Accounting PhD Program Rankings

The field of accounting education has long been regarded as essential for shaping the future of business professionals worldwide. One of the most respected ways to enter the world of academia and contribute to the development of the discipline is through a PhD in accounting. The 27th Annual Professor’s Survey conducted by Public Accounting Report provides a ranking of the top PhD programs in accounting for the year 2008. According to this survey, the University of Chicago holds the top spot, followed by Stanford University in second place, and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in third. The University of Texas at Austin (McCombs), while recognized as one of the best schools for undergraduate accounting education, is also highly regarded for its doctoral program, earning a position within the top four for PhD studies in accounting.

The University of Chicago’s accounting PhD program is ranked number one according to the 2008 survey, and this is no surprise given the institution’s reputation as a leader in business education. Chicago’s PhD program in accounting is known for its rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, and commitment to producing scholars who make significant contributions to the field. The University of Chicago has long been associated with cutting-edge research and theoretical approaches to accounting, and its faculty members are among the most respected scholars in the field. The program prepares students for academic careers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to conduct research that advances both accounting theory and practice. Chicago’s emphasis on analytical thinking, combined with its vast resources and strong connections to the business community, makes it an ideal environment for students seeking to make a meaningful impact in accounting academia.

Stanford University, ranked second in the survey, also offers one of the most prestigious PhD programs in accounting. Known for its strong academic reputation and connection to Silicon Valley, Stanford provides a unique setting for accounting students who want to combine research with practical insights from the business world. The Stanford Graduate School of Business has long been a leader in developing influential theories that shape the accounting profession, particularly in areas such as financial reporting, corporate governance, and the role of accounting in decision-making. Stanford’s PhD program emphasizes interdisciplinary research and is designed to foster collaboration with scholars from various business disciplines. Students in the program benefit from working closely with faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields and from the opportunity to engage with the latest developments in accounting research.

Wharton, ranked third for its PhD program in accounting, is widely recognized for its strength in both academic rigor and its application to real-world business problems. The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is one of the world’s most prestigious business schools, and its accounting department is known for producing groundbreaking research that influences both academic thought and industry practice. Wharton’s PhD program in accounting focuses on developing students’ ability to conduct original research that addresses contemporary challenges in financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and corporate governance. Wharton’s faculty members are often at the forefront of these topics, making it an ideal environment for aspiring scholars interested in producing research with real-world impact. Additionally, Wharton’s global network of alumni and its strong connections to the corporate world provide ample opportunities for students to build professional relationships that can be beneficial in both academic and consulting careers.

The University of Texas at Austin (McCombs) holds the fourth position in the 2008 rankings for its PhD program, making it a top choice for students pursuing an academic career in accounting. UT Austin is not only ranked highly for its doctoral program but also boasts the number one position for its undergraduate accounting program. This dual recognition highlights the university’s strength in accounting education at both the undergraduate and doctoral levels. McCombs’ PhD program in accounting emphasizes research that blends theoretical frameworks with practical applications, preparing students to contribute to both the academic world and the business community. The program offers a robust curriculum that covers a wide range of accounting topics, from financial accounting and managerial accounting to auditing and taxation. With a faculty comprised of some of the most respected scholars in accounting, students at UT Austin benefit from mentorship and guidance that helps them develop into leading scholars in the field. The university also offers access to valuable resources, including a vast network of alumni who hold prominent positions in both academia and the business world.

