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Accountancy, PhD

Accountancy, PhD

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Accountancy, PhD

Business, Financial, accounting, auditing, economics

Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Business Administration (Accountancy)

The PhD program in business administration with a concentration in accountancy develops students' capability to review, analyze, conduct and publish research.

The curriculum consists of a series of research seminars and theory-building and statistical coursework that supplement and complement students' abilities and desires. In addition, doctoral students participate in ongoing research projects in conjunction with faculty members in the School of Accountancy.

At a glance

Degree requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Plan of Study
This program consists of 12 credit hours of dissertation and 72 credit hours of coursework and research. Students may not apply credit hours earned from a previously awarded doctoral degree from ASU or another institution toward their current ASU doctoral degree. However, at the academic unit's discretion, students may apply up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree toward their doctoral plan of study.

Students work with their study committees to determine an appropriate plan of study. Common areas of functional specialization include financial and managerial accounting, auditing and taxation. Within these functional areas, doctoral studies may emphasize experimental or archival research methods. All accountancy doctoral students are required to take a three-semester sequence of accountancy doctoral coursework. A maximum of 12 approved graduate credit hours may be transferred to satisfy program requirements.

Comprehensive Examinations
Upon completion of all necessary coursework on a student's approved plan of study, the academic unit may initiate the scheduling and administering of a student's comprehensive examinations. The comprehensive examinations consist of a minimum of a written exam; an oral exam may also be required at the discretion of the academic unit.

Candidacy
Doctoral students are notified of achieving candidacy status when they receive a letter from the dean of the Graduate College upon passing the comprehensive examinations and successfully defending the dissertation prospectus.

Dissertation Requirements
Students are required to present a dissertation to satisfy the research requirement for the doctorate. The dissertation is defended in an oral examination commonly known as the dissertation defense.

Students must be enrolled in at least one credit hour that appears on the plan of study or one hour of appropriate graduate-level credit, such as 795 Continuing Registration, during the semester (including a summer session) in which the student defends the dissertation.

For detailed information regarding the university's doctoral degree requirements, students should refer to the Graduate College policy and procedures for a Doctor of Philosophy.

Maximum Time Limit
Doctoral students must complete all program requirements within 10 consecutive years.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the W. P. Carey School of Business.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. GMAT scores
  4. portfolio
  5. letters of recommendation
  6. personal statement
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Applications are initially reviewed by a School of Accountancy doctoral committee using a portfolio approach. In addition to GMAT scores and prior academic performance, letters of recommendation and a personal statement are reviewed to ensure a good match of the applicant's goals and the school. Recommendations for action are then made to the director of doctoral programs in the W. P. Carey School of Business who, in turn, makes recommendations to Graduate Admission Services.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers at leading research universities. Career opportunities include:

  • professor
  • researcher in accounting
  • research professor
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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