What is the difference between Phd Accounting and Finance?

Question

I am a MS accounting student that also majored in accounting student in undergraduate. I am interested but not entirely sure on an academic lifestyle but I am trying my best to figure out the differences between what you learn in phd accounting vs phd finance programs. Professors have told me that you learn the same basic material and then the rest are electives. At the end, you research and try to publish what you're interested in. The difference is two sides of the same coin, looking at capital markets in different ways, etc. Does that pretty much cover it?

Can I really research and publish what I want if I go for either? Are there any pay differences such as how high the salaries top out and average salary? Are my chances at getting into a phd accounting program easier than a phd finance program? If so, should I just go for accounting and aim for the best school or study what I'm really interested in regardless?

I'd appreciate any responses. Thanks.

hobbit · Answer

I really don't have a clue about the differences between accounting and finance. I guess they either interested in researching different questions, or using different methods to approach problems (or both).

I guess that studying at a certain department will expose you to more problems and methods and research relevant to that area - so yes - once you have your phd you can research anything you like, but it is likely that after spending 4-5 years focusing on one aspect it would be easier and more likely that you stay there. inside the program, there might be cross references between the two - but basically you'll have to find advisor within the department - so your PhD research should fall in the boundaries of interests of people within your chosen department.

if you are putting too much emphasis on future pay - you are probably go in the wrong direction and academia might not be for you (especially in acct/fnce - you can get higher pay in the industry with very little effort, and you don't have to work hard for 4-5 years before start being paid).

hope this naswers some of your questioins

ReDx · Answer

also, if I have my MS Accounting does that mean a shorter time to phd?

btw, money is a concern as long as it hits a certain amount to allow me to live comfortably and has potential to grow. I mean, I'll be living like a student for the next 4-5 years, so I'm just assessing ALL the payoffs.

hobbit · Answer

as far as I know it won't make it shorter. it might reduce the amount of coursework you need to complete - but not by much.

Kumbaya · Answer

To paraphrase my accounting prof: "Finance looks forward, accounting looks back. Finance is about risk, accounting is about avoiding risk."

In terms of potential monetary payoffs, accounting PhDs are generally worth a tad more due to the sheer scarcity of accounting PhDs in contrast to other fields. Not many people are willing to go into it. Finance tends to attract more people.

AFAIK, an MS in accounting may mean nothing at all. You might get some general introductory courses out of the way, but depending on your concentration, accounting has many subfields that are guaranteed to take up your time.

What is the difference between Phd Accounting and Finance?

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