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
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. The faculty member directs them in the process of publishing in the field’s leading journals and in their academic job searches.
PH.D. in accounting
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
Year 2
Pre-Fall:
Fall
• Mathematics for Economists
• Ph.D. Seminar: Empirical Asset Pricing
Fall
• Ph.D. Seminar: Empirical Topics in Accounting
• Microeconomic Theory I
• Ph.D. Seminar: Accounting Research II
• Investments, Statistics
Spring
• Ph.D. Seminar: Asset Pricing Theory
• Applied Econometrics
• Financial Accounting Practice I*
• Ph.D. Seminar: Accounting Research III
Spring
• Ph.D. Seminar: Empirical Corporate Finance
• Microeconomic Theory II
Summer
• Econometrics
• Comprehensive Exam
• Ph.D. Seminar: Accounting Research I • Ph.D. Seminar: Corporate Finance Theory • Financial Accounting Practice II* Summer • Programming Skills
Year 3 • Research Proposal
Year 4 • Dissertation Research
Year 5 • Dissertation Defense * If required
Comprehensive Examination 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 Haendler, 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
The program provides rigorous training in the theory and empirical methods that underlie modern financial economics. Students build a strong foundation in quantitative methods, economics, and finance while engaging early with the research process through critical evaluation of the literature, faculty interaction, and the development of original research ideas. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical and empirical approaches to finance and is designed to help students transition from consumers of knowledge to producers of new insights. Through research and teaching assistantships, seminars, and close faculty mentorship, students develop the analytical, research, and pedagogical skills needed for academic careers. Finally, each student completes a doctoral dissertation that makes a substantial and original contribution to the field of finance.
Our students and recent graduates are published in top economic and finance journals, such as the American Economic Review, The Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Review of Finance, and The Review of Financial Studies.
PH.D. in finance
combines theory with applied research and pedagogy.
PH.D. in finance
Program Requirements Doctoral students in finance complete a rigorous program of study designed to build competency in quantitative methods, economics, and finance. The program’s coursework 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. In addition to coursework, students gain hands-on experience as research and teaching assistants, supporting faculty scholarship while developing research, communication, and pedagogical skills. Sample Curriculum & Course Sequence
Year 1
Year 3
Fall
Fall
• Microeconomic Theory I
• Ph.D. Brown Bag Seminar
• Statistics
• Presentation of Research Paper
• Ph.D. Seminar: Advanced Topics in Capital Markets
Spring
• Math for Economists or Macroeconomic Theory I
• Ph.D. Brown Bag Seminar
Spring
• Dissertation Research
• Microeconomic Theory II • Econometric Methods • Ph.D. Seminar: Corporate Finance
Year 2
Year 4 Fall • Ph.D. Brown Bag Seminar • Dissertation Research
Fall
Spring
• Ph.D. Seminar: Asset Pricing
• Ph.D. Brown Bag Seminar
• Ph.D. Seminar: Topics in Corporate Finance
• Dissertation Proposal
• Ph.D. Seminar: Research Topics in Finance Spring
Year 5
• Ph.D. Seminar: Research Topics in Behavioral Finance
Fall
• Ph.D. Seminar: Advanced Topics in Finance
• Ph.D. Brown Bag Seminar
• Research Paper
• Dissertation Research Spring • Ph.D. Brown Bag Seminar • Dissertation Defense
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
The College of William and Mary
Arizona State University
University of Alberta
Baruch College, City University of New York
University of Arizona
Bocconi University (Italy)
University of Georgia
DePaul University
University of Hong Kong
Fordham University
University of Iowa
George Washington University
University of Minnesota
Indiana University
University of New South Wales (Australia)
INSEAD (France)
University of Notre Dame
Lehigh University
University of Pennsylvania
Louisiana State University
University of Texas at Dallas
Michigan State University
University of Virginia
National University of Singapore
Villanova University
Texas A&M University
Virginia Tech
University of Delaware
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. Luke N. Hedden, Ph.D. ’23 Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami
Ph.D. in Organization Studies Designed to prepare students for academic careers, the Ph.D. in Organization 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. in organization studies
Studies is recognized worldwide for its rigorous curriculum, exceptional faculty,
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.
PH.D. in organization studies
Sample Curriculum & Course Sequence
Year 1
Year 2
Fall
Fall
• Organizational Behavior
• Organizational Theory
• Writing and Theorizing in Management Research
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Elective
• Statistics II
• Research in the Community (1 credit)
• Flexible Core
Spring
Spring
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Flexible Core
• Statistics I
• Elective
• Flexible Core
• Proseminar in Management Research
Summer
Summer
• Independent Research: Summer Paper I (non-credit)
• 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
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Boston University
University of Kentucky
Creighton University
University of Liverpool
EDHEC Business School (France)
University of Maryland
Harvard University
University of Massachusetts Amherst
IESE Business School (Spain)
University of Massachusetts Boston
Kookmin University (South Korea)
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Loyola University New Orleans
University of Miami
New York University
University of Michigan
Northeastern University
University of Pennsylvania
Rice University
University of Southern California
Roger Williams University
University of Virginia
United States Coast Guard Academy
University of Western Ontario
University of Amsterdam
Western Michigan University
University of Illinois Chicago
Yonsei University (South Korea)
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Learn more about graduate student life at bc.edu/csomgrad-student-life
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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 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:
Required Tests:
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.
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Applicants are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
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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).
Application Materials: R
Transcripts of all academic work
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Essay focused on research interests and career objectives Two letters of recommendation
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For more information visit bc.edu/csomgrad-admission
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.
admission & financial aid
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Financial Support for Doctoral Students
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August 2026