Limited math question...

[FutureAcctPhD]

Hi guys,

Never posted on this forum before. I've been interested in an accounting PhD for quite some time now and have been preparing for it. I have a BBA in accounting and am starting a MA in economics with a RA position in the fall. By the time I'm done, I'll have completed math through linear algebra and some statistics (regression, probability), which is really what's needed on the accounting side. However, I'm curious if I'd be able to even go to a decent econ PhD with such a weak background, even though my MA is pretty math intensive. I'm only asking out of the small chance that I fall head over heels for economics and want to make the switch. GRE is 165 Q 161 V, if that matters. Attending BGSU for MA, which is not a top school, but has had solid placements in the past few years.

So could I even crack the T50 with such little math, but the MA/RA in econ?

[OneArmedEcon]

First, your academic job market prospects will be considerably better with a PhD Accounting than a PhD Economics. Graduate stipends from business schools also tend to be more generous.

Second, at least at my school, PhD Accounting students have to take the Micro and Metrics sequence. I would say that at many places that if you do well in those courses, then it will be relatively easy to transfer programs (bearing in mind that it will likely reduce your funding). To be eligible for funding from the Econ Dept, you'll have to apply by the regular admissions deadline.

My advice is to get into the best PhD Accounting program that you can and then evaluate your options once you are in the program with respect to transferring within the university.