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    Accounting Schools in Missouri

    This page summarizes key information about colleges and universities in Missouri that offer accounting degrees. Students can choose between undergraduate and graduate accounting programs, and program options range from full-time, part-time, or entirely online. Those interested in accounting degrees can read on below to find out more details about different program curriculum, professional designation requirements, and career outlooks in Missouri.

    Quick Facts

    • 22 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Missouri.1
    • 22 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Missouri.1
    • 8 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*1
    • 12 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*1
    • 32 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*1
    • 15 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*1
    • 1 program 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
    • 2 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 Missouri

    US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018

    • Saint Louis University #33 tie

    US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018

    • Saint Louis University #24 tie

    Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016

    • Washington University in Saint Louis (Olin Business School) #25
    • University of Missouri (Trulaske College of Business) #76

    AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in Missouri

    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 Missouri have been accredited by the AACSB:

    • Missouri State University (College of Business Administration)
    • Saint Louis University (John Cook School of Business)
    • Truman State University (School of Business)
    • University of Central Missouri (Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies)
    • University of Missouri (Trulaske College of Business)
    • University of Missouri Saint Louis (College of Business Administration)

    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 Missouri in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Missouri being 64.8%:

    1. Washington University St. Louis 90.2%
    2. Truman State University 77.7%
    3. University of Missouri Kansas City 70.2%
    4. University of Missouri Columbia 67.4%
    5. Missouri Southern State University 64.7%
    6. Saint Louis University 64.0%

    Schools in Missouri with Accounting Degrees

    Undergraduate Accounting Programs

    Saint Louis University

    Students at Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz School of Business can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program emphasizes the technical and professional accounting skills necessary to succeed in the field. Students learn accounting fundamentals in courses such as Financial Reporting, Auditing, Cost Management, and Accounting Information Systems. Classes also emphasize other skills in communication, problem-solving, and critical analysis. Students can pursue an integrated undergraduate and graduate accounting program, earning a BS and Master of Accountancy (MAcc) in an accelerated five-year format. Graduates from SLU can go on to work as public accountants, auditors, budget analysts, risk management consultants, or forensic accountants.

    Washington University in St. Louis

    Washington University’s Olin Business School offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a major in Accounting degree. The curriculum focuses on accounting and business fundamentals, but students are also encouraged to take interdisciplinary electives. The accounting core classes include Financial Accounting Theory, Not-For-Profit Accounting, Financial Statement Analysis, Theory of the Firm, Principles of Management, and Auditing, and students also take business and economics courses. WashU emphasizes experiential learning through optional internships, study abroad programs, and immersion courses. The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy can be combined with the Master of Accountancy to comprise a total of 150 credits in an integrated curriculum. To be considered for admittance, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

    University of Missouri

    Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSAcc) at the Trulaske College of Business at the University of Missouri. Students gain a strong accounting foundation through courses such as Cost and Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting Theory and Practice, Business Law, and Taxation. The curriculum also includes courses in technical accounting skills, business fundamentals, and professional skills like communication and public speaking. Students gain practical experience in accounting skills such as performing audits, preparing financial statements, and designing information systems. Undergraduate students also have the option to pursue a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree and finish the 150 credits at an accelerated rate.

    Graduate Accounting Programs

    Truman State University

    Truman State University offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree for those interested in continuing their accounting education and pursuing the CPA designation. This one-year program focuses on the business and financial knowledge necessary to succeed in the accounting industry. In addition, coursework emphasizes interpersonal skills in communication and leadership and analytical research skills. Graduates from Truman are prepared to sit for the CPA examination. For post-graduation career planning, students can take advantage of internship opportunities, an extensive alumni and industry network, and student group activities.

    University of Central Missouri

    Students at the University of Central Missouri can earn a Master of Arts in Accountancy (MAcc). This graduate degree covers advanced study in subjects such as tax, financial planning, managerial accounting, auditing, and accounting systems. The core curriculum is nine credit hours, and students tailor their remaining classes with accounting specializations and electives. Students learn accounting fundamentals in addition to skills in information technology and data analysis. UCM focuses on communication skills, from business communication to communicating through financial analysis. At the end of the MAcc program, students are prepared to take the four-part CPA examination.

