The accredited accounting degree programs in Illinois are some of the best-ranking, highly-accredited public, private, and research educational institutions in the country. Illinois takes great pride in their colleges and universities holding themselves to a higher standard of learning. The graduate degree programs in accounting are accessible for students who wish to attend school both full and part time. There are also some educational institutions who offer weekend and international studies. Graduates from these programs will not only prepare students for rewarding careers in the accounting field, but most will satisfy the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examinations.

Northeastern Illinois University

College of Business and Management

Northeastern Illinois University was founded in 1867 and is home to radio station WZRD, Chicago 88.3 FM, which is one of the longest running free-form radio stations in the country. Northeastern Illinois University has approximately 12,000 students and is a Hispanic-serving Institution. The College of Business and Management, located at Northeastern Illinois University, was established over 30 years ago. The College is known as one of the best schools to attend and is valued for its diversity. With state of the art technology and customized learning experiences, degrees earned from the College of Business and Management prepares students to enter the workforce with real life skills.

Master of Science in Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting degree program at the College of Business and Management, Northeastern Illinois University prepares students for careers in the accounting field. The degree program is set up in two phases. The first phase is earning an undergraduate degree in accounting or successful completion of prerequisite courses should your undergraduate degree not be in accounting. The second phase is ten graduate level courses consisting of 5 accounting (required) , 2 accounting electives and 3 non-accounting elective courses. It is recommended for the accounting elective courses to be in information systems or auditing. Successful completion of the Master of Science in Accounting degree program prepares and meets the required education for the Certified Public Accounting examination in Illinois. Graduates of the Master of Science in Accounting degree at the College of Business and Management will prepare students to enter the workforce and begin exciting careers in the accounting field.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA HCL)
  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

Essam Elshafie, MSA Coordinator
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: (773) 442-6118
Email: eelshafi@neiu.edu
Website: http://www.neiu.edu/~bschool/msa.html

Northern Illinois University

College of Business

Establish in 1895, Northern Illinois University is a public research educational institution located in a suburban setting on 756 acres. There are seven degree granting colleges at Northern Illinois University, including the prestigious College of Business. The College of Business offers four graduate programs, three of which are accounting-related degrees. The College of Business was founded in 1961 and is ranked nationally as an educational institution that has graduated some of the world’s greatest senior-level executives and CEO leaders. With a focus centering on the student, the outstanding curriculum instructed by world class faculty emphasizes thinking, doing, and achieving.

Master of Accounting Science (Leadership)

The Master of Accounting Science (Leadership) degree program at the College of Business prepares students with professional development experiences in analytical methods, management theories and principals. These experiences are essential for understanding and executing individual and team business practices, management, achieving goals and influencing others. The Master of Accounting Science (Leadership) degree is a 30 credit hour program offered during the day with enriched classrooms equipped with state of the art equipment. Included in the program is a capstone course on research skills where accounting business knowledge is applied to decision-making scenarios. The program encourages the internship program, which will allow students to apply the experience toward degree credit. Successful completion of the Master of Accounting Science (Leadership) degree program at the College of Business satisfies the educational requirement to sit for examination for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and other professional certification examinations.

Master in Accounting Science (Leadership)/MBA Dual Degree

New to the College of Business at Northern Illinois University is the Master in Accounting Science (Leadership)/Master in Business Administration dual degree program. Beginning with the summer 2014 semester, students now will have the opportunity to complete an educational residency at the IAE Bordeaux University School of Management. This international educational opportunity will allow students to complete two degrees at once! The Master in Business Administration degree program is a supplement to the Master in Accounting Science (Leadership) degree program requiring ten semester hours. The required coursework includes Business Policy, Corporate Finance/Corporate Social Responsibility, European Business Environment, and Economics, International Seminar, Logistics, and Marketing. The International Seminar course focuses on business strategy, European business culture, international negotiation, and wine economics. All classes are taught in English. Candidates need to pay special attention to application deadlines as space is limited in the dual program. Questions regarding studying abroad should be directed to Pam Rosenberg at prosenberg@niu.edu.

