Many of the nation’s highest ranked business schools call the “Tar Heel State” home, so it’s simple to find accredited accounting degree programs in North Carolina. Featuring two of America’s top ten fastest-growing metropolitan hubs, North Carolina was named the second best state for business in Chief Executive Officer magazine. In particular, Charlotte is the second largest banking center in the United States. So, aspiring accountants will find plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. North Carolina currently employs over 30,100 accountants earning a high average yearly salary of $71,200. If you wish to advance your position in this in-demand business specialty, the following are the master’s degrees in accounting accredited by the AACSB within North Carolina.
Appalachian State University
John A. Walker College of Business
Initially founded in 1899 as a teacher’s college, Appalachian State University has evolved into a comprehensive public four-year institution within the UNC system to enroll more than 17,500 students on its sprawling 1,300-acre suburban campus in Boone. Named TIME magazine’s “College of the Year” in 2001, Appalachian State is currently ranked as 9th best regional college, 3rd top public school, and 14th best value university in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. The John A. Walker College of Business has the mission of delivering transformational learning opportunities to prepare students as ethical, engaged business leaders.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting
At Appalachian State, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting program is accredited by the elite AACSB International to provide high-quality advanced education for graduate students planning to further their career into professional accounting practice. Satisfying the 150-hour requirement for becoming a CPA, the program allows students to master cost accounting, accounting information systems, income taxation, auditing, and finance from a management approach. Accounting majors will complete a 15-week internship within their course sequence to enhance their practical skills and networking with leading accounting firms. For admissions, interested applicants must have an accredited bachelor’s degree, meet prerequisites, and score at least 450 on the GMAT exam.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
287 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-6213
robertsfd@appstate.edu
http://accounting.appstate.edu/ms-accounting
East Carolina University
College of Business
As the third largest comprehensive public senior doctoral-granting research institution statewide, East Carolina University is home for more than 27,300 students on its beautiful 530-acre urban campus in the coastal plains of Greenville. Well-known for being granted the Patriot Award for supporting students in the National Guard and Reserves, ECU ranked 36th in Forbes magazine’s list of America’s Best College Buys. Also recognized by the prestigious Princeton Review in the “Best 296 Business Schools” for five years, the College of Business offers an engaging environment for students to expand their business knowledge.
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Offered to both business and non-business graduates, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at ECU is designed to deliver in-depth knowledge in auditing, taxation, finance, cost accounting, and accounting information systems. On the pathway to professional accounting practice, students complete at least 30 credits to qualify for the CPA, CMA, or CIA examinations. The accredited campus-based program is fully self-contained, which means no prerequisite accounting experienced is mandated. Students can pace their curriculum based on their schedule to take anywhere from one to five classes per semester. Applicants can apply for four convenient start dates in July, November, April, and May.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1001 East 5th Street
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 328-6055
cobweb@ecu.edu
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-bus/grad/msa.cfm
North Carolina A&T State University
School of Business and Economics
Founded in 1891 under the Morrill Act, North Carolina A&T State University is a public four-year historically black land-grant research institution educating over 10,700 students in its technical-based programs on a 200-acre urban campus in Greensboro. Ranked 49th in America for social mobility in Washington Monthly magazine, North Carolina A&T is named the 10th best HBCU nationwide by the U.S. News and World Report. Acclaimed for being a leader producer of African American CPAs, the School of Business and Economics is accredited by the AACSB International to provide a strong business acumen to its diverse students.
Master of Business Administration – Accounting Concentration
For over 30 years, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at North Carolina A&T has been a focused graduate-level program to provide students with an in-depth understanding of business fundamentals. After developing core knowledge, students can select from concentrations in Accounting, Human Resources Management, or Supply Chain Systems to specialize their career options. Accounting students will fill their 36-credit curriculum with courses on international accounting, auditing, cost accounting, income tax, government accounting, and enterprise data modeling. MBA learners will benefit from interacting with distinguished faculty in the university’s newly improved Merrick Hall. Graduates are equipped to compete in today’s global business market or further their studies at the doctoral level.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1601 East Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27411
(336) 285-3292
tsander1@ncat.edu
http://www.ncat.edu/academics/schools-colleges1/sbe/mba/index.html
North Carolina State University
Jenkins Graduate School of Management
Drawing in over 34,700 students annually, North Carolina State University is a major public senior land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research institution forming part of the Research Triangle from its spacious 2,100-acre urban campus in the state’s capital of Raleigh. Acclaimed for landing in the top 200 global universities in the ARWU rankings, NC State is currently ranked as the 95th best college, 43th top public school, 46th best value, and 18th top university for veterans in America by the U.S. News and World Report. Also named the country’s 70th best business school, the Jenkins Graduate School of Management is named #30 for accounting education in the Public Accounting Report.
