Accounting Schools in Utah
Students in Utah can choose from a variety of quality programs for earning a degree or certificate in accounting. The colleges and universities in this state offer a broad array of program options, from general undergraduate accounting degrees to specialized graduate degrees in Tax or another concentration. Some universities offer part-time schedules or entirely online degree options. The following outline of accounting schools in Utah provides information about program rankings, professional certifications, and job outlooks in the accounting industry in Utah.
Quick Facts
- 11 public colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Utah.1
- 10 private not-for-profit colleges and universities offer an accounting degree program in Utah.1
- 7 schools offer a certificate in accounting.*1
- 5 schools offer an associate’s degree in accounting.*1
- 15 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in accounting.*1
- 7 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
- 1 school 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 Utah
US News Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2018
- Brigham Young University #3
US News Best Graduate Accounting Programs 2018
- Brigham Young University #7
The Princeton Review Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2018
- Brigham Young University
Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2016
- Brigham Young University (Marriott School of Management) #18
- University of Utah (David Eccles School of Business) #105
AACSB-Accredited Accounting Programs in Utah
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 Utah have been accredited by the AACSB:
- Brigham Young University (Marriott School of Management)
- University of Utah (David Eccles School of Business)
- Utah State University (Jon M. Huntsman School of Business)
- Weber State University (John B. Goddard School of Business & 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 Utah in 2015 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall average pass rate for Utah being 71.8%:
- Dixie State University 87.5%
- Utah State University 73.7%
- Brigham Young University 70.5%
- University of Utah 66.0%
- Weber State University 60.0%
Schools in Utah with Accounting Degrees
Undergraduate Accounting Programs
Brigham Young University
At the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. The accounting curriculum has been developed with the input of industry professionals and accounting educators, and students learn fundamental competencies needed in the accounting field. Required courses include Accounting Information Systems, Financial Statement Auditing, and Fundamentals of Taxation, and students can also choose from electives such as Communication in Organizational Settings, Cost and Managerial Accounting, Strategy and Economics, or Business Law in the Environment. Through these classes, students learn conceptual knowledge and technical skills in accounting, written and oral communication, teamwork, and a global approach to business. Students can join accounting clubs to learn more about the industry or find networking opportunities, and many undergraduates also work as interns in the summer between their junior and senior year.
Dixie State University
Students at Dixie State University can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. Students first fulfill general education requirements and business core requirements before taking specialized accounting courses. In core classes such as Tax Accounting, Auditing, Intermediate Accounting, Business Calculus, and Production and Operations, students learn how to interpret accounting information to make informed business and tax decisions. Dixie State emphasizes how to apply accounting concepts through experiential learning opportunities. Students can work on accounting projects for local businesses, volunteer in the community during tax season, or complete internships. Graduates can go on to work in entry-level positions in the accounting field, but most continue to pursue graduate studies in accounting. Dixie State also offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree.
Utah State University
The Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting degree. This degree program is ideal or those interested in working in public or private accounting or as internal auditors, tax specialists, or financial managers. The core curriculum includes courses such as Intermediate Financial Accounting, Income Taxation, and Strategic Cost Management, and students can also choose from a variety of business and accounting electives. The coursework emphasizes how to understand and communicate financial information. For post-graduation opportunities, students can join university clubs, participate in networking events, or volunteer preparing taxes in the community. USU also offers a dual major in accounting and economics, or students can choose to earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting with proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
Graduate Accounting Programs
University of Utah
At the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah, students can earn a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree. Students in this graduate program learn advanced principles of accounting in addition to competencies in related business disciplines. The program can be completed on a full-time basis in two semesters, and working professionals can complete their degree part-time through evening classes in four semesters. Graduate students learn business and leadership skills that are applicable in the accounting industry and are prepared to take the CPA examination. The University of Utah supports post-graduation career opportunities through organizing career fairs, recruiter visits, and networking events. Many graduates go on to become CPAs and pursue careers within business, public, government, or nonprofit accounting.
