mind that most schools accept only a handful of applicants each year. To increase your chances of acceptance into a program, you should apply to at least six to eight schools.

Consider some of the following factors when making this decision:

Accreditation

A school's accreditation status could affect your viability as a candidate for a faculty position. In the United States there are two main types of accreditation: regional and specialized. Regional accreditation applies to the school as a whole, whereas specialized accreditation applies to specific programs within the school. Accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is widely considered the highest standard of accreditation for business schools, and many schools require faculty applicants to possess a Ph.D. or doctorate degree from an AACSB - accredited institution (see the box, "Helpful Resources").

Your future career plans

Consider also where you would like to work after graduation. If you are looking for a position at a research - intensive school, choose a graduate program with a strong reputation for research. Also, note that graduates of a school's accounting Ph.D. program typically do not find their first positions at the school from which they received their Ph.D. Thus, if you know that you would like to work at XYZ University immediately after you finish your Ph.D., you should probably not apply to that school's Ph.D. program.

Your research interests

Explore the type of work your prospective schools' faculties engage in, both the research areas they tend to specialize in (e.g., audit, tax, financial accounting, governmental/ not - for - profit accounting, management accounting, accounting history, etc.) and the research methods (behavioral or archival) they tend to use. This is an important step even if you're not yet sure what type of research you want to engage in, because later in your career you will be expected to develop research interests.

If you find that no one at the school does research you are interested in, or that most of the faculty is engaged in research in areas or methods that don't appeal to you, then that school will probably not be a good fit.

Additional factors

Other factors to consider include location, culture, and reputation. Depending on your situation, a school's location may be a major factor in choosing whether to apply to it. To determine whether a school would be a good cultural fit, consider reaching out to the program's coordinator, current students, or recent graduates. You can usually find their names and contact information on the program's website.

A program's research reputation can be an important factor in your application decision. To get a sense of the school's general and research reputation, speak with the program's coordinator and examine the program's website for listings of faculty publications, job placements of recent graduates, and mentions of its ranking in Public Accounting Report 's Annual Professors Survey. (In this survey, which requires paid access, accounting faculty rank the best accounting doctoral programs in the country.) Additionally, you may want to view Brigham Young University's yearly accounting research rankings.

ROADBLOCKS: APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICS

Your application journey may come to a quick end if you encounter certain roadblocks that prevent you from applying to or being accepted into a program. Read prospective schools' admission requirements carefully, and be especially mindful of the following:

Required classes, degrees, and/or work experience

Some schools either require or strongly recommend having certain prerequisite classes (e.g., calculus, linear algebra, and microeconomic theory), a master's degree in business or accounting, or one or more years of work experience.

Most Ph.D. programs require applicants to provide their Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. If you have previously taken the GMAT, make sure your score is recent. If you took the test more than five years ago, you will need to retake it.

Studying for the GMAT is important to optimize your chances of being accepted into a program. While minimum score requirements can be in the low to mid - 600s , several schools note on their websites that the average scores of students accepted into the program are 700 or above.

Be aware of application deadlines. Priority deadlines for most Ph.D. programs are in December or January prior to the fall semester of entrance.

Whether a school is accepting doctoral students in a given year

You may find that some schools are not accepting applications to their doctoral program for the upcoming school year because they lack the resources to support doctoral students.

SPEED BUMPS: ALLOW AMPLE TIME TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION

Beware of speed bumps that can slow your application journey. It's advisable to start planning the application process a year in advance. Most schools require the following application materials, all of which can take weeks or even months to compile or obtain:

Recommendation letters

Most schools require two or three letters of reference, and many specify that some or all must be academic references. Depending on how long you have been out of contact with your references, it may take a bit of research and time to find their current contact information and to hear back from them.

Transcripts

Schools will require transcripts from undergraduate and graduate schools you previously attended. Note that transcript processing and delivery time can vary depending on the mode of delivery, holds on your account, and the length of time since graduation.

GMAT scores

You can take the GMAT only once every 16 calendar days, five times within a 12 - month period, and eight times total in your lifetime. Plan accordingly so you can submit or update your GMAT score before your application is due.

If it has been a while since you last updated your r é sumé, you may need some time to research items such as official job duties, dates of service, and reference contact information.

Most schools require applicants to provide a written personal statement and may request additional essays as well. The personal statement is a very important piece of the application process in which you attempt to "sell" yourself to the school; therefore, it is a good idea to put a lot of time and thought into your responses and to hire an editor to read over your responses and provide feedback. Typographical errors, poor grammar, or a lack of enthusiasm are likely to leave a bad impression on the application reviewers.

EYES ON THE PRIZE

The application process is a critical phase in your journey to a doctorate, and it presents many challenges. We hope the tips provided in this article will help keep you on course and prevent you from encountering unwelcome surprises while navigating the application process. Proper planning, preparation, and knowledge can help you achieve your dream of receiving a doctorate in accounting.

Tips for preventing burnout

The process of applying to a Ph.D. program can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some ways to alleviate the stress:

Talk to accounting professors about their Ph.D. experience

Most professors would be happy to speak with you about their doctoral journey, including the application process. You are likely to find that they, too, encountered some speed bumps and roadblocks along the way, and they may be able to give you advice.

Stay organized

If you are applying to several schools, it can be difficult to keep up with each program's requirements. A good way to manage this is to keep an Excel spreadsheet or a checklist of each school's requirements and due dates. That way you can check off what you have completed as you go and not worry about forgetting any components.

This help can come in the form of GMAT study courses, having a friend or editor review your essays and r é sumé, or speaking with your target schools' Ph.D. program coordinators for advice (e.g., they may advise you to submit your materials by a certain date to be among the first considered, or to consider retaking the GMAT to increase your chances of acceptance).

Be aware of alternative teaching routes

You don't always need a doctorate to teach at the college level. Many schools require only a master's degree to teach as a part-time (adjunct) lecturer or as a full-time nontenure-track instructor.

Seasoned accounting professionals interested in transitioning from practice to the classroom may consider the AACSB Bridge Program. The Bridge Program is an intense weeklong program held annually at a participating university. Participants gain knowledge on topics such as managing the classroom, creating an engaging learning environment, and planning and delivering courses.

Doctoral programs for practitioners

A CPA with at least three years of professional accounting experience who would like to teach tax or audit at the university level should consider applying to the Accounting Doctoral Scholars (ADS) Program ( adsphd.org ). The ADS Program provides financial support for those pursuing a Ph.D. in accounting who have recent public accounting experience and plan to teach and do research in tax or audit at an AACSB-accredited university after graduation. Those selected for funding receive a total of $40,000 in supplemental payments upon reaching various milestones while pursuing a doctorate in accounting.

Practitioners can also consider participating in the AACSB Bridge Program, an initiative that helps practitioners transition to the classroom and learn teaching and classroom management skills. Visit aacsb.edu/events/bridgeprogram for more information.

About the authors

Sarah Garven, CPA, Ph.D. , is an assistant professor of accounting at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Bailee Pennington is a senior at Morehead State University in Morehead, Ky., majoring in accounting and finance.

To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Courtney Vien, a JofA senior editor, at [email protected] or 919-402-4125.

Helpful resources

• List of AACSB-accredited universities and schools, aacsb.edu
• Brigham Young University's accounting rankings, byuaccounting.net
• The Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program, adsphd.org
• AACSB Bridge Program, aacsb.edu/events/bridgeprogram
• Frequently asked questions about GMAT scores and score reports, mba.com
• Information about how often someone can take the GMAT, mba.com

AICPA resources

• " Don't Let These Myths Stand Between You and a Teaching Job ," CPA Insider , Aug. 7, 2017
• " Transitioning Into Academia: A New Pathway for Practitioners ," JofA , March 2016
• " My Pathway From Practitioner to Professor ," JofA , March 2016
• " A Ph.D. for Me? Really? "
• " From Practice to the Classroom ," JofA , Oct. 2012
• " Pursuing a Ph.D. in Accounting: Walking in With Your Eyes Open ," JofA , March 2009
• Extra Credit
• " From CPA to the Classroom: Going From Practitioner to Professor ," JofA , Feb. 28, 2017
• " Pathway to Academia for Accounting Professionals "
• AICPA Accounting Education Center

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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 73,401 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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?

• 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.

Being a Good Student

• 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).

• 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

• Most PhD programs require two years of coursework, though some require three years. [18] X Research source

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• Ensure you obtain permission before recording potential interview subjects.

• 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

• 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

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Expert Interview

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

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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. While issues of financial reporting, managerial accounting, corporate governance and taxation are the ultimate concern, special emphasis is given to applying basic knowledge of economics, decision theory, and statistical inference to accounting issues.

Spectrum of Interests and Research Methods

Faculty research represents a broad spectrum of interests and research methods:

• Empirical and analytical research on the relation between accounting information and capital market behavior examines the characteristics of accounting amounts, the effect of accounting disclosures on the capital market, the role of analysts as information intermediaries, and the effects of management discretion. Issues examined also include the impact of financial information on stock and option prices, earnings response coefficients, market microstructure, earnings management, voluntary disclosures, and the effect of changes in accounting standards and disclosure requirements.
• Problems of information asymmetries among management, investors, and others are currently under study. This research investigates, analytically and empirically, the structure of incentive systems and monitoring systems under conditions of information asymmetry. Research on moral hazard, adverse selection, risk sharing, and signaling is incorporated into this work.
• Other ongoing projects include research on the economic effects of auditing and regulation of accounting information, and analysis of tax-induced incentive problems in organizations.
• Additional topics of faculty interest include analytical and empirical research on productivity measurement, accounting for quality, activity-based costing for operations and marketing, and strategic costing and pricing.

Preparation and Qualifications

It is desirable for students to have a solid understanding of applied microeconomic theory, econometrics and mathematics (linear algebra, real analysis, optimization, probability theory) prior to the start of the program. Adequate computer programming skills (e.g. Matlab, SAS, STAT, Python) are necessary in coursework. A traditional accounting background such as CPA is not required.

