phd in accounting cost

Online Doctorate in Accounting

Online Accounting Doctoral Degree: An Overview

Jobs for accounting doctorate degree holders, degree requirements, prerequisites for an online doctorate in accounting degree, online coursework.

• Accounting in the global era.
• Accounting ethics. 
• Advanced auditing. 
• Advanced research in accounting.
• Financial reporting. 
• Forensic accounting. 
• Business financial systems.

How long does an online doctorate in accounting degree take to complete?

Example courses.

• Advanced financial accounting theory
• Tax research and jurisprudence
• Advanced applications of ethical reasoning and compliance in accounting
• Financial decision-making
• Research methods

Cost and Return on Investment (ROI)

How much does an online doctorate in accounting degree cost , how to estimate the roi of your degree, certification , job outlook and salary, what doctorate of accounting degree holders have to say.

"Doctorate programs in accounting typically involve investing four to six years of study. With that significant investment, I encourage prospective students to do their due diligence before applying to programs. First, ask Ph.D. program coordinators or visit BYUaccounting.net for recent placement information. Also, email recent alumni and ask about the culture at their doctoral institutions. Faculty email addresses are usually available online, and many are happy to discuss their doctoral experiences with prospective students. This process helps prospective students find the program that is the right fit for them."

- Phil Quinn , University of Iowa, class of 2014, Ph.D. in accounting.

"While it was what I knew the least about at the time I made this decision, research is a key aspect of a Ph.D. in accounting program. The more I learned about research, the more I got excited about starting a program. The highlight of my doctoral studies was having an opportunity to learn about interesting and impactful research questions and to be able to do so under some incredible mentoring. … If, after some research into the field, prospective students are still interested, I encourage them to apply. There is still a demand for Ph.D.s in accounting, and it would be great to have more join our ranks."

- Nathan C. Goldman , University of Arizona, class of 2016, Ph.D. in accounting.

"I took one of Dr. Vasarhelyi's doctoral classes as a master's student, and he immediately spotted me and asked me to join the visualization projects of CAR Lab. I was never thinking about the doctoral program at that time. However, he encouraged me to try different things and was truly willing to provide me with all kinds of guidance. The program has a heavy emphasis on technologies and innovation. The program also has a deep connection with the leading firms and companies outside of academia to bring students real-world connections and experience."

- Xinxin Wang , Rutgers University, class of 2023, Ph.D. in management with a concentration in accounting information systems.

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• ACCOUNTING EDUCATION

Road map to applying for a doctorate in accounting

Finding the right school is only half the battle..

• Accounting Education

Pursuing a doctorate in accounting can be an exciting and highly rewarding journey. However, especially if you're more accustomed to applying for jobs than to graduate programs, the application process can seem bewildering. It may be more time - consuming and require more preparation than anticipated.

This article can serve as your road map, making you aware of the possible roadblocks, speed bumps, and even the burnout you may encounter along the way (see the sidebar "Tips for Preventing Burnout" below). We outline the process of choosing schools to apply to, getting all your materials ready for application, and planning your time so you can meet the application deadlines. This guide is intended to help you navigate the highly competitive application process and position yourself as a prime candidate for consideration.

ROUTE PLANNING: CHOOSING THE TYPE OF DEGREE TO PURSUE

After you've made the decision to pursue a doctorate in accounting, the next choice you must make is which type of doctorate you want: a Ph.D. in accounting or a doctorate in business administration (DBA) with a concentration in accounting. Traditional accounting Ph.D. programs require full - time residency and consist of face - to - face instruction in a campus classroom. In these programs, tuition is usually waived, and students receive a stipend in exchange for working as a research or teaching assistant.

Nontraditional DBA programs may be conducted completely online or can be "hybrid" programs, where most instruction takes place online, but students are also required to be on campus multiple times throughout the program. One advantage of nontraditional programs is they allow you to pursue a degree while continuing to work, although some students may have difficulty balancing the demands of the program with the demands of their job (see the sidebar "Doctoral Programs for Practitioners" below). A drawback is that the cost of such programs can be quite high ($40,000 to $120,000) compared with the cost of traditional accounting Ph.D. programs. Also, note that having a DBA can affect the types of schools that will hire you as a faculty member, as many larger, research - focused schools prefer or even require candidates to hold a Ph.D. This may not be a problem if you plan to teach at a smaller or teaching - focused school.

CHOOSING SCHOOLS TO APPLY TO

After you determine which type of degree you want to pursue, you will then need to decide which schools to apply to. It is important to keep in mind that most schools accept only a handful of applicants each year. To increase your chances of acceptance into a program, you should apply to at least six to eight schools.

Consider some of the following factors when making this decision:

Accreditation

A school's accreditation status could affect your viability as a candidate for a faculty position. In the United States there are two main types of accreditation: regional and specialized. Regional accreditation applies to the school as a whole, whereas specialized accreditation applies to specific programs within the school. Accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is widely considered the highest standard of accreditation for business schools, and many schools require faculty applicants to possess a Ph.D. or doctorate degree from an AACSB - accredited institution (see the box, "Helpful Resources").

Your future career plans

Consider also where you would like to work after graduation. If you are looking for a position at a research - intensive school, choose a graduate program with a strong reputation for research. Also, note that graduates of a school's accounting Ph.D. program typically do not find their first positions at the school from which they received their Ph.D. Thus, if you know that you would like to work at XYZ University immediately after you finish your Ph.D., you should probably not apply to that school's Ph.D. program.

Your research interests

Explore the type of work your prospective schools' faculties engage in, both the research areas they tend to specialize in (e.g., audit, tax, financial accounting, governmental/ not - for - profit accounting, management accounting, accounting history, etc.) and the research methods (behavioral or archival) they tend to use. This is an important step even if you're not yet sure what type of research you want to engage in, because later in your career you will be expected to develop research interests.

If you find that no one at the school does research you are interested in, or that most of the faculty is engaged in research in areas or methods that don't appeal to you, then that school will probably not be a good fit.

Additional factors

Other factors to consider include location, culture, and reputation. Depending on your situation, a school's location may be a major factor in choosing whether to apply to it. To determine whether a school would be a good cultural fit, consider reaching out to the program's coordinator, current students, or recent graduates. You can usually find their names and contact information on the program's website.

