Accounting
No matter what your background is (e.g., business, engineering, philosophy, sciences), if you are intellectually curious, have an analytical mind, and enjoy challenges, you should consider the Ph.D. program in Accounting at the University of Kansas. The program prepares you to be new scholar ready to enter the professoriate. You will have the opportunity to work with internationally known faculty members, on a variety of research projects. Faculty research interests include utilizing advanced technology to improve decision-making processes, economics of the auditing profession, effects of new financial reporting standards, causes and consequences of financial reporting failures, and many other topics.
The doctoral program in Accounting at the University of Kansas includes a combination of formal coursework, informal interaction with faculty and other students, and hands-on experience in both teaching and research. Currently, the University of Kansas program trains students in two areas of accounting: Auditing and Financial Accounting. Students receive financial support including tuition waivers and a portion of subsidized student health insurance. Students have access to a wide variety of databases typically available only at premier doctoral granting institutions. The small size of the program allows you to have close interaction with the faculty.
We look for three characteristics in our applicants: i) a good student as demonstrated by prior degrees, GPA, and GMAT scores; ii) some professional experience; iii) some academic experience in teaching and/or research. Not all of our current students have all three characteristics, because we are looking for people we believe are most likely to succeed, rather than following a fixed formula. While successful candidates for admission are expected to have a background in accounting, applicants without such background will be considered provided they agree to undertake additional coursework in accounting as part of their doctoral program.
Program Requirements and Information:
Required Coursework
Area of Concentration
Most students admitted in accounting typically will select that area as their concentration. However, an aspirant, with the assistance of his or her faculty advisor and the area faculty, may propose an interdisciplinary area of concentration. The aspirant must take at least five advanced courses in the area of concentration. These courses may include those offered outside the School of Business.
Supporting AreasCoursework in the area of concentration is supplemented and strengthened by study in one or two supporting areas. A supporting area is one that supplements and complements the area of concentration. The aspirant will satisfy the supporting area requirement by taking at least four advanced courses in the supporting areas (at least two courses in each of two supporting areas, or at least four courses in one supporting area). Courses recommended for preparation for the qualifiers may not be included in satisfying the supporting area requirement.
Research MethodologyFor successful qualifier assessment, the student's program of study should include adequate preparation in research methodology.
Proposed Timeline Years 1-2: Coursework
Year 3: Comprehensive Exams
Year 4: Dissertation Proposal
Year 5: Dissertation Defense
Some students can complete the program in four years.
PlacementsOver the past several years, our PhD graduates have been placed at schools such as the University of Pittsburgh, University of Waterloo, Iowa State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Rutgers University. For a complete listing, see the
Accounting Alumni page.