Faculty in Accounting

Christopher s. armstrong, jung ho choi, george foster, brandon gipper, ron kasznik, john d. kepler, jinhwan kim, rebecca lester, iván marinovic, maureen mcnichols, joseph d. piotroski, kevin smith, emeriti faculty, mary e. barth, william h. beaver, david f. larcker, charles m. c. lee, stefan j. reichelstein, recent publications in accounting, elpr: a new measure of capital adequacy for commercial banks, fraudulent financial reporting and the consequences for employees, board diversity and shareholder voting, recent insights by stanford business, nine stories to get you through tax season, tax cuts in the uk gave an unexpected boost to african economies, the hidden costs of clicking the “buy now, pay later” button.

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PhD in Accounting: Help Fill a Shortage of Accountant Professors

You may not have known there is a doctoral-level degree in accounting. However, there are doctoral degrees in most fields, giving you the option to pursue the highest possible degree level in your academic area of study, including a PhD in Accounting. Accounting is a complex field that is often offered as a major or an area of focus in business school. Most students who pursue a Master’s Degrere in Accounting are already accountants with experience in public accounting and research. They may also be experienced business professionals with a master’s degree in the business world, such as a master of business administration (MBA). 

This is a competitive doctoral-level degree for talented accountants who are truly passionate about pursuing a career in accounting research, consulting, or teaching.

Find your bootcamp match

What is accounting.

Most people think of accountants as the people who do their taxes. Though some accountants, tax accountants, do spend their time helping individuals and corporations with their taxes, accounting goes far beyond these tax-related duties. The accounting field is actually a growing and highly in-demand academic field. Accounting focuses on recording financial transactions and sorting and summarizing them into reports and analyses. Academic accounting is a field that incorporates related subfields like econometrics, statistics, finance, and theory. 

Why Get a PhD in Accounting?

A PhD in Accounting is an excellent degree choice if you are truly committed to the field of accounting and interested in accounting theory. This is because accounting research is often theoretical in nature and like accounting, requires strong analytical and mathematical abilities.  Accounting doctoral students are interested in pursuing theoretical concepts of accounting and applying them to real markets. Some of the country’s best business schools offer master’s degree programs in accounting.

If such a program sounds interesting to you, read on for more information on what you can expect as a PhD accounting student. 

PhD in Accounting Components

Before considering specific programs in-depth, it’s a good idea to look into what most programs require and include. These are competitive, advanced-level degree programs for strong and dedicated students. Each program will have a slightly different set of curriculum requirements and may have different concentration offerings. Here is a general summary of what you should expect.

Application Requirements

When applying to any PhD program, students typically start their search process by researching program faculty members. This is because PhD programs are so rooted in the doctoral thesis, which requires extensive 1:1 advising and mentorship from an academic advisor and faculty members.  One of the most important aspects of your application is a proven academic track record in accounting, math, economics, and finance. Programs require bachelor’s degrees, at a minimum. If you have a Master’s Degree in Accounting and/or are a certified public accountant, you will be a more competitive applicant. Several years of work experience in the field can really help applicants gain entry to their desired program.

Applicants will also be required to submit GRE or GMAT exam scores. Because many doctoral accounting programs are run through business schools, the GMAT is sometimes required.

PhD in Accounting Curriculum

Most universities offer doctoral programs in accounting through their schools of business. For example, one of the best-known programs of its kind is part of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.  PhD programs in accounting can take approximately four to seven years to complete, depending on your thesis project and its time requirements. Programs start with foundational coursework that prepares students for the final years of dissertation work. Here are some common courses accounting students can expect to see at the PhD level:

• Research Methods
• Capital Market Research
• Statistical Analysis 
• Quantitative Methods for Accounting
• Econometrics
• Managerial Accounting
• Theories in Accounting

Most PhD programs prepare students for careers as academics, accounting professors, and expert consultants. For this reason, most programs require that students complete teaching practicums as part of the degree process. Students take the important core accounting classes, they develop as researchers, and they learn how to teach.

Concentrations and Dissertations for an Accounting PhD

You will likely choose an accounting concentration within your doctoral program. Some common concentrations are:

• Public Accounting
• Forensic Accounting
• Accounting Information Systems

Regardless of the concentration you choose, you will pursue a major research project as a doctoral student. This research project is commonly called a doctoral dissertation. It is the culmination of several years of research under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. 

It typically results in a published paper and possibly in presentations at conferences and professional organizations. For academics in colleges and universities in the United States, the doctoral dissertation is the first major opportunity to embark on a publishable, in-depth research project. 

Top PhD in Accounting Programs

You should now have a better understanding now of what an accounting PhD entails. Therefore, let’s now take a look at some specific programs. It’s important to note that there is no shortage of programs. In fact, there are 536 different doctoral programs in accounting in the US alone. That said, some programs are much stronger and more competitive than others. 

Below is a list of some of the best PhD accounting programs in the United States. 

Stanford University

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. After a couple of years of initial coursework, students move on to practicum experiences in teaching and researching before focusing on their dissertation work. 

University of Pennsylvania

The Wharton School, the University of Pennsylvania’s school of business, offers a top-notch program that focuses on analytics. Graduates of the program are prepared to dedicate their academic and professional careers to financial and economic research. 

The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

Michigan’s flagship state institution offers an extremely competitive PhD program in accounting, only accepting one to three applicants per year. Students can expect to be fully funded for five years and complete the program in as much time. Students can also expect to spend their first two years on focused research into investor relations, managerial investments, and cash holding. 

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and the Accounting Research Center host this exclusive PhD program in accounting. This program is all about flexibility, allowing its students to cater their program according to their interest in an array of different specializations. Courses offered include econometrics, price theory, finance, and economic modeling. This program consistently produces top graduates who go on to become experts in the field. 

The University of Texas at Austin

Out of all of the programs listed here, the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas offers, by some accounts, offers the top PhD in Accounting program in the country. According to the Public Accounting Report of 2019, it is the #1 program in the nation. 

The Texas McCombs PhD, as the program is officially called, stands apart with distinguished faculty and extremely rigorous preparation for academic life. The program prepares students by helping them develop their research and writing skills and by making them highly competitive when entering the job market or the academic world of accounting. 

Career Outlook With a PhD in Accounting

There is a shortage of accounting professors in the US. This is great news for someone considering the terminal degree in accounting: a doctoral degree. With a PhD in Accounting, you can help fill this shortage and you will be in high demand.  Actually, some students who would have typically stopped their studies with a Master’s Degree in Accounting have decided to continue on to a PhD in Accounting because of the job security the degree offers. Universities need to fill vacancies for accounting professors. This also means that they are willing to pay higher-than-average business faculty salaries to hire and retain accounting professors. The average starting salary for accounting professors under the age of 45 is $101,000.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall accounting field is predicted to see faster-than-average growth between 2019 and 2029.

Should You Get Your PhD in Accounting?

The career outlook alone should be enough to help you answer this question. The answer to this question might be yes, if:

• You are passionate about accounting and accounting theory
• You have a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or a related field
• You have some professional experience in the accounting or finance sector
• You are interested in being a university professor in accounting
• You love research

With excellent job security and very comfortable pay, accounting professors can enjoy successful careers. If you’re excited about pursuing this career track, use this article as a guide to launch your PhD in Accounting program research. 

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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• Harvard Business School →
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Accounting & Management

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Accounting & Management

Curriculum & coursework.

Our programs are full-time degree programs which officially begin in August. Students are expected to complete their program in five years. Typically, the first two years are spent on coursework, at the end of which students take a field exam, and then another three years on dissertation research and writing.

Students in the Accounting and Management program must complete a minimum of 13 semester-long doctoral courses in the areas of business management theory, economic theory, quantitative research methods, academic field seminars, and two MBA elective curriculum courses. In addition to HBS courses, students may take courses at other Harvard Schools and MIT.

Research & Dissertation

Students in accounting and management begin research in their first year typically by working with a faculty member. By their third and fourth years, most students are launched on a solid research and publication stream. In Accounting and Management, the dissertation may take the form of three publishable papers or one longer dissertation.

Recent questions students have explored include: the ways in which managers use retail-level marketing actions to influence the timing of consumer purchases in relation to their firms’ fiscal calendars and financial performance as well as those of their competitors; the role of accounting information in strategic human resource decisions; the evolution, consequences and institutional determinants of unregulated financial reporting practices; the effects of adopting rolling forecasts on forecast quality.

Elliot Tobin

“ I’m constantly inspired to look into new research angles by the brilliant people I run into on campus every day. ”

Current HBS Faculty

• Brian K. Baik
• Dennis Campbell
• Srikant M. Datar
• Aiyesha Dey
• Susanna Gallani
• Gunther Glenk
• Brian J. Hall
• Jonas Heese
• Robert S. Kaplan
• V.G. Narayanan
• Trung Nguyen
• Joseph Pacelli
• Lynn S. Paine
• Krishna G. Palepu
• Ananth Raman
• Edward J. Riedl
• Clayton S. Rose
• Ethan C. Rouen
• Tatiana Sandino
• David S. Scharfstein
• George Serafeim
• Anywhere Sikochi
• Robert Simons
• Eugene F. Soltes
• Suraj Srinivasan
• Adi Sunderam
• Charles C.Y. Wang
• Emily Williams

Current Accounting & Management Students

• Yaxuan Chen
• Ji Ho Kim
• Botir Kobilov
• Yiwei Li
• Trang Nguyen
• Konstantin Pavlenkov
• Ria Sen
• Terrence Shi
• Albert Shin
• Elliot Tobin
• Wenxin Wang
• Yina Yang
• Siyu Zhang

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, wilbur chen, 2022, alexandra scherf, 2021, jody grewal, 2019, andrew jing liu, 2018, hashim zaman, 2022, wei cai, 2020, matthew shaffer, 2019, jee eun shin, 2018, patrick ferguson, 2021, jihwon park, 2020, carolyn deller, 2018, aaron yoon, 2018.

