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Number-crunch your way to the top with one of the best Doctorate in Accounting degrees.
Do you have a bachelor’s degree in accounting but feel like there’s more to the field than tax audits and payroll? Are you an educator at heart with a love for numbers? Did you secretly love your accounting theory classes in your MBA degree?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might want to consider getting a PhD in Accounting. You’ve found the perfect place to start your journey toward the highest possible degree in the field of accounting.
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What kind of doctorate in accounting should you get?
Like any PhD program, the doctorate is reserved for the few brave souls who have a passion (some would call it an obsession) with research and writing. So don’t be fooled! You’ll still be working with numbers, but accounting theory and research dominate the curriculums for most of these programs.
Most of the schools on our list follow a similar layout for their PhD programs in Accounting. Over the span of 4 to 6 years, you’ll complete:
- 1-2 years of coursework
- 1-2 semesters of teaching fellowships
- 1-2 major research papers
- Dissertation
If you’re looking for a more flexible program that fits your specific needs, we’ve also identified the Best Online Doctorate’s in Accounting Degrees.
How much money do people make with a doctorate in accounting?
Once you’ve successfully defended your dissertation, your career options look optimistic. Most graduates go on to become college professors of accounting. If that’s your goal, you can look forward to making around $97,000 or more per year, according to Payscale.com.
The beauty of accounting as a field is that it’s always in demand. No matter the economy, no matter the state of politics, we’ll always need you brainiacs to figure out better systems of transactions, or solve loopholes in tax laws, or improve the quality of financial reporting.
For those very reasons, the demand for accountants is on the rise and expected to increase by 10% between now and 2026. The need for business educators is also growing at an amazing rate of 15% by 2022. All the hard work and late-night studying will be worth it! We promise!
Learn more about accounting degree salaries.
What are the requirements for a doctorate in accounting?
The application process for most of these programs is actually quite simple! Other than an official GMAT or GRE score and your undergraduate transcripts, most schools don’t find it absolutely necessary that you have an MBA or even years of experience at an accounting firm.
When it comes down to it, the most important requirement is solid research and writing skills. Well, that and a passion for expanding the field of accounting. As long as you know (and appreciate!) the difference between the practice of accounting and accounting research, you’ll do just fine in any of these programs.
Learn more about the requirements for a career in accounting.
What are the best Doctorate in Accounting programs?
If you’re ready to take the plunge, this list of the 10 Best Doctorate’s in Accounting degrees will get you well on your way.
Our team of data analysts formed an exhaustive methodology by gathering each Doctorate in Accounting program in the nation and comparing their reputation, graduation rates, retention rates, affordability, and the early salaries of graduates. Our sources and information come straight from program websites, as well as PayScale, U.S. News & World Report, and The National Center for Education Statistics.
In the end, we came up with 10 amazing programs that offer the finest education and research opportunities in accounting. You really can’t go wrong with any of them!
Explore PhD in Accounting Programs
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Best Doctorate In Accounting Degrees
The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students in the accounting Ph.D. program at The University of Texas at Austin gain competency in accounting through specialized, flexible study. Graduate learners choose from 94 doctoral programs at the public institution. Many of the doctoral programs provide flexible enrollment options.
Candidates in the accounting program complete research projects and pass comprehensive examinations. As a culminating project, learners write and defend a dissertation that contributes to the accounting field. The program encourages doctoral students to present their research at academic conferences. Graduates prepare for academic and research careers throughout the program.
During the program, degree-seekers meet graduation requirements in a flexible format. Doctoral candidates benefit from professional and research support. Students also prepare for careers outside of academia through experiential learning components. Contact the program to learn more about enrollment options and the application process.
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Doctorate In Accounting Degrees
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a specialized, flexible route to a doctorate in its Ph.D. in accountancy program. Doctoral learners earn degrees in 97 subject areas at the public institution. Many of the doctoral programs offer online options in addition to on-campus enrollment.
The accounting program includes doctoral classes, comprehensive exams, and research components. Throughout the program, learners work with faculty advisors to propose, write, and defend a dissertation contributing original research to the accounting field. Many doctoral students conduct independent research, which they present at scholarly conferences. Graduates train for academic and research careers through these opportunities.
During the program, degree-seekers participate in rigorous coursework while benefiting from flexible options. The program encourages candidates to strengthen their research and professional training. The program's experiential learning components prepare students for careers outside of academia. For more information about the application process and start dates, reach out to the program.
Percent Online Enrollment
39%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Doctorate In Accounting Degrees
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ph.D. in accounting program at the University of Pennsylvania provides specialized, advanced training in accounting. At the private university, doctoral learners choose from 81 subject areas. Many of the doctoral programs welcome students to on-campus and online classes.
The accounting program incorporates doctoral classes, comprehensive exams, and research training. Learners demonstrate their expertise in the field by researching and writing a dissertation that includes original research. Many doctoral students participate in faculty-led and independent research to hone their academic skills. These opportunities prepare graduates for academic and research careers.
While academically rigorous, the accounting program also provides flexibility for degree-seekers. Candidates gain professional and research experience independently. Experiential learning opportunities and real-world projects also prepare students for careers outside of academia. For more information about financial aid opportunities and career training, contact the program.
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Doctorate In Accounting Degrees
Stanford University
- Stanford, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students in the Ph.D. in accounting program at Stanford University gain competency in accounting through specialized, flexible study. Doctoral learners choose from 69 subject areas offered by the private institution. Many of the doctoral programs offer both in-person and online enrollment options.
