phd in business accounting

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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, tax cuts in the uk gave an unexpected boost to african economies, the hidden costs of clicking the “buy now, pay later” button, why some countries want companies to think inside the “innovation box”.

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Department of Accounting | Ph.D. Overview

Ph.d. overview.

• Stern’s accounting faculty has a wide range of research interests and continuously publishes works in all major academic accounting research journals such as the Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, the Accounting Review, the Review of Accounting Studies, and Contemporary Accounting Research. Furthermore, Stern’s accounting faculty has published in such major Finance journals as the Journal of Finance, the Journal of Financial Economics, and the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis.
• The Department boasts a large and diverse body of Ph.D. students, who assist faculty with research projects early on in their doctoral program and often become co-authors to papers published in prestigious accounting journals.
• The admissions process is a rigorous one and important criteria are: an interest in doing research and teaching in accounting, strong quantitative skills, and an ability to communicate effectively. There are no formal education requirements  other than possession of a bachelor's degree - an MBA is not required.
• The quality of our Ph.D. program (ranked 7th in the United States by U.S. News and World Report) manifests itself by, among other things, our success in placing our graduates.

Click here to learn more about the PhD admissions process.

Accounting, Ph.D. Program Coordinators

NYU Stern Henry Kaufman Management Center 44 West 4th Street Suite No. 10-77 Phone:  212-998-0025 Email: [email protected]

Xiaojing Meng

NYU Stern Henry Kaufman Management Center 44 West 4th Street Suite No. 10-84 Phone:  212-992-6812 Email:   [email protected]

Explore Stern PhD

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PhD Program

Wharton’s Ph.D. program in Accounting trains students to be successful academic researchers. To this end, the program is designed to provide students with opportunities to learn to develop their own research ideas and to learn to implement appropriate research methods. Students learn these skills through rigorous coursework, as well as mentoring relationships and often research projects with faculty members that provide “on-the-job” training. When a student completes the program, he or she will have a dissertation and other publishable research in progress that can credibly communicate to the academic community the student’s skills and potential for future success as a researcher.

For examples of joint work between students and faculty, Click here . For student placements since 1999, Click here .

About the Program Find out more about the Accounting admission requirements.

Course Information View the Accounting course requirements.

Course Schedule View the Accounting course schedules.

Current Students View a list of our current Accounting PhD students.

Sample Plan of Study

PhD Accounting Program Coordinator Luzi Hail Stephen J. Heyman Professor, Professor of Accounting 1319 Steinberg Hall-Dietrich Hall Philadelphia, PA 19104-6365 Phone: (215) 898-8205 E-mail: [email protected]

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PhD Programs

• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has five areas of study: Accounting and Management , Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , management  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

Next MBA application deadline, May 1. You belong here.

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Accounting ph.d., earn a ph.d. in business and a major concentration in accounting and learn the essentials in theory, research methods and contemporary accounting issues.

Accounting Research involves the systematic and scientific study of accounting systems, institutions, standards and regulations for the purpose of understanding and characterizing their decision-facilitating and decision-influencing roles within organizations, in product and capital markets, and across economies. For instance, financial reporting systems play many roles in publicly held organizations characterized by separation of ownership from control. They help investors in valuing their claims to firms in financial markets (valuation role), are essential for corporate control and managerial performance evaluation (auditing, governance and stewardship roles), and impact how firms allocate their resources and make financial decisions (real effects). In a similar vein, management accounting systems facilitate planning and control within organizations. Often, these many roles of accounting information interact, posing challenges for system designers, policy makers, and standard setters.

The main goal of the accounting doctoral program is to train students to do high-quality research, and become influential scholars in top academic institutions. The accounting group has world-class senior faculty and young, talented scholars with considerable expertise in the above topics and a vibrant research environment. In addition, the program leverages the resources and excellence of Rice University in related fields such as finance, economics and statistics. Students will be required to take courses in economics, statistics, econometrics, finance, and a rigorous set of cutting-edge research seminars covering the essentials in theory, research methods, and contemporary accounting issues.

Program features:

• World-class faculty
• Engaging research environment
• Highly competitive financial package
• Resources of a premier research university
• Personal attention and mentoring in the Rice tradition  

Interested in Rice Business?

Program information.

Rice Business offers an outstanding program for doctoral students interested in accounting.

Overview of Accounting Ph.D. Seminar Series

Introduction to Accounting Research The course offers a thorough and broad-ranging introduction to accounting theory and research. It covers origins and evolution of key relevant accounting institutions, thought, paradigms and methods.

Analytical Research The course provides a thorough and comprehensive introduction into the key economic theories underlying a significant part of contemporary cutting edge accounting research. The course is designed to be sufficiently deep to support both students intent on pursuing analytical research and at the same time broad enough that students with an empirical orientation will gain a solid foundation.

Empirical Research in Accounting The course provides a thorough and comprehensive synthesis of empirical accounting research, covering the key “classic” papers in the major research areas, methodological issues and emerging areas within empirical accounting research.

Advanced Contemporary Accounting Research The course provides a more advanced treatment of cutting edge, predominantly empirical accounting research. Accordingly, the course content is expected to change frequently to reflect the current state of accounting research.

For doctoral students who have chosen accounting as their area, the Ph.D. degree requirements are as follows.

• Students must complete a review course in Quantitative Methods in the summer before the beginning of the first semester.
• During the  first two years of the program, students must take a minimum of three doctoral-level courses per semester and preferably four courses in total per semester. The chosen courses must be approved by the area PhD  advisor.
• The student is expected to attend at least four doctoral seminars organized in the accounting area during the student’s first two years in the Ph.D. program and additional accounting doctoral seminars as required by the student’s advisor. The student may attend the same seminar more than once upon approval by the area PhD advisor or a faculty mentor/advisor.
• The student is expected to attend all research workshops (presentations of faculty members from other business schools that visit JGSB to present their research or internal presentations by JGSB faculty or Ph.D. students) organized in the accounting area during the student’s tenure in the Ph.D. program. The student must lead a discussion preceding the workshop with the other Ph.D. students each semester. Ph.D. students will designate a senior Ph.D. student to keep track of this requirement and provide a report to the area faculty advisor at the end of the spring semester.
• The firs-year summer research work should involve a replication of analysis of a published/working paper with an extension in the area of the student’s interest. The summer study/paper must be presented to accounting faculty at a research workshop no later than September 30th in the fall semester of the second academic year. The content and format of this presentation will be determined by the student’s faculty mentor/summer research advisor. A failure to meet this deadline may result in the student being put on probation.  
• The second-year summer research must result in a working paper (with at least preliminary results), which must be presented to accounting faculty at a research workshop no later than November 30th in the Fall semester of the third academic year. Although we encourage solo-authored study, this summer research could be joint work with the faculty mentor/faculty advisor, but the student is expected to take the lead. A failure to meet this deadline may result in the student being put on probation.  
• Students must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the accounting faculty at the end of the second year. Only students not on probation and with a satisfactory annual evaluation are eligible to take the comprehensive exam. The exam will be jointly administered and graded by accounting faculty, under the supervision of the accounting area advisor. The exam is focused on the coursework taken in accounting and topics covered in research workshops offered by the accounting area. A successful performance in the exam will demonstrate the student’s competency in accounting and provide the foundation from which he or she begins the research that will form the basis of the dissertation.
• Students are expected to constitute their dissertation committee by the beginning of their fourth year in the program.
• During the dissertation phase (post successfully completing the comprehensive exam), students are strongly encouraged to take one course every semester (from the first semester of the third year to the second semester of the fourth year) to advance their skills and knowledge in tools, techniques, and topics relevant to their area of interest/dissertation topic. Students are expected to select these courses in consultation with the area PhD advisor or faculty/dissertation advisor.
• Students are expected to successfully defend a dissertation “pre-proposal” by the end of the Fall semester of their fourth year to their dissertation committees. The pre-proposal is expected to lay out the main thesis topic, methodology, discussion of the relevant literature, and preliminary analysis.
• Students are expected to successfully defend their full dissertation proposal by the end of the fourth year.
• Students are expected to complete and defend dissertation within a maximum of 7 years from time of matriculation.

