Located in the far southeastern region of the United States, Florida is a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Florida Straits. As a result, the fourth most populous state is home to more than 663 miles of sandy beaches and the longest coastline in the nation at 1,350 miles. In addition to attracting more than 80 million visitors each year, the Sunshine State draws thousands of students from around the globe to some of the top-ranked universities in the country. For students interested in earning a highly respected degree in accounting in a warm and sunny atmosphere, the following are the graduate accounting programs that have been fully accredited by the AACSB in Florida.
Florida International University
Chapman Graduate School of Business
As one of the anchor institutions in southern Florida and the only public research university to offer degrees at all levels in Miami, Florida International University is designated as a top-tier research institution with high research activity by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation. Not only is it the largest university in South Florida and the second largest in the state, FIU has been recognized as the 7th largest in the nation with more than 50,000 students and graduating an average of 11,300 students annually. The FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business is recognized for having the 10th best international business programs and 82nd best online graduate business programs by the U.S. News and World Report.
Master of Accounting (MAcc)
The Master of Accounting (MAcc) program consists of five 8-week sessions to enable students to complete the accelerated program within just ten months beginning in either the fall or spring semester. The program delivers a high-caliber curriculum that reflects all of the current knowledge in the field and a wide variety of practical applications within the areas of business analysis, valuation, financial reporting, global accounting, auditing, business law, managerial controllership, and financial strategy. After participating in the program at the FIU Downtown Brickell or Modesto A. Maidique Campus in Miami-Dade County, students will automatically receive the Becker’s CPA Review course for preparation to pass the Certified Public Accountant examination for professional recognition in the field.
Executive Master of Accounting with a Concentration in Taxation (MAcc-Tax)
Offered to students solely at the Brickell campus in downtown Miami on a Tuesday/Thursday evening schedule to accommodate working adult learners, the Executive Master of Accounting with a concentration in Taxation (MAcc-Tax) program can be completed within just 12 months with a break during the busy tax season. The program focuses on evaluation of financial reports, auditing strategies, accounting practices, taxation of corporations, wealth transfers, state and local taxation procedures, principles in international taxation, and business law. Delivered in an innovative cohort-based lock step method, the MAcc-Tax program enables students to build strong relationships with peers that enrich their personal and professional lives.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
11200 SW 8th St. CBC 200
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-3501
gradadv@fiu.edu
http://business.fiu.edu/chapman/macc/index.cfm#main
Florida State University
College of Business
Sprawled across a vast 448-acre campus in the heart of the state’s thriving capital city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a comprehensive public institution renowned for the high-quality of its experienced faculty and dynamite academic programs. As one of the nation’s elite research universities with the highest designation by the Carnegie Foundation, FSU is committed to serving its more than 40,000 students within a diverse cultural community. According to the U.S. News and World Report, FSU is currently ranked as the 91st best college and 40th top public school in the country. Within the FSU College of Business, the Department of Accounting has been nationally recognized as having one of the top 30 graduate accounting programs in the nation by the annual Public Accounting Report. In fact, graduates from the college rank 4th in the nation for passing rates on the CPA examination.
Master of Accounting (MAcc)
Designed to offer students rigorous instruction for a more thorough understanding of accounting functions in various workplaces, the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program helps students build the necessary quantitative, analytical, and research skills to make sound financial business decisions. Within the major program, students have the freedom to choose one of the four concentration areas, which are Accounting Information Systems, Assurance Services, Corporate Accounting, and Taxation. The MAcc program requires students to successfully complete 11 graduate core accounting courses as well as 11 required concentration courses. After completion of the broad exposure to advanced accounting theories, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Public Accountant examination within the state of Florida.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
282 Champions Way
P.O. Box 3062400
Tallahassee, FL 32306
(850) 644-6458
cob-gradprograms@admin.fsu.edu
http://www.cob.fsu.edu/Academic-Programs/Graduate-Degrees/Master-s-Degrees/Accounting-MAcc
Stetson University
School of Business Administration
Located in the heart of DeLand at the midway point between the two popular tourist destinations of Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson University is a small, selective private institution providing a strong liberal arts education to more than 2,500 students. Designated to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Role, Stetson is committed to academic excellence, liberal learning, and the integration of values into professional practice. The 2014 edition of the U.S. News and World Report survey has named SU as the 5th best college and 5th best value school in the South region. As one of 182 elite business schools with full accreditation by the AACSB, the Stetson School of Business Administration is also recognized as one of the top three best business master’s degree institutions in the South with the 146th best online graduate business programs in the United States.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Conveniently offered at both the university’s DeLand campus and online, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program is designed to provide students with a high-quality advanced graduate degree in accounting in as little as 12 months. Taught by award-winning faculty members and teacher scholars, the program consists of 30 required credits that are delivered in lock-step over five-week sessions. Students actively engage in courses on financial reporting, current issues in accounting, advanced auditing, tax research, taxation of entities, information systems, risk management, federal taxation, and managerial cost accounting. Not only will completing the program expand knowledge in accounting and advance a career in accounting, the MAcc curriculum serves as exceptional preparation for CPA licensure in most states.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
