Online PhD Programs in Accounting: Basic Info for Curious Candidates

What’s a PhD in accounting usually entail?

Getting your PhD in accounting will mark you as one of the leading minds in your field.  You’ll take the critical thinking and analysis skills that you began building as an undergrad and grad student to a new level, and become conversant in the research methods, theories, and practices in accounting today.  You’ll do your own research, and prepare and defend your own dissertation within the field if you enroll in one of the online PhD in accounting programs now available.

Why is getting a PhD in accounting a good choice?

PhD programs are almost infamous for the huge investment their candidates make for relatively little return–doesn’t sound like a great strategy, to an accountant, does it?  The accounting field is a little different, however, because there’s actually a critical shortage of PhD holders in accounting.  What does that mean?  Well, one of the primary careers for PhDs–in any field–is to teach at the college level and continue performing research.  There literally just aren’t enough accounting PhDs for the jobs out there in academia, so online PhD programs in accounting can really pay off for those who are interested in a career in education and research.

What are the usual requirements for applying to PhD programs in accounting?

Most programs will require a master’s degree in accounting, or at least a master’s degree in a related field.  However, some programs will offer a bachelor’s to phd track–basically, you earn your master’s and your PhD concurrently through these programs, which may save you some time, but can be an exhausting process, just as a PhD alone can be.  You’ll also, of course, need career experience, your GRE scores, and previous transcripts from the other schools you’ve attended.