Best in State for 2018-19: Top Accounting Graduate Programs in the Nation

University of Alabama Huntsville

College of Business

Huntsville, Alabama

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 87.5%

Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $730 (resident), $1,591 (non-resident)

• Outstanding Career Services Include Resume and Cover Letter Development, On-Campus Recruiting, Career Fairs, Interview Preparation, Networking Assistance, and More
• Flexible Curriculum Includes Some Online Courses and the Option of Starting the Program in the Spring, Fall, or Summer
• Program Can be Completed in One Year of Full-Time Study
• University Named as the Best Return on Investment Among All Alabama Schools by PayScale in 2015

The Master of Accountancy at University of Alabama Huntsville is where faculty excellence, program relevance, and curriculum quality converge to provide the best in graduate study that prepares students for careers in professional accountancy in all sectors, including public accounting and the CPA designation. This program consists of 33 semester hours of graduate work, 18 of which are in accounting. Students may also choose to design this program as a thesis option, which requires 30 semester hours, including 6 hours of thesis credit. We love this program’s flexibility, which includes some online courses and the ability to start the program in the spring, summer, or fall. Choose this grad degree and you’ll be able to complete it within one year. We’re also fans of the university’s excellent career services that include resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, networking assistance, on-campus recruiting, and a host of career events, to name just a few.

Northern Arizona University

W.A. Franke College of Business

Flagstaff, Arizona

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 72.7%

Master of Business Administration - Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $458 (resident), $1,199 (non-resident), $250 (Department of Defense)

• Committed to Student Excellence Through a Small, Cohort Learning Environment and a Low, Student-to-Faculty Ratio
• Program Benefits Include Executive Job Shadowing Opportunities, Guest Lecturers, and Alumni Engagement
• W.A. Franke College of Business Ranked Among the Top 10% of MBA Programs with Less Than 50 Students by U.S. News & World Report in 2017
• W.A. Franke College of Business Ranked 10th in the Nation Among Best for Vets Business Schools by the Military Times in 2016 - Active Military and Veteran Services Include a Dedicated Veteran Success Center, Admissions Assistance, and an MBA Veteran and Military Leadership Program
• Outstanding Career Services Through the NAU Career Development Office Include One-on-One Counseling, Group Workshops, and Recruiting Events

Northern Arizona University is committed to bringing students the best in accounting graduate study through their 10-month Master of Business Administration in Accounting program, which boasts a diverse and interactive learning environment, a faculty of dedicated professionals, and a small cohort learning environment (limited to 50 students) that features plenty of opportunities for one-on-one faculty engagement. This program is specifically designed for students who have an undergraduate degree in accounting and are planning on earning the CPA designation. We love this program’s foundation in business, which allows students to not just complete coursework in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation but to also develop the management skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. We also love that students here are afforded a number of benefits beyond the classroom, including guest lecturers, executive job shadowing opportunities, and plenty of alumni engagement.

Hendrix College

Department of Economics and Business

Conway, Arkansas

Website

Master of Arts in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $1,822

• Ranked Fourth Among the Most Innovative Liberal Arts Colleges in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report
• Outstanding Career Services Include Interview Preparation, Job Offer Management, and Opportunities to Network/Build Alumni Connections
• Program Offers Learning Opportunities in Economics, Statistics, Finance, and Law
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Small Class Sizes and a Low Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Hendrix College’s fifth-year Master of Arts in Accounting is where classroom theory effortlessly meets real-world applications. This program, which is designed to allow students to study accounting at a deeper level while achieving the 150 credits required to qualify for the CPA designation, features a well-rounded course of study covering economics, statistics, finance, and law, along with six accounting courses in Auditing, Advanced Cost Accounting, Accounting Information Systems and Database Management, and Taxation for Business Ethics. To qualify for admission, students must have an undergrad major in accounting, economics, or a similar area of study. This program offers everything a student could ask of – from experiential learning with business simulations and real-world data to small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio for the best in individualized instruction. We also love the outstanding career services offered through the Career Services Office, where you’ll get help preparing for interviews, managing job offers, and building connections through the network of Hendrix alumni.

Stanford University

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Stanford, California

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 91.7%

MBA in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $1,089-$1,327

• Outstanding Career Services Through the Career Management Center Include Career and Life Design, Personal Advising and Support, and Self-Assessment Services, Along with Assistance Through the Stanford GSB Mentoring Network
• Two-Year Program Includes a Global Experience Requirement, Which Allows Students to Gain Unique Insight into Global Management Issues
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Engagement with World-Class Faculty, Guest Speakers, and Leaders of Industry
• Dedicated Support for International Students

As a student of Stanford University’s MBA in Accounting, you’ll benefit from the kind of quality and reputation it takes to not only be CPA eligible, but to become a leader in the workplace. But you can be sure this program offers a lot more than just name recognition. Earn your MBA here and you’ll be learning from the best—world-class faculty, esteemed guest speakers, and leaders of industry are all part the learning experience students here benefit from. This two-year course of study consists of a general management curriculum that is built on a foundation of social science principles and management functions with core accounting courses covering topics like Mergers and Acquisitions, Taxes and Business Strategy, Individual Taxes and Financial Planning, Financial Reporting and Management Control, and Corporate Taxes and Business Strategy. The first year of the program allows students to begin building on their general management knowledge, while the second year is focused on accounting courses and seminars. The Global Experience Requirement — which could include a global management immersion experience, a global seminar, or a global study trip — gives you a unique opportunity to gain a real understanding of global management issues.

University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

College of Business

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 90%

Master of Science in Accounting
MBA with an Emphasis in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $2,369 (resident), $3,977 (non-resident), $2,501 (non-resident online)

• MBA Program Offers the Flexibility of Evening and Online Courses—Can be Completed in as Little as 18 Months
• MSA Program is Best Designed for Students with an Accounting Background Who Want to Achieve the 150 Credits to Qualify for the CPA Designation
• Outstanding Career and Alumni Services Offered Through the College of Business’ Career Development Center, the College of Business Alumni Association, and the Business Alumni Networking Group
• Ranked 6th Among the Top Western Regional Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report

If flexibility combined with a first rate reputation for excellence is what you’re after, look no further than University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, which has two outstanding options for continuing your study of accounting at the graduate level. The 36-credit MBA with an Emphasis in Accounting provides the best in flexibility through evening and/or online course delivery. Students of this program hail from diverse undergrad backgrounds, and many complete the program in as little as 18 months. The 30-credit MS in Accounting is designed specifically for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting or business looking to pursue the CPA designation. Both of these programs come with exceptional career and alumni resources through the College of Business’ Career Development Center, the College of Business Alumni Association, and the Business Alumni Networking Group. Plus, UCCS ranks among the best in the nation for the CPA Exam first-time pass rate among graduates—90 percent!

Fairfield University

Charles F. Dolan School of Business

Fairfield, Connecticut

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 73.3%

Master of Science in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $925

• Designed as a Cohort Program for the Best in Instruction and Student Engagement
• Full-Time Program Can Be Completed in One Year
• Flexible Program Offers Two Tracks of Study: Assurance or Taxation
• Dedicated to Student Success: Program Requires Students to Complete Research Coursework and Provides Students with Time Off to Take the CPA Exam and Complete a Paid Internship
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Academic and Career Development Center Include Career Counseling, Career Readiness Programs, Leadership and Professional Development Opportunities, and Recruiting Events

Looking for a school that goes out of its way to create an exceptional student experience? Consider Fairfield University’s one-year, 30-credit Master of Science in Accounting program, which follows a full-time cohort model recognized for offering unparalleled instruction and student engagement. This competitive program ensures that students are afforded plenty of opportunities to work alongside accounting faculty while also establishing a strong sense of community with their peers. We love the personalized structure of this program, which allows students to choose between an Assurance or Taxation track. Both tracks prepare students to qualify for the CPA designation, and both tracks require students to complete research coursework on contemporary issues in accounting or tax research. Plus, the program’s structure includes time off to take the CPA exam and complete a paid internship. We also love the many professional development services offered to the grad students of Fairfield through the Academic and Career Development Center—career counseling, career readiness programs, leadership and professional development opportunities, and on- and off-campus recruiting events, to name just a few.

University of Delaware

Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics

Newark, Delaware

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 64.4%

Master of Science in Accounting
Master of Accounting Practice

Cost Per Credit: $780

• University Ranked 33rd Among Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report in 2018
• University Named Among Kiplinger’s 100 Best Values in Public Colleges in 2017
• University Named as One of 200 Colleges That Pay You Back by Princeton Review in 2017
• Both Accounting Programs Can Be Completed in as Little as a Year
• Dedicated to Student Success Through 100 Study Abroad Courses, Hands-on Learning Experiences Through the School’s Experiential Learning Centers, an Accomplished Faculty, and a Graduate Internship Program
• Outstanding Career Services Include Executive Mentors, Career Coaching, Speakers Series, and Career Fairs.