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

    Online Accounting Programs

    Missouri State University

    Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting that can be earned through evening classes or entirely online. The program is designed for working professionals or others who need a flexible schedule, and students can choose between full- and part-time schedules. The core curriculum includes fundamental classes such as Financial Management, Accounting and Management Information Systems, Auditing, and Tax Accounting. Students can then choose electives that match their career interests. Those with previous undergraduate credit may be able to transfer and apply many semester hours toward this degree. On-campus and online students can take advantage of MSU’s Career Center for support in finding post-graduation internships or career opportunities. MSU also offers an accelerated combination of an online BS and Master of Accountancy.

    University of Missouri

    The University of Missouri also offers an online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree that is ideal for students who need a flexible graduate program. This 30-credit hour degree is based on a curriculum of core business and accounting classes, and students can also choose from numerous accounting electives. UM also offers optional Professional Development Program (PDP) workshops online, emphasizing professionally-relevant skills, as well as on-campus accounting career fairs and networking events. The Business Career Services Center also aids students in locating internships and post-graduation positions. Some prerequisites are required before beginning the program, although some work experience may be considered instead pending administrator approval.

    Missouri CPA Requirements

    The Missouri State Board of Accountancy requires that CPA candidates complete 150 semester hours, and at least a bachelor’s degree, from an accredited college of university. Graduates must then pass the Uniform CPA examination. Those who successfully pass must complete 2,000 hours of experience in public accounting, and these hours must be verified by a CPA. After fulfilling these requirements, candidates can apply for licensure. The CPA designation must be maintained by fulfilling Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours, through activities such as educational courses, ethics classes, and professional seminars.

    Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Missouri

    Graduates with accounting degrees in Missouri may find many different possible career options in the state. Many Fortune 500 companies are based in Missouri including Express Scripts, Emerson Electric, Spectrum Communications, and Centene. These big companies, among others, may provide opportunities for those wishing to pursue corporate auditing, controlling, and managerial accounts. Additionally, the personal income tax service provider H&R Block is headquartered in Kansas City where it is a leading employer of both private and public accountants. Kansas City also hosts offices of the Big Four international accounting and professional service firms: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and KPMG.

    Missouri Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

    Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors EmployedAverage Annual Salary
    Columbia580$60,650
    Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers1,520$75,130
    Jefferson City1,130$55,780
    Kansas City11,770$68,480
    St. Louis13,050$76,860
    Springfield1,220$59,550

    Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.8

    Schools with Accounting Degree Programs in Missouri

    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 Louis University
    221 N. Grand Blvd
    St. Louis, MO 63103
    (800) 758-3678
    https://www.slu.edu/

    Student Review: “There were several things that I liked about my program. First was that they offered an integrated program, which enabled me to start my graduate courses while maintaining my undergraduate status. This allowed my scholarships and financial aide to apply. Also many of the teachers have real world experience and they were able to utilize that when explaining topics. This enabled me to grasp the topics easier. There were also things that I disliked about my program. One thing in particular was that several courses were scarcely offered; they were only offered in certain semesters. One thing I disliked about the graduate portion of the program was that elective classes were hard to come by since most of the graduate classes had an undergraduate counterpart, which I had taken. Because I had taken the undergraduate version I was not allowed to take the graduate level course, which drastically reduced the number of electives I was eligible for.” -Michael S., student at Saint Louis University

    Student Review: “The Saint Louis University Account program in the John Cook School of Business was a great program. I found the professors and classes challenging and the things I learned in those classes help me in the real world and with passing the C.P.A. My fellow classmates were great as well and the group study was probably my favorite part of the experience. Being able to work with your fellow classmates and help each other out helped me to learn about accounting and working with others. I found that combined with the professors and group work, I was able to learn to tackle any problem (in accounting or in general). Overall, the experience at SLU was rewarding.” -student at Saint Louis University

    Nearby States with 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, Missouri: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mo.htm