Professional Doctorate in Accounting Proposed to Address Faculty Shortage

The accounting education sector is facing a growing shortage of doctorally qualified faculty, a trend that threatens the quality of teaching and research at universities worldwide. Experts are now proposing a new solution: a professional doctorate in accounting, designed to attract experienced practitioners into academia.

The current shortage is driven by several factors, including the aging professoriate, rising accreditation standards, and the appeal of non-academic careers for accounting professionals. Traditional PhD programs have struggled to produce enough qualified faculty, partly because senior mentors are retiring and doctoral programs are under pressure to prioritize revenue-generating activities. A professional doctorate could offer a more accessible path for seasoned accountants to transition into teaching, similar to established models in medicine and law. If recognized by major accreditation bodies like AACSB, such a degree could help universities meet faculty requirements and maintain high educational standards.

What this means:
For business owners and finance managers in the UAE, this shift could lead to more practical, industry-relevant accounting education. As universities attract more experienced professionals as faculty, graduates may be better prepared for real-world challenges, ultimately benefiting companies seeking skilled finance talent.