A program's research reputation can be an important factor in your application decision. To get a sense of the school's general and research reputation, speak with the program's coordinator and examine the program's website for listings of faculty publications, job placements of recent graduates, and mentions of its ranking in Public Accounting Report 's Annual Professors Survey. (In this survey, which requires paid access, accounting faculty rank the best accounting doctoral programs in the country.) Additionally, you may want to view Brigham Young University's yearly accounting research rankings.

ROADBLOCKS: APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICS

Your application journey may come to a quick end if you encounter certain roadblocks that prevent you from applying to or being accepted into a program. Read prospective schools' admission requirements carefully, and be especially mindful of the following:

Required classes, degrees, and/or work experience

Some schools either require or strongly recommend having certain prerequisite classes (e.g., calculus, linear algebra, and microeconomic theory), a master's degree in business or accounting, or one or more years of work experience.

Most Ph.D. programs require applicants to provide their Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. If you have previously taken the GMAT, make sure your score is recent. If you took the test more than five years ago, you will need to retake it.

Studying for the GMAT is important to optimize your chances of being accepted into a program. While minimum score requirements can be in the low to mid - 600s , several schools note on their websites that the average scores of students accepted into the program are 700 or above.

Be aware of application deadlines. Priority deadlines for most Ph.D. programs are in December or January prior to the fall semester of entrance.

Whether a school is accepting doctoral students in a given year

You may find that some schools are not accepting applications to their doctoral program for the upcoming school year because they lack the resources to support doctoral students.

SPEED BUMPS: ALLOW AMPLE TIME TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION

Beware of speed bumps that can slow your application journey. It's advisable to start planning the application process a year in advance. Most schools require the following application materials, all of which can take weeks or even months to compile or obtain:

Recommendation letters

Most schools require two or three letters of reference, and many specify that some or all must be academic references. Depending on how long you have been out of contact with your references, it may take a bit of research and time to find their current contact information and to hear back from them.

Transcripts

Schools will require transcripts from undergraduate and graduate schools you previously attended. Note that transcript processing and delivery time can vary depending on the mode of delivery, holds on your account, and the length of time since graduation.

GMAT scores

You can take the GMAT only once every 16 calendar days, five times within a 12 - month period, and eight times total in your lifetime. Plan accordingly so you can submit or update your GMAT score before your application is due.

If it has been a while since you last updated your r é sumé, you may need some time to research items such as official job duties, dates of service, and reference contact information.

Most schools require applicants to provide a written personal statement and may request additional essays as well. The personal statement is a very important piece of the application process in which you attempt to "sell" yourself to the school; therefore, it is a good idea to put a lot of time and thought into your responses and to hire an editor to read over your responses and provide feedback. Typographical errors, poor grammar, or a lack of enthusiasm are likely to leave a bad impression on the application reviewers.

EYES ON THE PRIZE

The application process is a critical phase in your journey to a doctorate, and it presents many challenges. We hope the tips provided in this article will help keep you on course and prevent you from encountering unwelcome surprises while navigating the application process. Proper planning, preparation, and knowledge can help you achieve your dream of receiving a doctorate in accounting.

Tips for preventing burnout

The process of applying to a Ph.D. program can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some ways to alleviate the stress:

Talk to accounting professors about their Ph.D. experience

Most professors would be happy to speak with you about their doctoral journey, including the application process. You are likely to find that they, too, encountered some speed bumps and roadblocks along the way, and they may be able to give you advice.

Stay organized

If you are applying to several schools, it can be difficult to keep up with each program's requirements. A good way to manage this is to keep an Excel spreadsheet or a checklist of each school's requirements and due dates. That way you can check off what you have completed as you go and not worry about forgetting any components.

This help can come in the form of GMAT study courses, having a friend or editor review your essays and r é sumé, or speaking with your target schools' Ph.D. program coordinators for advice (e.g., they may advise you to submit your materials by a certain date to be among the first considered, or to consider retaking the GMAT to increase your chances of acceptance).

Be aware of alternative teaching routes

You don't always need a doctorate to teach at the college level. Many schools require only a master's degree to teach as a part-time (adjunct) lecturer or as a full-time nontenure-track instructor.

Seasoned accounting professionals interested in transitioning from practice to the classroom may consider the AACSB Bridge Program. The Bridge Program is an intense weeklong program held annually at a participating university. Participants gain knowledge on topics such as managing the classroom, creating an engaging learning environment, and planning and delivering courses.

Doctoral programs for practitioners

A CPA with at least three years of professional accounting experience who would like to teach tax or audit at the university level should consider applying to the Accounting Doctoral Scholars (ADS) Program ( adsphd.org ). The ADS Program provides financial support for those pursuing a Ph.D. in accounting who have recent public accounting experience and plan to teach and do research in tax or audit at an AACSB-accredited university after graduation. Those selected for funding receive a total of $40,000 in supplemental payments upon reaching various milestones while pursuing a doctorate in accounting.

Practitioners can also consider participating in the AACSB Bridge Program, an initiative that helps practitioners transition to the classroom and learn teaching and classroom management skills. Visit aacsb.edu/events/bridgeprogram for more information.

About the authors

Sarah Garven, CPA, Ph.D. , is an assistant professor of accounting at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Bailee Pennington is a senior at Morehead State University in Morehead, Ky., majoring in accounting and finance.

To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Courtney Vien, a JofA senior editor, at [email protected] or 919-402-4125.

Helpful resources

• List of AACSB-accredited universities and schools, aacsb.edu
• Brigham Young University's accounting rankings, byuaccounting.net
• The Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program, adsphd.org
• AACSB Bridge Program, aacsb.edu/events/bridgeprogram
• Frequently asked questions about GMAT scores and score reports, mba.com
• Information about how often someone can take the GMAT, mba.com

AICPA resources

• " Don't Let These Myths Stand Between You and a Teaching Job ," CPA Insider , Aug. 7, 2017
• " Transitioning Into Academia: A New Pathway for Practitioners ," JofA , March 2016
• " My Pathway From Practitioner to Professor ," JofA , March 2016
• " A Ph.D. for Me? Really? "
• " From Practice to the Classroom ," JofA , Oct. 2012
• " Pursuing a Ph.D. in Accounting: Walking in With Your Eyes Open ," JofA , March 2009
• Extra Credit
• " From CPA to the Classroom: Going From Practitioner to Professor ," JofA , Feb. 28, 2017
• " Pathway to Academia for Accounting Professionals "
• AICPA Accounting Education Center

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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, diversity washing, buy now pay (pain) later, elpr: a new measure of capital adequacy for commercial banks, recent insights by stanford business, big investors say they use esg to reduce risk (but mostly focus on the e and g), more time to trade isn’t a good thing for many retail investors, nine stories to get you through tax season.

