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Nestled in the Midwestern Great Lakes region of the United States, llinois is famous for being home to the national historic site of the home of President Lincoln as well as being the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery. In addition, Illinois is well-known for being the location of the tallest building in North America as the Sears Tower rises 1,450 feet into the skyline of the third largest city in nation. Serving college students with some of the top-ranked universities in the Midwest, the following are the Graduate Schools Accredited in Accounting in Illinois.
Bradley University
Foster College of Business
Based in the historic West Bluff neighborhood of Peoria on an 85-acre campus, Bradley University is a private independent institution providing world-class education to its more than 5,700 students. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Bradley is currently ranked as the 5th best college and 7th best value school in the Midwest. Named among the top 50 business schools in the nation for academic quality by Bloomsberg Businessweek magazine, the Foster College of Business is also nationally recognized for being the 4th best business school in the Midwest, providing a full range of undergraduate and master’s level programs.
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Focused on delivering students the skills and knowledge needed to achieve CPA certification and jumpstart accounting career progression, the Master of Science in Accounting program prepares graduates to meet professional practice challenges within public, private, and non-profit organizations. Normally completed within one year full-time or two years part-time with convenient evening classes, the program requires students to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours to expand critical thinking, analytical, and problem solving skills. Committed to providing personal attention, all students benefit from job search assistance from the Smith Career Center, Graduate Student Association membership, and tutoring help as needed.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Baker Hall Room 123
1501 W. Bradley Avenue
Peoria, IL 61625
(309) 677-2253
bugrad2@bradley.edu
http://www.bradley.edu/academic/colleges/fcba/education/grad/msa/
Illinois State University
College of Business
Well-known for being the first public comprehensive institution to open its doors in the state way back in 1857, Illinois State University is situated on a 490-acre campus in the heart of the town of Normal, about 130 miles southwest of Chicago. The U.S. News and World Report survey currently ranks ISU as being the 152nd best college and 81st top public school in the nation. As one of just 24 business schools that have been granted full membership from the Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education (CUIBE), the College of Business is recognized for having the highest pass rate among public universities in Illinois for the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) examination.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
With the goal of providing students preparing for professional careers in accounting a greater breadth in accounting education than is possible in a baccalaureate or Master of Business Administration program, the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program emphasizes the study of current accounting literature, critical thinking, case studies, written and oral communication, accounting theory, and applied practice. All students in the program must complete 30 semester hours of graduate coursework and pass a comprehensive examination in the final semester for degree completion. For qualified candidates, the program also offers a limited number of graduate research assistantships that provide a tuition waiver and monthly stipend for working alongside faculty members with hands-on experiential learning.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
State Farm Hall of Business Room 301
Campus Box 5500
Normal, IL 61790
(309) 438-2251
hjfulle@ilstu.edu
http://business.illinoisstate.edu/ms_accountancy/program/
Loyola University Chicago
Quinlan School of Business
Situated on a traditional 105-acre campus alongside the banks of Lake Michigan nearby the leading global industry hub of Chicago, the Loyola University Chicago is the largest private Jesuit institution in the nation founded by the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus with more than 15,000 students. According to the U.S. News and World Report survey, LUC is named as the 101st best college and 44th top value school in the nation. With a superior reputation for educating responsible leaders who strengthen the global business systems, the Quinlan School of Business is ranked as having the 24th best graduate accounting program in the country.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
With a strong emphasis on public accounting and responsible leadership, the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program is designed to provide business professionals with the foundations necessary for excelling in today’s ever-evolving regulatory environment. Teaching a broad understanding of accounting and business through collaborative group projects, small class sizes, and long-lasting student-faculty connections, the program requires the completion of 36 credit hours. Through the intensive curriculum, students are actively engaged in coursework on financial reporting, federal taxation, financial statement analysis, managerial accounting, forensic accounting, integrated decision making, and tax research.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Maguire Hall Room 204
1 East Pearson Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 915-6124
quinlangrad@luc.edu
http://www.luc.edu/quinlan/mba/masters-in-accounting/index.shtml
Northern Illinois University
Department of Accountancy
Located on a vast 800-acre campus in the city of DeKalb around 65 miles west of the Chicago metropolitan area, Northern Illinois University is comprehensive public institution of more than 16,000 students. The U.S. News and World Report survey currently ranks NIU as being the 177th best college and 98th top public school in the nation for 2014. Within the NIU College of Business, the Department of Accountancy is ranked among the top 25 best graduate programs by the prestigious Public Accounting Report and maintains the 18th overall highest pass rate for the CPA examination in the entire United States.
