Accounting Degrees

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College in New York City landed first on our list thanks to the variety of flexibility of its programs. This school offers students a great Bachelor of Business Administration for Accountancy alongside a specialized Master of Science in Accounting for students who complete this undergraduate degree path. This college also offers a more general Master of Business Administration in Accountancy for those without an undergraduate business degree and a unique BBA/MS Path to CPA that lets students knock out a master's degree in just one year. These master’s programs are designed to prepare graduates to sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam and are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a notable achievement and good indication of the programs' quality.

Through their School of Business, SUNY College at Old Westbury offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Accounting and MS programs in forensic accounting and taxation, giving students a good variety of programs from which to choose. This university’s School of Business does an excellent job of emphasizing student access along with the importance of advising throughout college education, ensuring prospective students that they will receive one-on-one attention while studying here. Students who choose to continue their education through the master’s program have the option to complete their studies either traditionally on campus or entirely online, a boon for professionals like EAs who are working full-time.

Another great option for students is the Buffalo, New York-based Jesuit university Canisius College, which offers an AACSB-accredited accounting program with a variety of outstanding degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Accounting or Professional Accounting, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting, and an MBA in Professional Accounting. This school boasts placement rates at or near 100% every year and students who come out of the program consistently pass the CPA exam: these graduates had the best scores on the CPA in all of New York State in 2020. Those who choose to study at this university will be under the watchful eye of the Council on Accountancy, a group of financial experts who guide students through their education and help to place them in professional settings after graduation.

At CUNY Queens College in Queens, New York, students can choose from a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting & Information Systems or a Master of Science in Accounting with an accelerated option. While students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting can complete this extensive program with just 30 credit hours, the school has flexible options that allow students to complete this degree alongside core undergraduate classes they missed. These programs pride themselves on their ability to adapt to changes in our world; the curriculum is constantly evolving to give students stellar preparation for the real world. Students who qualify can also join the local chapter of Ascend, which is focused on promoting accounting careers for Pacific Islanders and Asian students.

Broward College offers an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science in Accounting or Accounting Technology, both of which are perfectly tailored to seamlessly completement and transfer to a 4-year accounting program. This Fort Lauderdale, Florida college boasts incredibly low tuition rates (just over $100 per credit) and flexible degree paths, plus Broward College has developed articulation agreements with several prominent universities in Florida. This means grads get guaranteed admission to programs at the University of Miami, the University of Florida and Florida International University.

Accounting students may also want to take a look at the prestigious Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, which offers students a Bachelor of Science in Accounting alongside a Master of Business Administration in Professional Accounting. This extremely flexible master’s program boasts an intense, 14-month curriculum that makes students eligible for the CPA exam. Students in this program can also get a Certificate in Audit Analytics by taking a single related course, and this versatile program gives students the chance to learn important accounting technologies through plenty of hands-on, practical learning.

Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers one of the most flexible and customizable degree programs for accounting students in the country. Kudos are in order for extremely high job placement rates (close to 100%) and for being 1 of only 8 schools to have International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) accreditation. Students will be able to complete not only a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting but also a Master of Accountancy that is optimized to be completed in only 30 credit hours. These degrees are further made flexible through the option to take both entirely online without ever coming to campus, plus there is a variety of specializations to choose from, such as finance, fraud exam and auditing, or professional accounting.

Along with a standout Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Northwood University in Midland, Michigan gives adult students the unique opportunity to complete an immersive degree program at their own pace through the Adult Degree Program. This highly customizable option gives learners the chance to take classes whenever they best see fit, whether it's online, at night, or on the weekends. This quick path to education is complemented by the school’s four-year BBA/MBA option for accounting students, allowing for the completion of a blend of classes to quickly prepare themselves for a professional career.

Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington offers a flexible Associate of Science in Accounting. This college also offers a unique certificate in accounting that requires just 62-66 credit hours for completion, as well as specialized certificates that require just 18-25 hours each. Whatcom excels at giving students real-world experience working with clients thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides pro bono tax services to members of the community.

Rounding out the top ten is Franklin University, a majority online college based out of Columbus, Ohio. To best accommodate students across the country, this university hosts both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting that can be completed without ever coming to Franklin’s campus. Both these programs have met the exacting standards of IACBE accreditation. Students who continue their studies through the school’s master’s program can finish the degree in just 17 months and can skip GMAT and GRE tests if they have a 2.75 GPA or higher.