Master of Science in Taxation

The Master of Science in Taxation degree program at the College of Business of Northern Illinois University is structured for the working accountant who wishes to specialize in tax compliance. The courses are flexible allowing the student to learn at their own pace, balancing career, family, and school. Classes are held weekday evenings at the Huffman Estates Center, and students can begin some of the program classes with the Student-At-Large option, which allows enrollment in the first few classes while applying for admission into the program. The program courses are instructed by nationally-respected professors who are highly regarded in their professional service, research, and excellence in teaching. The Master of Science in Taxation degree program will prepare students to enter the workforce as an accounting taxation specialist who is well trained in tax planning and compliance. In addition, students will have a full understanding of taxation laws and the challenges of accounting taxation with thorough professional and technical knowledge and skills.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA HCL)
  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

Denise D. Schoenbachler, Dean
Barsema Hall
740 Garden Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: (815) 753-6225
Email: denises@niu.edu
Websites:

Northwestern University

Kellogg School of Management

Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is located on a 240-acre campus along the shores of Lake Michigan. Enriched in history, Northwestern University is a private research educational institution and is honored to be one of only 62 universities to be elected to the Association of American Universities. The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University was established in 1908 as a private business school. The school offers a rigorous program focusing on establishing a foundation in accounting, finance, decision sciences, managerial economics, management and organization, management and strategy, and operations as core curriculum fundamental areas which prepares students for professional careers as advanced specialists in their academic majors.

Accounting Information and Management PhD

The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University offers an Accounting Information and Management PhD degree program. The program does not require prior education or training in accounting to apply for admission. However, it is expected that students have an interest in issues surrounding accounting prior to admission and can demonstrate their interest to make substantial contributions in accounting research. The Accounting Information and Management PhD degree program instructs students how to use the latest technology for analyzing and researching accounting related issues. The degree program is rigorous, instructing students how to apply research methodologies as they apply to analytical, empirical, theoretical and archival methods of accounting. The program emphasizes on how changes in accounting methods affects management behavior, the effects of financial markets, and the how disclosure of policies and practices changes offers consequences. Upon successful completion of the Accounting Information and Management PhD degree, students will be prepared to enter the workforce as leaders in accounting research at the university setting.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association (NCA HCL)
  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

Sally Blount, Dean
Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
Jacobs Center
2001 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
Phone: (847) 491-2832
Email: Kellog-phd@kellogg.northwestern.edu
Website: http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/programs/doctoralprogram/programs/accounting.aspx

Robert Morris University, Illinois

School of Business Administration

Robert Morris University, Illinois, formally known at Robert Morris College and named after Robert Morris who signed the Declaration of Independence, was established in 1913 as a private, not-for-profit educational institution. The instructors at the School of Business Administration at Robert Morris University offer well rounded backgrounds including real-world work experience in the courses they teach. Students will not only be prepared to enter the workforce upon completion of their degree, but they will have the opportunity to participate in internships and to apply for accelerated degree programs. The Robert Morris University, Illinois is not associated with the Robert Morris University located in Pennsylvania.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Accounting Concentration

The Master of Business Administration, Accounting degree program at the Robert Morris University, Illinois, School of Business Administration is designed to educate students how to thrive in the changing accounting field. Students will be prepared to apply their degree towards normal business functions including accounting, economics, finance, and management creating leadership and excelling professionally. Upon successful completion of the Master of Business Administration, Accounting degree program, students will be prepared to meet organizational goals by managing resources, developing leadership competencies, resolving complex business problems, communicating strategies, and being organized and able to evaluate environmental, ethical, and social implications of business decisions. The Master of Business Administration, Accounting degree program at the School of Business Administration requires successful completion of 56 credit hours focusing on subjects such as accounting, economics, finance, and marketing with an instructors that not only support each student but inspire them to challenge themselves on a daily basis.

Accreditation

  • The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA HCL)

Contact

Admissions
401 S. State Street
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (800) 762-5960
Email: enroll@robertmorris.edu
Website: http://www.robertmorris.edu/masters/mba/

Roosevelt University

Walter E. Heller College of Business

Founded in 1946, Roosevelt University is a private educational institution. The University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the second-most diverse university in the Midwest and The New York Times as the tenth-most diverse private university in America. Roosevelt University has approximately 7,000 students. There are two campuses; one in Chicago and the other in Schaumburg, with over 126 degree programs available. The Walter E. Heller College of Business offers education with a focus on professional integrity for a diverse student population. Students are provided the best opportunities for development of sustainable business practices, global engagement, and development of critical thinking necessary for success in today’s economical and business world.

Master of Accounting Forensics (MSAF)

The Master of Science in Accounting Forensics degree program at the Walter E. Heller College of Business at Roosevelt University is designed for students seeking advanced careers in accounting as accountants, attorneys, bankers, government employees, insurers, law enforcement personnel, and tax professionals. The degree program consists of 31 semester hours with one semester hour of business orientation, three electives, and seven core courses. The Master of Science in Accounting Forensics degree program will prepare students to become forensics or investigative auditors. These auditors often assist tax attorneys with investigations or as a witness in litigation. Successful completion of the degree program will prepare students to apply their skills as an accountant, accounting auditor, or accounting investigator with professional judgment and excellent analytic and deductive abilities. The Master of Science in Accounting Forensics degree program is ranked as one of the 20 hot job tracks of the future according to U.S. News and World Report.

Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)

The Master of Science in Accounting degree program at Roosevelt University’s Walter E. Heller College of Business offers both full- and part-time accounting programs designed for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree in business, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences. With courses offered during evening hours, professionals who have already entered the workforce can benefit from the degree program and earn their Masters of Science in Accounting to advance their careers. The degree program requires a minimum of 31 semester hours with one semester hour of business orientation, three electives, and seven core courses. In some cases, students will be required to complete undergraduate accounting courses. Successful completion of the Master of Science in Accounting degree program satisfies the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examinations.

Master of Business Administration, Accounting Concentration

The Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting at the Walter E. Heller College of Business prepares professionals who wish to advance into management and executive positions. The degree program will prepare students for leadership through group and team projects, oral presentations, and outside-of-the-box thinking. Classrooms are purposely small in size to allow both the professor and the students to collaborate in the instructional process, and adult students can share their hands-on expertise with their peers. The degree program offers classes on Saturdays at the Schaumburg campus. An accounting concentration offers the student an in-depth focus of accounting functions and how they play a role in the business world. Successful completion of the Master of Business Administration, Accounting Concentration will prepare students to advance their professional careers and enter into the business accounting function with a full understanding of business management and administration.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
  • The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)*

*The Master of Science in Accounting Forensics is not accredited by the ACBSP as it is a new program.

Contact

Brian Walker, Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies
403 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 281-3293
Email: bwalker@roosevelt.edu
Websites:

Related Resource: What’s the Difference between a Master’s Degree in Accounting and an MBA?

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

School of Accountancy

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale is a public research university established in 1869 offering over 60 Master degree programs. The School of Accountancy at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale is one of 130 universities to hold the distinction of full membership to the Federation of Schools of Accountancy. The School of Accountancy offers a staff of world-class professors and career services with advisers who offer support towards the quality of education that is expected from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. With cutting edge technology, the College of Business offers excellent education in accounting with a focus on innovation and integrity. Students graduate as leaders ready to take their place in the boardrooms around the world.

Master of Science in Accountancy

The Master of Science in Accountancy degree program at the School of Accountancy at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale offers concentration in auditing and accounting information systems or taxation. The degree program will prepare students for dynamic careers in accounting. By offering a curriculum that focuses on life-long learning skills such as analytical though process, and oral and written communication. Whether a concentration is made in taxation or auditing and accounting information systems, students can expect a rigorous curriculum of 30 graduate level credit hours designed to provide exposure to in-depth conceptual and technical abilities. Upon successful completion of the Master of Science in Accountancy degree program, students will have developed competencies in the area of concentration elected such as communication, human relation skills, and research competence. Students will be prepared to enter the workforce or advance their careers as professional accountants in industries such as financial institutions, public practice, private practice, government, or non-profit organizations.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Universities (NCA HLC)
  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

Dr. Marcus Odom
School of Accountancy
1263 Lincoln Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: (618) 453-1408
Email: modom@business.siu.edu
Website: http://www.business.siu.edu/academics/macc/index.html

Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville

School of Business

Established in 1957, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville is a public university located about 20 miles from St. Louis, Missouri and is an extension of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. The School of Business at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville is not only part of the 28% of business schools with accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools, but the accounting degree programs also holds accreditation. The School of Business has a rigorous curriculum and holds itself to a high standard in providing the best possible education. The School of Business’s mission is to “prepare students and business professional and to improve business practice.”

Master of Science in Accountancy

The Master of Science in Accountancy at the Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville School of Business is designed for students and professionals who want to become advanced professionals in the accounting field. Students who successfully complete this field are prepared for challenging and rewarding careers in industries such as private, public, government, and non-profit organizations. The degree program consists of 10 graduate-level courses, 30 semester hours. The degree program is rigorous and is designed to provide the student to enhance their skill of critical thinking, problem solving, and research. The student must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to analyze complex accounting problems prior. The degree program is offered both full- and part-time to meet the needs of all students. Successful completion of the Master of Science in Accountancy degree program satisfies the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA),Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examinations.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Universities (NCA HLC)
  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Contact

Dr. Mike Costigan, Chair
Department of Accounting
School of Business
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
6 Hairpin Drive
Edwardsville, IL 62026
Phone: (618) 650-2657
Email: mcostig@siue.edu
Website: http://www.siue.edu/_global/weblibrary/TESTING/degrees-and-programs/academic-profiles/business/g-accountancy.pdf

Illinois accounting degree programs prepare students to begin challenging, yet rewarding careers by providing them with the skills they will need in the business world. All of the colleges and universities hold themselves to high standards to offer the very best accredited accounting degree programs in Illinois.