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PhD in Accounting

• PhD in Behavioral Science
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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 Foundation 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 Doctoral Program at Chicago 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!

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Accounting & Management

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• 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
• Wilbur X. Chen
• 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

• Ji Ho Kim
• Yiwei Li
• Trang Nguyen
• Konstantin Pavlenkov
• Ria Sen
• Terrence Shi
• Albert Shin
• Elliot Tobin
• Wenxin Wang
• Siyu Zhang

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, yaxuan chen, 2024, hashim zaman, 2022, wei cai, 2020, matthew shaffer, 2019, botir kobilov, 2024, patrick ferguson, 2021, jihwon park, 2020, wilbur chen, 2022, alexandra scherf, 2021, jody grewal, 2019.

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Top 10 Best PhD in Accounting Programs

Accounting is an abstract subject dealing with numbers and calculations. Personal finance requires strong attention to detail — imagine the meticulousness necessary to achieve a PhD in accounting! Prepare for a few years of mathematical and statistical study, and toning your analytical skills. The program offers a bright future, opening vast career possibilities  and excellent job prospects.

A booming field, accounting roles for financial managers are estimated to grow by 17%  from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a much higher growth rate than the average for all professions.

Let’s explore the best accounting PhD programs so you can prepare for the next step in your finance career!

Table of Contents

Best PhD in Accounting Programs

The university of texas at austin, mccombs school of business.

PhD in Accounting

The University of Texas at Austin was ranked number one in the country for Accounting PhD programs by the US World & News Public Accounting Report . The University’s McCombs School offers one of the top accounting doctoral programs that welcomes students with diverse disciplines such as economics, mathematics , finance, and engineering.

• Specializations: Financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation.
• Duration : 5 years
• Delivery : On-campus
• Tuition : $1,000 per credit
• Financial aid:  Grants, loans, assistantships, and fellowships
• Acceptance rate : 32%
• Location : Austin, TX

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Gies College of Business

PhD in Accountancy

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is renowned for its top-notch accounting faculty, boasting a high accounting PhD programs ranking by the BYU Accounting Faculty Research Rankings . Out of all the best PhD accounting programs, this one emphasizes productivity and results the most while valuing quality student placements to give you real-world work experience.

• Courses : Mathematical statistics, probability theory, and constructs in accounting research.
• Credits : 96
• Tuition : $652 per credit
• Financial aid : Fellowships, teaching/research assistantships, and tuition waivers
• Acceptance rate : 63.3%
• Location : Champaign, IL

Stanford University, Graduate School of Business

Stanford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with 19 institutes encouraging interdisciplinary learning and a $1.69 billion  sponsored research budget. It offers one of the country’s top accounting PhD programs, emphasizing both empirical and analytical research. Moreover, its balanced curriculum gives equal importance to coursework, research, and teaching.

• Courses : Financial reporting & management control, empirical accounting research, and microeconomic analysis.
• Duration : 4-5 years
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid:  Grants, scholarships, fellowships, and research/teaching assistantships
• Acceptance rate: 5.2%
• Location : Stanford, CA

New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business

The Stern School of Business of NYU offers one of the world’s most well-known accounting doctorate programs. The program allows students to study with other schools within the university along with Stern.

• Courses : Empirical research in financial accounting, microeconomic theory, and regression & multivariate analysis.
• Duration : 4 years
• Financial aid:  Fellowships and research/teaching assistantships
• Acceptance rate:  21.1%
• Location : New York City, NY

University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School

The University of Pennsylvania and Wharton School are world-renowned names in education. The school’s PhD in accounting program allows students to study with neighboring departments to gain exposure to other fields and innovative ideas from a wide range of disciplines.

• Courses : Empirical design in accounting research and advanced statistical inference.
• Course units:  16
• Financial aid : Full fellowships
• Acceptance rate : 9%
• Location : Philadelphia, PA

The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

The University of Michigan is a prestigious higher learning institution and one of the best public schools in the country. Its PhD in accounting program encourages extensive collaboration between students and faculty in combined research opportunities.

• Courses : Contemporary accounting issues, pre-candidacy dissertation, and candidacy dissertation.
• Financial aid:  Full funding and graduate assistantships
• Acceptance rate:  26%
• Location : Ann Arbor, MI

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

PhD Accounting Information & Management

Northwestern University’s Kellogg School is one of the oldest business schools in the world and has made major contributions to business, management, and marketing fields. It offers an information-focused accounting doctorate program with research scope for subjects like information intermediaries in capital markets, properties, and transformations in the information environment of companies.

• Courses : Research in accounting theory, empirical research in accounting, and special topics in empirical accounting research.
• Duration : 5.5 years
• Tuition : $13,085 per quarter
• Financial aid : Scholarships, fellowships, and teaching/research assistantships
• Acceptance rate:  9.3%
• Location : Evanston, IL

The University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business is known for its eminent faculty delivering groundbreaking research in accounting. This PhD offers doctoral candidates the freedom to explore their own research interests. They also get the opportunity to perform collaborative scholarly work with faculty members.

• Tuition : $66,096 per three quarters ($32,400 for fifth year)
• Financial aid : Grants, teaching/research assistantships, and fellowships
• Acceptance rate:  7.3%
• Location : Chicago, IL

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Kenan Flagler Business School

UNC at Chapel Hill is the flagship university of the University of North Carolina system. It’s known as a Public Ivy school, offering a high-quality curriculum taught by renowned faculty. UNC’s Kenan Flagler Business School is world-famous, supporting research in international accounting, accounting information in capital markets, and accounting standard-setting.

• Courses : Empirical accounting research, managerial accounting, and tax research.
• Credits : 48-61
• Financial aid:  Teaching fellowship, research/teaching assistantships, and tuition waivers
• Acceptance rate:  25%
• Location : Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The University of Mississippi, Patterson School of Accountancy

The University of Mississippi’s Patterson School is entirely dedicated to accounting studies. Its PhD in accounting program aims to develop scholars with a strong foundation in the historical background of accounting and expert research skills.