Master of Accounting Science Leadership (MAS)
Combining academic experiences in leadership with a variety of assessment tools and required professional development practices, the Master of Accounting Science (MAS) in Leadership program enables students to apply the management theories, principles, and analytical methods needs to better execute effective business decision. Students who have an undergraduate degree in accounting are often able to complete the program in as little as one year. Also focused on giving graduate students the ability to lead a team, manage team members, and influence others’ thinking to achieve organizational goals, the program offers students the unique chance to engage in professional workshops and team building challenges at the Ernst & Young Leadership and Professional Development Center on-campus.
Master of Science in Taxation (MST)
Designed to prepare students to become well-trained experienced professionals who are able to effectively assist taxpayers with their tax compliance and planning needs with a firm understanding on the complexity of tax laws, the Master of Science in Taxation (MST) program engages in the advanced study of professional tax practice to enhance students’ technical knowledge and skills. Requiring students to complete at least 30 semester hours with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher, the program covers coursework in professional tax research, corporate taxation, federal estate planning, property transactions, tax administration, compensation and benefits, advanced partnership taxation, and internship in accounting.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
1425 W. Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1637
accy@niu.edu
http://www.cob.niu.edu/accy/
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
College of Business
As the flagship campus situated on a vast 1,136-acre campus in the rural setting in the heart of Jackson County on the northern edge of the Shawnee National Forest, Southern Illinois University – Carbonale is a major public research institution of more than 18,000 students. Categorized as a research university with high research activity by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation, SIUC is currently ranked as the 177th best college, 98th top public school, and 46th best college for veterans by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the SIUC College of Business is nationally acclaimed among the top 100 public business colleges in the United States by the Princeton Review.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
With the main objective of providing students with the opportunity to achieve greater breadth and depth in the study of accounting in preparation for entry into the dynamic profession, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program focuses on fostering logical analytical thought processes, effective oral and written communication, and lifelong learning skills. Preparing students for pursuing careers as professional accountants in public practice, industry, financial institutions, government, and non-profit organizations, the program requires students to complete at least 30 hours of graduate-level coursework. Through the MAcc program track, students also have the option of specializing their studies with a concentration in Taxation or Auditing and Accounting Information Systems.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Rehn Hall Room 232
1025 Lincoln Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 453-2289
broyce@business.siu.edu
http://www.business.siu.edu/academics/macc/index.html
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
School of Business
Situated on an immense 2,660-acre campus in the suburban setting just 20 miles northeast of St. Louis in Missouri, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville is a public coeducational four-year institution of more than 12,000 students. Ranked in the 48th spot among the top 50 master’s granting public universities in the nation by Washington Monthly magazine, SIUE is currently ranked as the 42nd best college and 9th top public school in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the SIUE School of Business has been nationally recognized by the prestigious Princeton Review among the “Best 310 Business Schools” in the United States for the past three years.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) degree program is designed to provide an advanced professional plan of study to prepare students for careers as accountants in public accounting, industry, government, or non-profit organization sectors. Structured to fulfill all educational qualifications required to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination, the 30-credit program can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time with a required cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. For completion of the MSA degree, students are required to complete a significant research project resulting in a written report and a final comprehensive examination based on the approved plan of study.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) – Taxation
Offered as a premier program in the field of taxation to a select group of accounting students, the Master of Science in Accountancy with a concentration in Taxation program intends to provide professionals with the basic knowledge of the major technical, conceptual, and research issues in the area of tax. Focused on providing training in the practical and procedural aspects of ethical and legal tax practice, the program entails the completion of at least 30 semester hours of coursework and a maximum of 48 hours beyond the prerequisite work. Although the entire program is structured to place an emphasis on critical thinking, research, analytical, and problem solving skills, students can tailor their individual program to follow their career goals.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Founders Hall Room 3307
P.O. Box 1051
Edwardsville, IL 62026
(618) 650-2633
mcostig@siue.edu
http://www.siue.edu/business/accounting/graduate.shtml
University of Illinois at Chicago
Liautaud Graduate School of Business
As one of the top 200 research-funded institutions in the world within the heart of a large world-class city, the University of Illinois at Chicago is a major comprehensive public institution of more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Ranking 26th in the nation for providing master’s degrees to Latino and African American minority groups, the U.S. News and World Report currently names UIC as the 128th best college and 63rd top public school in the country. Situated on the edge of Chicago’s bustling business community surrounded by Fortune 500 companies, the Liautaud Graduate School of Business is recognized for offering the 105th best graduate business programs in the United States.
