Let’s finish our tour of the “Land of Lincoln” by reviewing 20 additional master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois with AACSB or ACBSP approval for high-quality teaching.
Located in the Great Lakes Region, Illinois attracts accounting students by having 67 of America’s 1,000 most profitable companies, including Kraft Heinz, Boeing, Allstate, Exelon, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Mondelez International, and Discover Financial Services. That doesn’t even include the numerous accounting firms like Crowe Horwarth, FGMK, Miller Cooper, Plante & Moran, and Mayor Hoffman McCann. Forbes ranked Illinois as the 21st best state for economic growth and 12th top state for quality of life.
Joining the state’s business workforce of 323,350 with marketable skills and traits is easier after these graduate accounting programs in Illinois. (For the first half of our list, see Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs in Illinois (A-L))
Northeastern Illinois University
College of Business and Management
Headquartered upon 67 acres in Chicago’s North Park neighborhood with extensions in El Centro, Bronzeville, and Lake County, Northeastern Illinois University is a public, Hispanic-serving college with 1,863 post-grad Golden Eagles. Honored within Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s “100 Top Degree Producers,” NEIU is ranked America’s sixth best investment by Newsweek and 264th most liberal college on Niche. The College of Business and Management has celebrated its 30th anniversary with 38 full-time, tenured faculty delivering instruction, including one of the master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois, at a 16:1 ratio.
Accounting, M.S.
Chaired by Jian Li, PhD, Northeastern Illinois’ Accounting M.S. is a two-phase graduate program for post-bachelor’s students to fulfill foundational prerequisites before being immersed in 30 credits of advanced generalist coursework on financial reporting. Accepting a 450 GMAT score or better, the curriculum schedules courses from federal income taxation to auditing on weekdays after 5pm and Saturdays. Students could also meet guest speakers like David Haugh, attend the NEIU International Business Conference, join the Accounting Associates Club, and land Big Four internships in Chicago.
Accreditation
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
CBM Building 179
5500 North St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 442-6129
j-li3@neiu.edu
Northern Illinois University
College of Business
First chartered under Governor William Henry Bissell in 1857, Northern Illinois University is a public, doctoral URA research institution split into seven colleges with an $71.2 million endowment to educate 20,015 Huskies in the Mid-American Conference from 382 hectares in DeKalb along the East Lagoon. Given the APLU Economic Prosperity University Award, NIU is ranked the 224th best public and 225th top research university nationally by Forbes. Featured in CEO Magazine’s Tier One schools, the College of Business also has America’s 25th best master’s programs according to Public Accounting Report.
Master of Accountancy (M.A.C.)
Admitting part-time cohorts each Fall, the Master of Accountancy (M.A.C.) at Northern Illinois is structured for non-accounting graduates with a minimum “B” average to build the foundational skills for following SEC financial reporting standards as Certified Public Accountants. Also an IIA Endorsed Internal Auditing Program, the 36-credit curriculum has an optional thesis after evening courses like assurance services. Majors will often join Beta Alpha Psi, take internships with Ernst & Young, and contribute to ELC Angels Foundation projects while paying $29,488 yearly.
Master of Accounting Science (M.A.S.)
Chaired by Dr. Mark Riley, the Master of Accounting Science (M.A.S.) is one of the most unique master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois where post-grads focus on building the scientific skills to conduct and draw conclusions from empirical business research. Waiving the GMAT requirement, this 36-credit curriculum integrates courses like data analytics, tax research, and business valuation before hands-on capstone research. Majors might also add the SAS Software Certificate, intern with CFRA, engage via the Business Passport Program, and join the Student Accountancy Society.
Master of Science in Taxation (M.S.T.)
Accepting applications until July 15th, December 10th, and June 1st yearly, NIU’s Master of Science in Taxation (M.S.T.) is directed by Dr. Kate Mantzke to produce trusted authorities for preparing returns, handling audits, and communicating IRS regulations concisely to taxpayers. Requiring 15 credits of accounting prerequisites, the 30-credit degree dives into tax procedure, partnership taxation, estate planning, and property transactions. Students could also take the Becker CPA Review, add the Lean Six Sigma Certificate, pursue global seminars in Paris, and join the BELIEF Ethics Program.
Accreditation
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Barsema Hall 345Y
1425 W. Lincoln Hwy.
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1637
accy@niu.edu
Roosevelt University
Walter E. Heller College of Business
Featured in the film Public Enemies, Roosevelt University overlooks Lake Michigan with a 32-story vertical campus near the Magnificent Mile as one of Chicago’s private, nonprofit CCAC members that’s drawing 3,124 post-grad Lakers into six schools under President Ali Malekzadeh. Snagging a 92 percent recommendation rate on GraduatePrograms.com, Roosevelt is ranked the 220th best master’s university for social service in Washington Monthly. Founded in 1969, the Walter E. Heller College was named America’s 633rd best college for business on Niche within Forbes’ 62nd best city for careers.