Summer before the beginning of first semester

Quantitative Methods Review

Year 1 (Fall)

ECON 501Microeconomic Theory I ECON 510 Econometrics I BUSI 530Introduction to Accounting Research Workshop in Statistical Computing and Research Elective

Year 1 (Spring)

ECON 508 Microeconomics II BUSI 532Analytical Research in Accounting BUSI 533 Contemporary Accounting Research Topics Workshop in Statistical Computing and Research Elective

Year 2 (Fall)

BUSI 531 Empirical Methods in Accounting BUSI 523Empirical Methods in Finance Elective Elective

Year 2 (Spring)

BUSI 532 Analytical Research in Accounting (suggested retake) BUSI 533 Contemporary Accounting Research Topics (suggested retake) Elective Elective

Doctoral students may continue taking graduate-level accounting courses beyond their second year as well. Examples of elective courses are:

General: ECON 435: Industrial Organization ECON 511: Econometrics II ECON 514 Industrial Organization and Control ECON 517 Empirical Industrial Organization

Analytical Track: BUSI 510 Analytical Models in Marketing ECON 502 Macroeconomics ECON 505 Financial Economics ECON 509 Topics in Microeconomics ECON 575 Topics in Financial Economics MATH 321 Introduction to Analysis I MATH 515 Integration Theory STAT 581 Mathematical Probability STAT 552 Applied Stochastic Processes

Empirical Track: BUSI 522 Corporate Finance BUSI 511 Select Topics in Marketing BUSI 524 Finance Special Topics BUSI 527 Finance Special Topics ECON 309 Applied Econometrics ECON 578 Topics in Econometrics I ECON 579 Topics in Econometrics II: Time Series Analysis STAT 519 Statistical Inference STAT 541 Multivariate Analysis

• Xiao Liu, Southern Methodist University
• Daniela De la Parra Hurtado, University of North Carolina
• Seung Yeol Lee, Southern Denmark
• Rustam Zufarov, University of Illinois
• Rafael Copat, University of Texas at Dallas
• Amoray Cragun, University of Chicago
• Gary Lind, University of Pittsburgh
• Maclean Gaulin, University of Utah
• Jonathan Bonham, University of Chicago

Accounting Area Advisor

Shiva Sivaramakrishnan

Keep exploring.

Melinda Peña

PhD in Business - Accounting

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• PhD in Business - Accounting | Miami Herbert Business School

Who's It For?

Miami Herbert’s doctoral program develops future accounting scholars for academic careers at leading research universities around the world. Students prepare to conduct research that encompasses, but is not limited to:

• Factors that influence the accounting choices that company managers make, such as the decision to choose a specific, generally acceptable accounting method, or managerial choices to commit accounting fraud.
• The use of accounting information by capital markets. Research in this area tests whether accounting information is efficiently impounded in asset prices.
• The use of accounting in contracting between economic agents. This research area explores the use of accounting information in managerial compensation plans as well as in affecting managerial turnover.

Program Type Doctoral

Location On Campus

Time Commitment Full Time

Start Date August

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Our Faculty

Accounting PhD Rookie Camp

The PhD in Accounting is designed as a four-year program, though students without strong backgrounds in economics and statistics may take five years. During the first two years of the program, students take courses in accounting, economics, finance, econometrics, and other related disciplines. At the end of their second year, students are required to take a preliminary written exam.

All students in the PhD in Business also complete a core curriculum. Follow the link below for details.

Dhananjay Nanda

Khrystyna Bochkay

Miguel Minutti-Meza

Fabrizio Ferri

Meet your program coordinator.

Start Your Miami Journey

Accounting PhD Program

Phd accounting program.

The Accounting Ph.D. program includes research focused on several accounting disciplines, including Financial, Managerial, and Auditing and Corporate Governance Accounting.

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• ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Financial Accounting

- Accounting standard setting - Financial regulation - International accounting - Company valuation and financial statement analysis - Earnings management - Stock markets and market efficiency - Earnings forecasting and financial analyst behavior

Managerial Accounting

- Performance evaluation and compensation - Budgeting and other control issues in organizations - Balanced scorecard - Strategic management accounting

Auditing and Corporate Governance

- Auditor independence - Auditor behavior and decision making - Corporate governance issues

Tax Accounting

- Tax planning - Tax clientele - Tax policy and its effects on businesses

Requirements

Sample Course Schedule

• Fall: GSBA 602, ACCT 605, ACCT 611, ACCT 621 + Electives
• Spring: ACCT 601, ACCT 611 + Electives

Research Development Beginning in the first semester, students will apprentice with a faculty mentor to learn research fundamentals. Typically students are assigned to a new mentor each semester in the first year. During the summer of their first year, students write a first-year paper. The summer paper will be similar to that of a research proposal.

- Fall: ACCT 611, ACCT 621 + Electives

- Spring: ACCT 611 + Electives

- Summer: BUCO 637

Research Development

Students continue apprentice a faculty mentor to learn research fundamentals and participate in research projects. Typically students are assigned to a new mentor each semester in the first and second year. During the summer of their second year, students complete a directed readings course with their potential advisor.

Screening Examination

In the second year, students complete a screening examination which may take the form of a written or oral exam, written assignments, and/or summer research project. The results of the examination help the faculty determine students’ developmental needs and fitness to continue in the program.

Qualifying Examination

Following the screening exam, with the recommendation of their faculty mentor, students take a comprehensive examination on the core knowledge of their discipline. The examination includes both written and oral components. Upon passing the examination, an individual becomes a Ph.D. candidate and begins work on the Ph.D. dissertation.

