As Utah becomes a more attractive location for start-ups and businesses, Master’s in Accounting programs in Utah are a practical choice for professionals hoping to participate in the financial sector of this growing business community. Cities like Salt Lake City foster both emerging and established businesses through policies that are friendly towards entrepreneurs and an attractive urban environment.
These accredited accounting degree programs offer access to a growing field where graduates may work in leadership positions in roles from government tax auditor to non-profit data analytics. While having an undergraduate degree in accounting or professional finance experience can create some opportunities, individuals who wish to pursue a life-long accounting career must pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Here are some programs that will prepare candidates for success through the CPA exam into their future careers.
See our ranking of the Top 15 Online Master’s in Forensic Accounting.
Brigham Young University
Marriott School
Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private, non-profit university that is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. Offering almost one-hundred graduate degrees in addition to its undergraduate offerings, BYU has grown from its founding to include 11 colleges and schools. The Marriott School at BYU offers academic programs in the area of business and finance. The school operates through the values of education, scholarship, and service, seeking to train critically-thinking and ethical leaders within the business world. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees including therapeutic recreation and global supply chain.
Accountancy MAcc
The Master’s in Accounting program in Utah at BYU is a one-year program intended for undergraduate students who have completed their baccalaureate degree in accounting. Students attending BYU may earn the two degrees simultaneously. Courses develop student in the areas of professional commitment, specialized knowledge, and ethical conduct.
Accreditation
The Marriott School at Brigham Young University is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
Contact
Marriott School
730 TNRB
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602-3113
801-422-4121
marriottschool@byu.edu
Southern Utah University
School of Business
Southern Utah University (SUU) is a public university in Cedar City. SUU offers 85 undergraduate degrees and 8 graduate degrees from 6 colleges. SUU is known for offering accessible education through low tuition and generous financial aid. The university incorporates the ideal of service learning through centers and projects where students become involved with community and global service. The School of Business at SUU seeks to train professionals through personalized learning, integrity, and student engagement. Programs include economics, entrepreneurship, hospitality, management, and military science.
Master of Accounting
The Master of Accounting program at SUU has a 25-year history of training qualified and ethical professionals within the accounting field. The school has a high placement rate in positions related to taxation, auditing, and controllership. Prerequisite courses include Microeconomics, Managerial Finance, and Business Law. This Master’s in Accounting program in Utah satisfies the state requirements for sitting for the CPA exam.
Accreditation
The School of Business at Southern Utah University is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
Contact
Southern Utah University
351 W. University Blvd.
Cedar City, UT 84720
435-586-7700
adminfo@suu.edu
University of Utah
David Eccles School of Business
The University of Utah (UU) is a public research university in Salt Lake City. Known for hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics Olympic Village, UU offers modern facilities and degrees from 17 colleges and schools including the School of Dentistry, the College of Social and Behavioral Science, and The S. J. Quinney College of Law. The David Eccles School of Business at UU provides opportunities for students to engage in real-world scenarios through its innovative programs and initiatives. Over 25 student organizations and clubs enrich the academic coursework and allow candidates to form networking relationships with peers and local businesses.
Master of Accounting
This Master’s in Accounting program in Utah prepares students for work in fields like public accounting, government, and industry. The program can be completed full-time in one year, though part-time options are available for students who cannot meet the demands of a traditional full-time schedule. Program tracks include intensive options for students without a background in accounting.
Accreditation
The David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
Contact
Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building
1655 East Campus Center Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-8939
801-581-7676
mremsburg@sa.utah.edu
Utah State University
Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
Utah State University (USU) is the state’s largest residential public research university. Founded in 1888 to teach agricultural and mechanic arts, the university now offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields including education, engineering, and humanities. The university has been recognized for its excellence in research and attracts more out-of-state students than any other Utah public university. The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at USU functions through the lenses of ethical leadership, global vision, analytic rigor, and entrepreneurship spirit.
Master of Accounting
The Master of Accounting program at USU combines rigorous academic study with partnerships with Big Four accounting firms, local firms, and government agencies to offer degree candidates a well-rounded preparatory experience. The 36 required credit hours may be completed in one year. This Master’s in Accounting program in Utah offers specializations in Professional Accountancy, Taxation, and Personal Financial Planning.
Accreditation
The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
Contact
Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
3500 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-3500
435-797-2272
huntsman@usu.edu
Weber State University
School of Accounting & Taxation
Weber State University (WSU) is a public university located in Ogden. As an open enrollment university, WSU provides access and support for students who may be overlooked by larger public schools. WSU was founded in 1889 and gained university status in 1991. Though the university was originally founded by the Jesus Christ Church of the Latter Day Saints, it was acquired by the state as a public university in 1931. The School of Accounting & Taxation at WSU offers master’s degrees in accounting and taxation and bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance. Supports offered to students include awards, study abroad opportunities, and networking events.
Master’s Degree in Accounting
This Master’s in Accounting program in Utah is offered as an evening course-load to create more access for students who are balancing school with other obligations. Graduates of the program have worked in roles such as Budget Analyst, Actuary, Chief Financial Officer, and Risk Analyst.
Accreditation
The School of Accounting & Taxation at Weber State University is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
Contact
Wattis Business, Room 221
Ogden, UT 84408
801-626-6072
Jeffrey.glover@weber.edu
Western Governors University
College of Business
Western Governors University (WGU) is an online, non-profit university headquartered in Salt Lake City. Founded in 1997, the institution has been recognized for its innovative learning model which takes place entirely online. WGU employs a competency-based approach, which means that students earn degrees through demonstrating that they have learned a set of competencies. The College of Business at WGU offers graduates the ability to complete their degree in shorter time spans than traditional universities due to the competency-based model. Bachelor’s degrees offered by the College of Business include Human Resource Management and IT Management. WGU offers Master’s degrees in 7 business-related fields.
Master of Science: Accounting
This Master’s in Accounting program in Utah meets the qualifications necessary for graduates to sit for the CPA exam. The program can be completed in as short as six months, though students may choose to study part-time in order to balance their schooling with other obligations.
Accreditation
The College of Business at Western Governors University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Contact
Western Governors University
4001 700 E #700
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
866-225-5948
studentservices@wgu.edu
As the diversity and concentrations in these programs show, accounting is an exciting and growing field that offers graduates opportunities to be financial leaders who shape the future of business practices. After graduating from a Master’s in Accounting program in Utah, professionals will be ready to take advantage of the friendly organizational climate within the state.