Accounting Schools in Maryland

This outline of accounting schools in Maryland will provide you with information on your options for pursuing an undergraduate or graduate accounting degree or certificate in the state. Many degree programs are available on a full-time or part-time basis, and some degrees are available entirely online. Those interested in working in accounting in Maryland after graduation can learn about career outlooks and salary prospects in the state. For information about program details and school rankings, continue reading below.

Quick Facts

• 25 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Maryland.¹
• 6 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Maryland.¹
• 18 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*¹
• 15 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 14 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 7 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*¹
• No programs ranked in US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018.²
• 1 program ranked in US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018.³
• No schools ranked in the Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018.⁴
• 1 school 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 Maryland

US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018

• Loyola University Maryland #28 tie

Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016

• University of Maryland (Robert H. Smith School of Business) #50

AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in Maryland

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 Maryland have been accredited by the AACSB:

• Loyola University Maryland (Sellinger School of Business and Management)
• Morgan State University (Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management)
• Salisbury University (Franklin P. Perdue School of Business)
• Towson University (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 Maryland in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Maryland being 54.9%:

1. Johns Hopkins University 84.6%
2. University of Maryland, College Park 62.2%
3. Towson University 56.3%
4. Loyola University Maryland 53.0%
5. Bowie State University 50.0%
6. Salisbury University 50.0%

Schools in Maryland with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

Loyola University Maryland

At the Sellinger School of Business at Loyola University Maryland, students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. This program is ideal for those interested in careers in public accounting, business, non-profit organizations, and government. Students learn about the functional areas of accounting, preparing for positions in auditing, controllership, taxation, and administration. The curriculum focuses on both managerial and technical skills in the field of accounting, and students also learn how to research and communicate financial information. Loyola’s student organizations organize industry-relevant events and guest lectures, providing networking and professional development opportunities. Loyola University Maryland also offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree.

Morgan State University

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting from Morgan State University. The program’s curriculum starts with liberal arts courses, and students then start business fundamentals and accounting courses. Through classes such as Cost and Budgetary Control Auditing, Federal Income Taxation, and Accounting Information Systems, students learn both accounting theory and practicable skills. Morgan State also emphasizes professional skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and communication, as well as technological competency. Graduates are prepared to pursue further studies or work in public accounting, private industry, or government and non-profit organizations.

Salisbury University

At the Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program emphasizes a global perspective on the field of accounting, and students learn both accounting theory and practice. Core courses include Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Statistics, and students then take upper-level courses such as Federal Income Tax, Auditing, and Business Law. Coursework focuses on experiential learning through team-based projects, real-life case studies, and seminars. The accounting department at Salisbury maintains connections with the accounting community to support students in finding internships and post-graduation job placement.

Graduate Accounting Programs

University of Maryland

The Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland offers a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting degree. Students can finish this program in 10 to 16 months, and undergraduates already at UM can pursue a joint, accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree. The program is generally designed for full-time students, with the majority of courses offered during the day, but some classes are offered in the evening. The curriculum covers topics including internal auditing, forensic auditing, managerial accounting and management planning, valuation, and federal, state, and local tax planning and compliance. Students can choose between specializations in tax, internal audit, financial regulation, and public accounting. The Smith School of Business has an extensive alumni and professional network, and graduates can take advantage of industry connections in pursuing job opportunities.

University of Baltimore

Students at the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Taxation. This degree is offered in collaboration with the School of Law, and it is designed for those who want to work as tax advisers in legal and accounting professions. Many of the students are working professionals looking to advance their careers, and students can attend classes online or in-person. The curriculum starts with a base in federal tax law and the skills needed to understand tax regulations, and students also learn how to analyze the increasing complexity of the field. Graduates are prepared to analyze and communicate financial information and use this to make management decisions in businesses or organizations. The MS in Taxation also fulfills the educational requirements to sit for the CPA examination.

