In today’s competitive business world, it’s important to give yourself an edge to reach your goals and find the leadership positions you’re striving for. For accounting, a master’s degree is a perfect way to both fulfill the 150-hour CPA licensure requirement in Illinois and advance your professional skills in financial analysis. You’ll need to invest money, time, and tremendous effort in achieving a master’s-level education. It’s best to ensure quality education by choosing an AACSB-accredited school. Keep these accredited accounting degree programs in Illinois on your radar when selecting the ideal program match. To see more accredited accounting degree programs in Illinois, visit Master of Accounting Degree Programs in Illinois (A-N).
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
College of Business
Founded in 1869, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a major flagship public research institution. It serves more than 17,900 students with about 200 academic programs. About 50 percent of its courses cap out at 20 or fewer students. SIU Carbondale is recognized by the U.S. News and World Report as:
- the 189th best national university
- 106th top public school
- 65th top college for veterans in America
It’s acclaimed for having the 36th best online MBA, the College of Business houses the School of Accountancy, which ranks second nationwide for accounting research productivity.
Master of Accountancy
The Master of Accountancy program at SIU Carbondale is focused on providing the opportunity for graduate students to achieve greater breadth and depth of accounting knowledge than at the baccalaureate level. Within the 30-credit curriculum, students will develop:
- logical thinking skills
- analytical skills
- effective communication abilities
- passion for lifelong learning
Students can personalize their graduate-level coursework with a concentration in Taxation or Auditing & Accounting Information Systems before pursuing the CPA credential in Illinois.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
1263 Lincoln Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 453-3328
macc@business.siu.edu
http://business.siu.edu/academics/macc/index.html
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
School of Business
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is the younger and smaller of the system’s two universities. It’s a comprehensive four-year public research institution serving more than 13,900 students on a suburban campus in Edwardsville. SIUE was named 40th among the top master’s-granting universities nationwide in Washington Monthly magazine. U.S. News and World Report ranks it:
- the 47th best regional college
- 11th top public school
- 3rd best up-and-coming university in the Midwest
The School of Business is accredited by the AACSB International to offer part-time graduate business programs too.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program at SIUE is 30 credit hours. It’s focused on preparing graduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional practice in:
- public accounting
- industry
- the non-profit and government sectors
Each student tailors their curriculum to their individual interests through an integrated sequence of courses. Students can also choose a Taxation Specialization to take electives related to the tax industry. Upon completion, students will have the qualifications to become:
- a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) in most states
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
1 Hairpin Drive
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(618) 650-2657
mcostig@siue.edu
http://www.siue.edu/business/accounting/graduate.shtml
University of Chicago
Booth School of Business
The University of Chicago was founded in 1890 by oil magnate John D. Rockefeller. The University is a major comprehensive private non-denominational research institution. It enrolls nearly 15,000 students on its campus in the heart of the country’s third most populated city. UChicago was named the 11th best university in the world by the Times Higher Education. It’s currently ranked as the 4th national college and 16th top value school in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. The Booth School of Business is distinguished as the 4th best graduate business school with the nation’s 4th top master’s program for accounting.
Full-Time MBA in Accounting
Available at the Harper Center location in Chicago, the Full-Time MBA in Accounting program is an intensive advanced graduate degree that can be earned within just 21 months. Students who choose a concentration in Accounting will tailor their curriculum to studying the language of business. They’ll learn to evaluate how business decisions can be impacted by financial resources and incentives. Students will take courses related to:
- cost analysis
- internal control
- accounting
- financial analysis
- taxation
- business strategy
- financial statement reporting
In addition, accounting majors can participate in the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Corporate Restructuring Competition . They’ll learn how to solve realistic problems for a hypothetical company in financial distress.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
5801 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 834-5941
ray.ball@chicagobooth.edu
http://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/full-time/academics/curriculum/accounting
University of Illinois
College of Business
The University of Chicago Standing is in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign. It’s the state’s flagship public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research institution. It offers excellent academic programs for over 44,500 students. It’s a a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. UIUC is currently ranked as the 42nd best national university and 11th top public school nationwide by the U.S. News and World Report. Also named the 47th best graduate business school, the College of Business has the 3rd best master’s programs in accounting in the United States.
Master of Accounting Science (MAS)
The Master of Accounting Science (MAS) at UIUCA is a one-year program. It’s available for graduates of the university’s Bachelor of Science in Accountancy degree. The MAS is designed to provide the valuable opportunity to gather a more comprehensive foundation in accounting. Through a wide range of electives, students obtain advanced knowledge in:
- finance
- taxation
- information systems
- managerial accounting
- public accounting
- other non-public practices
Since 1922, this program has been one of the largest producers of qualified leaders in the accountancy profession. Its distinguished faculty has more partnerships with Big-Four CPA firms than other universities. Students will graduate with unrivaled research expertise and job prospects.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
Featuring a total of at least 32 credit hours, the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program starts each June to meet the professional accounting needs of graduate students with limited to strong backgrounds in accountancy. With notable success in passing the exam the first try, graduates have the qualifications needed to become CPAs in most states. Within the customizable curriculum, students gain access to the Yaeger CPA Review and Wiley CPA Review in preparation. Depending on their specific goals, students will be well-equipped with the skills and attributes for:
- public accounting
- industry
- government
- non-profit practice
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
1206 South Sixth Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-0857
accy@illinois.edu
https://business.illinois.edu/accountancy/
University of Illinois at Chicago
Liautaud Graduate School of Business
Enrolling around 28,000 students, the University of Illinois at Chicago is a public state-funded research institution. It’s situated on a beautiful 244-acre campus in the Near West Side neighborhood of the downtown Chicago Loop. It was recently named the 13th best university in the world less than 50 years old. The UIC is ranked as the 149th best national college and 78th top public school in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report. Also noted for having the 109th best part-time MBA program, the Liautaud Graduate School of Business is fully approved by the elite AACSB International.
