Accounting Schools in Delaware
Students in Delaware have a variety of options for pursuing an accounting degree from the numerous public and private schools in the state. This overview of accounting schools in Delaware will help you find the information you need to make the right choice, whether you are interested in pursuing a career as an accountant, auditor, tax specialist, or looking for an education to prepare for another professional accounting role. Accelerated programs are also an option for students who want to pursue an undergraduate and graduate degree to sit for CPA licensure. Programs in Delaware allow students options for concentrations in a wide variety of topics, such as Business Economics, Financial Management, Analytics, and Management Information Systems.
Quick Facts
- 3 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Delaware.1
- 3 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Delaware.1
- 1 school offers a certificate in accounting.*1
- 2 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*1
- 5 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*1
- 4 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*1
- No programs ranked in US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018.2
- No programs ranked in US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018.3
- No schools ranked in the Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018.4
- No schools ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016.5
*Public or private not-for-profit colleges and universities only.
AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in Delaware
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) is a globally-recognized organization that provides accreditation for undergraduate and graduate accounting programs. While over 800 business schools have been accredited by the AACSB, only 186 institutions hold AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs, having been found to meet the rigorous standards established by the AACSB.6 The following accounting programs in Delaware have been accredited by the AACSB:
- University of Delaware (Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics)
Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree
Each year, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.7 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Delaware in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Delaware being 65.9%:
- University of Delaware 68.6%
- Goldey-Beacom College 33.3%
Schools in Delaware with Accounting Degrees
Undergraduate Accounting Programs
Goldey-Beacom College
Goldey-Beacom College offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that emphasizes leadership qualities, accounting theory, and practical computer skills to prepare students for an industry career. Students in this 120-credit program develop written and oral communication skills, while gaining hands-on experience in accounting concepts. Students will build skills in database applications, federal taxes, and business statistics. In their second year, students focus on math and accounting fundamentals to earn a solid foundation before taking specialty courses in the subsequent years. Advanced coursework includes Auditing, Accounting Information Systems, and Business Law.
Wesley College
At Wesley College, students have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This 124-credit program prepares students for accounting careers in the private, non-profit, and government sector. Students will also be prepared for graduate studies in business and accounting. Problem-solving skills and technical competency are emphasized in this degree program, allowing students to gain confidence before starting a career. Students gain a firm understanding of finance and economics, including micro and macroeconomics as well as investment planning. Classes in business law, ethics, and marketing are also provided to give students a well-rounded education in all facets of business. Accounting courses offered include International Accounting, Federal Taxation, and Government, NEP, and Fiduciary Accounting.
University of Delaware
The Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that provides students with critical-analysis skills to prepare them to make business and financial decisions. This 123-credit program gives students the foundation to pursue advanced coursework and work towards licensures such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Students can expect to take courses in Advanced Federal Income Taxation, Strategic Information Systems and Accounting, and Income Tax Accounting. This program focuses on experiential learning, including access to the Michael and Rosann Geltzeiler Trading Center, which replicates trading floors and gives students hands-on experience with the software, data, and tools used by financial institutions all over the world. An accelerated degree program is also available for students who want to pursue a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting.
Popular Articles: Business Schools in Delaware | Online MBA Programs in Delaware
Graduate Accounting Programs
Wilmington University
Students at Wilmington University’s College of Business can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting that prepares students to apply for CPA licensure. This 30-credit program can be completed either online or through on-campus courses offered on nights and weekends, allowing flexibility for working students. Students go in-depth on accounting theory to prepare for advanced business and industry careers. Required courses include Advanced Managerial Accounting, Fraud Prevention and Forensic Accounting, and Financial Accounting Theory, Practice, and Research. Graduates are prepared to work in the public, private, and non-profit sector in a variety of business roles.
University of Delaware
At the University of Delaware, students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting which can be completed in as little as 12 months. This AACSB-accredited program prepares students for a career in the business industry or to pursue PhD-level coursework if they so choose. Students may choose from a wide range of concentration options, including Analytics, Controllership, Financial Management, or Management Information Systems. This 30-credit program helps students meet the 150 credit requirement for CPA licensure in the state of Delaware. Students take courses in Federal Tax Research and Planning, Theory of External Reporting, and Database Design, Networks and Implementation. Courses also cover international accounting and global business ethics.
