Accounting Schools in New Jersey

This page offers information about accounting programs in New Jersey. Many colleges and universities in the state offer bachelor’s degrees, such as Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA) or Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (BBAA) degrees, as well as Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degrees. Some schools offer immersive on-campus programs, while others may offer flexible online or part-time options. This guide to accounting schools in New Jersey will help you learn about different types of degrees, program rankings, and career outlooks in the state.

Quick Facts

• 27 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in New Jersey.¹
• 11 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in New Jersey.¹
• 14 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*¹
• 15 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 21 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*¹
• 13 schools offer a graduate degree in accounting.*¹
• 0 programs ranked in US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018.²
• 0 programs ranked in US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018.³
• 2 schools 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 New Jersey

The Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018

• Rider University
• Seton Hall University

Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016

• College of New Jersey (School of Business) #35
• Seton Hall University (Stillman School of Business) #65
• Rutgers University-Newark (Rutgers Business School) #97
• Rowan University (Rohrer College of Business) #112

AACSB Accredited Accounting Programs in New Jersey

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is a globally recognized organization that provides accreditation for undergraduate and graduate accounting programs. Only 186 accounting programs are currently accredited and have been found to meet the rigorous standards established by the AACSB.⁶ The following accounting programs in New Jersey have been accredited by the AACSB:

• Rider University (College of Business Administration)
• Seton Hall University (Stillman School 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 New Jersey in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for New Jersey being 46.0%:

1. Beth Medrash Govoha 83.3%
2. Thomas Edison State College 64.7%
3. Rutgers University-New Brunswick 64.4%
4. Felician College 61.5%
5. Caldwell College 58.1%
6. College of New Jersey 55.7%

Schools in New Jersey with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

Seton Hall University

At Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. This program covers fundamental business topics in addition to specialized accounting subjects. Students learn the technical knowledge needed in the field as well as analytical and communication skills and professional ethics. The core curriculum includes subjects such as accounting theory, cost measurement issues, budgetary control, auditing, taxes, financial reporting requirements, and accounting information systems. Students can also complete an optional internship as part of their studies and graduate with additional experience on their resume.

The College of New Jersey

The School of Business at the College of New Jersey offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accountancy. The Accountancy major curriculum includes ten accounting courses that cover both theory and current industry practices with an emphasis on research and computer applications. With the guidance of an academic advisor, some students can choose to pursue a second major, minor, or electives to complete the 150 semester hours required to sit for the CPA examination. Students also have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects, complete an internship, or study abroad. The College of New Jersey offers courses in career planning for accountants in which students can develop professional skills and plan for possible careers in public, corporate, not-for-profit, and government accounting sectors. Students can also network with local accounting professionals or visit nearby Philadelphia or New York City to explore post-graduation employment opportunities.

Rowan University

The Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. The core curriculum includes courses such as Cost Accounting, Auditing, Federal Taxation, and Accounting Information Systems. These courses are designed with input from an accounting advisory board, a group of accounting professionals who advise what knowledge is most necessary in the field. Students can pursue a specialization with their degree, earning a certificate in Forensics and Fraud Investigations or Business Analytics. Rowan University offers support finding internships, professional development events, and organizes an active mentorship program for students. BS in accounting graduates can go on to pursue further advanced study or careers in professional accounting and financial management.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Montclair State University

Students at Montclair State University can earn a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of the accounting field, as well as the complexities and real-world issues in the industry. Through courses such as Internal Auditing, Ethics in Accounting and Business, Fraud Examination, Business Valuation, and Financial Statement Analysis, students learn functional and technical skills. MSA students can earn a supplementary Forensic Accounting Certificate, and students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting at Montclair can combine their degree with the MSA to finish in five years. MSA applicants with an undergraduate degree in accounting or business are preferred.

Caldwell University

Caldwell University offers a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree. The 30-credit program is ideal for those looking to pursue the CPA designation, and the curriculum covers both the examination material and fulfills the 150-semester hour requirement for licensure. Core courses include classes such as Federal Taxation, Accounting Information Systems, and International Accounting, and students can also choose from various accounting electives like Forensic Accounting, Advanced Business Strategy, and Executive Business Communications. Those without an undergraduate accounting or business background may need to complete additional prerequisite courses before beginning the program.

