The Lundquist College of Business Doctoral Program in Accounting prepares students for careers as accounting faculty at colleges and universities that value scholarly research.
We believe this objective can best be attained by having faculty work closely with students and monitoring students’ progress throughout the program. The accounting program also encourages joint research projects between faculty and students and maintains a learning environment that is supportive of students. The primary focus is to train students to use economic reasoning to produce research of sufficient quality to warrant publication in top academic journals.
Accounting PhD Program Coordinator
Associate Professor Jaewoo Kim
Program Structure
Accounting PhD program requirements include approximately two years of coursework, completion of first- and second-year research papers, a comprehensive exam, and the dissertation.
Coursework
A specific coursework program is prepared for each student. Minimum course requirements include nine courses in accounting and finance (with at least five graduate courses in accounting); five courses in econometrics, statistics, or research methods; and three courses in economics. Accounting PhD seminars include Capital Market Research in Accounting, Empirical Accounting Disclosure Research, Seminar in Tax Research, Accounting Theory, and Research on Contemporary Topics.
First- and Second-Year Papers
Students write and present research papers at the end of their first and second years of the program. These papers follow the format of the top journals and should represent original theoretical frameworks worthy of pursuing for publication consideration in such journals. The second-year summer paper is expected to be more substantive than the first-year summer paper.
Comprehensive Exam
Each student is required to take the qualifying examination after completing two years of coursework. The questions on the qualifying exam are based on topics covered and skills developed in the student's coursework in the program. The qualifying exam is usually conducted over two days during the summer after the second year.
Dissertation
The doctoral dissertation is expected to be an original research study that makes a substantial contribution to the accounting literature. Each student is expected to present the dissertation proposal to their dissertation committee by the end of their fourth year. The dissertation is expected to be defended in the spring of the fifth year.
Other Program Features
The accounting PhD program also includes other processes and resources to enhance student productivity and ultimately foster good placement on the academic job market.
Financial Support
Each matriculated student receives a tuition waiver, generous stipend, and access to our expansive graduate student health plan.
Office and Technology
Students are assigned a dedicated workspace and a computer to use for their coursework and research. Students are collocated to enhance knowledge sharing, collaboration, and student culture.
Research Funds
PhD students have access to funds from the PhD program for presenting or acting as a discussant at conferences. Funds are also available for professional development workshops and other general research expenses.
Robin and Roger Best Awards
These awards are given for doctoral research and teaching excellence. They include financial rewards for conference presentations, teaching awards, and journal submission and publication milestones.