Master's in Accounting Programs Guide

Overview

The University of Texas at Austin is a space-grant research university that was established in 1883 in Austin, Texas. It is the flagship university of The University of Texas System. It has the fifth-largest enrollment for a single campus in the nation and has been labeled a “Public Ivy” school for a high standard of education that compares to the Ivy League schools.

Presence

For students who are interested in the Master’s in Accounting program, the McCombs School of Business is the perfect place to obtain this degree. UT Austin is the home of the number one ranked graduate accounting program in the nation, a recognition it has held for nearly a decade. Program highlights include:

• First-class faculty with real-world experience
• Specialized academic services
• Study abroad trips and internship opportunities

Notes

UT Austin is a rich learning environment, housing 17 libraries, seven museums, an observatory, and a separate research campus all within the school’s grounds. The school is also known for the high caliber of faculty that teaches there, including recipients of both the Nobel Prize and the Pulitzer Prize.

Overview

The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, making it one of the oldest colleges and perhaps the oldest college on this list. It is a private, Ivy League research institution that is a founding member of the Association of American Universities and claims Benjamin Franklin as its founder.

Presence

The University of Pennsylvania is home to Wharton School of Business, which was founded in 1881 and is the most prestigious business school in the country. Students who major in accounting or one of the Master’s degrees at Wharton can be certain that they will find:

• Placement with a top employer within three months of graduation
• A flexible curriculum that allows working graduates to build their schedule
• Access to Wharton’s Career Services and faculty

Notes

UPenn is the home of the nation’s first collegiate business school and is well known for its professional schools. The school is a pioneer in interdisciplinary education in the U.S., popularizing this European model from the time of the school’s establishment.

Overview

Texas A&M, which was founded in 1876, is the flagship university of the Texas A&M University System and is the fourth-largest university in the United States. It is a public land, sea, and space-grant research facility that has ongoing projects with NASA, the National Institutes of health, and the Office of Naval Research.

Presence

This school is known for being a nationally ranked graduate accounting program, which is housed in the Mays Business School. Texas A&M University is the fifth best graduate university and has been ranked as the 7th best public graduate program by the Public Accounting Report. Specialties include:

• Assurance Services
• Information Management
• Tax Consulting
• Financial Planning

Notes

Texas A&M is one of the top 20 research universities in America and is in College Station. It is just one of six universities in America to have a full-time Corps of Cadets who study alongside the civilian student body.

Overview

Founded in 1887, North Carolina State University is a public research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is one of the universities that make up the Research Triangle in North Carolina, the others being Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is a land, sea, and space-grant institution and is the largest university in the Carolinas.

Presence

North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management offers the Jenkins Master of Accounting program, a nationally recognized program for all students who are interested in pursuing accounting classes at the graduate level. Students should expect:

• A dedicated faculty
• High CPA pass rates
• Post-graduate placement within six months

Notes

The Jenkins Master of Accounting is ranked 33rd in the nation from the 2015 Public Accounting Report and has also consistently been named in the top ten most affordable programs for pursuing a graduate accounting degree.

Overview

Ohio State University is a public research university that is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio with regional campuses found all around the state. Founded in 1870 as a land-grant university, this institution has expanded its horizons to also become a sea-grant and space-grant institution. It is the third largest university in terms of campus size within the United States.

Presence

For graduate students, OSU is home to some of the best programs in the state. Of note is the Fisher College of Business, home to the Masters in Accounting. The degree is open to all university graduates, regardless if they have a degree in accounting at the undergraduate level. A student should expect:

• Small class sizes
• Highly respected faculty
• Individual attention inspiring success

Notes

Over 1,000 student organizations have a home on campus, including three separate student governments, media and publications, sports programs, and more. It is also known for its marching band, which is a long-standing tradition at the university.

Overview

Established in 1885, Arizona State University is the largest university by enrollment in the U.S., with the student body totaling closes to 100,000 students in 2014. It is a public research university that covers five campuses across the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area along with other learning centers across the state.

Presence

Accounting students looking to receive a Master’s in Accounting will be directed to the W. P. Carey School of Business. The MAcc program at Arizona State University is highly ranked by the Public Accounting Report. Students have access to:

• A nine-month comprehensive program
• Accurate and up-to-date education in accounting
• Innovative coursework reviewed each year
• Accounting professionals and alumni

Notes

ASU is classified as a high-ranking research university and has been granted top rankings and is 31st best public research university in the United States. The MAcc program has a track record of employing over 90 percent of their graduates in less than three months after graduation.

