University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Finance and Accounting Degree Options
The University of Illinois Urbana-Campaign appears in our ranking of the 25 Great Master of Financial Engineering Programs.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in the fields of accounting and finance through the Gies College of Business. The school values innovation and excellence, and its holistic approach to developing professionals has earned it a high ranking among business schools in the country. The job placement rate for undergraduate students who complete their degree is 96%. Because of its emphasis on global entrepreneurship and international business, the Gies College of Business creates many opportunities for students to study abroad. Over half of undergraduate students take advantage of these programs. Along with its drive to teach a global mindset, the school offers candidates the newest technology for business research and data. Students even have access to a 3D printing lab through the innovative Illinois MakerLab, the first of its kind in a business school. As students move through their degree coursework, they are presented with internships, case competitions, and student-led business initiatives to further the integration of their learning with real-world experiences.
The Gies College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree. When they have completed the program, students will be equipped for entry-level positions within accountancy fields like government accounting, accounting information systems, and corporate accounting. The program is also excellent preparation for students who wish to continue their education with a master’s degree in finance or accounting. Throughout their time in the program, students are given the tools to understand broad accounting concepts and to sharpen their critical thinking within a finance framework. Students may access the school’s finance lab to learn the technical skills associated with current accounting tools and software.
Accounting graduate degrees offered by the Gies College of Business at UI include the Master of Accounting Science (MAS) and the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA). The MAS program takes one year to complete for full-time students and is designed for students who hold a Bachelor’s in Accounting from an accredited institution. Degree candidates will expand upon their general knowledge of the accountancy field and will delve into specialized areas like audit, data analytics, information technology, supply chain management, and real estate. The MSA degree is open to students with little or no accounting background and teaches a strong foundation of accountancy skills. The MSA is also offered through a flexible online program that has the needs of working professionals in mind.
In addition to its accounting offerings, the Gies College of Business offers master and doctorate level degrees in finance. Students studying either degree may choose a specialization in the areas of banking and financial institutions, corporate finance, insurance and risk management, investments, and real estate and urban land economics.
About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university and a part of the University of Illinois System. Located in Urbana-Champaign, the university has a student body of 31,000 undergraduates and over 12,000 postgraduates. The university offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs out of its 16 schools and colleges. UI is known for its world-class faculty, including the 30 Nobel laureates who have been affiliated with the institution throughout its history. In 2015, the university began to expand its distance learning program to offer graduate degrees to students who cannot meet the requirements of a traditional schedule.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Accreditation Details
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a regional accrediting body. UI was originally accredited in 1913 and has maintained that status through its most recent reaffirmation in 2010. It is next scheduled for reaffirmation in 2020.
The Gies College of Business at UI is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
About the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Application Requirements
In order to apply for the bachelor’s degree in Accounting through the Gies College of Business, undergraduate students must first be accepted to UI. At that point, they may apply for acceptance to the College of Business and declare their accounting major. Students are assessed holistically, and there is no minimum GPA or standardized test score that must be met. In addition to an assessment of their academic performance, candidates will be selected based on their leadership and communication skills, their involvement with extracurricular activities, and their work and volunteer experience.
Graduate applicants to any of the Gies College of Business degrees must meet certain educational prerequisites that will prepare them for taking advance classes that assume a basic knowledge of business concepts and vocabulary. For the Master’s and Ph.D. in Finance, it is preferred that applicants demonstrate a strong history of professional experience in the business or finance field. Candidates should submit an online application, transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, a professional resume, a personal statement detailing career goals and background, three letters of recommendation from academic and professional references, GMAT test scores, and the pre-requisite coursework form. Each specific degree may have additional requirements for application.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost for one year of undergraduate study at UI is $31,012 for in-state students. The out-of-state student cost is $47,922. This cost includes tuition and fees, room and board, textbooks, and other expenses. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for grants and loans. When students are accepted to the university, they will receive a letter detailing their financial aid eligibility. UI also offers merit-based scholarships to students with an exceptional academic performance.
Tuition for a one-year master’s in accounting degree at UI is $46,925. This includes program fees. The Gies College of Business is able to offer a limited number of scholarships to applicants who will improve the quality of the program. Candidates may apply for these after they are accepted to their degree program.
For more information about any of these programs, visit the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign website.
