accounting phd program rankings

Best Accounting Programs

Ranked in 2024, part of Best Business Schools

An accounting MBA readies students for the CPA exam and

An accounting MBA readies students for the CPA exam and jobs in business accounting administration. Students gain skills to become accountants, financial managers, auditors and more. These are the top business schools for accounting. Read the methodology »

For full rankings, GMAT scores and employment data, sign up for the U.S. News Business School Compass .

See online MBA rankings.

Clear Filters

Accounting Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 578 results

Wharton School

Philadelphia, PA ·
University of Pennsylvania ·
Graduate School
· Rating 4.61 out of 5 18 reviews

University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 18 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says There are plenty of majors and courses to choose from. Course Match, which is the system we use to select classes allows students to create their schedule based on their preferences and class seats... Read 18 reviews.

Jones Graduate School of Business

Houston, TX ·
Rice University ·
· Rating 4.64 out of 5 11 reviews

Blue checkmark. Rice University, Graduate School, HOUSTON, TX. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I have only just begun my time at Rice. The welcoming experience has been fantastic so far. The student admissions team is so helpful in getting me started. Read 11 reviews.

Kellogg School of Management

Evanston, IL ·
Northwestern University ·
· Rating 4.75 out of 5 20 reviews

Northwestern University, Graduate School, EVANSTON, IL. 20 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says As mentioned in the previous questions, I have not graduated yet. To this point, I feel as though it has been preparing me to lead teams and develop a successful career. Current stressor is the ROI,... Read 20 reviews.

Merrimack College

Graduate School ·
NORTH ANDOVER, MA
· Rating 4.49 out of 5 51

San Francisco State University

SAN FRANCISCO, CA
· Rating 4.27 out of 5 60

Miami University - Farmer School of Business

Miami University ·

Owen Graduate School of Management

Nashville, TN ·
Vanderbilt University ·
· Rating 4.4 out of 5 5 reviews

Vanderbilt University, Graduate School, NASHVILLE, TN. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I attend my first semester in the fall of 2024. My experience so far has been amazing. I cannot wait until I start my experience. Read 5 reviews.

Olin Business School

St. Louis, MO ·
Washington University in St. Louis ·
· Rating 4 out of 5 7 reviews

Washington University in St. Louis, Graduate School, ST. LOUIS, MO. 7 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says The enrolment process was an absolute pleasure. Being able to sit in on classes and interact with faculty and students was a fantastic opportunity. It gave me a real feel for the academic dynamic and... Read 7 reviews.

College of Science - University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN ·
University of Notre Dame ·

University of Notre Dame, Graduate School, NOTRE DAME, IN.

Find college scholarships

Marshall School of Business

Los Angeles, CA ·
University of Southern California ·
· Rating 4.71 out of 5 17 reviews

University of Southern California, Graduate School, LOS ANGELES, CA. 17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars. Featured Review: Current Master's student says Marshall is a fantastic business program. So far, my academic experience has been nothing short of fantastic. I have never enjoyed school before, but almost every class I have learned new,... Read 17 reviews.

Ross School of Business

Ann Arbor, MI ·
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ·
· Rating 5 out of 5 11 reviews

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Graduate School, ANN ARBOR, MI. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I am an MBA candidate in the part-time online program at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. This flexible and enriching experience balances with my professional commitments. The... Read 11 reviews.

Tepper School of Business

Pittsburgh, PA ·
Carnegie Mellon University ·
· Rating 4.81 out of 5 16 reviews

Blue checkmark. Carnegie Mellon University, Graduate School, PITTSBURGH, PA. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Today I finished my last day of a month-long orientation for my MBA at the Tepper school of Business. I have had a great experience so far, all of the staff and alum that I have connected with have... Read 16 reviews.

Wake Forest University School of Business

Winston-salem, NC ·
Wake Forest University ·
· Rating 4.82 out of 5 17 reviews

Blue checkmark. Wake Forest University, Graduate School, WINSTON-SALEM, NC. 17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says My over all experience has been wonderful to start off. The best part of the experience so far has been the admission process. I feel like it was individualized for me from the very beginning. I... Read 17 reviews.

