Though some students look at all accounting graduate programs in the same way, smart students look for accredited accounting degree programs in New Jersey. They know that schools with accreditation offer them better training and provide them with more opportunities for the future. The best schools in the state offer plenty of internship and externship programs for students. You may have the chance to work for some of the top companies in the world and major businesses with headquarters right in the state. Take the time to look at some of those schools and the programs available before deciding where to go to school.

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Silberman College of Business

Like a number of smaller business schools, Fairleigh Dickinson University opened as a junior college that awarded associates degrees and certificates to students. It wasn’t until several years later and after the end of World War II that the college added bachelor degree programs. The growth and expansion of the school following the end of the war occurred because of the number of soldiers going to college. Frederick Law Olmstead, one of the most famous landscape architects in the world, helped design the landscape of the campus, and students can still see some of his work on the gorgeous campus today.

MBA in Accounting

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers two different graduate programs for accounting students, but its Master of Science in Accounting program is more popular among students. The traditional program requires that students complete 150 credit hours of work. While that might seem high, this program is for students who want to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the same time. Students can usually earn both degrees in as little as five years. Those entering the program from another school will need to show proof that they took the required courses and can finish the program in two years. Students with a bachelor’s degree in another field can enter the program, but they will need to take prerequisite accounting programs before joining the advanced program. Many of the professors working for the school have experience in the corporate world and give students a better and more unique understanding of the principles of accounting for businesses.

Master of Science in Accounting

The second option available through FDU is an MBA in Accounting, which is designed for students entering the professional working world later. Students can complete the program in two years or less. Unlike a traditional program that requires students take accounting courses with just a few electives, this program consists primarily of business classes. Though the university offers multiple concentrations for MBA students, the accounting concentration is one of the most frequently chosen. Students take between 12 and 18 credit hours of courses on tax preparation, accounting ethics and similar topics. They must also complete the core business courses, and students can earn additional credits for doing internships at accounting companies or in the accounting departments of major businesses. This unique program specifically prepares students for handling their own finances and understanding the importance of accounting principles when opening a business or working for a business.

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

1000 River Rd.
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000
west@fdu.edu
http://view2.fdu.edu/academics/silberman-college/

Monmouth University

Leon Hess Business School

Founded in 1933, Monmouth College spent more than 20 years as a junior college that granted associate degrees and diplomas or certificates before earning the right to award bachelor degrees. The New Jersey Commission on Higher Education later gave the school the right to offer graduate programs as well. Though the majority of its students come from areas and regions along the East Coast, the college also has a large population of international students. More than 1,700 students take graduate courses on campus, which includes both part-time and full-time students. Monmouth College also offers a small number of its classes online.

MBA in Accounting

The Master of Business Administration is one of the oldest graduate degree programs available through Monmouth College. Originally launched with just a general MBA program, the school now offers students the option of completing a traditional MBA or an MBA with a concentration in another field like accounting. The MBA in Accounting program is one of the top accredited accounting degree programs in New Jersey today and is open to both students who have a degree in accounting and those who earned a degree in another topic. Students who take and complete 18 hours of accounting courses will earn a certificate in accounting, and they can take the required core business courses to complete the MBA components. The program gives students experience in money managing, tax preparation and other topics that allow them to work as bookkeepers and to manage their finances when owning, opening or operating businesses of different sizes.

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

400 Cedar Ave.
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
(732) 571-3400
nuddin@monmouth.edu
http://www.monmouth.edu/business-school/accounting.aspx

Montclair State University

School of Business

Formerly known as the New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair and Montclair State Teachers College, Montclair State University went through multiple name changes over the years and served as a teaching college before realizing it needed more courses. As the student body changed, the school found itself adding new undergraduate and graduate programs and degrees to keep up with the demand from its students. U.S. News & Report twice recognized MSU as one of the best schools in the north and as one of the top public schools. Forbes, one of the leading business publications, named it the state’s top university and one of the best in the nation.

Master of Science in Accounting

Montclair State University designed its Master of Science in Accounting program as a two year program for full-time students. Students also have the option of reducing the time they spend in school with summer classes. The whole program consists of 18 credit hours of core classes, 12 credit hours of electives and three credit hours from a seminar on special topics in accounting. This program is a good option for those who want to focus more on accounting than business. Though students can take business classes as electives, they can also take elective courses relating to management, information systems, finance and other similar topics. MSU is one of the few schools with an accounting program that allows students to take electives on Internet marketing. Those courses deal with the cost of marketing and advertising online and the top methods of online marketing.