• Independent Dissertation Preparation (2)
• Accounting Research Seminar: ACCT 611 (2)
• Electives (Optional)

Research Development At this stage in the program, the relationships Ph.D. candidates have developed through the research apprenticeships often lead to collaborative research projects. Ph.D. candidates continue to apprentice faculty with increasing responsibility. They also begin work on their dissertations.

Teaching Development Ph.D. candidates begin developing teaching skills by serving as a teaching assistant for one or two classes and engaging in teaching skills workshops.

Research Development Research is the primary activity in the fourth year and beyond. Faculty view Ph.D. candidates as “junior colleagues” and partner to write and present papers.

Teaching Development Ph.D. candidates co-teach one course with a faculty member.

Dissertation Defense & Submission The dissertation is the culminating work of a student’s independent research. In the fourth or fifth year of the program, students complete, defend and submit the dissertation. This is the last step to earn the Ph.D.

Research Community

Accounting faculty members have published extensively in leading accounting journals such as:

• The Accounting Review
• Journal of Accounting Research
• Journal of Accounting and Economics
• Contemporary Accounting Research
• Review of Accounting Studies

The University of Texas-Dallas Top 100 Business School Research Rankings for research productivity over the past decade ranks the Accounting faculty as fifth worldwide.

Recognized Research Authorities

The Accounting faculty have served as editors, associate editors and editorial review board members of premier journals in accounting, including:

• Accounting, Organization and Society
• Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory
• Journal of Management Accounting Research

Faculty Honors

• Wildman Award
• Notable Contributions to Accounting Literature
• Notable Contributions to Auditing and Managerial Accounting Literatures
• Outstanding Educator Award in Auditing

In addition to required coursework and independent research, students are actively encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty—preferably as a co-author; attend and participate in the ARFs (accounting research workshops); present papers at, serve as discussants and otherwise attend national conferences; and take additional coursework either for credit or audit to further enhance their knowledge base.

PhD STUDENTS

Katherine simeon bruere.

• PhD Candidate in Accounting

Katherine Simeon Bruere is a Ph.D. candidate in the Leventhal School of Accounting. She is interested in voluntary disclosure,standard setting, audit quality, audit opinions, goodwill accounting, mergerand acquisitions, corporate governance, financial reporting,  and capital marketsresearch. Prior to starting the Ph.D. program, Katherine worked at Ernst & Young as an auditor in Dallas’ Financial Services division, as well as an accountant at Merit Energy. Katherine earned a BA and an MA in Accounting at Baylor University (2014) and is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas.

Suzanne Burzillo

AJ Chen is a PhD candidate in Accounting at the USC Marshall School of Business. Prior to joining the Ph.D. Program, he worked as an associate in the investment banking industry, as well as analyst in commodities trading. He also had experience as tax associate at PwC Boston. He is intrigued by how technological innovation affect the real economy, particularly their impact on firms, workers, and consumers.

Jessie Jaewon Cheong

• PhD Student in Accounting

Job Market Candidates

The Marshall School of Business contributes to the broad field of academic research as our students go on to be thought-leaders in business schools around the world. These Ph.D. candidates are taking the next step in their academic careers. Learn more about each candidate by clicking on their name.

To be announced

Accounting students have won numerous prestigious awards over the past several years. These honors include:

• Deloitte Touche Fellowship
• KPMG Doctoral Fellowship
• AICPA Doctoral Fellowship

Learn more about all Marshall PhD Students in the Marshall Directory. For a list of Accounting students in the program please follow thislink.

APPLYING TO THE PhD PROGRAM

Dates + deadlines.

December 15, 2023: Application Deadline - Accounting, Data Sciences & Operations, and Management & Organization* 

January 15, 2024: Application Deadline - Finance & Business Economics and Marketing 

The link to the PhD Program application is available on the Admissions page and the next opportunity to apply is for Fall 2024 admission. Late applications may or may not be considered at the discretion of the admissions committee. 

Admissions decisions are made from mid-February to mid-April. You will be notified by email when a decision has been made.

ADMISSIONS CONTACT

Ph.D. Program USC Marshall School of Business 3670 Trousdale Parkway, BRI 306 Los Angeles, California 90089-0809 EMAIL

• INFO SESSIONS

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PhD in Accountancy

Succeed in academia with a PhD from the world's most productive accountancy program

The first PhD in accountancy was issued at the University of Illinois in 1939. For 80 years, Gies College of Business has been the place for serious scholars entering the accounting professoriate. With the largest alumni network in the discipline, the most productive research faculty in the world, and a small cohort size currently composed of 15 students, a PhD from Gies Business will pave your way toward success in academia.

Our reputation is based on the accomplishments of our top-ranked accounting faculty , the productivity and placement of our PhD candidates, and the breadth of accounting education we provide. We include PhD students in a research team composed of full, associate and assistant professors who have distinguished themselves in auditing, financial accounting, managerial accounting, and taxation research. A point of emphasis has been the development of co-authored projects among doctoral students and faculty. To prepare students for these collaborations, our PhD curriculum helps develop your research and writing skills.

"Illinois treated me very well when I earned my PhD here, and I’m thrilled to help the program continue its long history of excellence. No program can boast a faculty that has deeper or broader expertise, or that is more open-minded in topic, method, or theory."

Justin Leiby, PhD ‘11 Associate Professor of Accountancy

A curriculum that inspires and educates

The accountancy PhD program emphasizes a balance between coursework, research, and teaching. Coursework during the program prepares students for a career marked by quality research. Your experience will include an in-depth understanding of the accounting environment, so you can identify accounting questions and problems that are interesting from a research standpoint. In addition, our coursework also emphasizes foundational theories and research tools from source disciplines like economics, finance, psychology, and statistics. Furthermore, faculty mentors advise and build your research and teaching skills while fostering your confidence and knowledge over the five years, on average, it takes to finish the program.

We are confident that your experience at Gies will provide the research competence, teaching prowess, and academic confidence to thrive in academia.

Alter the industry with research that starts here

Research opportunities with our top-ranked faculty and within coursework launch your publishing experience, while helping you find a dissertation topic. Learning and researching with these scholars pushes you to look beyond what is happening today, to change the industry’s future for the better. Your publishing opportunities will solidify your stature as an extraordinary thinker who is willing to take on accounting’s most pressing questions.

As you work closely with expert faculty, your research will benefit from our connections with top-tier journals, editorial boards, and leadership positions throughout academic societies. At Gies, we also provide financial assistance in many forms, to help you get the education you deserve.

