phd accounting schools

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Our doctoral program in the accounting field offers broadly based, interdisciplinary training that develops the student’s skills in conducting both analytical and empirical research.

Emphasis is placed on developing a conceptual framework and set of skills for addressing questions broadly related to accounting information. While issues of financial reporting, managerial accounting, corporate governance and taxation are the ultimate concern, special emphasis is given to applying basic knowledge of economics, decision theory, and statistical inference to accounting issues.

Spectrum of Interests and Research Methods

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

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

Preparation and Qualifications

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

Faculty in Accounting

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

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PhD in 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

PODCAST: Dean Jeffrey R. Brown

In this episode of The Gies Download, Dean Brown discusses his nine years at the helm, why he’s stepping away now, and what the future might hold for Gies under new leadership.

Two Gies faculty receive campus teaching awards

Gies Professors Richard Excell and Brian Hamm were recognized by the University of Illinois with campus awards for excellence in instruction. The awards were presented at the University of Illinois’ annual Celebration of Teaching Excellence held April 16.

Instruction Ends

Reading Day/IT No Change Period in effect

Final Exams Begin

iDegree In-Person Convocation

Accounting Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 577 results

Wharton School

Philadelphia, PA •

University of Pennsylvania •

Graduate School

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   15 reviews

Master's Student: Intensive but interesting. Great people, but professor quality varied. Lectures tend to be very interesting, but are high level in some cases. Coming from an engineering background, this felt "easy", but it is a different type of learning- more focused on the concepts than proving theories and underlying complexities. TAs are great and there is a lot of effort put towards making students understand the material. Since there isn't a sink or swim culture, I think it incentivizes learning for the sake of learning rather than curving to a "B". Professors are very friendly and actually enjoy getting to know their students. ... Read 15 reviews

University of Pennsylvania ,

Graduate School ,

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Intensive but interesting. Great people, but professor quality varied. Lectures tend to be very interesting, but are high level in some cases. Coming from an engineering background, this felt "easy",... Professors are very friendly and actually enjoy getting to know their students. .

Read 15 reviews.

Jones Graduate School of Business

Houston, TX •

Rice University •

• • Rating 4.78 out of 5   9 reviews

Other: Best part is the small class sizes and time flexibility. Worst is getting used to the online system. ... Read 9 reviews

Blue checkmark.

Rice University ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Other says Best part is the small class sizes and time flexibility. Worst is getting used to the online system. .

Read 9 reviews.

Kellogg School of Management

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

• • Rating 4.82 out of 5   17 reviews

Master's Student: Kellogg's MBA program at Northwestern University stands out for its collaborative environment, rigorous curriculum, and emphasis on experiential learning. With a focus on teamwork and diverse perspectives, students engage in group projects and case competitions to develop essential leadership skills. The curriculum offers customization options through electives and experiential opportunities, including internships and global immersion trips. Kellogg's strong alumni network and industry connections provide valuable career support, ensuring students are well-prepared for success in their chosen fields. Overall, Kellogg offers a dynamic and immersive MBA experience that equips students to excel as future business leaders. ... Read 17 reviews

Northwestern University ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Kellogg's MBA program at Northwestern University stands out for its collaborative environment, rigorous curriculum, and emphasis on experiential learning. With a focus on teamwork and diverse... .

Read 17 reviews.

Bentley University McCallum Graduate School of Business

Graduate School •

WALTHAM, MA

• • Rating 4.71 out of 5   21

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota School of Business and Technology

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota •

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

• • Rating 4 out of 5   6

Florida International University

• • Rating 4.63 out of 5   287

Owen Graduate School of Management

Nashville, TN •

Vanderbilt University •

• • Rating 4.4 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: I attend my first semester in the fall of 2024. My experience so far has been amazing. I cannot wait until I start my experience. ... Read 5 reviews

Vanderbilt University ,

NASHVILLE, TN ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I attend my first semester in the fall of 2024. My experience so far has been amazing. I cannot wait until I start my experience. .

Read 5 reviews.

Olin Business School

St. Louis, MO •

Washington University in St. Louis •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   7 reviews

Master's Student: The enrolment process was an absolute pleasure. Being able to sit in on classes and interact with faculty and students was a fantastic opportunity. It gave me a real feel for the academic dynamic and the supportive community. This firsthand experience greatly influenced my decision, and I'm eagerly looking forward to becoming a part of the institution. ... Read 7 reviews

Washington University in St. Louis ,

ST. LOUIS, MO ,

7 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The enrolment process was an absolute pleasure. Being able to sit in on classes and interact with faculty and students was a fantastic opportunity. It gave me a real feel for the academic dynamic and... .

Read 7 reviews.

College of Science - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN •

University of Notre Dame •

University of Notre Dame ,

NOTRE DAME, IN ,

• Find college scholarships

Marshall School of Business

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

• • Rating 4.71 out of 5   17 reviews

Current Master's student: Marshall is a fantastic business program. So far, my academic experience has been nothing short of fantastic. I have never enjoyed school before, but almost every class I have learned new, applicable, and incredibly helpful techniques that I apply in my job every day. Most of the professors are very helpful, and passionate about their subjects. Marshall has clubs for almost every industry, so depending on your industry of interest, Marshall has clubs to prepare you for interviews and get you great exposure, and they're a great way to network as well. If your industry is not represented, you have the opportunity to create one. Marshall is still relatively underrepresented in minority categories like women and people of color, but from my understanding, they are working to improve those numbers. ... Read 17 reviews

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says Marshall is a fantastic business program. So far, my academic experience has been nothing short of fantastic. I have never enjoyed school before, but almost every class I have learned new,... Marshall has clubs for almost every industry, so depending on your industry of interest, Marshall has clubs to prepare you for interviews and get you great exposure, and they're a great way to... Marshall is still relatively underrepresented in minority categories like women and people of color, but from my understanding, they are working to improve those numbers. .

Ross School of Business

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   9 reviews

Master's Student: I will be beginning my MBA in January of 2024. The admissions staff are excellent and very supportive. I received my decision very quickly. ... Read 9 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I will be beginning my MBA in January of 2024. The admissions staff are excellent and very supportive. I received my decision very quickly. .