Overview

The University of Georgia is the flagship institution of the University System of Georgia It was founded in 1785 in Athens, Georgia, and is a public land and sea-grant research university. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is classified as a high research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Presence

The University of Georgia is home to the Terry College of Business, which houses the Master of Accountancy. The program is consistently ranked as one of the top ten public graduate accounting programs in the nation and will help students achieve the requirements needed to sit for the CPA exam in the state. The school offers three specializations for the degree:

• Audit
• Taxation
• Audit Systems

Notes

UGA holds the distinction of being the first university ever to be chartered by a state and lays claim to the title of the oldest public university in the nation. It is currently ranked in the top 25 best public universities in America and 101st in international school rankings.

Overview

Florida State University is a public sea-grant and space-grant research university. It is headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, where it was founded in 1851, and has since expanded to satellite campuses all over the states. The university holds a “research university with very high research” classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Presence

The Florida State University is home to the College of Business, where the Master’s in Accounting program is based. The program fulfills requirements for a student to sit for the CPA exam in Florida. It can be completed in one or two years and comes with four different specializations including:

• Taxation
• Corporate accounting
• Assurance services
• Accounting information systems

Notes

Along with 700 student organizations and clubs, students can also partake in community service and volunteering opportunities as well as join a fraternity or sorority, or even participate in intramural sports. There is also an active Reserve Officer Training Corps available on campus for the military-minded student.

Overview

The University of Wisconsin was established in 1848 in Madison, Wisconsin. It is the flagship institution of the University of Wisconsin System, was the first public university founded in the state, and remains the oldest public institution in Wisconsin. UW is a public land-grant and sea-grant research university and is considered one of the original “Public Ivy” universities.

Presence

The two-year full-time degree is designed to bring students up to speed on accounting and provides the perfect foundation for anyone trying to take the CPA test in Wisconsin. An Integrated Master of Accountancy provides the perfect road to receiving both an undergraduate and graduate degree. Unlike many of the schools on this list, the school offers two roads to receiving this degree:

• For students who hold an undergraduate accounting degree
• For students who don’t have a degree in accounting

Notes

This distinction is important, as the school recognizes that some students may be interested in accounting, but did not pursue an undergraduate degree to that effect. For these students, the Graduate Master of Accountancy is a perfect fit.

Overview

The University of Iowa was founded in 1847 and is the oldest university in the state of Iowa. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the University of Iowa is the flagship university for the state of Iowa and provides more than 200 concentrated areas of studies and with seven professional degrees available through eleven colleges.

Presence

One of the colleges that make up the University of Iowa is the Tippie College of Business, where the Master of Accountancy M.A.C. program can be found. UI’s graduate accounting program is one of the few programs on this list that continues to be internationally ranked as a top-tier program. The M.A.C. program allows for four areas of specialization:

• Tax
• Business analytics
• Auditing
• Managerial accounting

Notes

These specializations will help students further their career goals while also getting them the credit hours needed to sit for the CPA exam in the state of Iowa. The university is the birthplace of the Masters of Fine Arts Degree and is also the site of the Iowa Writer’s Workshop, which is well known to both poetry and prose writers.

Overview

Pennsylvania State University was established in 1855 with a commitment to teaching, researching, and public service. It is in University Park, Pennsylvania, and is a public flagship research university with facilities in various parts of the state. It is home to two law schools and a college of medicine and is labeled as a “Public Ivy” candidate.

Presence

The Master’s in Accounting Programs available at Penn State has been designed to help students achieve the requirements to become a certified public accountant within Pennsylvania. Smeal offers two tracks to achieve that goal:

• For students who have an accounting undergraduate degree
• For students who hold a non-business degree

Note

Penn State’s Smeal College of Business and its various programs have all been consistently ranked by leading institutions for the past 15 years. Smeal is always ranked within the top ten for its accounting programs, with special recognition for the Integrated MAcc program that is currently on offer.

Overview

The University of Connecticut, also known as UConn to the locals, was founded in 1881 in Storrs, Connecticut. It is a public land, sea, and space grant research university as well as the flagship university for the University of Connecticut system. It has six campuses across the state.

