Follow
For those seeking to advance a professional career in accounting in today’s competitive changing business marketplace, there are several top-ranked accredited accounting graduate programs in Ohio that are worth a consideration.
Situated in the Midwestern region of the United States as the seventh most populous and tenth most densely populated state with over 11.5 million residents, Ohio is known for much more than being a historic political swing state and a bellwether in national elections. Along with being home to the world-famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ohio serves as the location for a number of excellent institutions of higher education. Read on to learn more about the graduate schools in “The Heart of It All” that offer master’s degree programs in accounting that have been fully accredited by the AACSB International for excellence in Ohio.
Bowling Green State University
College of Business Administration
Situated in the northern region of Ohio within just 85 miles south of downtown Detroit, Bowling Green State University is a premier comprehensive public institution with over 200 degree programs for its more than 15,000 students. According to the U.S. News and World Report, BGSU is ranked as the 181st best college and 101st top public school in the entire nation. Furthermore, the College of Business is currently recognized as the 2nd best business school in Ohio for student academic experience and selectivity by the prestigious Princeton Review.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
With the mission of building upon the foundation of knowledge obtained at the baccalaureate level to further nurture the professional development of those interested in areas relevant to the practice of public accounting, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program provides graduate students with a smart start to a successful business career within just 12 months. Designed to provide graduates with long-term job flexibility, faster career advancement, more job responsibility, and higher earning potential, the curriculum fulfills the 30-credit requirement needed to sit for the CPA examination in Ohio. Students also have the freedom to complete a specialization track in Auditing, Information Systems Auditing and Control, or Taxation.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Business Education (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Business Administration Room 329
1000 East Wooster St.
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(419) 372-2734
fcolema@bgsu.edu
Program Website
Case Western Reserve University
Weatherhead School of Management
Best known for its world-class research at around 100 designated academic and research centers on-campus, Case Western Reserve University is a comprehensive private institution located on a unique urban campus in the vibrant cultural district of eastern Cleveland. Currently rated as the best university in the state of Ohio, Case Western Reserve is ranked as the 37th best college and 27th top value school in the entire nation by the U.S. News and World Report. As one of the top business schools in the United States, the Weatherhead School of Management is nationally acclaimed for having the 65th best graduate business programs.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Structured to meet the academic needs of individuals who are seeking a graduate degree that builds upon the skills and knowledge already obtained in an undergraduate accounting program, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program specifically delivers the technical expertise for long-term career success as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). With options to prepare graduates for diverse paths in public or corporate accounting, taxation, financial analysis, consulting, and/or management, the full-time program requires the completion of at least 36 credit hours. Boasting smaller class sizes for greater one-on-one and small cohort group learning, the program presents plentiful opportunities for students to develop essential critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills in an innovative environment.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Business Education (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 368-2030
wsomadmissions@case.edu
Program Website
Cleveland State University
Monte Ahuja College of Business
As a comprehensive student-centered public institution with a diverse community of more than 12,500 students, Cleveland State University is situated on an 85-acre urban campus in the heart of downtown within minutes from the city’s museums, sports events, nightlife, and the world-famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Boasting one of the ten largest co-op programs in the nation with close partnerships with Cleveland’s top corporate employers, the Monte Ahuja College of Business is recognized for having the 51st best online business master’s degree programs in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Well-known for being one of only 165 accounting degree master’s programs worldwide that hold specific accounting accreditation from AACSB International, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program is designed to prepare graduate students for diverse careers in business, government, public accounting, taxation, and/or internal auditing. With the primary goal of developing competent qualified accounting professionals who are knowledgeable in the various changing areas of accounting practice, the program allows students to pursue specialized study in Financial Accounting/Auditing or Taxation. Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared with the abilities to identify, interpret, and communication financial information essential to understanding the activities of an organization.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Accounting Specialization
Offered in a full-time or part-time format for completion on-campus, off-campus, mobile, or in an accelerated schedule, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program provides graduate students with the opportunity to select an Accounting Specialization. With flexibility to help accommodate students’ diverse work obligations and family lifestyles, the program requires the completion of 32 credit hours, which can be completed in as little as one year full-time. As an accounting major, students will take courses in internal auditing, international accounting, taxation, cost accounting theory, financial analysis, and a professional accounting internship.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Business Education (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Monte Ahuja Hall Room 219
1860 East 18th St.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 687-3730
cbacsu@scuohio.edu
Program Website
John Carroll University
John M. and Mary Jo Boler School of Business
