As the need for qualified accountants grows, so will the need for accredited accounting degree programs in Iowa. From small businesses to multinational conglomerates, all industries need the expertise of professionals who can prepare, analyze and verify financial documents. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the accounting industry will grow by 22 percent over the next decade. Accountants handle a variety of tasks depending on the needs of their employers. Not only do accountants gather and record financial information, they also must prepare taxes, work as a regulatory agent and monitor all financial aspects of a company. Because financial laws and regulations change often, accountants must be up-to-date on the latest information to be sure they are adhering to necessary laws. In addition to a bright career outlook, there is also the possibility that someone with an accounting degree could own their own accounting firm. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, eight percent of those who hold an accounting degree are self-employed.

Drake University

College of Business and Administration

Drake University began more than 130 years ago when George T. Carpenter and Francis Marion Drake founded the university in order to expand traditional studies of theology and Classics to include science, law and other fields. Mr. Carpenter was a teacher and preacher while Mr. Drake was a Union General in the Civil War, a railroad magnate and, eventually, an Iowa governor. The college has always been co-educational and welcomed students of all races. It began with one building, but today is home to six colleges and schools. Many traditions evolved at the school, including “hubbelling,” named for the Hubbell Dining Hall which provided the trays used for sledding downhill in the winter months for many years.

The College of Business and Administration at Drake University delivers a business education rooted in the real world. Not only are the faculty dedicated educators, but they are also corporate leaders and entrepreneurs who bring the real world into the classroom. In addition, students are provided the ability for paid internships in businesses surrounding the campus. Part of the College of Business and Administration is the Wells Fargo Career and Professional Development Center designed to help students beyond their first position after graduation. In addition, there is the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center that is designed to help those students who choose to begin their own business.

Master of Accounting

The Master of Accounting program at Drake prepares students to not only enter the field of accounting, but to allow students to expand their knowledge of the profession. Students take a mixture of courses designed to improve the student’s knowledge of finance, as well as develop the leadership skills necessary to improve their careers. The program can be completed in as little as two years and students are provided ample networking opportunities as well. Students are required to take the Dardis Communication Workshop which offers them the skills necessary to deliver outstanding presentations both in the classroom and in the workplace.

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration at Drake offers convenience and affordability as it can be completed in as little as two years. Students may choose to add a concentration in accounting to their MBA, allowing them to prepare for a career in the accounting field with a business background. The final course of the program is a Capstone course that allows students to utilize all they have learned throughout their course of study.

For both the Master in Accounting and the MBA, students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a current resume and two letters of recommendation. A typed, one-page essay explaining the student’s career and academic goals is also required, as are official GMAT scores.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities (NCA HLC)

Contact

Drake University
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311-4505
Phone: 800-44-DRAKE (443-7253) or 515-271-2011
Email: admission@drake.edu
Websites:

Iowa State University

College of Business

Iowa State University began as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm in 1858 when the state purchased the original 648-acre farm for $5,379. The first building on the campus was The Farm House, and, after Iowa accepted the provisions of the Morrill Act, the facility became the Iowa Agricultural College as a land grant university. In 1959, the college became the Iowa State University of Science and Technology, and there have been many patents issued based on technology discovered at the university, including Maytag blue cheese, the round hay baler and the first binary computer.

The College of Business at Iowa State focuses on multi-disciplinary, global, technological, ethical and diverse challenges that face the world of business today. Business education has been taught at the school since the early 1920s, but the College of Business was not established until 1984, and today there are 3,525 students enrolled at the college. The Gerdin Business Building houses the College of Business and has since 2004.

Master of Accounting

The Master of Accounting is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for positions in public or private accounting positions. Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting to meet the 150-hour requirement to sit for the Certified Public Accounting examination. To apply for the program, students must have a strong academic record, including a GPA above 3.25. Students must earn a “B” or better in all accounting courses and must have completed at least four upper-level accounting courses. Students must have a GMAT score of at least the 50th percentile and a GMAT writing score of at least 4.5. Professional work experience is beneficial for acceptance in the program as is leadership experience. Students must also provide references from professional colleagues and faculty.

