Whether you already live in the rugged Pacific Northwest or are considering a move, there are three accredited accounting degree programs in Washington backed by the AACSB. As America’s 13th most populous state, Washington is home to over 7 million residents. Although the “Evergreen State” is perhaps best known for its lumber production, Washington has a diverse economy that’s ripe for young accountants. Washington currently has a total gross state product of $425 billion, which ranks 14th in the United States. Aspiring accountants could get their start at admired corporate headquarters like Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, and T-Mobile. The Puget Sound also has offices for the Big Four giants of KPMG and Ernst & Young. Accounting degree holders in Washington earn an average yearly salary of $72,950. Turn your love for numbers into a budding career by checking out the following accounting master’s degrees in Washington.

Central Washington University

College of Business

Located on a scenic 380-acre rural campus in historic Ellensburg within Kittitas Valley just 100 miles east of downtown Seattle, Central Washington University is a premier regional public state-supported teaching institution enrolling around 10,700 students annually. With an average class size of 18, CWU is currently ranked as the 52nd best college and 12th top public school in the West with America’s 194th best online bachelor’s degrees by the U.S. News. Housed in Shaw-Smyser Hall, the College of Business is celebrating 40 years of providing student-centered, industry-relevant business education for tomorrow’s leaders.

Master of Professional Accountancy

CWU’s Master of Professional Accountancy program is fully accredited by the AACSB to help graduate students enhance their knowledge of both accounting and business while developing the leadership skills to obtain management roles. Great emphasis is placed on how information technology impacts the research and analysis of today’s most pressing accounting issues. The 46-credit curriculum can be completed in just one year full-time by students with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Students will satisfy the fifth-year requirement for CPA licensure adopted by 48 states nationwide, including Washington. Electives range from income taxation and fraud examination to international accounting and cost accounting to allow for specialization. Passing a culminating master’s exam is required for graduation.

Accreditations

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Contact

400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 963-3560
bouillon@cwu.edu
https://www.cwu.edu/business/mpa

Seattle University

Albers School of Business and Economics

As the Pacific Northwest’s largest independent private non-profit institution, Seattle University belongs to the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities to educate a faith-based community of over 7,700 students on a 50-acre urban campus in the First Hill neighborhood of its namesake city. Noted for having the 10th highest paid graduates nationwide, Seattle is ranked the 6th best regional college, 13th top value school, and 6th best university for veterans in the West by the U.S. News. Also named 46th in the U.S. in Bloomberg Businessweek, Albers School of Business and Economics is the only school to receive the President’s “E” Award.

Master of Professional Accounting (MPAC)

Using a two-pronged approach, the Master of Professional Accounting (MPAC) program from Albers is focused on combining academic rigor with a broad mix of voluntary activities in the classroom for well-rounded professional business education. Students take an active role in their learning by joining the Accounting Society, networking with Beta Alpha Psi, completing accounting internships, and participating in team-based consulting projects. Full-time MPAC students can complete the 46-credit program in just 12 months, but a part-time option is available over two to three years. Add-on graduate certificates are offered in Internal Auditing and Business Valuation. There’s also a MPAC/JD joint degree program for students interested in accounting law.

Accreditations

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Contact

901 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 296-5764
mpac@seattleu.edu
https://www.seattleu.edu/albers/mpac/

Washington State University

Carson College of Business

Educating more than 29,600 students system-wide annually, Washington State University is a premier flagship public land-grant research institution headquartered on a main 640-acre rural campus in the college town of Pullman with satellite locations in Spokane, Vancouver, and Richland. Honored by the Times Higher Education among the globe’s 400 top universities, WSU is currently named the 140th best national university, 71st top public school, and 115th best college for veterans in America by the USNWR. Also noted for the country’s 21st best online MBA, the Carson College of Business has the mission of developing globally competitive business leaders who value civic engagement.

Masters of Accounting

Featuring a dynamic 32-credit curriculum, the Masters of Accounting program is offered for qualified WSU graduate students who are seeking to gain advanced expertise in accounting theory to excel in financial institutions, government agencies, private corporations, non-profit organizations, or public practice. The program fulfills the 150-hour requirement mandated by Washington State to take the Uniform CPA exam. Small class sizes ensure that students can receive a greater depth of knowledge on key business trends and interact closely with expert faculty. Students benefit from the university’s industry connections, including Boeing, Neal Analytics, Apptio, Daimler Benz, and Huron Consulting. The non-thesis program replaces master’s research with a comprehensive final examination.

Accreditations

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Contact

101 Todd Hall
Pullman, WA 99164
(509) 335-8541
MAcc@wsu.edu
https://business.wsu.edu/graduate-programs/masters-accounting/advantages/

Accountants in today’s changing business world do more than just prepare financial records and balance the dollar signs. Accountants are relied upon by managers and executives to provide key financial insights that will drive the overall organizational strategy. They’re also put in the hot seat for making certain that the agency’s finances perfectly align with stricter federal and state regulations. For this reason, more accounting professionals are investing in their career with a master’s degree. Doing so can also prepare you for earning the prestigious credential of Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Around 166,700 new accounting jobs are expected to open through 2022, so now’s a great time to start. Consider attending one of these top-notch accredited accounting degree programs in Washington to maximize your room for advancement.