Candidates in the accounting program complete coursework and pass comprehensive exams. Throughout the program, learners meet with faculty advisors to work on an original research project that contributes to the field. Doctoral students conduct independent research, present at conferences, and gain teaching experience. Graduates take on academic and research roles with a doctorate from the university.
During the program, degree-seekers participate in rigorous coursework while benefiting from flexible options. Doctoral candidates benefit from professional and research support. In addition to academic and research career paths, the program's industry-focused training prepares students for careers outside of academia. To learn more about the Ph.D. in accounting program, interested applicants should contact the admissions office.
Percent Online Enrollment
5%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Doctorate In Accounting Degrees
University of Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Campus
Those looking to gain competency in accounting through specialized, flexible study should consider the University of Chicago’s Ph.D. in business administration with an accounting emphasis. The private university offers 65 doctoral programs for graduate learners. Many of the doctoral programs provide online and in-person course options.
Candidates in the accounting program complete research projects and pass comprehensive examinations. As a culminating project, learners conduct original research and defend a dissertation to demonstrate mastery in the field. Many doctoral students conduct independent research, which they present at scholarly conferences. These opportunities prepare graduates for career paths in research and academia.
While academically rigorous, the program also encourages flexibility. Candidates build research and professional connections independently. Career workshops and experiential learning opportunities also prepare students for careers outside of academia. Contact the program to learn more about the length of the doctoral program and enrollment options.
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Doctorate In Accounting Degrees
University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ph.D. in accounting program at the University of Michigan prioritizes flexibility in its advanced curriculum. Graduate learners choose from 112 doctoral programs at the public institution. Many of the doctoral programs provide on-campus and online enrollment options.
The Ph.D. program incorporates doctoral classes, comprehensive exams, and research training. Throughout the program, learners work with faculty advisors to propose, write, and defend a dissertation contributing original research to the field. Many doctoral students participate in faculty-led and independent research to hone their academic skills. These opportunities provide the foundation for academic and research careers.
While academically rigorous, the program also provides flexibility for degree-seekers. Online study allows candidates to pursue additional career, research, and professional opportunities. Experiential learning opportunities and real-world projects also prepare students for careers outside of academia. Contact the program to learn more about the length of the doctoral program and enrollment options.
Percent Online Enrollment
1%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Doctorate In Accounting Degrees
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill builds an advanced understanding of accounting in its Ph.D. program. Learners at the public institution enroll in 69 doctoral programs. Many of the doctoral programs promote flexibility by offering online classes.
The Ph.D. in accounting program incorporates doctoral classes, comprehensive exams, and research training. Throughout the program, learners meet with faculty advisors to work on an original research project that contributes to the field. Doctoral students may present their research at academic conferences and gain teaching experience. Graduates prepare for research and academic roles through these opportunities.
While rigorous, the program provides unparalleled flexibility through its dual modality. Candidates benefit from independent research and professional opportunities. Experiential learning opportunities and real-world projects also prepare students for careers outside of academia. To learn more about the Ph.D. in accounting, interested applicants should contact the admissions office.
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Doctorate In Accounting Degrees
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ph.D. program at University of Southern California builds expertise in accounting. The private college features competitive doctoral programs in 116 subject areas. Many of the doctoral programs welcome students to on-campus and online classes.
Candidates meet coursework, research, and examination requirements to complete their doctorate. Throughout the program, learners work with faculty advisors to craft a dissertation that contributes original research to the field. Students are also given the chance to pursue faculty-led and independent research, present at conferences, and teach. Graduates prepare for academic and research careers throughout the program.
During the program, degree-seekers select courses and research options that fit their schedule. The program encourages candidates to pursue career and professional opportunities. The program's flexibility encourages learners to customize the course of study to prepare for a variety of career paths. For more information about the application process and start dates, reach out to the program.
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#9 Best Doctorate In Accounting Degrees
University of Mississippi
- University, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Those looking to gain competency in accounting through specialized, flexible study should consider the University of Mississippi’s Ph.D. in accountancy. With 40 doctoral programs, the public university stands out for its graduate options. Many of the doctoral programs let students take online and on-campus classes.
Candidates take doctoral classes, conduct research, and pass comprehensive examinations. As a culminating project, learners write and defend a dissertation that contributes to the accounting field. The accountancy program supports doctoral students as they present research at academic conferences. Graduates pursue academic and research careers after completing the program.
During the program, degree-seekers select courses and research options that fit their schedule. Candidates strengthen their research and career training independently. The program's hands-on components train students for careers outside of academia. Contact the program to learn more about the doctoral curriculum and career placements.
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Doctorate In Accounting Degrees
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ph.D. in accounting program at New York University provides specialized, advanced training in accounting. The private university offers competitive doctoral programs in 123 subject areas. Many of the doctoral programs let students take online and on-campus classes.
The accounting degree incorporates doctoral classes, comprehensive examinations, and research projects. Throughout the program, learners work with faculty advisors to propose, write, and defend a dissertation contributing original research to the accounting field. Doctoral students often present their research at academic conferences, which builds their professional network. The comprehensive program prepares graduates for academic and research careers.
While academically rigorous, the accounting program also provides flexibility for degree-seekers. Doctoral candidates benefit from professional and research support. The program's interdisciplinary aspects encourage students to customize their degree and prepare for a variety of career opportunities. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
