Accounting Schools in Indiana

The colleges and universities in Indiana provide different undergraduate and graduate degree options for those interested in studying accounting. This page provides information about degree formats, curriculum options, and on-campus and online degrees. Prospective students can read on to learn about specific programs, rankings, and accounting career possibilities in the state of Indiana.

Quick Facts

• 13 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Indiana.¹
• 25 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Indiana.¹
• 4 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*¹
• 9 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 29 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 13 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*¹
• 2 programs ranked in US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018.²
• 2 programs ranked in US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018.³
• 1 school ranked in the Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018.⁴
• 4 schools ranked in Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016.⁵

*Public or private not-for-profit colleges and universities only.

Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in Indiana

US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018

• University of Notre Dame #6
• Indiana University #8

US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018

• Indiana University #11
• University of Notre Dame #12 tie

The Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018

• Indiana University

Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016

• University of Notre Dame (Mendoza College of Business) #2
• University of Indiana (Kelley School of Business) #4
• Purdue University (Krannert School of Management) #57
• Butler University (Andre B. Lacy School of Business) #68

AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in Indiana

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 Indiana have been accredited by the AACSB:

• Ball State University (Miller College of Business)
• Indiana University (Kelley School of Business)
• University of Notre Dame (Mendoza College of Business)
• University of Southern Indiana (Romain College of Business)

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 Indiana in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Indiana being 63.0%:

1. University of Notre Dame 83.5%
2. Indiana University System 75.3%
3. Grace College & Seminary 72.0%
4. Purdue University Calumet 71.4%
5. Depauw University 69.2%
6. Indiana University Bloomington 68.9%

Schools in Indiana with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

University of Notre Dame

The Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. This program focuses on fundamental accounting knowledge as well as analytical and problem-solving skills. Students learn how to analyze and communicate a business’s financial information and make management decisions. Through AP credits and overloads, many students are able to fulfill the 150 credit hours for CPA licensure as undergraduates, and other students can choose to pursue a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) from Notre Dame. The Mendoza College of Business emphasizes professional development skills, and students are also encouraged to work as consultants for local organizations and businesses or volunteer in the community with the Tax Assistance Program.

Ball State University

At Ball State University, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting through the Miller College of Business. Students start with a core liberal arts curriculum before beginning foundational courses in the business school and specialized accounting coursework. The accounting major includes courses such as Income Tax Accounting, Cost Accounting, Auditing Principles and Practices, and students can also choose from numerous accounting electives. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of accounting and business, but students also learn about related fields like economics, business law, marketing, and information systems. Students can pursue internships and networking connections through student groups and the university’s career center.

Butler University

The Lacy School of Business at Butler University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program is ideal for those interested in a career in corporate or public accounting or those looking to work in managerial or leadership roles in business. Students take upper-level accounting courses such as Advanced Managerial Accounting, Financial Statements Analysis, and Accounting Information Systems. Butler also emphasizes experiential learning, and undergraduates complete two required internships, in private and public accounting, or an optional accounting-focused study abroad opportunities. This program can be combined with a Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) degree and preparation for the CPA examination, and the dual-degrees can be completed in four to five years.

Popular Articles: Business Schools in Indiana | Online MBA Programs in Indiana

Graduate Accounting Programs

Indiana University

At the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, students can earn a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). This is an intensive one-year program that focuses on relevant skills and foundations for the accounting field. The technical accounting curriculum emphasizes knowledge of assurance, data analytics, risk management, and taxation, and students learn through team projects, collaborative learning exercises, and case analyses. The program is 30 credit hours, and students can choose to tailor their electives or complete a semester-long field consulting project for a regional business. Those interested in the CPA designation can complete a six-week CPA review course at the end of the program. For post-graduation plans, all students can take advantage of the Graduate Career Services office and extensive alumni network to find connections and opportunities.

Purdue University

Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree. This two-semester, 30 credit hour program is ideal for those interested in working in accounting firms, corporations, non-profits, government organizations, and investment and financial services firms. Students learn advanced accounting theory as well as analytical and technical skills used in the industry. The curriculum prepares students to pursue professional designations such as CPA or Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Purdue also emphasizes experiential learning in the field, offering opportunities to consult or work with startups and non-profits in the area.

Online Accounting Programs

Indiana Wesleyan University

At Indiana Wesleyan University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting on campus or entirely online. This degree is designed for working professionals who want to gain a stronger foundation in accounting theory, taxation, and auditing. Coursework also focuses on the analytical skills that are applicable to management and problem-solving in organizations. Classes meet one night per week on campus, or students can complete coursework online according to their schedule. Students must complete some liberal arts core courses before beginning the accounting major classes. Depending on transfer credits and prerequisites, students can complete this program in 18-20 months. This degree also enables students to pursue further study in the field or prepare for the CPA examination.

University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in accounting. The curriculum focuses on management accounting tools and leadership skills. Through courses such as Financial Statement Analysis and Accounting Regulation and Compliance, students learn how to interpret financial statements, analyze business problems, and create an organizational strategy from a global perspective. Classwork also focuses on collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking strategies. This 30-credit hour online degree can be completed in as few as 11 months.