Master of Business Administration

Students at Iowa State may elect to take the Master of Business of Administration with a concentration in accounting. Concentrations are designed for students who want to advance, rebrand or change industries. In addition, the MBA with accounting concentration provides a business background that allows students to start their own business, opening doors to new possibilities. Students not only develop business knowledge, but also leadership skills designed to help them move forward in their careers or make a career change.

Accreditation

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

Contact

Iowa State University
100 Enrollment Services Center
Ames, IA 50011-2011
Phone: 800-262-3810
Email: admissions@iastate.edu
Websites:

Maharishi University of Management

Business Department

Maharishi University of Management began 40 years ago and has a unique approach to education. The university follows what is known as Consciousness-Based education, which the founders felt was missing from traditional universities. All students and faculty practice Transcendental Meditation (TM) which offers tremendous benefits for students. The process integrates brain function, increases creativity and reduces stress so that learning is improved. In addition to the benefits it provides for education, following a TM technique has shown health benefits and increased intelligence.

Enlightenment is the core of any program offered at Maharishi University, as faculty and staff believe that education should be part of a life free of stress and strain. The faculty encourages spontaneous activity in accordance with the environment and one’s natural law. They believe that education should be more than just training and compensation, but that it should include inner happiness and outer fulfillment. The Business Department at the university focuses on deep green sustainability by helping students live in harmony with nature.

MBA with Accounting Specialization

Students in the MBA with Accounting Specialization program at Maharishi University gain knowledge in accounting theory and practice in order to qualify for the Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accounting examination. Courses include instruction in computer-based software such as Quickbooks and advanced Excel spreadsheet functions such as pivot tables in order to create reports necessary for financial decisions. Students may also obtain optional XBRL certification in order to compete in an accounting profession with growing technology needs. After several months of MBA courses, students participate in a competitive online business simulation that helps build team skills and develop the knowledge to make informed business decisions while running a fictional company. Students compete with other business students around the world as part of the Capsim Foundation program.

There are three tracks in the MBA with Accounting Specialization at Maharishi University that accommodate the needs of the students in combination with their knowledge and experience:

  • Fresh Start Track: Students with no accounting work experience and little background education in accounting benefit from the Fresh Start Track. The program takes between 11 and 18months and there is no curricular practical training in the track.
  • Strong Background Track: No work experience is necessary, but students must have at least four accounting courses prior to selecting this track. The program lasts from 11 to 18 months, depending on academic background. This track is designed for those with a strong academic background in accounting and business.
  • Accounting Professionals Track: Those with a strong background in accounting who wish to expand their knowledge would benefit from this track. Students must have two or more years of recent full-time work experience in accounting or a related field as well as a strong academic background in accounting that includes three or more courses. Chartered accountants, Oracle and SAP professionals are given priority for this track. Students study on campus for seven months, and loan financing through the university is available. After seven months of study on campus, students apply skills to real-life situations for up to two years during curricular practical training. The program takes 2.5 years to complete.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission, and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)

Contact

Maharishi University of Management
1000 North Fourth Street
Fairfield, IA 52557
Phone: 800-369-6480
Website: http://www.mum.edu/business/mba/accounting

St. Ambrose University

College of Business

St. Ambrose University is an independent Catholic university that helps students grow intellectually, spiritually and artistically in an effort to enrich not only their lives but the lives of others. The school is a leading Midwestern school with a strong diocesan heritage and intellectual Catholic traditions. The school treasures its Catholic identity with a focus on faith tradition in all aspects of teaching, learning, scholarship and service, although all faiths are welcome to attend. The faculty and staff believe that individuals are capable of living best when the values of a loving God are incorporated into the lifestyle. Therefore, students are provided mutual respect, honesty and integrity.