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree. Undergraduate students already studying at BYU can earn their Bachelor of Science in Accounting and MAcc concurrently in five years. Graduate students learn numerous skills needed in the modern accounting field, such as preparing financial statements, developing tax strategy, and using information systems to understand and analyze business. The curriculum focuses on the communication of financial information as well as management and leadership skills. Students can also tailor their education by choosing between electives such as Data Communications and Security, Management Consulting and Projects, and Database Analysis and Design. With skills in audit, tax, systems, consulting, and financial services, graduates can find careers in private companies, public accounting firms, and government and nonprofit organizations. BYU maintains active connections within the accounting industry and connects students with recruiters and other professionals.
Popular Articles: Business Schools in Utah | Online MBA Programs in Utah | Online MBA Programs in Accounting
Online Accounting Programs
Stevens-Henager College
At Stevens-Henager College, students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting completely online. This 36-month program teaches students a foundational business and finance background that helps grow an interdisciplinary accounting perspective. Students learn business skills in areas such as management, marketing, and investing, as well as in accounting fields like federal taxation, auditing, and accounting for entrepreneurs. The coursework also focuses on interpersonal skills in communication, leadership, and critical thinking. Through tailoring electives, students can earn an emphasis in Forensic Accounting or pursue their own area of specialization. Many graduates from this online program pursue further advanced accounting degrees or work entry-level positions in public or private accounting firms.
Southern Utah University
Students can earn a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) entirely online through Southern Utah University. This program can be completed in just one year, and graduates will have fulfilled the educational requirements for sitting for the CPA examination. The curriculum emphasizes the quantitative analysis and information technology skills needed to understand tax code, government regulation, and monetary regulation in a rapidly-changing business world. Students also learn professional skills and practice teamwork, management, and communication. Through a multidisciplinary curriculum, students develop the ability to apply advanced accounting concepts with a global perspective. Graduate students without an academic accounting background may need to take some prerequisite courses, also available online, before admission to the program.
Utah CPA Requirements
The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing requires that candidates must have a bachelor’s degree as well as 150 semester hours from an accredited institution before sitting for the CPA examination. Once they have passed the examination, the state requires 2,000 hours of work experience that must be completed under the supervision of a qualified professional accountant. Finally, licensed CPAs must complete Continued Professional Education (CPE) hours through educational efforts and industry events.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads in Utah
Utah has many possible opportunities for graduates with an accounting degree. Several large companies are located in the state, such as Infosys Limited and Discover Financial Services, and these companies and other regional businesses may have opportunities for those with a background in accounting. Local CPA firms, such as Tanner LLC and Cook Martin Poulson PC, or local banks, like Bank of Utah or Central Bank, may offer positions in public accounting. Graduates also have the opportunity to work for small CPA firms or start their own businesses in the state, and those with accounting degrees may find jobs in local, state, or federal government agencies in Utah.
Utah Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Logan | 370 | $61,750 |
| Ogden-Clearfield | 1,570 | $69,770 |
| Provo-Orem | 1,770 | $67,960 |
| Salt Lake City | 5,200 | $73,490 |
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of March 2018.8
Utah 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.
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
(801) 422-4636
https://www.byu.edu/
Dixie State University
225 S 700 E
St. George, UT 84770
(435) 652-7500
https://dixie.edu/
University of Utah
1901 E South Campus Dr
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-7200
http://www.utah.edu/
Utah State University
1400 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322
(435) 797-1000
http://www.usu.edu/
Weber State University
3848 Harrison Blvd
Ogden, UT 84408
(801) 626-6000
https://www.weber.edu/
Western Governors University
4001 S 700 E #700,
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
(801) 274-3280
https://www.wgu.edu/
Student Review: “Western Governors University (WGU) is an excellent school for professionals to brush up on their skills and earn a degree. The school is online and self-paced, which allows you to be able to fit in studying no matter what time of day it is. The course mentors are great and get back with you right away if you have any questions or concerns. The course content is very thorough and are competency based, which means that you do not have to waste time learning material that you may already know. The accounting courses are tough, but I feel the material is presented in a way that you grasp the material and actually remember it. My one complaint is that sometimes there is material on the tests that the course material doesn’t go over.” -Amber A., student at Western Governors
Popular 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, Utah: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ut.htm