Strategically located on a 62-acre suburban campus just on the outskirts of Cleveland, John Carroll University is a private co-educational liberal arts institution founded in the rich traditions of the Jesuit and Roman Catholic faith. Consistently recognized among Kiplinger’s “Top 100 Best Values in Private Colleges,” JCU is currently ranked as the 7th best college and 5th top value school in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report. Also distinguished for having the 142nd best part-time MBA program, the Boler School of Business is one of the world’s best accounting schools with dual AACSB accreditation for academic excellence.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
Intended to prepare graduate students for rewarding careers in professional accountancy and for licensure as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the state of Ohio, the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program provides an accredited pathway for qualified students to complete their advanced accounting degree in as little as 16 months. As a program that is open to students from a variety of educational backgrounds who desire a concentrated plan of study in accounting, the curriculum is offered in three tracks. While those with an undergraduate accounting degree can complete the program with just 30 credit hours, those with a business undergraduate degree must finish 48 credits and students with a non-business undergraduate degree may need to complete up to 78 credits of study.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Accounting Concentration
With the goal of helping graduate students transform their lives and their organizations ethically with integrity, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program brings together academic knowledge and real-world learning experience to empower students to become strong business leaders. Unlike MBA programs offered by some other accredited graduate schools, this part-time program is specifically designed for working professionals with two or more years of experience. Within the 33-credit program, those with an Accounting Concentration will take coursework in managerial accounting, financial management, analytical modeling, ethical decision making, comparative accounting systems, international taxation, and more.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Business Education (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
1 John Carroll Blvd.
University Heights, OH 44118
(216) 397-1970
gradbusiness@jcu.edu
Program Website
Kent State University
College of Business Administration
As a premier world-class public research institution that has been designated as the best public university in northeastern Ohio, Kent State University is based on an 824-acre suburban campus 40 miles south of Cleveland with seven regional locations scattered across the state. With a total enrollment of more than 42,000 students, Kent State is currently ranked as the 201st best college and 117th top public school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Consistently recognized among the “Best 295 Business Schools” by the prestigious Princeton Review, the College of Business Administration is also acclaimed for having the 154th best part-time MBA program in the country.
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Ideal for students seeking a quality accredited master’s degree program in accounting in preparation for pursuing leadership roles in public, non-profit, corporate, and/or government accounting, the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program is focused on ensuring graduates are able to critically evaluate an organization’s financial status and offer real-world solutions to financial concerns. Within the 30-credit program, students have the option to choose a concentration in Assurance Services or Taxation. In addition to coursework inside of the classroom, students are also required to complete an internship experience for developing effective communication, interpersonal, and analytical problem-solving skills upon a strong theoretical foundation in accounting.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Accounting Concentration
In order to prepare students for responsible leadership positions in public, private, and non-profit organizations with a specific background in accounting, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program offers an Accounting Concentration that features courses in managerial accounting, business valuation, international accounting, and financial reporting. While the full-time option is targeted at young professionals who wish to jumpstart their career in business, a part-time option is also available for working professionals who intend to keep working full-time while pursuing the graduate degree. It is important to note that the concentration is not sufficient for obtaining eligibility for the CPA examination in Ohio unless students have already completed an undergraduate accounting major program.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Business Education (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
800 East Summit St.
P.O. Box 5190
Kent, OH 44240
(330) 672-2545
accounting@kent.edu
Program Website
Miami University
Farmer School of Business
With the large campus community of over 17,500 students making up nearly half the population of the six-square mile rural town of Oxford in the Miami Valley region of Ohio, Miami University is a comprehensive public institution with a long-standing commitment to a rigorous academic experience and global learning in a quintessential collegiate setting. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Miami University is currently ranked as the 75th best college, 31st top public school, and 7th best college for military veterans in the entire nation. Fully accredited by the AACSB International, the Farmer School of Business is home to top-notch undergraduate and graduate accounting programs that rank among the best by the Public Accounting Report.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Designed to prepare graduate students for broad accounting-related career opportunities beyond the standard taxation and assurance services, the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program has a history of producing qualified graduates for business risk services, business valuation, forensic accounting, fraud investigation, investment banking, process assurance, and more. Within a close-knit community of scholars, all students are required to complete the 30-credit program within two semesters full-time with a 15-credit load each semester. Through an accountancy curriculum that is continually updated to reflect the ever-evolving climate of public accounting, graduates receive the preparation needed to be heavily recruited with national placement for the Big Four public accounting firms.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Business Education (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Farmer Business Building Room 3088A