Presence

The Master of Science in Accounting program that is available at UConn has been nationally recognized as one of the best accounting degree programs that can be found on campus or online. The program is accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business. Students receive:

• CPA qualification within the state
• Attention from a dedicated faculty
• Professional experience in accounting

Notes

UConn is a founding member of the regional economic and cultural alliance known as New England’s Knowledge Corridor. It is also a member of Universitas 21, a prestigious group of research universities who work together on ideas such as global citizenship.

Overview

Baruch College is a constituent college founded in 1968 as part of the City University of New York system. It is in the Gramercy Park neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City, New York. It is made up of three schools that offer undergraduate, masters, and Ph.D. programs to students.

Presence

The Zicklin School of Business houses Baruch College’s Master of Science in Accountancy. When a student successfully completes the program, they will be eligible to sit for the CPA exam in the state of New York. Partnerships help strengthen the school’s ability to provide their students with real-world internship opportunities, they include:

• American Graduate School in Paris
• JP Morgan Chase

Notes

The MSA program at Baruch College is uniquely suited for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or finance. Having a foundation in accounting before obtaining this degree will allow this program to be finished in as little as one academic year.

Overview

Headquartered in Oxford, Mississippi, with campuses found all over the state, the University of Mississippi was founded in 1848 and is a public research university. It is a sea-grant and space-grant institution and is the largest university within the state. The school, known locally as Ole Miss, welcomes students from all 50 states and nearly 100 countries, making for a diverse student body.

Presence

At the graduate level, the University of Mississippi offers accounting and finance studies to pursue a Master’s through the Patterson School of Accountancy. These degrees are both one year of full-time study. Programs offered include:

• Accountancy
• Taxation

Notes

Ole Miss is known for their focus on international, intelligence, and security studies. It is the home of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies, as well as the Croft Institute for International Studies. Both are nationally recognized programs that help further high-quality education programs related to intelligence and security both at home and abroad.

Overview

The University of Alabama was founded in 1831, making it one of the largest and oldest universities in the state. It is a public research university that is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The school is home to the 13 academic fields of study at all levels of education and is also the site of the only public law school in Alabama.

Presence

For graduate students looking for accounting courses and degrees, the Culverhouse College of Commerce will be their college within the university. The degree further prepares accounting students for the professional world, whether that be working as:

• CAP for an accounting firm
• In a research context at a financial institution
• Accounting for individual organizations

Notes

The university has historical and cultural significance. It was one of just a handful of universities that were founded in the earlier half of the 19th century and was a place of activity during the American Civil War as well as the African-American Civil Rights Movement.

Overview

Boston College is a private, nonprofit, research university that founded by and currently affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. It is in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. It is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and is the site of early collegiate gothic architecture. This school is classified as having the highest research activity as a university by the Carnegie Foundation.

Presence

The MSA Program at Boston College is ranked 19th among national graduate accounting programs. For those who wish to pursue this degree but do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting, Boston College offers the MSA Summer Program. It is designed to give students a strong foundational understanding of accounting prior to joining the Fall Program. Students receive:

• Preparation for the CPA exam
• Access to an experienced faculty
• A flexible academic calendar

Notes

The MSA program at the college differs than other graduate accounting programs in that the degree is open to everyone, but recommends students have an elevated level of understanding in accounting. For students who have an undergraduate degree in accounting, the fall program is the best fit.

Overview

Founded in 1887, North Carolina State University is a public research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is one of the universities that make up the Research Triangle in North Carolina, the two others being Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is a land, sea, and space-grant institution and is the largest university in the Carolinas.

Presence

The Jenkins Master of Accounting is ranked 33rd in the nation from the 2015 Public Accounting Report and has also consistently been named in the top ten most affordable programs for pursuing a graduate accounting degree. Students gain:

• Access to a nationally recognized program
• High pass rates for CPA exam
• Placement within six months after graduation

Notes

North Carolina State University offers the best variety of degrees and programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with the graduate school providing 104 master’s degrees and over 60 doctoral degrees. The school is noted for its strengths in engineering and life sciences.

Overview

The University of South Carolina was established in 1801 in Columbia, South Carolina. It is a public sea-grant research university. It is also the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina System. The school is renowned for being the home of the largest Scottish literature materials outside of Scotland and for having the largest Ernest Hemingway collection in the world.

