Top Part-Time PhD in Accounting Degree Programs 2025

There are many degrees and credentials in the field of accounting. While some professionals may become certified public accountants (CPAs), prospective researchers may prefer to obtain a PhD in the field. Continue reading to learn more about how to earn a part-time PhD in accounting while still working in your current position.

Can You Earn a PhD in Accounting Part-Time?

Yes, although there are more full-time students in this field, you can earn a PhD in accounting part-time. This involves taking courses during evenings and weekends rather than a full course load.

Can I Earn My Part-Time PhD in Accounting Online?

Yes, some students earn a part-time accounting PhD by attending class through Zoom seminars. Online doctoral courses may have specific meeting times, whereas some degree programs offer asynchronous classes. The latter lets you complete course modules at your own pace while handling other life or work obligations.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Accounting PhD?

An accounting PhD may require five to 10 years if you attend classes one at a time. This sometimes depends on whether you already possess a master's degree in accounting, which some doctoral programs require. If you can transfer credits from other graduate programs, you can graduate much sooner.

Best Part-Time PhD Programs in Accounting

Check out this featured university for students seeking a reliable part-time PhD accounting program. This doctoral program possesses academic accreditation and provides flexible learning options for working professionals.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a research-oriented Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a concentration in accounting. Students focus on applying the theoretical principles of accounting to practical applications.

This includes extensive coursework in tax methods research, advanced auditing, and accounting ethics. The tuition is somewhat higher for part-time enrollment, but you can offset costs with scholarships and financial aid, or a military discount for qualified students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $675 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Online Doctoral Degrees in Accounting

Since there are not as many part-time options for accounting doctorates, we also welcome you to explore other online doctoral programs. These offer the convenience of remote learning for busy working professionals who cannot commute to and from campus as often as on-campus graduate students.

National University

National University offers a PhD in business administration, focusing on advanced accounting. This program allows direct entry after earning a bachelor's degree, and you can complete all coursework fully online. The curriculum includes at least four courses in statistics and quantitative methods, followed by a dissertation process for degree completion.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,283 per credit hour
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Marshall University

Marshall University's DBA program is 100% online and offers three specializations, including accounting. The coursework is a combination of synchronous and asynchronous classes with about five campus visits over the first two years. This program distinguishes itself from traditional PhD programs by emphasizing applied research over conventional academic research.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,000 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

George Fox University

George Fox University has an almost entirely online DBA program, including a business analytics and accounting specialization. The only in-person component is an optional four-day residency once each year at its campus in Oregon.

This doctoral program requires 56 credit hours for graduation. Almost half of the coursework requirements focus on dissertation research.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,098 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Trident at American InterContinental University

Trident at American InterContinental University offers a PhD in business administration with a concentration in business accounting. This fully online program prepares graduates for roles in the public and private sectors, along with other research positions in educational or military institutions.

Trident also emphasizes flexibility and convenience with its 100% online course offerings and the ability to transfer credits from other graduate programs. Former military members also qualify for tuition discounts, while all students can apply for financial aid.

• Estimated tuition cost: $990 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University has one of the more affordable DBA programs, which includes an accounting specialization. Students can complete this program in just 22 months with only 12 required courses.

This doctoral degree program does not involve a dissertation component, but students must pass comprehensive examinations and three one-hour residencies at the school. Graduates finish the program with the skills to obtain employment as professors, business leaders, consultants, and non-profit directors.

• Estimated tuition cost: $665 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Check out how we rank the schools for our list of part-time accounting PhD programs. Our primary criteria include academic accreditation, program flexibility, and program reputation.

• Accreditation: This list includes only accredited programs, which receive an external review from groups like HLC.
• Program flexibility: Flexible programs permit students to take part-time classes and create their own degree completion plan.
• Program reputation: These are among the most reputable academic institutions with faculty that devote substantial time to both research and teaching graduate seminars.

FAQs About Flexible PhD in Accounting Programs

Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) for part-time accounting PhD programs. This focuses on issues like degree costs, degree usefulness, completion times, and coursework difficulty.

How Much Does a Part-Time PhD in Accounting Cost?

A PhD in accounting may cost between $10,000 and $60,000, depending on whether you attend a private or public university. The cost is driven primarily by tuition rates, as well as student fees, textbooks, conference fees, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Is a Part-Time PhD Program in Accounting Worth It?

Yes, this is a well-respected degree in academia and throughout the business world. Almost every large university has an accounting department or business school with several faculty members and consistent new job openings for assistant professors.

Some economists earn a PhD before working in government regulatory agencies, auditing firms, tax preparation companies, and more. Many PhD holders earn well over $100,000 since even bachelor's degree accountants earn an annual median salary of about $81,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How Long Is a Part-Time PhD in Accounting?

An accounting PhD takes longer to complete than most professional doctorates, even if you enroll full-time. A part-time degree for a 72-credit doctorate may take at least five years to complete. Then again, the program could be much shorter if you enter it with a master's in accounting or pursue a similar DBA degree in accounting.

What Is the Shortest PhD To Get?

The shortest accounting PhD programs typically take about three to four years to complete, assuming you take courses full-time and already hold a master's degree. While some European institutions offer shorter accounting doctoral degrees, the average time to complete this degree is about five years.

What Is the Easiest PhD To Earn for Accounting?

There are no ''easy'' PhD programs, but you may wish to consider program convenience. This means finding an online, flexible, and part-time program that lets you dictate more of the coursework pacing.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Visit Learn.org anytime to learn even more about reputable online doctoral degrees. This website can help you find important information on flexible doctoral programs for accounting, economics, finance, English, nursing, and several other fields.