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A Ph.D. for me? Really?

If you are a CPA with recent practical experience and a love for the profession, the academic accounting community is ready to embrace your talents.

Still don’t know what you want to be when you grow up? Based on the number of emails and phone calls I receive, you are not alone. Sure, you landed your first accounting job (or maybe your second or third), and your career opportunities look limitless, but the little voice in the back of your mind is telling you that there is something more out there. You may even be contemplating returning to school to pursue a career as an accounting faculty member. That idea isn’t crazy—in fact, it’s an excellent career move.

There’s a serious shortage of accounting faculty right now. Faculty retirements are on the uptick (the average age of a tenured accounting faculty member in the United States is 60), enrollment in accounting programs is increasing, and demand for accounting graduates is at an all-time high. Initiatives such as the Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program have been created to address the shortage, but the problem persists.

The reality is that if you are a CPA with recent practical experience and a love for the profession, the academic accounting community is eager to embrace your talents. These qualifications are the beginnings of a solid application to a doctoral program. With a few more additions (e.g., a strong GMAT score, meaningful recommendations, etc.), you could be golden. Now may be as good a time as ever to take a step back, rethink your future, and seize this opportunity.

Here are some things to consider in assessing whether to go back to school to earn a doctorate:

• 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 to investigate potential teaching opportunities.
• What disciplinary area of accounting interests you? Tax? Audit? Managerial accounting? Accounting information systems? Financial accounting? Since different programs have different areas of expertise, making this decision early will help you determine which programs to apply to.
• Doctoral programs usually take four to five years to complete. Can you commit this time?
• You won’t necessarily have to live on ramen noodles again. Many universities offer fellowships and assistantships to help offset the costs of a doctoral education.

Now is a great time to consider pursuing a Ph.D. in accounting. A career in academia may be right around the corner for you. Before you commit, take the time to explore this option to ensure it is the right path for you.

Still unsure? The toe almost in the water? Why not explore? Attend Steve Matzke’s session on all things Ph.D., including how to apply and what kinds of salaries accounting professors receive, on Aug. 7 at the  AICPA E.D.G.E. Conference  in San Antonio.

Steve Matzke  is the director–Faculty & University Initiatives at the AICPA. The Edge e-newsletter, is dedicated to providing tips and tools of interest to young professionals, including articles on building career resiliency, networking for success, and de-prioritizing the immediate to focus on the important. Watch for it in your inbox.  Subscribe now .

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• Dissertation Areas and Joint PhD Programs
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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
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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.

Philip G. Berger

Wallman Family Professor of Accounting

Hans B. Christensen

Chookaszian Family Professor of Accounting and David G. Booth Faculty Fellow

Anna Costello

Professor of Accounting and David G. Booth Faculty Fellow

Merle Erickson

Professor of Accounting

Joao Granja

Associate Professor of Accounting and Jane and Basil Vasiliou Faculty Scholar

Christian Leuz

Charles F. Pohl Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting and Finance

Bradford Levy

Assistant Professor of Accounting

Charles McClure

Michael Minnis

Professor of Accounting and Charles E. Merrill Faculty Scholar

Maximilian Muhn

Valeri Nikolaev

James H. Lorie Professor of Accounting and FMC Faculty Scholar

Madhav Rajan

Dean and George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting

Thomas Rauter

Assistant Professor of Accounting and IBM Corporation Faculty Scholar

Amoray Riggs-Cragun

Assistant Professor of Accounting and Kathryn and Grant Swick Faculty Scholar

Delphine Samuels

Associate Professor of Accounting and James S. Kemper Faculty Scholar

Haresh Sapra

Charles T. Horngren Professor of Accounting

Douglas J. Skinner

Deputy Dean for Faculty and Sidney Davidson Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting

Abbie J. Smith

Boris and Irene Stern Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting

Christopher Stewart

Assistant Professor of Accounting and William S. Fishman Faculty Fellow

Associate Professor of Accounting and Kathryn and Grant Swick Faculty Scholar

Anthony Welsch

Anastasia A Zakolyukina

Associate Professor of Accounting

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.

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 Roope Keloharju Maria Khrakovsky Alex Kim Ginha Kim Andrew McKinley Fabian Nagel Pietro Ramella Hristiana Vidinova Hanbyul Yoon Jingyu Zhang

Program Expectations and Requirements

The Stevens Program at 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!

When accounting goes unaccounted for

What’s Getting a PhD in Accounting Really All About?

The PhD is based on research. Research is based on psychological or economic theory and statistics. Statistics are based on mathematics. You need to be comfortable taking two years of graduate level econometrics, statistics, and mathematics if you want to do a PhD in accounting. And by the way, I hope you have already taken Calculus I (and not the business school “calculus” that most undergrad degrees require. You need the calculus the engineering and physics undergrads take), Calculus II, Calculus III, and Linear Algebra because you will need to be good at all of those topics before you even step foot into a doctoral program. If you can learn to program and work with relational databases before you enroll in a PhD program, that will also help. Finally, research is more than just numbers and analysis. You need to be a good writer so that you can clearly communicate why the research you are doing is important, what you found, and why it matters.

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Accountants Still Can’t Not Write Good…or: Improving the Communication Skills of Students

• GoingConcern
• September 28, 2010

The following post is republished from AccountingWEB , a source of accounting news, information, tips, tools, resources and insight–everything you need to help you prosper and enjoy the accounting profession.

“I am not good at writing. I want to be an accounting major so I don’t have to write.”

All of us who teach or advise students have heard this – our students’ dislike for writing papers. These students are under the false impression that accountants do not have to write, or at least not much.

Frequently, our students do not realize that written communication skills are essentiaprofession. As a matter of fact, communication skills are one of the five core competencies outlined in the CPA Vision Project, tested on the CPA Exam and demanded by employers.

The CPA Vision Project

The CPA Vision Project of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) addresses issues we must tackle to keep up with the challenges facing the profession. To remain competitive, CPAs need to demonstrate five core values and five core competencies.

One of the top five core competencies, Communication and Leadership Skills , is the ability to “give and exchange information within meaningful context and with appropriate delivery and interpersonal skills.” These core values and competencies are instrumental in providing the five core services outlined in the CPA Vision Project: Assurance and Information Integrity, Management Consulting and Performance Management, Technology Services, Financial Planning, and International Services.

If we want our students to offer these five core services efficiently and effectively, accounting classes must incorporate the ability to communicate well as a learning objective.

Writing on the CPA Exam

So what about the CPA Exam ? Is the profession testing communication skills on the Exam? Yes.

The CPA Exam requires candidates to demonstrate their writing skills . Currently, CPA applicants complete constructed responses on the Auditing (AUD), Regulation (REG), and Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) sections of the exam.

With the introduction of the new CPA Exam format (CBT-e) in 2011, writing will remain an important part. However, instead of testing writing skills in AUD, REG, and FAR, the constructed response portion of the exam will be entirely tested in BEC (Business Environment and Concepts). Starting in 2011, CPA candidates will write three essays in BEC.

Entry-level accountants lack written communication skills

The CPA Vision Project demands communication skills and the CPA Exam tests them. Does that mean employers of new CPAs are pleased with new CPAs’ writing skills? No. Many employers of recent accounting graduates complain that their new employees do not possess the requisite writing skills. While our students may have strong technical skills, their written communication is often ineffective and poor.

In addition, accountants are spending less time on gathering, processing, and reporting information, and more time on interpretation and providing strategy and decision support. Accountants prepare notes to financial statements, interdepartmental memos, plans, and proposal communications with various stakeholders, written personnel evaluations, and articles in professional journals.

According to an article in The Trusted Professional , one-third of the accounting firms surveyed are unhappy with accountants’ writing skills. Correctly using grammar, organizing information, and writing clearly, concisely, and completely are necessary for business writing. In the worst case, poor writing skills can lead to dismissal of the accountant or inability to rise to higher managerial levels in the organization.

Because of the CPA Exam requirement and the needs of future employers, writing in accounting classes is an important part of many schools’ accounting curricula.

Communication: The business of accounting

Accounting is much more than financial statements and debits and credits. Properly and broadly understood, accounting is all about communication. Written and oral communication gives the numbers meaning, context, and focus on a decision.

We need to continue working on improving the writing skills of entry-level accountants, but these skills must be further reinforced once students enter the workplace. Firm training and management programs in which writing is given a high level of consciousness and priority will help ensure users have the best product available.

About the authors: Gabriele Lingenfelter, CPA, teaches accounting and auditing for the Luter College of Business and Leadership at Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Lingenfelter is actively involved on the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Audit & Attestation Subcommittee and the development of future CPA Exams. She also is a member of the VSCPA Editorial Task Force. Contact her at [email protected] .

Phil Umansky, CPA, Ph.D., is associate professor of business at the Sydney Lewis School of Business at Virginia Union University and chairman of the Accounting and Finance Department. Umansky is a CPA Ambassador, a regular contributor to the WTVR Virginia This Morning TV Show on money management topics, and a member of the VSCPA Editorial Task Force. Contact him at [email protected] .

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Phd in accounting: requirements, salary, jobs, & career growth, what is phd in accounting.

A PhD in Accounting is a Doctor of Philosophy degree program in the field of Accounting. It is an advanced, research-oriented program designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in academia or research.

In a PhD in Accounting program, students study advanced topics in accounting, such as financial reporting, auditing, tax accounting, management accounting, and more. They also learn research methods and techniques, which they use to conduct original research in accounting.

The goal of the program is to prepare students for careers as scholars, teachers, and researchers in academia, government, and the private sector.

PhD in Accounting programs typically take several years to complete, and include coursework, exams, and the completion of a dissertation, which is a original research project that makes a significant contribution to the field of accounting.

How much money do people make with a PhD in Accounting?

The salary for people with a PhD in Accounting can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the individual’s experience, industry, geographic location, and job responsibilities.

Individuals with a PhD in Accounting who work in academia as professors or researchers typically earn a salary in the range of $75,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on the institution and the individual’s experience and seniority.

