Many people know you can find a number of world class programs in Massachusetts that will set you onto the path of a successful career in accounting. Though Massachusetts is the eighth smallest state, it is 14th in size when it comes to population. With so many people in such a small state, you might think that these degree programs are crowded, but most put a large focus on small class sizes and accessible professors. To get your career in accounting off to the right track, choose one of the following accredited accounting degree programs in Massachusetts.

Fitchburg State University

Graduate School

The Graduate School at Fitchburg State University offers a number of degree programs in several areas. They also offer certificates in a number of disciplines as well as online programs. The programs available from the university are well respected and have faculty that are focused on helping students achieve success in their chosen field. Students at the university have a number of opportunities, including the unique ability to interact with accounting professionals through internships and workshops. The university offers a challenging educational experience for interested students and will set students up for a lifetime of learning.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting

The MBA in accounting offered by Fitchburg State University has been designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become leaders in business and accounting careers. The program works with students to develop their analytic skills and teaches social responsibility, cultural diversity, and awareness of the global marketplace.

This program is made up of three course groups which make up a total of 30 credits. These credits are made up of foundation courses which will give students knowledge of accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance, business law, and quantitative analysis. However, many students will be able to bypass many of these courses thanks to their undergraduate studies. In addition, students will need to take specialized courses in accounting making up the final credits needed for graduation. Students typically go on to work as accountants, tax professionals, and some go into Ph.D. programs.

Accreditation

  • The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
  • The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact
Fitchburg State University
Graduate School
160 Pearl St.
Fitchburg MA 01420-2697
Phone: (978) 665-3182
Email: gce@fitchburgstate.edu
Website: http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/graduate-programs/master-of-business-administration-accounting/

Northeastern University

D’Amore-McKim School of Business

The D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University in Boston provides students with the experience needed to not only get into successful business careers, but also to become leaders from the start. The school offers a number of expert faculty to students, a close relationship with the local business community, and a focus on a rigorous learning experience. The school is nationally ranked by a number of sources including Bloomberg Businessweek and U.S. News & World Report. The school of business currently offers two options for those interested in accounting, a master’s degree in accounting and a combination MBA/MS in accounting.  Northeastern’s School of Business also offers a Master of Science in Finance, which was ranked number five of the top ten online master’s in finance degree programs by our editors.

Master of Science (MS) in Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting that is available from Northeastern University has been designed for those who have an undergraduate accounting degree. Many who go through the program will move on to become licensed as a CPA. Students who go through the program are taught the skills and business knowledge that will help them succeed in the workplace. Students are also taught critical thinking, oral communication, leadership, and more.

This is a full time program that can typically be completed in 12 months. There is also an accelerated track for certain students that can be completed in six months. In order to graduate from the program, students will need to complete 30 credit hours. These hours are made of 24 core classes including courses on taxation, auditing, financial reporting, and management. Students will also have their choice of elective courses, which make up the remaining six credits.

Master of Science (MS) in Accounting/Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Students who go to Northeastern University can also earn an MS in Accounting with an MBA. This is also a full-time program but due to the greater number of classes will take 15 months. This particular program is designed for non-accounting or liberal arts majors. Students who go through this program also will get the experience of working at an accounting firm through a paid residency. Students who graduate from this program are fully prepared to sit for the Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) exam.

Students from this program have a history of success. Currently, the school has a 100 percent placement rate for their students with this degree, and 99 percent of them are offered employment in the firm where they served in their resident program. Webinars, seminars, and close relationships with faculty are also hallmarks of this program and all lead to student success.

Accreditation

  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
  • The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact
D’Amore-McKim School of Business
350 Dodge Hall
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 373-3244
Email: a.meeker@neu.edu
Websites:

Suffolk University

Sawyer Business School

The graduate programs that are available from the Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University are designed to give students practical experience by combining classroom studies and real world situations. Excellence in education is the goal of the Sawyer Business School, and the school achieves this for their students in a number of ways. They use a global focus in their curriculum and bring students the opportunity to work closely with local business leaders. This type of educational experience gives students an edge when it comes to entering the workforce. Students will find two accredited accounting degree programs in Massachusetts when they attend Sawyer Business School.

Master of Science (MS) in Accounting

The MS in accounting that is offered by Sawyer Business School is designed to meet the needs of both working professionals and those who are coming from undergraduate programs. Classes are available in traditional classroom settings with some online offerings. This helps to make the class schedule flexible and easy to integrate into student’s lives.

In order to successfully graduate from the program, students will need to take anywhere from 31 to 51 credits depending on their backgrounds and their future goals. Students who already have a background in business and accounting will take fewer courses where those who are coming from a different educational background will need to take some core courses. A total of 18 credits will be taken with an accounting focus, and nine credits will be focused on accounting electives. One unique feature of the Sawyer Business School is that they also require that students take a course in career planning.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Accounting

One of the features that sets the MBA from Sawyer Business School apart from other MBA programs is that students are able to customize their learning experience. One of these ways is with a concentration in accounting from the school. In order to get an MBA with a concentration in accounting, students will need to take a minimum of 31 credit hours. More credit hours will be needed if students do not have a background in business or accounting.