There are plenty of reasons why completing your graduate work in accounting through the University of Delaware just makes good sense. Whether you have an undergraduate degree in accounting, business, or in a field unrelated to accounting, the University of Delaware has you covered for graduate study in accounting. In fact, the 33-credit Master of Accounting program is ideal for students who didn’t major in accounting as undergrads but now want to prepare and qualify for the CPA. We like this program’s flexibility, which allows you to complete it in as little as one calendar year (or three semesters) if you have an undergraduate degree in a business field other than accounting. The Master of Science in Accounting program is ideal for advancing your studies in accounting and preparing for a leadership role or advancing onto doctoral studies. Plus, the MS in Accounting program allows you to specialize your graduate work in one of the following: Analytics, Controllership, Financial Management, or Management Information Systems; you can even build your own concentration by combining elective courses. This 30-credit course of study can be completed in a year or less if you already hold an undergraduate degree in accounting from an AACSB-accredited institution. Just some of the perks of earning your graduate degree in accounting through the University of Delaware include hands-on learning experiences through the school’s experiential learning centers, more than 100 available study abroad courses, an accomplished faculty focused on scholarship and research, and an alumni network of more than 30,000. We also love the Graduate Internship Program—an elite internship program for full-time students that provides graduate students with an opportunity to gain valuable experience with a leading company. Other outstanding career services offered here include Executive Mentors, Career Coaching, Speakers Series, and Career Fairs.

George Washington University

School of Business

Washington, D.C.

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 63.9%

Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $1,765

• Outstanding Career Services Through the F. David Fowler Career Center Such as Handshake, a Career Network and Recruiting Platform
• Flexible Program Allows for Full- or Part-Time Study and Day, Evening, and Summer Classes
• Program Can Be Completed in as Little as 9 Months
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Valuable Internships and an Esteemed Faculty with Valuable Industry Contacts
• University is Located in the Nation’s Capital, Near Government and Industry Institutions Like the FBI, World Bank, and IRS

George Washington University’s Master of Accountancy is a flexible grad program that’ll help you on your path to advancing your accounting career and qualifying for the CPA designation—even if your undergrad major wasn’t in accounting or business. In fact, one of the reasons this program caught our attention is because it offers a path for students, regardless of their undergraduate course of study. This program features 30 credits, with 21 credits of accounting coursework. Plus, students can also select from a wide array of electives in specialized accounting subjects and business topics. Students here have the option of completing the program on a full- or part-time basis, with day, evening, and summer classes available. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as nine months! There are plenty of other benefits to earning the Master of Accountancy at George Washington University, including a top-notch faculty with valuable industry contacts, plenty of opportunities for internships with global organizations, and a prime location near many government and industry institutions like the FBI, Treasury Department, IRS, and World Bank, among many others.

University of Florida

Fisher School of Accounting

Gainesville, Florida

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 84.3%

Master of Accounting
Juris Doctor/Master of Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $530 (resident), $1,255 (non-resident)

• Master of Accountancy Program Offers a Specialized Curriculum—Choice of a General Degree or a Focus on Auditing or Taxation
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Business Career Services – The Economist Ranked the University’s Business Services First in the Nation for Opening New Career Opportunities

Options for graduate study abound at the University of Florida, whether you’re new to the university, have completed the undergraduate accounting program here, or are looking to advance your studies to the doctoral level. The 34-credit Master of Accounting is best designed for students who have completed their undergraduate work at another institution and want to complete their graduate study at the Fisher School of Accounting. We love this program’s options for a specialized curriculum, which include the choice of a general degree or a concentration in auditing or taxation. (Students who have completed their undergraduate accounting degree through the University of Florida should enter the 3/2 program to transition to the Master of Accounting program.) The university’s Juris Doctor/Master of Accounting program, which may also be designed as a general degree or one that’s focused on auditing or taxation, is a joint degree for students who have an undergraduate degree in accounting and are interested in advanced studies in both accounting and the law. In addition to these comprehensive courses of graduate study, accounting students are afforded plenty of benefits through the university’s outstanding Business Career Services, which was ranked first in the nation by The Economist in the ‘Open New Career Opportunities’ category (which evaluates the diversity of recruiters, job placement success, and student experiences using career services). Just some of the perks available to students here include career coaching and job and internship opportunities and events through CareerConnection.

University of Georgia

Terry College of Business

Athens, Georgia

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 86.3%

Master of Accountancy
Juris Doctor/Master of Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $521 (in-state), $1,147 (out-of-state)

• Outstanding Graduate Career Services Include Career Advising, a Career Management Course, and a Strong Alumni Network
• Committed to Academic Excellence Through an Esteemed Faculty of Scholars Who Rank Among the Best in the World for Academic Research
• J.M. Tull School of Accounting Was Ranked Among the Top 10 Most Admired Accounting Programs by Public Accounting Report
• Master of Accountancy Program Offers a Specialized Curriculum—Choice of a Focus on Audit or Taxation

A rigorous curriculum consistently producing high-caliber graduates has allowed the University of Georgia’s J.M. Tull School of Accounting and the 30-credit Master of Accountancy program to earn recognition as the best in the nation. The J.M. Tull School of Accounting was ranked among the Top 10 Most Admired Accounting Programs by Public Accounting Report, while the Master of Accountancy has been consistently ranked among the top 10 public programs in the nation. Plus, more than 95 percent of all accounting graduates obtain employment within three months of graduation. Students of this program can choose to specialize their graduate course of study in Audit or Taxation and are well-prepared to take on senior-level positions in the public, private, government, and not-for-profit sectors. The school also offers a five-year BBA/MAcc program designed specifically for current undergraduate accounting students at the University of Georgia. The faculty of the School of Accounting has also been nationally recognized for their scholarly work. For example, five of the school’s current and emeritus faculty members are ranked among the top 5 percent of the most productive accounting scholars over the last 50 years. The faculty here is also ranked 6th in the world overall in academic research over the past 5 years based on results published in key academic journals.

University of Hawaii Manoa

Shidler College of Business

Honolulu, Hawaii

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 62.5%

Master of Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $887 (resident), $1,598 (non-resident)

• Flexible Curriculum: Many Courses Offered in the Evenings; Program Can be Completed on a Full- or Part-Time Basis
• 30-Credit Program Can Be Completed in as Little as a Year
• Students Can Choose to Focus the Program on Taxation, Financial Reporting/Auditing, or Data Analytics
• Dedicated to Student Success: CPA Review Prep Courses Offered as Part of the Curriculum
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Shidler Office of Internships and Career Development

The University of Hawaii Manoa offers the best in graduate study for the aspiring or practicing accountant through rigorous classroom theory, research projects, and dynamic case study work. This 30-credit program provides an advanced level of study in taxation, auditing, financial accounting, and data analytics to produce graduates who are prepared to take on leadership positions in business, government, public practice, and related fields. For the aspiring public accountant, this program also offers valuable CPA review prep in addition to getting you to the 150 credits required to qualify for the CPA designation. This program also caught our attention for its paid internship opportunities, personalized professional development through the Shidler Office of Internships and Career Development, and its flexible curriculum (many of the courses taught on weekday evenings). Plus, students here can choose a focus on taxation, financial reporting/auditing, or data analytics to personalize their graduate study. Students with an undergrad degree in accounting or a related subject can complete the program in 12-18 months, while non-accounting majors take about two years to complete it. The university also offers a 3/2 BBA+MACC program for current undergraduates enrolled at the Shidler College of Business.

Boise State University

College of Business and Economics

Boise, Idaho

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 92%

Master of Science in Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $205-$390

• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the College of Business and Economics Include Networking Events, Career-Focused Learning, and Internship Opportunities
• Flexible Curriculum—On-Campus Program Includes a Combination of Day and Evening Classes and the Ability for Students to Customize Their Course of Study with a Variety of Non-Accountancy Electives
• Dedicated to Student Success: Program is Offered Both On-Campus and Through a 100% Online Course Delivery

Boise State University’s Master of Science in Accountancy not only offers students a course of graduate study with a proven history of exceptional student success (It boasts a first-time CPA exam pass rate of 92%—one of the best rates in the nation.), the flexibility of the online option or on-campus evening classes ensures students can earn their graduate degree while still being able to keep a day job. The on-campus MSA, which includes a combination of day and evening classes, allows students to customize their program by choosing from a wide array of non-accountancy electives in addition to the 7 required accountancy courses. The MSA is also offered entirely online. Both of these programs feature a nationally recognized faculty with years of industry experience…Both offer a dynamic, stimulating learning environment...And both provide students with a wide array of internship and professional opportunities.

Western Illinois University

Department of Accounting and Finance

Macomb, Illinois

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 77.9%

Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $323

• University Named ‘Best Midwestern University’ by U.S. News & World Report and ‘Best Midwestern College’ by The Princeton Review, Among Others
• Dedicated to Student Success with Small Class Sizes, Customizable Curriculum, Study Abroad Opportunities, Internships, and More
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Career Development Center
• Department Offers a Limited Number of Graduate Assistantships That Provide a Tuition Waiver and a Monthly Stipend.

