Shape the Future of Accounting with Academic Research at UT Dallas
Pursuing a PhD in Accounting at the University of Texas at Dallas offers a unique opportunity to solve
real-world problems, influence major decisions, and explore the intersection of technology and finance. Our
program prepares you for diverse career paths, from academic positions at prestigious universities to roles in
the private and public sectors.
Located in the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a major business hub home to numerous Fortune 500 companies
and a Federal Reserve Bank, UT Dallas provides unparalleled networking and collaboration opportunities. The region
also boasts a rich cultural scene, high quality of life, and excellent travel connectivity, making it an ideal
location for both professional and personal growth.
UT Dallas stands out for its exceptional research environment, consistently ranking among the world’s top
business schools in research productivity. Our program offers tailored research support, flexibility to pursue
innovative topics, and generous financial support, including a tuition waiver and substantial stipend. Graduates
of our program have secured exciting career outcomes with competitive salaries at prestigious institutions.
We welcome applicants who are curious and critical thinkers, strong in quantitative skills, self-motivated, and
effective communicators. While a background in accounting or economics is beneficial, it’s not a requirement for
admission. Our program is designed to nurture passionate researchers who are ready to make significant
contributions to the field of accounting and shape the future of financial practices and policies.
Admission Procedures
The PhD Program in Accounting concentration welcomes applicants with diverse educational and institutional
backgrounds. Our admission process evaluates candidates based on:
Academic performance (GPA)
Standardized test scores (GMAT* or GRE)
Letters of recommendation (minimum three, with at least two from academic references)
Relevant professional experience (if applicable)
Personal statement outlining objectives and research interests
We seek candidates whose goals align with our faculty’s research expertise and who demonstrate the potential to excel in our rigorous academic environment.
*GMAT preferred
The Jindal School of Management starts making first round PhD admission decisions on December 9; it is best to complete the entire application process no later than December 8. While applications will be accepted after that date, applying after December 8 may significantly lower your chance of acceptance.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete at least 75 semester credit hours of approved graduate work before a degree may be
conferred. Credit may be granted for courses taken elsewhere.
The Management Science PhD core curriculum consists of a minimum of 9 courses.
Please visit the Management Science Degree Plan page for core and secondary core
course requirements.
Students are required to take at least six doctoral-level seminars in accounting.
Doctoral students gain valuable insights by exploring various functional areas of management. To support this interdisciplinary approach, students are required to complete at least three courses (at the master’s or doctoral level) in disciplines outside of accounting.
Students are expected to write a research paper under the supervision of, or in collaboration with, Jindal School of Management faculty during each of their first two summers at UT Dallas. The first-year paper focuses on honing students’ technical research skills, while the second-year paper emphasizes developing original ideas and engaging more in the conceptual aspects of research. These papers must be the student’s own work and will be reviewed by the accounting area faculty.
At the end of the first year, all PhD students must take a preliminary exam covering the economics and statistics courses completed during their first year. Progress in the first year is evaluated based on the student’s GPA, performance in the preliminary exam, and satisfactory completion of the first-year summer paper.
At the end of the second year, students are required to take a qualifying exam that covers the topics from the doctoral seminars taken during the first two years. Progress in the second year is evaluated based on GPA, performance in the qualifying exam, and an assessment of the student’s research progress by a reading committee composed of area faculty.
PhD students must successfully pass the preliminary and qualifying examinations to advance to PhD candidacy. The area faculty will assess whether a student has met the exam requirements based on various criteria, including exam performance, quality of research papers, special course results (e.g., seminar courses), and maintaining a satisfactory GPA as determined by the area faculty. Unsatisfactory performance in any of these criteria may result in dismissal from the program.
The dissertation is written under the direction of the dissertation committee. 12 to 24 semester credit
hours may be granted for the dissertation toward the minimum 75-hour requirement for the degree.
At a time mutually agreeable to the candidate and the dissertation committee, the candidate must orally
defend the dissertation to the committee.
The Dissertation Proposal must be successfully defended at least one semester prior to the term of
graduation.
The requirements for the proposal defense should be discussed with the dissertation committee prior to
scheduling the defense. Dissertation Proposal Defenses will be open to all faculty and PhD students of
the Jindal School of Management.
The candidate must orally defend a dissertation proposal before starting the dissertation.
Ready to start your PhD application?
Before you apply, get familiar with the admission requirements and application process for Jindal School PhD programs at UT Dallas.
