Accounting, PhD
The Accounting PhD program trains students to do rigorous research in accounting, a specialized area of financial economics. The program is highly analytical and quantitative. We look for strong undergraduate preparation in microeconomics and mathematics, while some prior accounting or finance training at the undergraduate or graduate level is an advantage. 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 of applicants.
Close working relationships with faculty members provide an excellent learning experience while at Wharton and can continue throughout the student’s career. Our program provides students with opportunities to interact with faculty and get started on relevant research early in the program. Required research elements include the first-year research assistantship and the first and second year summer research papers.
For more information: https://doctoral.wharton.upenn.edu/programs-of-study/accounting/
View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Required Courses
The course of study for the Ph.D. in Accounting requires the completion of 16 graduate course units.1
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| Complete the following: | 10 | |
| Accounting | ||
| Empirical Design in Accounting Research | ||
| Research in Accounting I | ||
| Research in Accounting II | ||
| Research in Accounting III | ||
| Research in Accounting IV | ||
| Economics | ||
| Microeconomic Theory | ||
| Game Theory and Applications | ||
| Econometrics/Statistics 2 | ||
| Advanced Statistical Inference I | ||
| Advanced Statistical Inference II | ||
| Finance | ||
| Financial Economics | ||
| Additional Coursework | ||
| Select 6 course units of electives: | 6 | |
| Accounting Electives | ||
| Workshop Colloquium I | ||
| Workshop Colloquium II | ||
| Common Finance Electives | ||
| Corporate Finance and Financial Institutions | ||
| Introduction to Empirical Methods in Finance | ||
| Financial Economics Under Imperfect Information | ||
| Empirical Methods in Corporate Finance | ||
| Other Electives | ||
| Empirical Public Policy | ||
| Economics and Law | ||
| Research Methods in Management | ||
| Academic Writing and Research Design in the Arts and Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Optimization | ||
| Total Course Units | 16 | |
- 1
Students must pass all required courses with a grade of B- or better.
- 2
Students may, with prior approval of the Accounting PhD coordinator, satisfy this requirement by taking ECON 7300/706. In extraordinary cases, with approval of the Accounting PhD coordinator, a student may satisfy the Econometrics/Statistics requirement with other course sequences.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Summer | ||
Basic Mathematics for Economists | ||
| Fall | ||
| Research in Accounting I | ||
| Microeconomic Theory | ||
| Financial Economics | ||
| Advanced Statistical Inference I | ||
Econometrics/Statistics Elective | ||
| Spring | ||
| Empirical Design in Accounting Research (when offered) | ||
| Research in Accounting II | ||
| Game Theory and Applications | ||
| Advanced Statistical Inference II | ||
| Research Assistantship | ||
| First Year Summer paper - Proposal Due: June 15th | ||
| First Draft Due: September 15th | ||
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Research in Accounting III | ||
Finance Elective | ||
Econometrics/Statistics Elective | ||
Economics Elective | ||
| Spring | ||
| Empirical Design in Accounting Research (when offered) | ||
| Research in Accounting IV | ||
Two Electives | ||
| Field Exam - May of Second Year | ||
| Theory and Empirical sections required for all students | ||
| Second Year Summer paper - Proposal due June 15th | ||
| First Draft Due: September 15th | ||
| Third Year | ||
| Workshop Colloquium I and Workshop Colloquium II | ||
Directed Reading & Research | ||
Admission to Candidacy | ||
Formulation of Research Topic | ||
| Fourth Year and Beyond | ||
Continued Research | ||
Oral Exam | ||
Dissertation | ||