From accolades such as ‘Best Midwestern University’ from U.S. News & World Report to ‘Best Midwestern College’ from The Princeton Review to ‘Top Illinois Public University’, Western Illinois University has garnered national attention for its quality education and affordable tuition. It’s no wonder, then, that the Master of Accountancy is just as impressive as the institution it’s housed in. This program provides students with a dynamic, nurturing environment that promotes academic excellence and professional and personal growth and a faculty of researchers and industry leaders who are committed to excellence in teaching. We also love this program’s small class sizes and its comprehensive foundation of courses that emphasize contemporary accounting topics, critical thinking, case studies, and written and oral communications. Plus, students can customize the accounting and business coursework to meet their specific educational and professional goals. This program also comes with study abroad opportunities, internships with business and nonprofit organizations, on-campus career fairs, alumni engagement, and career services through the Career Development Center. Undergrad students can also choose the Integrated BB/MAcc and complete both their undergraduate and graduate degree through a single accelerated program.

Indiana University System

Kelley School of Business

Indianapolis, Indiana

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 78.3%

Master of Science in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $373

• Outstanding Career Services Through the Graduate Career Services Team—Kelley School Ranked 2nd in the Nation for its Career Services by the Financial Times in 2017
• More than 175 Companies Recruit at the Kelley School Every Year
• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Choose Courses in Assurance, Data Analytics, Taxation, and/or Risk Management
• Dedicated to Student Success: FastPass CPA Review Course Primes Students for CPA Exam
• Opportunities for Student Engagement Through a Semester-Long Field Consulting Project with an Area Business

Indiana University’s 30-credit Master of Science in Accounting is your ticket to a one-year intensive course of graduate study that boasts dynamic, student-led teams, collaborative learning experiences, case analyses, and consulting projects, just to name a few. The success of this program is evident: 95 percent of this program’s graduates receive a job offer within 90 days of completing the program. In addition to its impressive record of graduate success, we love this program’s flexible curriculum, which allows students to choose courses in assurance, data analytics, taxation, and/or risk management and its FastPass CPA Review Course that allows students with aspirations of achieving the CPA to prepare for the exam. Plus, each year, students of this program engage in a semester-long field consulting project for an area business where they achieve valuable, real-world experience in a team setting.

University of Iowa

Tippie College of Business

Iowa City, Iowa

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 78.7%

Master of Accountancy
Master of Accountancy/Juris Doctor

Cost Per Credit: $1,821 (residents), $3,828

• Master of Accountancy Program Ranked 1st in Iowa, 8th in the Midwest, and 25th in the Nation According to the 2017 Public Accounting Report
• Record of Graduate Success— As of 2015 and 2016, 100% of Master of Accountancy Grads Were Employed Within Three Months of Graduation
• Program Open to All Undergraduate Majors
• Flexible Curriculum Includes a Choice of Four Tracks of Study: Accounting/Auditing, Managerial Accounting, Business Analytics, or Tax
• Also Offers a Combined Master of Accountancy/Juris Doctor Program
• Outstanding Career Services Include Job Search Support and Recruitment Efforts Through the Pomerantz Career Center

The University of Iowa’s Master of Accountancy is more than just a degree—it’s an investment in your future, thanks to a record of 100% employment and a robust alumni network working in top public and private accounting firms. Open to all undergrad majors, this program not only provide students with a comprehensive graduate course of study in accounting but also offers in-depth study in critical thinking and written and oral communication skills. Plus, the flexible curriculum design allows students to focus on one of four tracks to best meet their professional and personal goals: Financial Accounting/Auditing, Managerial Accounting, Business Analytics, or Tax. If your undergrad degree is in accounting, you can complete the Master of Accountancy in as little as one academic year! If you have aspirations of more advanced study, the University of Iowa also offers the combined Master of Accountancy/Juris Doctor program, a joint program between the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa College of Law.

Washburn University

School of Business

Topeka, Kansas

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 65.5%

Master of Accountancy
Master of Accountancy/Juris Doctor

Cost Per Credit: $484 (resident), $838 (non-resident)

• Outstanding Career Services Include Job and Internship Postings, Job Search Preparation, Career Events, and One-on-One Advising
• Also Offers a Combined Master of Accountancy/Juris Doctor Program
• Flexible Curriculum Includes Primarily Evening Courses
• Dedicated to Student Success: Master of Accountancy Student Internship Program Provides Students with Valuable, Hands-on Experience

A student-focused curriculum supported by research and service activities is at the heart of Washburn University’s Master of Accountancy. In addition to getting the last of the credits needed to qualify for the CPA designation, you’ll also develop a strong understanding of professional behavior, ethical responsibilities and regulatory standards through this program. This program, which is open to students who have completed their undergrad degree in accounting from an AACSB-accredited college or institution, features a flexible curriculum that allows most students to complete the program in 2-3 years by attending classes primarily in the evening. Washburn University also offers a 3+2 program for undergraduate accounting students at the university who want to also complete the Master of Accountancy program and achieve the 150 credits needed to qualify for the CPA designation, as well as a dual Master of Accountancy/Juris Doctor program, a joint program offered between the School of Business and the School of Law. We really love this school’s Master of Accountancy Student Internship Program, which provides opportunities for students to gain valuable, on-the-job experience by working part-time during a semester with an employer.

Northern Kentucky University

Haile/US Bank College of Business

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Website

Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $627 (KY resident), $737 (Graduate Metro), $1,022 (non-resident)

• Flexible Curriculum Accommodates Students with or Without an Undergraduate Degree in Accounting
• All Program Tracks—Professional Track, Tax Track, and Accounting Practice and Reporting Track—Qualify Students for the CPA Designation
• Outstanding Career Services Include Job and Internship Searches, Academic and Career Goal Advising, and Career Management Assistance

Northern Kentucky University’s 30-credit Master of Accountancy is where a comprehensive graduate course of study meets the best in flexibility. This program is offered in a variety of formats to suit each student’s specific professional and personal goals: A 30-credit Professional Track for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting who are seeking careers in public accounting… A 30-credit Tax Track for students with an undergraduate degree in accounting who want to choose a tax specialty… And a 36-credit Accounting Practice and Reporting Track for those who do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting. All tracks provide students with the advanced coursework needed to qualify for the CPA designation. The university also offers a 4+1 Track for current undergraduate students at the university who want to advance on to their graduate studies. The university’s superb career services are also a noteworthy feature of this program, as they serve as a centralized resource for all members of the Northern Kentucky University community. Just some of the services offered here include job and internship searches, career management assistance, and academic and career goal advising.

University of Louisiana Lafayette

Graduate School

Lafayette, Louisiana

Website

Master of Science in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $1,569

• Program Can Be Completed in One Year of Full-Time Study
• Flexible Curriculum Includes Options for Full- and Part-Time Study, and Many of the Courses Are Offered in the Evenings
• Students Can Enter the Program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Office of Career Services Include Assistance with Career Planning, Career Development, and Job Hunting

The University of Louisiana Lafayette’s Master of Science in Accounting program allows students to advance their knowledge of accounting while achieving the professional skills necessary for a successful career in the private, public, government, or nonprofit sectors. This program allows students to enhance their theoretical knowledge, master technical skills, develop their problem-solving skills, and hone the skills needed to expertly navigate interactions in the business and accounting communities. This program consists of 33 credit hours that can be completed in one year of full-time study, although students may also complete it on a part-time basis. Students may enter the program in the fall, spring, or summer, and many of the courses are offered in the evening for the best in flexibility. Graduates of this program meet the 150-credit requirement to qualify for the CPA designation. We’re also big fans of the university’s Office of Career Services, which serves as a major link between students/alumni and major employers. University students here enjoy career planning, career development, and job-hunting assistance.

University of Southern Maine

School of Business

Portland, Maine

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 90.9%

MBA - Accounting Concentration
MBA/Juris Doctor

Cost Per Credit: $393 (in-state), $629 (New England Regional Student Program), $689 (out-of-state)

• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the School of Business Career Services and Internship
• Also Offers an MBA/Juris Doctor
• Opportunities for Real-Life Learning Through the School of Business Internship Program, Local Business Projects, Business Sponsored Research, and More
• Flexible Program May be Completed on a Full- or Part-Time Basis, with Evening and Summer Classes Available

The first thing that caught our attention about the University of Southern Maine’s MBA  program with an Accounting Concentration is the first-time pass rate among its grads taking the Uniform CPA Exam: 90.9 percent—one of best success rates in the nation! But there’s plenty more to love about this program: an acclaimed faculty, a rigorous curriculum, and an opportunity to gain valuable, real-world experience through the School of Business Internship Program. This program, which is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in accounting, features close partnerships with the business community allows students to solve real world contemporary issues. Other opportunities for real-world experiences include guest speakers, projects with local businesses, and business-sponsored research. This 36-credit program, which includes 9 accounting credits, is designed for part-time, working professionals, although students may also complete it on a full-time basis. Evening and summer classes are offered for the best in flexibility and convenience. The School of Business also offers an accelerated undergraduate-graduate program, as well as an accelerated dual degree MBA/JD program, thanks to a partnership between the School of Business and the UM School of Law.