Presence

The Darla Moore School of Business, a college within the University of South Carolina, is the school where the Master of Accountancy is housed. A unique aspect of this accounting program is that the faculty is ranked fourth nationally in experimental research by BYU Accounting Research Rankings. The MAcc program offers:

• A nationally ranked program
• Comprehensive coursework
• Support before and after graduation

Notes

USC enjoys recognition for its undergraduate and graduate international business programs, both of which have each been ranked in the top three in their fields. The school has 350 programs of study at levels of education within the 14 schools that make up the University of South Carolina.

Overview

Established in 1858, the University of Illinois at Chicago is a state-funded public research university. It is in Chicago, Illinois. UIC is the home to the largest medical school in the nation and is the most well-respected educator of all medical professionals within the state.

Presence

Prospective accounting students will be interested in learning that the Liautaud Master of Science in Accounting program has been specially designed to give flexibility, both in curriculum and in the schedule, to graduates. The program was created to help all students:

• Formulate a foundation in accounting
• Prepare students for other areas of business
• Experience working alongside a dedicated faculty

Notes

The University of Illinois-Chicago is currently listed as 128th best national university and placed 78th for the best national public university. It is continuously ranked in the top 15th percentile of all programs that are currently accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Overview

Bentley University is a private university that was founded in 1917 as an accounting school. It is based in Waltham, Massachusetts, not far from Boston. Originally a graduate school, Bentley has gone on to offer a bachelor of science degrees in business, arts, and sciences fields. The graduate school is best known for, offers a variety of degrees, dual degrees, and certificate programs.

Presence

At Bentley University’s Graduate School of Business, a student can enroll in the Master of Accountancy, one of the degrees this school is best known for. It remains steadfast in its commitment to providing the financial sector with exemplary accountants and business-minded professionals. Highlights include:

• Critical thought and communication development
• Emphasis on global solutions
• Opportunities within Big Four accounting firms and abroad

Notes

This university continues to place in the top ten master’s degree programs offered by universities, and in the top 50 undergraduate business programs. Students also are offered the opportunity to study abroad for a more hands-on approach when it comes to off-shore business practices and other related interests.

Overview

The University of Florida, called UF by students, is a public land, sea, and space grant research university that is in Gainesville, Florida. It was established in 1853 and is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. UF has a very high research classification and is ranked in the top 15 best public universities in the United States.

Presence

The graduate accounting program has its own school within the Warrington College of Business — it is housed in the Fisher School of Accounting. The Master’s in Accounting, which is offered by the school, is primarily suited for students who received their undergraduate degree at another institution and are coming to Fisher for their graduate degree.

• Extensive coursework
• A supportive faculty
• Real-life accounting experience

Notes

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is the eighth-largest single-campus school in the U.S. with nearly 50,000 students enrolled. UF is home to sixteen academic colleges and over 150 research facilities. The graduate offerings include 123 master’s degrees and over 75 different doctoral degrees, not including professional programs offered at various schools.

Overview

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public flagship research-intensive university that was founded in 1867 in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois. It is the second oldest public university in the state and is a member of the Association of American Universities with a high research activity classification by the Carnegie system.

Presence

For graduate students that are looking to obtain a Master’s in Accounting Science, the College of Business at UIUC is an excellent choice. The program is constantly in the top 15 of accounting program rankings by the Public Accounting Report. Key features include:

• More partnerships with Big Four CPA firms than any other university
• Consistent graduation placement of leading professionals
• A dedicated faculty

Notes

UIUC is home to 17 colleges that provide more than 150 programs of study at various levels of education. It is also home to the second-largest university library in the United States. The school is consistently ranked as a top-tier school in both national and international rankings, with various programs taking the top ranking in their specific field of study.

Overview

The College of William and Mary was established in 1693, making it the second-oldest university in the United States and the oldest in the South. It was founded as a private research university by King William III and Queen Mary II but has been a public institution since 1906. It is in Williamsburg, Virginia, and is considered one of the original eight “Public Ivy” schools.

Presence

The College of William and Mary is home to the Raymond A. Mason School of Business. Here, the Master of Accounting is housed. It is a full-time, one-year program that allows students to fully benefit from:

• World-class faculty
• Unique programs found nowhere else
• Paid internships

Notes

The D.C. Trek, which is a faculty-led trip to the nation’s capital, is aimed at teaching students about the relationships between the public and private sectors, and how accounting can be a driving force behind those relationships. The Integrated Winter Field Experience is a half-term spent working within real businesses during the busiest part of the year for them.