• Courses : Contemporary accounting theory, and financial accounting, auditing & accounting information systems research.
• Credits : 77
• Tuition : $504 per credit hour
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, fellowships
• Acceptance rate:  88%
• Location : University, Mississippi

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Accounting?

Generally, you only need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related discipline to apply for a PhD program in accounting. Very few programs require a master’s qualification.

The exact requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll usually need to submit the following to the selection committee:

• GRE or GMAT scores
• Undergraduate transcripts
• Personal essay or research proposal
• Recommendation letters
• Academic resume

Always check specific program requirements for colleges you’re interested in, and contact academic advisors in advance to verify. The top accounting PhD programs can be pretty competitive, so it’s best to carve out ample time to prepare a solid application!

Preparing for an Accounting Doctorate Program

Besides accounting, your PhD program will cover in-depth study of other subjects like economics and statistics. Our advice? Do some background preparation on these subjects, either through self-study or a foundational course.

Additionally, you should prepare yourself for serious research. Unlike undergraduate research, which typically aims to summarize existing knowledge, the goal of a PhD is to make new discoveries. Finally, you should brush up on your teaching skills because your PhD will likely involve giving seminars or tutoring undergraduate students.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Accounting PhD Program

Choosing an accounting PhD program is an individual decision. The right choice depends on various factors that can differ widely depending on the person.

However, here are a few factors that are relevant to practically everyone:

• Budget – What is the cost of tuition and other fees? What financial aid is available?
• Specializations   – What disciplines are offered under the program, and what are the faculty’s areas of expertise? How do these match your passions and career goals?
• Program reputation – Is the school well-known? What accreditations does it have?
• Delivery method  – Is the program offered on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format?
• Location – If you need to attend classes in person, even occasionally, how easy is it for you to get to campus?

Why Get a Doctorate in Accounting?

If you’re proficient with analytical and mathematical skills, a PhD in accounting can help you secure some of the highest-paying jobs in finance and economics. In these roles, you’ll apply the theoretical concepts you studied during your doctorate to solve real market problems, or transfer your knowledge to the next generation by teaching.

Jobs and Salaries for Doctors of Accounting

A doctorate in accounting can qualify you for a range of exciting and high-level roles in the finance sector.

Here are just some of the roles you’ll be eligible for once you’ve completed your PhD in Accounting, with the median annual salary for each:

• Associate Professor in Accounting ( $80,799 )
• Financial Manager ( $95,518 )
• Finance Director ( $115,603 )
• Analyst/Advisor ( $62,924 )
• Senior Financial Analyst ( $83,091 )

For more on job opportunities in the sector, take a look at our guide to the top 10 best jobs for MBA graduates .

What is the Average Cost of PhD Accounting Programs?

The cost of a PhD in accounting can vary greatly depending on the program and school. Remember, the total cost includes not only tuition, but also living expenses, fees and other study expenses.

Generally, prestigious private universities cost more, while public universities offer lower tuition and fees. Additionally, state residents pay less tuition and fees for state universities than non-resident students. Considering all these factors, the total cost for a doctorate in accounting could be anything from around  $10,000 to $70,000 per year.

Wrapping Up

A PhD in accounting will qualify you for some of the best job opportunities in the business and commercial world today. Alternatively, after graduation you could pursue a career in higher education, either in research or as a professor. With experts predicting an increase in accounting job opportunities in the sector in the coming years, the future looks bright for graduates with a doctorate in accounting.

For more on the best courses in finance and accounting, take a look at our guides to the best Master’s in Accounting , the best online MBA Programs , and the top 20 online PhD programs in 2022 .

What Does a PhD in Accounting Do?

With a PhD in accounting, you can work as a professor, consultant, financial manager, analyst, researcher, or one of many high-level jobs in the accounting field.

Can You Get a Doctorate in Accounting?

Yes. Many universities offer doctorate in accounting programs. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria (usually an undergraduate degree in a related field) and present a strong application, you can start your doctorate in accounting.

How Hard is a PhD in Accounting?

Like with any PhD, you need to have a high level of dedication, self-discipline and the ability to conduct strong research to earn a doctorate in accounting. You will also need to demonstrate strong writing, analytical, and presentation skills.

Can an Accountant Have a PhD?

You don’t need a PhD to work as an accountant. Depending on the role, most accountants either have a bachelor’s or a master’s in accounting . However, an accountant who wants to further their career or research in academia may choose to get a PhD in the field.

Do You Need a PhD to Teach Accounting?

A PhD is not typically required to teach accounting in certain settings, such as a community college. However, if you have one, you’ll have a lot more teaching options, including more lucrative positions at universities.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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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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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?

PhD in Accounting

The distinguished reputation of Carlson School's Accounting PhD program is a point of extreme pride for our department's faculty. We are committed to upholding and expanding this reputation through our continued dedication to working closely with our students to prepare them to enter a life of scholarly research.

About the Program

As one of the premier theoretical accounting programs in the nation, we are ranked #1 in analytical financial accounting. Empirical accounting research has also become a strong component of the program due to the significant increase in faculty advising capacity in recent years.

The Carlson School Department of Accounting offers a stimulating learning environment with outstanding synergies across paradigms. Students in accounting develop an understanding of accounting in its relationship to other disciplines such as economics, finance, psychology, and sociology. Some of the most respected scholars and researchers in accounting serve as faculty members in our department and for the program. Current faculty research covers such diverse areas as information economics, decision-making processes, market efficiency, and security valuation.

Accounting PhD students can choose to work under one of two research paradigms: analytical or empirical. Each area requires the student to take a series of courses/seminars within and outside the department to fulfill coursework requirements and move to the preliminary exams. The coursework of each student is tailored to meet his/her needs or background.

Get to know current students in the PhD Accounting program.

Learn more about their educational background, expertise, and research interests. 

Accounting Conferences

Learn more about the events and conferences presented by the Carlson School of Management's Accounting Department.

We feel that the measure of any PhD program is the success of its graduates, so we are especially proud of our performance on this dimension, too. Our graduates have been placed and tenured at the most prestigious business schools in the nation, including those at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Chicago, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Texas Austin, Northwestern University and the Ohio State University.