Individuals with a PhD in Accounting who work in the private sector, such as in consulting or accounting firms, can earn significantly higher salaries.

In these roles, they may work as consultants, experts in financial reporting and analysis, or in senior leadership positions. Salaries in these roles can range from $150,000 to over $300,000 per year, depending on the individual’s experience, industry, and geographic location.

What is expected job growth with PhD in Accounting?

The job growth for individuals with a PhD in Accounting is expected to be relatively stable in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

However, it’s important to note that the demand for individuals with a PhD in Accounting may vary depending on several factors, such as the economy, changes in regulations and policies, and technological advancements.

Individuals with a PhD in Accounting who work in academia as professors or researchers may benefit from the increasing demand for higher education and the need for experienced and qualified instructors.

On the other hand, the demand for individuals with a PhD in Accounting who work in the private sector may be influenced by economic conditions and the level of investment in various industries.

What can you do with a PhD in Accounting?

A PhD in Accounting can open up several career paths for individuals, both within and outside of the traditional field of accounting. Some common career paths for individuals with a PhD in Accounting include:

1. Academia: Many individuals with a PhD in Accounting choose to pursue careers as professors or researchers in colleges and universities. They may teach courses in accounting, conduct research, and publish their findings.

2. Consulting: Individuals with a PhD in Accounting can work as consultants in accounting, finance, or management consulting firms. They may provide expertise on financial reporting, tax accounting, auditing, and other accounting-related topics.

3. Government: Individuals with a PhD in Accounting may also work for government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in roles such as financial analysts, regulators, or auditors.

4. Private sector: Individuals with a PhD in Accounting can also work in the private sector, in industries such as finance, insurance, or real estate. They may work as experts in financial reporting and analysis, or in senior leadership positions, such as chief financial officers (CFOs).

5. Research: Individuals with a PhD in Accounting can also work as independent researchers, conducting original research and publishing their findings in academic journals and other outlets.

What are the requirements for a PhD in Accounting?

The specific requirements for a PhD in Accounting can vary depending on the institution and program. However, there are some common requirements that most PhD in Accounting programs have:

1. Undergraduate degree: Most PhD in Accounting programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Some programs may also accept individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-related field, but these individuals may need to complete additional coursework to meet the program’s requirements.

2. Master’s degree: Some PhD in Accounting programs require applicants to have a master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. In some cases, the PhD program may allow individuals to complete the master’s degree as part of the PhD program.

3. GMAT or GRE scores: Many PhD in Accounting programs require applicants to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and to achieve a certain score.

4. Work experience: Some PhD in Accounting programs may require applicants to have work experience in accounting, finance, or a related field, although this is not a universal requirement.

5. Letters of recommendation: Most PhD in Accounting programs require applicants to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.

6. Personal statement: Most PhD in Accounting programs require applicants to provide a personal statement outlining their academic and professional background, their reasons for pursuing a PhD in Accounting, and their future career goals.

7. Language proficiency: Some PhD in Accounting programs may require applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English, particularly if the program is taught in English.

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How long does it take to get a phd in accounting.

The length of time it takes to complete a PhD in Accounting can vary depending on several factors, including the specific program, the individual’s academic background, and their pace of study. However, on average, it takes around 4 to 7 years to complete a PhD in Accounting.

Most PhD in Accounting programs are full-time programs that require students to complete coursework, conduct original research, and write and defend a dissertation. The coursework component of the program typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete.

The research component can take several years, depending on the individual’s pace of work and the complexity of their research project. After completing the coursework and research components of the program, students typically spend several months writing and refining their dissertation.

Once the dissertation is complete, students must defend it in front of a committee of faculty members. This defense is the final step in the PhD in Accounting program, and successful completion of the defense results in the award of the PhD degree.

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Do you need a masters in accounting to get a phd in accounting.

The requirement for a Master’s degree in Accounting to pursue a PhD in Accounting varies by institution and program. Some PhD in Accounting programs require applicants to have a Master’s degree in Accounting, while others may accept applicants with a Master’s degree in a related field, such as finance or business administration.

In some cases, the PhD program may allow individuals to complete the Master’s degree as part of the PhD program. Additionally, some programs may accept applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, but these individuals may need to complete additional coursework to meet the program’s requirements.

What are the Best PhD in Accounting Degree programs?

Harvard business school, stanford graduate school of business, university of chicago booth school of business, mit sloan school of management, columbia business school, university of pennsylvania wharton school, new york university stern school of business, university of california, berkeley haas school of business, university of michigan ross school of business , university of texas at austin mccombs school of business, leave a comment cancel reply.

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5 Great Careers with a PhD in Accounting

Careers with a ph.d. in accounting.

• Financial Analyst
• Accounting Professor
• Accountant Manager

While accountants may find entry-level positions in the field of accounting, individuals typically find more lucrative careers with a Ph.D. in Accounting. Depending on if an individual has a degree or is starting from scratch, he or she can earn the doctorate degree in accounting in three to seven years. They can choose accountant or CPA careers or pursue scholarly research and leadership roles with the Ph.D. Here are five great careers with a Ph.D. in Accounting.

1. Financial Analyst

Financial analysts work for individuals and businesses help them make investment decisions. They spend a great deal of their day studying and analyzing investments such as bonds, stocks and money markets. They evaluate current and past financial data, prepare written reports, study business and economic trends, and analyze a company’s financial statement to determine its worth. After utilizing all the information they’ve obtained, they meet with the company’s officials and management and advise them on what they feel are good investments for the company. Also called investment analysts or securities analysts, these professionals work in mutual funds, banks, insurance companies and similar businesses.

2. Accounting Professor

Accounting professors teach students about the field of accounting. They also provide academic counseling and tutoring; design and develop curriculums; collaborate with colleagues on research activities, and mentor students. Accounting professors are in high demand because of the serious shortage of Ph.D. graduates in accounting. They’re qualified to teach at both the graduate and undergraduate level. This shortage also puts them in a position where they can expect high wages. Salary.com states that accounting professors earned a median annual wage of $119,880 as of April 2018.

3. Consultant

Accounting consultants have a variety of duties depending on the company. Their main job is advising the company on the best financial portfolios and the most effective ways to be profitable. This may be investing in fraud protection, sending data away for analysis or decreasing things that are not using money wisely. Accounting consultants are much like financial analysts in that they also study the financial trends and advise the company on what are or are not good investments. They also advise the company on other matters, such as payroll, investments, stock portfolios and taxes.

4. Researcher

An accounting researcher is a scholar who analyzes and researches accounting-related issues and publishes studies and reports on his or her findings. The researcher also does a lot of public speaking or commentaries about accounting methods and trends. Accounting researchers usually work at colleges and universities teaching students about business and accounting. They also spend a lot of their time studying and publishing work in accounting research journals. Researchers may study accounting information systems, taxes, auditing ethics or financial reporting to name a few. They typically spend more time researching than actually teaching.

5. Accountant Manager

An accountant manager is an individual who’ in charge of an accounting firm or financial department in an organization. Large companies typically have many employees working in the accounting and financial departments. Each employee is doing his or her own job, whether it’s creating financial reports, monitoring profits or doing expense reports. The accountant manager ensures that employees are doing their jobs and that the company is making as much of a profit as possible. Accountant managers work in the private business sector as well as for nonprofit organizations.

Related Resource: Top 35 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Finance 2018

According to a 2017 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , accountants and auditors should see a job growth of ten percent from2016-2016. Because of the knowledge and experience obtained through academic programs and work, great careers are possible for those with a Ph.D. in Accounting.

15 Best PhD in Accounting Online Programs [2024 Guide]

Explore Online PhD in Accounting Programs. Compare doctoral programs, specializations, careers, and salaries.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the financial world or fresh out of your master’s degree program, you may find plenty of appeal in getting your PhD in Accounting online.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Online accounting degree programs offer the same level of education as their traditional on-campus counterparts but are often more convenient and less expensive.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Accounting Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Capella University

Capella University is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is owned by Strategy Education, INC. This university delivers most of its programs online. It was founded in 1993 as The Graduate School of America.

Approximately 23% of the 38,000 students enrolled in Capella classes are doctoral candidates. Capella University works to make sure that students experience great support as they join a community of professionals. Their programs are designed to help students gain skills and knowledge that are relevant to their career goals.

• PhD in Accounting
• DBA in Accounting

Capella  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle is a private university located in Seattle, Washington. It offers both campus and online classes, so you can find your preferred learning method. It all started back in 1973 when Dr. Michael A. Pastore founded City University to provide higher education for working adults.

Over the years, the school has increased its locations and student count. You can choose different degrees you want to study starting from certificate to Doctorate. There are different areas of study you can choose: Business and Management, Computer and Info Systems, Teaching and Education.

• DBA in Business Administration (Finance concentration)

CityU  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

3. Drexel University

Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a private research university founded by Anthony Drexel in 1891. It offers approximately 70 bachelor degree programs and 100 graduate degrees. Out of the nearly 25,000 students enrolled per year, one-third of them are grad students.

The Drexel Dragons play in the NCAA Division I, and there are many other student organizations to participate in.

Drexel’s LeBow College of Business is among the elite 20 percent of business schools to be accredited by AACSB International.

4. Franklin University

Franklin University’s 100% online DBA with optional accounting focus areas that can be finished in as few as 3 years. This 58 credit hours program will prepare students to be problem solvers in their own businesses, can be a consultant to a business organizations, or a business teacher

• DBA (Accounting concentration)

Franklin University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

5. George Fox University

This is a Christian university located in Newberg, Oregon and founded as a school for Quakers in 1891. The private university has over 4,000 students and offers classes in psychology, social work, business, counseling, and accounting.

The university was called Friends Pacific Academy for a few years before it became a college in 1891. Also, have you ever heard of the athletic team named the Bruins? George Fox University has over 21 different sports – 11 for women and 10 for men. Attending this university is a great chance to grow professionally, spiritually, and academically.

