Ph.D. Programs in Accounting, Finance, and Organization Studies
Rigorous. Distinguished. Research-focused.
Recognized worldwide for rigorous curricula, exceptional faculty, and remarkable graduates, the Carroll School of Management’s Ph.D. programs offer the opportunity to study in a nurturing community at a top-ranked research university. Our graduates emerge as leaders in their fields with sought-after placements.
Discover our three doctoral programs:
→ Ph.D. in Accounting
→ Ph.D. in Finance
→ Ph.D. in Organization Studies
Having attended BC as an undergrad, I knew it was a special place. The opportunity to work with the incredibly supportive faculty, while being on an amazing campus, was the main reason I chose to return to the Heights for my Ph.D.
Mark Piorkowski, Ph.D. ’22 Assistant Professor of Accounting, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University
Ph.D. in
Accounting
Rigorous and research-focused, the Ph.D. in Accounting prepares graduates to succeed as faculty members at leading management schools and conduct groundbreaking, relevant research.
In addition to a thorough grounding in fundamental economic principles, rigorous statistical skills, and fluency in accounting research, the program provides students with a robust background in econometrics, contracting, and capital markets theory. Dedicated faculty mentors guide and encourage students to be entrepreneurial in their search for novel, compelling research ideas and mentor them in the process of publishing in the field’s leading journals and in their academic job searches.
Program Requirements
Doctoral students in accounting complete a program of study that leads to competencies in quantitative methods, economics, and finance and encourages interdepartmental research. The program’s requirements are typically satisfied within the first two years of study. Prior graduate coursework may be considered toward the fulfillment of some requirements.
Sample Curriculum & Course Sequence
Year 1
Pre-Fall:
• Mathematics for Economists
Fall
• Microeconomic Theory I
• Investments, Statistics
• Ph.D. Seminar: Asset Pricing Theory
• Financial Accounting Practice I*
Spring
• Microeconomic Theory II
• Econometrics
• Ph.D. Seminar: Accounting Research I
• Ph.D. Seminar: Corporate Finance Theory
• Financial Accounting Practice II*
Summer
• Programming Skills
Year 2
Fall
• Ph.D. Seminar: Empirical Asset Pricing
• Ph.D. Seminar: Empirical Topics in Accounting
• Ph.D. Seminar: Accounting Research II Spring
• Applied Econometrics
• Ph.D. Seminar: Accounting Research III
• Ph.D. Seminar: Empirical Corporate Finance
Summer
• Comprehensive Exam
Year 3
• Research Proposal
Year 4
• Dissertation Research
Year 5
• Dissertation Defense
* If required
A comprehensive examination will be administered at the end of the second year. Students are expected to demonstrate substantial knowledge of literature and theory. Satisfactory performance on the exam marks the transition from coursework to full-time thesis research.
Research Paper and Dissertation
Doctoral students begin engaging in the research process as early in the program as possible. A first-year summer paper, which can be a replication or an extension of an existing study, provides early hands-on experience in research design, programming, data management, and statistical analysis.
Ph.D. Placements
The Accounting Department takes an active role in placing students in attractive academic positions. Recent placements have included:
Boise State University
California State University, Fullerton
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Indiana University
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Iowa
At BC, I learned the tools and frameworks I rely on daily to conduct and assess research in my current position. I appreciated the sound technical expertise and the opportunity to brainstorm ideas and work with well-established individuals in the profession.
Charlotte h aen D ler, Ph.D. ’23 Assistant Professor of Finance, Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University
Ph.D. in Finance
The Ph.D. in Finance is internationally known for its rigorous curriculum that combines theory with applied research and pedagogy.
The program begins with two years of systematic, rigorous training in the theory of quantitative methods, economics, and finance. In the third year, students complete a major research project designed to develop their ability to do original research. Through hands-on experience as teaching and research assistants, students gain important pedagogical skills. Finally, each student completes a doctoral dissertation that contributes substantial, original work to the field of finance.