Alumni Perspectives

Aysa Dordzhieva

"The PhD Program at the Carlson School is an excellent place to acquire research skills as it offers a balanced curriculum that gives exposure to both analytical and empirical methodologies and covers a great range of research areas. The program encourages students to start working on their own ideas as early as possible and provides freedom to explore and experiment in a very supportive environment. This helped me tremendously to shape my own research interests, develop my thesis, and start my academic career."  

Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting Red McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin

Get in touch

PhD Coordinator

612-624-9818 | [email protected]

Department Chair

612-626-1570 | [email protected]

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• PhD in Business Management

Accounting Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management

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

Virtual Residencies

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

Research mentor

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

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

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

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

Comprehensive exam

Dissertation

• ACBSP-accredited

Reduce your tuition by $20,000

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

Courses and skills

Explore accounting courses.

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

View all courses

What you'll learn

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

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

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

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

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in business management cost.

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

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

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

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

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$985 Per quarter credit

75 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

$2955 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

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

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

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

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

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

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

Cost scenarios

*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.

Get the details

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

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

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

$20K toward your doctorate

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

$5,000 quarterly tuition maximum

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

10% Military discount Capella offers a  tuition discount  to active-duty service members and their spouses, Guard and Reserve members, and veterans.

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

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

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

How to apply

Phd in business management admission requirements.

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

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

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International Student Requirements

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

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

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

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

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

Doctoral faculty

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

Enrollment counselors

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

Academic coaches

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

Articles and resources

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

10 qualities to look for in a career mentor

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

What’s the ROI for a PhD?

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

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

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

Career exploration

What can you do with a phd in accounting degree.

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

Related job titles to explore*

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

Employment settings to explore

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

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

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Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) – Accounting Elevate Your Accounting

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Earn Your Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Accounting Online from Liberty University

Our 100% online Doctor of Business Administration in Accounting degree can help equip you with the skills you need for success in the corporate world. In our accounting DBA program, you will study theoretical aspects of accounting as well as accounting ethics and best practices. This coursework can help make shape you into a well-rounded executive.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty University’s Accounting Doctoral Program?

At Liberty, our mission is to Train Champions for Christ. Our online DBA program is designed to prepare you to further your career and integrate biblical principles into your professional life. Our professors use their professional experience in the business and accounting field to teach you important practical skills from a Christian perspective.

Our accounting specialized business administration doctoral degree focuses on real-world applications in addition to theory. This means that a DBA from Liberty can help you advance professionally and stay true to biblical values.

What Will You Study in Our Online DBA in Accounting Program?

Our DBA in Accounting degree focuses on practical applications of theoretical principles. This degree can help you think ethically about accounting procedures and discover best practices that ensure integrity and efficiency.

Throughout our online doctoral degree in accounting, you will study topics like tax research methods and auditing in preparation for your major research project. This degree can also help you develop the tools you need to find creative and effective solutions to your company’s accounting challenges.

We’ve designed our online doctoral degree programs to give you flexibility and networking opportunities. Our Doctor of Business Administration in Accounting degree program offers you multiple opportunities to connect with your classmates and professors. Networking is available through online class meetings and optional intensive courses.

Intensives give you an excellent opportunity to connect in person, but if and when you take intensive classes is entirely up to you. You can choose the path that best meets your career needs.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Accounting executive
• Budget supervisor
• Certified management accountant
• Certified public accountant
• Chief financial officer (CFO)
• Public policy researcher

Featured Courses

• ACCT 612 – Tax Research and Jurisprudence
• ACCT 622 – Advanced Auditing
• ACCT 642 – Accounting Ethics
• BUSI 601 – Accounting for Decision Making

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Business .
• View the Graduate Business Course Guides (login required).
• View the Doctor of Business Administration Handbook for additional program information.
• The Applied Doctoral Research Project (ADRP) in the DBA program relates to a business problem in your specialization.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online DBA in Accounting Degree Program

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited MS in Accounting or MBA in Accounting with at least 30 hours of graduate business credit and at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in becoming a cpa.

For information about becoming licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), please see the CPA Licensure Requirements for your state.

What does this degree help with?

When you earn an accounting DBA degree from Liberty, you can graduate ready to lead with professionalism and integrity.

Is a DBA the same as a PhD?

A DBA and a PhD are both doctoral programs that can help provide you with expert knowledge and a terminal degree in your field. However, a DBA will focus specifically on business principles. If you want your career to focus on research and academia, then a PhD may be for you. While a DBA can also prepare you for academia, this may be a better option for students interested in the practical application of business concepts.

Can I get my accounting degree online?

If you are a working professional wanting to pursue your doctorate, then you may be looking at online PhD or DBA in Accounting schools. The good news is that you can complete your doctorate in accounting 100% online at Liberty University. We understand that you have responsibilities to your work, family, and community. Our degree can be completed whenever and wherever is most convenient for you.

How much does it cost to get a PhD in accounting?

If you’re considering a DBA or PhD degree in accounting, then you need to know how much you’ll be putting into it. That includes time, effort, and cost.

Here are some of the ways we strive to keep costs low at Liberty University:

• 100% online courses
• Tuition freeze
• Transfer credit opportunities
• Discounts for military and First Responders

What kind of jobs can you get with a business administration degree?

The types of jobs you could qualify for with a business administration degree are practically infinite. Every industry requires business professionals who can help a company’s operations run smoothly and efficiently.

With a DBA or PhD in accounting online, you could qualify for leadership positions and pay increases. Here are some of the potential job opportunities for graduates of this program:

Do you need a PhD to be an accounting professor?

You may need a doctorate to be an accounting professor. This will depend on both the degree level you would like to teach as well as the school where you will be teaching.

In order to teach at the bachelor’s level, you will at least need a master’s degree. If you plan to teach master’s or doctoral courses, a doctorate is required in nearly all cases. Some schools require that all professors have a doctorate regardless of the degree level they plan to teach.

Is the Doctor of Business Administration accredited?

Liberty University’s Doctor of Business Administration is accredited by ACBSP, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Our School of Business is among only 3% of business schools worldwide to earn ACBSP accreditation.

What resources will I have access to?

You will be granted access to a wide variety of online resources through Liberty University’s library portal while you pursue a doctorate degree in business accounting.