Tepper School of Business

Pittsburgh, PA •

Carnegie Mellon University •

• • Rating 4.73 out of 5   11 reviews

Master's Student: Embarking on Carnegie Mellon's Master in Business Analytics promises unparalleled growth. Its esteemed reputation in academia assures an intellectually stimulating environment, fostering collaboration and innovation. The meticulously crafted curriculum equips students with advanced analytical skills and a deep understanding of business dynamics. Beyond coursework, experiential learning opportunities abound, from hackathons to industry partnerships. Moreover, the vibrant community fosters inclusivity and camaraderie, enriching the overall experience. With each lecture and interaction, I anticipate expanding my knowledge, honing my skills, and becoming a catalyst for positive change. Carnegie Mellon's program is not just an education; it's a transformative journey toward personal and professional excellence. ... Read 11 reviews

Carnegie Mellon University ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Embarking on Carnegie Mellon's Master in Business Analytics promises unparalleled growth. Its esteemed reputation in academia assures an intellectually stimulating environment, fostering... .

Read 11 reviews.

Goizueta Business School

Atlanta, GA •

Emory University •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   4 reviews

Current Master's student: Goizueta is an incredibly diverse program where the professors have your bet interest at heart. Like most business schools, social life and networking is very important and they really emphasise this through the numerous networking events. KEGS (Keep Everyone At Goizueta Social) is an example of a weekly social event where all MBA students across all programs (1st years, 2nd years, Evening, One Year etc) come together and mingle. There are multiple opportunities for global modules to study abroad if you choose, a lot of clubs to help you through the recruiting process. The business school is also incredibly diverse with at least 50% of the class being international students. This gives you an opportunity to have interesting perspectives within the class. ... Read 4 reviews

Emory University ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says Goizueta is an incredibly diverse program where the professors have your bet interest at heart. Like most business schools, social life and networking is very important and they really emphasise this... .

Read 4 reviews.

Wake Forest University School of Business

Winston-salem, NC •

Wake Forest University •

• • Rating 4.8 out of 5   15 reviews

Master's Student: My academic journey has been an incredibly enriching and transformative experience. The rigor and depth of the coursework in the Master of Science in Management (MSM) program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals while nurturing critical thinking and analytical skills. The engaging lectures and hands-on projects not only expanded my knowledge base but also fostered empathy. The program's emphasis on practical application allowed me to bridge theory with real-world scenarios with our consulting projects. The collaborative environment amongst peers from diverse backgrounds further enriched my learning experience, fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual support. Overall, my academic tenure at Wake Forest has not only equipped me with the necessary skills for professional success but also instilled in me a lifelong commitment to continuous learning and growth. ... Read 15 reviews

Wake Forest University ,

WINSTON-SALEM, NC ,

15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says My academic journey has been an incredibly enriching and transformative experience. The rigor and depth of the coursework in the Master of Science in Management (MSM) program provided me with a... .

Kenan-Flagler Business School

Chapel Hill, NC •

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill •

• • Rating 4.75 out of 5   8 reviews

Master's Student: The full-time MBA at Kenan-Flagler is rigorous, but not without a system of support in place through both faculty and the student body to help get you through. It really is a special and collaborative environment that welcomes incredible students from around the world, connecting them with wonderful career opportunities. ... Read 8 reviews

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ,

CHAPEL HILL, NC ,

8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The full-time MBA at Kenan-Flagler is rigorous, but not without a system of support in place through both faculty and the student body to help get you through. It really is a special and... .

Read 8 reviews.

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D'Amore-McKim School of Business

Boston, MA •

Northeastern University •

• • Rating 2.5 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: Recently began my journey in the GSPA MS in Accounting/ MBA program! So far classes have been tailored to students with nonbusiness/ accounting allowing for any interested parties to join. Teachers are both flexible with grad students and amazing at providing real-world experience. ... Read 4 reviews

Northeastern University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 2.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Recently began my journey in the GSPA MS in Accounting/ MBA program! So far classes have been tailored to students with nonbusiness/ accounting allowing for any interested parties to join. Teachers... .

Leonard N. Stern School of Business

New York, NY •

New York University •

• • Rating 4.82 out of 5   28 reviews

Master's Student: As a part-time MBA candidate at NYU Stern, I'm deeply impressed by the program's blend of academic rigor and practical application. The faculty, industry leaders in their own right, provide invaluable insights, fostering a rich learning environment. The diversity among my peers enhances our discussions, offering varied perspectives on business challenges. Stern's location in NYC is ideal for networking and accessing career opportunities, which is crucial for a working professional like me. The flexibility of evening and weekend classes allows me to balance my professional and academic commitments effectively. Stern equips students with advanced business knowledge and fosters personal and professional growth, making it an exceptional choice for anyone aspiring to excel in the business world. ... Read 28 reviews

New York University ,

NEW YORK, NY ,

28 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says As a part-time MBA candidate at NYU Stern, I'm deeply impressed by the program's blend of academic rigor and practical application. The faculty, industry leaders in their own right, provide... .

Read 28 reviews.

Carroll School of Management

Chestnut Hill, MA •

Boston College •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: I am currently enrolled in the part time, professional evening MBA program. So far it has brought me to communicate with like minded individuals and the professors truly want to see you succeed so they will go out of their way to connect with you and help you. ... Read 2 reviews

Boston College ,

CHESTNUT HILL, MA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am currently enrolled in the part time, professional evening MBA program. So far it has brought me to communicate with like minded individuals and the professors truly want to see you succeed so... .

Read 2 reviews.

McCombs School of Business

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   12 reviews

Master's Student: Being in the accounting program at UT Austin has been a remarkable opportunity for me. The best part of being an accounting major at McCombs is the diverse set of classes that students can utilize to explore different interests within business and broaden their career opportunities. The worst part of being at McCombs is the competitive environment, although it incentivizes students to work harder, it can be mentally draining to constantly try to outperform one's peers. ... Read 12 reviews

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

12 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Being in the accounting program at UT Austin has been a remarkable opportunity for me. The best part of being an accounting major at McCombs is the diverse set of classes that students can utilize to... .

Read 12 reviews.

Mason School of Business - William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA •

William & Mary •

• • Rating 4.76 out of 5   17 reviews

Master's Student: Having received acceptance from the College of William & Mary, and connected with the admissions staff, I'm very excited to be obtaining my degree from the same school where I received my Bachelors in 2015! ... Read 17 reviews

William & Mary ,

WILLIAMSBURG, VA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says Having received acceptance from the College of William & Mary, and connected with the admissions staff, I'm very excited to be obtaining my degree from the same school where I received my Bachelors... .

