Accounting

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting at Washington University in St. Louis offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge in the field of accounting and financial management. This program aims to prepare future leaders and professionals who can navigate complex financial environments, interpret financial data accurately, and implement strategic accounting solutions across diverse industries. Students enrolled in the program will gain a deep understanding of financial reporting, auditing, tax planning, and managerial accounting, complemented by courses in ethics, corporate governance, and strategic decision-making.

The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, providing students with opportunities to engage in case studies, real-world projects, and internships. This experiential learning approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to address current challenges in accounting and finance, including regulatory changes and technological advancements such as data analytics and blockchain technology. The program also offers specialized electives allowing students to focus on areas like forensic accounting, international accounting standards, and financial analysis, tailoring their education to align with their career aspirations.

Faculty members are distinguished experts in accounting and business, committed to fostering an interactive learning environment that encourages analytical thinking, ethical judgment, and leadership. The program combines rigorous coursework with networking opportunities through industry seminars, guest lectures, and alumni events, enabling students to build professional connections that can accelerate their careers. Graduates of the Accounting concentration are well-prepared to pursue certifications such as the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant), and are highly competitive for roles in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, governmental agencies, and consulting firms.

In addition to technical training, the program emphasizes developing strong communication and teamwork skills vital for effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement. The flexible offered formats, including full-time, part-time, and online options, allow students to balance their professional and personal commitments while advancing their education. Upon completing the program, graduates will have not only a solid foundation in accounting principles but also the strategic thinking and ethical judgment necessary to excel in a dynamic global marketplace. This program exemplifies Washington University’s commitment to excellence in business education and its dedication to preparing responsible and innovative accounting professionals.

First Year

First Semester

• L11 503 Microeconomics I (3 credits)
• L11 Quantitative Methods I (3 credits)
• Econometrics Course*
• Olin PhD Accounting Courses

Second Semester

• L11 504 Microeconomics II (3 credits)
• L11 Quantitative Methods II (3 credits)
• Econometrics Course*
• Olin PhD Accounting Courses

* Students may choose one Econometrics course from the following options. All courses are not offered every semester, and are subject to change.
L11 513 Intro to Econometrics, L11 5161 Applied Econometrics, B52 620 Empirical Methods in Finance, B53 620 Empirical Methods in Business

Research

• Attend Accounting seminars
• Begin research collaborations
• First-year summer paper – papers are due in August after the first year and are presented at a faculty seminar

Milestones/Hurdles

• First-year summer paper – papers are due in August after the first year and are presented at a faculty seminar.
• In the summer after the first year, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD Office by August 1st after the first year.
• Micro Prelim Exam (Offered in June, students must receive a “Distinction/Honors” or “PhD pass” to continue in the PhD program. One retake of the exam is permitted.)
• In August after the first year, students must attend an RA/TA orientation offered by The Teaching Center. This is required before submitting any RA/TA hours.

Second Year

Courses

• Accounting courses
• Elective courses (Finance courses, independent study courses, directed readings)

Research

Milestones/Hurdles

• Attend Accounting Seminars
• Second-Year Paper – papers are due in August after the second year. Presentations are given during a faculty seminar and must be approved by the faculty to continue in the PhD program.
  • Second-Year paper – students must have paper approved by faculty to continue in the PhD program.
  • Field exam, given in January of the second year. Exam concentrates on Empirical and Theoretical Finance Accounting. Students must pass the field exam to continue in the PhD program.
  • In the summer, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD Office by August 1st.

Third Year

Courses

• Electives (directed readings, independent studies)
• B53 660 Seminar in Presentation Skills (fall semester, required)

Research

Milestones/Hurdles

• Attend Accounting Seminars
• Paper Presentations (brown bag seminars and conferences)
• Dissertation Research
  • In the summer, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD Office by August 1st.

Fourth Year

Courses

• Electives (directed readings, independent studies)

Research

• Attend Accounting Seminars
• Paper Presentations (brown bag seminars and conferences)
• Dissertation Research

Milestones/Hurdles

• Dissertation Proposal – students must be able to assemble a Research Advisory Committee for the proposal of their dissertation and must submit a Title, Scope and Procedure Form as the committee’s approval of the proposed dissertation by September 30th after the fourth year.
• In the summer, students must meet with the faculty coordinator to discuss progress and complete a progress report to be submitted to the PhD Office by August 1st.

Fifth Year

Courses

• Dissertation Course (12 credits – 6 each semester)

Research

• Attend Accounting Seminars
• Paper Presentations (job market paper presentations with faculty and at conferences)
• Dissertation Research

Milestones/Hurdles

• Intent to Graduate (complete form online)
• Job Market and Placement
• Oral Defense of Dissertation
• Submission of Examination Approval Form which signifies committee’s approval
• Upload of Final, Approved Dissertation to Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Submission of Documented Teaching Requirements to PhD Office

Requirements

• Scanned copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (uploaded in the application)
• Olin requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. A master's degree is not necessary. Upload unofficial transcripts - one from each college-level institution attended. Scanned copies of transcripts may be too dark and difficult to read so please adjust scanner settings accordingly. Photographs of transcripts are not acceptable. If the transcript is in a language other than English, applicants must provide an official translation issued from the university or by certified members of the American Translators Association.
• Scanned copies of GMAT or GRE test scores (uploaded in application). The average GMAT score of recent admits has been approximately 720.
• Scanned copies of TOEFL score uploaded in application and official TOEFL scores sent to Washington University in St. Louis (for international students only). The average internet-based TOEFL score of admits is 105.
• THREE (3) letters of recommendation
• Applicants may include a research paper or abstract (30-page maximum) with their application. A paper is not required for admission to Olin’s PhD programs. 
• Statement of purpose
• Resume/CV
• Application fee paid online

**For application purposes, all transcripts, test scores, CV and essays should be uploaded during the application process. For admissions considerations Olin accepts the unofficial uploaded information to determine applicants' status. Official documents are required upon admission to the PhD Program.

Scholarships

• Chancellor's Graduate Fellowship Program
• Need-based financial aid assistance
• Merit-based scholarships
• Olin Business School Stipend/Fellowships
• Mr. and Mrs. Spencer T. Olin Fellowships
• McDonnell International Scholars Academy

The Washington University in St. Louis offers a comprehensive program in Accounting designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in finance, auditing, consulting, and corporate management. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application of accounting principles, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for professional success. Students engaging in the Accounting program will develop skills in financial reporting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and internal controls. The curriculum incorporates rigorous coursework in accounting information systems, ethics, and regulatory environments, fostering an ethical approach to financial management.

The program benefits from the university’s strong connections with industry leaders and accounting firms, providing students with internship opportunities, networking events, and career development resources. Students can also participate in specialized seminars, workshops, and competitive case competitions, enhancing their analytical and communication skills. Washington University’s faculty in the accounting department are experts in their fields, often involved in research that influences accounting standards and practices.

Graduates of the program typically pursue careers as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), auditors, financial analysts, tax advisors, or management consultants. Many also choose to continue their education through graduate programs such as MBA or Master’s in Accounting, further deepening their expertise. The university’s location in St. Louis offers proximity to major corporations and consulting firms, providing additional opportunities for experiential learning and employment. Overall, the Accounting program at Washington University in St. Louis is committed to developing ethical, analytical, and technically proficient professionals ready to meet the evolving demands of the financial industry.