How long does it take to complete a DBA degree?

You can complete your DBA degree online in 60 credit hours!

Inner Navigation

• Why Choose Liberty?
• What Will You Study?
• Admission Information

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PhD Program

As an academic field, accounting has experienced a substantial infusion of new concepts and quantitative methodologies. These developments have aligned accounting with economics and finance more closely than ever before. Our program is geared towards providing an interdisciplinary approach to capital markets research in accounting.

Program Overview

A deep understanding of accounting research requires substantial background in mathematics, probability, statistics, economics, and finance. This background is acquired through formal coursework during the first and second years. Students gain additional exposure to research through workshops as well as through research assignments and joint projects with faculty. In addition, the accounting group links students with the real world through the Center for Financial Reporting and Management . It is common for doctoral students to also serve as teaching assistants and, occasionally, instructors for undergraduate accounting classes.

Current student profiles

Dissertations & placements.

Next: Business & Public Policy

Fees and living expenses

When budgeting for your doctoral studies you will need to consider not only tuition fees but other costs such as administration fees and general living expenses, and any available financial support options.

The current annual tuition fees for Business School postgraduate research programmes are shown below. Please note that programme fees may change each year.

Programme fees 2024/25

* The Part-time PhD is not available to overseas students.

Please note: The amount you pay is dependent on your fee status. For more information please refer to the University's fee status pages .

About postgraduate research fees

Other costs

A PhD has other associated costs, such as administration fees, living expenses, and additional programme costs which you will need to budget for.

Additional costs

Additional Programme Costs (APC)

To cover stationery, photocopying, printing, telephone, and inter-library loans throughout the year you will be charged:

• An estimated £200 for full-time students
• An estimated £100 for part-time students

Student administration fees

If you take 4 or more years to complete your studies, there will be additional administration fees . We advise you to contact the PGR Support Office to understand what admin fees you will be liable for, as it depends on a number of factors.

Living expenses

The University provides information on estimated living expenses so you can start budgeting to live in Edinburgh.

Other studying and living costs advice

Financial support

The Business School is dedicated to supporting our research community, and offers a variety of dedicated funding on a regular basis to support PhD students.

Conference expenses

Students are encouraged to participate in academic conferences, discussing their research with experts across the globe. Expenses can vary widely depending on size, reputation, and location of the conference. PhD students will be allocated funds to use throughout their studies to support them with conference expenses.

Boost your academic profile

To develop your academic network, our doctoral students are offered a professional photoshoot along with a profile on the Business School website to enhance their online presence.

Academic memberships

Each year the PhD programme offers a limited fund to our students to cover the cost of Professional Membership.

Recognition awards

To encourage our students to reach their full potential and celebrate successes within publishing, community engagement, and academic achievement, the School offer Recognition Awards worth up to £100.

Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant opportunities

During your doctoral studies you will have the opportunity to take on paid Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant work. Opportunities for Teaching Assistants are advertised annually and all doctoral students can apply to start in their second year. Training is provided.

Research Assistant opportunities are advertised as they become available and are open to all doctoral students.

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Accounting PhD Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the doctoral program in accounting at the university of arizona., application deadline.

January 15, 2024 :  Next Application Deadline for Fall 2024 Admission (Domestic and International)

Doctoral students are admitted only in the fall semester, and all application materials must be submitted online.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet these minimum requirements:

• Four-year bachelor's degree
• 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale)
• 675 GMAT (within the last five years)
• 100 (CBT 250, PBT 600) TOEFL (international students only)

All of our PhD students are awarded a generous financial package that covers full tuition plus a stipend for living expenses. You may be able to supplement that stipend by teaching extra courses (such as over the summer). Additional scholarships and fellowships are also available.

Recommended Prerequisite Courses

Applicants should possess a strong quantitative aptitude as evidenced by successful coursework in calculus.

Admissions Materials

Applicants must submit the following materials to the School of Accountancy:

• Official GMAT scores
• Official TOEFL scores  (international applicants only, see below)
• Financial Guarantee (international applicants only, see below)

Please send materials to the following address:

PhD Program Coordinator  School of Accountancy Eller College of Management  McClelland Hall 301  The University of Arizona  PO Box 210108  Tucson, AZ 85721-0108

Additionally, you must submit an online application to the University of Arizona Graduate College.  Learn more.

International Applicants

Requirements for international applicants are listed briefly below. For more information, please refer to the  Graduate College website  or the  International Student Programs and Services website .

U.S.-Equivalent Bachelor's Degree

Generally, a four-year, first-university degree can be considered comparable to a U.S. bachelor's degree, provided that it was earned at an institution officially recognized by the ministry of education as a university-level academic institution in that country. The comparability of international coursework and degrees will be determined solely by the Graduate College.

Test of English as a Foreign Language

• International applicants must have a  TOEFL  score of at least 100 (internet-based test).
• Test scores must not be older than two years before the start of the program they are applying to.

Please refer to the  Graduate College's Proficiency in English  requirements for further information.

Financial Guarantee

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires international students to have a  financial guarantee  during their tenure at the University of Arizona.

Financial Considerations

Program funding.

All students in our PhD program are awarded a generous financial package that covers full tuition. In addition, all students receive a stipend for living expenses. Additional opportunities to supplement the stipend by teaching extra courses (particularly over the summer) may also be available.

Although financial situations are unique to each individual, many students are able to complete the program with little to no debt associated with their cost of living and attendance. 

Other Funding Opportunities

The KPMG Foundation is the founder, lead sponsor, and administrator of the PhD Project Doctoral Students Associations (DSAs), which supports minority students in business doctoral degrees through networking, joint research opportunities, peer support and mentoring. Students in the dissertation phase may also apply for the  Deloitte Foundation Fellowship , worth $25,000. While this fellowship is highly competitive (awarded to just 10 students nationwide each year), multiple Arizona students have won the fellowship in prior years.

Additional funding opportunities may include:

Tucson Cost of Living

The cost of living in Tucson is significantly less than in comparable cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, Houston and Denver.  Compare the cost of living in Tucson to your city here.

Submit Your Application

Contact us with any questions , or if you're ready to apply to the Eller Doctoral Program in Accounting, begin your application at the UA Graduate College:

What Can You Do With an Accounting Degree?