George Fox  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

6. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University, located in Marion, Indiana, is a private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is also the largest private college in Indiana.

Most of the school’s 13,000 students are online, enrolled through IWU-National & Global. Through IWU, you can earn your pick of 80 bachelor degrees, 57 master’s, and 9 doctorates.

The Global campus includes a seminary for theologians and pastors.

The Wildcats play in the NCCAA Division I.

Indiana Wesleyan University  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

7. Kansas State University

Kansas State University, or K-State, is a public research university. Its main campus is located in Manhattan, Kansas. It first opened in 1863 and was the first institution of higher education in the state.

Originally, the university was named Kansas State Agricultural College. Nowadays, it is a popular university. Furthermore, it offers a great active student life. Kansas State University has sports teams that play as the Wildcats in the NCAA Division I.

• Hybrid PhD in Personal Financial Planning

Kansas State  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

8. Liberty University

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world, and it is also one of the largest non-profit universities in the U.S. The school consists of 17 colleges in total, including the medical school and a school of law.

The university has a traditional Christian orientation with three Bible-classes for undergraduate students. Liberty University was founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell and Elmer L. Towns, and at first, it was a Lynchburg Baptist College.

However, it is not all about education and religion. The university is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference for 17 of its 20 different sports. If you are looking for a great place to get an education in a Christian setting, Liberty University could be a good fit.

Liberty  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

9. National University

If you are looking for an acclaimed non-profit university for your online studies, you may wish to look into National University. NU is a continually growing network of nonprofit educational institutions dedicated to supporting students through career-driven education and services that aim to help them succeed in their educational, work, and personal lives.

National University was founded by US Navy Captain David Chigos in 1971. Since then, it has created a community of over 30,000 students and 220,000 alumni from around the world. It is a top educator of US military students and the largest non-profit in San Diego.

The school offers over 190 degrees at all levels of higher education, including the following:

• PhD in Business Administration – Advanced Accounting
• DBA in Financial Management
• DBA in Advanced Accounting

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

10. Rutgers University

Rutgers University is an American public research university located in New Jersey. It is the largest higher education institution in the state.

Originally, the university was created as Queen’s College in 1766. It is the 8th oldest college in the U.S. The institution was renamed as Rutgers College in 1825.

Rutgers is known as the “birthplace of college football,” so you know it places a lot of importance on athletics.

Rutgers  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

11. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University was founded in 1889 and is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts university in St. Leo, Florida. It was the first Roman Catholic college in Florida and is one of the 5 largest Catholic colleges in the U.S.

Saint Leo University was also one of the first universities in the country that provided online education. Students that enroll in Saint Leo University have a great and active student life through a variety of organizations, clubs, and societies.

Saint Leo University athletic teams, named the Lions, participate in baseball, basketball, and golf for men, and swimming, softball, tennis, and volleyball for women.

Saint Leo  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

12. Trident University

Trident University is a private online university in California. The university offers associate’s , bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Also, you can get certificates in education, business, and information systems.

Trident University was founded in 1988 with headquarters was in Cypress, California. It is a great way to get an education for veterans and the military, as the university is online, though Trident University is a flexible university for everybody.

• PhD in Business Administration – Accounting

Trident  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

13. University of Dallas

The University of Dallas is a private Catholic school founded in 1956 in Irving, Texas. Since then, the university has been ranked as a leading university for both Catholic and traditional academic students, ranked 6th in both best regional universities in the west and best value schools by U.S. News & World Report .

Today, the University of Dallas enrolls 3,000 students from all over the world, 1,000 of which are graduate students. It continues to provide higher education with a Catholic perspective. On-campus students will enjoy the 744-acre property.

UD  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

14. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is a public research institution in Columbia, South Carolina. It has been listed as an up-and-coming university by  U.S. News & World Report . It was established in 1801 and is one of the oldest universities in South Carolina.

There are approximately 50,000 students enrolled in the university, which makes it one of the largest educational institutions in Carolina.

The school‘s 19 sports teams are competing in the Southeastern Conference and are known as Gamecocks. The university has a rich history of 200+ years of leadership in education.

• Hybrid DBA in Business Administration – Finance

USC  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

15. Walden University

Walden University is an online university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This university is a part of a global network managed by Laureate Education, Inc. Originally, it was established in 1970 by two teachers from New York City.

Walden University receives more than 75% of its funds from the US government and guarantees you that it can offer you a student loan. It offers plenty of degree programs, starting from bachelor’s to doctoral. It has nearly 50,000 students enrolled, most of who are online.

Walden  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online PhD in Accounting Degrees

Some of the most popular doctoral accounting degrees include the following. Click on the one that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide.

Financial Accounting

Managerial accounting.

Choosing a specialty can help prepare you for an interesting and rewarding career.

A PhD in Auditing can help you become an in-depth investigator for many types of businesses. Taking Auditing classes can give you the opportunities to learn economic principles, accounting, taxation, some government system types, and business policies.

Additionally, auditing is commonly used in the insurance field. Graduating with this degree can help you pursue a highly paid job and make yourself a great career.

The most common position for Auditing professionals is working for a large corporation or regulatory agency. If you like accounting, are responsible, and detail-accurate, then you probably already know how much you enjoy auditing.

Finance is a little broader than Accounting but encompasses the topic. If you enjoy looking at the big picture of a company’s, organization’s, or even a person’s finances, this might be the doctoral program for you.

From accounting to investing to planning and advising on other financial strategies, you may be able to play an important role in managing the funds of a company or for your clients. You might work for an investment company, a large corporation, a non-profit, or even a government entity.

From financial analyst to investment specialist to CFO, you’ll have many career options available to pursue. Many degree holders teach Finance and/or Accounting subjects at the university level.

A PhD in Financial Accounting may be a great start for those who are looking for a career in academic or research organizations. Taking classes in Financial Accounting can help you learn about business and economics in general and gain statistical and research skills.

Many students study Financial Accounting for the possibility of personal growth and higher earnings.

After graduation, you may work in government agencies, educational institutes, and non-profit organizations, as well as big business.

Managerial Accounting forms most of the accounting departments in many businesses. Earning a PhD in Managerial Accounting can help students learn economic principles and gain leadership and management skills.

Studies in this degree can help you learn about investment and risk, cash flow valuation, and treasury risk management. After graduation, you may find yourself a career as an investment advisor, lead accountant, senior auditor, or department head.

A Managerial Accountant PhD is often in the top position in their sphere. A person who loves numbers, is accurate, and has a great eye for the details may find a great fit for any type of Managerial Accounting career.

A PhD in Taxation can help provide you with the knowledge to assist businesses and individuals to navigate tax law. It can help you gain the skills for addressing current and future issues of taxation.

You should be interested in economics, accounting, and finance if you want to get a PhD in taxation. After graduation, you may find a job as a government researcher, financial analyst, or corporate accountant.

What Is an Online PhD in Accounting?

Often requiring between 72 and 90 credit hours to complete, securing a PhD in Accounting may serve as the perfect platform to display your expertise in the inner workings of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), as well as other facets of the modern accounting industry.

Additionally, focusing on this kind of graduate degree also allows for academic research and theoretical discussion, leading plenty of PhD candidates to remain in academia.

The “online” part simply means that you get a similar education as you would attending class in person, but you get to complete your classes in a more flexible manner and often on a more flexible timeline.

Online PhD in Accounting Curriculum

As far as your actual coursework goes, you will likely touch on a wide array of topics, including:

• Accounting Research Methods
• Econometric Theory
• Math Tools for Accounting
• Small Group Theory
• Teaching Best Practices

Most PhD programs in accounting require a dissertation, but there are a number of online DBA programs with no dissertation required. Concentrations are available in accounting, finance, and related fields.

Learning what to expect now can give you a better idea of how to schedule courses and properly prepare for this learning experience later on down the road.

Career Outlook for a PhD in Accounting vs. PhD in Finance

In reality, these two disciplines are different sides of the same coin. Earning a PhD in Accounting revolves around auditing and recording past fiscal matters, while going the finance route focuses on leveraging this information to generate future projections and support sound business decisions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning a PhD in Accounting and taking on a position as an economist can potentially net you an average annual salary of $105,020. As for professors in the business and finance field, expecting compensation that falls somewhere between $80,300 and $191,760 during the same timeframe is a potentially realistic outlook.

Here are some other career options to consider.

• Financial Analyst
• Financial Consultant
• Investment Researcher
• Department Manager

You might work for large corporations, investment firms, non-profit organizations, or the various levels of government. Every entity in every sector deals with finances.

How Do You Get a PhD in Accounting Online?

When it comes to actually working through your coursework and ending up on the big stage with this kind of post-graduate degree in hand, you have two primary paths to success: taking classes on campus or completing your PhD program via a digital classroom setting.

Depending on your current professional and personal situations, splitting your time between flexible online learning and the real-world interaction (dissertation defenses, counselor meetings, fieldwork, etc.) could be the key to avoiding unnecessary burnout and scheduling stress.

The first step to earning your terminal Accounting degree online is to narrow down your selection of schools and apply.

PhD Admission Requirements

To enter into a PhD in Accounting program, you’ll most likely have to jump through a few admissions hoops to beat out the rest of the applicant field. Submitting official transcripts of your bachelor’s and accounting master’s degree , as well as maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0, often serves as the first few steps of the process.

From this point, providing three letters of recommendation – usually via supporting faculty members – comes next. Finally, don’t be surprised if submitting your professional resume or achieving certain scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) also enters the picture.

Accreditation

Just like everything needs to line up in the ledger, so everything needs to line up regarding a university’s credentials. It’s best if a regional board periodically audits the school and validates the educational programs it offers with official accreditation.

Make sure the universities you apply to are accredited by one of these boards:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

If the university you attend isn’t accredited, other schools and potential employers may not respect your degree.

Financial Aid

Speaking of money, earning your next degree will probably be quite an investment. Look for these opportunities to lighten your expenses.