Your academic career begins at Gies

Our rigorous curriculum and collaborative research environment positions doctoral graduates to teach at any of our peer institutions. For example, alumni are teaching at Emory University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Washington, University of Florida, Northeastern University, Indiana University, and many more. Joining the Gies accountancy PhD program means developing research that will change the way accountancy works, and then having the confidence to take your newfound knowledge into a classroom of your own.

"Being tenured at the University of Texas is a dream come true, and it wouldn’t have happened without the doctoral program at Gies. The combination of hard and soft skills I learned from my mentors, and the opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty in other fields were uniquely valuable dimensions of my Illinois experience."

Brian J. White, PhD ‘12 Associate Professor of Accounting, University of Texas at Austin

Your future in academia starts here at Gies

Find out why the nation’s most prestigious PhD accountancy program is the right fit for you.

Gies News and Events

Gies professor launches AccelCorps™ to bridge STEM and business

The initiative is funded by a 3-year, $5 million NSF grant aimed at mentoring scientists and innovators in STEM fields and helping them navigate the world of business.

How the Gies iMBA helps you learn and lead with a diversity mindset

Business leaders in the iMBA learn by doing, in the safety of a classroom setting, to not take everything they’re familiar with for granted and recognize how things are done differently in different parts of a state, a country and the world.

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The accounting concentration in the PhD in Business Administration program prepares students to become successful researchers and excellent educators at highly regarded universities that value impactful scholarship and quality teaching. The program primarily focuses on archival research in financial accounting and auditing. Our rigorous curriculum includes research methodology courses and doctoral seminars in accounting that provide the knowledge and skills necessary for successful academic careers. Your accounting coursework will be enhanced through events such as our research workshop series, where esteemed scholars from top universities present working papers and engage in fruitful discussions with faculty and doctoral students. Our highly research-active faculty provide exceptional mentoring and actively collaborate with students on research projects. In addition to annual stipends, students receive financial support for authorized expenses like conference participation, data-collection, and professional memberships.

The program places a strong emphasis on preparing students for effective teaching. In the initial two years of the program, students receive mentoring under experienced professors and are gradually given teaching responsibilities. By the third year, students independently teach a class, receiving feedback from students' surveys, teaching mentors and the department.

Overall, the program equips doctoral candidates with the knowledge, skills, and support network needed to conduct influential research and excel as educators.

Ideal applicants should have

• Undergraduate and graduate accounting degree with excellent performance.
• Professional certifications (CPA, CMA) and experience.
• Strong motivation to pursue an academic career.

Substitutions (or waivers) of the accounting seminar courses may be permitted by the School of Accounting doctoral program director. Such substitutions may include courses in related areas (for example, finance or information systems) or from appropriate individual study courses offered by School of Accounting faculty members.

With the advice and consent of the School of Accounting doctoral program director, students will select appropriate courses in the research methods and/or statistics areas. In addition, students may select additional supporting coursework in areas such as economics, statistics, and/or psychology depending on their interests, abilities, and prior training.

Research Work

Students are required to complete research projects during the summer semesters following their first and second years in the program. Both summer projects require the submission of a written paper. Ideally, these papers should be of sufficient quality to merit submission to a conference or journal. The primary objective of the first-year summer research project is to enhance skills in using computer programs and databases for research. To this end, students are expected to replicate one or more prior studies using new data or to engage in some other meaningful empirical project.

The second-year summer research project requires students to develop an original research hypothesis. The paper should be presented during an School of Accounting research colloquium in the following semester and should be submitted to a conference or journal before the end of the third year.

Advisor and Dissertation Chair

By the end of the second year, students should have selected an advisor. The advisor is expected to be someone who will later become the chair of the dissertation, so the advisor must have dissertation advisor status.

Comprehensive Examination

Once the advisor certifies that an acceptable second year summer project has been satisfactorily completed by the student, the student is eligible to take the comprehensive examination.

Dissertation

The accounting concentration in the PhD in Business Administration program culminates with the dissertation, which serves as an original contribution advancing the boundaries of knowledge. Through rigorous investigation and original perspectives, the dissertation process forges a path towards a deeper understanding of accounting phenomena. The dissertation is ultimately a student’s product. However, a student’s Dissertation Committee, which is comprised of faculty experts in the stream of research, provides guidance, advice, and mentorship throughout the process. The doctoral candidate will regularly engage with their Dissertation Committee and the committee chair throughout the process. The Committee will have the ultimate authority to determine when the candidate has made a sufficient contribution to the field to warrant approval of the dissertation.

Contact information

For more information about the Accounting Concentration, please contact:

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• PhD in Business Management

Accounting Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management

Enhance your ability to strengthen businesses at their core as you prepare to lead, consult, or teach. Capella’s online PhD in Business Management, Accounting degree will give you a deeper understanding of interrelated issues, processes, and functions within business organizations. The curriculum is focused on research, scholarly writing, ethical theory, global perspectives, accounting technology, and a systems-thinking approach.

Virtual Residencies

Network with faculty and peers, and gain access to valuable resources to use during your program and beyond, through three doctoral virtual residencies.

Research mentor

Maintain progress through your dissertation; we’ll pair you with an academic mentor who can help you keep your momentum.

Stay on track with your academic goals and dissertation; we’ll help you organize your work into manageable segments.

Use the code WINTER  to waive the $50 application fee.

At a glance

• 11 Core courses
• 12 max transfer credits
• 4 Specialization courses
• 1 Elective course
• 3 Virtual Residencies

Comprehensive exam

Dissertation

• ACBSP-accredited

Reduce your tuition by $20,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Courses and skills

Explore accounting courses.

• This degree requires at least 90 program credits
• You’ll need to complete 11 core courses, four specialization courses, one elective course, three virtual residencies, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation

View all courses

What you'll learn

The PhD in Business Management, Accounting gives you the skills to formulate and apply advanced accounting solutions in the global era. Evaluate theoretical constructs, sharpen your practical skills, and make a meaningful impact in your professional field.

On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

• Evaluate evolving conceptual models, theoretical frameworks, technologies, and organizational systems
• Evaluate ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks that guide accounting theory and practice
• Exhibit proficiency in research, writing, and critical thinking skills
• Assess cultural and societal perspectives influencing accounting practice in the global era

Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in business management cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1-2 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$985 per credit, $5,000  quarterly tuition max,  75 coursework credits, 12 max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$985 Per quarter credit

75 coursework credits; dissertation is additional

Per quarter credit

$2955 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials

Application fee

$50 One-time fee

One-time fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:

• The program specialization you choose
• Scholarships and finances
• Prior coursework
• Transfer credits
• Employer and/or military benefits
• Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
• Complexity of your dissertation
• Academic performance
• School/work/life balance
• Unexpected life events

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2023–24 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2023. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost scenarios

*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are  more ways to save  than you might think.