Kenan-Flagler Business School

Chapel Hill, NC ·
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ·
· Rating 4.78 out of 5 9 reviews

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Graduate School, CHAPEL HILL, NC. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says My experience is going great! The admission process was definitely nerve racking but once I got accepted it was a huge relief. The faculty is very supportive of their students and want them to... Read 9 reviews.

D'Amore-McKim School of Business

Boston, MA ·
Northeastern University ·
· Rating 2.5 out of 5 4 reviews

Northeastern University, Graduate School, BOSTON, MA. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 2.5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Recently began my journey in the GSPA MS in Accounting/ MBA program! So far classes have been tailored to students with nonbusiness/ accounting allowing for any interested parties to join. Teachers... Read 4 reviews.

Sponsored Find Student Loan Options
Actuarial Science Graduate Programs
Taxation Graduate Programs

Leonard N. Stern School of Business

New York, NY ·
New York University ·
· Rating 4.82 out of 5 28 reviews

Blue checkmark. New York University, Graduate School, NEW YORK, NY. 28 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says As a part-time MBA candidate at NYU Stern, I'm deeply impressed by the program's blend of academic rigor and practical application. The faculty, industry leaders in their own right, provide... Read 28 reviews.

Carroll School of Management

Chestnut Hill, MA ·
Boston College ·
· Rating 5 out of 5 2 reviews

Boston College, Graduate School, CHESTNUT HILL, MA. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I am currently enrolled in the part time, professional evening MBA program. So far it has brought me to communicate with like minded individuals and the professors truly want to see you succeed so... Read 2 reviews.

McCombs School of Business

Austin, TX ·
University of Texas - Austin ·
· Rating 4.57 out of 5 14 reviews

University of Texas - Austin, Graduate School, AUSTIN, TX. 14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Being in the accounting program at UT Austin has been a remarkable opportunity for me. The best part of being an accounting major at McCombs is the diverse set of classes that students can utilize to... Read 14 reviews.

Mason School of Business - William & Mary

Williamsburg, VA ·
William & Mary ·
· Rating 4.76 out of 5 17 reviews

Blue checkmark. William & Mary, Graduate School, WILLIAMSBURG, VA. 17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Having received acceptance from the College of William & Mary, and connected with the admissions staff, I'm very excited to be obtaining my degree from the same school where I received my Bachelors... Read 17 reviews.

Pamplin College of Business

Blacksburg, VA ·
Virginia Tech ·
· Rating 4.33 out of 5 3 reviews

Virginia Tech, Graduate School, BLACKSBURG, VA. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says The program good if you are the type of person who really likes courses with lots of information on a wide variety of subject areas and are extremely self-motivated. You are going to find that the... Read 3 reviews.

Hough Graduate School of Business

Gainesville, FL ·
University of Florida ·
· Rating 5 out of 5 4 reviews

Blue checkmark. University of Florida, Graduate School, GAINESVILLE, FL. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says The academics at UF are rigorous but prepare you for real life scenarios. The coursework is well rounded for students to be able ready for all aspects of business administration. Read 4 reviews.

Wisconsin School of Business at UW Madison

Madison, WI ·
University of Wisconsin-Madison ·
· Rating 5 out of 5 1 review

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Graduate School, MADISON, WI. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Currently, I have only taken one summer course which was well-organized. It was an introduction course to stats and programming but well designed for students with no prior experience to follow... Read 1 reviews.

Gies College of Business

Champaign, IL ·
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ·
· Rating 4.94 out of 5 18 reviews

Blue checkmark. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Graduate School, CHAMPAIGN, IL. 18 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I am enrolled in the iMBA program through Gies School of Business. I plan on beginning courses in January of 2025. Read 18 reviews.

Terry College of Business

Athens, GA ·
University of Georgia ·
· Rating 5 out of 5 3 reviews

Blue checkmark. University of Georgia, Graduate School, ATHENS, GA. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says All of the professors are fantastic! They truly want us to succeed, and will work with you until you get it. I also appreciate their efforts to get to know each student. Read 3 reviews.