In addition to earning an MBA, this program also gives students a number of opportunities to get out there and get real world experience. For instance, the school offers a number of workshops and seminars focused on accounting philosophies and principles. On top of this, since the program is a globally focused one, students have the opportunity to work and study abroad.

Accreditation

  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact
Suffolk University
Sawyer Business School
73 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 573-8652
Email: dmalvo@suffolk.edu
Website: https://www.suffolk.edu/business/departments/9734.php

University of Massachusetts—Amherst

Isenberg School of Management

The Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst emphasizes real world learning, hands on experiences and multi-disciplinary focus to its curriculum. With a number of projects, networking, study-abroad opportunities and a staff of professionals, students are fully prepared to enter into the workforce when they graduate with a degree from this program. The school is highly respected, well known for using the latest technology in their curriculum and offering students a wealth of resources to help advance them both now and in the future. There are over 30 student organizations for those in the business school and a number of networking opportunities.

Master of Science (MS) in Accounting

The MS in accounting offered by the Isenberg School of Management is designed for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related field. It is also a highly suitable program for working professionals who are seeking a graduate degree in the discipline. The courses are set up to be flexible and with online and offline offerings, most people will be able to fit them into their schedule. Classes take place in the summer, fall and spring.

Upon graduating from this program, students will be prepared to enter into the workforce or will be prepared to sit for the Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) exam. Furthermore, if students with to further their education and enter into a Ph.D. program, they will also be prepared for that. With an accessible faculty, the latest technology at hand and a number of organizations and programs available, students graduating from this program should feel confident in their ability to enter the workforce as a leader.

Accreditation

  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • The New Englad Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact
UMass Amherst
Department of Accounting
359 Isenberg School of Management
121 Presidents Drive
Amherst, MA 01003
Phone: (413) 577-7004
Email: wbrown@isenberg.umass.edu
Website: https://www.isenberg.umass.edu/accounting

University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth

Charlton College of Business

The Charlton College of Business puts a strong emphasis on the future by preparing students for success, today. The goal of the college is to fully prepare students to be strong leaders in both the companies they work for and in the community. The Charlton experience is designed in a way to promote lively classroom discussion, networking opportunities in and out of the classroom, internships, study abroad and easy access to faculty members. The college offers one of the accredited accounting degree programs in Massachusetts in the form of an MBA with an accounting concentration.

MBA with an Accounting Concentration

One of the main features of the Charlton MBA is the ability to customize the degree to the goals of the student. When students choose the accounting concentration, they will have the option of starting a new career or enhancing their current one as the program is designed for students and working professionals in mind. The degree offers flexibility with both online and classroom based courses available. In addition, evening and Saturday classes are offered.

In order to successfully complete this program, students will need to earn 30 credit hours. These are made up of 21 credits from core courses, which focus on the MBA. The remaining nine credit hours will be made up of accounting elective classes. Students will also need to complete a portfolio that will be approved by faculty before graduating with their degree.

Accreditation

  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Charlton School of Business
285 Old Westport Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300
Phone: (508) 999-8423
Email: crose@umassd.edu
Website: http://www.umassd.edu/charlton/programs/graduate/mba/

Western New England University

College of Business

The College of Business at Western New England University is focused on offering students an educational experience that will prepare them to enter into the workplace as leaders among their peers. A main focus of the curriculum is working in a global marketplace. Students are also taught how to effectively work with others, how to use ethical business practices and how to be a lifelong learner. The school makes it a point to work with business leaders in the area and offers students the ability to gain real world experience through workshops, seminars and internships. One offering of the college is a master’s degree in accounting.

Master of Science (MS) in Accounting

In order to earn an MS in accounting from Western New England University, students will be required to complete 30 credit hours. The program can typically be completed in about a year if the student attends full time and in about 15 months if they attend part time. The unique thing about this program is that students can take both online and offline courses, whatever fits their personal needs. Many complete their degree completely online.

Once students graduate, they will complete the requirements to sit for the Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) exam in both Massachusetts and Connecticut and they will be able to enter into the workforce confident of their ability to solve any accounting issue. This program offers a challenging environment to students that will help to refine their knowledge of accounting and business through real world focused curriculum, assessment, and experience.

Accreditation

  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Contact
Western New England University
College of Business
1215 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Phone: (413) 782-1224
Email: julie.siciliano@wne.edu
Website: http://www1.wne.edu/business/index.cfm?selection=doc.1280

For students who are looking for a world class education in the accounting field, Massachusetts offers a number of highly respected programs. You can be sure if you choose one of the accredited accounting degree programs in Massachusetts that you will be well on your way to succeeding both now and in the future.