University of Maryland College Park

Robert H. Smith School of Business

College Park, Maryland

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 51.4%

Master of Science in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $651 (resident), $1,404 (non-resident)

• University Recognized as One of the World’s Premier Business Schools
• Prime Location Near the Business, Government, Nonprofit and Professional Networks of the Washington D.C. Metroplex
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Smith School of Business Include HireSmith, InterviewStream, Terrapins Connect, and VMock
• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Focus Their Program on Tax, Internal Audit, Financial Regulation, or Public Accounting
• Relevant Curriculum Includes Topics in Business Ethics, Corporate Governance, IT Security, and More

The University of Maryland College Park’s Master of Science in Accounting boasts a relevant, practical curriculum that can be customized to suit your professional and personal goals. Combine that with a top-ranked faculty, ample opportunities for practical experiences, and a prime location just outside our nation’s capital and it’s easy to see why this program caught our attention. We love that students here can specialize their graduate study in the areas of tax, internal audit, financial regulation, or public accounting for the best in personalized education. We also love that the core courses of the program feature contemporary topics such as corporate governance, business ethics, forensic auditing, and issues surrounding IT security, controls, and auditing. Students here also enjoy a wealth of career resources, such as HireSmith, a full-service resource for job searches; InterviewStream, which allows students to practice mock interview, review interview tips, and more; Terrapins Connect, a networking and mentorship platform that connects students with UMD alumni; and VMock, a resume interview tool. This Master of Science in Accounting can be completed in either 10 or 16 months of full-time study, depending on the chosen track. The university also offers a Plus 1 Program, an accelerated program for undergraduate students of the university who also want to earn their graduate degree in accounting.

Clark University

Graduate School of Management

Worcester, Massachusetts

Website

Master of Science in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $1,326

• Graduate School of Management Named a ‘Best Business School’ by Princeton Review in 2018
• Outstanding Career Services Help Students Explore Their Co-Curricular and Professional Interests and Achieve Their Personal and Professional Goals
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Experiential and Project-Based Learning and Opportunities to Engage in Research Activities with Faculty
• Flexible Curriculum Includes Evening Courses at Both the Worcester and Southborough Campuses

Clark University is where a solid graduate degree in accounting includes not just principles in business and accounting but also the integration of strong ethical business practices as a way to produce graduates able to effectively navigate regulations and the complex financial responsibilities required of accountants in today’s global economy. We love Clark’s innovative approach to experiential and project-based learning, which includes student participation in ‘communities of effective practice.’ Students here work closely with esteemed faculty members who are highly regarded in both academia and industry. In fact, students may even engage in research and scholarship with faculty. The Master of Science in Accounting also offers up plenty of perks, including a small learning community, a flexible curriculum that includes evening classes at both the Worcester and Southborough campuses, and the opportunity to complete the program in as little as a year. Complete this program and you will have met the educational requirements to sit the CPA exam!

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ross School of Business

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 82%

Master of Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $1,543 (resident), $1,770 (non-resident)

• Superb Record of Student Success: 97% of Program Grads Received a Job Offer Within 3 Months of Graduation in 2016
• Outstanding Career Services Include Corporate Recruiting Events, Career Advising, Career Development Tools, Career Webinars, and More
• Excellent Opportunities for Real-World Experience Through the EY Public Policy Symposium in Washington D.C. and Sanger Leadership Center Seminars
• Program Can be Completed in as Little as 8 Months
• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Customize Their Course of Study by Choosing a Variety of Cross-Disciplinary Electives

The University of Michigan Ann Arbor’s Master of Accounting sets students up for success—both on the Uniform CPA Exam and in careers in the private, public, government, and non-profit sectors. We love this program because students here can customize their degree beyond the accounting and financial reporting foundational coursework with a wide array of cross-disciplinary electives in areas such as business, public policy, and law. We’re also impressed with this university’s strong record of student success—97 percent of the class of 2016 received an offer of employment within three months of graduation. Outside of the classroom, students have plenty of opportunities to network and gain practical, real-world skills by attending the EY Public Policy Symposium in Washington D.C. and participating in two Sanger Leadership Center seminars. Students of this 30-credit program can complete it in as little as eight months of full-time study.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Carlson School of Management

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Website

Master of Accountancy
PhD in Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $1,375

• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Choose Electives from the School of Management’s MBA and MBT Programs
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Evening Course Delivery, Part-Time or Full-Time Study, and Internship Opportunities
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Graduate Business Career Center

There’s plenty of reasons why the University of Minnesota’s Master of Accountancy is tops among grad programs in accounting: a comprehensive, dynamic curriculum; an esteemed faculty of scholars, educators, and business leaders; and plenty of student and instructor engagement. We love this program’s flexible curriculum that allows students to select from a wide array of courses through the university’s MBA and MBT programs, along with its convenient course delivery (most courses are held in the evenings and generally meet once a week). Plus, students here can choose to complete the program on a part-time or full-time basis. Beyond the classroom, students here are also afforded individualized career guidance through the Graduate Business Career Center, as well as opportunities to participate in summer and winter internships.

University of Mississippi

Patterson School of Accountancy

University, Mississippi

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 59%

Master of Accountancy
PhD in Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $341 (resident), $1,331 (non-resident)

• Patterson School of Accountancy Has Been Nationally Ranked in the Public Accounting Report Since 2005
• Home to the National Library of the Accounting Profession—A Worldwide Resource for Research in the Field of Accounting
• CPA Review Course Available to Students with an Interest in Public Accounting
• Outstanding Career Services Include One-on-One Career Advising Services Through the University’s Career Center

The 30-credit Master of Accountancy is part of the esteemed Patterson School of Accountancy, which has been nationally ranked in the Public Accounting Report since 2005, thanks to the rigorous educational experiences delivered to students. What’s more is that the University of Mississippi and the Patterson School of Accountancy are home to the National Library of the Accounting Profession, which provides dynamic research opportunities to grad students. We also love this program for its affordability and its high job placement rate, and graduates have the opportunity to continue on to the PhD in Accounting, if desired. Plus, as a grad student here, you’ll have access to the CPA Review Class to prepare you for the Uniform CPA Exam, as well as the one-on-one career advising services offered through the university’s Career Center.

University of Missouri St. Louis

Accounting Department

St. Louis, Missouri

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 84.6%

Master of Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $466 (resident), $1,145 (non-resident)

• University Named as One of ‘America’s Best Colleges’ by Forbes Magazine
• Outstanding Career Placement Services Include On-Campus Interviews, Resume and Interview Preparation, and One-on-One Career Guidance
• University Ranked First in the State for Affordability by Business Insider
• Flexible Curriculum Features Many Evening Courses
• Open to Students of All Academic Backgrounds

The University of Missouri St. Louis’ Master of Accounting program will not only prepare you to take the Uniform CPA Exam, but it will also provide you with an advanced level of accounting expertise needed to become a change agent and leader in the accounting profession. This degree program is open to all students, regardless of their undergraduate degree, although students who already have an undergraduate degree in accounting can complete the program in as little as 30 semester hours. We love that many of the program’s courses are scheduled in the evening as a way to accommodate busy, working professionals. We are also fond of the program’s superb accounting faculty, which is primarily composed of full-time scholars with extensive experience in the academic and professional practice sectors.

University of Missouri Columbia

Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Business

Columbia Missouri

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 81.3%

Combined Bachelor of Science/Master in Accountancy
Online Master in Accountancy
PhD in Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $836 (resident), $50 (Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act Grant)

• Flexible Curriculum: Newly Offered Master of Accountancy is Offered Entirely Online
• Excellence in Education: Faculty Members are Ranked Nationally for Their Research Productivity
• Job Placement Rates Exceed 95 Percent Among Program Grads
• School of Accountancy Has Been Consistently Ranked in the Top 15 Nationally for Its Accounting Programs by the Public Accounting Report
• Opportunities for Experiential Learning Through Global Study and Internship Experiences

The University of Missouri Columbia’s College of Business offers plenty of avenues to a career in accounting. Undergrad accounting students have the option of completing the 150-hour Bachelor of Science and Master of Accountancy program, while other students who have already earned their undergrad degrees can pursue the university’s Online Master of Accountancy program, which offers students the same, quality program, but with 100% of the courses delivered online. Students with aspirations of doctoral work can even move on to the university’s four-year PhD in Accounting program upon earning their master’s degree. There are plenty of reasons why the University of Missouri’s accounting programs should be on your radar: Faculty members here are ranked nationally for their research productivity… Job placement rates among graduates exceed 95 percent annually… And the Public Accounting Report has consistently ranked the School of Accountancy in the top 15 nationally. We’re also fans of the school’s small class sizes, excellent internship opportunities (More than 80 percent of students complete professional internships), and the many opportunities for global study and internships.

