Accounting Schools in Idaho

This outline of accounting schools in Idaho contains information about the accounting schools and programs available in the state. There are numerous public and private schools in Idaho that offer undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare you for a career in the accounting field. Prospective students can choose between different types of degrees, specializations, and academic offerings. Read on below to find out more information about accounting school rankings, career possibilities, and professional licensure in Idaho.

Quick Facts

8 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Idaho.¹
5 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Idaho.¹
4 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*¹
6 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*¹
9 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*¹
3 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 Idaho

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 business schools in Idaho have been accredited by the AACSB:

Boise State University (College of Business and Economics)
Idaho State University (College of Business)
University of Idaho (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 Idaho in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Idaho being 55.7%:

Northwest Nazarene University 77.8%
Boise State University 58.4%
University of Idaho 52.1%
Brigham Young University Idaho 51.8%

Schools in Idaho with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

Idaho State University

At Idaho State University’s College of Business, students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. The program’s core curriculum includes courses such as Intermediate Accounting, Auditing, and Accounting Information Systems. In these classes, students learn broad business concepts as well as accounting fundamentals. From there, students can tailor their electives and choose from four different tracks: Operations, Information Assurance, Information Systems, and Finance. The coursework emphasizes applicable skills in auditing, assurance, and taxation, and students also learn business writing and presentation skills. ISU offers experiential learning opportunities through internships and local networking or professional development events. Graduates from the BBA program can pursue further advanced study or find entry-level positions in companies, government, or not-for-profit organizations.

Brigham Young University Idaho

Students at Brigham Young University Idaho can complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting degree. Students learn a combination of functional knowledge, technical skills, and professional tools to succeed in the accounting industry. The core curriculum covers accounting fundamentals, and students also learn other interdisciplinary subjects for a well-rounded perspective on business. Coursework focuses on the analytical skills needed to understand issues, as well as the technical accounting skills needed to solve problems. Students also learn how to use the computer technology, accounting software, auditing standards, and tax law databases currently common in the field. All students complete an internship experience in their junior or senior year, and undergraduates can also seek out professional opportunities through the Student Accounting Society. Graduates from BYU Idaho can go on to pursue an advanced accounting degree or seek an entry-level position in the accounting field.

Northwest Nazarene University

At Northwest Nazarene University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program is ideal for those working full-time or with a unique schedule. General education classes are offered on-campus and online, and some accounting major evening classes are available as well. Depending on a student’s academic history and accepted transfer credits, the BS in Accounting can be completed in as few as 20 months. The semester schedule is broken up into three five-week sections so that students are immersed in their coursework and subject area. Core accounting classes include Auditing, Computer Applications, Financial Accounting, and Managerial Accounting. These classes are completed on a cohort-basis, and many undergraduates take advantage of student groups for networking or professional development opportunities.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Boise State University

Boise State University’s College of Business and Economics offers a Master of Accountancy (MSA) degree. This program can be completed on-campus or entirely online, and students can attend courses on a full-time or “schedule-flexible” basis. Students interested in the CPA designation can complete this program to fulfill state educational requirements and be prepared to sit for the examination. In addition to advanced knowledge in auditing, accounting, and taxation, the curriculum also emphasizes how to communicate this knowledge in order to make business decisions. Students learn a combination of technical expertise and business fundamentals that is necessary to succeed in the accounting field. Coursework covers accounting principles and industry procedures as well as the financial, managerial, legal, and tax ramifications of business transactions.

University of Idaho

The College of Business and Economics at the University of Idaho offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree. The core curriculum focuses on advanced accounting knowledge as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Coursework also emphasizes research techniques and interpersonal skills for collaboration and teamwork. Students can choose a degree track that best suits their interests and career goals, including auditing and financial accounting, corporate accounting management and controllership, government and not-for-profit fiscal management, international accounting, accounting information systems analysis and design, and taxation. Students can also complete hands-on learning opportunities through internships, college clubs, or international study abroad experiences. These real-world experiences can count for academic credit and allow students to gain work experience before even graduating.