Online Accounting Programs
Delaware State University
Delaware State University’s College of Business offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that emphasizes strategic thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare students for a successful career in business. Students have the option to concentrate in either Business Economics or Finance and Banking, as well as pursuing a minor in Financial Planning. Many of these courses are available online, and students are also able to pursue a five-year BS in Accounting and Master of Business Administration (MBA) combined degree. Students learn the fundamentals of business while gaining hands-on experience in research and decision making in accounting. Utilizing information technology and understanding both qualitative and quantitative data are also emphasized. Students are also encouraged to take internships and participate in extracurricular activities such as the Accounting and Finance Club.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University’s College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that helps prepare students for CPA licensure and an industry career in business. This program can be completed fully online, on-campus, or through a hybrid program. Students in this program take 33 credits of business coursework and 39 credits of accounting coursework, giving students a broad overview of business practices as well as accounting fundamentals. Coursework focuses on finance, managerial, and tax accounting. Advanced coursework includes Accounting Information Systems, Auditing, and Business Law for Accounting. Wilmington University also offers cooperative learning experiences for accounting students to gain hands-on business skills from local business leaders.
Delaware CPA Requirements
To become a Certified Public Accountant in Delaware, a minimum of 150 semester hours is required, of which 24 credits must be accounting courses covering financial accountancy, auditing, and taxation. Applicants may take the CPA exam after completing 120 semester hours, but will not receive licensure until completing 150 semester hours. A year of professional accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA is also required. After earning a score of 75 or greater on all four parts of the CPA exam, applicants must pass the ethics exam provided by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Delaware
Accounting graduates in Delaware have a wide variety of career options. Graduates may choose to work for major Delaware accounting firms like Horty & Horty, Gunnip & Company, and Richard Goodman Associates. Top employers in the state always need talented accountants, such as Fortune 500 companies like DuPont and Navient. Other large corporations in Delaware include AstraZeneca, Citizenre, and P&L Transportation. Delaware is also home to many bank credit card offices, including Capital One, Chase, and Discover. Graduates may also choose to open their own accounting offices or enter into government accounting jobs for the State of Delaware or in local municipalities
Delaware Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dover | 560 | $62,430 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 30,220 | $82,370 |
| Salisbury | 860 | $63,630 |
| Wilmington | 5,010 | $81,430 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2017.8
Delaware Schools with Accounting Degree Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Goldey-Beacom College
4701 Limestone Rd
Wilmington, DE 19808
(302) 998-8814
https://www.gbc.edu/
The University of Delaware
150 S College Ave
Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-2792
https://www.udel.edu/
Student Review: “I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Delaware in 2009. The best part about the accounting program was the fact that potential employers were very active in recruiting students from the accounting program. By October of my senior year, I had already accepted a full-time job offer at a large accounting firm upon graduation. In addition to my experience in finding a job, the majority of the graduating accounting students had full-time job offers during senior year. The accounting program at UD is not for everyone though. I had many friends who found it too challenging and moved on to other majors. In my opinion, the accounting classes that I took were by far the toughest courses in my four years at school. The positive aspect of this is that the courses prepared me very well for studying for the CPA exam, and employers knew that graduating from this program was not an easy task. I had a very good experience studying accounting at the University of Delaware.” -Student at University of Delaware
Student Review: “The University of Delaware’s accounting program, in my opinion, was a good experience. While the school’s accounting program is not as elite as some may think, what’s really nice about it is the fact that J.P. Morgan coincides with it, which allows accounting students to network with major firms. Initially, I was a bit skeptical of the program, as UD is more known for its engineering program, but the accounting faculty is kind, caring, and helpful. If you ever struggle, whether it be in a general class, or with tax auditing, they are there to help you. That’s why I feel that the University of Delaware helped me grow and prepare with its accounting program. However, I would look into more prestigious schools looking back.” -Student at University of Delaware
Delaware State University
1200 N Dupont Hwy
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 857-6060
https://www.desu.edu/
Wilmington University
Dover AFB
320 N Dupont Hwy
Wilmington Manor, DE 19720
(302) 674-8726
https://www.wilmu.edu/
Student Review: “I had a terrible experience. My counselor gave me the wrong address for our meeting (she gave me the grad school address). When I met with her, she advised that I would qualify for financial aid and I did not. She advised me to take a class which would prepare me for college life, she told me it was completely free and I just had to worry about my other classes. When I logged into my account, I had a huge bill for the free class. I got discouraged and ended up dropping all my classes. I’m still registered with the school, but I am afraid to sign up for classes due to poor service and assistance.” -student at Wilmington University
Related Accounting Degree State Pages:
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. US News & World Report Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
3. US News & World Report Best Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
4. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2018 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2017.
5. Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016: https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-best-undergrad-business-schools/
6. AACSB-Accredited Universities and Schools, Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
7. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2015 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2017 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Delaware: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_de.htm