Truman State University

Graduate Studies

Kirksville, Missouri

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 81%

Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $359 (in-state), $623 (out-of-state)

• Program Can be Completed in Just One Year of Full-Time Study
• Dedicated to Student Success: 97% of Students Complete an Internship or Career-Related Work Experience
• More Than 500 Study Abroad Opportunities Available
• Outstanding Career Events Include Meet the Firms and Career Week

An impressive 81 percent first-time CPA exam pass rate among grads is just the beginning of what Truman State University’s 30-credit Master of Accountancy has to offer. This comprehensive graduate degree builds upon a liberal arts and sciences foundation to provide students with a comprehensive course of graduate study that includes the business and financial knowledge needed to become effective financial professionals and leaders in the field. There are plenty of benefits to completing your graduate study in accounting here, including a comprehensive curriculum that can be completed in just one year, and excellent career events like the Meet the Firms and Career Week. We also love the many internship opportunities available here (97 percent of the students complete an internship or career-related work experience.) and the many study abroad opportunities offered to students. (Truman University has more than 500 study abroad opportunities in more than 60 countries.)

University of Montana Missoula

College of Business

Missoula, Montana

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 63.9%

Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $249 (resident), $811 (non-resident)

• Program Boasts a 95% Job Placement Rate Among Graduates
• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Customize Their Grad Program According to Their Professional and Personal Goals
• Dedicated to Student Success: Recruiting from Top Companies and Employer and Student Networking Experiences 

The University of Montana Missoula’s Master of Accountancy provides students with an -depth course of study in accounting, taxation, and business designed to help them develop advanced skills that translate into leadership positions in accounting or related business careers. In addition to the 15-credit accounting core, students here enjoy the flexibility of choosing 15 credits of electives as to specialize their graduate course of study. Just some of the highlights afforded to students of this program include recruiting visits from top companies, employer and student networking events, and a host of internship experiences coordinated through the College of Business’ Career Development Program.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

School of Accountancy

Lincoln, Nebraska

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 75.4%

Master of Professional Accountancy
Master of Professional Accountancy/Juris Doctor

Cost Per Credit: $387 (resident), $1,108 (non-resident)

• University Ranks Among the Top Third of All National Universities
• University Recognized for its Low Costs and High Graduation Rates by the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• University Named Among ‘Best Values in Public Colleges’ by Kiplinger’s in 2016
• Three Programs to Suit Students with Different Academic Backgrounds and Professional Goals
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Graduate Career and Professional Development Office

Flexibility is the name of the game at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Three different options allow students of the Master of Professional Accountancy program to choose a program that best aligns with their professional and personal goals. Undergraduate students of the university may pursue the join BSBA/MPA program, which requires 30-36 additional hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree… The MPA program can be completed in just one year… And the joint MPA/JD program allows students to extend their graduate work into the area of law to earn one of the most valuable applied doctoral credentials out there. In all cases, the MPA at University of Nebraska – Lincoln will prepare you to take the Uniform CPA Exam. Students here also enjoy access to the first class career services offered through the Graduate Career and Professional Development Office, including career planning, workshops, and one-on-one advising services.

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Lee Business School

Las Vegas, Nevada

Website

Master of Science in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $444 (resident), $1,232 (non-resident)

• Flexible Curriculum Includes Full- or Part-Time Study and Start Dates in the Fall, Summer, or Spring
• Program Accepts Students with or Without an Undergraduate Degree in Accounting
• Outstanding Student Services Offered Through the Lee Business School Career and Professional Development Office and the Graduate and Professional Student Association
• On-Campus Recruiting Events Held Throughout the Year

University of Nevada Las Vegas’s Master of Science in Accounting is the flexible grad with proven results program you’ve been searching for. This program accepts students with and without an accounting undergrad degree, and it can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Plus, students can start the program in the fall, summer, or spring, giving you the flexibility to get moving on your grad courses almost any time of year. For the student with an undergraduate degree in accounting, this 30-credit program can be completed in as few as three semesters! There’s also plenty of other benefits for students of this program, including the option of adding the Internal Audit Certificate program offered through a partnership with the Institute of Internal Auditors. Students here also enjoy the services provided by the Lee Business School Career and Professional Development Office and the Graduate and Professional Student Association, not to mention the many on-campus recruiting events that take place here throughout the year.

University of New Hampshire

Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

Durham, New Hampshire

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 66.7%

Master of Science in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $1,000 (resident), $1,750 (non-resident)

• Outstanding Career Services Offered Though the Career and Professional Success Office Includes Career Planning, Resume and Cover Letter Assistance, Corporate and Alumni Outreach, and Individualized Career Counseling
• Accelerated, 9-Month Program for Students with an Accounting Undergrad Degree
• Strong Record of Student Success: 100% Job Placement Rate
• Flexible Curriculum Allow Students to Choose from One of Three Tracks: Audit and Assurance, Tax, or Integrated Audit and Tax
• Outstanding Student Experience Thanks to Faculty Made Up of Nationally and Internationally Recognized Researchers, Small Class Sizes, and a Strong Alumni Network

The only thing as important as an impressive showing for first time pass rates on the CPA Exam is a proven track record for turning out highly employable, in-demand graduates. With the Master of Science in Accounting at University of New Hampshire you’ve got a program that does both – a first-time pass rate of nearly 67%, well above the national average, and a 100-percent job placement rate among graduates. This represents the highest first-time pass rate in New Hampshire and third in New England. Recent grads have accepted positions in esteemed firms like Ernst & Young, Berry Dunn, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. This program consists of 30 credits and a choice of three track courses—Audit and Assurance, Tax, or Integrated Audit and Tax—for the best in career customization. While the program accepts students from all undergrad majors, students with an undergrad major in accounting can complete this program in just nine months. Other reasons this program is tops among accounting grad programs include small class sizes, a faculty of nationally and internationally recognized researchers, access to events like the Annual Accounting Fair, a strong alumni network, and a state-of-the-art business facility.

Seton Hall University

Stillman School of Business

South Orange, New Jersey

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 58.6%

Master of Science in Professional Accounting
Master of Science in Accounting
MBA in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $1,305

• Flexible Curriculum: All Grad Programs in Accounting Can Be Completed On-Campus or Through Online Courses, and on a Part-Time or Full-Time Basis
• Master of Science in Accounting Accommodates Students Without an Accounting Undergrad Degree, While the Master of Science in Professional Accounting is Designed for Undergraduate Accounting Majors
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Small Class Sizes and an Esteemed Faculty
• Outstanding Career Services Through the Career Center Include Internship Assistance, Career Planning and Advising Services, On-Campus Interviews, Peer Mentoring, and More

Seton Hall University provides an option for every graduate student of accountancy. The Master of Science in Accounting, which is designed for students without a bachelor’s in accounting, can be completed on campus or online in just 12 months, while part-time students can finish the program in just two years. The Master of Science in Professional Accounting is designed for undergraduate accounting majors and can be completed on-campus or online in just one year through evening-only classes. There are few hard requirements; instead, students can design their own program by choosing from courses in international accounting, financial instruments, auditing, and enterprise-wide accounting information systems. The MBA with a focus in Accounting features a robust core curriculum of 40 credits, can be completed on a full- or part-time basis through online or on-campus courses. Both the MS in Accounting and the MS in Professional Accounting will get you to the 150-credit requirement needed to qualify for the CPA designation, while all programs feature small class sizes and dynamic curricula designed to produce leaders in the accounting field. We also love the university’s outstanding career services offered through the Career Center, which include internship assistance, career planning and advising services, on-campus interviews, and peer mentoring, to name just a few.

University of New Mexico

Anderson School of Management

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 54.8%

Anderson Master of Accounting
MBA with Accounting Concentration
MACCT/JD Dual Degree
Post-Master’s Certificate in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $508 (in-state), $1,113 (out-of-state)

• Flexible Curriculum Accommodates Students with Different Educational Backgrounds and with Different Professional Goals
• UNM Named One of ‘America’s Best Graduate Schools’ by U.S. News & World Report in 2015
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Anderson Career Services Office

The University of New Mexico’s graduate programs in accounting provide aspiring or practicing accountants everything they need for success in the accounting field, regardless of their undergrad degree. The Anderson Master of Accounting allows students to personalize their graduate studies by choosing one of three concentration tracks, all of which feature 33 credit hours: The Advanced and Information Assurance concentration is designed for students who already hold an undergrad degree in accounting…The Professional concentration is designed for students who completed their undergrad degree in an area other than accounting…And the Tax concentration is designed for students with an undergrad degree in accounting who want to pursue advanced studies in taxation. And for the student who wants a broader business degree that features outcome-focused, team-based learning based on current business issues, the School of Management offers the Anderson MBA with an Accounting concentration. In addition to the wide array of educational offerings for graduate accounting students (which also includes the MACCT/JD Dual Degree for students with an interest in doctoral study and a combined BBA/MACCT program for current university undergrad accounting students), we love the superb career services offered through the Anderson Career Services Office.