Our students and recent graduates are published in top economic and finance journals, such as the American Economic Review, Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Journal of Financial Intermediation, Journal of Banking and Finance, and The Review of Financial Studies.
Program Requirements
Doctoral students in finance complete a five-year program of study that leads to competency in quantitative methods, economics, and finance. The program’s requirements are typically satisfied by completing 15 courses in the first two years. In some cases, coursework completed before entering the program may be substituted for required courses. However, each student must complete a minimum of 12 courses while in the program.
Sample Curriculum & Course Sequence
Year 1
Fall
• Microeconomic Theory I
• Statistics
• Ph.D. Seminar: Advanced Topics in Capital Markets
• Macroeconomic Theory I or Math for Economists
Spring
• Microeconomic Theory II
• Econometric Methods
• Ph.D. Seminar: Corporate Finance
• Research/Teaching Assistant Work
Year 2
Fall
• Ph.D. Seminar: Empirical Asset Pricing
• Ph.D. Seminar: Research in Corporate Finance II
• Ph.D. Seminar: Research Topics in Finance
• Research/Teaching Assistant Work
Spring
• Ph.D. Seminar: Advanced Topics in Asset Pricing
• Ph.D. Seminar: Research Topics in Behavioral Finance
• Research/Teaching Assistant Work
Year 3
Fall
• Research Paper
• Research Paper Defense
• Research/Teaching Assistant Work
Spring
• Dissertation
• Research/Teaching Assistant Work
Year 4
Fall
• Dissertation
• Research/Teaching Assistant Work
Spring
• Dissertation
• Dissertation Proposal Defense
• Research/Teaching Assistant Work
Year 5
Fall
• Dissertation Research & Writing
• Research/Teaching Assistant Work
Spring
• Dissertation Research & Writing
• Dissertation Defense
• Research/Teaching Assistant Work
PH.D.
Comprehensive Examination
Satisfactory performance on a comprehensive examination marks the student’s transition from coursework to full-time thesis research. The examination is intended to allow the student to demonstrate substantial knowledge of the literature and theory of finance and economics and competence in the area of quantitative methods.
Research Paper and Dissertation
Doctoral students are expected to engage early in research. The program culminates in the doctoral dissertation, a substantial, significant, and original contribution to the field prepared under the guidance of a thesis committee of three or more faculty members. When the research is complete, students present a thesis-defense seminar open to the Boston College community.
Ph.D. Placements
The Seidner Department of Finance takes an active role in placing students in attractive academic positions. Recent placements have included:
American University
Arizona State University
Baruch College (City University of New York)
Bocconi University (Italy)
DePaul University
Fordham University
George Washington University
Indiana University
INSEAD (France)
Lehigh University
Louisiana State University
Michigan State University
National University of Singapore
Texas A&M University
The College of William and Mary
University of Alberta (Canada)
University of Arizona
University of Delaware
University of Georgia
University of Hong Kong
University of Iowa
University of Minnesota
University of New South Wales (Australia)
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas at Dallas
University of Virginia
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
I was attracted to the Organization Studies program at BC because of the renowned faculty. Their eagerness to share their expertise drew me in, and the supportive research community at BC provided me with exactly what I needed to launch my academic career.
l uke n . h
e DD en, Ph.D. ’23 Assistant Professor, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami
Ph.D. in Organization Studies
Designed to prepare students for academic careers, the Ph.D. in Organization Studies is recognized worldwide for its rigorous curriculum, exceptional faculty, and distinguished graduates who are leaders in their fields.
The five-year program emphasizes a strong foundation in organizational behavior, theory, and research methods. Throughout their course of study, students pursue research on their own and in collaboration with faculty. All students are encouraged to deliver papers at national and international professional conferences as well as to submit articles for publication in top-tier research journals.