MBA in Accounting

When developing its MBA program, MSU looked at what other colleges offered and decided to bring something new to the field. Students now have the option of working at the same time that they complete their degrees. MSU offers three different types of MBA programs. The traditional campus program requires that students take all their classes on campus, though students may have the chance to take some online classes. Those enrolled in the full-time program will take classes that bring in guest lectures and professionals currently working in the field. They also have the opportunity to spend up to 10 days working and learning in an international setting. Students earning an MBA in Accounting can also enroll in the weekend or hybrid program. The weekend program takes place every Saturday for four to six hours, and the hybrid program mixes weekend classes with evening classes and online classes.

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

1 Normal Ave.
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 655-4000
Graduate.School@montclair.edu
http://www.montclair.edu/catalog/view_requirements.php?SchoolID=36

Rider University

College of Business Administration

The Trenton Business College, the precursor to Rider University, opened in the 1860s as a private business school for men. By the end of the century, females gained the right to enter the school. It went by the name of the Rider Business College and Rider College for several decades before merging with another campus and expanding its catalog, which led to the now larger campus becoming Rider University. It now has a total population of more than 4,000 undergraduates and around 1,000 graduate students. The university announced plans in the early 2010s that it would spend millions renovating its campus and adding new buildings.

Master of Accountancy

As one of the top accredited accounting degree programs in New Jersey, Rider University, which has a low student to professor ratio, offers a Master of Accountancy designed for working students. Students have the option of taking classes that work around their own schedules and meeting their requirements through online classes too. Evening and afternoon classes are available on many weekdays, and students can also take some select Saturday classes as well. Full-time students take a minimum of 12 credit hours of classes each semester and can finish the program in less than two years. All students leave the program with the required number of credits necessary for taking the certified public accountant examination in the state of New Jersey.

MBA in Forensic Accounting

One of the fastest growing fields in accounting is forensic accounting, which is why Rider University now offers an MBA in Forensic Accounting. The forensic accounting is a concentration option that students can complete as an MBA student or a graduate student in the accounting program. Students take two courses on fraud and fraud detection and an elective of their choosing from several available options. Rider University also allows students to take additional courses relating to the concentration with some credits counting towards the number of credits needed for graduation. Earning a Master of Business Administration requires that students take around 24 business courses as well. Those who complete an internship can use those credits in lieu of taking one or more of the required business classes.

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

2083 Lawrenceville Rd.
Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
(609) 896-5000
oreillyallen@rider.edu
http://www.rider.edu/cba

Rowan University

The Rohrer College of Business

Established as a teaching school, also known as a normal school, in 1923, Rowan University spent more than 50 years awarding diplomas and lower level degrees to students who later accepted teaching positions across New Jersey and in neighboring states. Henry Rowan, a wealthy businessman and investor, donated $100 million to then then Glassboro State College in the 1990s, which led to the school renaming itself in his honor. U.S. News and World Report added Rowan to its list of top part-time MBA programs and named it one of the best public schools in the northern United States.

MBA in Accounting

The founders of the MBA in Accounting at Rowan University had several goals in mind when creating the program. In addition to wanting to best prepare students for accounting careers, the founders also wanted to prepare students for taking the certified public accountant exam, give them the skills necessary to work with clients and instill in them a strong foundation in the liberal arts. Students take a minimum of 27 semester hours of core business courses for the MBA portion of their degrees, three semester hours of electives and 36 semester hours of accounting courses. Those accounting classes can include auditing, international accounting, cost accounting and federal taxation.

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

201 Mullica Hill Rd.
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-4000
mcfarland@rowan.edu
http://www.rowan.edu/colleges/business/index.cfm

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Business School

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, better known as simply Rutgers University, is the largest and oldest university in the state. Founded in 1766, the university was one of the only public colleges along the east coast that accepted all types of students. Rutgers now has several campuses across the state and has partnerships in place with community colleges that allow students to transfer to the main campus. It also has a large online system of classes as well. ARWU, Washington Monthly and U.S. News and World Report all ranked Rutgers as one of the top 100 colleges in the United States.

