

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Year | Size |
---|---|
2017 | 3 |
2018 | 2 |
2019 | 2 |
2020 | 1 |
2021 | 3 |
2022 | 2 |
Overall Selectivity | 4.6% |
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% |
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.”
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.
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 from two individuals who can provide an objective appraisal of your capacity for intensive graduate study and potential for professional success.
Transcripts from every college or university in which you were enrolled in a degree-granting program.
GMAT or GRE scores from within the past five years.
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:
Personal Statement(s), using the guidelines provided in the online application.
Questions? We'd love to hear from you.
Please Email Graduate Admissions or call us at 617-552-3920.