Master’s in Accounting (MSA)
Keeping contact personal, the Master’s in Accounting (MSA) at Roosevelt has a 11:1 student-faculty ratio for post-grads at the Chicago or Schaumburg campuses to engage in team projects that further financial expertise for the international, interconnected marketplace. Priced at $1,019 per credit, the 31-credit program satisfies designations like CPA, CMA, and CIA with professional courses from cost accounting to financial statement analysis beginning at 6pm on weekdays. Graduates could also receive teaching assistantships, intern with The A.C.T. Group, and join the Accounting Club.
Master’s in Accounting Forensics (MSAF)
Another of Roosevelt’s master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois led by Dean Asghar Sabbaghi, PhD, is the Master of Science in Accounting Forensics (MSAF), which is ideally structured for aspiring Certified Fraud Examiners. Offered face-to-face in Chicago, this 31-credit degree sharpens students’ investigative authority with courses on money laundering, asset valuation, fraud auditing, and computer forensics. Unlocking a median mid-career salary of $94,300, the program accepts its $40 application on a rolling basis to admit post-bachelor’s cohorts each Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Accreditation
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Wabash Building 1211G
430 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 281-3350
asabbaghi@roosevelt.edu
Saint Xavier University
Graham School of Management
Boasting 34,000 alumni, including Craig Robinson, Mike Rizzo, and Frances Ann Hurley, in 30 countries, Saint Xavier University is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution within the NAICU that’s endowed for $12.6 million with 109 acres located just 14 miles southwest of the Chicago Loop. SXU is ranked the 199th best master’s college and 221st top Midwestern value in Washington Monthly. Congratulated for the country’s 204th top part-time MBA by the U.S. News, the Graham School of Management was placed 15th among small colleges by Business Research Guide.
M.S. in Accounting
The Graham School’s first option for master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois is the M.S. in Accounting, which lets SXU graduates take two courses per eight-week term. Presently billing $999 per credit, the 30-credit hybrid program trains students to optimize revenue by studying cost analysis, market behavior, business law, and managerial accounting in Chicago and online. Aspiring CPAs and CMAs could also add the Profitability Management Certificate, receive the GMAT 600 Plus Scholarship, enter the BEST Mentoring Program, and join Beta Gamma Sigma.
MBA in Forensic and Investigative Accounting
Chaired by Dr. Indranil Ghosh, the MBA in Forensic and Investigative Accounting is another of Saint Xavier’s specialized options that builds business students’ ability to identify and address criminal actions involving money. Satisfying CFE and CPA credentials, the 13-course program takes six terms full-time in Chicago, Orlando Park, or online with courses like civil litigation. Graduates might also attend the Economic Summit, take the Summer Immersion Course in Financial Trading, join the biennial China Trip, and contribute to the Center for the Study of Corruption.
Accreditation
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
GSM Building 112
3700 W. 103rd St.
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 341-5015
ghosh@sxu.edu
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
College of Business
Endowed for $124 million, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public, co-educational R2 sister institution of Dalian Jiaotong University that’s enrolling 3,805 post-grad Salukis across 10 schools from 1,133 acres surrounding Morris Library in Carbondale, a “Tree City USA” finalist since 1981. Named the 185th best college for social mobility in Washington Monthly, SIU Carbondale was crowned the 177th top national university by the CWUR. Noted for America’s 183rd best business education by the U.S. News, the College of Business confers one of the master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois with 81 percent admission.
Master of Accountancy
Reaffirmed by the AACSB International in 2011, the Master of Accountancy at SIU Carbondale is coordinated by Dr. Marcus Odom with two tracks for Taxation or Auditing & Accounting Information Systems to deliver greater depth of analytical knowledge for the financial services sector. Offering graduate assistantships with $5,250 tuition waivers, the 30-credit degree belongs to the FSA for courses from information technology auditing to project management. Majors could also find internships with Connect2Careers, join the Mentor Program, travel to Grenoble, and join the Accounting Society.
