KINGSTON, R.I. – Oct. 14, 2026 – The University of Rhode Island College of Business is launching a new Ph.D. program in accounting. The new concentration will offer students intensive training in core principles in accounting, such as accounting information systems, management accounting, and financial accounting. Ph.D. students will also gain teaching experience at the undergraduate level.

The four-year program will be split in half, with the first two years dedicated to classroom learning. Among the courses offered are STAT/PSY 533 Advanced Quantitative Methods of Psychology and STAT 502 Applied Regression Analysis. The second half of the program will focus on research and dissertation development. 

“Accounting is a great career, with tons of jobs out there. Yes, these four years are going to be tough, but accounting professionals can earn a significant salary with a graduate degree,” said Anis Triki, URI’s Vangermeersch Professor of Accounting and the accounting area coordinator.

Currently, all Ph.D. concentrations offered by the College of Business fall under the Doctorate in Business Administration, they include finance, marketing, and operations and supply chain management.

Applications for the Ph.D. program in accounting are now being accepted for fall 2027. A personal statement, transcript, and letters of recommendation are required. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.

“Concentrating on accounting can definitely have a huge impact on someone’s life. I hear from my students, saying things like ‘If it were not for you, I would never have gotten into accounting’ and then to see our students going into accounting and having good careers, making good money, it’s very rewarding for us to see,” said Triki. 

Triki says there isn’t an ideal candidate, however those interested in the program should have some experience with accounting either in an academic or professional setting.Students interested in learning more about the Ph.D. in accounting program can visit the degree program’s website to learn more.