Pamplin College of Business

Blacksburg, VA •

Virginia Tech •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: Excellent course content, excellent flexibility, excellent faculty. Highly recommend that you become a Pamplin VT Hokie. ... Read 1 review

Virginia Tech ,

BLACKSBURG, VA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Excellent course content, excellent flexibility, excellent faculty. Highly recommend that you become a Pamplin VT Hokie. .

Read 1 reviews.

Hough Graduate School of Business

Gainesville, FL •

University of Florida •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

Master's Student: The academics at UF are rigorous but prepare you for real life scenarios. The coursework is well rounded for students to be able ready for all aspects of business administration. ... Read 4 reviews

University of Florida ,

GAINESVILLE, FL ,

4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The academics at UF are rigorous but prepare you for real life scenarios. The coursework is well rounded for students to be able ready for all aspects of business administration. .

Wisconsin School of Business at UW Madison

Madison, WI •

University of Wisconsin •

University of Wisconsin ,

MADISON, WI ,

Gies College of Business

Champaign, IL •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign •

• • Rating 4.94 out of 5   17 reviews

Master's Student: The GIES experience has been superb. There are Zoom live sessions every week that you can attend or watch the videos for. There are multiple Zoom office hour opportunities weekly where you can ask direct questions about assignments, exams, or your own business. The professors are engaged, the curricula rigorous, and it's AACSB accredited. ... Read 17 reviews

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ,

CHAMPAIGN, IL ,

17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The GIES experience has been superb. There are Zoom live sessions every week that you can attend or watch the videos for. There are multiple Zoom office hour opportunities weekly where you can ask... .

Terry College of Business

Athens, GA •

University of Georgia •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: All of the professors are fantastic! They truly want us to succeed, and will work with you until you get it. I also appreciate their efforts to get to know each student. ... Read 3 reviews

University of Georgia ,

ATHENS, GA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says All of the professors are fantastic! They truly want us to succeed, and will work with you until you get it. I also appreciate their efforts to get to know each student. .

Read 3 reviews.

Business School - University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL •

University of Miami •

• • Rating 4.33 out of 5   9 reviews

Current Master's student: I'm currently enrolled in the online MBA program at the university of miami at Herbet Business School. As an online student and the sole provider for my family, I find the online format and curriculum to be rigorous and fulfilling. What makes this program great is the ability to complete my MBA on my time (for the most part) without sacrificing my income. The classes and professors are nothing short of amazing. I appreciate the time and dedication they put into making the videos and encouraging us to speak with fellow students and share differences in opinion to get the answer. ... Read 9 reviews

University of Miami ,

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says I'm currently enrolled in the online MBA program at the university of miami at Herbet Business School. As an online student and the sole provider for my family, I find the online format and... .

Simon Business School

Rochester, NY •

University of Rochester •

• • Rating 4.6 out of 5   5 reviews

Master's Student: Academic at Simon in the business analycitcs program is quite rigorous and we hit the ground running with a July start for the fall semester. Very good program. Benet Career services are outstanding a really valuable resource to all students who are preparing to quickstart their careers even before graduating ... Read 5 reviews

University of Rochester ,

ROCHESTER, NY ,

5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Academic at Simon in the business analycitcs program is quite rigorous and we hit the ground running with a July start for the fall semester. Very good program. Benet Career services are outstanding... .

Cox School of Business

Dallas, TX •

Southern Methodist University •

• • Rating 4.43 out of 5   14 reviews

Master's Student: While acting as a Divisional CISO at Bank of America, I had colleagues and mentors that recommended that I attend a graduate college. With my near decade of supporting military operations with the Department of Defense and my nearly 10 years of financial experience I felt that a MBA would be the logical next step. When searching for programs at SMU I met with the admissions staff who helped me find that the Executive MBA would be the best program for me and provide me with all of the knowledge, skill sets and experience to succeed in my future business endeavors. ... Read 14 reviews

Southern Methodist University ,

DALLAS, TX ,

14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says While acting as a Divisional CISO at Bank of America, I had colleagues and mentors that recommended that I attend a graduate college. With my near decade of supporting military operations with the... .

Read 14 reviews.

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

• • Rating 4.6 out of 5   63

Chatham University

PITTSBURGH, PA

• • Rating 4.32 out of 5   22

Neumann University

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   8

Showing results 1 through 25 of 577

Master of Accounting

Do you excel in business and math classes? Do you enjoy solving complex problems? Are you a whiz at budgeting and organizing? If you answered “yes” to each of these questions, you should consider a rewarding career as an accountant.

Accountants create, interpret, and maintain financial records for individuals, businesses, and other organizations. They have a variety of responsibilities, such as preparing tax returns and suggesting strategies to reduce operating costs. This field requires creativity, a keen eye for detail, and strong mathematical skills.

Some accountants enter the field after completing a Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Accounting or another finance-related degree. However, more advanced accounting positions typically require a graduate degree and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. By pursuing a master's in accounting, you can boost your earning potential and make yourself competitive for specialist career paths.

What Is a Master of Science in Accounting?

A Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting teaches students advanced accounting theories and business skills. Programs typically combine coursework with networking opportunities and research projects. Some grad schools also require an internship.

This format enables students to develop accounting competencies and gain specific knowledge in their preferred areas of interest. For example, programs may allow you to specialize in areas like Auditing, Forensic Accounting, and International Accounting.

An M.S. in Accounting is usually more challenging than a bachelor’s degree program. Expect to take courses in advanced topics like data mining, governmental accounting, and managerial economics.

Typically, an M.S. in Accounting takes two years to complete. However, some colleges offer a combined B.S. and M.S. in Accounting program. This initiative allows you to complete both degrees in five years, accelerating your career progression.

Once you complete a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting, you will have the required knowledge and 120 semester hours to sit for the CPA exam. This prestigious license is a necessity for many senior-level accounting positions.

What Careers Can You Pursue With a Master of Accounting?

After completing an M.S. in Accounting, you can pursue many exciting careers in the financial industry, such as:

• Corporate Accountant
• Corporate Controller
• Financial Analyst
• Forensic Accountant
• Fraud Examiner
• Public Accountant

Selecting a Masters of Accounting Program

Once you’ve decided to pursue an M.S. in Accounting, you will need to locate appropriate graduate programs. Fortunately, hundreds of colleges and universities offer master’s of accounting degrees, making it easy to find grad programs that align with your individual needs.