800 East High St.
Oxford, OH 45056
(513) 529-3372
radlergb@miamioh.edu
Program Website
The Ohio State University
Max M. Fisher College of Business
As a large public land-grant research institution that prides itself on offering more than 170 majors, 1,000 student organizations, 120 study abroad programs, and seemingly endless other learning opportunities, the Ohio State University is sprawled across a vast 1,700-acre urban campus right in the heart of the state’s capital city in Columbus. Renowned for being the only public university in Ohio to gain membership to the selective Association of American Universities, OSU is currently ranked as the 52nd best college and 16th top public school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Moreover, the Fisher College of Business is distinguished as the 27th best business school with the 11th best graduate accounting programs.
Master of Accounting (MAcc)
Since accountants in today’s complex business marketplace are expected to know and do more than ever before, the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program is designed to provide graduate students with the critical thinking, analytical, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills needed for success. With 78% of the degree’s curriculum consisting of electives, this program is well-known for providing students with substantial flexibility in individualized course plans that can be tailored to fit one’s own career interests. For those who already have an undergraduate accounting degree or the appropriate number of accounting credits, this 31-credit hour program can provide graduates with sufficient accounting and business knowledge to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination in the majority of states, including Ohio.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Business Education (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Gerlach Hall Room 100
2108 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-8511
muhanna.1@osu.edu
Program Website
The University of Akron
College of Business Administration
Conveniently located on a 223-acre urban campus in northeastern Ohio within just 40 miles south of Cleveland and 100 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, the University of Akron is a comprehensive private non-denominational institution with over 26,000 students in more than 300 associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Among the top-ranked grad schools at UA, the College of Business Administration is nationally recognized by the U.S. News and World Report for having the 118th best part-time graduate business degree programs in the entire United States.
Master in Science in Accountancy (MSA)
Available for students who have accounting undergraduate degrees to broad their business knowledge and those who are newer to accounting to gain skills needed to pursue the career, the Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program is designed to help students from different backgrounds become capable accounting professionals. Within the 33-credit degree program, students have the freedom to pursue either a Professional Accountancy or Accounting Information Systems option for individualized coursework. Regardless, students will obtain expertise in various accounting areas, including managerial finance, business analytics, information strategy, corporate accounting, financial reporting, auditing, assurance services, cost management, process analysis, enterprise risk assessment, and federal taxation.
Master of Taxation (MTax)
As the only program of its kind in the region, the Master of Taxation (MTax) program aims to provide intensive training for graduate students who are planning to enter the tax field as well as for experienced accountants seeking to expand their knowledge in taxation. Through a 36-credit integrated curriculum with emphasis on tax concepts, federal and state taxation, tax research, communication skills, and tax planning, the program prepares graduates with the expertise needed to understand many complex aspects of the tax structure to solve real-world problems. Students can choose to complete this accounting degree in 21 months by attending classes one evening each week in the classroom-based program, or in as little as 15 months in the innovative online MTax Direct program.
Juris Doctor and Master of Taxation (JD/MTax)
In order to enable graduate students to earn two joint graduate degree programs for a synthesized learning environment in both legal and taxation studies, the College of Business Administration has partnered with the School of Law to offer the combined Juris Doctor and Master of Taxation (JD/MTax) program. With the goal of preparing students with the comprehensive knowledge needed for careers in corporate law, tax accounting, or legal practice in government, the program requires the completion of at least 98 credits to earn both advanced degrees concurrently. Most law students will apply for admissions into the joint degree program during the fall semester of the first year of law school to start taking business courses in the second year of graduate studies.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Business Education (AACSB)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
302 East Buchtel Avenue
Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-7111
tcalder@uakron.edu
Program Website
If you are a detail-oriented person with strong mathematical skills and a drive for preparing financial records to ensure organizations can run smoothly, it is highly recommended that you consider pursuing an in-demand degree in accounting. Although there are entry-level positions available for those with a bachelor’s degree, the majority of states require candidates to have at least 150 credit hours of related coursework with a master’s degree in accounting for licensure. In order to help pursue your professional goals, be sure to further investigate these top-notch accredited accounting graduate programs in Ohio to find the perfect fit for your learning needs.