Author: University of North Dakota May 28, 2024

In the complex machinery of modern business, accountants are essential gears that keep operations running smoothly.

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Without their expertise, businesses can quickly find themselves amid financial chaos, from inaccurate profit margins to unmanaged cash flows, leading to disastrous decision-making and compliance issues. To imagine a world without accountants, you need to think about a company unwittingly overspending due to poor financial tracking or facing legal penalties for incorrect tax filings. No business wants that, right? 

Accounting, however, is not just a singular path but a broad field encompassing various specialties and roles. This diversity allows professionals to tailor their careers to specific interests and skills, from forensic accounting to financial analysis. So, what can you do with an accounting degree? Discover the opportunities that such a degree offers and see if any spark your interest.

10 Jobs You Can Do With an Accounting Degree

An accounting degree equips students with a deep understanding of financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and budget management, alongside critical thinking and analytical skills—essential skills for various roles. Today, we will explore some of the most common jobs you can do with an accounting degree.

1. Finance Manager

Finance managers oversee an organization's financial health. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies and plans for the organization's long-term financial goals. Their work spans across industries, however, you find most of them working in banks, investment firms, and large multinational corporations.

Average Salary: $124,326 per year

Main responsibilities of a finance manager are:

• Preparing financial statements and business activity reports
• Reviewing company financial reports and seeking ways to reduce costs
• Ensuring compliance with legal requirements
• Helping management make financial decisions
• Managing investment strategies by considering cash and liquidity risks

2. Management Accountant

Managerial accountants, also known as corporate or private accountants, handle a company's internal financial processes. The knowledge they accumulate from their work is essential for managers and executives as it helps them make informed decisions. They work in diverse sectors, including manufacturing, services, and not-for-profits.

Average Salary: $115,738 per year

Main responsibilities of a management accountant are:

• Preparing financial statements and other reports
• Advising management on financial decisions and the financial implications of business activities
• Managing budgeting processes, including preparing detailed annual financial reports and forecasts
• Monitoring and evaluating financial information systems
• Performing cost analysis and assisting in price-setting

3. Financial Advisor

Financial advisors provide personalized advice to help clients manage their finances. They work in finance and insurance firms, self-employment, or private wealth management, assisting clients with investment decisions, estate planning, and retirement strategies.

Average Salary: $102,134 per year

Main responsibilities of a financial advisor are:

• Assessing clients' financial needs and helping them with investments, tax laws, and insurance decisions
• Developing financial plans to help with financial goals
• Advising on investments, estate planning, risk management, and other financial matters
• Educating clients on investment options and potential risks
• Helping clients plan for specific circumstances, such as education expenses or retirement

4. Financial Analyst

These analysts use their financial expertise to guide businesses and individuals in making investment decisions. They work primarily in banks, insurance companies, pension funds, mutual funds, securities firms, and other financial enterprises.

Average Salary: $88,111 per year

Main responsibilities of a financial analyst are:

• Analyzing financial data and trends
• Evaluating investment opportunities and recommending individual or portfolios of investments
• Developing financial models to simulate financial scenarios
• Preparing written reports and presenting findings to clients or internal management
• Assessing the economic performance of companies to determine their stability

5. Forensic Accounting

Forensic accountants combine their accounting knowledge with investigative skills in litigation support and investigative accounting settings. They often work for public accounting firms, law offices, law enforcement agencies, and insurance companies.

Average Salary: $85,177 per year

Main responsibilities for a forensic accountant are:

• Investigating financial evidence
• Assisting in legal proceedings as an expert witness
• Examining financial documents and transactions to detect instances of fraud, embezzlement, or other financial crimes
• Advising lawyers and law enforcement agencies on the financial details of cases
• Performing due diligence on financial statements in corporate transactions

6. Management Analyst

Management analysts use their extended financial knowledge to advise managers on how to enhance an organization’s efficiency. They do so mainly by providing calculated information on ways to improve profits through reduced costs and increased revenues. 

Average Salary: $84,961 per year

Main responsibilities of a management analyst are:

• Gathering and organizing information about the problem to be solved or the procedure to be improved
• Interviewing personnel and conducting onsite observations
• Analyzing financial data and employment reports to develop solutions or alternative practices
• Recommending new systems, procedures, or organizational changes
• Helping to implement changes and providing training and coaching

Auditors are at the top of the accounting profession as they help ensure the accuracy and legality of financial records and statements. They work in various settings, including public accounting firms, government agencies, corporations, and nonprofits. 

Average Salary: $82,682 per year

Main responsibilities of an auditor are:

• Examining financial statements for accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations
• Assessing financial operations and making best-practices recommendations to management
• Performing audits of internal controls, operations, and financial systems
• Preparing audit reports and presenting findings
• Ensuring that taxes are calculated, filed, and paid correctly

8. Tax Accountant

Tax accountants, as the name implies, specialize in preparing and submitting tax documents for businesses. Their clients range from private individuals to corporations. Their work is to ensure compliance with taxing authority regulations. Typically, you find them working in accounting firms, large corporations, or as independent consultants.

Average Salary: $82,406 per year

Main responsibilities of a tax accountant are:

• Preparing federal, state, and local tax returns for businesses, organizations, and individuals
• Advising clients on tax strategies and planning to minimize tax liabilities
• Staying updated on changes in tax legislation
• Representing clients in tax audits and negotiations with tax authorities
• Ensuring compliance with taxation regulations

9. Budget Analyst

These professionals help organizations organize their finances by preparing budget reports and monitoring institutional spending. Their primary goal is to ensure financial efficiency and informed budgeting decisions. They work in various sectors, including government agencies, universities, and private companies.

Average Salary: $81,698 per year

Main responsibilities of a budget analyst are:

• Reviewing budget proposals and funding requests
• Conducting cost-benefit analysis to determine value
• Collaborating with project managers to develop a consolidated budget
• Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations in budget practices
• Explaining and defending recommendations to stakeholders and budget committees

10. Financial Examiner 

Financial examiners are responsible for ensuring compliance with laws governing financial institutions and transactions. Their work is essential for maintaining the stability of financial systems. You can usually find financial examiners working for government agencies, banks and financial institutions, consulting firms, or corporate auditing departments.