When researching grad schools, consider the following questions to help you find the best fit:

• Are classes held online or in person?
• Does the program allow you to specialize?
• Does the program provide internship and networking opportunities?
• Does the school offer financial aid ?
• How much does the program’s tuition cost?
• What application materials does the program require?
• What is the program’s ranking?
• What percentage of graduates obtain jobs within three months of finishing the program?
• Where do graduates get jobs? What is the average starting salary?

At Niche, we can help you explore the best grad schools for accounting .

By pursuing an M.S. in Accounting in a suitable grad program, you will set yourself up for long-term career success. Accounting is an in-demand field that can lead to many fulfilling career paths, so a master’s degree is a great investment in your future.

• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →
• PhD Programs

Accounting & Management

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

Accounting & Management

Curriculum & coursework.

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

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

Research & Dissertation

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

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

Elliot Tobin

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

Current HBS Faculty

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

Current Accounting & Management Students

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

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

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

PhD | Accounting

The Ph.D. in Accounting

Stern’s accounting department is exceptional in its balance between research in empirical financial accounting and theoretical financial and managerial accounting. It is also unusual in the breadth of the research conducted (e.g., capital markets, earnings management, voluntary disclosure/management guidance, corporate governance, and financial institutions and instruments). These attributes result in part from its size, but also from the individual and collective wide-ranging interests of the faculty. The curriculum is designed to provide a thorough understanding of current accounting theory, practice, and research, taught within the framework of modern economic and finance theories as applied to the behavior of today’s corporations and financial markets.

Explore Accounting

Discover our other fields of study.

• Doctoral Programs

The PhD specialization in Accounting prepares students to become accounting scholars engaged in research and teaching at the highest levels in the general areas of financial information and contracting within and across organizations. 

Yale SOM’s specialization in accounting is designed to develop strong theoretical and empirical skills. There is a heavy emphasis on original research to form a base for sustained scholarship. Co-authored research, with both faculty and fellow PhD students, is encouraged and supported.

Yale’s accounting program is small (matriculating one to two students each year), and involves informal and spontaneous frequent interactions with faculty. The program maintains a 1:1 faculty-to-student ratio. Students interact with emerging research in a host of ways, from conferences held on campus to weekly seminars where faculty and fellow PhD students present and discuss their work.

Candidates tend to pursue a broad range of research interests, helped by courses in accounting as well as in various areas of management, Department of Economics, Yale Law School, and other parts of the University. They develop fruitful relationships with other Ph.d. students, especially from the Finance PhD program.

Examples of research submitted as dissertations by students in the program:

• Intended Benefits and Unintended Consequences of Improved Performance Disclosure
• Asymmetric Inefficiency in Market Response to Non-earnings 8-K Information
• Real Earnings Management in Nonprofit Organizations
• How Does More Frequent Reporting Reduce Information Asymmetry?
• Real Earnings Management in the Financial Industry
• Accruals and price crashes
• Customer-base concentration: Implications for firm performance and capital markets
• The Treatment of Special Items in Determining CEO Cash Compensation
• Strategic Decentralization, Bargaining, and Transfer Pricing in Supply Chain Efficiency
• Keynesian Beauty Contest, Accounting Disclosure, and Market Efficiency
• Labor Unions and Management’s Incentive to Signal Declining Profitability
• Investor Expectations, Earnings Management, and Asset Prices
• Limiting Outside Directors' Liability through Charter Provisions: An Empirical Analysis
• Nickels Not Pennies: Explanations and Implications of Granularity in Analysts’ EPS Forecasts
• Auditor’s Pre-Negotiation Information, Accuracy of Financial Reports and Consulting Services
• Taxes, Debt, and Firm Value: New Evidence

Examples of research co-authored with faculty and other students:

Publications.

• Management of reported and forecast EPS, investor responses, and research implications (Management Science
• Placebo Tests of Conditional Conservatism (The Accounting Review)
• Orphans Deserve Attention: Financial Reporting in the Missing Months When Corporations Change Fiscal Year (The Accounting Review)
• Why do EPS forecast error and dispersion not vary with scale? Implications for analyst and managerial behavior (Journal of Accounting Research)
• More Evidence of Bias in the Differential Timeliness Measure of Conditional Conservatism (The Accounting Review)
• The Effect of Litigation Risk on Management Earnings Forecasts (Contemporary Accounting Research)
• Friction in Related Party Trade when a Rival is also a Customer (Management Science)
• The Joint Determination of Audit Fees, Non-audit Fees and Abnormal Accruals (Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting)

Working Papers

• Rethinking Determinants of Trading Volume at Earnings Announcements
• Auditor Change Disclosures as Signals of Earnings Management and Risk
• Individual Investor Overextrapolation
• The Value and Information Effects of Initial Loan Contract Strictness
• The Information Quality Effect of Accruals-Based Benchmark Beating: Evidence from the CDS Market
• On the Contemporaneous Reporting of Income Increasing and Income Decreasing Special Items: Initial Evidence
• Conditional conservatism: the case of goodwill impairments under SFAS 142
• The power of firm fundamentals in explaining stock returns

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

Wharton’s doctoral program in Accounting takes a multidisciplinary approach (including economics, operations management, and statistics) to meet the needs of today’s complex markets, integrating finance and economics with broader perspectives on organizational issues and the corporate regulatory environment.

The Accounting PhD program trains students to do rigorous research in accounting, a specialized area of financial economics. The program is highly analytical and quantitative. We look for strong undergraduate preparation in microeconomics and mathematics, while some prior accounting or finance training at the undergraduate or graduate level is an advantage. Institutional understanding of how accounting information is used by capital market participants and/or within firms is useful and best obtained through relevant work experience, but is not required of applicants.

Close working relationships with faculty members provide an excellent learning experience while at Wharton and can continue throughout the student’s career. Our program provides students with opportunities to interact with faculty and get started on relevant research early in the program. Required research elements include the accounting workshop colloquium, the first-year research assistantship, and the first and second year summer research papers.

For more information on courses and sample plan of study, please visit the University Graduate Catalog .

Get the Details.

Visit the Accounting Department website for details on program requirements and courses. Read faculty and student research and bios to see what you can do with an Accounting PhD.

