The objective of the Accounting track in the Business Administration PhD program is to prepare students for academic careers at major research universities. Dixon School faculty guide student learning through a combination of coursework and hands-on research projects with the objective of contributing new insights to the field. Students immerse themselves in classic and cutting-edge research in accounting, theories drawn from psychology, economics and/or sociology as well as the methods used to discover and evaluate new ideas in the field. Success in the program is judged by the student's understanding of the issues and methodologies essential to the advancement of knowledge.
The program requires a full-time commitment on the part of the students supported by stipends, tuition waivers, health insurance options etc. as described in the Graduate Student Handbook and on the College of Graduate Studies website.
The Accounting track of the Business Administration PhD program requires 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. Students must complete 18 credit hours of accounting core courses, 12 credit hours of research methods/tools courses, 27 credit hours of electives, and 15 credit hours of dissertation.
Total Credit Hours Required: 72 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree (54 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree)
Track Prerequisites
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
30 Total Credits No Rules
Accounting Core
18 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 18 credits from the following:
- ACG7157 - Seminar in Archival Research in Accounting (3)
- ACG7399 - Seminar in Behavioral Accounting Research (3)
- ACG7885 - Research Foundations in Accounting (3)
- ACG7887 - Accounting Research Forum (1)
- ACG7390 - Seminar in Managerial Accounting Research (3)
- ACG 6908 Directed Independent Study (minimum 2 credit hours) is also required NOTE: ACG 7887 - Accounting Research Forum is a 1 credit hour workshop that will be repeated over 4 semesters.
Research Methods/Tools
12 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 12 credits from the following:
- PSY6216C - Research Methodology (4)
- PSY6308C - Psychological Testing (4)
- PSY7217C - Advanced Research Methodology I (4)
- PSY7218C - Advanced Research Methodology II (4)
- PSY7219C - Advanced Research Methodology III (4)
- PSY7315 - Psychometric Theory and Practice (3)
- ECO6424 - Econometrics I (3)
- EDF7403 - Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research (3)
- EDF7405 - Quantitative Methods II (3)
- EDF7463 - Analysis of Survey, Record, and Other Qualitative Data (3)
- SYA6315 - Qualitative Research Methods (3)
- SYA6425 - Design and Conduct of Social Surveys (3)
- The research tools requirement is intended to ensure a thorough exposure to research methods. All candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of statistical methods as well as usage of statistical packages, including design, analysis, and interpretation of results. Research tools courses should be approved by the PhD Director. Examples of courses that will satisfy this requirement included above.
Elective Courses
27 Total Credits No Rules
Restricted
3 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- ACG7888 - Seminar in Critical Accounting and AIS (3)
- ACG7917 - Advanced Research Methods in Accounting and Accounting Information Systems Research (3)
- ACG7398 - Seminar in Auditing Research (3)
- Other accounting electives may be added as they are developed for the program.
Unrestricted
24 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: Students must take 6 credit hours in a minor/support area. Students must select a minimum of six credit hours in a unified area approved by the PhD Director. Each student's program of study is individually tailored to accommodate interests whenever possible. This coursework may be developed from offerings in the following areas with the advice and consent of the respective departments and the advisory committee: Marketing Economics Political Science Psychology Gender Studies Management Sociology Environmental Studies Communication Philosophy Public Affairs
- Earn at least 18 credits from the following types of courses: Courses, independent study and/or research hours chosen in conjunction with the PhD program director. Students with an earned master’s degree may be waived from this 18-hour requirement with approval from the PhD program director.
Dissertation
15 Total Credits
- Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: ACG 7980 Dissertation 15 credit hours (minimum)
Admission to Candidacy
0 Total Credits
- Students must complete a comprehensive candidacy examination that includes written and oral portions. Students must defend a written dissertation proposal in an oral examination conducted by the student's advisory/dissertation committee. The final defense of the dissertation will also require an oral examination. Students officially enter candidacy when the following has been accomplished: Completion of all course work, except for dissertation hours. Successful completion of the comprehensive candidacy examination.
Teaching Requirement
0 Total Credits
- The requirements for the teaching component of the degree will be developed with the doctoral program director based on the student's experience. Normally, this requirement will be satisfied through teaching a minimum of three credit hours of class instruction under the direct supervision of a faculty member. As appropriate, students will also be required to attend teaching development workshops and seminars.
Independent Learning
0 Total Credits
- The dissertation serves as the independent learning experience.
Grand Total Credits: 72
Application Requirements
Financial Information
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowship Information
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
