PhD in Accounting and Finance

The PhD in Accounting and Finance is a research-oriented doctoral program designed to develop advanced researchers and scholars in accounting, finance, and related areas.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the PhD in Accounting and Finance program are expected to meet the following requirements:

• Hold a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, Accounting and Finance, or a closely related field. 
• Have a Master's thesis rated Good or above. 
• Have a minimum CGPA of 3.00 at the Master's level. 
• Submit two recommendation letters: 
  • One from the applicant's employer. 
  • One from a former postgraduate instructor, preferably the applicant's Master's thesis adviser. 
• Successfully pass the entrance examination administered by the Department of Accounting and Finance. 

PhD Entrance Examination

The entrance examination assesses applicants in the following areas:

The Department may give consideration to its staff and applicants from higher education institutions in accordance with applicable University policies and regulations.

Publications and relevant professional experience may also be considered in the admission process.

English Language Requirement

International applicants whose native language or medium of instruction is not English must provide satisfactory evidence of proficiency in written and spoken English.

Minimum acceptable scores include:

• IELTS: 6.0 
• TOEFL: 560 

Duration of Study

The PhD program normally takes three to four years in the regular program.

The first year is primarily devoted to coursework, while the remaining two to three years are dedicated mainly to doctoral research and dissertation work.

PhD Submission and Graduation Requirements

The PhD program is strongly research-oriented, with publication of research findings in peer-reviewed scholarly journals forming an important component of doctoral study.

Students are expected to:

• Publish at least two research articles in reputable, peer-reviewed scholarly journals before submitting the doctoral dissertation. 
• Meet the journal reputation requirements determined by the Department. 
• Successfully complete and submit the doctoral dissertation. 
• Defend the dissertation before an appointed examination committee. 
• Fulfill all general PhD graduation requirements stipulated by Bahir Dar University. 

Dissertation Defense

The dissertation defense is open to the academic community of the University and must be publicly announced at least two weeks before the defense.

The dissertation committee is appointed by the College's postgraduate and research coordination body upon the recommendation of the student's department or program.

The defense committee consists of at least three members, including:

• At least one external examiner from outside Bahir Dar University. 
• Members from the College of Business and Economics with relevant professional expertise. 

The committee determines the outcome of the defense in accordance with University postgraduate regulations. The official examination report, signed by all committee members, is submitted to the College's postgraduate and research coordination office.

PhD Degree Nomenclature

Upon successful completion of all requirements, graduates will be awarded:

English:
Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting and Finance

Amharic:
የፍልስፍና ዶክትሬት ዲግሪ በአካውንቲንግ እና ፋይናንስ

PhD Course Structure

First Semester

Second Semester

Program Overview