• Scholarships
• Fellowships
• Employer Tuition Assistance

You may also qualify for deferred loans to help you get through school and back into the workforce before you need to pay too much out of pocket. Start your search by looking into the federal student aid available for graduate students .

Is a PhD in Accounting Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in accounting is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in business and financial occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include financial analyst, economist, investment researcher, and financial consultant.

The salary statistics says that earning the highest degree in your field is may be worth it considering the potential increased pay you’ll likely receive over the life of your career compared to the investment in education.

Of course, not every PhD student takes on this learning experience to move into a new position. This means that determining the worth of your time in the classroom can rest upon intangible considerations.

It will take a heavy commitment of time for the next couple of years. Is becoming an expert in your field something you want to spend the time on?

If so, you can start the process now, conveniently, online.

15 Best PhD in Accounting Online Programs [2024 Guide]

Getting a PhD in accounting online may help you maximize your career potential in the world of finance.

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The flexible doctoral programs that can be found online may be much easier to fit into your busy schedule than traditional, campus-based ones. Additionally, since there are multiple types of PhDs to earn, you may customize your learning experience  in online doctoral programs into something that aligns with your unique and specific career goals.

PhD in Accounting Online Programs

An accounting degree can help prepare you for a career with numbers. Depending on your particular talents, this might lead to employment with a bank, corporation, financial firm, insurance company or government think tank. You might also work for a number of private businesses. Every industry needs people to balance their books.

On the doctorate level, an accounting degree online can help qualify you for all of the usual opportunities and then some. Not only can it help you build a solid foundation in the basics, but it can also help you learn high-level skills for technical or specialized roles.

There are a number of ways to earn a doctorate in accountancy:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Management with an emphasis in accounting
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Accounting

Regardless of the path that you choose, it isn’t easy to earn a doctoral degree in accounting. However, it may be worth the extra sweat when you realize the extent of its earning potential and industry growth.

Accounting Careers & Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors have a median annual salary of $73,560 per year.

This includes both accounting and non-accounting specializations, so to get a better, more accurate look at potential salaries for an accounting PhD, you should look at individual careers:

Keep in mind that the full salary ranges for these careers can be much broader than the averages. For example, while the median salary for Business Teachers with a PhD is $88,010 per year, its full range is $39,720 – $202,080 per year.

Accounting Specializations & Concentrations

There are many roads to a doctorate degree in accounting, and one of the options that you’ll have is whether or not to specialize. Do you want a general accounting degree that can be applied to a wide range of jobs, or would you prefer to learn unique, high-level skills for particular roles?

Here are a few areas of study that you might find emphasized in accounting PhDs:

• Accounting Information Systems: Accounting information systems (AIS) are where companies store, track, manage and process their digital data. This concentration can help you understand the technology behind them.
• Audit Accounting: Audits can be a major part of everything from tax work to business management within a company, but they’ll require skills in math, finance, technology and more.
• Forensic Accounting: Forensic accounting is a sub-specialty of accounting that involves the investigation of people or businesses. It frequently but not always has crossover with audit accounting.
• Managerial Accounting: Combining elements of business, finance, administration and even psychology, managerial accounting can be a valuable concentration for future business leaders.
• Public Accounting: Public accounting is any kind of accounting work that isn’t done for the private sector. This is a common field of study for certified public accountants (CPAs).
• Taxation: A taxation specialization requires classes on law, business, economics, ethics and financial management. It can also have further specialties-within-specialties depending on the tax field that you occupy.

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to the question of specializing your degree. Consider your skills and career goals, and make a decision that aligns with your ambitions.

Choosing a Doctorate in Accounting Degree

Unlike choosing, let’s say an online associate’s in accounting , choosing a graduate program is a major decision. You could be looking at anywhere from 3 – 7 years of additional schooling, and that’s on top of juggling other work-life responsibilities as a busy adult, so you’ll want to be sure of your choice before you commit.

The first thing to consider is the value of your school. Is it accredited? Does it offer online doctoral degree programs? Does it have worthwhile research opportunities? Can you leverage any classes into real-world internships or apprenticeships?

The next thing to consider is the value of your degree. What kinds of jobs will be open to you that weren’t open before? In your particular field of accounting, how much do salaries increase from master’s degree holders to doctoral degree holders?

Last but not least, consider things like tuition, credits, transfers and admissions criteria. These nitty-gritty details can help make or break your decision to enroll in a particular doctoral program.

Accounting Curriculum & Courses

There’s a lot more to accounting than just punching numbers into a calculator, especially when you’re studying at the doctorate level.

Here’s a small sampler of possible classes for accounting students.

• Econometrics: Econometrics is the application of statistics to economics. It covers models, methodologies, analysis techniques and related mathematical principles.
• Accounting Information Systems: Accounting information systems (AIS) are the digital record-keepers of the industry, and these accounting courses can help you learn how to develop, maintain, protect and utilize them.
• Introduction to Accounting Research: Research is one of the biggest parts of a doctoral program, and this basic, fundamental course can help you build a framework for what will be expected of you at the doctorate level.
• Corporate Finance: Combining elements of both business and finance, these classes can help prepare you for financial management and accounting careers in the corporate world.
• Accounting Theory Research: Accounting theory is a wide-ranging topic that can cover everything from taxes to revenues to audits. It’s also the place to learn about Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Decision Making: Also known by names like “Strategic Leadership” and “Behavioral Decision Making Processes,” these classes are all about assessing risks, analyzing data and making judgement calls.
• Statistics/Probability for Business Research: These accounting courses expand on the basic models of statistics, logic and probability while channeling all studies through a business perspective.
• Dissertation: If your program requires a dissertation, you’ll probably have your pick of seminars and workshops to further your research.
• Colloquium: Some PhD programs will want you to attend colloquiums. If you’re enrolled in a long-distance program, these can usually be arranged locally.
• Internships, Fellowships and Assistantships: There might be face-to-face requirements for your degree if your program emphasizes real-world experience. Talk to an advisor about satisfying these requirements as an online student.

Remember that every school is different when it comes to curriculum requirements. For example, some might be strict about doctoral students completing a mix of core credits and electives, but others might be more flexible as long as high-quality research is being done.

Admissions Requirements

Schools can be quite selective when it comes to choosing students for their PhD programs. To increase your odds of success, you should take a detailed, in-depth look at the university’s admissions criteria. It will probably include some combination of the following:

• Transcripts. You’ll need your full academic record from both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Test scores. Most schools will want the GRE or GMAT. However, there are also “test-optional” schools that will waive this requirement.
• Resume or CV. Do you have any experience in the field?
• Letters of recommendation. The best letters come from recognized industry professionals and alumni of the school in question.
• Statement of purpose. This is the personalized part of your application, so if you have any special projects or publications under your belt, you can make sure that the admissions board knows about them.

For more information about a school’s admissions process, do some research online. There’s no such thing as “too prepared” when you’re trying to secure a spot in a highly competitive doctoral program.

Accreditation

As a PhD candidate, you’re probably familiar with the importance of accreditation, and it applies to doctorate-level programs just as much as associate, bachelor’s and master’s programs.

If you’ve forgotten the names of important accrediting boards, you can find them listed at the website for the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Remember that regional and national accreditation are the most important types of accreditation. They’re the gold standard. Programmatic accreditation is valuable, but it isn’t yet commonplace.

Accounting Program Accreditation

If you do want to go the extra mile and find an online DBA in accounting with programmatic accreditation, you’ll need to start with the accrediting boards themselves:

• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs: The ACBSP is for business schools and departments at every degree level, including doctorates.
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business: AACSB is widely recognized as one of the leaders of the industry, and it offers accreditation for more than 800 programs, including 190 accounting programs.
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education: With a global focus, the IACBE accredits business schools both domestically and abroad.

There are no accrediting boards that are exclusively devoted to accounting. Instead, accounting is considered a specialty of business programs, and it’s accredited through business-centric organizations.

Accounting Professional Organizations

Membership in a professional organization can be a worthwhile investment for both students and working professionals.

Not only do they offer academic- and career-related resources in the form of publications, job boards, conferences, trade shows and certification programs, but they can also help put you in touch with an entire network of people within your industry.

Here are just a few professional bodies that might interest you as an accounting student:

• American Accounting Association
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
• International Federation of Accountants
• Institute of Internal Auditors
• Institute of Management Accountants
• National Society of Accountants
• Professional Association of Small Business Accountants

As you can see, some groups are dedicated to accounting professionals while others have a broader focus in finance or business. Don’t be afraid to explore all of your options while pursuing an online doctorate in accounting.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

You’re probably familiar with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and it’s still worth filling out as a PhD student. You won’t be eligible for the same grants and loans as undergraduates, but you might qualify for things like the Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate or Professional Students.

Another benefit of filling out the FAFSA is that it can establish an official record of financial need. This might come in handy if you’re applying for need-based aid from other organizations. For example, there are scholarships for low-income students that require applicants to have filled out the FAFSA.

Additionally, there are fellowships and assistantships that doctoral students can use to offset some of their college costs. These tend to be very competitive, so don’t wait to apply.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a PhD in Accounting?

It can be difficult to estimate the cost of a PhD program. Unlike with bachelor’s and master’s accounting degrees, they don’t charge by the credit, and schools have different ways of calculating tuition.

For example, some schools will lower tuition rates for PhD students after three years of study, but this isn’t universal. Some schools will have high tuition fees but generous financial aid packages that pay for everything from textbooks to living expenses. There are even schools that offer stipends for those enrolled in full-time doctoral programs.

Ultimately, you’ll need to check with your university to figure out the exact price of their doctoral program.

Where Can I Get a PhD in Accounting?

Many universities offer doctorates in accountancy. The trick is finding good, reputable online doctoral programs offering accounting degrees. Here are just a few questions that you might put on your checklist:

• Is the online program accredited the same way as the traditional program?
• Are the classes completely online, or are they hybrid/combined classes that include campus visits?
• Are there any face-to-face requirements for internships, fellowships or assistantships?
• Will you have the same research opportunities online?
• What will the dissertation process look like online?