Business School - University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL ·
University of Miami ·
· Rating 4.45 out of 5 11 reviews

University of Miami, Graduate School, CORAL GABLES, FL. 11 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says The University of Miami’s MBA program offers a top-tier educational experience that blends rigorous academics, real-world application, and a global network. Located in Miami, a thriving international... Read 11 reviews.

Simon Business School

Rochester, NY ·
University of Rochester ·
· Rating 4.6 out of 5 5 reviews

Blue checkmark. University of Rochester, Graduate School, ROCHESTER, NY. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Academic at Simon in the business analycitcs program is quite rigorous and we hit the ground running with a July start for the fall semester. Very good program. Benet Career services are outstanding... Read 5 reviews.

Cox School of Business

Dallas, TX ·
Southern Methodist University ·
· Rating 4.47 out of 5 15 reviews

Southern Methodist University, Graduate School, DALLAS, TX. 15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Alum says The SMU Real Estate program offers a rigorous and comprehensive education, providing students with a strong foundation in the field. One of the best aspects of the program is its emphasis on... Read 15 reviews.

Marriott School of Business

Provo, UT ·
Brigham Young University ·
· Rating 4.88 out of 5 8 reviews

Brigham Young University, Graduate School, PROVO, UT. 8 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says The best parts was being able to interact with professors that have real world industry experiences and teach concepts that are applicable to their experiences in the profession. I feel prepared and... Read 8 reviews.

Virginia Commonwealth University

RICHMOND, VA
· Rating 4.4 out of 5 127

Mississippi College

CLINTON, MS
· Rating 4.37 out of 5 38

Williams College of Business

Xavier University ·
CINCINNATI, OH
· Rating 4 out of 5 1

Showing results 1 through 25 of 578

Master of Accounting

Do you excel in business and math classes? Do you enjoy solving complex problems? Are you a whiz at budgeting and organizing? If you answered “yes” to each of these questions, you should consider a rewarding career as an accountant.

Accountants create, interpret, and maintain financial records for individuals, businesses, and other organizations. They have a variety of responsibilities, such as preparing tax returns and suggesting strategies to reduce operating costs. This field requires creativity, a keen eye for detail, and strong mathematical skills.

Some accountants enter the field after completing a Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Accounting or another finance-related degree. However, more advanced accounting positions typically require a graduate degree and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. By pursuing a master's in accounting, you can boost your earning potential and make yourself competitive for specialist career paths.

What Is a Master of Science in Accounting?

A Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting teaches students advanced accounting theories and business skills. Programs typically combine coursework with networking opportunities and research projects. Some grad schools also require an internship.

This format enables students to develop accounting competencies and gain specific knowledge in their preferred areas of interest. For example, programs may allow you to specialize in areas like Auditing, Forensic Accounting, and International Accounting.

An M.S. in Accounting is usually more challenging than a bachelor’s degree program. Expect to take courses in advanced topics like data mining, governmental accounting, and managerial economics.

Typically, an M.S. in Accounting takes two years to complete. However, some colleges offer a combined B.S. and M.S. in Accounting program. This initiative allows you to complete both degrees in five years, accelerating your career progression.

Once you complete a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting, you will have the required knowledge and 120 semester hours to sit for the CPA exam. This prestigious license is a necessity for many senior-level accounting positions.

What Careers Can You Pursue With a Master of Accounting?

After completing an M.S. in Accounting, you can pursue many exciting careers in the financial industry, such as:

Corporate Accountant
Corporate Controller
Financial Analyst
Forensic Accountant
Fraud Examiner
Public Accountant

Selecting a Masters of Accounting Program

Once you’ve decided to pursue an M.S. in Accounting, you will need to locate appropriate graduate programs. Fortunately, hundreds of colleges and universities offer master’s of accounting degrees, making it easy to find grad programs that align with your individual needs.

When researching grad schools, consider the following questions to help you find the best fit:

Are classes held online or in person?
Does the program allow you to specialize?
Does the program provide internship and networking opportunities?
Does the school offer financial aid ?
How much does the program’s tuition cost?
What application materials does the program require?
What is the program’s ranking?
What percentage of graduates obtain jobs within three months of finishing the program?
Where do graduates get jobs? What is the average starting salary?

