Accounting

As an academic field, accounting has experienced a substantial infusion of new concepts and quantitative methodologies. These developments have aligned accounting with economics and finance more closely than ever before.

Program Overview

A literate understanding of accounting requires a substantial background in mathematics, probability, statistics, economics, and finance. This background is acquired through formal coursework during the first and second years. The courses serve as pre- and co-requisites for the four-course sequence, Doctoral Seminars in Accounting (PHDBA 229A-D), which is taken during the first two years.

Students gain additional exposure to research through:

• Weekly accounting workshops, in which faculty from all over the United States present their current work
• Working with faculty on joint projects or as research assistants

In addition, the accounting group links students with the real world through the annual financial reporting conference, organized by our Center for Financial Reporting and Management.

Students can also teach. It is common for second-, third- and fourth-year students to serve as teaching assistants and, occasionally, instructors for undergraduate accounting classes.