$20K toward your doctorate

Apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward , a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

$5,000 quarterly tuition maximum

Maximize your courseload – take 6 or more credits per quarter and pay just $5,000.*

10% military discount

If you’re an active-duty military service member, spouse, dependent, or veteran, you may be eligible for discounts on tuition at Capella.  Get details

*Cost of each residency is included in the $5,000 quarterly tuition maximum; books, resource kit, travel, lodging, meals, and other expenses are not included.

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

How to apply

Phd in business management admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
•  Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International Student Requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.

Doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

Enrollment counselors

These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree program and answer all your questions about Capella.

Academic coaches

Through quarterly appointments and as-needed counseling sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

10 qualities to look for in a career mentor

Finding a career mentor can really help as you develop your professional skills and move up the ladder.

What’s the ROI for a PhD?

Is a PhD worth the investment of time, money, and energy?

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.

Career exploration

What can you do with a phd in accounting degree.

Your education can help you reach your goals, professionally and personally. Here are just some of the career options you could explore with our online accounting doctoral degree.

Related job titles to explore*

• Adjunct or part-time business faculty
• Full-time business faculty
• Dean or associate dean of a business program
• Business researcher
• Chief financial officer (CFO)
• Senior accountant
• Senior auditor
• Vice president of finance
• Forensic accountant

Employment settings to explore

• Land-based or online college or university
• Community college
• Corporation
• Accounting firm
• Consulting firm
• Government—local, state, federal
• Nonprofit organization
• Self-employment
• Insurance firm
• Health care organization
• Manufacturing
• Small business

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

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PhD Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Management prepares you for a career in teaching and scholarly research at the university level. This full-time program emphasizes a strong foundation in both methodological and theoretical training.

Highly individualized, the doctoral program allows students to pursue their own areas of interest. Candidates are expected to work closely with the Merage School faculty members and, when appropriate, with faculty from other academic units on campus. A teaching requirement, supported by an ongoing seminar in pedagogy, will give you valuable experience in the classroom. 

A PhD STEM Degree Program

Our PhD in Management program is approved as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Designated Degree Program. Under the Optional Practical Training program, international students who graduate from the program are able to remain in the United States and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months, and can remain for an additional 24 months on an OPT STEM extension.

Application Fee Waiver

In order to support initiatives aimed at addressing and increasing diversity of business school faculty, UC Irvine will waive the PhD Application fees not only for applicants who meet university-wide criteria but also for students who have participated in various programs. See a full list of those programs here .

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to breaking down barriers to higher education while celebrating the contributions and achievements of all students—regardless of culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion or nationality. We believe that as a world-class business school, we have a duty to help dismantle systemic racism and discrimination and promote diversity in the business world.

• 3.79 Average Graduate GPA
• 78% Female Students
• 67% International Students

Program Structure

The doctoral program reflects the School's philosophy that a broad and cross-functional orientation is necessary to appreciate complex business problems that extend beyond the narrow confines of a particular discipline. Students planning academic careers can take advantage of teaching opportunities, along with instruction in teaching techniques that are especially effective in management education.

Within the general field of management, many disciplines and technologies are appropriate for advanced study. Because you work closely with the Merage School faculty , areas of concentration often parallel the strengths of faculty members. These areas include accounting, finance, information systems, marketing, operations and decision technologies, and organization and management, and strategy. The doctoral program is divided into two phases, qualification and dissertation.

Qualification (Phase I)

The Qualification Phase provides students with a general exposure to their area of specialization, the discipline of management, and methodological tools. The doctoral program curriculum is based on a flexible menu system, consisting of two menus of courses – one for research methods and one for theoretical breadth courses. 

Coursework requirements are approved by the faculty from your area of specialization. Before advancing to candidacy, your are also required to complete 4 breadth courses on the school-wide menu and the theoretical menu, outside your major field. During this phase, you acquire the knowledge necessary to conduct original research and scholarship including: 

• Knowledge of research, theory, and key issues in the major subfields in the area of specialization
• The appreciation of critical analytic abilities relevant to the area of specialization
• Research methods relevant to the area, including both knowledge of methods and a demonstration of the capacity to use the methods

To advance beyond the Qualification Phase, you must complete all required coursework, a written preliminary examination, and a formal oral qualifying examination. The maximum duration of this phase is 9 academic quarters or 3 calendar years.

Academic Advisor

As a Phase I PhD student, you will be assigned an academic faculty advisor from your area of specialization to assist you in getting acclimated to the Merage School PhD program. The advisor guides you in planning your PhD coursework and supervises your academic progress for the first two years of the program.    During this phase, you have the opportunity to identify/discover your research interests and find a faculty member who best fits your research needs. The Academic Advisor and the Qualifying Advisor may or may not be the same person.

Qualifying Advisor

At the beginning of the third year, the Qualifying Advisor provides you guidance in pursuing your research interests. The Qualifying Advisor may also be the chair of your thesis committee.

Dissertation (Phase II)

The Dissertation Phase requires the completion of a significant original research project and a dissertation which demonstrates your creativity and ability to launch and sustain a career in research. The type of research project selected is an important determinant of the amount of time you will spend in this phase. Upon approval of the dissertation and final examination (dissertation defense), your doctoral committee recommends the conferral of the degree. The Dissertation Phase is expected to take 24 months after you have advanced to candidacy, which ordinarily occurs three years into the program. The normative time to degree is five years.

PhD Placements

Browse all PhD placements by area of study.

Faculty Director

Professor Violina Rindova   holds the Dean’s Leadership Circle Chair. Prior the joining the Merage School of Business, she was on the faculty of the Marshall School of Business, USC, where she held the Captain Henry W. Simonsen Chair in Strategic Entrepreneurship and served as a Research Director of the Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies; and the faculty of the McCombs School of Business, where she held the Zlotnik Family Chair in Entrepreneurship and Herb Kelleher Chair in Entrepreneurship and served as the Director of the Herb Kelleher Center for Entrepreneurship, Growth and Renewal. She holds a PhD in Management from the Stern School of Business, New York University, an MBA from Madrid Business School, Spain, and a JD from Kliment Ohridski University, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Professor Rindova has published over 70 articles and book chapters in the leading management journals on a variety of strategy and entrepreneurship topics including competitive and growth strategies in dynamic and uncertain technology contexts; the socio-cognitive and cultural approaches to strategic innovation and market creation and transformation; and stakeholder evaluations, media attention, and the development of firm reputation. Her recent work focuses on strategy under uncertainty and how firms imagine and shape the future through design-based strategies. Her work has been frequently in the business media, including the   Economist , the   New York Times , and the   Washington Post . She is the recipient of multiple grants and awards, including the Thought Leadership Award from the Entrepreneurship Division of the Academy of Management, the Award for Outstanding Scholarly Contribution from   Strategic Organization , the Best Paper Award from the Strategic Management Society, and the   Journal of Management Inquiry   Distinguished Scholar Award. She has served as an Associate Editor of the   Academy of Management Review   and is currently a senior editor at   Strategy Science .