Indiana CPA Requirements

The Indiana Board of Accountancy requires that CPA candidates complete 150 semester hours of credit at the undergraduate and graduate level. Graduates must have at least a bachelor’s degree, and applicants must have semester hours in both accounting and business disciplines. After completing 150 semester hours, candidates can sit for the Uniform CPA examination. Individuals must then complete 24 months of employment in the accounting field, and this experience must be verified by a CPA. When all of these conditions are met, candidates can apply for CPA licensure. To maintain this professional designation, CPAs must complete Continued Professional Education (CPE) hours through industry events, courses, and seminars.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Indiana

In starting an accountancy career, accounting grads in Indiana may be able to take advantage of Indiana’s geographically central location, as many of the nation’s top accounting firms have a presence in the state. Indiana is home to large CPA firms such as BKD CPAs and Katz Sapper & Miller, and these firms or others may offer many different accounting positions. Accounting grads may also be able to find positions within state and local government or local and regional businesses. Those with accounting degrees in Indiana may have an advantage finding positions in the state’s accounting and finance industry.

Indiana Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.⁸

Schools with Accounting Degree Programs in Indiana

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.

Indiana University
107 S. Indiana Ave.
Bloomington, IN
47405-7000
(812) 855-4848
https://www.indiana.edu/

Student Review: “The accounting program at Indiana University was a positive experience, but I wish I would have received a better value. The professors and associate instructors were all very knowledgeable. Many were very friendly, and made themselves available to answer questions, and offer advice. I feel that there was a lot of guidance in terms of career direction and marketability. However, the instruction was mainly very theoretical, and not very logistical or pragmatic. Also, some of my classes were online through another campus branch, and I felt that I wasn’t receiving added value by taking this degree program at IU. Had I gone to a local college, or an online school, I feel like I would have received the same training, but at a much lower cost of tuition. IU was a great school, but I got what I put into it, and not a whole lot more, so in the end, I would have preferred a cheaper education” -Student at Indiana University

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
(260) 481-6100
https://www.pfw.edu/

Student Review: “My overall experience at Indiana University Purdue University at Fort Wayne was a very good experience. I enjoyed my time as a student athlete playing baseball, as well as my academics within the Accounting Department. The courses were tough and made me work to achieve the grades that I was accustomed to. I enjoyed the Professors within the department, as they genuinely cared for their students and worked to help each of them achieve success. One thing that I thought could be improved was that being a smaller school, not every required course was offered each semester so there were times I was not able to take courses that I needed because they weren’t offered during a particular semester.” -Student at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

Indiana Wesleyan University
4201 S Washington St
Marion, IN 46953
(765) 674-6901
https://www.indwes.edu/

Student Review: “My experience at Indiana Wesleyan University was a very great one. I chose to do the express degree program. In this program one class at a time is presented to the student in a three, four, five, or six week time frame. This made for a tight schedule for the student, but a quick way to earn the degree. The classes were offered off campus in an online setting, so someone who lived out of state or even out of the country could obtain a four year degree. This was a perfect situation for me as a student because I live in a rural area with the nearest University being several miles away. The instructors for this program were very helpful and understanding. The online environment was very friendly. Grades, homework, and instructors were very accessible even with students who were in different time zones. This, of course, helped with students who were in the military stationed half-way around the world. When it became time to get a job with my degree, I was able to do so in a matter of months. I recommend Indiana Wesleyan University’s online accounting program to anyone.” -Nicole M., student at Indiana Wesleyan University

Ivy Tech Community College
220 Dean Johnson Blvd
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 289-7001
https://www.ivytech.edu/

Student Review: “Overall I have enjoyed the time I have spent studying at Ivy Tech University in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The field of study I chose to Business. It has provided me with many opportunities that I am thankful for. The thing I enjoyed most about attending Ivy Tech was the ability to take online courses when I needed to. This helped me with my hectic everyday schedule and it allowed me to continue working and not worry about changing my work schedule very much at all. All the advisors are very friendly and are always willing to help with anything I needed.” -Joshua G., student at Ivy Tech Community College

Student Review: “The Accounting program offered at Ivy Tech was not only an educational experience but a very rewarding one. I not only gained valuable skills and knowledge that have helped me in my current job, but also gained valuable friendships with not only students, but teachers. When I first started attending I didn’t know much about accounting and now I know a great deal. This is a testament to how well the program worked for me. I was thankful that I was eased into accounting. My teachers did not “throw me to the wolves,” so to speak. They started with the basics as any good teacher should and gradually provided me with harder work. Keep in mind I also had to take the basic college courses that everyone has to take before they focus on the classes that are required by their major, so I had a lot on my plate during my stint at Ivy Tech. I couldn’t have done it without the great teachers who always made themselves available whether it was through email or phone calls. One of my former teachers also helped me land an accounting job as soon as I graduated and for that I am grateful.” -Student at Ivy Tech Community College

Related Accounting Degree State Pages:

• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Ohio

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, Indiana: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_in.htm