Accounting Information and Management (PhD) at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The PhD trains students in empirical/archival and analytical/theoretical research methods focused on accounting's role in the market for financial information, alongside training in economics, econometrics, accounting and finance. Research areas include information intermediaries in capital markets, the firm's information environment, the audit function, disclosure, accounting-based valuation and accounting regulation.

Faculty: Kellogg School of Management | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Years 1-2 take three or four courses per quarter: microeconomics and econometrics in year 1, then analytical and empirical accounting research, finance and managerial economics. Milestones are a preliminary exam after year 1, a qualifying exam and research paper after year 2, a thesis proposal in year 4 and a dissertation with oral defence; a minimum 3.0 GPA is required in the first two years of coursework.

Career pathways

Graduates are placed at research universities worldwide.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Strong quantitative preparation is expected (recommended: calculus, real analysis, linear algebra, optimization, probability, statistics). Backgrounds in accounting, finance or economics are common; a master's degree is not required (about half of entrants hold one) and no prior accounting coursework or research experience is required. Applicants apply through the PhD application portal.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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