Accounting
PH.D. Program
The University of Tennessee’s Accounting Ph.D. program equips future scholars and leaders with the tools to advance research, teaching, and practice in the field of accounting. With personalized mentorship, rigorous coursework, and opportunities for groundbreaking research, our program fosters innovation and academic excellence. Join a community dedicated to shaping the future of accounting and making a lasting impact on the profession.
Shape the Future of Accounting with a Ph.D.
The Ph.D. in accounting is a full-time, research-oriented program. It starts at the beginning of August with a math bootcamp and continues in the fall semester with a programming course, and statistics courses.
Our faculty members specialize in research on auditing, corporate governance, taxation, financial accounting and disclosure. They publish in all major accounting journals including The Accounting Review, Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, Contemporary Accounting Research, and Review of Accounting Studies.
Accounting PH.D.
Admissions
All students must apply online through the university graduate admissions office. You will not need to send any information to our department. The program typically accepts up to two students per year.
Accounting PH.D.
Requirements
Students without an MBA may be required to take some background courses (accounting, finance, marketing, economics, management), depending on their previous coursework and experiences.
Clearly articulated interests within the field and a demonstrated desire to be placed at top research-oriented universities in the U.S. and globally are key considerations of the application. Strong recommendations and relevant work experience also play a significant role.
- Preferred GMAT
>680 - Preferred Undergraduate and Graduate GPAs
3.7 - Usual Program Duration
4 years
Accounting PH.D.
Financial Aid
Students accepted into the program are granted assistantships with stipends of approximately $42,500 and a full tuition waiver. The tuition waiver does not cover some university fees, which amount to approximately $900 per semester.
Assistantships require students to work 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters as a research assistant. Alternatively, students could be asked to teach a section and work 10 hours per week as a research assistant while in a teaching semester. Students typically teach during one or two semesters while in the program. Consistent with the program’s emphasis on developing the student’s research skills, we strive to have candidates spend most of their time in the program working as a research assistant.
Accounting PH.D.
Key Dates
Applications for international students must be received by October 15.
- Priority Application Deadline
October 31 - Final Application Deadline
May 1st
Accounting PH.D.
Prior Student Placements
- Emory University
- Florida State University
- Georgia State University
- Michigan State University
- Northeastern University
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Arkansas
- University of Massachusetts
- University of Pittsburgh
- Virginia Tech
Accounting PH.D.
Academic Information
Students are required to complete a second-year paper to advance in the program and are given the support needed to begin work on their research agendas early. Collaboration on research papers is a major focus. Students frequently coauthor papers with faculty during their time in the program.
Students must pass a comprehensive examination before beginning work on a dissertation. They may choose to specialize in auditing, corporate governance, tax or financial accounting.
Required Coursework
4 accounting research seminars (minimum)
3 seminars in a collateral area (e.g., finance, economics, statistics)
4 econometrics courses
1 microeconomics course
1 course on accessing data from a variety of databases
1 teaching-preparation course
Research
Tennessee Alumni Research Symposium – The AIM department hosts an annual symposium in the Haslam College of Business to allow accounting alumni to present and receive feedback on current research.
CGC Research Forum and AIM Workshop Series – The college-wide CGC Research Forum meets on a weekly basis in the fall and spring semesters. Its purpose is to allow faculty and Ph.D. students from accounting, finance and law to present early stage research on a variety of topics. The AIM department also hosts several outside presenters each semester as part of the AIM Outside Workshop Speaker Series.
Accounting PH.D.
Alumni Placement
Recent Placements
- 2024
Jack Badger (Middle Tennessee State University)
Kory Maag (Coastal Carolina University) - 2023
Jason Bangert (University of Cincinnati)
Laurie Ereddia (Mississippi State University) - 2022
Danielle Stanley (Coastal Carolina University)
Stefan Slavov (San Diego State University) - 2021
Jason Ashby (University of Louisiana Monroe)
Xi Ai (University of Louisville) - 2020
Fellipe Raymundo (University of Arkansas)
Andrew Doucet (New Mexico State University) - 2018
Steven Hawkins (Central Washington University)
Justin Short (Emory University) - 2016
John (Jack) Castonguay (Hofstra University)
Michelle Harding (Virginia Tech University)
Hannah Smith (San Diego State University)
- 2015
Lauren Reid ( University of Pittsburgh) - 2014
Jonathan Shipman (University of Arkansas)
Quinn Swanquist (Georgia State University)
Scott White (Oklahoma State University)
Robert Whited (University of Massachusetts, Amherst) - 2013
Nelson Carrasco (Universidad Adolfo Ibanez)
Leah Muriel (Oklahoma State University) - 2012
Allison Beck (Florida State University)
Rebekah McCarty (Northeastern University) - 2011
Colin Reid (Northeastern University) - 2010
Ann Davis (Clemson University)
Matthew Hoag (California State University, Sacramento)
Accounting PH.D.
Testimonials
Quinn Swanquist
Professor
University of Alabama
I could not have chosen a better place to get my Ph.D. in accounting than the University of Tennessee. The accounting department provides top-notch resources to help students start successful academic careers.
The faculty is well-respected, highly supportive and committed to Ph.D. student success. The program is flexible and allows for interdisciplinary study across a variety of fields including finance, public policy and economics. I will always cherish my time in Knoxville and the life-long friendships I made there. UT holds a special place in my heart!
Jonathan Shipman
Professor
University of Arkansas
Leaving the comforts of an established career path to go back for a Ph.D. was a big decision for me and my family. It was critical to find a program that would provide me the necessary resources, support and guidance to maximize my chance at a successful transition. I felt confident that the University of Tennessee was that place and my experience during the program definitely confirmed it.
I received high-level academic training and, importantly, I found both the faculty and my fellow students to be actively interested in helping me succeed. By the time I finished the program, it was very clear that I had made the progress necessary to place well and that my time at the Haslam College of Business had provided the necessary foundation for a successful academic career. Even after graduating, my ties to UT continue to have a positive impact on my career. The University of Tennessee was the ideal choice.
Scott Bronson
Professor
University of Kansas
The Haslam College of Business’ Ph.D. program in accounting focuses on exposing students to research as soon as they enter. The combination of my first-semester coursework (including a seminar that provided a survey of accounting research and an independent study), one-on-one faculty meetings, and my hands-on experience as a research assistant enabled me to begin working on co-authored research during my first year at UT.
In addition, my early program of study focused on providing me with the context needed to understand how to apply some of the more theoretical topics covered in the courses that I took later. The program and the faculty do an excellent job providing students with the necessary tools to produce meaningful academic research.
Lauren Reid
Associate Professor
Wake Forest University
I am extremely grateful for my time as a doctoral student at the University of Tennessee. My experience far exceeded my expectations. From day one, I felt supported by the faculty and other students.
Everyone involved wants to see you succeed, which is critical as you complete challenging coursework and learn how to conduct academic research. As a Ph.D. student, I had the opportunity to work with top researchers in my field. Not only did they impart important technical research skills, but they invested in me and my career. My advisors continue to mentor me after graduating, and I am very appreciative of their support, insights and guidance as I grow as an academic. The Haslam College of Business was definitely the perfect place for me to start my career!