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• Dissertation Areas and Joint PhD Programs
• PhD Career Outcomes
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• Frequently Asked Questions

PhD in Accounting

• PhD in Behavioral Science
• PhD in Econometrics and Statistics
• PhD in Economics
• PhD in Finance
• PhD in Management Science and Operations Management
• PhD in Marketing
• Joint Program in Financial Economics
• Joint Program in Psychology and Business
• Joint PhD/JD Program

Chicago Booth has one of the preeminent PhD accounting programs. Our faculty conduct groundbreaking scholarly work, and our graduates have played a central role in the evolution of modern accounting research.

As a PhD student in accounting at Booth, you’ll have the freedom to explore and cultivate your research interests from day one—wherever they lead.

You’ll join a collaborative research community and work with prominent scholars whose groundbreaking research is recognized for its impact on the academic literature, accounting practice and policymaking, securities regulation, and elsewhere. In addition to your stipend, you may apply for research and conference travel funding from our research centers and the Stevens Doctoral Program. In research workshops and conferences, you’ll present your work and hear about the work of fellow researchers. 

Our Distinguished Accounting Faculty

As measured by research productivity and impact, Chicago Booth has one of the best accounting faculty groups in the world. The group includes Philip G. Berger, Hans B. Christensen, Merle Erickson, Christian Leuz, Michael Minnis, Valeri Nikolaev, Haresh Sapra, Douglas J. Skinner, and Abbie J. Smith, as well as an outstanding group of research-active junior faculty. The school is committed to maintaining the quality of this group.

These distinguished scholars are also teachers and mentors who will advise you, coauthor papers with you, supervise your thesis, help you find an outstanding job, and serve as colleagues throughout your career.

Philip G. Berger

Wallman Family Professor of Accounting

Hans B. Christensen

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

Anna Costello

Professor of Accounting and David G. Booth Faculty Fellow

Merle Erickson

Professor of Accounting

Joao Granja

Associate Professor of Accounting and Jane and Basil Vasiliou Faculty Scholar

Christian Leuz

Charles F. Pohl Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting and Finance

Bradford Levy

Assistant Professor of Accounting

Charles McClure

Michael Minnis

Professor of Accounting and Charles E. Merrill Faculty Scholar

Maximilian Muhn

Valeri Nikolaev

James H. Lorie Professor of Accounting and FMC Faculty Scholar

Madhav Rajan

Dean and George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting

Thomas Rauter

Assistant Professor of Accounting and IBM Corporation Faculty Scholar

Amoray Riggs-Cragun

Assistant Professor of Accounting and Kathryn and Grant Swick Faculty Scholar

Delphine Samuels

Associate Professor of Accounting and James S. Kemper Faculty Scholar

Haresh Sapra

Charles T. Horngren Professor of Accounting

Douglas J. Skinner

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

Abbie J. Smith

Boris and Irene Stern Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting

Christopher Stewart

Assistant Professor of Accounting and William S. Fishman Faculty Fellow

Associate Professor of Accounting and Kathryn and Grant Swick Faculty Scholar

Anthony Welsch

Anastasia A Zakolyukina

Associate Professor of Accounting

Alumni Success

The American Accounting Association periodically awards a prize for seminal contributions to the accounting literature. Graduates of the PhD Accounting Program are regular winners of this prestigious prize.

Our PhD graduates in accounting go on to faculty positions  at some of the world's most prestigious institutions.

Kalash Jain, MBA '23, PhD '23

Assistant Professor of Business, Accounting Division Columbia Business School, Columbia University His research examines the impact of information processing frictions and investor decision making on asset prices and firm investment. His dissertation area is in accounting.

Sinja Leonelli, MBA '23, PhD '23

Assistant Professor of Accounting Stern School of Business, New York University Sinja's research primarily examines misconduct reporting, regulation and enforcement, and the use of ESG information by stakeholders such as regulators, employees, and consumers. Her dissertation area is in accounting.

Shirley Lu, MBA ’21, PhD ’21 

Assistant Professor of Business Administration Harvard Business School, Harvard University Shirley Lu studies Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disclosure, with a focus on climate change and gender diversity. Her dissertation area is in accounting.

Spotlight on Research

Chicago Booth Review frequently highlights the work of accounting PhD students, faculty, and alumni.

One Way Discrimination Creeps into the Supply Chain

A Q&A with Chicago Booth’s Anna Costello about how the pandemic affected which suppliers got paid on time.

AI Reads between the Lines to Discover Corporate Risk

“Corporate risk exposures are often subtly implied in conference call discussions rather than explicitly stated,” write Chicago Booth PhD student Alex G. Kim and Booth’s Maximilian Muhn and Valeri Nikolaev.

Civilization is Based on Accounting

A Q&A with Chicago Booth’s Ray Ball on accounting’s past and future.

Financial Data Privacy Could Help Fight Poverty

Historical data can shape future outcomes, helping to determine whether a prospective borrower has access to a home, car, or other opportunities, write University of Utah’s Mark Jansen, Chicago Booth PhD student Fabian Nagel, and Booth’s Constantine Yannelis and Anthony Lee Zhang.

A Network of Support

Doctoral students at Booth have access to the resources of several research centers  that offer funding for student work, host workshops and conferences, and foster a strong research community.

The Chookaszian Accounting Research Center The Chookaszian Accounting Research Center coordinates accounting research at Chicago Booth and hosts research brown bags and workshops. It also publishes the Journal of Accounting Research , one of the top accounting research journals in the world.

George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State Dedicated to examining issues at the intersection of politics and the economy, the Stigler Center supports research in the political, economic, and cultural obstacles to better working markets.

Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation Chicago Booth’s destination for people committed to tackling social and environmental problems, the Rustandy Center supports the work of PhD students and others who are focused on transforming the social sector.

Inside the Student Experience

For Andrew Sutherland, PhD ’13, coauthoring research with Booth faculty was a highlight of the Stevens Program.

Video Transcript

Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 00:09 In accounting, there's tons and tons of research on these big public firms that have an army of investor relations people and they constant disclosing things. That's where most of the research was happening, but there's this whole other half of the economy, these private firms, that we didn't really know a lot about. We didn't know a lot about how they got credit. What was interesting to me is that a lot of time, firms are able to get credit without even providing any financial statements or any information whatsoever to the bank. The reason they're able to get credit is that they have a credit score. So in other words, the information is coming, not from the form itself, but from another bank who had dealt with them in the past. What really struck me was there wasn't really a lot of research out there on this information channel. That's when I decided I wanted to learn a little bit more about what this reporting channel does to contract and help firms get credit and how it changes banks' incentives to lend.

Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 01:01 Basically, the firms that have a good credit record or a long track record of borrowing successfully were the ones that were able to shop around. We would think that's a good thing, that giving firms more choice about who to borrow from kind of increases social welfare, you get better matching between lenders and firms. Kind of the dark side is that the firms that have had payment trouble that have defaulted or missed some payments on loans sort of get shut out of the credit part. You have a harder time starting any new relationships with outside lenders. That's kind of a cost.

Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 01:34 The second cost is that information sharing changes the game for lenders. So, if participating in this credit bureau basically allows outside lenders to pick off the firms that are doing better, then that destroys the incentive for lenders to kind of invest in relationships to begin with. That's sort of the second dark side of information sharing, if you will.

Andrew Sutherland, ’13: 01:54 So, I coauthor on a number of projects with the junior faculty member here named Mike Minnis. I probably talked to Mike more than I talk to my wife. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. But, I mean, as a PhD student, there's only so much you can learn in class, and having a faculty member to work with that's kind of gone through the ropes and understands the review process, that's done something on their own, it gives you a really good opportunity to learn. That's something, I think that was absolutely instrumental in my success

Current Accounting Students

PhD students in accounting come to Chicago Booth with a wide range of interests and goals. Recent dissertations have focused on everything from machine learning to the impact of fiscal monitoring, and graduates have gone on to positions at some of the world’s preeminent institutions, including Columbia Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Current Students

Samuel Chang Jonas Dalmazzo Jewel Evans Lingyu Gu Yanzi (Yvonne) Han Grant Hayes Roope Keloharju Maria Khrakovsky Alex Kim Ginha Kim Andrew McKinley Fabian Nagel Pietro Ramella Hristiana Vidinova Hanbyul Yoon Jingyu Zhang

Program Expectations and Requirements

The Stevens Program at Booth is a full-time program. Students generally complete the majority of coursework and examination requirements within the first two years of studies and begin work on their dissertation during the third year. For details, see General Examination Requirements by Area in the Stevens Program Guidebook below.

Download the 2023-2024 Guidebook!

ACCOUNTING PhD

The nation’s top accounting program.

Texas McCombs boasts the most prestigious accounting doctoral program in the country and has graduated more than 300 PhD students since its inception in 1934. Are you ready for the best?

Your Future In Accounting

• PhD Program
• Why McCombs
• Department of Accounting

ACADEMIC LIFE AT McCOMBS

Mentorship and practice, application deadline.

The application deadline for the Accounting Doctoral Program is December 15.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

If you are a practicing accountant, these topical areas will be familiar to you. However, we welcome students with backgrounds in Mathematics, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Psychology, or other disciplines to apply. We can remedy any lack of accounting knowledge through additional coursework. Most students enter our accounting doctoral program with some knowledge in these areas:

Financial Accounting

Financial accounting researchers are interested in the use of accounting information by investors, creditors, analysts, and other decision-makers. We are also interested in the preparation of accounting information by managers who may respond to economic incentives and use discretion to manage earnings. Finally, we are also interested in the regulation of accounting information by standard setters and other regulators who are evaluating the relevance and reliability of current and potential accounting information.

Auditing researchers are interested in questions of independence, governance, compliance, auditing processes, and biases. This research helps global standard-setters and regulators adopt standards and policies that protect the integrity of our accounting information. 

Managerial accounting research topics include optimal employee compensation and governance, using information for efficiency management, motivating creativity, etc.

Taxation research covers economic incentives, transfer pricing, compliance with tax enforcement, multistate taxation, and numerous topics about accounting for income taxation, where tax rules overlap with financial reporting standards.

RANKINGS & RESEARCH

Academic leadership, research methodologies.

When you earn a doctorate, most of your time is spent developing deep expertise in research methods. Accounting researchers use three main approaches. In all cases, your doctoral studies will involve a firm grounding in statistics and typically a choice of either economics or psychology as an additional foundation.

Archival research involves the statistical analysis of historical data to examine relevant research questions based on economic theory for its predictions. Thus, archival research requires a strong background in statistics and economics, which we provide through rigorous coursework in the business school and the economics department.

Experimental

Experimental or survey methods are commonly used to obtain data to conduct what is broadly known as behavioral research. Behavioral research relies on psychology for its theories. Because this research is interested in what people do and why they do it, it is often necessary to conduct controlled experiments or survey participants. Using experiment or survey methods, researchers in accounting and finance have provided compelling alternative explanations where economic theories fall short.

Analytical research uses quantitative mathematical models to explain and predict behavior. This research is grounded in game theory from economics. Students wanting to conduct analytical research should have even stronger mathematical backgrounds than other applicants. We will design a program of study that builds on those initial strengths with additional coursework in mathematics and economics.

GET READY TO APPLY

Preparation and qualifications, career placement, the world needs you, career destinations.

The primary goal of the Texas McCombs PhD program is to prepare students for exceptional academic careers. Over the last five years, McCombs Accounting PhD alumni have excelled at top institutions globally.

Recent Graduate Placements

Jesse Chan   |  2022  |  Boston University

Cassie Mongold   |  2022  |  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Ryan Hess   |  2021  |  Stanford University (postdoc); Oklahoma State University

Ryan Ballestero   |  2021  |  Kent State University

Dan Rimkus   |  2021  |  University of Florida (October 2021 graduation)

Shannon Garavaglia  |  2020  |  University of Pittsburgh

Jakob Infuehr  |  2019  |  University of Southern Denmark

Antonis Kartapanis  |  2019  |  Texas A&M University

Kristen Valentine   |  2019  |  University of Georgia

Colin Koutney   |  2018  |  George Mason University

Zheng Leitter  |  2018  |  Nanyang Technological University

Brian Monsen   |  2018  |  The Ohio State University

Xinyu Zhang   |  2018  |  Cornell University

Jeanmarie Lord   |  2017  |  University of Montana

Ben Van Landuyt  |  2017  |  University of Arizona

Shannon Chen   |  2017  |  University of Arizona

Prasart Jongjaroenkamol   |  2017  |  Singapore Management University

Ying Huang  |  2017  |  University of Texas - Dallas

Current Students and *Job Market Candidates

Mary adenle, yiying chen, dorothy dickmann, mandy ellison*, kenzie feinberg, michael gonari, nathan herrmann, sean kemsley, minjae kim*, kaitlyn kroeger, jingpei shi, albert wang, are you ready to change the world.