At Niche, we can help you explore the best grad schools for accounting .

By pursuing an M.S. in Accounting in a suitable grad program, you will set yourself up for long-term career success. Accounting is an in-demand field that can lead to many fulfilling career paths, so a master’s degree is a great investment in your future.

Find Schools
Twitter Facebook Pinterest
Find Programs
Highest Paid
Popular Online
Non-Traditional

2025 Best Accounting Doctor's Degree Schools

There was only one school in the United States to review for the 2025 Best Accounting Doctor's Degree Schools ranking. If you would like to see more options to choose from, check out the Best Doctor's Degree Schools in the United States ranking. .

Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology

Best Doctor’s Degree Schools List

One Size Does Not Fit All

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings , including this Best Accounting Doctor's Degree Schools list to help you make the college decision.

Best Schools for Doctorate Students to Study Accounting in the United States

Learn about the top ranked colleges and universities for accounting students seeking a a doctor's degree.

Top Schools for a Doctorate in Accounting

University of Scranton is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a doctor's degree in accounting. University of Scranton is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Scranton. More information about a doctorate in accounting from University of Scranton

Accounting by Region

View the Best Accounting Doctor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in accounting, best master's degrees in accounting, best value in accounting, best for non-traditional students in accounting, best online in accounting, most popular online in accounting, best bachelor's degrees in accounting, best overall in accounting, highest paid grads in accounting, best for veterans in accounting, most popular in accounting, most focused in accounting.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to Accounting

Accounting is one of 21 different types of Business, Management & Marketing programs to choose from.

Accounting Concentrations

Most popular related majors, notes and references.

The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).
Credit for the banner image above goes to Pixabay . More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

Why Trust BestColleges

3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed

6,000+ Users connected with programs every month

300+ College and university partners

40+ Expert reviewers

Learn more about our Integrity Network

At BestColleges.com , we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.

The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.

If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at [email protected]. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

10 Online Business Certificates to Advance Your Career

How to Make the Most of Online Career Centers

5 tips for rushing a business fraternity, best online doctorate in accounting programs.

A doctorate in accounting is the terminal degree in the field. The training moves beyond financial record management and challenges students to use accounting principles to gain economic intuition and greater organizational insight. Graduates with these advanced degrees can start or advance careers in accounting, management, and academia.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 16% growth in financial management occupations between 2022-2032. The BLS also projects 8% growth for postsecondary teachers over that same period. The median annual salary for these teachers was $84,380 in May 2023.

While the degree leads to promising careers, it can be quite daunting academically and financially. To help prospective students with their graduate school choice , we examine what a doctorate in accounting looks like and what it has to offer. We also explore the best online accounting degrees at this level from the top online schools .

Popular Online Doctorate in Accounting Programs

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

Online Doctorate in Accounting Programs

George fox university.

Newberg, OR 4 year Campus + Online

What Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Accounting Program?

An online doctorate in accounting is unique to each student. Programs typically include coursework, extensive research, and a dissertation requirement. Schools may suggest certain courses for students to take in the early parts of the program, but they generally allow learners to choose the courses they feel will best support their research.

Depending on the program, a doctorate in accounting may feature 60-120 credits and take 4-7 years to complete. Their dissertation research may take them in many directions, including courses in mathematics, economics, and management science. Doctoral students usually need to complete teaching requirements while in school as well.

Prospective students preparing for graduate school should consider their ideal degree type and structure. While the Ph.D. in accounting is the most straightforward path, students can also access accounting specializations within a research-based business Ph.D. or a more generalized doctor of business administration ( DBA ).

While traditional concentrations are not as common in these programs, doctoral degree-seekers can usually develop their specializations through their research. They may pursue the fields of finance, management, or one of the many accounting branches. Interdisciplinary approaches might also be available in behavioral and social sciences and information systems.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.

What courses will i take in an online doctorate in accounting program, microeconomic analysis.

This course explores advanced topics in analyzing microeconomics and consumer behaviors. Students look at the relationship between consumer preference, choice, and demand. They may also examine game theory and theories of social choice.