Professor Rindova has taught in a variety of executive programs around the globe and has worked with clients from the advertising, entrainment, insurance, food, healthcare, and education industries.

UC Irvine’s faculty are top-notch and care deeply about their students. I wanted to attend a program that developed my interests, honed my skillset and was ultimately vested in the outcome of my education. I can categorically say that UCI has exceeded all my expectations. Aruhn Venkat, PhD '20

Learn more about applying for the PhD program.

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Lindner College of Business » Programs » Graduate Programs & Certificates » PhD Programs » Accounting

PhD in Accounting

This program will not accept incoming students for the fall 2024 semester.

The goal of the PhD program in accounting is to graduate students with the knowledge and skills that serve as the foundation of a successful academic career. Our curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of the accounting literature and develops the expertise necessary to engage in high quality research that is meaningful to academics and professional accountants alike. Through close interaction with faculty mentors, students develop research design, modeling and writing skills that are critical to success in the field.

We value students with an interest in research and teaching, professional experience and certifications, and strong analytical and problem solving abilities. Our program capitalizes on our students' professional accounting experience as the basis for developing high quality research that is timely, relevant and informative.

The accounting faculty has many established academics with a strong interest in partnering with PhD students. Our faculty members have published their research in the premier journals in accounting such as The Accounting Review and Contemporary Accounting Research , and high quality journals such as Accounting Horizons , Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory , Journal of Business Finance and Accounting , Journal of Information Systems , Journal of Business Ethics , and Current Issues in Auditing . Several faculty focus their research in the area of international accounting, publishing in journals such as The European Accounting Review , The International Journal of Accounting , The Journal of International Accounting , Auditing and Taxation , and The Journal of International Accounting Research .

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PhD in Business Administration

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The Business Administration Accounting PhD Program will be accepting applications for Fall 2024.

Equipping doctoral graduates for successful careers as educators and researchers at major colleges and universities.

Our PhD program offers a close mentoring relationship with faculty members, with training that typically requires five years. In addition to formal doctoral-level coursework and dissertation development, the program also gives students first-hand experiences as researchers and college teachers. First and Second Year Papers are completed under the mentorship of a faculty member and in the case of the Second Year Paper under the guidance of the Advisory Committee. Students and faculty members often meet weekly in informal brown-bag lunches to discuss research, teaching, and academic life.

Leading accounting academics from well-known schools present and discuss their research at weekly workshops. These scholars also meet with doctoral students to offer advice and information. University of Kentucky faculty members and doctoral students also present their research at these workshops.

Admission Guidelines

To be considered for the PhD in Business Administration Concentration in Accounting, the applicant must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and Gatton College of Business and Economics.

Degree Requirements

An accounting doctoral student must satisfy successfully four main degree requirements:

• Completion of an approved plan of required and elective courses. This coursework typically requires two years in residence.
• Completion of the first-year research project under the guidance of a faculty supervisor.
• Completion of the second-year research project under the guidance of a faculty supervisor and Advisory Committee. The second-year paper serves as the qualifying exam for entrance into doctoral candidacy.
• identifying a research topic,
• proposing a plan for investigating the topic,
• obtaining approval of the proposal from the student's faculty Advisory Committee and faculty advisor,
• defending the proposal before the student's committee, and, the faculty and PhD students.

Additional program information is available in the statement of policies and the description of the PhD student evaluation process. The dissertation is then filed in the UK library.

An accounting plan of study requires a minimum of 40 credit hours. Students normally take a minimum of 9 and up to 12 credit hours each semester. The coursework has two components:

Core coursework requirements

• BA 700 - Teaching Methods in Business (1) (required of all BA PhD students)
• ACC 700 - Introduction to Accounting Research (1st semester)
• ACC 700 - Introduction to Financial / Archival Accounting Research (alternate spring semesters)
• ACC 700 - Introduction to Psychology-based Accounting Research (alternate spring semesters)
• ACC 700 - Survey of Methodological Tools in Empirical Accounting Research

There are two tracks in the program: (1) psychology-based accounting research, (2) economics-based accounting research.

Students studying psychology-based accounting research do additional coursework in marketing, management, psychology, statistics, communications, and education (depending on their specific interests and the available courses).

Students studying economics-based accounting research do additional coursework in economics and finance. Some also earn Masters in Economics degrees as a part of their PhD coursework.

First Year Paper

Students work closely with a faculty advisor who is assigned based on the student's research interests. In the summer following the first year, and with the consent of the student’s faculty advisor, the paper may be a replication of research (with recommendations for future research) or an original research project. The student shall present their completed, sole-authored paper to the research faculty at a brownbag no later than the 3rd week of the student’s third semester in the program.

Second Year Paper

Students work closely with a faculty advisor who is assigned based on the student's research interests. In addition, each student will need to form an Advisory Committee. The student is responsible for initiating, developing, and completing the second-year paper. The paper serves as the written component of the qualifying exam. The student shall present the sole-authored paper to the faculty and doctoral students at a workshop no later than October 31st of the student’s third year in the program. The presentation serves as the oral component of the qualifying examination.

Advisory Committee

In consultation with the student and the research faculty, the VASOA Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) shall determine/approve the members of the advisory committee by December 31st of the student’s second year in the program. Typically, the faculty advisor will serve as the Chair of the Advisory Committee. The composition of this Advisory Committee shall comply with the UK Graduate School policies.

To assist with formation of the Advisory Committee, the student should identify an outside committee member. This outside member must be selected from a discipline outside of Business Administration, which includes the Von Allmen School of Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management departments. For example, faculty from Economics, Statistics, Psychology, and Computer Science can serve as outside members for doctoral students in Business Administration.

The Committee:

• advises the student,
• approves the plan of study,
• determines whether the student advances to dissertation work.

After students pass their qualifying exam, their Advisory Committees can be reformulated to closely reflect each student's specific dissertation interests.

The Advisory Committee's functions include:

• assessment of the dissertation proposal
• oversight of the research efforts
• approval of the dissertation defense here

Qualifying Examination

The Second Year Paper serves as the as the written component of the qualifying exam. The Second Year Paper Presentation serves as the oral component of the qualifying examination.

Dissertation

Students are admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree after they have successfully passed the qualifying exam (i.e., second-year paper and presentation). Doctoral students are encouraged to begin identifying a dissertation topic and developing ideas about how to investigate the topic fairly early (e.g., in the second year of study). This helps students to progress through the program in a timely manner.

The Von Allmen School of Accounting (VASOA) strongly encourages each student to have completed dissertation work before leaving the University of Kentucky to begin employment. Long-distance, part-time efforts at completing a dissertation are problematic for both the faculty and the student. Dissertation efforts may involve theoretical, analytical, and/or empirical (e.g., survey, field, experimental) research.