Popular Articles: Business Schools in New Jersey | Online MBA Programs in New Jersey | Master of Science in Management – Accounting

Online Accounting Programs

Rider University

Rider University offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree that can be completed entirely online. This degree is designed for current accounting professionals who are interested in fulfilling the requirements to become a CPA. Students can enter the program as part of a cohort to finish in an accelerated 16 months or attend on a part-time basis and follow their own pace. The curriculum follows current accounting industry practices and the application of accounting fundamentals, and students learn about regulatory developments and the knowledge necessary in the field. After completing the core curriculum, students can choose electives that match their career interests. For those without an accounting academic background, some prerequisites, such as Intermediate Accounting, Cost Accounting, and Auditing, must be completed prior to application.

Rutgers University

At Rutgers University, students can earn a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) in Financial Accounting in hybrid on-campus and online study. Students who need flexibility in their school schedule while still preparing for professional designations like CPA or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) can take advantage of this hybrid format. This program is ideal for recent accounting grads and comprises 30 semester hours. Students take advanced accounting courses such as Accounting in the Digital Era, Audit Analytics, Forensic Accounting, and Information Risk Management. Rutgers connects with local and statewide accounting firms to offer networking opportunities to graduate students, and the university also supports professional development and career planning for students.

New Jersey CPA Requirements

To begin applying for the CPA licensure in New Jersey through the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy, applicants must complete at least 150 hours of applicable accounting coursework at an accredited university and must also possess at least a bachelor’s degree. CPA candidates can then sit for the uniform CPA examination. After passing the examination, individuals must complete a year, or at least 1,750 hours, of field experience in accounting. The state tends to be somewhat flexible in terms of what type of experience it will accept. Unlike some states, New Jersey usually counts auditing and private industry work as qualified experience. A supervising CPA must verify your work. Even after licensure, individuals must complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements to maintain the professional designation.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in New Jersey

Those who choose to pursue the CPA designation may find many opportunities within the state to work for local, statewide, national, and international companies in various accounting roles. New Jersey is home to locations for each of the “Big 4” accounting firms, providing many possible career opportunities for accounting program graduates. New Jersey’s proximity to the nation’s financial epicenter New York City also attracts many accounting graduates to the state. Those who complete their accounting education through one of the state’s institutions may find opportunities for employment in New Jersey or New York.

New Jersey 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 New Jersey

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.

Camden County College
200 College Dr
Blackwood, NJ 08012
(856) 227-7200
https://www.camdencc.edu/

Student Review: “I enjoyed my experience in the accounting program at Camden County College. I found the curriculum to be challenging in that it kept me interested in learning the skill of accounting; however, it was not too challenging. I always managed to be able to pass my classes without a problem.” -Student at Camden County College

Fairleigh Dickinson University
1000 River Rd
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000
https://www.fdu.edu/

Student Review: “I transferred to FDU from Princeton in my senior year as an Economics major, adding a minor in Business & Accounting. I spent 2 years at FDU taking core classes and business/accounting to fill my minor; unfortunately FDU does not offer Intermediate Macroeconomics so I had to take classes at Drew University nearby to satisfy the requirement. The accounting course at FDU was reasonably challenging, the workload was not exceedingly difficult and you could skip classes as much as you wanted provided you could learn enough on your own to pass the exams. Accounting is simple enough to do if you remember and follow all the rules, I feel the courses at FDU were easy enough to not scare off mathophobic people but challenging enough to interest financial wizards.” -Student at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Georgian Court University
900 Lakewood Ave
Lakewood Township, NJ 08701
(732) 987-2700
https://georgian.edu/

Student Review: “Georgian Court University has an excellent accounting program. The class sizes are small allowing more one-on-one time then in a traditional large college classroom. The professors are down to earth and make the learning experience not only relevant but enjoyable. The instructors go above and beyond to help you if you are struggling. I never had any problems contacting or making appointments with any of my professors. Our cost accounting class gave us a realistic project teaching us how to integrate our learning within the real world. It was very challenging. In the end, I feel my problem solving skills are on a level I did not possess before attending. These skills apply beyond accounting.” -Wendy L., student at Georgian Court University

Kean University
1000 Morris Ave
Union, NJ 07083
(908) 737-5326
https://www.kean.edu