Be picky about your online doctoral degree program. Since you might be hundreds of miles from campus while you study, you’ll want to be fully confident in your choice of schools.

Are Online PhD Programs Credible?

Online PhD programs are a legitimate way to earn your degree. In many cases, they’re identical to the programs on campus; they’ve just been digitized by the school that offers them.

Accounting online degree programs still involve the same or similar courses as those on campus, and they typically have the same requirements to graduate. Online accounting doctorate programs are just a 21st century way to learn.

Are There Any AACSB Accredited Online PhD in Accounting Programs?

If you’ve been looking at accounting programs, you’ve probably run across the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It’s a recognized industry leader that offers accreditation for many business schools and programs.

They also accredit accounting programs. According to their website, there are currently 190 institutions with AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs. Not all of them are on the doctorate level, and not all of them are online, but you can sift through their directory and see what they have to offer.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Doctorate in Accounting Online?

It usually takes anywhere from 3 – 7 years to finish a PhD program. This number isn’t set in stone, however, and some students take even longer.

Your timetable can be impacted by many different factors such as your course load, credit requirements, dissertation length and full-time versus part-time status.

How Much Can You Make With an Accounting PhD Online Degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors have a median annual salary of $71,550 per year.

The top earners in the field can take home more than $128,680 per year.

What is an Online PhD in Accounting?

There are several options for a doctoral degree in accounting, including a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

They’re both high-level degrees that can help prepare you for specialized roles in the world of accounting. Additionally, they’re both available with fully accounting online degree programs.

What is the Difference Between a PhD in Accounting vs. PhD in Finance

There’s a lot of crossover between a PhD in accounting and a PhD in finance. The classes, credits and research topics are often the same, and after graduating, the job prospects are often the same as well.

The difference mostly lies in the details. For example, finance programs are typically more focused on big-picture market economics while accounting programs focus on the day-to-day skills and tools that can solve a company’s problems. Finance programs may be better for future investors while accounting programs may be better for future professors.

The list goes on, but functionally speaking, both of these degree programs may be worthwhile choices if you want to make a career out of numbers.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Accounting?

Normally, if you are just trying to get started in the accounting degree, you may want to look for an entry-level position that requires a lower level degree, which makes degrees such as an associate’s degree in accounting worth it for many students. Once you gain experience in the field and are confident that accounting is the career for you, pursuing your doctorate degree in accounting can help open up high level job options.

The highest-paying careers usually have “manager” or “director” in the title, but you may also make a lot of money as a university professor, data analyst, policy researcher or financial consultant. The career possibilities are quite varied for accounting professionals.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Accounting Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

• PhD in Business Management – Accounting

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

• DBA in Accounting

Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited as a whole by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Doctorate in Personal Financial Planning

Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• PhD in Accounting (campus)

MSU  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

• PhD in Finance

LIGS University  is accredited by Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities.

• PhD in Business Administration – Advanced Accounting

National University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

• PhD in Management – Accounting

Rutgers  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

• PhD in Business Administration – Accounting

Trident University is accredited by WASCUC—Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior Colleges and University Commission.

• PhD in Accountacy (campus)

The  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of the Cumberlands  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your Doctorate in Accounting Online

Maybe you enjoy research. Maybe your career goals include a position of authority in a bank, university or financial firm. Maybe you’re just dreaming of Wall Street and its six-figure possibilities.

Whatever your reasons for considering a PhD in accounting, it’s a degree that can help you go places. Start reaching out to universities and inquiring about their online doctorate programs for accountancy. The first step in locating the best online accounting doctorate programs for you is often the hardest, but once you’re moving in your school search, you may be headed on a path to a brighter future.

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Doctorate in Accounting

A doctorate in accounting is the highest degree available in the field, but it is typically pursued by those interested in conducting accounting research in academic institutions or research organizations or those interested in teaching at the postsecondary level. People who are interested in becoming Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) need to have 150 hours of college credit, which can usually be satisfied with a master’s degree in accounting or a bachelor’s degree in accounting along with a graduate certificate or additional graduate-level coursework. Students interested in specialized consulting or governmental work may benefit from an accounting PhD as well. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 550 not-for-profit schools in the US have advanced accounting programs, which include programs at the master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate levels. 1

PhD in Accounting Learning Goals

1. understand research methods and quantitative tools..

Students should gain a strong foundation in the tools and knowledge necessary to conduct thorough research. A comprehensive understanding of research methods and processes will allow a student to complete careful, accurate work in the PhD program and beyond.

2. Contribute original research to the accounting field.

Doctoral students should pursue the subarea of accounting that interests them or explore areas of the field that still have unanswered questions. With the resources and support of the university, students can create new, original research that can add to the field of accounting.

3. Apply research to relevant issues in accounting.

The doctoral research done by students should be applicable to the accounting industry. By examining current, relevant issues, doctoral students can help move the academic accounting field forward and contribute to the industry at large.

PhD in Accounting Program Options

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting programs culminate with students completing specialized, original research that contributes to the accounting industry. Prior to completing a dissertation project, students take courses in advanced accounting theory and applied research methods. This degree usually takes four to seven years to complete, depending on the student’s course load and chosen research project. Most programs comprise 70-120 credit hours.

In addition to the academically-focused PhD in Accounting, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is another degree choice for those interested in a doctoral degree in accounting. While there may be some overlap between the two degrees, the PhD tends to focus on research, academia, and accounting theory, while the DBA is considered a professional degree and tends to focus on making contributions to business management in practice.

Online Degree Formats

Most PhD programs are intensive, four- to seven-year-long degrees that take place on one campus. A number of universities across the country offer PhD programs where students can pursue original research in the accounting field. Due to the intensive, project-based nature of PhD research, however, most programs require students to study on campus and do not offer online PhD degrees.

Admission Requirements

Every university has different guidelines, but in general, admission to PhD programs is very competitive. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree, and some schools also require a master’s degree or experience in the field. Applications usually require GMAT or GRE scores and proof of an academic background in subjects such as mathematics, statistics, and economics. Students that have taken a significant number of accounting courses or have earned bachelor’s or master’s degrees in accounting may have an advantage in the application process.

Core Concepts and Coursework

PhD program curriculum usually starts with advanced and specialized courses that students need to complete their dissertation research. These courses focus on the accounting, business, economic, statistical, and research skills needed to pursue research projects. Students may also complete teaching practicums or periodic oral or written examinations. PhD programs conclude with a student conducting original research and writing a dissertation. Though every university is different, below are some common foundational courses and seminar titles:

• Advanced Financial Reporting
• Behavioral Accounting Research
• Capital Markets Research
• Decision Models
• Doctoral Dissertation Seminars
• Econometrics
• Empirical Research
• Mathematical Modeling
• Research Methods
• Statistical Analysis

Select PhD in Accounting Programs

University of georgia.

At the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, students can earn a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. The faculty at UGA is focused on research in the field, and students can collaborate with professors doing active research. All PhD students take preparation classes such as Capital Markets Research and Math for Economists. Students then choose one of three concentrations within accounting: Financial Accounting, Taxation, or Auditing. Each concentration requires additional classes, such as specialized econometrics or statistics courses, to prepare students to do their research. During the last year of the program, students work on their doctoral dissertations. Many graduates from the PhD program go on to work at research-oriented universities or take research positions in private organizations or government.

Stanford University

The Graduate School of Business at Stanford University offers a PhD in Accounting. Students study a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum, learning skills for conducting analytical and empirical research. The program focuses on the application of economics, decision theory, and statistical analysis of accounting issues. Through a foundational series of economics, finance, and econometrics courses, students prepare to develop the framework and skills needed to conduct their original research. To be considered for admission, students need a thorough understanding of subjects such as microeconomic theory, econometrics, and mathematics, as well as some computer programming skills. This quantitative-focused PhD program does not require students to have a traditional accounting background or CPA designation.

Columbia University

Columbia University’s Business School offers a PhD in Accounting. Students gain familiarity with the research literature and conceptual foundations in the accounting field. In courses such as Accounting Theory, Economic Analysis, Mathematical Methods, and Empirical Research in Accounting, students learn concepts and research skills applicable to their own original research. The curriculum includes doctoral seminars, research projects, and peer and faculty reviews of current research. Students choose between financial accounting, managerial accounting, and auditing as the focus of their dissertation research. All doctoral students participate in the Burton Conference at Columbia, which is a series of peer-evaluated workshop sessions with accounting scholars from other institutions.

Jobs with a PhD in Accounting

Many graduates from PhD in Accounting programs go on to work in research-oriented positions in academia, research institutions, or government. Graduates may also find work in consulting or public policy. Some potential positions for those with PhD in Accounting degrees include:

• College or university professor
• Financial analyst
• Public policy researcher

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a phd to become a cpa.

In general, CPA requirements can be fulfilled by a master’s degree or with a bachelor’s degree in accounting along with additional accounting coursework or an accounting certificate. A PhD is not required to become a CPA in any state, though it may satisfy CPA state educational requirements. However, it should be noted that most PhD program curricula do not focus on preparing students for the CPA certification, but instead focus on a student’s research dissertation.

How much can I make with a PhD in Accounting?

Postsecondary teachers of business earn an average annual salary of $87,200, and this salary can vary depending on the academic institution as well as the specialization and experience level of the professor. 2 Postsecondary business teacher positions are projected to grow by 14.7% through 2028, much faster than the average profession. 3

What can I do with a PhD in Accounting?

A doctoral accounting degree is most commonly sought by those interested in doing research in the accounting field. Graduates may go on to work as professors, researchers, or consultants.

Can I get certified with a PhD in Accounting?

Some PhD students who have previously worked in the accounting field may already have professional designations such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Professional certifications may be helpful for graduates who want to go into consulting work, and the PhD curriculum may prepare students without certifications to sit for these licensure examinations. However, many doctoral accounting programs do not require certification, as accounting research relies more on quantitative and modeling skills. In addition, a professional accounting designation may not be necessary to pursue academic or research positions. In summary, depending on a student’s career interests and work experience, accounting certification may or may not be necessary.