A dissertation must significantly contribute to the accounting discipline; it must clearly enlarge the existing body of accounting knowledge. The student's coursework provides a foundation for conceiving and carrying out research work.

The student’s Advisory Committee from the Qualifying Exam functions as the Dissertation Committee. However, the composition of the committee can be modified if needed. Members of the School of Accountancy faculty serve on the student's advisory committee to offer stimulation, guidance, and feedback over the course of the research work. The committee's chairperson tends to be especially influential in this regard. Successful dissertation efforts also depend heavily on the student's dedication, work ethic, creativity, and ability to communicate effectively.

Gatton Persistence Scholarship

During this challenging time, the Gatton College is offering extra support to students in need. Thanks to the contributions of generous donors, we are proud to offer a number of Gatton Persistence Scholarships for the 2022 – 2023 academic year. Gatton students who demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply. Scholarships will start at $1,000.

Apply Today

If you are interested in challenging yourself intellectually and becoming a professor in a major research university, contact us to get more information about applying to our PhD program in Accounting. Contact Jeannie Graves .

Monika Causholli Director of Graduate Studies for Accountancy [email protected] 859.257.1799

U.S. News Releases 2024 Best Graduate Programs Rankings

Find the top-ranked graduate schools in business, education, law, nursing and other fields.

U.S. News Ranks Best Graduate Schools

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To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released the 2024 rankings for multiple graduate fields.

Depending on the job or field, earning a graduate degree may lead to higher earnings, career advancement and specialized skill development.

But with several types of degrees and hundreds of graduate schools, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released its 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings today. They evaluate business, education, fine arts, health, law, library studies, nursing, public affairs, science, and social sciences and humanities graduate programs. Medical school and engineering rankings are not being released at this time.

A notable methodology change includes a new salary indicator based on profession in the business rankings.

Additionally, for the first time in four years, there are new rankings for a blend of doctoral and master's programs in audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, nurse midwifery and speech-language pathology. Graduate programs in nurse anesthesia and social work are also ranked for the first time since 2016 and 2022, respectively. Those and other specialty rankings are based on reputation ratings from scholars at other surveyed schools.

Read each program's specific methodology for the most detailed explanations of all the changes. The rankings are one source of information among many that prospective college students can use to inform their college decision. Below is a summary of the top-ranked schools in four major graduate program areas:

Best Law Schools

Best business schools, best nursing schools, best education schools.

Among the top 10 law schools . Yale Law School in Connecticut and California-based  Stanford Law School shared the top spot again. The  University of Chicago Law School in Illinois maintained its No. 3 rank, followed by a four-way tie at No. 4: Duke University School of Law in North Carolina, Harvard Law School in Massachusetts, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the University of Virginia School of Law .

Columbia Law School in New York ranked No. 8 again, while there was a three-way tie for No. 9: New York University School of Law , Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law in Illinois and the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor Law School .

Looking beyond the top 10, multiple law schools moved up in the rankings. William & Mary Law School in Virginia, for instance, jumped nine spots from a tie at No. 45 to a five-way tie at No. 36.

U.S. News also ranked 13 law specialties: business/corporate, clinical training, constitutional, contracts/commercial, criminal, dispute resolution, environmental, health care, intellectual property, international, legal writing, tax and trial advocacy. (You can filter by specialty on the  main ranking page .)

Meanwhile, in the  part-time law school rankings – which consists of law schools with at least 20 part-time students enrolled in fall 2022 and fall 2023 – the top three stayed the same. The  Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., is once again at the top while D.C.-based  George Washington University Law School , now No. 3, switched places with the  Fordham University School of Law in New York City, which claimed second place.

Previously ranked at No. 3 and No. 6 respectively, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Stanford Graduate School of Business took the top spot in this year's full-time MBA program rankings . Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management and the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business moved down from their previous places in the top two to tie at No. 3.

While the top 10 mostly consists of the same schools as last year, both the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business joined those ranks this year. UC Berkeley rose from a three-way tie at No. 11 to a three-way tie at No. 7, while UVA moved up four spots from No. 14 to a tie at No. 10.

Farther down the full-time MBA rankings, there were some big changes. For example, Pitt's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business soared 39 spots from a tie at No. 86 to a tie at No. 47.

Meanwhile, the very top of the part-time MBA rankings looks similar to last year, with the same schools in the top 5: UChicago, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, NYU's Leonard N. Stern School of Business and the Anderson School of Management at the University of California—Los Angeles. But UChicago took the No. 1 spot from UC Berkeley this year.

Moving up from No. 2, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Maryland tied with Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Georgia to claim the top spot in this year's nursing master's program rankings. Duke University School of Nursing in North Carolina climbed up by one to claim the third spot.

Johns Hopkins ranked No. 1, as it did last year, in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program rankings. George Mason University School of Nursing in Virginia – which reported more graduates and resources per faculty – soared from a four-way tie at No. 39 to take the No. 2 spot. Duke tied with the University of Washington School of Nursing to round out the top three.

Duke also ranked No. 1 in all of the ranked nursing master's nursing practice specialties, including administration, family, both acute and primary care adult gerontology, and mental health.

Once again, Teachers College, Columbia University in New York was No. 1 in the graduate education schools rankings. This year, however, it tied with the University of Wisconsin—Madison School of Education , which climbed two spots.

The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor's School of Education dropped from the top position to tie with the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies at No. 3. UCLA was previously tied at No. 7.

U.S. News also ranks nine education specialties, with the College of Education at Michigan State University claiming the top spot in the following categories: curriculum and instruction, educational administration, elementary teacher education, higher education administration and secondary teacher education.

Searching for a grad school of education? Access our  complete rankings  of Best Graduate Schools.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

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Choosing an Accounting Career Path: Public vs. Private Accounting

Both public and private accountants play a considerable role in our society. As experts in their field, they contribute to the healthy functioning of capital markets. U.S. News & World Report ranks accountants No. 11 on their Best Business Jobs list. They stated, "Accountants make a pretty good living, and they have a lot of job security. After all, as long as people make money, they'll need others to handle it for them."

Everyone needs an accountant, but not everyone needs the same kind of accountant. While many of the same skills are required for both specialties, each branch of accounting is unique enough to make the choice between public vs. private accounting a big one. If you want to grow an accounting career, the next step is deciding which is right for you.   

What is Public Accounting?

Public accountants work in firms that service multiple organizations or individuals, providing accounting expertise, auditing services and tax advice on a third-party basis. Some of their services may include financial statement preparation, financial statement auditing, tax preparation and consulting. Some public accountants are self-employed and provide their services on contract to organizations and individuals. 

What is Private Accounting?

Private accountants work within organizations, overseeing internal accounting duties such as maintaining a master record of transactions, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and taxes. They often prepare financial statements and reports for their companies as well. They usually work with other accountants in a department where everyone takes on different responsibilities based on their expertise and career level.