Overview

The University of Arizona was chartered in 1885 as a public research university. It is in Tucson, Arizona, with a medical school that is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The University of Arizona provides students with over 300 areas of study in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degrees. The University of Arizona has a vibrant student life with ample clubs and organizations.

Presence

The Eller College of Management, one of the schools housed within the University of Arizona, was founded in 1913 and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It is home to the nationally ranked Masters in Accounting program. Key features include:

• Accredited coursework
• Internship placement
• Job opportunities upon graduation

Notes

Students who study at Eller for their accounting degree are given a special opportunity — a summer internship with a top firm, provided they meet the requirements. This internship placement is perfect for students who want actual experience while working on their degree, and often these placements become permanent after graduation.

Overview

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou by students, is a public research university that was founded in 1839 in Columbia, Missouri. It also has campuses in Rolla, Kansas City, and St. Louis, Missouri. Mizzou is the flagship institution of the University of Missouri system. It is currently ranked at 103rd among national universities.

Presence

The University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business is home to the Masters of Accountancy degree. Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting are eligible for this program, which completes the prerequisites for anyone who wishes to sit for the CPA exam. The MAcc program offers:

• Preparation for CPA exam
• Real-life experience
• Employment opportunities after graduation

Notes

MU Is only one of six universities in the nation to have professional schools for medicine, law, engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine all located on one campus. The school also owns the University of Missouri Health Care system, which owns and operates four hospitals in Central Missouri.

Overview

Florida International University is a public metropolitan research university that was established in 1965 and headquartered in Greater Miami, Florida. It holds a high research activity classification from the Carnegie Foundation as well as a first-tier research university classification by the Florida Legislature. It belongs to the State University System of Florida and is a primary graduate research university in Florida.

Presence

For students who are looking to obtain a Master’s in Accounting, FIU offers a program through their business school. The program, which can run as little as ten months, is created with flexible schedules and locations in mind. Key features include:

• Experience within an accredited program
• Hybrid options for both online and on-campus classes
• A choice of when and how to take lessons

Notes

Currently, FIU is the second-largest university in Florida with a student body count of over 50,000. The university offers 191 programs across 280 majors at 23 colleges and schools. It is best known for its commitment to excellence in graduate programs, including business administration, law, and medicine, and offers over 100 post-graduate degrees.

Overview

The University of Tennessee is a flagship public university in the University of Tennessee system. It consists of 20 colleges and schools, hosts nearly 30,000 students a year, and counts students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries within its student body. It was founded in 1794, before the state entered the Union, and is in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Presence

The Haslam College of Business, located on the University of Tennessee campus, is home to the Master of Accountancy program, which has three concentrations — Audit and Controls, Information Management, and Taxation. It is known to be a rigorous and challenging program, designed to ensure that all students who complete the MAcc program are:

• Well prepared for the business world
• Ready to take the CPA exam
• Training for a variety of accounting roles

Notes

The University of Tennessee holds affiliations with several research facilities and institutions, such as the University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility and the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy. It is a direct partner of the University of Tennessee Medical Center. It has the distinction of being a nationally recognized teaching hospital with an emphasis on aggressive medical research programs.

Overview

The University of Washington was founded in 1861 and is a public flagship research university that is in Seattle, Washington, with campuses in both Tacoma and Bothell. It is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast and is home to an internationally recognized medical school. The University of Washington is a member of the Association of American Universities.

Presence

The Foster School of Business, a college within the University of Washington, is the center for graduate accounting classes and degrees. Here, students obtain a master of Professional Accounting, which combines:

• Internships with unique opportunities
• Accounting research
• A focus on changes in the field

Notes

This university is known for the high standard of excellence among its faculty. Professors include Pulitzer Prize Winners, Nobel Prize laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and many other distinguished professionals in a variety of fields. It is one of the most respected faculties in the country, and the faculty is one of the biggest factors in bringing new students into the school.

Overview

DePaul University was founded in 1898 by the Vincentians and is the largest Catholic university by enrollment in the country. It is a private university that has an emphasis on recruiting students from diverse backgrounds. The school is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with campuses in Lincoln Park and the Loop in the city.

