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Author Topic: PhD Accounting - Wisdom Appreciated  (Read 1842 times)
seekingadvice43
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Posts: 1


« on: January 08, 2012, 03:51:13 PM »

Hello,

I'm currently working as a staff accountant in the tax department of a small to mid-sized public accounting firm. I'll presumably have my CPA license during the summer, and plan to make my next step from there. However, I haven't really decided what I want to do my life, but I came to the forum seeking more information about getting a PhD in accounting. Based on my research, it seems most reputable universities put research before teaching. Both interest me so I feel this would be a good career fit for myself. However, I do have some questions and would appreciate you evaluating my chances of getting into a good PhD program.

-3.73 GPA undergrad accounting from a well known Big Ten school
-3.47 GPA Macc program from the same school
-2 semesters being a teaching assistant for introductory accounting (taught classes with about 60 kids once a week and proctored exams)
-CPA license (soon)
-1-2 years public accounting experience (soon)
-Have been a good test taker my entire life, so I figure I can get 700+ on the GMAT
-Will most likely be able to get solid letters of recommendation from my former professors

Questions:
-Which type of programs do you anticipate me having a reasonable shoot of getting into?
-What is a realistic starting salary for someone in my position? A range would be fine, but I've just seen too many different ranges of numbers to accurate assess reality (this forum seems like a good place to ask)
-Is being a PhD student for 5 years worth the end result?
-How difficult is achieving tenure at most, well-known universities? Do most schools even give tenure anymore?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
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wmr333
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Posts: 51


« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2012, 04:01:49 PM »

If you are interested in teaching and researching accounting, then pursue a PhD in accounting since that will make you most marketable.  There is currently a shortage of accounting PhDs, and this shortage is likely to become larger with more professors reaching retirement.

There is a related thread nearby discussing accounting graduate school rankings.  Read what the professors at the top school are researching, see what interests you, and apply for the best school that matches. 

Why does tenure matter?  Be productive and continue to maintain your marketable, and the rest will take care of itself.
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