Ph.D. in Accounting
Ph.D. in Accounting
Develop expertise in accounting principles, quantitative methods, economics, and finance on your way to becoming a successful teacher and scholars. You will collaborate with both peers and faculty mentors, and be encouraged to present your work at conferences, as well as submit articles for publication in top research journals.
Coursework
Accounting Ph.D. students complete a program of study that begins with coursework in accounting, quantitative methods, economics, and finance. Through seminar courses, you will become fluent on the existing state of research literature, appropriate research methods, and proper management of the publication process.
Course requirements are typically satisfied in the first two years of the program. In addition to doctoral seminars, Ph.D. students will take courses in the departments of finance and economics, and are encouraged to explore inter-disciplinary pursuits.
Comprehensive Examination
A comprehensive examination will be administered at the conclusion of the second year in the program. Satisfactory performance on the exam marks your transition from course-work to full-time thesis research.
Research
Doctoral students begin engaging in the research process as early in the program as possible. A first-year summer paper, which can be a replication or an extension of an existing study, provides early hands-on experience in research design, programming, data management, and statistical analysis.
Students must then complete a second-year paper based on an original research idea and present this research in early December of their third year to qualify as a Ph.D. candidate.
In the spring of their fourth year, students submit and present their dissertation proposal, which should make a substantial, significant, and original contribution to the field. Input from faculty during the proposal process outlines the work that students need to complete over the summer for their dissertation proposals to become their job market papers for the fall of their fifth year.
Research and Teaching Assistant Requirement
Doctoral students at the Carroll School are expected to serve as research assistants, teaching assistants, and/or instructors throughout their studies. Students work for a set number of hours per week, throughout the duration of their Ph.D. programs. In exchange, the Carroll School provides financial support for doctoral students in the form of a stipend and tuition remission.
First Year
| PRE-FALL |
| Mathematics for Economists |
| FALL |
| Microeconomic Theory I |
| Investments |
| Statistics |
| PhD Seminar in Asset Pricing Theory |
| Financial Accounting Practice I* |
| SPRING |
| Microeconomic Theory II |
| Econometrics |
| PhD Seminar in Accounting Research Part I |
| PhD Seminar in Corporate Finance Theory |
| Financial Accounting Practice II* |
| SUMMER |
| Programming Skills |
*If required
Second Year
| FALL |
| PhD Seminar in Empirical Asset Pricing |
| PhD Seminar on Empirical Topics in Accounting |
| PhD Seminar in Accounting Research Part II |
| SPRING |
| Applied Econometrics |
| PhD Seminar in Accounting Research Part III |
| PhD Seminar in Empirical Corporate Finance |
| SUMMER |
| Comprehensive Exam |
The following information reflects data for the entering classes of 2017–2022.
Class Size
| Year | Size |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| Overall Selectivity | 4.6% |
Academic & Professional Profile
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Average GMAT Score |
740 |
| GMAT 80th Percentile Range |
700-710 |
| Average GRE Score | 330 |
| GRE 80th Percentile Range | 326-328 |
| Average Undergraduate GPA | 3.65 |
| Average Full-Time Work Experience |
4.3 years |
| Students Holding Master's Degree |
60% |
Demographics
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Average Age | 28 years old |
| Age Range | 23-46 years old |
| Women | 36% |
| International Students |
46% |
“Our faculty is on a mission to build an outstanding Ph.D. program, one that successfully places its candidates at top-tier institutions.”
Ph.D. Admission FAQ
Are international students required to apply for a visa before they apply for admission to the Carroll School?
<p>No, international students do not need to submit visa-related materials at the time of application. However, once you confirm your enrollment, Boston College’s <a href="https://www.bc.edu/content/bc/offices/oiss/">Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)</a> will work with you to ensure that your materials are prepared in a timely fashion to complete your visa application and I-20 appointment.</p>
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Are international students required to submit financial documents with their applications?
<p>No, international students do not need to submit financial documents during the initial application process. Financial documents are only required for enrolled students. You will need to submit your original financial documents after you’ve received the Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF) form.</p>
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Can I visit a Ph.D. class?
<p>Unfortunately, we do not offer Ph.D. class visits through the Graduate Admissions Office. If you would like to gain a better understanding of our Ph.D. programs and meet with current students or faculty members, please contact the Accounting, Finance, or Organization Studies Ph.D. director.</p>
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Do I need to have an interview to be admitted into the Ph.D. program?
<p>Interviews for the Ph.D. program are available by invitation of the Admissions Committee only.</p>
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How much funding will I receive from the Carroll School of Management to pursue my Ph.D. program?
<p>The current level of financial support for doctoral students is $38,000 per year in addition to full tuition remission. A student in good standing may receive this support for a maximum of five years. In return for this support, students serve as research and/or teaching assistants throughout the duration of their Ph.D. programs.</p>
<p>This support is based on the fact that students are expected to devote their full energies to the Ph.D. program during the entire calendar year, not just the academic year.</p>
bc:schools/carroll/admission/search-tags/phd-funding
How selective is the Ph.D. in Accounting program?
<p>We aim to enroll two to four doctoral candidates each year. We have received around 75 applications to the Ph.D. in Accounting program each year for the past three years. Please review our <a href="/content/bc-web/schools/carroll-school/graduate/phd-programs/phd-accounting.html">class profile</a> to see how your scores and grades compare to those of our current students.</p>
bc:schools/carroll/admission/search-tags/phd-selective-accounting
How selective is the Ph.D. in Finance program?
<p>We aim to enroll four doctoral candidates each year. We have consistently received over 150 applications to the Ph.D. in Finance program each year for the past three years. Please review our <a href="https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/carroll-school/graduate/phd-programs/phd-finance.html">class profile</a> to see how your scores and grades compare to those of our current students.</p>
bc:schools/carroll/admission/search-tags/phd-selective
How selective is the Ph.D. in Organizational Studies program?
<p>We aim to enroll four doctoral candidates each year. We have consistently received over 150 applications to the Ph.D. in Finance program each year for the past three years. Please review our <a href="https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/schools/carroll-school/graduate/phd-programs/phd-finance.html">class profile</a> to see how your scores and grades compare to those of our current students.</p>
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Application Link & Deadlines
Deadline: January 10, 2023
The non-refundable application fee is $100 USD.
If selected, interviews will take place in late-winter/early-spring.
There is no specific decision notification date for Ph.D. programs. Final decisions are typically available by mid-spring.
CV and Résumé
Your current curriculum vitae should include your education, research, and professional information.
We also require a separate Employment History, using the form provided within the online application.
Recommendations
Recommendations from two individuals who can provide an objective appraisal of your capacity for intensive graduate study and potential for professional success.
Transcripts
Transcripts from every college or university in which you were enrolled in a degree-granting program.
GMAT or GRE Scores
GMAT or GRE scores from within the past five years.
- GMAT school code: 44x-J5-96
- GRE school code: 3033
English Proficiency
TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores from within the past two years (if required). Applicants who submit a language test must meet the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL, iBT, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 100
- IELTS: 7.5
- PTE: 68
Personal Statement
Personal Statement(s), using the guidelines provided in the online application.
Questions
Questions? We'd love to hear from you.
Please Email Graduate Admissions or call us at 617-552-3920.