The Texas McCombs Doctoral Program is seeking individuals who are interested in transforming the global marketplace. Are you one of these future thought leaders?

• Undergraduate
• Master of Accounting
• Full Time MBA
• Evening Executive MBA
• Weekend Executive MBA
• Charlotte Executive MBA

PhD in Accounting

Accounting and UNC Kenan-Flagler’s international reputation makes us one of world’s top academic centers of innovative accounting thought and research. We are widely recognized as a leading center of research on financial reporting, tax, international accounting, accounting standard setting, managerial accounting, and the role of accounting information in decision making.

We pride ourselves on frequent and successful student-faculty collaboration and encourage our students to work with, and seek advice, from every one of our faculty. We believe this frequent interaction with our faculty, who themselves work in many diverse areas, creates well-rounded graduates who can think creatively and deeply about important problems.

Typical Course Schedule by Year

• Seminar in Empirical Accounting Research
• Seminar in Corporate Governance
• Students in Accounting are required to complete two semesters of Statistics/Econometrics and select the level at which they qualify.
• Many Accounting students select Corporate Finance Theory I & II taught by our Finance faculty.
• Microeconomics
• Capital Markets – your first and second year
• A research paper is required for presentation and critique during the fall semester of your second year.
• Seminar in Corporate Finance: Financial Economics and Asset Pricing
• Seminar in Managerial Accounting (may be completed your first or second year.)
• Investment Finance
• Game Theory
• Econometrics
• Professional Communication Skills
• Seminar in Executing Research
• Comprehensive written examination which covers all of the Accounting courses you take in your first two years of the PhD Program
• An oral presentation of your current research
• Secure an advisor prior to your third year.  Historically, students and advisors have gravitated towards one another naturally as we ensure students and faculty frequently interact. However, we will assign an advisor based on student and faculty preferences and interest, if necessary.
• Full-time research
• With consent of your advisor, you may attend/participate or present at external national or international conferences after your second year, which are frequently done by our PhD students.
• Your Dissertation and Oral Defense are expected prior to the end of your fifth year.
• Preparing for the job market
• You may take any elective course offered by UNC Kenan-Flagler or other UNC (or Duke) departments with guidance from your advisor.

View our current Accounting PhD students .

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PhD in Accounting

Accounting for real impact, accounting curriculum timeline, faculty and published work, accounting faculty.

Ilia Dichev

Cassandra Estep

Kathryn Kadous

Matthew Lyle

Karl Schuhmacher

Karen Sedatole

Suhas A. Sridharan

Kristy Towry

Jianxin (Donny) Zhao

Accounting phd students.

Kyle Broderick

Paige Csere

Hayden Gunnell

Xinyi Huang

Myrna Modolon Lima

Catherine Weng

Yifan (Eva) Yan

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Pursuing a phd in accounting.

Best Accounting Programs

Ranked in 2024, part of Best Business Schools

An accounting MBA readies students for the CPA exam and

An accounting MBA readies students for the CPA exam and jobs in business accounting administration. Students gain skills to become accountants, financial managers, auditors and more. These are the top business schools for accounting. Read the methodology »

For full rankings, GMAT scores and employment data, sign up for the U.S. News Business School Compass .

See online MBA rankings.

Here are the Best Accounting Programs

University of texas--austin (mccombs), university of pennsylvania (wharton), university of illinois urbana-champaign (gies), university of michigan--ann arbor (ross), brigham young university (marriott), university of chicago (booth), stanford university, boston college (carroll), ohio state university (fisher).

SEE THE FULL RANKINGS

• Clear Filters

Austin , TX

• # 1 in Accounting
• # 16 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$51,238 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

$56,814 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

454 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The McCombs School of Business at University of Texas--Austin (McCombs) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

Business school

Tuition and fees.

$51,238 per year (in-state, full-time)

$56,814 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

Average gmat (full-time).

Philadelphia , PA

• # 2 in Accounting
• # 1 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$79,800 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

1,754 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$79,800 per year (full-time)

Champaign , IL

• # 3 in Accounting
• Unranked in Best Business Schools

N/A TUITION AND FEES

N/A ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Gies College of Business at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies) offers these departments and... Read More »

Ann Arbor , MI

• # 4 in Accounting
• # 12 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$70,392 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

$75,392 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

734 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at University of Michigan--Ann Arbor (Ross) offers these departments and... Read More »

$70,392 per year (in-state, full-time)

$75,392 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

• # 5 in Accounting
• # 37 in Best Business Schools

$15,076 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

207 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University (Marriott) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

$15,076 per year (full-time)

Chicago , IL

• # 6 in Accounting
• # 3 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$80,961 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

1,307 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Booth School of Business at University of Chicago (Booth) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$80,961 per year (full-time)

Stanford , CA

• # 7 in Accounting

$79,860 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

873 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Graduate School of Business at Stanford University offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$79,860 per year (full-time)

Chestnut Hill , MA

• # 8 in Accounting
• # 46 in Best Business Schools

$62,280 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

161 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Carroll School of Management at Boston College (Carroll) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$62,280 per year (full-time)

Columbus , OH

• # 9 in Accounting
• # 30 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$30,231 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

$57,960 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

98 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Max M. Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University (Fisher) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

$30,231 per year (in-state, full-time)

$57,960 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Indiana University (Kelley)

Bloomington , IN

• # 10 in Accounting  (tie)
• # 20 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$28,992 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

$54,602 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

219 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University (Kelley) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$28,992 per year (in-state, full-time)

$54,602 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

University of Southern California (Marshall)

Los Angeles , CA

• # 18 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$76,131 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

384 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California (Marshall) offers these departments and... Read More »

$76,131 per year (full-time)

New York University (Stern)

New York , NY

• # 12 in Accounting
• # 7 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$84,180 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

639 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University (Stern) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

$84,180 per year (full-time)

See all 55 Ranked Schools

Get the U.S. News Grad Schools School Compass and start finding the grad schools school that's right for you. You'll have access to expanded data including GMAT scores, financial aid information, graduate salary and employment statistics and more!