How long does it take to complete a PhD in Accounting?

The PhD program length depends on the university, but most universities range from four to seven years. Students’ progress depends on their course load, chosen research subject, and academic or professional obligations.

What is the difference between a PhD in Accounting and a DBA in Accounting?

Another option for students who are interested in a doctorate of accounting degree is the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Essentially, while a PhD is academically-focused, the DBA is practice-focused. DBA graduates are more interested in changing the industry of business than they are in theoretical business research and academia. Before making a decision on which type of doctoral degree in accounting you wish to pursue, you should carefully consider your career goals and look for programs that will support those goals.

Are PhD students required to teach classes?

Some universities require students to complete teaching practicums in the accounting field. These teaching commitments can range from one course during the program to multiple courses every semester. For students interested in academia, teaching undergraduate and graduate classes can provide work experience. Applicants should research programs and talk to faculty to find a program that best matches their interests and goals.

References: 1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ 2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2019 Postsecondary Teachers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-5 3. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm

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Plan for your visit to campus to celebrate your graduate. All event details are located HERE . 

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Understanding the Differences Between Accounting and Finance Degrees

Accounting vs. finance degree. It can be a tough decision to choose between the two. From corporate business to client representation, these two educational paths each have much to offer. Both disciplines are integral to the business world, focusing on different aspects of financial health and management. While accounting is often seen as the language of business, providing a detailed snapshot of a company's financial situation, finance is the broader canvas. It deals with the management, creation, and study of money, banking, credit, investments, assets, and liabilities.   

The Basics of Both Finance and Accounting  

Before we can weigh the finance degree against the accounting degree, we must ensure that we have a clear understanding of finance and accounting as academic and professional disciplines. Recognizing their unique roles and areas of expertise within the business ecosystem is crucial for anyone looking to make an informed decision between the two.  

Definition of Finance  

The Corporate Finance Institute provides an excellent, succinct yet comprehensive  definition of finance  as “the management of money and includes activities such as investing, borrowing, lending, budgeting, saving, and forecasting.” It also notes that there are three principal categories of finance (personal, corporate, and public), each of which comes with its own unique set of processes, standards, and regulations. Personal finance applies to individuals and families, corporate finance applies to businesses, and public finance applies to all levels of government as well as NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and other quasi-government institutions.  

Key Concepts in Finance  

A good undergraduate finance program covers fundamental business concepts and administrative operations. It delves into both microeconomics and macroeconomics, providing a solid foundation in these critical areas. Additionally, the program offers in-depth study of analytics, statistics, investment, estate planning, insurance, and other areas crucial for the strategic examination and management of financial matters.  

Definition of Accounting  

The University of the Cumberlands masterfully encapsulates the heart and soul of  accounting  as “the process of creating, interpreting, and working with financial records to make sure an individual’s or a business’s finances run smoothly.” The definitive task of the accountant is to clearly record, logically organize, and promptly report all financial transactions that pertain to one or more specific organizations, groups, or individuals.  

Key Concepts in Accounting  

Like finance majors, accounting majors must complete basic coursework in business, economics, and analytics. But while finance majors go on to focus on financial management, accounting majors take a deep dive into the intricacies of tracking, recording, and reporting of finances. From taxation to auditing, accounting programs devote entire courses to specific facets and advanced techniques of accounting in both the private and the public sectors.  

Exploring Careers in Both Finance and Accounting  

The following are rewarding professional positions as key employment prospects for college graduates with either a finance degree or an accounting degree:  

Career Paths With a Finance Degree  

From financial examiner to loan officer, you can travel any number of lucrative and satisfying career paths with an undergraduate degree in finance. Here are some specifics about just two of the many exciting jobs that a finance graduate can pursue:  

• Personal Financial Advisor – These professionals oversee guiding individuals and families as they invest assets, manage risk, create budgets, and generally plan for the financial future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), American personal  financial advisors  take home a healthy median annual salary of $95,390. Furthermore, personal financial advisement is a growth industry. Through 2032, this occupation is expected to expand by 13 percent in the U.S. This rate more than quadruples the three percent national average for all occupations.  
• Financial Analyst – Drawing upon in-depth data and state-of-the-art tools,  financial  analysts  advise individuals and organizations alike in matters that relate to asset attainment and expansion. The BLS lists a $96,220 median annual salary for financial analysts and an eight percent growth rate for the financial analysis profession.  

Career Paths With an Accounting Degree  

After mastering the basic principles of the profession, accountants can refine their focus to become experts in certain sectors, such as public accountancy, or even more specialized subsectors, such as government accountancy. In fact, an accounting degree can lead to any number of accountant, auditor, or analyst positions.  

• Accountant/Auditor – While accountants place a greater emphasis on financial record management and auditors place a greater emphasis on financial record review, a great deal of overlap exists between these two occupations. Examining them together, the BLS reports a pay rate of $78,000 per year and an employment expansion rate of four percent for  accountants and auditors .  
• Budget Analyst – These professionals guide the strategic planning and routine management of budgets for both private and public organizations. The job outlook for existing and aspiring  budget analysts  keeps pace with the average for all professions in the United States. And the financial rewards for the profession include a substantial median yearly salary of $82,260.  

Skills Required for Finance and Accounting  

No matter what specific career path you choose to travel in finance/accounting world, you will want to hone your capabilities in certain areas. For example, finance and accounting professionals alike will benefit from a basic mastery of critical soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. In other cases, each of these two professional branches requires its own distinct and unique skillset.  

Essential Skills for Finance Professionals  

In their December 2023 article , the panel of experts on the Forbes Finance Council ranked emotional intelligence and the ability to connect across verticals first and second, respectively, among their 20 key skills finance professionals need to cultivate.  

The ability to understand and manage the feelings of oneself and others, emotional intelligence (EQ) is, in the words of Forbes Finance Council member and CVS Health senior finance executive David Chavez, “vital for navigating complex interpersonal dynamics in the business world.”   

To court success, a finance professional must be able to leverage EQ and other values to engage with others and capitalize on opportunities within their own narrow area of primary expertise, as well as a spectrum of intersecting fields. By connecting across verticals in this manner, a finance professional can better position themselves for the C suite.  

Essential Skills for Accounting Professionals  

In the field of accounting, there are a number of key skills that these professionals must follow. For instance, adaptability is a critical skill due to the frequent changes in tax laws, financial reporting standards, and technology. Professionals need to be prepared for shifting standards and new ways of working. This ability to adapt is especially important in public accounting, where changes occur regularly with new clients and projects, and regulations can shift rapidly. The importance of being comfortable with change is underscored, reflecting its essential role in the success and resilience of accountants.  

Analytical skills are equally fundamental in accounting. Accountants must meticulously review financial records to ensure accuracy and reliability, emphasizing the significance of not only compiling data, but also evaluating the reasonableness of analysis reports. This scrutiny prevents the pursuit of flawed analyses, highlighting the value of critical thinking in identifying and solving problems. Moreover, the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively is vital. Accountants often work in teams and must explain complex financial information in simple terms, making these skills indispensable for professional effectiveness and success.  

Comparing Coursework in Finance vs. Accounting  

As previously discussed, finance and accounting degree programs generally include similar classes in basic business, economics, statistics, and analysis. From legal environment of business to principles of management, the undergraduate degree programs in finance and accounting at the University of the Cumberlands share several courses in common. In fact, finance degree candidates must complete accounting coursework and accounting degree candidates must complete finance coursework.     However, finance and accounting are distinct academic professional disciplines, and quality university programs will inevitably reflect this. Here are just a handful of the defining courses in both the  finance degree program  and the  accounting degree program  at UC.  

Key Finance Degree Courses  

The following courses are examples of the comprehensive nature of a finance degree with a concentration on strategic financial guidance and asset management:  

• BADM 336 Money, Banking, and Credit  
• BADM 337 Investments  
• BADM 338 Business Decision Concepts  
• BADM 452 Advanced Financial Management  
• BADM 457 Estate Planning  
• BADM 458 Risk Management and Insurance  

Key Accounting Degree Courses  

The following courses are examples of the comprehensive nature of an accounting degree with a concentration on through and exacting finance oversight and record-keeping:  

• BACC 337 Accounting Information Systems  
• BACC 431 Cost Accounting  
• BACC 435 Accounting Theory  
• BACC 437 Federal Taxation  
• BACC 438 Taxation of Business Entities  
• BACC 410 Accounting Law & Ethics  

Combining Accounting and Finance Careers  

Our discussion of accounting and finance has revealed numerous ways in which these two disciplines inform and augment each other. Indeed, strong accounting skills are a valuable commodity in the world of finance just as a command of finance principles is expected in many accountants. Therefore, it is advisable to take an interdisciplinary approach to mastering accounting and finance.  

Should You Consider Further Professional Qualifications in Finance or Accounting?  

In nearly every field, professionals can substantially further their careers by going to graduate school. The finance and accounting fields are no different. That said, a myriad of financial advisors and accountants choose to build on their bachelor’s level education with a master’s degree (MA or MS) or even a doctorate (PhD).  

Beyond these advanced academic credentials, you may want to seek esteemed qualifications from industry groups such as the Financial Management Association and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  

In the world of financial planning and advisement, professionals can better position themselves for success by becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Chartered Investment Counselor (CIC), or Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA).  

By contrast, common accounting credentials include the well-known and widely respected Certified Public Accountant (CPA) as well as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Accounting and finance professionals alike might seek to acquire a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.  

Pursue Your Finance or Accounting Degree Today!   

Instead of pitting the two disciplines against each other in a finance vs. accounting degree standoff, you might want to consider training and study in both areas. The University of the Cumberlands covers all the bases by offering dual Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in both their Bachelor of Science in Finance and their Bachelor of Science in Accounting . Pursuing either or both degrees can open any number of exciting and rewarding career doors in the business world. Request more information about our programs or apply today !