SUNY Buffalo

School of Management

Buffalo, New York

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 86.7%

Master of Science in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $905

• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Choose a Specialization Track in Financial Auditing and Assurance, Internal Audit and Risk Management, or Taxation
• Robust Program Limited to Students with Undergrad Degrees in Accounting
• Consistently Ranked Among the Top 10 Accounting Programs in NY for Its CPA Exam Pass Rates
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Small Class Sizes and an Esteemed Faculty
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Career Resource Center Include Student Mentoring, Internship and Experiential Learning Assistance, and Recruitment Efforts

A truly customizable course of study is yours through SUNY Buffalo’s Master of Science in Accounting program. In addition to a robust core focused on taxation, audit, financial reporting, and data analytics, this comprehensive grad program allows students to customize their education by choosing a specialization track in Financial Accounting and Assurance, Internal Audit and Risk Management, or Taxation. To qualify for this dynamic course of study, students must have an undergraduate degree in accounting. Students of this program refine their critical thinking, communications, and leadership skills while getting the credits necessary to qualify for the CPA designation. There’s plenty more to love about this program, too: It has consistently come out on top among the 10 largest accounting programs in NY for CPA exam pass rates, and it has remained in the top 25 among large, national universities. This program also came out on top for its small class sizes (only about 35 students per course), its esteemed faculty of outstanding educators, many of whom have international business experience, and for its access to the university’s superb career services offered through the Career Resource Center, which include student mentoring, internship and experiential learning assistance, and recruitment efforts.

Marist College

Graduate Studies

Poughkeepsie, New York

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 85.7%

Master of Science in Professional Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $1,050

• Unique and Flexible Curriculum Design Allows Students to Complete the Program Through a Combination of On-Campus and Online Courses
• Accelerated Program is One of the Fastest in the Nation, Taking Just 7 Months to Complete
• Outstanding Career Services Include Resume and Cover Letter Creation, Interviewing Tips, and Employment Assistance, Among Others
• Named as One of America’s ‘Most Connected Campuses’ by The Princeton Review
• University Recognized for Academic Excellence by U.S. News & World Report
• Named One of ‘Barron’s Best Buys in College Education’

Looking for an accounting graduate program that comes with a proven track record of success? Look no further than Marist College’s Master of Science in Professional Accountancy, which boasts an 87.5 percent first-time pass rate among graduates taking the Uniform CPA Exam. This 30-credit degree is designed specifically for accounting undergrads to acquire the additional college credits needed to satisfy the education requirements for CPA designation. But it’s more than just your typical grad degree—This program is comprised of both in-class and online classes for the best in accessible and convenient learning. Students here take full-time classes up to 18 credits on campus during the summer and then complete the remaining 12 credits on a part-time basis through distance learning in the fall and/or spring. This accelerated course of study is one of the fastest in the nation, taking you from the classroom to the accounting field in just seven months! Graduate students here also enjoy access to a host of career services, including resume and cover letter creation, interviewing tips, and employment assistance.

University of North Carolina Greensboro

Bryan School of Business and Economics

Greensboro, North Carolina

Website

Master of Science in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $665 (in-state), $1,714 (out-of-state)

• Outstanding Internship Program Allows Students to Gain Valuable, Real-World Experience, and Many Internships Result in Full-Time Job Offers
• Dedicated to Student Success Through On-Campus Recruitment and Outstanding Mentorship Through a Strong Alumni Network
• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Customize Their Program with 12-18 Hours of Accounting and Non-Accounting Electives

The University of North Carolina Greensboro’s 30-credit Master of Science in Accounting offers plenty for the aspiring or practicing accountant: a flexible curriculum that can be customized through 12-18 hours of accounting and non-accounting electives… a comprehensive course of study that prepares students for the CPA exam and a career in public accounting… and an accommodating admissions policy that accepts students from varied academic and professional backgrounds. We are also impressed with the experiential learning opportunities afforded to students here, including the internship program that allows students to gain valuable work experience by completing a paid public accounting or industry internship. In fact, many of the internships result in full-time offers prior to graduation, thanks to the university’s strong connections with many of the nation’s largest companies, including Big Four accounting firms. Plus, students here enjoy direct, on-campus recruitment and outstanding mentorship through a strong alumni network.

Wake Forest University

School of Business

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Website

Master of Science in Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $1,663

• Consistently Demonstrates a 100% Employment Rate Among Graduates
• Flexible Curriculum Allow Students to Choose from One of Three Tracks: Assurance Services, Tax Consulting, or Financial Transaction Services
• Optional Paid Internship Boasts a History of Success: Nearly All Students Who Participate in an Internship Receive Full-Time Job Offers from Their Internship Employer
• CPA Exam Prep Course Prepares Students to Take the Uniform CPA Exam Upon Graduation

Wake Forest University is where students head when they want a grad program that comes with a proven track record of success. In addition to an impressive 80.6 percent first-time CPA exam pass rate, Wake Forest grads enjoyed a 100 percent employment rate at graduation in 2016. It’s no wonder, then, that this university has become a key recruiting school for accounting firms nationally. The two-semester, 30-credit Master of Science in Accountancy is a flexible grad program that not only accepts students from any undergrad major but also offers students the choice of three distinct tracks based on their career interests: Assurance Services, Tax Consulting, or Financial Transaction Services. We also love that students here get the opportunity to complete an optional, paid internship. Almost all students who participate in an internship receive full-time job offers from their internship employer! And for students with interest in public accounting, this MSA program culminates in a structured CPA exam prep course, just prior to graduation.

North Dakota State University

College of Business

Fargo, North Carolina

Website

Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $321 (ND resident), $408 (MN reciprocity), $482 (MSEP), $859 (non-resident)

• Outstanding Professional and Career Development Services Offered Through the Graduate School, Including Career Workshops and Events, Interviewing and Resume Assistance, and Networking/Job Search Guidance.
• Flexible Curriculum Includes Some Online Courses and the Option of Completing the Program on a Part-Time or Full-Time Basis
• Committed to Student Success Through a Collaborative Learning Environment that Connects Students with Each Other and with Industry Leaders

North Dakota State University’s Master of Accountancy program is designed specifically for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in accounting, but other undergrad students may be admitted on a conditional basis if they complete specific accounting prerequisite courses). This non-thesis, professional program allows students to advance their career in any accounting sector and prepare for the Uniform CPA Exam. We love this program’s collaborative learning environment that allows students to connect with their peers, as well as with leaders in public, government, and not-for-profit sectors. We also love the flexibility here, as many of the program’s 30 semester credit hours can be completed through online study. Most students can complete the program in two or three semesters of full-time study, although students here are also able to complete it on a part-time basis.

Ohio State University

Fisher College of Business

Columbus, Ohio

Website

Master of Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $1,966 (resident), $3,308 (non-resident)

• Many Opportunities for Student Engagement, Learning and Volunteer Work with More Than 20 Professional, Cultural, and Social Student Organizations, Including the MAcc Council, the VITA Program, MAcc Gives Back, and the EY Speaker Series
• Program Ranked 9th Among All Public Universities and 12th Among All U.S. Universities, According to the 2017 Public Accounting Report
• 98% of Program Graduates are Hired Within Three Months of Graduating
• Dedicated to Student Success: All Students Enjoy Guidance from Dedicated Career Counselors
• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Customize 78% of the Program Through Electives and an Optional Internship

Ohio State University knows what it takes to stand out from its competition. According to the 2017 Public Accounting Report, Ohio State University’s Master of Accounting program ranked 9th among public universities and 12th among all universities in the nation. Plus, it has a proven track record of student success—98 percent of the grads are hired within three months of graduating. In addition to its accolades, we also love this program’s flexibility, which allows students to customize 78 percent of their curriculum through electives and complete an internship to round out their graduate course of study. Complete the program without an internship and you’ll graduate in nine months; incorporate an internship and you’ll graduate in 12 months. Whether you want to take the Uniform CPA exam and enter public accounting, or you have your sights set on a career in another accounting sector, you’ll enjoy assistance and guidance from your own dedicated career consultant.

University of Oklahoma Norman

Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business

Norman, Oklahoma

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 75%

Master in Accountancy
Online Master in Accountancy
PhD in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $213 (resident), $610 (non-resident)

• Flexible Curriculum Can be Completed Through Day and Evening On-Campus Courses or 100% Online
• Online Program is Designed as a Small, Cohort Model That Boasts Close Faculty-Student Interaction
• Allows Students to Personalize Their Curriculum by Choosing Elective Business Courses in a ‘Meaningful and Marketable’ Supporting Area

The University of Oklahoma Norman’s Master in Accountancy is a flexible, comprehensive program open to students from all undergraduate backgrounds (some students may need to complete certain prerequisites before entering the program or as part of the degree program). This 33-credit program features 18 hours of graduate accounting courses, complemented with 15 hours of graduate-level business electives designed to produce graduates who are prepared to become leaders and change agents in the accounting field. Students are encouraged to choose a ‘meaningful and marketable’ supporting area, such as finance or information systems, when selecting their business electives. This full-time program includes the flexibility of both day and evening classes. Further, the Price College of Business also recently began offering this program entirely online to accommodate busy professionals with work obligations or who don’t live near a campus. Online delivery allows students to study when and where it works best for them. Most students complete this program in less than two years while still working full-time. Other benefits of this program include a small cohort-based model that ensures the best in student engagement and the same quality instruction provided through the on-campus program. Undergrad accounting students here may complete the BBA/MAcc program, which offers an accelerated path to a grad degree. Further, the University of Oklahoma also offers a PhD in Accounting for students who want to continue their studies at the doctoral level.