421 N. Woodland Blvd. Unit 8289
DeLand, Florida 32723
(877) 723-1177
rwooleve@stetson.edu
http://www.stetson.edu/business/macc/
University of Central Florida
Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting
Considered one of the most dynamic universities in the nation and an academic leader in numerous fields, the University of Central Florida is a public institution that is spread across the middle region of the state with campuses in Orlando, Ocala, Palm Bay, South Lake, Daytona Beach, and Valencia. Serving more than 60,000 students, UCF has been ranked as the 170th best college, 94th top public school, 14th up-and-coming school, and 41st best college for veterans in the country by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the UCF College of Business Administration, the Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting is known for being a top recruiting school by employers throughout the Southeast region that is ranked within the top five in the nation for graduate passing rates on the CPA certification examination.
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Designed to prepare students for careers as professional accountants in public accounting, government, industry, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program consists of a minimum 30 semester hours and a final oral examination. Through a unique blend of accounting and business coursework for well-rounded qualified accountants, the rigorous curriculum satisfies all educational requirements in Florida for taking the Certified Public Accountant examination. The program focuses on developing students’ analytical, decision making, communication, and problem solving skills in order to meet the specific challenges of leadership positions within the accounting profession.
Master of Science in Taxation (MST)
Building on a sound business and accounting foundation, the Master of Science in Taxation (MST) program is intended to develop all of the essential skills necessary to make independent professional judgments in a fast-paced tax environment. Whether students decide to focus on the Tax Professional or Tax Consulting specializations, the MST program requires all students to complete 30 hours of graduate courses, including 18 hours of tax courses and a culminating oral examination or research project. Starting any term, students have the freedom to complete the program within one year full-time or two years part-time. Qualified students may also participate in the UCF Tax Team, which has consistently placed in the top five at the Andersen Tax Challenge for more than a decade.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
4000 Central Florida Blvd.
P.O. Box 161991
Orlando, FL 32816
(407) 235-3917
cbagrad@bus.ucf.edu
http://www.bus.ucf.edu/accounting/?page=1264
University of Florida
Fisher School of Accounting
Situated just two miles away from the heart of Gainesville in a college town boosted by the university’s more than 50,000 students, the University of Florida is the oldest public institution in the state with a reputation for academic excellence dating back to 1853. The U.S. News and World Report survey currently lists UF as the 49th best college and 14th top public school, whereas Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine distinguishes it as the 3rd best value public college in the United States. Not only is the UF Warrington College of Business Administration ranked as the 36th best business school with the 4th best online graduate business programs, its Fisher School of Accounting has been nationally recognized for having the 11th best graduating accounting program among public institutions in the country.
Master of Accounting (MAcc)
Designed for students who have completed their undergraduate degree at another institution and are interested in attending UF for their graduate studies, the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program consists of 34 rigorous credit hours from course work in accounting, business core, and approved electives in business. Depending on future career goals, students have the power to create their own individualized plan of study concentrating in Financial Accounting, Auditing, or Taxation. For students who are already attending the University of Florida, there is also a unique 3/2 program that enables individuals to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSAc) and Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree concurrently within just five years of coursework.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
210 Gerson Hall
P.O. Box 117166
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 273-0200
fsoa@warrington.ufl.edu
http://warrington.ufl.edu/accounting/academics/macc/
University of Miami
School of Business Administration
Located in sunny southern Florida within a short distance of popular spots like the Florida Keys, Everglades National Park, South Beach, and downtown Miami, the University of Miami is a private academic and research institution with more than 10,550 students annually. Established in 1925 during the region’s famous real estate boom, UM has since grown to become the 47th best college in the nation according to the U.S. News and World Report. Forbes magazine also recognizes the University of Miami as the 66th best research university and 22nd best college in the South. In a major hub of international trade and commerce, the UM School of Business Administration is distinguished as the 91st best graduate business school in the country.