With an emphasis on local community outreach and internship opportunities for students, Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut makes a great place to study accounting. This school offers two options for students: a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting that prepares students to pass the Connecticut requirements for the CPA exam. Full-time, this program can be completed in just one calendar year (three semesters), allowing students to enter the workforce as soon as possible. Faculty in this field spend time consulting local professionals to create an environment that opens up plenty of job and internship opportunities for students.

The accounting department at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, New Jersey, offers a wide variety of certificates and programs for students who are interested in studying accounting. This college offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting that is fully accredited by the Accrediting Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and provides a pathway for students to complete either the Master of Science in Accounting or the five-year bridge program which combines both degrees into one. Students in these programs have unique opportunities to take on internships and jobs at prestigious firms like PwC, Withum and SobelCo. This university also offers a unique Graduate Certificate in Professional Management Accounting, which readies students to take the CMA exam.

Kirksville, Missouri-based Truman State University boasts two AACSB-accredited programs: A Bachelor of Science in Accounting or a Master of Accountancy. This school stands out when it comes to specialization: students can concentrate in Finance, International Business, Management, or Marketing alongside their accounting studies. Students are also encouraged to build relationships through the Academic Peer Mentor Program, where first and second-year students are paired with upper-level students who mentor them in their studies. Those who choose to complete the Master of Accountancy will find themselves ready to complete the CPA exam not only in Missouri, but in a number of other states.

Through the prestigious Naveen Jindal School of Management, The University of Texas at Dallas offers multiple excellent business programs in accounting. Their Bachelor of Science in Accounting is optimized for students who wish to become Certified Public Accountants upon completion of their degree, while the Master of Science in Accounting offers two unique tracks for students to customize their method of learning; the Flex Program allows students to complete the entirety of their coursework at their own pace, while the Cohort Program places the same group of students in all classes to stimulate new relationships. Finally, this school offers a unique PhD-level program in Management Science with a concentration in Accounting, bolstered by a high faculty to student ratio, which is ideal for those seeking tenure at research universities.

SUNY College at Geneseo offers both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting for students who want to continue their studies. The bachelor’s program qualifies graduates to take New York’s CPA exam, and completing the one-year master’s program will enable them to enter the field of public accounting. This AACSB-accredited program is further strengthened by small class sizes and an enhanced curriculum that includes a more generalized liberal arts education that better rounds out the skills of students. Students here can also join the Accounting Society, which hosts professional and personal development events for aspiring accountants.

The University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi offers a praise-worthy Bachelor of Accountancy alongside a variety of master’s programs that allow students to further their business education. This program has options for students to specialize in areas of accountancy through degrees such as a Master of Accountancy, a Master of Accountancy & Data Analytics, and a Master of Taxation; each includes a CPA review course devoted to exam preparation. This school also partners with the School of Law to offer unique Juris Doctor/Master of Accountancy degree programs. The University of Mississippi promotes togetherness and brotherhood through a number of student organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi, a national fraternity focused on business studies and the National Association of Black Accountants.

The Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy at the University of South Florida-St Petersburg offers scored points both for standout curriculum and for its wealth of options. Students can pursue a BS in Accounting, a Master of Accountancy, a PhD in Accounting and a one-of-a-kind graduate certificate in anti-money laundering. This school’s master’s program is uniquely customizable through several unique specializations including assurance, corporate, taxation and forensic accounting. These programs are accredited by AACSB International and give students the chance to join the Accounting Society, where they connect with networking and personal development events.

Along with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting, the University of New Orleans hosts the unique Master of Science in Tax Accounting. The MS boasts small class sizes, a track that can be completed in just 9 months and concentrations in Accounting Information Systems, Auditing and Finance. UNO is particularly rich when it comes to student accounting clubs; it hosts chapters of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), the National Association of Black Accountants and the Beta Alpha Psi National Honorary Accounting Fraternity.

North Seattle College is a two-year university that offers a number of degrees and certificates for those looking to get a foothold in the accounting field. Their main degree, the Accounting Associate of Applied Science, offers two unique tracks: one for students who plan on transferring to a four-year university and one for those that want to enter the job market as soon as they graduate. Short-term certificates are also available in unique areas such as computerized accounting, accounting fraud and international accounting. Students who choose to study here can join the Student Accounting Club, an excellent group that brings in speakers within the accounting industry for guidance and lectures.

