Doctorate in Accounting Program Guide

By earning a doctorate in accounting, students gain the in-depth knowledge needed to teach accounting and conduct research in the field. Graduates enter a growing field, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% job growth between 2019 and 2029 for financial managers, who earn a median annual salary of $134,180.

Read on to learn more about what doctoral programs in accounting entail, including courses, careers, and salary potential.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

If you work in accounting and want to increase your earning potential and job prospects, pursuing a doctorate in accounting can be a smart move. Accountants with a Ph.D. can qualify for lucrative careers in finance, academia, and corporate management.

Generally, a doctorate in accounting takes 4-7 years to complete. In addition to that time commitment, students may need to make a substantial financial investment in their education. Accounting programs generally cost over $18,000 per year on average.

However, many Ph.D. programs waive the cost of tuition, and students actually receive a stipend while they work as research or teaching assistants for the school’s accounting department. This stipend can make it more realistic to dedicate such a substantial amount of time to earning your degree.

Students who want to pursue an accounting degree at the doctoral level should expect to enroll in a Ph.D. program. These programs are created for students who are interested in conducting academic research related to accounting or who want to teach at the postsecondary level. Most programs culminate with a dissertation, which requires significant original research.

During their studies, learners can expect to take courses in subjects like accounting research, advanced statistics, microeconomic theory, and corporate governance. Students can often tailor their coursework to their future careers through electives and concentrations.

When choosing a doctoral program in accounting, cost is among the most important factors. The best programs offer a stipend in exchange for research or serving as a teaching assistant.

Students must also consider delivery method, program location, available concentrations, and accreditation. In the end, choose the program that best meets your personal and professional needs.

Pursuing a doctorate in accounting with proper accreditation is crucial. In the accounting field, programmatic accreditation can help you identify the best programs. Most accounting programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Although each program maintains unique admission requirements, many doctoral programs in accounting share common prerequisites. Prospective students must hold a bachelor’s degree at minimum, while some schools require a master’s degree. Additionally, many schools require GMAT scores and prior coursework in math and statistics.

Since Ph.D. programs involve a heavy research component, some schools prefer applicants with prior research experience.

Since a doctorate in accounting is a terminal degree, graduates can qualify for the most advanced and lucrative positions in the field. Degree-holders may find work as professors, financial analysts, and researchers. Graduates can also become CFOs, supervising entire financial departments for businesses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), financial managers earn a median annual salary of $134,180 and top executives make a median annual salary of $107,680. See where else your degree can take you below.

Professionals with a doctorate in accounting qualify for the most advanced and lucrative positions in the field. For instance, according to the BLS, professors make a median annual salary of $80,790, while financial managers make $134,180 per year. Keep in mind that salary potential also depends on experience, title, and location.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.