Master of Accounting (MAcc)
Ideal for individuals seeking advanced positions of employment within public accounting firms as auditors or industry and government as accounting specialists, the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program consists of 30 semester hours that can be completed within two semesters of full-time studies. The program places a strong emphasis on the broad understanding of accounting principles, auditing standards, product costing trends, financial or managerial accounting, and computer information systems. For those who hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than accounting, the School offers a unique seven-week Accounting Summer Intensive Program to prepare students for enrolling in the MAcc program.
Master of Science in Taxation (MST)
The Master of Science in Taxation (MST) program enables students interested in majoring in accounting the opportunity to specialize their studies into the area of federal taxation. The program is strongly rooted in the founding principles of tax research, corporate taxation, tax compliance, tax planning, and flow-through entities. The 30 semester hours required to receive the MST degree is intended to fulfill the addition hours of education necessary to take the Certified Public Accountant examination for practice in public accounting, private industry, and government agencies. Recent surveys have demonstrated that recruiters are highly satisfied with the training and performance of the School’s MST graduates in the workplace.
Accelerated Accounting Master’s Programs
Offered exclusively to high-achieving students who are pursuing their undergraduate accounting degree at the University of Miami, the Accelerated Accounting Master’s Programs enable students to start graduate work within their senior year to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSAc) and Master of Accounting (MAcc) simultaneously in just four and a half years. Within the Accelerated Program, students can select from three concentration tracks, which are Assurance Services, Corporate Accounting, and Taxation, depending on career goals. For admission into the program, students must have a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher, SAT scores meeting or exceeding 1400, and a minimum of 102 credit hours after junior year.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
P.O. Box 248027
Coral Gables, FL 33124
(305) 284-4643
maccmst@bus.miami.edu
http://www.bus.miami.edu/faculty-and-research/academic-departments/accounting/graduate/index.html
University of North Florida
Coggin College of Business
Positioned just 15 miles away from the pristine beaches and sparkling coastline of the Atlantic Ocean in the center of Jacksonville, the University of North Florida is a comprehensive public institution committed to fostering intellectual and cultural growth within the campus community of more than 14,350 students. The U.S. News and World Report ranks UNF as the 51st best college and 20th top public school in the South within its most recent 2014 edition. Not only has the prestigious Princeton Review recognized UNF as one of the best colleges in the Southeast, the UNF Coggin College of Business was named one of the Best 294 Business Schools in the entire nation for the seventh year in a row.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
The professionally-oriented Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program intends to offer career advancement in the accounting profession and preparation to fulfill requirements for the CPA examination in Florida. Students within the program are required to complete 33 total semester hours at the 6000 level, which include 21 core hours in accounting and tax courses, nine hours of accounting electives, and a three hour non-accounting business elective. If students choose to concentrate in the area of Taxation, the same curriculum is required with the addition of a course on tax research and writing. Overall, students who possess a recent bachelor’s degree from an AACSB-accredited institution with an accounting major can complete the MAcc program within four semesters while working as a professional accountant full-time.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
Building 42, Room 3001
1 University of North Florida Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 620-2630
graduatestudies@unf.edu
http://www.unf.edu/coggin/academics/graduate/macc.aspx
University of South Florida
School of Accountancy
With multiple campuses throughout the southern region of the state in Tampa, Sarasota, and Lakeland, the University of South Florida is designated as an elite public research institution with very high research activity by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The U.S. News and World Report currently holds USF in a heated tie with UCF as the 170th best college, 94th top public school, 14th top up-and-coming college, and 41st best university for military veterans in the nation. As a distinct division of the USF College of Business, the School of Accountancy has been nationally acclaimed by the Public Accounting Report as the 41st best master’s accounting program in the nation and the 5th best among schools with 15 or fewer full-time faculty.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Designed to meet the increasing demand in business, government, and public accounting, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program provides students with the greatest depth of knowledge in accounting beyond what is possible within an undergraduate bachelor’s program. Enrolled students have the option of following a generalist track towards a MAcc degree or concentrating in Taxation or Audit/Systems. For students who have already earned an undergraduate degree in accounting with 21 to 24 upper-level graduate coursework within the past five years from an accredited institution, the 30-credit program can be completed within one year full-time. The program is fully structured to align with the education requirements needed to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination in the state of Florida.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
4202 E. Fowler Avenue BSN 3403
Tampa, FL 33620
(813) 974-4281
usf-grad@grad.usf.edu
http://www.usf.edu/business/graduate/masters/macc/index.aspx