University of Oregon

Lundquist College of Business

Eugene, Oregon

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 78.6%

Master of Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $538 (resident), $945 (non-resident)

• Ranked as the Top School in the World for Tax Research, According to Rankings Compiled by Brigham Young University
• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Choose from a Variety of Graduate-Level Electives to Meet Their Professional Interests
• Outstanding Career Services Through the Lindquist College of Business Include Resume, Interview, and Recruitment Assistance

The University of Oregon’s Master of Accountancy is at the heart of advances in the field of accountancy. In fact, this university recently earned the distinction of being the top school in the world for tax research, according to rankings compiled by Brigham Young University. This program, undoubtedly shaped by the innovative and cutting-edge research being conducted here, is a 10-month (one academic year) program that’s best designed for students who hold an undergraduate degree in accounting or a similar area, although other students may enter the program upon completing specific prerequisites. In addition to the program’s five required accounting courses, students here can customize their program by choosing graduate-level electives that meet their specific professional interests. We also love this program for the excellent career development and placement services offered through the Lundquist College of Business. Students of this grad degree are required to begin working with the career office before the program starts in order to refine their resumes and begin preparing for interviews, which typically begin taking place soon after classes start.

Penn State University, University Park

Smeal College of Business

University Park, Pennsylvania

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 81.9%

Master of Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $921 (resident), $1,543 (non-resident)

• Flexible Program Accepts Students from All Undergrad Majors
• Exceptional Opportunities for Student Success Include On-Campus Recruiting and Career Events, Programs, and Fairs Throughout the Year

Penn State University’s Master of Accounting not only gives students the advance course credits they need to qualify for the CPA, but it also provides them with an advanced understanding of accounting and business principles, which is crucial for meeting the demands of the accounting profession and assuming leadership roles in the public, corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. We love the flexibility of this program, which accepts students from a variety of undergrad degrees—the Integrated MAcc program is designed specifically for Smeal accounting majors, while the One-Year MAcc program is designed for students who’ve earned a bachelor’s degree at Penn State or elsewhere. This program also provides students with an opportunity to connect with corporate partners, who often visit the school in search of future talent and to build their network through collaboration with students and faculty. Penn State also offers up plenty of student services, including career counseling, on-campus interviewing, career fairs, and similar workshops and events. Plus, the Nittany Lion Career Network allows students to apply for open positions and apply on campus.

Bryant University

Department of Business

Smithfield, Rhode Island

Website

Master of Professional Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $1,176

• Program Also Offered with a Tax Concentration
• Unique Coursework Delivery Includes On-Campus and Online Courses Delivered Simultaneously; Online Students Can Participate in Real-Time Lectures Through a Virtual Classroom
• Outstanding Career Services Include Career Assessments, Career Planning Seminars, Assistance with Cover Letters and Resumes, and Access to the Bryant Career Connection, an Online Resource That Allows Students to Schedule Appointments with a Career Coach, Search for Internships, and More
• Program Can Be Started Throughout the Year
• More than 90% of All Students Complete At Least One Internship

Bryant University’s Master of Professional Accountancy seamlessly combines the latest in business theory with the essential management skills needed to address the demands of today’s competitive business climate. Students here can complete the general grad degree or focus their graduate course of study on taxation; both can be completed in as little as two terms (10 months). We love this program’s impressive 100 percent career placement rate with national and regional accounting firms and its extensive alumni network. Plus, courses here are delivered simultaneously on-campus and online, which means that distance-based students can still participate in real-time lectures through a virtual classroom! Designed for accounting graduates, Bryant’s Master of Professional Accountancy can be started in the fall, spring, or summer. Experiential learning is encouraged here and, as a result, more than 90 percent of Bryant graduates have completed at least one internship. The university’s Amica Center for Career Education pairs students with a company that best aligns with their career goals.

University of South Carolina Columbia

Darla Moore School of Business

Columbia, South Carolina

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 76.3%

Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $528 (resident), $1,031 (non-resident)

• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Career Center Include Interview Prep, Resume and Cover Letter Assistance, and Assistance with Securing Internships
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Small Class Sizes and CPA Exam Preparation Courses
• Optional MAcc Summer Boot Camp Allows Non-Accounting Students to Complete the Program’s Prerequisites in an Accelerated Format
• Impressive 100% Job Placement Rate Among Graduates
• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Focus the Program on Taxation or Business Measurement and Assurance

The University of South Carolina Columbia is where graduate students of accounting get to earn their stripes analyzing information, identifying problems, and providing solutions to real world issues in the accounting industry. There are plenty of benefits to completing the 30-credit Master of Accountancy program here, including small class sizes that maximize student engagement, a 100 percent job placement rate among graduates, and the best preparation for success on the Uniform CPA Exam. We also love the flexibility of this program, which offers students the option of focusing their graduate study on Taxation or Business Measurement and Assurance, along with the option to select electives based on their specific career goals and interests. This program also includes a required simulated CPA exam, along with the Becker CPA Exam Review FastPass to ensure grads are well-prepared to take the CPA exam. We also love the optional MAcc Summer Boot Camp for students without an accounting background, which allows them to satisfy the required undergrad courses at an accelerated pace.

University of South Dakota

Beacom School of Business

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 64%

Master of Professional Accountancy
Master of Professional Accountancy/Juris Doctor

Cost Per Credit: $444

• Also Offers the Joint Master of Professional Accountancy/Juris Doctor
• Program Includes Option of Completing Three Plans: Thesis, Non-Thesis, or Internship
• Flexible Curriculum May be Taken Either On-Campus or Online

The University of South Dakota’s Master of Professional Accountancy is a comprehensive program that provides specialized training in the accounting and business fields and prepares students to take the Uniform CPA Exam. This 30-credit hour program consists of 21 hours of graduate accounting courses, along with a group of electives. This program provides the best in graduate study, regardless of your professional goals, through the choice of three plans: Plan A includes a thesis; Plan B without a thesis; and Plan C, which includes an internship. Plus, students here have the option of completing the Master of Professional Accountancy on-campus in Sioux Falls, or online! Undergrad accounting students at the university can complete the joint Bachelor of Business Administration/Master of Professional Accountancy Fast Track Option, and graduate students with aspirations of doctoral study can complete the joint Master of Professional Accountancy/Juris Doctor, a joint effort between the Beacom School of Business and the USD School of Law.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Department of Accounting and Information Management

Knoxville, Tennessee

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 80.3%

Master of Accountancy
PhD in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $333

• Program Consists of a Focused 10-Month Course of Study
• Flexible Curriculum Offers Specializations in Audit and Controls, Information Management, or Taxation
• Outstanding Student Support and Engagement Through Student Organizations Like the National Association of Black Accountants, the AIM Accounting Alliance, and Beta Alpha Psi

The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Master of Accountancy offers all the advanced accounting courses you need, as is evident in the track record for exceptional student outcomes. Consisting of just 10 months of study, this graduate program prepares students for careers in assurance, tax, financial transactions, advisory services, and more. We love the flexibility this program provides, as students here can choose to specialize their graduate study on Audit and Controls, Information Management, or Taxation. Outside the classroom, students get some real networking opportunities by getting involved with Beta Alpha Psi, the AIM Accounting Alliance, and the National Association of Black Accountants, and enjoy the many career services offered through the Center for Career Development. For students with interest in careers in research and academia, the university also offers the PhD in Accounting program, a full-time, research-oriented program.

Baylor University

Hankamer School of Business

Waco, Texas

Website

Masters of Accountancy
Masters of Taxation

Cost Per Credit: $1,650

• Program ranked 36th in the Nation by Accounting Degree Review in 2017
• University Ranked as a Top 10 School for Graduate Accounting by LinkedIn
• Opportunity to Specialize in Tax
• Outstanding Career Resources Offered Through the Office of Career Management Include Handshake and Career Playbook, Among Others

Baylor University offers the nationally recognized Masters of Accountancy for students looking to become CPAs, and who want to see a proven track record for successful student outcomes. This program was ranked 36th in the nation by Accounting Degree Review in 2017… has been recognized by LinkedIn as a Top 10 School for Graduate Studies in Accounting … and is one of the top schools in the nation for its CPA Exam first-time pass rate. This 33-credit hour program requires 18 hours of graduate accounting coursework, 3 credits of graduate finance coursework, and an additional 12 hours of supporting graduate business coursework. For current undergrad accounting students, the university also offers the joint BBA/MAcc or BBA/MTax degree. Outside the classroom, students here have access to the many services, tools, and resources the Office of Career Management provides: HandShake, where students can create a professional profile, build a resume, and apply for jobs; and Career Playbook, a reference for students and alumni that includes everything from resume creation to personal career management.