More Schools in this List (Alphabetical)

Arizona State University (W.P. Carey)

• in Accounting
• # 32 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$29,376 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

$51,290 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

115 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University (W.P. Carey) offers these departments and... Read More »

$29,376 per year (in-state, full-time)

$51,290 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Bentley University (McCallum)

Waltham , MA

$50,310 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

133 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University (McCallum) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

$50,310 per year (full-time)

Columbia University

$84,496 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

1,512 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Columbia Business School at Columbia University offers these departments and concentrations: accounting, business... Read More »

$84,496 per year (full-time)

Cornell University (Johnson)

Ithaca , NY

• # 15 in Best Business Schools

$79,910 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

577 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University (Johnson) offers these departments and... Read More »

$79,910 per year (full-time)

Creighton University (Heider)

0 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Heider College of Business at Creighton University (Heider) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College (Zicklin)

• # 53 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$16,130 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

$29,970 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

57 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Zicklin School of Business at CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College (Zicklin) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

$16,130 per year (in-state, full-time)

$29,970 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Duke University (Fuqua)

Durham , NC

$75,000 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

787 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University (Fuqua) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$75,000 per year (full-time)

Emory University (Goizueta)

Atlanta , GA

$71,900 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

237 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Goizueta Business School at Emory University (Goizueta) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$71,900 per year (full-time)

Specialized Master’s Programs

Find your degree program, get a graduate degree in one year or less from one of the nation's most respected business schools, master of professional accounting.

A Degree and CPA Exam Prep in 9 Months A comprehensive accounting curriculum and training on essential business ethics taught by a nationally recognized faculty of experts in the field.

• 9-month full-time program
• 100% employment rate
• 67% of students chose to work for top 5 accounting firms

Master of Science in Business Analytics

A top 5 Business Analytics Program A 12-month program that combines complex data, business strategy, and impactful storytelling.

• 1 year program with a work-compatible schedule
• #5 ranked program in the nation (QS 2023 ranking)
• $114k average starting salary

Master of Science in Entrepreneurship

Your Start-Up Starts Here Combining the best of an MBA and an accelerator into a program that empowers entrepreneurs to successfully launch their startup businesses.

• Full-time schedule
• Includes 5 annual entrepreneurial competitions
• Extensive career support, including a dedicated mentorship program

Master of Science in Information Systems

Succeed in an In-Demand Field A one-year, work-compatible, accelerated master’s program designed to train current and future business leaders to be at the forefront of technological innovation.

• Work-compatible schedule
• 94% of graduates were promoted or took new roles within three months of graduation with $120k average starting salary
• Core curriculum topics include cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more

Master of Science in Taxation

Innovative Training in Taxation A top-ranked masters degree that prepares students with a strong foundation of relevant taxation skills taught by expert faculty.

• #6 taxation Program in the U.S. (MIM-Guide)
• 100% of 2023 graduates received job offers before graduation

Master of Supply Chain Management

Hands-On Experience with Real-World Interaction A one-year program that blends end-to-end supply chain concepts with big data analytics, cross-functional business knowledge, and hands-on, industry experience.

• $109,000 average starting salary
• 93% international students

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MS in Accounting

Program Overview

The MS in Accounting provides intensive training in accounting research, information systems, ethics, and advanced coverage of the core topics in accounting. Students completing the program will be well equipped for a successful career in accounting.

Master of Science (MS) in Accounting

The MS in Accounting program requires a student to earn 30 credits.

Student must earn 30 credits including:

• 18 credits from a required core of six courses
• 6 credits in accounting electives
• 6 credits in non-accounting electives

Additionally, a capstone research project will be undertaken as part of the required coursework.

You must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for admission. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• BS degree in Accounting from Hunter College or the equivalent coursework.
• A GMAT score (Hunter College undergraduates who apply during their senior year are exempt)
• Two letters of recommendation from appropriate academic or professional references
• A statement of purpose of approximately 500 words or fewer

Providing an exceptional academic value is what we do best. See how Hunter compares against other top accounting graduate programs in NYC.

Career Paths

While specific career paths and salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and industry demand, here are ten potential career paths for individuals with a Master's in Accounting in New York City (NYC), along with approximate average salaries:

10. Developing, analyzing, and monitoring budgets for organizations.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $90,000

Becoming a CPA opens doors to various roles in public accounting firms, offering services like auditing, tax preparation, and consulting. Salaries can start around $60,000 to $80,000 and can significantly rise with experience, often reaching six figures.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $120,000

Managing financial planning, analysis, and reporting within corporations. Salaries often start around $80,000 to $120,000 and can rise significantly with experience and responsibilities.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000

Investigating financial discrepancies, fraud, and providing litigation support.

Salary Range: Highly variable; typically $70,000 - $120,000

Analyzing financial data, creating reports, and offering insights for decision-making in corporate settings.

Salary Range: Varies, typically $60,000 - $100,000

Overseeing financial reporting and compliance within companies.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $150,000

Reviewing and evaluating financial procedures and controls within organizations.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000

Analyzing financial information to help companies make budgeting and strategic decisions.

Assessing financial risks and proposing mitigation strategies for companies.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000

Advising individuals or businesses on tax strategies and compliance.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $100,000

Application Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Hunter College may consider late applications on a rolling basis pending space is still available in the program.

Some programs may extend their application deadlines beyond those listed above. Please contact Graduate Admissions for specific information. For information on how to apply, click the link below.

Students Educated Outside the US

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have taken all or part of their undergraduate education in a country where English is not the native language are required to submit scores on the  Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL ) or the  International English Language Testing System (IELTS ). The following minimum scores must be obtained:

• TOEFL iBT: 80/ Paper Based Test: 550/ Computer Based Test: 213
• IELTS: 6.5 Overall Band Score

Ready to Apply?

Get started on your application now or visit the academic department's website to learn more about this graduate program.

Contact the Program

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• Student Life

Understanding the Differences Between Accounting and Finance Degrees

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

The Basics of Both Finance and Accounting  

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

Definition of Finance  

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

Key Concepts in Finance  

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

Definition of Accounting  

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

Key Concepts in Accounting  

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

Exploring Careers in Both Finance and Accounting  

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

Career Paths With a Finance Degree  

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

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

Career Paths With an Accounting Degree  

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

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

Skills Required for Finance and Accounting  

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

Essential Skills for Finance Professionals  

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

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

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

Essential Skills for Accounting Professionals  

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

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

Comparing Coursework in Finance vs. Accounting  

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

Key Finance Degree Courses  

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

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

Key Accounting Degree Courses  

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

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

Combining Accounting and Finance Careers  

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

Should You Consider Further Professional Qualifications in Finance or Accounting?  

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

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

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

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

Pursue Your Finance or Accounting Degree Today!   

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