Program Overview

---

Ph.D. in Accounting Program

The Ph.D. in Accounting program at Boston College's Carroll School of Management is designed to develop expertise in accounting principles, quantitative methods, economics, and finance. The program aims to produce successful teachers and scholars who can collaborate with peers and faculty mentors, present their work at conferences, and submit articles for publication in top research journals.

Coursework

Ph.D. students in Accounting complete a program of study that begins with coursework in accounting, quantitative methods, economics, and finance. Through seminar courses, students become fluent in the existing state of research literature, appropriate research methods, and proper management of the publication process. Course requirements are typically satisfied in the first two years of the program.

Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive examination is administered at the conclusion of the second year in the program. Satisfactory performance on the exam marks the transition from coursework to full-time thesis research.

Research

Doctoral students begin engaging in the research process as early as possible. A first-year summer paper provides early hands-on experience in research design, programming, data management, and statistical analysis. Students must then complete a second-year paper based on an original research idea and present this research in early December of their third year to qualify as a Ph.D. candidate.

Research and Teaching Assistant Requirement

Doctoral students are expected to serve as research assistants, teaching assistants, and/or instructors throughout their studies. In exchange, the Carroll School provides financial support for doctoral students in the form of a stipend and tuition remission.

First Year

The first year of the program includes the following courses:

• PRE-FALL: Mathematics for Economists
• FALL:
  • Microeconomic Theory I
  • Investments
  • Statistics
  • PhD Seminar in Asset Pricing Theory
  • Financial Accounting Practice I (if required)
• SPRING:
  • Microeconomic Theory II
  • Econometrics
  • PhD Seminar in Accounting Research Part I
  • PhD Seminar in Corporate Finance Theory
  • Financial Accounting Practice II (if required)
• SUMMER: Programming Skills

Second Year

The second year of the program includes the following courses:

• FALL:
  • PhD Seminar in Empirical Asset Pricing
  • PhD Seminar on Empirical Topics in Accounting
  • PhD Seminar in Accounting Research Part II
• SPRING:
  • Applied Econometrics
  • PhD Seminar in Accounting Research Part III
  • PhD Seminar in Empirical Corporate Finance
• SUMMER: Comprehensive Exam

Class Size and Profile

The class size for the Ph.D. in Accounting program is typically small, with an overall selectivity of 5.1%. The class profile includes:

• Average GMAT Score: 713
• Average GRE Score: 326
• Average Full-Time Work Experience: 1.8 years
• Students Holding Master's Degree: 90%
• Average Age: 29
• Age Range: 25-37
• Women: 80%
• International Students: 100%

Faculty

The Accounting faculty at the Carroll School of Management take an active role in placing students in attractive academic positions. They become mentors and colleagues, providing invaluable resources for the duration of the student's career.

Admission FAQ

The Ph.D. in Accounting program has a selective admission process. International students do not need to submit visa-related materials at the time of application. The application deadline is typically in January, and the application fee is $100 USD. Interviews are available by invitation of the Admissions Committee only.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Ph.D. in Accounting program, applicants must submit:

• A current curriculum vitae
• A separate Employment History form
• Recommendations from two individuals
• Transcripts from every institution where the applicant was enrolled in a degree-granting program
• GMAT or GRE scores from within the past five years
• English language proficiency exam scores (if applicable)
• A required essay discussing research interests and career objectives
• An optional essay addressing aspects of the applicant's candidacy not covered in other parts of the application

Financial Support

The Carroll School of Management provides financial support for doctoral students in the form of a stipend and tuition remission. The financial support for incoming students in Fall 2024 is $43,000 per year, with full tuition remission. Students may receive this support for a maximum of five years, in exchange for serving as research and/or teaching assistants throughout the duration of their Ph.D. programs.