The prestigious University of Missouri in Columbia is further strengthened by accreditation from both AACSB and the Federation of Schools of Accountancy (FSA), making the Trulaske School of Business a great choice for prospective accounting students. The main program offered by this school is a 150-hour combination of the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Master of Accountancy, ensuring students get the education needed to be certified as CPA upon graduation. Internships, study abroad and job networking opportunities play a huge role here, and that includes Professional EDGE, a special skill-building program that helps accounting students prepare for internships and eventual job opportunities.

The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth offers a research- and technology-focused program in accounting through the Charlton College of Business. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting has met rigorous standards to prepare students for countless professional accounting certifications including CPA, CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) and CFE (Certified Fraud Examination). This university also offers a Master of Science in Accounting that will fulfill the 150 hours needed for CPA licensure. The emphasis on community is strong here; so strong that the Mu Phi chapter of the Beta Alpha Psi honor society has Superior status, the highest level a chapter can attain.

CUNY Brooklyn College states that their accounting department is student-focused and emphasizes a variety of communication and business skills, and their listing of numerous accounting degrees for undergraduates backs this up. These programs include a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (internal accounting), a Certificate in Accounting, a Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting and Business Management, among others. Within the standard accounting degree path, students can choose whether or not they wish to qualify for CPA certification and will be placed upon one of two tracks depending on this decision. Those who wish to become a CPA will need to achieve the Master of Science in Accounting from this college, allowing students to meet the 150-hour requirement for certification.

The accounting programs that caught our eye at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin include a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy and a Master of Professional Accountancy. The master's program is so flexible and structured in such a streamlined way that students can complete it in just 12 months, even while working. They boast AACSB accreditation, which is no small honor — only five percent of the business programs in the world have been able to earn it.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus boasts a 100 percent job placement rate 6 months after students graduate from their accounting program, making it a great option for prospective applicants. This university offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting with two separate tracks – one that requires 150 hours to meet AICPA requirements and a 120-hour non-CPA program. For graduate students, there's a customizable Master of Professional Accounting, which pairs students with a personal advisor to devise a customized curriculum that fits their specific needs. Graduate students who do not need CPA certification may also choose to complete the 12-hour graduate certificate in accounting.

The Milgard School of Business at the University of Washington’s Tacoma campus gives students a number of options to pursue in terms of accounting programs, including a unique non-matriculated accounting program that gives those with a bachelor’s degree the chance to complete the hours needed to sit for the CPA examination. This school also offers plenty of other degree options including a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an Accounting specialization and a Master of Accounting that has an 18-month and 9-month path to completion. Students in this program have access to the stellar MAcc Mentorship Program, allowing them to partner with experts in the field to gain job and study advice.

Featuring a focus on hands-on learning and numerous faculty members with professional experience and intensive career backgrounds, Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts provides accounting programs for undergraduates and graduates alike. The university offers undergraduate students a standout Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance with an Accounting concentration, while graduate students can choose to pursue either the Master of Science in Accountancy or the less intensive Graduate Certificate of Accounting. Outside of the classroom, students can take part in the Accounting and Finance Club, which provides seminars and networking for interested students.

Being one of only 48 universities in the world to be a part of the Institute of Internal Auditors Internal Audit Education Partnership, Florida Atlantic University is a top choice for those looking to study accounting. Pursuable as either a Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree. Students in this school’s master’s program have a variety of unique concentrations to choose from, including Digital Accounting Forensics and Business Valuation. This nationally recognized and AACSB-accredited program can also be completed entirely online, giving students the flexibility needed to gain CPA credentials upon graduation.

The University of Illinois at Springfield deserves praise for its excellent Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, which ties seamlessly with Master of Arts and Graduate Certificate options at the graduate level. The bachelor’s degree's curriculum is well-formulated to qualify students for CMA, CIA, CISA certifications and the master’s program does a phenomenal job preparing students for the special requirements to sit for the Illinois CPA certification. This university is also home to the Student Accounting Society (SAS), which provides unique opportunities for networking and class guidance.

Illinois State University is located in Normal, Illinois but its accounting program is far from pedestrian — it boasts one of the highest pass rates on the CPA exam in Illinois and landed the evasive AACSB International accreditation. The university offers a seamless Bachelor of Science and Master of Professional Accountancy combo program that results in eligibility for the CPA exam. The school also boasts a unique Career Specialty track that lets students design their own curriculum based on their career goals. Going hand in hand with these degrees is the impressive Accounting Mentorship Program, which pairs students with accounting professionals to hone interpersonal and career skills needed to be successful in the field.

Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Northeastern State University makes its claim on our list for its strong Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. Students in this program can choose from two areas of emphasis: Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting, each leading to either CPA or CMA certification upon completion. The school’s accelerated track option results in a rare Master of Accounting and Financial Analysis (MAFA), which also includes a capstone experience. Many of this school’s faculty are focused on immersive learning, providing unique courses that prepare students for the real world of accounting.

Featuring AACSB accreditation and the benefit of all graduate-level classes offered entirely online, Ramapo College of New Jersey has proven itself to be a great choice for accounting students. This school offers a well-designed Bachelor of Science in Accounting in conjunction with their 4+1 Bachelor of Science to Master of Science in Accounting Program, a preferred option for those looking to achieve CPA certification after graduation. Undergraduate accounting students are eligible to take up to two graduate level classes as a senior, cutting down on hours needed in their fifth year and giving aspiring professionals a quicker route to a career.

Located in Providence, Rhode Island College is a top choice for those looking to study accounting. In addition to a standout Bachelor of Science in Accounting, this university boasts a Master of Professional Accountancy, an all-encompassing degree that fully prepares students for CPA licensure. Incoming students should be sure to look into the useful Early Enrollment Program which allows senior high school students to complete college classes before coming to campus. Students also benefit from the school’s local Student Accounting Association, a group where they can listen to professional speakers and network with peers and pros.

Boasting a global approach to accounting alongside small class sizes and integrated online certificates, Robert Morris University in Moon Township, Pennsylvania makes a great location for any accounting student. Their fully AACSB-accredited program not only includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, but a more focused Master of Business Administration with multiple options for graduate certification. Students who spent their undergraduate time studying accounting will get the opportunity to expand their breadth of knowledge through certificates like Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management, fully preparing them to adapt to an ever changing business atmosphere. All accounting students benefit from a robust chapter of the Association of Future Accountants, where they get connections to employers, professor recommendations and tips on the job hunt.

Texas A&M International University and the A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business (ARSSB) offers two great AACSB-accredited degrees in their Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master of Professional Accountancy. This university prides itself on diversity not only in their student base but in their faculty as well, creating a multicultural experience that is sure to enhance learning. TAMIU has built an incredible network of great internships that are carefully selected from organizations that have a longstanding relationship with the university, such as J.P. Morgan Chase & Co, Kansas City Southern and State Farm.

We love how SUNY at Albany in New York puts such a heavy focus on applied learning through internships and other opportunities; its real-world training has landed graduates at prestigious companies like KPMG, Deloitte, and Price Waterhouse Coopers. This college offers a great Bachelor of Science in Accounting as well as a 21-month Master of Science in Accounting with faculty and curriculum from professionals who work at Ernst & Young. This program is also completely AACSB-accredited and can even be taken in part-time or nighttime formats, providing ease of access to any student who wants to pursue being a professional accountant.

SUNY College at Oswego offers up a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration in Accounting that caught our attention. Featuring award-winning faculty and extremely high job placement rates after graduation, this program is strengthened even further by a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities. Students can join organizations such as the Accounting Society, a complementary program gives students the chance to network with each other and focus on applied learning. SUNY Oswego also offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a separate Master of Business Administration in Public Accounting.

Another great potential choice is CUNY York College, a Jamaica, New York-based school that's designed a personalized and specialized program with small class sizes. Their Bachelor of Science in Accounting is a phenomenal choice for prospective students, offering three unique concentrations in Internal Audit and Fraud Examination, Public Accounting and General Accounting. Through this program, students will get the unique opportunity to intern for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) where they will learn how to prepare real tax returns at the local and federal levels. Affordability shines here, too, with tons of accounting scholarships, like the Harriet and Jeffrey Thompson scholarship, the Delford Lodge scholarship and the others offered through the alumni network.

The University of South Dakota, located in Vermillion, South Dakota, offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate level through their Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master of Professional Accountancy. At the graduate level, this school has a wide variety of options including an Accounting Analytics specialization and a joint fast-track program for those interested in completing both degrees simultaneously. Students here benefit from the Summer Accounting Institute, a program to learn about the accounting industry that results in college credit.

Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, has distinctive opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate accounting students who want to further or complete their education. One unique aspect of their Bachelor of Science in Accounting is that students who have completed or are currently enrolled in another AACSB-accredited program can take classes towards their degree before being accepted into the program. At the graduate level, students can choose to either pursue a full Master of Professional Accountancy or add to their bachelor’s degree though useful graduate certificates in professional accounting or professional tax practice.