Accreditation
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Henry J. Rehn Hall 226A
1263 Lincoln Dr.
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 453-1408
macc@business.siu.edu
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
School of Business
Enrolling 14,142 Cougars, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville is a public, master’s research institution led by Chancellor Randall Pembrook with 960 academic staff upon 2,660 suburban acres in the St. Louis Metro. Named the 223rd top public college on Forbes, SIUE is ranked the Midwest’s 63rd best university with the 68th best online education by the U.S. News. Positioned 15th nationally in The Financial Engineer Times in 2015, the School of Business confers one of the master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois with PhD-level faculty from Illinois State, Indiana-Bloomington, Nebraska-Lincoln, and more.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
Applying an evening/hybrid format with online assignments, SIUE’s Master of Science in Accountancy currently charges $1,474 (in-state or regional) and $2,902 (out-of-state) per course for graduates to reach the profession’s highest echelon with well-rounded business skills. Adhering to NASBA exam content, the 30-credit curriculum builds on core courses like advanced auditing with the Business Analytics and Taxation specializations. Majors may also volunteer with the VITA Program, intern with Edward Jones, study in Germany, pledge Beta Alpha Psi, and attend Accounting Club events.
Accreditation
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Founders Hall 2113
P.O. Box 1051
Edwardsville, IL 62026
(618) 650-2656
brreed@siue.edu
University of Illinois at Chicago
Liautaud Graduate School of Business
Given the HEED Award for diversity, the University of Illinois at Chicago is a public, minority-serving RU/VH institution endowed for $2.278 billion with 29,048 Flames getting educated on 244 acres in Little Italy. Honored for America’s 87th best college location on Niche, UIC is ranked the 127th best U.S. and 200th top global university by Times Higher Education. Accepting an average GMAT score of 582, the Liautaud Graduate School of Business was recognized for the country’s 44th best Master of Business Administration on Poets & Quants and Illinois’ fourth top MBA on Crain’s Chicago Business.
MS in Accounting
Chaired by Dr. Sid Balachandran, a Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient, the MS in Accounting has placed post-grads at Northern Trust, Caterpillar, Deloitte, and McGladrey with the cutting-edge knowledge of today’s accounting technology for CPA success. The 32-64 credit, non-thesis degree requires a 3.25 GPA before entering generalist courses like business policy, database accounting systems, and corporate taxation in Chicago. Paying $3,827 in-state or $7,907 out-of-state per full-time term also opens opportunities to join Accounting Club, the ALPFA Chapter, and Beta Alpha Psi.
MBA/MS in Accounting
What’s better than earning one of the master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois? Getting two in an accelerated format through the Liautaud School’s MBA/MS in Accounting dual option. Accepting applications until March 15th, June 15th, and November 1st yearly, the 68-credit, combined degree builds both leadership acumen and specialized financial expertise with daytime or night courses from organizational behavior to commercial transactions. UIC post-grads could also study abroad with ESC Normandy, undertake sponsored projects with Cook County Government, intern at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and join the ISACA.
Accreditation
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
University Hall 2310
601 S. Morgan St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 996-2529
sidbala@uic.edu
University of Illinois at Springfield
College of Business and Management
Nestled upon 740 acres along Lake Springfield in Forbes’ #1 city for low cost of doing business, the University of Springfield is a public, co-educational COPLA member originally called Sangamon State until 1995 that’s now enrolling 5,431 Prairie Stars. UIS was ranked the Midwest’s 63rd best college by the U.S. News and America’s 419th best value on PayScale. Given the 2011 Academic/Honorary Organization of the Year Award for SAS, the College of Business and Management is crowned America’s 404th best business school on Niche for one of the master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois.
Master of Arts in Accountancy
Fulfilling the Illinois Board of Examiners’ CPA requirements, the Master of Arts in Accountancy at UIS enhances students’ critical thinking and communication skills to assume leadership roles in overseeing organizational cash flow according to SEC standards. Estimated to cost $5,264 for Illinoisans and $10,800 for non-residents each semester, the 30-credit curriculum will include courses like economic regulation and operational auditing before a capstone. Majors may also earn the Joy Kimler CPA Scholarship, join Beta Gamma Sigma, and take the Graduate Public Sector Internship.
Accreditation
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
University Hall 4093
1 University Plaza
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 206-6541
acc@uis.edu
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
College of Business at Illinois
Affiliated with prominent business alums like Marc Andreessen, Max Levchin, Larry Ellison, and Nancy G. Brinker, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign occupies 4,552 acres in Newsweek’s #10 top tech city as a public, land-grant R1 doctoral institution with 44,087 students and 2,548 academic staff. UIUC was ranked America’s 41st best value, 48th top college for international learners, and 11th best public university by Forbes. The College of Business is named the 40th best business school on the USNWR survey and third top master’s provider by the Public Accounting Report.