The University of Michigan is ranked fifth for its PhD program in accounting, and its Ross School of Business has long been known for producing some of the top business leaders and academics in the world. Michigan’s PhD program in accounting is designed for students who wish to explore deep academic questions and contribute to the theoretical and practical aspects of accounting. Michigan is particularly noted for its emphasis on interdisciplinary research, and the program fosters close collaboration between students and faculty from various business disciplines. Michigan’s accounting faculty are leading experts in areas such as auditing, financial reporting, managerial accounting, and the regulation of financial markets. For students seeking an academic career that includes both high-level research and the opportunity to engage with the real-world challenges of the accounting profession, Michigan provides a unique and dynamic environment.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ranks sixth in the 2008 survey and is also a top contender for students interested in a PhD in accounting. Illinois has a strong tradition in accounting education and research, with faculty members who are leaders in areas such as financial reporting, auditing, and the impact of accounting information on decision-making. The university’s program emphasizes the development of rigorous research skills, preparing students to tackle the most pressing questions in accounting. Illinois also provides students with numerous opportunities for collaboration with other business disciplines, including finance, economics, and management. The university’s excellent research resources, including its extensive library and access to databases, further enhance its standing as a top choice for accounting PhD students.

Cornell University, ranked seventh, is another highly respected institution that offers a top-tier PhD program in accounting. Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management is known for its research-driven approach to business education, and its accounting program is no exception. Students at Cornell work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects that address both theoretical issues and practical concerns in the accounting field. The program at Cornell also emphasizes the development of strong quantitative and analytical skills, enabling students to approach accounting problems from a data-driven perspective. For students who are interested in a rigorous, research-focused PhD program in accounting, Cornell offers an environment that is both intellectually stimulating and supportive.

The University of Washington ranks eighth in the 2008 survey, and its Foster School of Business is known for its strength in accounting education and research. The University of Washington’s accounting program emphasizes research that addresses critical issues in financial reporting, auditing, and corporate governance. The program offers students access to a faculty of accomplished researchers and practitioners who provide valuable mentorship throughout their studies. Students at the University of Washington also benefit from the school’s strong connections to the business community, providing ample opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and career placement after graduation.

The University of Iowa, ranked ninth, is home to a well-regarded accounting PhD program that combines academic rigor with a focus on applied research. Iowa’s accounting program is particularly noted for its emphasis on research that examines the economic consequences of accounting practices and policies. The program’s faculty members are recognized for their work on issues such as financial reporting, corporate governance, and the regulation of accounting standards. Students in the program are encouraged to explore questions that bridge the gap between accounting theory and practice, making Iowa an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in academia or research.

Finally, Harvard University ranks tenth in the 2008 survey, offering a PhD program in accounting that is recognized for its academic excellence and global reputation. Harvard’s accounting program emphasizes theoretical research and provides students with the tools necessary to contribute to the ongoing development of accounting knowledge. Harvard’s prestigious faculty members, who are known for their groundbreaking work in the field, mentor students as they develop their own research projects. The university’s extensive network of alumni and connections to the business world further enhance its reputation as one of the top schools for accounting PhD students.

In conclusion, the 27th Annual Professor’s Survey by Public Accounting Report highlights the top PhD programs in accounting for 2008, with the University of Chicago, Stanford University, and Wharton leading the pack. These institutions are distinguished by their rigorous curricula, world-class faculty, and their ability to foster groundbreaking research in the field of accounting. The University of Texas at Austin, ranked fourth, is another highly respected program that offers a strong academic environment for PhD students. As the accounting profession continues to evolve, these institutions remain at the forefront of research, shaping the future of the field and providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in both academia and the business world.

Top 25 PhD Programs in Accounting 2008:
1 University of Chicago
2 Stanford University
3 Wharton
4 University of Texas-Austin
5 University of Michigan
6 Univ of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
7 Cornell University
8 University of Washington
9 University of Iowa
10 Harvard University
11 University of Georgia
12 University of Southern California
13 MIT
14 Pennsylvania State University
15 University of Mississippi
16 Oklahoma State Univ
17 Ohio State Univ
18 Texas A&M Univ
19 Indiana Univ Bloomington
19 Univ of Missouri-Columbia
21 Univ of Wisconsin-Madison
22 Univ of South Carolina
23 Florida State University
23 UNC at Chapel Hill
25 Univ of Rochester
25 Univ of South Florida

Source: Public Accounting Report