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

Online Accounting Programs

University of Maryland University College

At the University of Maryland University College, students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting and Financial Management degree entirely online. The program is ideal for accountants, financial managers, and other mid-career professionals who are interested in leadership roles in their industry. The curriculum focuses on relevant experiential learning, and students study case studies, analyze current data sets, and complete projects for real companies. Through coursework and projects, students learn how to analyze financial statements and make strategic management decisions in the short and long term. The curriculum is designed with the input of industry leaders and employers to ensure the coursework is relevant to the accounting field. This degree prepares students for accounting certifications like CPA, but students are also prepared to pursue other professional certifications in auditing, financial management, fraud, and tax preparation.

University of Baltimore

The University of Baltimore and Towson University offer a joint Master of Science in Accounting and Business Advisory Services degree program. Students can take courses at Towson, at UB’s Merrick School of Business, or online. The curriculum includes classes such as Tax Policy, Managerial Cost and Control Systems, and Topics in Assurance Services. Through coursework and projects, students focus on advanced accounting knowledge as well as applicable business skills. This program also emphasizes professional development skills and the practical skill set needed in the industry. The coursework fulfills the educational requirements for the CPA designation and prepares students to sit for the examination.

Maryland CPA Requirements

The Maryland Board of Public Accountancy requires that CPA candidates complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 150 semester hours. At least 30 of these semester hours must cover accounting fundamentals and ethics, and at least 21 hours must be in business courses. Candidates can then take the Uniform CPA examination. After passing the examination, individuals must complete at least 2,000 hours of relevant experience in public accounting that should be verified by a CPA. Finally, after receiving CPA licensure, individuals must maintain their designation by completing Continued Professional Development (CPE) hours through taking ethics courses or other industry classes.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Maryland

Maryland offers many different career opportunities to graduates with accounting degrees. The DC metropolitan area provides many positions in federal auditing, public accounting, and tax preparation. Large accounting firms based in the DC area include Reznick Fedder and Silverman and RSM. These firms focus primarily on tax planning, federal procurement, consulting, and management of information systems. In the greater Baltimore area, the four largest CPA firms are PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and Deloitte. For those who prefer smaller office environments, there are several boutique firms, such as Squire, Lemkin and Company (SL+Co), as well as medium-sized firms based throughout the state. Small businesses and not-for-profit groups may also offer promising opportunities for recently certified accountants.

Maryland 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 Maryland

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.

Howard Community College
10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia, MD 21044
(443)-518-1000
https://www.howardcc.edu/

Student Review: “The accounting program at Howard Community College is a good program. The resources available and the staff make it easy to grasp the concepts being taught. Being a full time worker and part time student, this college makes it easy for you to juggle both. They offer classes in the evenings, on the weekends, as well as online. My professors were great at explaining the course material while using real life analogies to help one to understand a formula.” – student at Howard Community College

University of Maryland
7965 Baltimore Ave
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 405-1000
https://www.umd.edu/

Student Review: “The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland is ranked consistently among the top 50 programs in the country. The school and the building itself, Van Munching Hall, provide students with a plethora of opportunities and resources that rival any in the country, including a virtual trading floor room. The professors are hit or miss: I have had some truly great teachers and some truly awful teachers, but they all seem to care. The students work hard for the most part, but there is definitely a contingent of students who don’t try as hard as they should (see Greek Life). The best thing about the Smith School is the opportunity for internships and full-time job offers. Smith routinely brings in the Big 4 accounting firms, as well as other prominent consulting and banking companies. They all actively recruit Smith students and the OCS space at UMD has been improved substantially over the years.” -Nick D., student at University of Maryland

Student Review: “The University of Maryland accounting program is rigorous. It requires a great deal of self-discipline to complete. Accounting is a complex subject to begin with, and taking it in an online format requires a greater level of dedication. However, UMUC has many systems in place to support their students and to help them along the way. However, like any other major university, the quality of the faculty can vary widely from mediocre to truly exceptional. Students would be wise to investigate their professors before picking their classes.” -student at University of Maryland

Geographically Close Accounting Degree State Pages:

• Delaware
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
• Washington DC

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, Maryland: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_md.htm