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Designed to prepare highly qualified individuals for professional careers in accounting regardless of their field of undergraduate study, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program aims to produce prepared professionals for public accounting, management accounting, and internal auditing in public accounting firms, financial institutions, private industries, and governmental or non-profit organizations. While those with an undergraduate accounting degree can complete the program in one academic year through 32 credit hours, those with other undergraduate majors are required to complete 64 credit hours to cover all foundational and advanced coursework. With one of the highest pass rates in the state, all graduates are eligible to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification exam.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
University Hall Room 2303
601 S. Morgan Street
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 996-2650
cherylw@uic.edu
http://business.uic.edu/home-uic-business/prospective-students/liautaud-programs/msa
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department of Accountancy
Situated at the crossroads of the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign in east-central Illinois just a few short hours from both Chicago and Indianapolis, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the state’s flagship land-grant public institution with more than 40,000 students. According to the U.S. News and World Report, UIUC is currently ranked as the 41st best college and 11th top public university with the 47th best business school in the nation. As one of the largest supplies of leaders in the accountancy profession with more partners in the Big-Four CPA firms than any other academic institution in the state, the Department of Accountancy is also nationally recognized for having the 3rd best accounting programs in the country.
Master of Accounting Science (MAS)
Offered to students with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, the Master of Accounting Science (MAS) program provides students with the opportunity to obtain a more comprehensive foundation in accounting and advanced knowledge in specialized interest areas. Through the program, students have the option to concentrate their studies in Business and Public Policy, Corporate Governance, International Business, Finance, Information Systems, and Taxation. In addition to the required 32 semester hours of graduate-level work, students are required to complete an advanced professional internship to discover professional strengths and an enhanced understanding of the accounting curriculum.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
As a one-year program designed to meet the professional accounting career development needs of individuals with professional accounting backgrounds, the Master of Science in Accountancy degree fulfills all academic prerequisites needed to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination anywhere in the nation. Requiring a total of 32 semester hours of graduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, the program takes students on a journey towards career preparation in public accounting, corporate accounting, banking, financial services, consulting, investment banking, and governmental accounting.
Master of Science in Taxation (MS Tax)
Delivered from acclaimed faculty at the Urbana-Champaign campus as well as renowned Chicago tax practitioners for a rich blend of theory and practice, the Master of Science in Taxation program is designed to broaden students’ business perspectives and develop professional skills that are vital for becoming successful tax professionals. Through a seamless integration of rigorous technical tax courses from a strategic business context with workshops and lyceums on professional practice skills, the program is offered in a 12-month executive-style requiring students to complete a minimum of 36 semester hours.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Wohlers Hall Room 360
1206 South Sixth St.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-0857
accy@illinois.edu
http://www1.business.illinois.edu/accountancy
Western Illinois University
Department of Accountancy
Based in the heart of the rural town of Macomb with a satellite non-residential campus located in the Quad Cities/Moline area, Western Illinois University is a top-tier regional public institution that is home to more than 10,500 students. Consistently ranked as a “Best Midwestern College” by the prestigious Princeton Review, the U.S. News and World Report survey currently names WIU as the 48th best college and 13th top public school in the country. Fully accredited by the AACSB International, the Department of Accountancy within the College of Business and Technology is committed to providing students with numerous opportunities for leadership, teamwork, collegiate competition, career planning, and job placement for success.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Designed to develop outstanding graduates who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to enter the accounting profession and meet future career challenges, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program is offered in a student-centered environment that promotes academic excellence, professional conduct, ethical values, and personal growth. Depending on students’ individual learning needs, the program can be provided in a one-year track for candidates with accounting degrees, two-year track for those with a business degree not in accounting, three-year track for students with an unrelated bachelor’s degree, and a five-year track for an integrated undergraduate and graduate degree option.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Stipes Hall Room 431
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 298-1152
Accountancy@wiu.edu
http://www.wiu.edu/cbt/accounting_and_finance/graduate.php
Graduate Schools Accredited in Accounting in Illinois provide students with the knowledge and expertise necessary to achieve fulfilling careers in the field of accounting.