Master of Accounting (MAC)
Structured to satisfy the 150 semester hour education requirements for CPA licensing, the Master of Accounting (MAC) program at NC State is available for graduate students seeking a rigorous opportunity to obtain the critical knowledge and skills for today’s professional accounting world. Students engage in an innovative, intellectual environment to fine-tune their leadership ability. It’s possible for students to tailor their 31-credit curriculum with a concentration in Information Technology, Enterprise Risk Management, or Tax Strategy. Accounting majors also have ample hands-on learning opportunities, including study abroad trips and internships. Students automatically complete the Becker CPA Exam Review to have an average job placement rate of 95% three months after graduation.
Master of Business Administration/Master of Accounting Dual Degree
Students who can’t choose between NC State’s Master of Business Administration and Master of Accounting programs can get the best of both words with a dual degree. Blending the broad-based business and accounting core together, the program allows aspiring accountants to become more adeptly prepared for leading in today’s data-driven global business market. At the downtown campus in Raleigh, students will earn their MAC degree first before taking on the MBA curriculum. Dual degree learners should expect courses in global economics, people management, statistics, strategic planning, marketing, technology, operations management, taxation, auditing, risk management, and more. This program also meets North Carolina’s requirements for becoming a CPA.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
2801 Founders Drive
Raleigh, NC 27695
(919) 513-7100
krawczyk@ncsu.edu
http://poole.ncsu.edu/index-exp.php/jenkins
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kenan-Flagler Business School
Positioned on a beautiful 729-acre urban campus in the lively town of Chapel Hill within the Raleigh metropolitan area, the University of North Carolina is the state’s flagship public co-educational research institution with an enrollment of over 29,100 students. Named one of the eight original “Public Ivies,” UNC Chapel Hill is ranked as the 30th best university, 5th top public school, and 17th best value college nationwide by the U.S. News and World Report. As America’s 18th best business school, the Kenan-Flagler Business School is also distinguished as the #1 top graduate university for accounting professionals according to LinkedIn.
Master of Accounting (MAC)
Ideal for graduate students who love solving business problems involving dollar signs, the Master of Accounting (MAC) program at UNC Chapel Hill is designed to spend just one year full-time positioning students for an outstanding career in professional accounting practice. Students from non-accounting backgrounds can study on-campus in Raleigh, but an online pathway is available to all undergraduate majors. Within the 45-credit curriculum, students develop the technical expertise, analytical skills, and professional facets needed to become a Certified Public Accountant. 99% of graduates from this MAC program accept an offer from Big Four and middle-market accounting firms within three months. Students are set up for a lifetime of return on investment.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
300 Kenan Center Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-3209
mac_info@unc.edu
http://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/programs/master-of-accounting
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Belk College of Business
Sprawling across a large 1,000-acre urban campus in University City within just eight miles from Charlotte near the South Carolina border, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an elite comprehensive four-year public research institution enlightening more than 27,200 students. Named the 38th top college by the Social Mobility Index, UNC Charlotte is currently honored as America’s 201st best university and 117th top public school in the U.S. News and World Report survey. Meeting the highest standards of achievement with AACSB accreditation, the Belk College of Business was placed in the #137 spot by the American City Business Journals.
Master of Accountancy (MACC)
Continually reviewed to respond to the latest changes impacting accountants, the Master of Accountancy (MACC) program is accredited by the AACSB International to provide UNC Charlotte graduate students with technical competency for specialized accounting careers. In the 30-semester hour curriculum, students can choose from four tracks: Professional Accounting, Financial Accounting/Auditing, Taxation, or Individualized. There’s also the option for Taxation track students to earn a Juris Doctor concurrently. Thanks to the flexible evening class schedule, students can continue working full-time while earning their advanced accounting degree. Graduates from the MACC program will have the management knowledge and analytical skills needed to become certified in professional accounting areas.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
320 East 9th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 687-8622
macc@uncc.edu
http://macc.uncc.edu/about-macc
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Joseph M. Bryan School of Business and Economics
As a four-year public liberal arts institution classified with high research activity by the elite Carnegie Foundation, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro educates the minds of over 16,100 students annually from its main 231-acre urban campus within the Piedmont Triad in the state’s third largest city. Named #2 in Princeton Review’s “Best Values,” UNCG is currently ranked as the 181st best university and 102nd top public school in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report. Also placed #13 in the nation by Bloomberg BusinessWeek, the Bryan School of Business and Economics is dedicated to preparing leaders who identify ethical, innovative, global, and sustainable solutions.