Financial Accounting

In this course, students tackle the most advanced concepts in financial accounting. Some of the topics may include handling the reporting for mergers, nonprofit organizations, corporate investments, and foreign operations.

Econometrics

Students in this course learn to use data to test out financial and economic theories. Study topics may include advanced data analysis, financial and behavior forecasting, and regression analysis.

Financial Statement Analysis

This course provides students with an understanding of advanced financial statement analysis methods and tools. They explore the changing standards for financial statements while learning to analyze statements for corporations and investment purposes.

Empirical Design in Accounting Research

In this course, students learn various methods for designing and testing research questions. They also pick up skills and tools for modern empirical analysis of their research and design.

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree

What are the admission requirements for an online doctorate in accounting program.

The admission requirements for an online doctorate in accounting vary by school and program. They typically require candidates to have a master’s degree for entry. Doctoral programs may also require a minimum 3.0 GPA and professional experience.

Online programs do not usually feature different admission requirements compared to on-campus programs. Candidates do, however, need the right technology to access and complete their training.

Application

Prospective doctoral students need to apply to their desired schools and programs directly, rather than using college application systems , which are better suited for undergraduate applicants. Most schools have their own online systems that make it easier for candidates to submit their documents and track their deadlines.

Test Scores

At the doctoral level, prospective students may need to submit results from the GRE or GMAT . These college entrance exams help schools distinguish between otherwise similar applicants. Even when schools offer test waivers, candidates can usually submit test results for consideration.

Letters of Recommendation

Many college applications require prospective students to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation . These letters usually come from the student’s current or former teachers and employers. The references address how prepared they believe the candidate is for the program based on their personal experience.

Resume and Work Experience

College applications commonly include a resume requirement. In most cases, college application resumes simply give the school more information about the prospective student and their skills. Doctoral degree programs may put more emphasis on this component than other degree levels and may require a specific amount of relevant work experience for program admission.

The function and purpose of a grad school essay can vary by school and program. They may highlight writing skills, provide information about the applicant’s history, or answer a specific subject-related prompt. Essays usually address the prospective student’s research interests and goals at the graduate level.

Official Transcripts

College applicants need to include official transcripts in their applications to provide schools with information about their previous training. Transcripts include grade details and information needed for prerequisite courses and transfer credits. Some schools may provide credit for life and work experience , which may require additional information.

What Can I Do With Online Doctorate in Accounting Degree?

Career outlook.

While doctorate-holders typically pursue careers in academia, they have many more professional options. With the most advanced training available in the accounting field, graduates with a doctorate in accounting have access to many accounting and management careers.

The BLS projects the addition of more than 118,800 postsecondary teacher roles between 2022-2032, including more than 6,900 business teachers. They also project the addition of over 69,600 financial managers and nearly 126,500 accounting professionals during that time.

Professionals in these fields earn relatively high wages. As per the BLS, postsecondary business teachers made median annual wages of $84,380 in May 2023, financial managers made $156,100, and accounting professionals made $79,880.

Check out what a doctorate in accounting can do for you. Learn more about accounting careers.

Career Paths

Postsecondary teacher.

Postsecondary teachers educate college and university students in their specific discipline. They create curriculums, assess student progress, conduct their own research, and publish academic work. Postsecondary teachers may also run large research projects and attend conferences in their fields.

Median Annual Salary: $84,380

Financial Manager

Financial managers oversee the financial activities, reports, and investments for organizations. They may handle the staffing, budgeting, and financial responsibilities for the organization or focus on a specific area of finance, such as insurance or credit. These professionals help make decisions based on the organization’s financial needs and goals.

Median Annual Salary: $156,100

Accountants handle the financial records for organizations, including financial statements and taxes. Accountants provide organizations with financial insight into their operations, risks, opportunities, and best practices. These professionals may perform accounting for government, individual, or organizational management purposes.

Median Annual Salary: $79,880

Top Executive

In general, top executives establish policies and best practices for organizations and their departments. Financial executives handle the financial aspects of the business, laying out budgets, financial goals, and investment guidelines. These professionals typically communicate their department’s activities with other managers and stakeholders.

