Accounting
The Accounting track provides rigorous training in financial and managerial accounting, econometrics, and analytical methods. The Ph.D. program focuses on developing independent research skills. Ph.D. students will automatically be enrolled for the MSQ program. MSQ students follow the same courses as Ph.D. students and can transition to the track after a successful first year.
Ph.D.
The PhD Program in Accounting and Sustainability Reporting offers rigorous, research-driven training for outstanding candidates aiming to pursue academic careers at leading universities worldwide. The program combines structured doctoral coursework with close mentorship and early immersion in independent research. From the outset, students develop strong methodological and theoretical foundations and work on original research projects in a highly interactive, feedback-intensive environment.
Our graduates are highly competitive on the international academic job market. They have been placed at leading universities around the world and have also pursued successful careers in industry, policy, and other high-impact practice environments.
Ph.D. Structure
- Pre-Semester: Mathematics, Statistics, and Econometrics
- First Semester: Advanced Accounting 1 (8 CP), Advanced Econometrics 1 (8 CP), Advanced Microeconomics 1 (8 CP), Mathematical Methods (8 CP)
- Second Semester: Advanced Accounting 2 (8 CP), Advanced Econometrics 2 (8 CP), Advanced Microeconomics 2 (8CP), Programming Languages (4 CP)
- Qualifying Examinations
More details on the courses can be found via Goethe University’s course catalogue.
- 5 Field Courses and 1 Seminar
You can find all field courses and seminars via Goethe University’s course catalogue. Please note that one field course must be in your chosen field, all others can be taken individually. Field courses offered may change from semester to semester, so please check the course catalogue for your respective semester.
- Independent Studies Course (Teaching Skills)
- Third-Year Research Paper
- Job Market Course
- Thesis Defense
MSQ
Students in the MSQ Program in Quantitative Accounting follow the same course structure as those in the Ph.D. Program. Those who perform strongly in their first year are eligible and highly encouraged to transition into the Ph.D. track in their second year. The MSQ degree concludes with a Master’s thesis.
MSQ Structure
- Same courses as for the Ph.D.
- 4 Field Courses and 1 Seminar
Please note that one field course must be in your chosen field, all others can be taken individually. Field courses offered may change from semester to semester, so please check the course catalogue for your respective semester. - Thesis submission