Online Accounting Programs in Idaho

Lewis-Clark State College

Lewis-Clark State College offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration entirely online. Business Administration students can choose to focus on specializations such as accounting, management, marketing, or economics. Online accounting students take required core courses such as Principles of Accounting, Technical Writing, Business Law, and Financial Management. These classes emphasize accounting fundamentals as well as critical thinking skills. Students learn the accounting processes necessary to report, understand, and communicate business operations and business decisions. Graduates from Lewis-Clark State can go on to pursue further graduate study or technical or specialist entry-level positions in public, private, governmental, or not-for-profit accounting.

Northwest Nazarene University

Students can complete an Associate of Arts (AA) in Accounting through Northwest Nazarene University entirely online. This program can be finished in as few as two years, although students with transfer credits may finish even sooner. The enrollment date is flexible, and students can start classes every eight weeks. The core curriculum includes courses such as Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Personal Income Tax, and Non-Profit and Governmental Accounting. Coursework can be completed on a students’ own schedule, but Northwest Nazarene also encourages online students to work together and form an online community. After completing the AA in Accounting, many students choose to transfer to online or on-campus bachelor’s degree programs. Northwest Nazarene also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting.

Idaho CPA Requirements

The Idaho State Board of Accountancy requires that CPA candidates complete at least a bachelor’s degree and 150 semester hours at an accredited college or university. Graduates can then sit for the Uniform CPA examination, which covers four different test sections. After passing the examination, candidates must complete at least 2,000 hours, or one year, of work in public accounting that is verified by a licensed CPA. Finally, applicants can obtain their CPA license, and this licensure must be kept up-to-date through Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Idaho

Accounting graduates in Idaho can choose from many different career paths in the state. Some graduates choose to open up their own firms or start their own small businesses. Others pursue positions with major accounting firms in Idaho, such as Deloitte, Eide Bailly LLP, and CliftonLarsonAllen. Major employers like Micron Technology, Hewlett-Packard Company, and Wells Fargo may need skilled accountants and financial advisors with technical accounting knowledge. Graduates may also find positions in governmental accounting, working for state or city governments, the FBI, or the Department of Defense.

Idaho Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro Area	Accountants & Auditors Employed	Average Annual Salary
Boise City	2,310	$66,370
Coeur d’Alene	210	$56,410
Idaho Falls	410	$55,190
Pocatello	160	$88,170

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.⁸

Idaho 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.

Boise State University
1910 University Dr
Boise, ID 83725
(208) 426-1000
www.boisestate.edu

Brigham Young University-Idaho
525 S Center St
Rexburg, ID 83460
(208) 496-1411
https://www.byui.edu/

Student Review: “The Accounting program at Brigham Young University-Idaho was competitive, challenging, and educational. The program offered challenging classes that prepared the students for the real experience of working as an accountant. Although the classes were challenging they were also equally rewarding. The materials in most of the classes were used during an internship with Deloitte and Touche. The Excel spreadsheet class that was included in the curriculum was the most challenging with no use in the real world. Accounting information systems and the financial accounting classes were most enjoyable because of the teachers and it was designed to help us prepare for the CPA. The teachers were very flexible and generous with their time to the students. Each class had free tutors that helped with course materials and questions if the teachers were not available.” -Lucas J., student at Brigham Young University-Idaho

Idaho State University
921 S 8th Ave
Pocatello, ID 83209
(208) 282-0211
https://www.isu.edu/

Student Review: “I really enjoyed my schooling in the accounting program at Idaho State University. I felt that I learned a sufficient amount of material and skill to prepare me for the world of working as a CPA. Many of my professors were very difficult, had a very large knowledge base, and yet made the concepts seem simple for students learning about the topic for the first time. I really liked the professors that I had, especially the accounting and finance professors. One thing that I didn’t like about the overall experience was that I was required to take many management classes that I felt were superfluous. I had to take one to two management classes each semester in order to complete all of the college of business requirements for my degree. I felt that these classes didn’t add much to my knowledge base, but I thought instead that most of what was taught were simple leadership skills. Beyond that, I had no complaints about Idaho State University’s accounting program.” -Matthew B., student at Idaho State University

Lewis-Clark State College
500 8th Ave
Lewiston, ID 83501
(800) 933-5272
http://www.lcsc.edu/

University of Idaho
709 South Deakin St
Moscow, ID 83844
(208) 885-6111
http://www.uidaho.edu/

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 2016 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Idaho: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_id.htm