Median Annual Salary: $103,840

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts review an organization’s financial activities and make suggestions and improvements to help them operate more efficiently. They may assess the investment activities, budgets, and operations to find inefficiencies and look for new processes to introduce. They may specialize in investment programs, risk assessment, debt, or portfolio management.

Median Annual Salary: $99,890

Accounting Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing education.

After completing a doctorate in accounting, graduates do not always pursue continuing education. However, they do have options, such as postgraduate certificates in specialized accounting fields, which could help them expand their expertise.

Graduates working as professional accountants may also pursue the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. To qualify for this, candidates need to complete the examinations and experience requirements set out by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants .

How Do I Choose an Online Doctorate in Accounting Program?

When comparing program costs , prospective students can start by looking at the differences between online and on-campus, in-state and out-of-state, and public and private school programs. To get the most accurate information, they might consider evaluating the true program cost , which factors in how their studies impact their earning potential.

Program Format

Program format should be one of the biggest considerations for prospective students. It can determine how much they study, when, and how. For example, candidates might want to look at the benefits and drawbacks of asynchronous and synchronous learning and full-time and part-time studies .

Location can play a role in online and on-campus programs . On-campus students need to choose a school location that works with their living and travel arrangements, but online learners should also consider program location. For example, online programs may feature residency requirements or local internship demands.

Accreditation

Accreditation plays a role in a student’s access to financial aid, employment, transfer credits, and employment. Institutional accreditation is most important and mandatory. Programmatic accreditation is more flexible and optional, but reputable accounting programs may hold accreditation from business organizations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business .

Student Support

The level of student support provided by a school can improve the educational experience for degree-seekers. Doctoral student services might include academic and research support, financial resources, and mental health services. Schools may also offer mentorship programs and childcare services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Accounting Programs

Is a doctorate in accounting worth it.

Yes. A doctorate in accounting is worth it for many types of students. A doctorate is the only path to that career for those who wish to become postsecondary accounting teachers. An accounting doctorate also improves a professional’s chances of landing the most desirable and in-demand accounting roles.

An online doctorate in accounting also provides the added value of an online degree . Online learning offers more flexible study schedules, which help working professionals continue their training without sacrificing their employment.

What can I do with a doctorate in accounting?

With a doctorate in accounting, graduates can access teaching roles in university and college business and accounting classrooms. These professionals can also advance their own research and scholarship, making a mark on finance and accounting theory, policy, and practice in various ways.

Doctorate-holders have access to most accounting positions and many finance roles as well. They can pursue management, consulting, and analyst careers in various organizations and industries, using their expertise to help organizations make more informed financial decisions.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in accounting online?

The length of a doctorate can vary quite considerably depending on the school, program, and student. Most doctoral programs take students 4-7 years to complete, but some learners may take even longer if they study part-time, take a hiatus, or face challenges with their dissertation.

Online doctorates in accounting may be more flexible, which can allow students to complete their training more quickly. This could allow them to graduate in less than four years, though this is rather rare.

How much money can I make with a doctorate in accounting?

The amount of money you can make with a doctorate in accounting depends on your industry, position, and location. Postsecondary teachers made median annual wages of $79,640 in May 2023, as per the BLS . Business teachers made median annual wages of $84,380.

In the accounting field, the median annual wage in May 2023 was $79,880, according to the BLS . However, the top 10% of earners in the field made a median annual wage of over $137,280. Graduates with doctorates in accounting have a better chance of accessing these higher-paying positions than those with bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

What are the highest paying jobs with a doctorate in accounting?

The highest-paying job for professionals with a doctorate in accounting is financial management. According to the BLS , these professionals earned median annual wages of $156,100 in May 2023, more than $100,000 higher than the median annual wage for all occupations. The top 10% of the managers made more than $239,200.

Explore More College Resources

10 Online Business Certificates to Advance Your Career

Earning business certificates can advance your career. Learn more about 10 popular online business certificates and how they can help you meet your goals.

by Whitney Sandoval

Updated May 24, 2024

How to Make the Most of Online Career Centers

As college career centers go virtual due to COVID-19, students still need help finding jobs online, confirming internships, and improving professional profiles.