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Backed by the elite AACSB International, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at UNCG is available for graduate students with an accredited bachelor’s degree who wish to further their business knowledge with technical skills in accounting. Students in this 30-hour program will develop the skills needed to obtain leadership in public, industry, government, or non-profit accounting. Satisfying the state’s 150-hour requirement for CPAs, the program can be completed either full-time or part-time with flexible campus courses. Students without an undergraduate background in accounting can catch up in the Bryan Prelude Program. There’s also an option for MSA students to build a stronger resume with a paid summer internship.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1400 Spring Garden Street
Greensboro, NC 27412
(336) 256-0188
msa@uncg.edu
http://www.uncg.edu/bae/acc/msa/
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Cameron School of Business
Enrolling just over 14,500 students, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is another public co-educational research institution in the state’s 17-member system located on a 661-acre urban campus in Wilmington within just five miles from Wrightsville Beach. As one of Kiplinger’s “25 Best College Values Under $30,000 Per Year,” UNCW is ranked the 16th best regional college and 6th top public school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Also included in Princeton Review’s “Best 296 Business Schools,” the Cameron School of Business has the mission of preparing leaders who can lead fundamental change in the industrial age of the 21st century.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
Boasting a low student-faculty ratio of 6:1, the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program provides a challenging, fast-paced experience for graduate students seeking to advance their accounting know-how for assuming more senior positions. Placing students in front of upper-level executives from day one, the program makes certain aspiring accountants can make strategic financial decisions. The 30-credit curriculum allows students to select a specialization in Tax Services, Assurance, or Systems Advisory based on their career path. Over 15 accounting firms comes to UNCW each spring to offer advice, but accounting majors can also join trips to Raleigh and Charlotte for visiting employers. The MSA has achieved a supreme average job placement rate of 95% within three months.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 962-2280
kerlerw@uncw.edu
http://csb.uncw.edu/msa/
Wake Forest University
School of Business
Standing proudly on a 340-acre suburban campus in Winston-Salem within North Carolina’s famous Piedmont Triad, Wake Forest University is an elite private non-profit non-sectarian research institution enrolling a selective group of over 7,500 students. Ranking third in the nation by the Institute of International Education for study abroad opportunities, Wake Forest is currently honored as the country’s 27th best university and 35th best value school in the U.S. News and World Report survey. Also named America’s 45th best business school, the School of Business has the #6 mid-sized master’s accounting program according to the Public Accounting Report.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
Hosted in the newly opened state-of-the-art Farrell Hall, the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program at Wake Forest is available for graduate students seeking to sharpen their knowledge, skills, and practices for navigating modern challenges in today’s financial world. In addition to intensive coursework, students challenge themselves with seminars, case studies, consulting projects, and a 10-week paid internship. Consistently earning the #1 pass rate in America on the CPA exam, the 30-credit program is offered by a premier recruiting school for accountants. Students can choose from career tracks in Assurance Services, Tax Consulting, or Financial Transaction Services to tailor their studies. Students have historically achieved a 100% employment rate before graduation.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1834 Wake Forest Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
(336) 758-4458
busadmissions@wfu.edu
https://business.wfu.edu/ms-accountancy/
Western Carolina University
College of Business
First established in 1889, Western Carolina University is the state’s fifth oldest four-year public teaching institution enrolling more than 10,300 students on its stunning 589-acre rural campus in the valleys of Cullowhee near the Blue Ridge Mountains. As a selective school with a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, WCU is currently ranked as the 37th best regional college and 15th top public university in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Also acclaimed for hosting the 42nd best online graduate business degrees, the College of Business is accredited by the AACSB and AASBI to deliver an unparalleled education for our nation’s next generation of citizen leaders.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Following the AICPA guidelines to meet the 150-requirement for CPA licensing, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program is designed to provide WCU graduate students with the essential foundational knowledge to succeed in public accounting, industry, government, or non-profit organizations. Conveniently offered in evenings and on weekends at Biltmore Park, the 30-credit program also includes a fall international trip to London. Students can expect to take courses in accounting research, advanced accounting theory, income taxation, accounting information systems, auditing, and public accounting regulatory environment before choosing three specialized electives. For admissions, students must have an accredited bachelor’s degree in any major, meet prerequisites, and earn a satisfactory score on the GMAT.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Asian Association of Schools of Business (AASBI)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1 University Way
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 227-3525
swanger@email.wcu.edu
http://www.wcu.edu/academics/departments-schools-colleges/COB/CollegeofBusinessGraduatePrograms/macc/
Due to the increased responsibilities placed on the shoulders of accountants, it’s common for professionals to find their career stagnate with only a bachelor’s degree. Like most other states, North Carolina requires students to obtain a master’s degree and 150 hours of education to receive the prestige of the CPA credential. Going the extra step to attend graduate school is a smart financial investment that can pay off with increased job stability, higher income, more leadership opportunities, and multiple areas for specialization. Unleash your full potential in making our market’s critical financial moves by choosing one of these top-notch accredited accounting degree programs in North Carolina.
