Dr. Ray Gao

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Ray Gao received his Ph.D. in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from the University of Rochester. His research investigates the economics of information in financial markets and the interaction between product and labor markets. His current work covers a range of topics related to the real effects of accounting information, feedback effects in financial markets, and the managerial labor market including executive compensation and innovation disclosure. His research has been published in the Journal of Accounting Research, and he received the USC Marshall School of Business Trefftzs Award for the Best Student Paper from the Western Finance Association (WFA). Ray teaches BUAD 281, Introduction to Managerial Accounting, at the Marshall School of Business.

Research Interests

Accounting Capital Markets Corporate Governance Disclosure Executive Compensation

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.