Average Salary: $70,035 per year

Main responsibilities of a financial examiner are:

• Assessing the financial health of banks and other financial institutions
• Evaluating loan risks and assessing the financial health of borrowers
• Reviewing balance sheets, expense accounts, and loan documentation
• Ensuring that banks and financial institutions are adhering to laws and regulations concerning financial solvency, consumer protection, and risk management
• Preparing reports for regulatory bodies highlighting audit findings and recommending actions

Which Accounting Job Should I Choose?

Choosing a career in accounting is fundamentally a personal decision deeply rooted in your own values, lifestyle choices, and professional goals. The first step in this process is to evaluate which aspects of accounting truly capture your interest. For instance, if you thrive on analyzing data and predicting market trends, a career as a financial analyst could be immensely satisfying. On the other hand, if you possess a sharp eye for detail and a passion for investigative work, forensic accounting might be the ideal role for you, offering the opportunity to explore financial discrepancies and expose fraudulent activities.

As you go through your career options, it's important to keep in mind factors such as personal interests, inherent skills, potential earnings, job market trends, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth. Each accounting role highlighted in this article comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, and understanding these can help you make a well-informed decision about your future. 

Keep in mind that while your journey begins with obtaining your degree, it ultimately unfolds through how effectively you utilize and enhance your skills and interests over time. By aligning your career choice with your personal aspirations and the practical realities of the job market, you can find your path to success and fulfillment in accounting.

All in all, deciding on a career path in accounting, thanks to the versatility it offers, is a significant step that merits thoughtful consideration and exploration of all available options. Take your time to understand each role, its demands, and its benefits.

The University of North Dakota is equipped to support your educational journey, regardless of the path you choose. With programs including a Bachelor of Accountancy , Bachelor of Finance , and Managerial Finance & Accounting degree , UND has you covered across all areas.

Whether you're certain of your path now or prefer to explore your options as you advance in your studies, UND will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you're well-prepared to account for your future success. At UND, the best accountants are never at a loss when it comes to finding value—both in their careers and for the businesses they serve.

What are the benefits of pursuing a career in accounting? ( Open this section)

A career in accounting offers high earning potential, diverse career opportunities across various industries, and a stable job market. It also provides the intellectual satisfaction of helping businesses grow.

How long does it take to earn an accounting degree? ( Open this section)

Typically, earning an undergraduate degree in accounting takes about four years of full-time study. However, accelerated programs and part-time study options can vary in duration.

Are there opportunities for advancement in the field of accounting? ( Open this section)

Yes, the field of accounting offers substantial opportunities for advancement. Professionals can ascend from entry-level positions to roles such as senior accountant, controller, or chief financial officer, often enhanced by obtaining certifications like CPA or CMA.

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• Did You Know You Can Complete Your Accounting Degree Online?

May 21, 2024

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Earning an Accounting Degree Online Is Easy With SMUMN

For adult online learners, finding an accelerated program to complete an accounting degree is essential. These online programs make it possible for students to earn their accounting degrees in less time than it would take in a traditional four-year program, which is especially important for adult learners balancing many responsibilities. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our online B.S. in Accounting  degree completion program is designed with adult learners in mind. Fully online, this program can be completed in one year. Learn more about this program from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Why Choose the B.S. in Accounting Degree Completion Program?

Many adult online learners are attracted to the one-year completion time of the B.S. in Accounting, but that’s not the only reason to consider our program. Students who enroll in the program will save time and tuition, as graduate courses may count toward a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Up to half of a graduate degree can be completed as part of this program, and graduate courses come at the tuition costs of undergraduate courses.

For students transferring bachelor’s completion credits , our transfer policy allows them to transfer up to 90 credits toward the B.S. in Accounting degree completion program. This includes credits earned at technical colleges. In addition to prior credits earned, work experience and military service may also count toward your degree. What’s more, your past credits never expire and are always eligible to count toward your degree.

Another reason so many students appreciate our B.S. in Accounting program is the student-centered approach to education. The faculty includes industry professionals with real-world experience across a range of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits. This provides an array of insights into the field. Students also gain access to numerous support services, including career services , which provide the resources and skills necessary to achieve career goals.

The degree completion program also prepares students to sit for two of the most respected accounting certifications — the Certified Public Accountant (CPA)  and Certified Management Accountant (CMA)  exams — which can further boost their career prospects.

What Will You Learn in the Accounting Degree Program?

Students who complete our accelerated bachelor’s degree program gain the accounting knowledge necessary to pursue various career goals. As business adapts constantly in a digital world, this program features up-to-date information relevant to the challenges organizations face with accounting today. With a mix of foundation, accounting, business and management, and communication courses, this program teaches students to:

• Assess and interpret financial and related non-financial information for businesses
• Practice auditing techniques for everyday operations
• Utilize accounting technology for analyzing data and sharing results
• Collaborate with diverse groups of people
• Understand industry regulations and laws, as well as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Develop ethics of practice and display character-driven leadership

Students can learn more about the specific courses required for this program and the expected outcomes in the course catalog .

Why Consider a Career in Accounting?

If you’ve been thinking about completing your accounting degree, now is the time to achieve this goal. Career prospects for accountants are expected to remain steady in the coming years, with increased globalization and a complicated tax and regulatory environment pushing demand for these professionals.

Those with a bachelor’s degree in accounting may also earn an above-average salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors  was $78,000 as of May 2022. Compare this with the $46,310 average annual salary for all other occupations.

Another reason people pursue accounting degrees is flexibility in determining a career path. Accounting skills are required in virtually every industry. In addition to becoming accountants, those who complete an online bachelor’s degree may become auditors, financial analysts, financial examiners, or choose from similar roles. With additional experience and more education, they may also pursue management roles.

What Makes Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Different?

What sets Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota apart is its commitment to the Catholic Lasallian principles of education. A Lasallian education  is student-centric and committed to the advancement of knowledge. It appreciates arts and culture and emphasizes compassionate treatment of others in all dealings. Our mission  at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is to be a leader in Lasallian Catholic education, where students learn to be ethical leaders committed to service.

Pursue an Accounting Degree Online With Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

The accelerated B.S. in Accounting  degree completion program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota makes it possible for busy adult learners to earn their degrees. With six start times throughout the year, students can enroll right away. Request information  to learn more about the accounting degree and other online programs , or apply for admission  today.

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