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Accounting
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management
Enhance your ability to strengthen businesses at their core as you prepare to lead, consult, or teach. Capella’s online PhD in Business Management, Accounting degree will give you a deeper understanding of interrelated issues, processes, and functions within business organizations. The curriculum is focused on research, scholarly writing, ethical theory, global perspectives, accounting technology, and a systems-thinking approach.
Classes start January 6
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 11 Core courses
- 12 max transfer credits
- 4 Specialization courses
- 1 Elective course
- 3 Virtual Residencies
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
- ACBSP-accredited
Reduce your tuition by $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore accounting courses
- This program requires a total of 90 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete 11 core courses, four specialization courses, one elective course, three virtual residencies, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation
Show all descriptions
BMGT8110
Advanced Research in Accounting
4 quarter credits
This course advances learners' skills in multidisciplinary research in accounting. Learners develop their skills by using LexisNexis and other research tools to efficiently and effectively conduct research across a broad range of accounting topics, including legal and regulatory guidance and social perspectives. Learners analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and report their research findings to develop decision frameworks and practice in accounting. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8112
Financial Reporting
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate financial accounting standards and practices and associated legal, regulatory, and reporting issues. Learners assess the relationship between financial accounting research and practice and analyze related emerging trends, technologies, and societal implications. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8114
Accounting in the Global Era
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate international accounting standards and the evolving process of harmonization. Learners compare U.S.-based Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) are compared with those of other countries and assess the influence of cultures, globalization, and technology on accounting standards. Learners engage in research and practice while exploring emerging trends in the profession and society. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
BMGT8116
Forensic Accounting
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate the requirements, processes, and techniques used to present accounting and financial information in the legal environment. Learners analyze the relationship between forensic accounting research and practice and explore related emerging trends, technologies, and societal implications. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
The PhD in Business Management, Accounting gives you the skills to formulate and apply advanced accounting solutions in the global era. Evaluate theoretical constructs, sharpen your practical skills, and make a meaningful impact in your professional field.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Evaluate evolving conceptual models, theoretical frameworks, technologies, and organizational systems
- Evaluate ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks that guide accounting theory and practice
- Exhibit proficiency in research, writing, and critical thinking skills
- Assess cultural and societal perspectives influencing accounting practice in the global era
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the PhD in Business Management cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$985 per credit, $5,000 quarterly tuition max, 75 coursework credits, 12 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2955 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2955
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2955 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2955
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $985/credit 13 quarters |
$63,061.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,955.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,955/quarter 6 quarters |
$17,730.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$83,746.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$63,746.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Savings 20 quarters |
$66,021.00 |
Completes dissertation in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $985/credit 13 quarters |
$63,061.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,955.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,955/quarter 8 quarters |
$23,640.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$89,656.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$69,656.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Savings 22 quarters |
$71,931.00 |
Completes dissertation in 12 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $985/credit 13 quarters |
$63,061.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,955.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,955/quarter 12 quarters |
$35,460.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$101,476.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$81,476.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee: $0 no application fee |
$0 |
|
Est. Total with Savings 26 quarters |
$83,751.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
PhD in Business Management admission requirements
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
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What can you do with a PhD in Accounting degree?
Your education can help you reach your goals, professionally and personally. Here are just some of the career options you could explore with our online accounting doctoral degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time business faculty
- Full-time business faculty
- Dean or associate dean of a business program
- Business researcher
- Chief financial officer (CFO)
- Consultant
- Controller
- Senior accountant
- Senior auditor
- Vice president of finance
- Forensic accountant
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Corporation
- Accounting firm
- Consulting firm
- Government—local, state, federal
- Nonprofit organization
- Self-employment
- Insurance firm
- Health care organization
- Manufacturing
- Small business
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.