Ph.D. in Accounting

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.

COMPEHENSIVE 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 engage early in the research process. The completion of a first year paper, which can be a replication or an extension of a previous study, provides an early hands-on experience in research design, programming, data-management and statistical analysis. In addition, students complete a second-year paper based on an original research idea, and submit a research proposal at the end of the third year. The proposal is the precursor to the dissertation: a substantial, significant, and original contribution to the field.

ASSISTANTSHIPS

Doctoral students at the Carroll School are expected to serve as research or teaching assistants throughout their studies. Typically, you will serve as a research assistant for the first two years of the program, and act as a teaching assistant/research assistant in following years. In exchange, you will receive full tuition remission and a generous stipend. Learn more about financial support for doctoral students.