Master of Science in Accounting
The Master of Science in Accounting program at UICO is on the cutting edge of business intelligence. The program is focused on providing an application-based curriculum. It builds the essential data mining and technology skills necessary for students to succeed in today’s fast-paced, dynamic accountancy profession. The MSA includes at least 32 credits in preparation for the CPA and CMA exams for students who are interested in:
- public accounting
- internal auditing
- government accounting
- financial management
- private industry
- government accounting
Under the GAMSA program, UIC undergraduates who have an overall GPA of 3.25 in accounting courses are guaranteed admission into the master’s program.
MBA/M.S. in Accounting
The MBA/M.S. in Accounting at UIC is a joint degree program that includes 68 credit hours of coursework. It’s designed to provide graduate students with an accelerated path to receiving advanced studies in both business administration and accountancy. Students will take courses related to:
- financial accounting
- corporate valuation
- accounting research
- organizational behavior
- marketing
- operations management
- corporate finance
- economics
- strategic planning
- a range of other electives
Interested students must apply directly and receive acceptance to each program separately before entering the joint degree curriculum.
MBA in Accounting
The MBA in Accounting program is offered in four flexible scheduling formats:
- full-time
- part-time
- on weekends
- in an accelerated mode
The program supports the professional development needs of graduate business students from a strong team-based approach. After building an in-depth business foundation, students in the 54-credit curriculum can select a concentration in Accounting for enriching their professional skills in the language of business. MBA students are also encouraged to:
- obtain first-hand knowledge in the foreign business world
- learn about different cultures by studying abroad in either Brazil or Europe
Students will work as cohorts with experienced executives for a high-value return on their investment in education.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
601 South Morgan Street
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 996-4573
bizadmit@uic.edu
http://business.uic.edu/home-uic-business/liautaud-programs
University of Illinois at Springfield
College of Business and Management
Established in 1969, the University of Illinois at Springfield is a publicly supported four-year comprehensive liberal arts institution. It serves more than 5,700 students on a campus in the heart of the state’s capital city. UIS has been offered the “Most Outstanding Achievement Award” each year since 2001 from the Sloan Consortium. UIS is currently ranked as the 36th best regional college and 8th top public school in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. The College of Business and Management is recognized as the 17th best online graduate business programs. It’s committed to preparing students for challenging business careers in the private and public sectors.
Master of Arts in Accountancy
The Master of Arts in Accountancy program at UIS includes 30 semester hours of graduate-level coursework to fulfill the 150-hour requirement needed for professional public accounting practice. Students take courses related to:
- accounting research
- financial statement analysis
- financial accounting
- corporate taxation
- commercial law
- cost accounting
- managerial accounting
Using the latest information and decision-making technologies, students will be prepared to become executives’ most trusted advisors in forming intelligent financial choices. Graduates can work as:
- CPAs
- internal auditors
- tax advisors
- government accountant
- management consultants
- financial advisors, and more.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
1 University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 206-6541
acc@uis.edu
http://www.uis.edu/accountancy/curriculum/masters/
Western Illinois University
College of Business and Technology
Western Illinois University is a comprehensive senior public teaching institution. It’s home to more than 11,400 students on a -acre rural campus in Macomb. It has a satellite location in the city of Moline near Rock Island. It’s repeatedly named among the prestigious Princeton Review’s “Best in the Midwest.” WIU is currently ranked as the 39th best regional college and 10th top public school in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. The College of Business and Technology is accredited by the AACSB International. It’s dedicated to preparing undergraduate and graduate students for professional business careers in today’s globalized economy.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program at WIU has the mission of developing outstanding graduates. They will showcase the knowledge, skills, values, and professional competencies necessary in the accounting field. At the Macomb campus, the MAcc can be completed:
- in one year by students with an accredited accounting degree
- in two years by students with a business degree
- in three years by students who don’t have a degree in business disciplines
There’s also a five-year, integrated program available for undergraduate students seeking an accelerated path towards a bachelor’s and master’s degree to earn CPA licensure within Illinois.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 298-1414
SD-Pendergast@wiu.edu
http://www.wiu.edu/cbt/accounting_and_finance/graduate.php
In today’s competitive business world, it’s important to give yourself an edge to reach your goals and get hired into the leadership positions you’re striving for. For accounting, a master’s degree is a perfect way to both fulfill the 150-hour CPA licensure requirement in Illinois and advance your professional skills in financial analysis. To achieve a master’s-level education, you’ll need to invest:
- money
- time
- tremendous effort
It’s best to ensure quality education by choosing an AACSB-accredited school. Keep these accredited accounting degree programs in Illinois and our other half of Illinois programs on your radar when selecting the ideal degree match.
Related Resources:
- What Is The Expected Salary for Someone with a Master’s in Finance Degree?
- What is the Difference Between a Master of Finance and an MBA?
- What is the Difference Between a Master’s in Finance and a Master’s in Accounting?
- What is the Difference Between a Master’s in Finance and a Master’s in Economics?