Master of Accountancy

The Master of Accountancy at Rutgers ranks as one of the best accredited accounting degree programs in New Jersey. Open to students who possess an undergraduate degree in any field, this is a 30 to 33 credit hour program that combines elements of finance, business and management with a strong emphasis on accounting. In addition to core classes, students can also take higher level classes that relate to the specific area of accounting they want to work in after graduating. Most students finish the program within two years, but part-time students can spend two or more semesters finishing their studies.

Professional Master of Accounting

Rutgers introduced the Professional Master of Accounting, also known as the Master of Accountancy in Professional Accounting Program for students who did not study business at the undergraduate level. This 30 credit hour program allows students to earn additional credits toward graduation with each lower or higher level accounting course they take, which helps them finish their prerequisites and requirements faster. The university will also work with students and help them transition to the MBA program or another full-time program on campus. They can use some of their existing credits to cover the requirements of those programs.

Flex MBA in Accounting

Not all students have the time available to enroll in a full-time graduate program, which is why Rutgers offers a Flex MBA in Accounting. Specifically designed for those currently working, most students have two years of accounting or business experience before enrolling. After finishing 30 credit hours of work, students can apply to the career center on campus to find work opportunities that earn them credits for work they do in the field. Those who choose a concentration in accounting can take classes on either of the two campuses in New Jersey, through the online system or on other campuses outside of the state.

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

190 University Ave.
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 353-1766
kathleencharmon@business.rutgers.edu
http://www.business.rutgers.edu/accounting

Seton Hall University

Stillman School of Business

Seton Hall University is a private university in New Jersey founded and affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Known as one of the oldest Catholic schools in the country, the university saw its enrollment peak in recent years with more than 5,000 undergraduate and more than 4,000 graduate students enrolling in its classes. Bloomberg Businessweek named SHU as one of the top 80 business schools in the United States, and U.S. News and World Report ranked the university at number 126 on its list of the best American colleges. As a Catholic university, students receive several days off each year for religious holidays.

Master of Science in Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting program came about after SHU noted the number of students applying to graduate accounting programs with an undergraduate degree in business and other fields. This program is open to all students and allows them to fulfill all the requirements necessary to take the CPA examination. SHU changed the layout of the courses offered in this program to allow students to earn more credits faster. Students can earn their degrees in as little as one year. The university also offers a tax certificate program that students can complete while working on their degrees.

MBA in Accounting

Seton Hall University’s MBA in Accounting program requires that students take a maximum of 45 credit hours, which includes work towards an MBA and the work needed to complete an accounting concentration. Students can take classes on a full-time or a part-time basis, and most classes are available at night. Seton Hall University established evening classes as a way to let working professionals get college degrees without leaving work early or taking time off work. Guest lecturers come in from all across the state, and some visiting professors have more than 10 years of experience working for the top businesses in the world.

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

400 S Orange Ave.
South Orange, NJ 07079
(973) 761-9000
mba@shu.edu
https://www.shu.edu/academics/business/

William Paterson University of New Jersey

Cotsakos College of Business

William Paterson University is one of several colleges in New Jersey that started as a normal school or state teaching school. Established in 1855, it spent nearly 100 years in one location before moving to a new part of the state and building a brand new campus. That large and sprawling campus now offers plenty of activities and opportunities for students, including a state of the art library and multiple residence halls. WPU received $40 million, including a large grant from the government, to build a new technologically advanced academic building that will be open to both graduate and undergraduate students.

MBA in Accounting

Earning an MBA in Accounting from William Paterson University requires that students take a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework. Those enrolling in the program with an undergraduate transcript that does not show higher level accounting courses may need to take up to 18 classes in accounting before working on a graduate degree. Students take 12 credit hours of business courses, which can include classes on economics, research and management. They will also take 12 accounting courses like auditing and federal taxation. WPU also asks that students take six credit hours of electives, which can include one or more internships or independent study projects.

Accreditation

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

300 Pompton Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 720-2000
CCOB-MBA@wpunj.edu
http://www.wpunj.edu/admissions/graduate/programs/program-detail.dot?id=371430

Learning more about college degree programs is one of the best ways to ensure that you pick a school that is right for you. Consider the types of internships available, honors societies and accounting clubs on campus and other features when comparing accredited accounting degree programs in New Jersey.

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