Presence

The Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, which is associated with Driehaus College of Business, offers the Master of Accountancy program. This degree was created for students who hold another degree in accounting. The school offers internships to accounting students to help them gain authentic experience while helping with employment opportunities. The program includes:

• Focus on technical and management issues
• Ongoing support before and after graduation
• Real-life experience inside and outside the classroom

Notes

This university is nationally recognized for its dedication to service-based learning and pedagogy. It is one of the only universities to be acknowledged for the role that community-based volunteer work takes within its requirements for graduating.

Overview

The University of Southern California is a private, nonprofit, sea and space-grant research university that is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1880 and has a historic track record of educating Southern California’s top leaders and professionals. It is currently partnered with research and cultural institutions in Asia and along the Pacific Rim.

Presence

Nestled under the USC Marshall School of Business is the Leventhal School of Accounting, which houses the Master of Accounting. Students of this program are invited to partake in a study abroad program in China to help them further understand how accounting works in the business world. The degree offers:

• An education from a top 25 school in the country
• Accounting opportunities abroad
• Connections to large companies

Notes

USC is known for having alumni that follow the tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship, with many graduates going on to found companies like Lucas Film, Intuit, Tinder, and Riot Games. It is also recognized as being the university with the most Olympic medals awarded to alumni; at last count, the total number of medals stood at 288, more than any other university in the country.

Overview

Established in 1834, Wake Forest University is a private, nonprofit, independent research university that makes its home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is ranked 27th among national universities and is ranked tenth in best undergraduate teaching. This school has produced Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Truman Scholars, and Fulbright recipients.

Presence

Wake Forest University’s School of Business is the home of the Masters of Science in Accounting. It is one of the top accounting programs in the country and has an unmatched record when it comes to CPA pass rates. There are three tracks to follow, including a unique track found only at Wake Forest. Tracks include:

• Financial Transaction Services
• Assurance Services
• Tax Consulting

Notes

The school also boasts a 100 percent of all graduates are placed within a year of completing their degree. There are more than 400 study abroad programs for students to choose from, ranging in any field of study, country, and length of stay.

Overview

Texas Tech University, known simply as Texas Tech, is a public research university that was founded in 1923 in Lubbock, Texas. It is the flagship institution of the Texas Tech University System, which is a separate entity from the University of Texas System. Texas Tech offers degrees at all levels of education in 150 areas of studies through 13 colleges.

Presence

Graduate accounting students will find the Master of Science in Accounting within the Rawls College of Business. This master degree program is open to students who have a degree in finance or accounting. Program features include:

• Preparation for the business world
• Training for a variety of accounting roles

Notes

Student life at Texas Tech is diverse and never boring. There are over 500 organizations and clubs to join, as well as a Student Union building that serves as a hub for all student activity. Most students will live on campus at least for a portion of their academic life, which makes for an always interesting campus.

Overview

Northern Illinois University was founded in 1895 and is in DeKalb, Illinois, with satellite campuses across the northern part of the state. It is a public research university that has seven colleges that offer 200 programs at all levels of education, from undergraduate to doctoral programs. Most of the academic programs offered by NIU are nationally accredited.

Presence

The NIU has a College of Business, where a Master of Accounting Science can be obtained. It has been ranked as one of the 30 most affordable graduate accounting programs available in the nation. Key features of the program include:

• An affordable tuition
• Preparation for the CPA exam
• Real-life accounting experience

Notes

Students who take on this program are invited to take part in the Accountancy Academic Internship Program, which consists of over two months of full-time work. This internship allows students to not only get hands-on training but it also serves as a way for companies to recruit straight from the NIU student body, which often means placement before graduation.

Overview

Southern Methodist University was founded in 1911 and is in Dallas, Texas. It is a private research university that operates campuses across the Southwest. It is owned by and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. SMU has seven schools, including a seminary, a law school, and a professional engineering school.

Presence

Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business offers a Master of Science in Accounting, and it is currently ranked third on the list of top Master’s in Accounting programs as issued by the Public Accounting Report. The program operates on an open schedule, allowing for students of this program to focus on a specialized area of study. Key features include:

• Hybrid online and on-campus programs
• Flexible scheduling
• High-placement rates for graduates

Notes

The school is supported by its endowment. It has the 41st largest endowment among private U.S. universities, with an endowment that topped $1 billion in June of 2015.

Overview

The University of Texas at Dallas is a public research university that is in the Richardson neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. It was founded in 1969 as a graduate center but has integrated undergraduate studies with doctoral work and its research programs. It has the highest research activity classification from the Carnegie Foundation, with projects ranging from space science to cybersecurity.

