Ph.D. in Accountancy
The Doctor of Philosophy in Accountancy (PhD) program in the Patterson School of Accountancy has produced approximately 130 graduates during its 55-year history. The Public Accounting Report most recently ranked the program among the Top 10 in the country. Patterson School faculty routinely publish in top journals such as: The Accounting Review; Journal of Accounting Research; Review of Accounting Studies; Contemporary Accounting Research; Accounting, Organizations and Society; Management Science; Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory; and Accounting Horizons. The University of Mississippi is designated as an R:1 Doctoral University with very high research activity.
The PhD Program is designed as a 5-year program and currently supports students interested in archival, behavioral (both judgment and decision-making and experimental economics), or qualitative research in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, or managerial accounting.
Financial Support
We offer competitive levels of financial support including stipends, tuition waivers, and subsidized graduate health insurance. In addition, we provide generous levels of research and travel funding on a case-by-case basis.
Available Research Resources
Our doctoral students have access to a variety of research-related resources including Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS), the Mississippi Experimental Research Laboratory (MERL), the National Library of the Accounting Profession, and the University of Mississippi Graduate Writing Center as well as tools such as Qualtrics, SAS, and SPSS.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum GMAT score of 600
- Strong undergraduate academic performance
- Relevant professional experience
- CPA licensure
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- For international students: minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 or minimum IELTS score of 6.0 if you did not earn your undergraduate degree in the U.S. (Citizens of countries on the exemption list and students who graduated from institutions in those countries are not required to submit scores.)
Admission Process
Up to six new doctoral students are admitted for each fall semester. Initial review of applications for the upcoming fall begins on December 31. Following the initial application review, selected candidates are invited to visit our campus and meet our faculty and current doctoral students. Applications received after December 31 are considered on a rolling basis until each entering class is full.
To apply:
- Complete the graduate school application, by entering your information; uploading your resume or curriculum vitae, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation; and paying the $50 nonrefundable application fee.
- Have your official undergraduate and graduate transcripts sent to gschool@olemiss.edu.
- Have your official GMAT score to the Patterson School of Accountancy via your GMAC account.
- Have your official TOEFL or IELTS score sent to the University of Mississippi.
Curriculum
PhD course schedules differ depending upon the background and needs of each student.
Minimum course requirements include:
- 25 hours in 600- and 700-level accountancy courses including Seminar in Contemporary Accounting Theory, Research Seminar, Seminar in Auditing and Accounting Information Systems Research, and Seminar in Financial Accounting and Capital Market-Based Research
- 12 hours in a minor field
- 15 hours in research tool courses
PhD Program Director
Kendall Bowlin, Ed Krei Chair of Accountancy and Associate Professor
(662) 915-5406