Brigham Young University

BYU Marriott School of Business

Provo, Utah

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 87.8%

Master of Accountancy
Master of Accountancy/Juris Doctor

Cost Per Credit: $405 (LDS), $810 (non-LDS)

• Program Offers the Opportunity to Specialize Through Two Tracks: Tax or Professional
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Esteemed Faculty and Opportunities for Networking and Experiential Learning, Including Internships, Study Abroad Opportunities, and Field Studies
• School of Accountancy Also Offers the PhD Prep Track and the Master of Accountancy/Juris Doctor

Ranked second in the nation for its Master of Accountancy program by Public Accounting Report in 2017, Brigham Young University is where students go for the best in graduate level accounting education and the finest in spiritual development. There’s plenty to love about this program, including its two track options—Tax or Professional (designed to prepare students who provide professional services to firms and corporations). BYU’s world class faculty mentors and the amazingly diverse student body make the student experience here second to none. As a student here, you’ll enjoy access to a wide array of resources that will help you build relationships with your peers, gain valuable experience that looks great on a resume, and that will provide some amazing networking opportunities. On-campus internships, study abroad opportunities, and exciting field studies that enhance student learning are just a few of the ways students at BYU can learn and grow outside the classroom. For students interested in deeper learning opportunities at the doctoral level, the School of Accountancy also offers the PhD Prep Track and the Master of Accountancy/Juris Doctor.

University of Vermont

Grossman School of Business

Burlington, Vermont

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 88.1%

Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $646 (resident), $1,630 (non-resident)

• Program Boasts a 100% Job Placement Rate and One of the Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates in the Nation
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Small Class Sizes, an Esteemed Full-Time Faculty, and Experiential Learning Opportunities
• Program Accepts Students from All Undergraduate Majors

A 100 percent job placement rate, an impressive 88.1% first-time CPA Exam first-time pass rate among recent graduates who took the exam, and small class sizes of no more than 25 students… these are just a few of the perks of being a student of the University of Vermont’s Master of Accountancy program. This 30-credit program is made up of courses covering general accounting, auditing and tax accounting, along with CPA law, professional communications, and graduate-level business courses. The program accepts students from all undergrad majors, with current undergrads at the university being allowed to complete the Accelerated MAcc program and take up to nine credits of MAcc classes as a second semester senior. We also love the commitment to student success here—in addition to classroom theory, students enjoy world-class guest speakers and opportunities to engage in experiential learning.

James Madison University

College of Business

Harrisonburg, Virginia

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 85.9%

Master of Science in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $473 (in-state), $1,231 (out-of-state)

• One of the Highest First-Time CPA Exam First-Time Pass Rates in the Nation
• Impressive Record of Student Success: 94% of Graduates from the College of Business are Employed, in Graduate School, or Pursuing Some Type of Career-Related Endeavor
• Dedicated to Student Success Through an Annual CPA Exam Review Course, Internship Opportunities, and Graduate Research Assistantships
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Student Success Center

A history of success makes James Madison University’s Master of Science in Accounting a smart choice for advancing your technical expertise and improving your business skills, and turns out highly competitive graduates more than prepared to succeed in today’s complex business environment. Not only does this superb program boast an exceptional 85.9 percent CPA exam first-time pass rate among recent graduates who took the exam—one of the highest in the nation— but the College of Business is also getting attention for turning out a very high percentage of graduates that go on to achieve success as business leaders. Just a few of the notable features of this program include a post-graduate CPA exam review course offered every summer, summer internship and externship opportunities, and valued graduate research assistantships that offer both tuition assistance and a stipend. We also love this school’s Student Success Center, which offers plenty of career and academic planning services.  

Western Washington University

College of Business and Economics

Bellingham, Washington

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 90.9%

Master of Professional Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $618 (resident), $1,328 (non-resident)

• Outstanding Career Services Through the Academic and Career Development Services Office Helps Students Make a Successful Transition 
• Flexible Program Allows Students to Customize Their Course of Study Through a Variety of Accounting Electives, MBA Electives, and MPAcc Seminars
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Small Class Sizes and Close Interaction Between Faculty and Students

If you live in Western Washington and you’re looking to earn your CPA, then WWU’s Master of Professional Accounting had better be on your radar. This selective graduate program boasts small class sizes, an accessible faculty that works closely with students, and plenty of opportunities to custom tailor the program around career goals. In fact, students here can customize their graduate program by choosing from a variety of graduate-level accounting electives, MBA courses, or designated seminars. As an accounting student here, you’ll meet one-on-one with MPAcc advisors to design a program that best meets your professional goals. Western Washington University also offers the 3+2 Integrated MPAcc program, an accelerated course of study for current junior-level students. Both the traditional and the integrated MPAcc program culminate in a capstone course that requires passing a comprehensive exam, and both programs are designed to be completed in just one year of full-time study.

West Virginia University

College of Business and Economics

Morgantown, West Virginia

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 72.7%

Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $453 (resident), $1,283 (non-resident)

• Includes CPA Exam Review Program
• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Choose an Assurance or Tax Track
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Center for Career Development

West Virginia University’s Master of Accountancy will get you where you want to be if you have the CPA Exam in your sights and you’re looking to make your mark as a leader in public, corporate, government, or nonprofit accounting. We love the options for specialization this program provides, allowing students to choose between an Assurance track or Tax track. And any accounting grad student can agree that including Uniform CPA Exam review courses in the program is a very attractive feature. All students of the Master of Accountancy are required to complete the Becker CPA Review course and sit for at least two sections of the exam prior to graduation. Outside of the classroom, students here enjoy outstanding support through the Center for Career Development, which helps them connect with employers and find internships and job opportunities. Plus, students here have access to Mountaineer Trak, WVU’s premier site for locating internships and jobs.

University of Wisconsin Madison

Wisconsin School of Business

Madison, Wisconsin

Website

CPA First-Time Exam Pass Rate: 87.7%

Graduate Master of Accountancy
Integrated Master of Accountancy

Cost Per Credit: $443 (resident), $665 (Minnesota resident), $937 (non-resident)

• Program Ranked Fourth in the Nation Among Tax Programs by TaxTalent in 2018
• Program Boasts a 100% Employment Rate Among Graduates and One of the Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates in the Nation
• Two-Year Graduate Master of Accountancy Accommodates Students with Little to no Accounting Education
• One-Year Master of Accountancy Accommodates Undergrad Accounting Students at the Wisconsin School of Business  
• Flexible Program Design Allows Students to Choose a Taxation Specialization
• Paid Internship Placement Available with Area Employers
• Program Emphasizes Ethical Issues Through a Professional Development Conference, a Three-Week Professional Issues Course, and Industry Speakers
• Dedicated to Student Success Through Industry Employer and Alumni Interaction; Alumni and Corporate Partners Help Organize Student Organization Events, Case Compositions, Symposiums, and More
• Outstanding Career Services Include One-on-One Guidance from a Career Advisor and Access to Career Fairs, Resume-Building Workshops, On-Campus Recruiting, and Mock Interviews

The University of Wisconsin Madison’s Graduate Master of Accountancy is where undergrads go to learn accounting principles, technical skills, and ethics and professionalism. The Wisconsin School of Business offers two, distinct programs that accommodate students both with and without an accounting background: The Graduate Master of Accountancy and the Integrated Master of Accountancy. The Graduate Master of Accountancy is the comprehensive program you’re looking for if you have an undergraduate in another discipline and want to make the switch to accounting. Students of this two-year, full-time program are encouraged to complete a summer internship between their first and second years for some valuable, real-world experiences to complement classroom theory. The Wisconsin School of Business maintains strong relationships with a number of area employers in the public and corporate accounting arenas as a way to facilitate internship placement. The Integrated Master of Accountancy is a one-year program designed specifically for undergraduate accounting students at the Wisconsin School of Business. Students here are also encouraged to complete an internship. After the first year, Graduate Master of Accountancy students meet up with Integrated Master of Accountancy students for the second year of study. Both of these programs prepare students to become successful accounting professionals in any sector and perform well on the CPA exam. Want proof? Graduates of this program have an 87.7% first-time pass rate on the Uniform CPA Exam—one of the highest in the country! And you can’t overlook the proven track record for exceptional student outcomes with the 100 percent job placement rate among graduates!

University of Wyoming

Department of Accounting and Finance

Laramie, Wyoming

Website

Masters in Accounting

Cost Per Credit: $251 (resident), $750 (non-resident)

• Flexible Curriculum Allows Students to Focus Their Graduate Study by Choosing up to 21 Accounting and Business Electives
• Outstanding Career Services Offered Through the Peter M. & Paula Green Johnson Career Center Include a ‘Backpacks to Briefcases’ Process That Helps Students from Resume Creation to Career Fairs and Final Interviews

You’re just 30 credits away from meeting the education requirements for the CPA, and the Masters in Accounting at the University of Wyoming can get you there! Designed for students who have completed an undergraduate accounting program (other students may apply once they have satisfied the program’s prerequisites), the Masters in Accounting can be completed in just 10 months of full-time study. This program comes out on top for its flexibility, allowing students to choose up to 21 credit hours of accounting and business electives that best meet their professional goals. In addition to preparing for the CPA exam and a career in public accounting, students of this program are able to explore all aspects of the profession, including accounting information systems, financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, and auditing. We also love the outstanding career services offered through the Peter M. & Paula Green Johnson Career Center. This proven process is designed to take students from ‘backpacks to briefcases,’ beginning with resume workshops and leading to careers fairs and final interviews.