The goal of the Accounting PhD program is to train students to do rigorous research in accounting, a specialized area of financial economics. An institutional understanding of how accounting information is used by capital market participants and/or within firms is useful and best obtained through relevant work experience, but is not required. The program is highly analytical and quantitative. Thus, a strong undergraduate preparation in microeconomics and mathematics is an advantage, as is some prior training at the undergraduate or graduate level in accounting or finance.

Except for the GMAT or GRE general test which is required of all applicants, there are no specific admission requirements. The TOEFL test must be taken by applicants whose native language is not English.

Admission to Candidacy
Before admission to candidacy, the student is required to:

• Write acceptable research papers during the summers following the first and second years.
• Complete the course requirements.
• Pass preliminary examinations in Econometrics/Statistics (this can be satisfied by course grades of B- or better in STAT 510 and 511 or STAT 540 and 541 or STAT 550 and 551 or ECON 705 and 706).
• Pass the major field examination in Accounting.

Financial Aid
Students are provided with financial support that includes tuition and a stipend.