Top Graduate Accounting Programs

The field of accounting has long been one of the most crucial components of any business, serving as the backbone of financial reporting, compliance, and strategic decision-making. Given its importance, individuals seeking to advance their careers in this domain often turn to graduate programs in accounting to enhance their knowledge, skills, and career prospects. A top-tier graduate program in accounting can open doors to highly lucrative and prestigious career opportunities, ranging from public accounting to corporate finance, auditing, tax advisory, and financial management. According to the Public Accounting Report’s 26th Annual Professor’s Survey (2007), a list of the top 25 graduate programs in accounting includes some of the most renowned and prestigious institutions in the United States.

At the very top of the list is the University of Texas at Austin, widely regarded as one of the premier institutions for accounting education in the country. The McCombs School of Business, under which the accounting program operates, has a reputation for providing students with a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that combines accounting theory with practical, real-world applications. The program is known for its faculty’s expertise, many of whom have published influential research in top academic journals. Additionally, the school’s extensive network of alumni and connections with major accounting firms such as Deloitte, PwC, and Ernst & Young provides students with ample career opportunities and internship placements. The University of Texas at Austin has consistently ranked high due to its focus on creating well-rounded professionals who are not only experts in accounting but also possess the leadership and strategic thinking skills necessary to excel in the corporate world.

Brigham Young University (BYU) follows closely behind, with its accounting program regularly ranked among the top in the nation. Located in Provo, Utah, BYU’s School of Accountancy offers students a strong academic foundation in both accounting principles and business strategy. The program is distinctive for its combination of academic rigor with an emphasis on ethical leadership and community service. BYU’s ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also influence the school’s culture, with an emphasis on values such as integrity, honesty, and social responsibility. The program’s placement rate in major accounting firms is also impressive, with many of its graduates going on to secure positions at top firms such as KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Additionally, BYU’s reputation for producing graduates who excel in both technical accounting skills and professional ethics has solidified its place as a top contender in the field.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign takes third place in the ranking, with its accounting program housed within the Gies College of Business. The University of Illinois has long been recognized for its rigorous curriculum, innovative research, and outstanding faculty. Students benefit from the school’s diverse and highly experienced faculty, which includes leading experts in areas such as auditing, tax, and financial reporting. The university’s accounting program offers a variety of concentrations, including taxation, assurance, and financial reporting, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career goals. Furthermore, the school’s strong industry connections and exceptional reputation among accounting firms make it a top choice for students looking to enter the profession.

The University of Southern California (USC), with its Marshall School of Business, is also widely regarded as a leader in accounting education. Known for its cutting-edge research and emphasis on global business, USC provides students with a comprehensive accounting education that integrates traditional accounting concepts with modern business practices. The program offers a Master of Business Taxation (MBT) degree in addition to the traditional MBA with an accounting concentration, catering to a wide range of student interests. USC’s proximity to major accounting firms and its strong relationships with industry leaders allow students to engage in internships and gain hands-on experience in the field. Moreover, USC’s global reach and reputation make it an attractive option for students who aspire to work in international accounting or finance.

The University of Notre Dame is another highly respected institution in the field of accounting. The Mendoza College of Business offers a rigorous accounting program that emphasizes both technical expertise and ethical decision-making. Notre Dame’s accounting curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including financial accounting, auditing, and taxation, with a focus on developing leaders who are well-equipped to navigate the complex regulatory environment that characterizes today’s business world. The program is known for its strong emphasis on integrity and social responsibility, aligning with the university’s Catholic values. In addition, Notre Dame’s prestigious reputation and strong alumni network open doors for students to work at top firms such as Deloitte, EY, and PwC.

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, Texas, rounds out the top five with its Mays Business School accounting program. Texas A&M offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both foundational accounting principles and specialized topics in areas like financial statement analysis, forensic accounting, and taxation. The program is highly respected for its focus on producing well-rounded accounting professionals who possess a solid understanding of business principles and leadership qualities. The school’s proximity to major energy companies and accounting firms in Texas provides ample career opportunities for graduates. The Mays Business School’s strong industry connections and high placement rates in major accounting firms contribute to its reputation as one of the best accounting graduate programs in the country.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, ranked sixth, is known for its innovative approach to accounting education. The Kenan-Flagler Business School offers an MBA program with an accounting concentration, as well as a specialized Master of Accounting (MAC) program. The program is renowned for its emphasis on developing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with a focus on both technical accounting knowledge and strategic business acumen. UNC’s strong research-oriented faculty, combined with its extensive connections to major accounting firms, makes it a top choice for students pursuing careers in public accounting or corporate finance.

Indiana University Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business is also recognized as one of the top graduate programs in accounting. The school offers a highly ranked Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program that combines technical accounting training with advanced business management concepts. Indiana University’s program is distinctive for its focus on data analytics and technology in accounting, helping students prepare for the rapidly changing landscape of the accounting profession. The school’s diverse faculty and its commitment to integrating cutting-edge research into the curriculum make it an attractive option for students who want to be at the forefront of the profession.

Michigan State University, ranked ninth, also boasts a strong accounting program, offering students an advanced education in areas such as financial reporting, taxation, and auditing. The Broad College of Business is known for its rigorous curriculum, which combines theoretical learning with practical application. The program’s focus on data analytics and technology in accounting is particularly relevant in today’s data-driven world. Michigan State University’s accounting program also benefits from the school’s extensive alumni network, which helps students secure positions in top accounting firms and corporations.

The University of Florida and Ohio State University, both tied for tenth, have long been considered leaders in accounting education. The University of Florida’s Fisher School of Accounting and Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business offer comprehensive accounting programs that emphasize both technical proficiency and strategic business thinking. Both schools provide students with numerous opportunities for internships, networking, and career advancement, making them top choices for those pursuing careers in accounting.

Other notable institutions that round out the top 25 graduate programs in accounting include the University of Georgia, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Arizona State University, University of Washington, University of Michigan, Bentley College, Northern Illinois University, Miami University of Ohio, University of Connecticut, University of Alabama, Virginia Tech, Florida State University, Baylor University, and University of Missouri-Columbia. Each of these institutions offers a unique blend of academic rigor, industry connections, and professional development opportunities, ensuring that their graduates are well-equipped to succeed in the competitive world of accounting.

In conclusion, the top 25 graduate programs in accounting, as ranked by the Public Accounting Report, represent the best institutions in the country for students looking to advance their careers in this vital field. These programs offer a combination of rigorous academic coursework, hands-on learning experiences, and strong industry connections that ensure graduates are prepared to meet the challenges of today’s complex and rapidly changing business environment. Whether aspiring to work in public accounting, corporate finance, or government accounting, students who attend these prestigious programs are well-positioned to succeed and thrive in their careers.

Top 25 Graduate Programs in Accounting:

1 University of Texas-Austin
2 Brigham Young University
3 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4 University of Southern California
5 University of Notre Dame
6 Texas A&M University
7 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
7 Indiana University Bloomington
9 Michigan State University
10 University of Florida
11 Ohio State University
11 University of Georgia
13 University of Wisconsin-Madison
14 Arizona State University
15 University of Washington
15 University of Michigan
17 Bentley College
17 Northern Illinois University
19 Miami University (Ohio)
19 University of Connecticut
21 University of Alabama
22 Virginia Tech
23 Florida State University
24 Baylor University
25 University of Missouri-Columbia
25 Boston College

Source: Public Accounting Report
(26th Annual Professor’s Survey—2007)