Student Review: “I love the fact that the teachers really know their material and apply it to every day life and teach you actually what you will need to know to succeed in the corporate world as an accountant. What I do not like is the fact that it is hard to get an appointment with the teachers to discuss your grades. Also, it is hard to understand some of the professors because most of them are from foreign countries and it makes it difficult to understand the material. I have had to go to a lot of tutoring classes for simple things that probably would have been avoided by an English speaking professor.” -Nicole M., student at Kean University

Monmouth University
400 Cedar Ave
West Long Branch, New Jersey 07764
(732) 571-3400
https://www.monmouth.edu/

Student Review: “The accounting Program at Monmouth University was great for me and I feel like it really advanced me along toward the career I want. It was a challenging program. The classes that were needed to get a degree and the overall curriculum were somewhat of a problem for me. However, I was able to get through it with the help of some excellent teachers and tutors that were available to all the students at almost a moment’s notice. They gave you the option of taking some online courses to help improve your overall work ethic and help you understand the material needed to graduate. I felt that the one thing that could be improved was the guest speakers that were invited to come and speak. There were a few good speakers that really understood the accounting field and helped me understand it as well. Yet, I just felt there could have been more. My overall experience at Monmouth was excellent and I would choose to go again in a heartbeat.” -Patrick S., student at Monmouth University

Montclair State University
1 Normal Ave
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 655-4000
https://www.montclair.edu/

Student Review: “Montclair’s accounting program definitely had its challenges at times. Most of the professors believed in the philosophy that you earn your grade so those that put in the hard work will be rewarded. The material was difficult unless you practice examples multiple times. For Cost Accounting 307, repetition was certainly the key to success. The teacher believed in making us think so the test would never resemble homework questions exactly, but make you think outside the box. All of the answers were attainable if you understood the concept which made it the hardest, but most rewarding class. One teacher for Taxation 305 taught right from the book in a monotone voice by just reading facts and exceptions which was the worst class and therefore I got my lowest grade in all of school there with a C. Overall, Montclair has a great accounting program and it helped me obtain an internship.” -Matthew W., student at Montclair State University

Student Review: “While at was Montclair, learning accounting and how to be a highly effective accountant was very fun. The curriculum consisted of very educational and interactive classes. Professors were highly knowledgeable and accessible, providing time outside of their normal schedule for assistance if we needed it. Throughout the program, we got to listen to guest speakers who were professionals in the field who work for medium-to-large companies. They offered essential advice on how to achieve accountancy goals and deal with real-life accounting scenarios and situations. I also loved the provision of the excellent CPA review class. It was tough, but the course was offered by a very reputable professional education service provider and it was very streamlined and efficient. We also used excellent software in class for solving accounting problems. The use of technology was undoubtedly essential. Overall, it was an outstanding run in college, and Montclair saw to it that it would become that way all along.” -Student at Montclair State University

Rowan University
201 Mullica Hill Rd
Glassboro, NJ 08028
856-256-4000
https://www.rowan.edu/

Student Review: “I enjoyed my college experience at Rowan University. I pursued an accounting degree which I received after spending four years there. The curriculum was challenging but rewarding as well as it prepared me for employment upon graduation. As with most Universities, some professors are better than others. I found most of mine to be very pleasant and sincere in their devotion to the students. They were also accommodating if a special circumstance occurred. One that comes to mind is when I was entering my last semester. There was one class I needed to graduate that wasn’t offered that semester. After informing my academic advisor of the issue, they substituted another class I could take so that I could graduate on time.” -student at Rowan University

Student Review: “I am going into my final semester at Rowan University and will be graduating in May with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Overall I can say the accounting program at Rowan is average/slightly above average. There are a few cons about the program that continue to bug me. My program doesn’t require you to get an internship in order to graduate. I feel that it should be required because it really helps you get your foot in the door before you graduate. The text books that I am required to buy for each class are almost never used which really gets on my nerves. Lastly, it seems that grading in the accounting program of my school is very inflated. This may seem good to me now but I don’t know how that will affect me in the future. Like I said before, I would say my experience in the accounting program at Rowan has been mediocre.” -student at Rowan University

Popular Accounting Degree State Pages:

• New York
• Maryland
• Pennsylvania
• 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 Graduate 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, New Jersey: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nj.htm