Accounting Schools in Maine
The colleges and universities of Maine offer a wide variety of programs in accounting. Schools may offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting with various areas of specialization. Students can choose from full-time, part-time, or online formats, and some schools promote internship opportunities and other real-world experiences. Read on below to find out more information about specific accounting programs, professional accountancy certifications, and the career outlook for accounting careers in Maine.
Quick Facts
- 7 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Maine.1
- 3 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Maine.1
- 1 school offers a certificate in accounting.*1
- 5 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*1
- 6 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.
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 Maine in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Maine being 52.9%:
- University of Maine 69.7%
- University of Southern Maine 54.2%
Schools in Maine with Accounting Degrees
Undergraduate Accounting Programs
University of Maine
At the Maine Business School at the University of Maine, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting. The curriculum covers basic accounting principles and their applications in the industry at large. Students learn how to prepare, understand, and report financial data for making business decisions within organizations. Coursework emphasizes data analytics for planning and control in the accounting sector. Students gain real-world experience through encouraged internships with local public accounting firms, which also begins to prepare students for further graduate study and eventual CPA licensure. Many graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees or entry-level positions in corporate, public, or governmental accounting.
Husson University
At Husson University’s College of Business, students can complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. Students first study a broad general education curriculum before taking accounting-major courses. Accounting classes emphasize foundational skills and specialized knowledge, such as analyzing, understanding, and interpreting accounting data. Students learn problem-solving skills, research methods, and critical-thinking approaches that are applicable to the accounting industry. Students are also encouraged to complete paid internships that provide experience in the field as well as opportunities to develop business communication skills. Students interested in advanced graduate study can combine their bachelor’s degree with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Husson and complete both degrees in just five years. This dual degree program prepares graduates to sit for the CPA examination.
Thomas College
The Business and Management Department at Thomas College offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting degree. This degree focuses on accounting theory and technique as well as foundational knowledge about business. The core curriculum includes courses such as Business Finance, Cost Accounting, Federal Personal Income Taxation, Principles of Accounting, and Business Law. Students learn a mix of conceptual knowledge and professional practice, as well as the standard reporting procedures for accountants. Undergraduates can also choose further specialization through an additional concentration in Managerial Accounting, Public Accounting, Accounting and Financial Analysis, or Forensic Accounting. Those interested in an advanced degree in accounting at Thomas College can pursue a dual-degree format and combine their bachelor’s degree with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting.
Graduate Accounting Programs
University of Southern Maine
At the School of Business at the University of Southern Maine, students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in Accounting. This degree is ideal for those interested in an advanced study of business and accounting concepts relevant in the accounting industry. Students take some business courses as well as specialized accounting classes. After completing the core curriculum, depending on their area of interest, students can choose from a variety of electives, such as Taxation for Business and Investment Planning, Current Issues in Accounting, and Advanced Individual Taxation. This foundation allows students to pursue professional designations such as CPA or positions in accounting, business, or other financial services. This program requires an undergraduate degree in accounting or the equivalent in prerequisite courses.
University of Maine
The Maine Business School at the University of Maine offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting. Working professionals can complete this program in a blended format through a combination of on-campus classes and online/distance classes. The core curriculum includes advanced accounting courses such as Tax Planning for Small Business Owners, Accounting Theory & International Accounting, and Advanced Managerial Accounting. Students learn accounting principles and management techniques. The graduate curriculum also focuses on research skills, critical thinking techniques, and problem-solving methods. Many graduates go on to work in accounting roles in small businesses, startup companies, corporations, governmental agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. Students without an undergraduate accounting degree may need to complete additional prerequisites before beginning the program.
Popular Articles: Business Schools in Maine | Online MBA Programs in Maine
Online Accounting Programs
University of Maine at Augusta
Through the University of Maine at Augusta, students can complete an online Bachelor of Science of Business Administration (BSBA) with a major in Accounting. The curriculum covers a number of interdisciplinary subjects relevant to the accounting industry, such as finance, economics, strategic management, operations research, and computer information systems. Students learn accounting concepts as well as general business and management theory. Coursework also emphasizes critical thinking, written and oral communication skills, and technical applications of accounting information systems. The BSBA degree also offers a major in Management, and both Accounting and Management majors learn a variety of leadership techniques applicable in the business world. Many graduates from the online BSBA degree program go on to work in financial services in the private and public sector.
Saint Joseph’s College
Saint Joseph’s College offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree that can be completed entirely online. This program is ideal for individuals interested in the CPA examination, and the curriculum meets the educational requirements for the professional designation. Students learn advanced accounting knowledge as well as integrative skills in critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. The online coursework draws from projects, real-world examples, and case studies. Students learn how to apply concepts and technical skills in solving accounting problems, and there is an emphasis on accounting information systems. Those without an undergraduate degree in accounting may need to complete some prerequisite accounting courses before applying, but those with an accounting background may finish this program in an accelerated format in just one year.
Maine CPA Requirements
The Maine Board of Accountancy requires that CPA candidates complete at least 150 semester hours and at least a bachelor’s degree. After completing these education requirements, graduates must pass the Uniform CPA examination. Then, CPA applicants should complete at least two years of full-time CPA work experience that must be verified by a licensed accountant. Once all of these conditions are met, individuals can apply for CPA licensure. This designation must be updated through Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours to stay current in the industry.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Maine
Maine accounting grads may start careers in public, private, or government accounting. Statewide CPA firms such as MacDonaldPage & Co, Baker Newman Noyes, and BerryDunn may offer many different positions for graduates with an accounting degree and CPA licensure. Others may choose to start their own CPA firm or small consultancy. Graduates may also have the opportunity to work in accounting positions in large companies based in the state, such as WEX Inc or Fairchild Semiconductor. Governmental agencies or nonprofits like hospitals or community organizations may offer roles in accounting as well. Those with accounting degrees can choose from these options or more in Maine’s accounting industry.
Maine Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bangor | 410 | $65,330 |
| Dover-Durham | 360 | $70,990 |
| Portland-South Portland | 1,830 | $75,420 |
| Portsmouth | 680 | $73,140 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.8
Maine 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.
Saint Joseph’s College
278 Whites Bridge Rd
Standish, ME 04084
(207) 892-6766
www.sjcme.edu
University of Southern Maine
96 Falmouth St
Portland, ME 04104
(207) 780-5646
https://usm.maine.edu/
Husson University
1 College Cir
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 941-7000
http://www.husson.edu/
The University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469
(207) 581-1110
https://umaine.edu/
Student Review: “The accounting program at the University of Maine is one of the best in New England. I greatly benefited from being a part of it. The things I liked most about my accounting classes, was the “do it yourself” learning style. Professors would go over concepts in class, but 80% of the learning experience was done on my own time. I would apply what I learned in class, to problems and homework assigned to me. I truly got out of the class, what I put into it. I have learned first hand that in the business world, answers are rarely given to you. You have to find the best solutions for yourself. The accounting program at the University of Maine really helped develop my problem-solving skills. Another thing that was great about the University of Maine was the connections for after school. There were always job posting updates on our school website, so it was easy to find a summer internship or that first real job.” -Jared D., student at University of Maine
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, Maine: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_me.htm