Our students and recent graduates are published in top management and organization outlets, such as the Academy of Management Annals, Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Administrative Science Quarterly, Human Relations, Journal of Applied Psychology, Organization Science, Organizational Psychology Review, and Strategy Science. They also have contributed articles to numerous other publications and chapters in books.
PH.D.
Program Requirements
All students complete a variety of required theory, methods, and application courses as well as graduate-level electives. Students take a total of 13 full-credit courses in their first two years. Electives may be taken from other departments and universities, subject to approval.
Sample Curriculum & Course Sequence
Year 1 Fall
• Organizational Behavior
• Writing and Theorizing in Management Research
• Elective
• Research in the Community (1 credit) Spring
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Statistics I
• Flexible Core Summer
• Independent Research: Summer Paper I (non-credit)
Year 2 Fall
• Organizational Theory
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Statistics II
• Flexible Core Spring
• Flexible Core
• Elective
• Proseminar in Management Research Summer
• Independent Research: Summer Paper II (non-credit)
Year 3 Fall
• Independent Research Spring
• Independent Research Summer
• Dissertation Research
Years 4 + 5 Fall, Spring, and Summer
• Dissertation Research
• Dissertation Defense
Comprehensive Examination
A comprehensive examination is given at the end of the second year. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate a substantial knowledge of theory and methods involved in the study of organizational behavior and theory.
Dissertation
The program’s culmination is the dissertation, a substantial, significant, and original contribution to the body of knowledge in organization studies prepared under the guidance of a dissertation committee of three faculty members.
Ph.D. Placements
The Management and Organization Department takes an active role in placing students in attractive academic positions. Recent placements have included:
Babson College
Boston University
Creighton University
EDHEC Business School (France)
Harvard University
IESE Business School (Spain)
Kookmin University (South Korea)
Loyola University New Orleans
New York University
Northeastern University
Roger Williams University
United States Coast Guard Academy
University of Amsterdam
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Kentucky
University of Liverpool
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Boston
University of Massachusetts Lowell
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Pennsylvania
University of Southern California
University of Virginia
University of Western Ontario (Canada)
Western Michigan University
Yonsei University (South Korea)
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BC Experience & Boston
Our community of professors, staff, and students supports each other to thrive personally and academically. In Boston—just a short drive or “T” ride from BC’s Chestnut Hill Campus—you’ll find vibrant neighborhoods, dynamic culture, and exclusive access to everything from compelling lectures to free admission at Boston-area libraries and museums.
Back on campus, you’ll have the opportunity to attend NCAA Division I games and participate in annual traditions such as Mile 21 on Marathon Monday. As a BC graduate student, you are also welcome to join campus organizations through the Office of Graduate Student Life, including the Carroll School’s elected student body, the Graduate Management Association.
→ Learn more about graduate student life at bc.edu/csomgrad-student-life
The Boston College Network
Boston College enjoys an exceptionally loyal and active alumni network, which offers its students and graduates numerous opportunities to make connections and accelerate their careers.
212,000 + Boston College Alumni
43,000 + Carroll School Alumni
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bc.edu/csom-phd
Admission & Financial Aid
The Carroll School of Management seeks doctoral students with outstanding potential for leadership and academic excellence. While notable for the diversity of their individual achievements, our students all present a consistent record of taking initiative, leading change, conducting research at its highest levels, and demonstrating a desire to make an impact in the world.
How to Apply:
Prior academic and work experience are significant criteria in the admissions process. General application requirements are the same for each doctoral program. All candidates must be graduates of accredited colleges or universities. For more application information, please visit your intended program’s webpage.
Application Materials:
R Transcripts of all academic work
R Essay focused on research interests and career objectives
R Two letters of recommendation
Required Tests:
R Applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
R Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Financial Support for Doctoral Students
The Carroll School of Management provides financial support for doctoral students in the form of a stipend and tuition remission. Students in good academic standing may receive this support for up to five years. In return, students serve as research or teaching assistants throughout their time in the program.
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