Doctoral

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

See also: Detailed admission information

What does accounting research look like?

Please sample articles published in Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, The Accounting Review.

How many doctoral students are admitted each year?

Not more than 4

How many applications are usually received each year?

Cohort 2012 = 42 applications
Cohort 2013 = 45 applications
Cohort 2014 = 39 applications

Is an accounting degree required for the Ph.D. program?

Not required; however, an ideal applicant would have a strong grasp of knowledge covered in:

• Calculus
• Linear Algebra
• Probability and Statistics
• Microeconomics
• Intermediate Accounting 1 & 2
• Advanced Accounting
• Financial Statement Analysis

What is the average GPA range for accounting cohorts?

Cohort 2012 = 3.52-4.00

What is the average GMAT Score for accounting cohorts?

Cohort 2012 = 710-770

What are the requirements for the Statement of Purpose?

Why Ph.D. in accounting?
Why University of Houston?
How you plan to commit to five years of nonstop challenging work?

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Joining the Program

See also: Detailed new student information

Is there an orientation for doctoral students?

Yes, there is a one-day Bauer college orientation for new doctoral students, which provides useful information about critical contact people in the college, registration, and how to set up accounts, among various other topics. Attendance to the orientation is mandatory.

Who can answer additional academic or administrative questions after the orientation?

1st contact is the Ph.D. Accounting Program Coordinator

What kinds of financial support do doctoral students receive?

• Instructional/ Research Assistantship
• University Graduate Tuition Fellowship

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Academic Policies

See also: Detailed requirement information

How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. program?

5 years of full-time study

Who advises students on course selection?

Ph.D. Accounting Program Coordinator

How many hours of coursework are required?

See the Course Plan in Program of Study.

Is a student given more than one opportunity to pass the comprehensive examinations?

Yes. Students have 2 opportunities to pass the comprehensive examinations. Failure to pass the examination on the second attempt results in dismissal from the program.

Are doctoral students required to submit a research paper during the 1st year of study?

Yes. Two summer research papers are required. A draft of the 1st year summer paper is expected by the beginning of the following fall semester, which:

• identifies an interesting and new research question
• reviews of relevant literature
• develops new ideas

A completed 2nd year summer paper is expected by the beginning of the following fall semester, which meets the criteria mentioned previous along with specifications of methodology and research design and results.