Key Differences Between Public and Private Accounting

While the essential duties are similar in both sectors, some key factors make each a unique career path in accounting. A day in the life of an accountant can vary significantly depending on if you choose public vs. private accounting. Consider your professional goals, preferred work environment and areas of expertise before choosing the best path for you. 

Education & Areas of Expertise

Both branches of accounting require at least a bachelor's degree. Many accountants pursue master's-level education, especially if their goals include advancing to leadership roles or launching their own firm. Public accountants must receive their licenses to become Certified Public Accountants (CPA), and the requirements for licenses vary by state. Those who become CPAs must pass a national exam , meet baseline education requirements and maintain continued education. While private accountants are not required to be licensed CPAs, they may still find being a CPA makes them more competitive and knowledgeable in the job market. 

Christopher Ekimoff, southeast region leader and director of financial investigations and dispute services for RSM, a global audit, tax and consulting firm, told U.S. News & World Report, "Those three letters [CPA] really make your career. They will identify you in the marketplace, in the business world and in your career path as a professional willing to hold yourself to a higher standard and operate under a set of guidelines and principles that really set you apart."

Most accountants develop areas of expertise outside of accounting as well, learning certain industry standards and how businesses function. Due to the nature of their work and diverse client base, public accountants gain experience in various industries. Private accountants, on the other hand, usually become experts in a single sector correlating with the organization they work for.  

Earn a Master of Accountancy and Analytics from OHIO

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Travel & Work Environment

For some public accountants, significant travel is necessary. Others only travel from time to time. Your role and industry will affect the amount of travel you must do. In addition, public accountants may experience unpredictable hours. They work for diverse clients, including corporations, individuals or the government. This can lead to varying tasks, as well as time zone differences which affect working hours.

Because private accountants work for one business, they can expect regular hours and consistent office space. Still, travel and long hours may be required depending on the industry and time of year. For example, tax season can be a hectic time for both public and private accountants.

Accounting Career Path & Outlook

Employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 6% between 2021 and 2031, resulting in 81,800 new jobs. As of 2021, the largest employers of accountants were accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services companies. Many also worked for the government and in private companies. Four percent were self-employed. In 2021, the median pay for all accountants and auditors was $77,250. 

Many public accountants advance into holding high-ranking positions, such as partners, in their firms. Others decide to run their own businesses. Sometimes, public accountants transition into private accounting roles. Private accountants can hold many vital roles in organizations as they advance, sometimes becoming chief financial officers or holding other c-suite positions. To become eligible for top jobs and stand out from the competition, pursue your master's degree in accounting.

Stand Out as a Public or Private Accountant with an Online Master of Accountancy and Analytics

Completing a master’s in accountancy and analytics will allow you to gain skills and stand out from the competition for top-paying accounting jobs . It's vital to choose a program that enables you to learn from experts in various fields to choose the right accounting career path for you.

Ohio University offers full-time and online Master of Accountancy and Analytics  programs. The degree coursework is grounded in accounting and analytics, though students also gain soft skills employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and collaboration. Course assignments emphasize case studies and real-world business applications. The advanced accounting skills you gain, combined with the valuable industry connections you make, will prepare you to excel in your field, whether you choose public or private accounting. Depending on your course track, you may also earn a Business Analytics Certificate to emphasize your capabilities in this area.

In addition to Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, OHIO's College of Business also holds AACSB Supplemental Accounting Accreditation, so our students earn a degree recognized throughout the industry for the highest academic standards and career preparation. OHIO's programs should meet the requirements for CPA licensure in your state. Please check with your enrollment advisor for your state's specific requirements.

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U.S. News Ranks Fairfield Among Best in U.S. for Graduate Programs

Fairfield Dolan's Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, and Marketing programs rank in the top 25 nationally . Accounting and Business Analytics programs rank #1 in CT, and Marketing and Finance are #2, behind Yale. Fairfield Egan jumps 15 spots to #58 among best nursing schools in the U.S. that offer master’s degrees.

Graduate programs in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business and the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies have once again risen in this year’s 2024 U.S. News Best Graduate School rankings.

Fairfield Dolan’s Accounting program rose 10 spots to #16 (T), once again in the Top 20 in the U.S. Fairfield Dolan’s Marketing program was also ranked in the Top 20 at #17 (T). Business Analytics (T) and Finance programs were both ranked #25 in the nation. Continuing the upward trend, Fairfield Dolan’s Part-Time MBA program rose 23 spots to #53 (T).

2024-2025 Best Graduate Business Specialty Programs:

• Accounting #16, nationally, tied with Arizona State (W.P. Carey) and Seattle (Albers)
• Marketing #17, nationally, tied with Dartmouth (Tuck), Indiana (Kelley) and St. Joseph (Haub)
• Business Analytics #25, nationally, tied with Northwestern (Kellogg), University of Texas at Dallas (Jindal), Scranton (Kania), and Rockhurst University (Helzberg)
• Finance #25, nationally

Among best nursing schools in the U.S. that offer master’s degrees, Fairfield Egan rose 15 spots to #58 (T) this year. The Egan School’s DNP program also rose 2 spots to #72.

2024 - 2025 Best Graduate Schools – Nursing:

• #58 (T) nationally, and #2 in Connecticut among schools with master’s programs, after Yale.
• #72 (T) nationally, and #3 in Connecticut among schools with DNP programs

For the 2024-2025 edition, U.S. News also reported additional specialty programs rankings — new survey-based rankings for twelve disciplines that are based solely on peer assessment. Fairfield Egan and the School of Education and Human Development received award-winning rankings in the following peer-reviewed disciplines:

• Nursing Anesthesia #29
• Nursing Midwifery #17
• Social Work #142 (T)

Ranking factors to determine Best Part-Time MBA include peer assessment, GMAT/GRE scores, average undergraduate GPA, work experience, part-time student total, and part-time student ratio.

U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of nursing master’s and DNP programs are based on factors including faculty resources, research activity, quality assessment, program size, and student selectivity.

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Accounting++ AI (on campus)

On Campus, On Campus - RRH 4.402 @ 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Type: Career, Speaker Event, Information Session

Audience: Students – Current, Students – Prospective

Program or Department: Master in Professional Accounting

For prospective MPA students on UT's campus and current MPA students: Come to the Accounting++ AI event at Robert Rowling Hall where you will hear from accounting professionals about AI technologies and how it tackles industry challenges.

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Posted: 09-Apr-24

Location: Emmitsburg, Maryland

Type: Full-time

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Job Requirements: Education, Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• 1-2 Years of Experience Preferred in Athletic Department Compliance
• Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills
• Strong Attention to Detail
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Must be a Team Player
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of NCAA rules, LSDBI, and ARMS software