Georgia College & State University shot onto our list this year thanks a wide variety of extracurriculars for accounting students including networking, voluntary mentoring, and resume workshops, all of which bolster their program in tangible ways. Students can choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting or a Master of Accountancy, with the added benefit of the ability to take graduate classes during their senior undergraduate year. This university places trust in its Accounting Advisory Board, a group of working professionals dedicated to assuring the quality of this great program and helping students with whatever they need.

Next on this list is Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, which offers two standout great programs: a Bachelor of Science or Arts in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy. These AACSB-accredited programs are excellent choices that are strengthened through personal connections with employers that can be made through the school’s Professional Accounting Club. This university also offers a fast-track option for students interested in both degrees, allowing them to become CPAs in just five years.

Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois offers unique opportunities for accounting students, especially through their Internal Auditing Education Partnership, which allows students with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting or Master of Accounting Science from this school to receive an IIA Certification of Completion. There's a Master of Accountancy on offer here, along with a STEM-oriented accounting science program that provides a different angle on accounting education. Students will also benefit from the Ernst & Young Leadership and Professional Development Center that is designed to help students improve their professional and personal skills through various workshops.

Bolstered by intimate one-on-one interactions with faculty, small class sizes, and a brand-new hands-on accounting lab for technological learning, SUNY College at Plattsburgh is a clear choice for our top programs. Their Bachelor of Science in Accounting has both in-person and online options and students are provided with their own faculty member to use for guidance throughout their education. This school also has a strong partnership with International Business Machines (IBM), providing an easy pathway for local internships and jobs for the students of this program.

Next up is Stephen F. Austin State University, a great university in Nacogdoches, Texas, that offers several programs through the Schlief School of Accountancy including a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, a Master of Professional Accounting, and a five-year program that combines the two (one of the only schools in Texas to offer it). Students within this program may choose to join the Honors Society of Beta Alpha Psi and may even get the opportunity to volunteer filling real tax forms through the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program at this school.

University of Missouri-St Louis's Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Accounting have garnered the prestigious AACSB International accreditation, an achievement worth praising. This school also offers a number of unique graduate certificates for further specialization including Corporate Controllership, Accounting Data Analytics, and Accounting Data Security, among others. Most of the faculty here hold terminal degrees and many are current professionals in the field, which gives students a unique advantage.

Auburn University’s School of Accountancy prides itself on dedicated faculty and a variety of professional opportunities for graduates to make their Bachelor of Science in Accounting a great choice. While this school does offer the essential Master of Accountancy program, they explain that most students have a job by the time they finish their internship and before they even begin the master’s program, giving their students assurance that their job search will be streamlined and simple. Also offered is the unique undergraduate Certificate in Accountancy, designed for students that are not majoring in the program but still wish to sit for future CPA exams.

Seminole State College of Florida offers an intriguing Associate of Science in Accounting degree that paves the pathway for success after transferring into a separate program. Upon completion, students can choose to study a different major at this university or enjoy guaranteed transfers into any of Florida’s state universities to earn an accounting degree. Students in this program will also enjoy intimately handled networking sessions that are led by faculty and designed to ensure relationships between graduates and employers.

Eastern Connecticut State University in Windham, Connecticut gives students multiple paths to success through the variety of accounting degrees that they offer. Students can choose to pursue a basic Bachelor of Science in Accounting or take a Master of Science in Accounting to be able to sit for CPA exams. Students here benefit from the Easter Accounting Society, an on-campus group that helps students improve their communication and professional skills to succeed in accounting.

Next up is The University of Texas at San Antonio, chosen thanks to an impressive Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a comprehensive Master of Accountancy with four unique tracks: Accounting/Auditing, Data Analytics/Information Security, Taxation, and General Studies. This school also got good marks for its Accounting Corporate Sponsor Program, an excellent partnership program that matches companies with top accounting students to facilitate lasting professional relationships.

Featuring a number of concentrations and an entirely online Master of Accountancy, Clarion University of Pennsylvania is an excellent option for accounting students. The school's Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting offers students a variety of options, including a CPA Concentration, Industry Concentration and Internal Audit and Forensic Accounting Concentration so students can best design their own curriculum to fit their professional needs. They also have the chance to participate in a thriving Accounting Club and take on internships at world-renowned companies like Johnson and Johnson, Hershey Foods and GEICO.