Presence

The MS Accounting program is accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business and is nationally ranked as one of the best business graduate schools in the country. This two-year program was designed to give students the necessary skills and experience to work as accountants in the real world. Program features include

• Preparation for the CPA exam
• Real-life experience in the field
• High placement rates for graduates

Notes

UT Dallas has a broad program, spanning 138 disciplines across eight schools and over 50 research institutes. The school has an interdisciplinary focus, allowing students to design curriculum that match their interests and goals, and offering the chance for collaborative research projects across disciplines.

Overview

Utah State University was founded in 1888 as an agricultural college but is now a public research university that is headquartered in Logan, Utah. It is the home of top-tier nationally ranked elementary and secondary education programs. The school offers over 200 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Presence

The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business houses the Master of Accounting, which is designed for students who wish to meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exams in Utah. The program is ranked 36th in the nation. Highlights include:

• Recruiting relationships with accounting firms
• Over 90 percent placement of graduates

Notes

Utah State University is home to more Carnegie Professors of the Year, an award given to exceptional teachers who provide the highest standard of learning available. This is the cornerstone of the school, which is best known for having strong student-teacher ties, regardless of the program or department.

Overview

Founded in 1871, The University of Arkansas is the public flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System. It is in Fayetteville, Arkansas and is a land and space grant university. It also holds a high research activity classification by the Carnegie Foundation. The University of Arkansas offers over 150 programs ranging from undergraduate to professional degrees.

Presence

At the Walton College of Business, students looking for a graduate accounting degree can find the Master of Accountancy. As with many other schools on this list, the college offers an integrated five-year degree in accounting. This program combines academic study to grant a student both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in accounting. Highlights include:

• Combination undergrad and graduate program
• Preparation for the CPA
• High-quality opportunities before and after graduation

Notes

The University of Arkansas believes in pairing qualified students with internships, and so the Walton College of Business offers accounting internships to their students. These are paid internships for the most part and often result in the student being offered employment with a company before graduation.

Overview

Texas Christian University is a private university that was established in 1873 and is in Fort Worth, Texas. It follows a classic liberal arts curriculum and houses eight colleges and schools. It is ranked in the top 100 national universities and has a high research activity classification from the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research.

Presence

The Neely School of Business, the university’s graduate school, is one of the most respected business schools in the nation ranking 12th in the nation in graduate accounting programs. Students who achieve this degree often go on to sit for the CPA exam, and the school has reported some of the highest pass rates in the state of Texas. Graduates have:

• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• High CPA passing rates
• 93% placement within six months

Notes

TCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It holds a Tier 1 ranking as a doctoral university by the Carnegie Foundation. The school has high marks in research and innovation, but it is still governed by the liberal arts.

Overview

The University of Houston is the flagship institution of the University of Houston system. It was founded in 1927 as a public research university, and it is the third-largest university in Texas. The school has been ranked in the top 110 public universities and enjoys a very high research activity classification from the Carnegie Foundation.

Presence

Accounting students will be particularly interested in the Bauer College of Business, where a Master of Science in Accountancy can be obtained. This program is unique in that not only is the program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, but it is one of less than 200 institutions to hold specialized accreditation for the accounting program. Students enjoy:

• Full preparation for the CPA
• Comprehensive coursework
• A world-class faculty

Notes

This school has a nationally ranked faculty working in accounting, and accounting courses are regularly taught by active professionals in the field. All students are given a top education as well as unique opportunities to be recruited by top agencies and firms from across the nation before they graduate.

Overview

The University of Utah is a public space-grant research university that also serves as the flagship institution for the University of Utah system. Founded in 1850 and located in Salt Lake City, Utah, the school offers close to 200-degree programs and areas of study.

Presence

The David Eccles School of Business houses the graduate accounting program. Students can obtain a Master of Accounting through this nationally ranked accounting program, which sits at number 21 of the best accounting programs available in the country. Graduates can also choose from specializations including:

• Audit
• Tax
• Accounting Information Systems

Notes

The faculty who oversee the accounting program are nationally ranked as well, and many faculty sit on editorial boards for accounting research journals. This level of research emphasis and commitment to continuing education, both for faculty and students, is one of the reasons this graduate accounting program is so well respected.