Master of Accounting Science (MAS)
Directed by Dr. Kevin Jackson, the Master of Accounting Science (MAS) uses Urbana-Champaign’s 95-year legacy to deliver a 12-month degree for graduates of accredited accounting baccalaureate programs. Deepening knowledge of public and non-public practice for CPA or CMA licensing, the 30-credit curriculum adheres to an Honor Code for academic courses like risk management and tax problems. For the capstone, students complete 290 internship hours at accounting firms, including BDO, Stephens & Stull, and Martin Hood Friese & Associates.
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
Offering access to the Margolis Information Lab, UIUC’s Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) takes place in the state-of-the-art Business Instructional Facility for post-grads with limited accounting education to catch up on skill development for CPA certification. Costing $40,378 total, the 12-month curriculum spans 32 credits from June to June for courses like accounting analysis, budgetary systems, tax law, and asset valuation. Students can also attend monthly MSA social events, contribute to the International Journal of Accounting, intern with MaloneBailey, and join Accounting Club.
Online MSA
Delivered via Coursera, the Online MSA at Urbana-Champaign is one of the flexible, adult-friendly master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois for accessing AACSB-accredited education starting in August or January to steam ahead toward CPA credentialing. Boasting a 100 percent placement rate and average starting salary of $60,000, the 32-credit curriculum is completed in 18-36 months with eight-week courses like data analytics in accountancy. Students with a 3.0 GPA and three years of full-time work experience can forgo the GMAT requirement.
Accreditation
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Wohlers Hall 360
1206 South 6th St.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-0857
accy@illinois.edu
University of St. Francis
College of Business & Health Administration
Established as Assisi Junior College in 1920, the University of St. Francis has expanded into a private, four-year Catholic “College of Distinction” that’s educating 3,352 Fighting Saints on 22 acres in Joliet and online under President Arvid C. Johnson III, PhD. Named the Midwest’s 31st best college by the U.S. News, USF is ranked America’s 82nd best college for free applications on Niche and 263rd top university for value-added education by The Economist. The COBHA also stands out for the 60th best online graduate business education with a selective admission rate of 51 percent.
MBA Concentration: Accounting
Unlike many master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois, USF’s Master of Business Administration is available in all 50 states online with the Accounting Concentration to build financial services skills upon the foundational management framework. Priced at $722 per credit, the 36-credit ACBSP program usually takes 12 to 24 months for completing courses like international financial reporting and fraud examination anytime on Canvas. Graduates can also study in Joliet for joining Delta Mu Delta, working in the Business Incubator, and interning at nearby First Midwest Bank.
Accreditation
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
500 Wilcox St.
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 740-3591
jwashburn@stfrancis.edu
Western Illinois University
School of Graduate Studies
Led by President Jack Thomas, Western Illinois University is a public, co-educational master’s institution founded by Freemasons in 1899 that’s now endowed for $43.05 million in the Summit League to educate 9,083 Leathernecks studying on its 64-building campus in Macomb. Ranked the Midwest’s 49th best university and 29th most veteran-friendly school by the U.S. News, WIU is recognized for the 213rd best professors in America on Niche. The School of Graduate Studies houses 40 post-bachelor’s degrees with 20-hour weekly assistantships that waive $5,250 annually.
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Currently enrolling 22 post-grads, WIU’s Master of Accountancy (MAcc) is one of the smallest close-knit master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois where professional growth, collegiality, and ethical practice is bolstered by real-world financial knowledge. Mandating a 2.75 GPA or higher, the 30-credit curriculum aligns to the Uniform CPA exam with courses like advanced management accounting and federal taxation. Students could also earn the Country Financial Scholarship, intern with RSM, attend the BAP Annual Meet the Firms event, and connect through the IMA Student Chapter.
Integrated BB/MAcc Accountancy
Beginning the junior year, the Integrated BB/MAcc lets undergrads stay put at WIU to finish their Bachelor of Business and Master of Accountancy with 150 hours in five years. Estimated to cost $11,245 in-state and $15,515 out-of-state for annual tuition, the IAP option includes courses for accounting systems control, financial auditing, and estate taxation. The program requires a 3.25 GPA, 500 GMAT score, or both. With a 95 percent placement rate, the dual degree has alums at Accenture, John Deere & Co., McGladrey & Pullen, and more.
Accreditation
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• North Central Association Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Sherman Hall 116
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 298-1806
Grad-Office@wiu.edu
On average, accountants in Illinois bring home a healthy salary of $76,950 each year. Going for your master’s and achieving the esteemed CPA certification can maximize your income potential with mean lifetime earnings of $7.95 million! CPAs are much more likely to be promoted to senior management, but investing in a solid, accredited business education is required first. These master’s in accounting degree programs in Illinois meet industry standards to help improve your own bottom line.
See also: Top 35 Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs 2017