TestMagic Forums - View Single Post - Qs From Potential Accounting PhD Applicant

mjefferson · 2009 June 14th, 10:54 AM

My profile:

Undergrad degree: Journalism from second-tier school
UG GPA: 2.98, strong upward trend, was more concerned about school paper than classes
Was laid off 3x as journalism industry is in crisis. Decided to go back to school for accounting. Found a full-time job using my EMT certification that I'd used to volunteer previously.
Took around 50 undergrad credits as non-degree full-time student (pre-reqs for accounting masters program and a few other courses). 3.95 GPA in these. As in all accounting classes. A- in both stats and calc II.
Currently in first semester of accounting masters program that doesn't have any programs or courses for research, though I'm trying to create my own opportunity. Will have 3.9+ GPA in program.
GMAT: 730 (verbal was better than quant)
Age: 28

My interest in getting a Ph.D. in accounting - though this won't go in my statement of purpose - is based on lifestyle and desire to teach. I don't know much about accounting research, which is something I obviously must rectify.

Qs:
1. With my mixed academic record and lack of accounting experience, do I have a shot at some second-tier programs? How do I identify these? I found this list of school placement by program and can make guesses based on school prestige.

2. Some research areas seem to require work experience in that area; others don't. Which don't? If anyone else entered a program without work experience, how did you narrow your research interests? Just perusing the current academic journals?

3. My classes this summer are all taught by working accountants with grad degrees and professional certifications. When I've told a couple that I'm interested in pursuing a Ph.D., they both disparaged most accounting research as too obscure and theoretical to provide any real-world benefit. Is there any interesting research going on in accounting?

4. If one does end up at a non-top program and eventually lands a position at Directional State U. or an obscure private school, is there a huge salary dropoff from the $100k-plus figures I've seen?

Thanks for any replies.

2009 June 14th, 10:54 AM	#1 (permalink)
mjefferson I JUST got here. Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4	Qs From Potential Accounting PhD Applicant My profile: Undergrad degree: Journalism from second-tier school UG GPA: 2.98, strong upward trend, was more concerned about school paper than classes Was laid off 3x as journalism industry is in crisis. Decided to go back to school for accounting. Found a full-time job using my EMT certification that I'd used to volunteer previously. Took around 50 undergrad credits as non-degree full-time student (pre-reqs for accounting masters program and a few other courses). 3.95 GPA in these. As in all accounting classes. A- in both stats and calc II. Currently in first semester of accounting masters program that doesn't have any programs or courses for research, though I'm trying to create my own opportunity. Will have 3.9+ GPA in program. GMAT: 730 (verbal was better than quant) Age: 28 My interest in getting a Ph.D. in accounting - though this won't go in my statement of purpose - is based on lifestyle and desire to teach. I don't know much about accounting research, which is something I obviously must rectify. Qs: 1. With my mixed academic record and lack of accounting experience, do I have a shot at some second-tier programs? How do I identify these? I found this list of school placement by program and can make guesses based on school prestige. 2. Some research areas seem to require work experience in that area; others don't. Which don't? If anyone else entered a program without work experience, how did you narrow your research interests? Just perusing the current academic journals? 3. My classes this summer are all taught by working accountants with grad degrees and professional certifications. When I've told a couple that I'm interested in pursuing a Ph.D., they both disparaged most accounting research as too obscure and theoretical to provide any real-world benefit. Is there any interesting research going on in accounting? 4. If one does end up at a non-top program and eventually lands a position at Directional State U. or an obscure private school, is there a huge salary dropoff from the $100k-plus figures I've seen? Thanks for any replies.