Master of Accounting

Students enrolled in the St. Ambrose Master of Accounting program develop the skills necessary for professional accounting careers, as well as leadership positions in the business world. Because most states require 150 credit hours before sitting for the Certified Public Accountant examination, the Master of Accounting program provides the necessary credit hours for graduates to take the exam. The program is flexible in order for students of all educational backgrounds and differing career goals to succeed. St. Ambrose faculty have real-world experience in accounting, and the small class sizes provide students with more support from instructors.

Accreditation

  • The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities (NCA HLC)
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International

Contact

St. Ambrose University
518 West Locust Street
Davenport, Iowa 52803
Telephone: 800-383-2627
Website: http://www.sau.edu/Academic_Programs/Master_of_Accounting.html

University of Iowa

Tippie College of Business

Just 59 days after Iowa was admitted to the United States, the University of Iowa was founded as the State University of Iowa in 1847, and the name is still the official name of the university. However, the Board of Regents approved the use of University of Iowa for everyday use in 1964. The first classes were held in what was known as the Old Mechanics Building where Seashore Hall exists today. The original campus consisted of the Iowa Old Capital Building which housed the Fifth Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa. When the capital moved to Des Moines in 1857, the Old Capitol became the first permanent location of the University of Iowa. In 1855, Iowa became the first public university to admit both men and women. Today, there are over 30,000 students enrolled at the university.

The University of Iowa has been providing business education to students since 1858. The business department received college status as the College of Commerce in 1921. The first career services office for the college was established in 1949. Over the years, the college was divided into six departments with the MBA program becoming formalized in 1961. The college has gone by many names, with the first name change occurring in 1959 when it became the College of Business Administration. In 1999, the college was renamed for Henry B. Tippie, an alumnus of the college who donated funds to build an auditorium, a student lounge and Pat’s Diner, which was named for his wife, Patricia. In 1999, Tippie made a significant donation to the College of Business, and the university renamed the College of Business after him.

Master of Accountancy

The Master of Accountancy at the Tippie School of Business is a non-thesis program requiring 30-credit hours beyond the Bachelor’s degree. The program is open to students who have earned an accounting degree at the university, from other colleges or who receive an undergraduate degree in areas other than accounting. The program is tailored to meet the needs of students based on their background. Students with a background in accounting can complete the program within one year, while those with a degree in other areas may be required to take additional courses that could lengthen the time of the program. The 150-credit hours qualify students to sit for the Certified Public Accounting degree. Students can choose to specialize in:

  • Financial/Auditing
  • Management Information Systems
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Tax

Accreditation

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

Contact

University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: (319) 335-3500
Website: http://tippie.uiowa.edu/accounting/mac/index.cfm

University of Northern Iowa

College of Business Administration

The University of Northern Iowa began in 1866 when an orphanage for children after the Civil War was established. As the orphans grew, it was determined that there was no need for the building to remain an orphanage, and the building was converted to the Iowa Normal School, which was created to educate teachers in 1876. The school became the Iowa State Teachers College, then the State College of Iowa before becoming the University of Northern Iowa. The school offers more than 90 majors, providing students many opportunities to advance their education. In addition, students may choose to join more than 300 student clubs and organizations, athletic teams, and participate in many options for fine art.

The College of Business Administration at the University of Northern Iowa, known as UNIBusiness, provides the foundations that help students develop professionally and personally. Focus is given to stronger intellectual life in order to help students fulfill their career goals. Graduates obtain essential knowledge and up-to-date professional skills with a focus on the global marketplace. Students are guided into leadership roles based on the core values that are at the foundation of UNI.

Master of Accounting

The Master of Accounting program at UNI provides students with the accounting, communication and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in today’s changing accounting profession. Completion of the program also fulfill the education requirement for CPA licensure. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 and performed well in upper-level accounting courses. The program is competitive with small class sizes. Students work in teams in order to make presentations, perform research, analyze financial statements and create various writing assignments.

Accreditation

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

Contact

Department of Accounting
University of Northern Iowa
College of Business Administration
Department of Accounting
1227 West 27th Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0127
Phone: 319-273-2928
Email: marty.wartick@uni.edu
Website: http://business.uni.edu/web/pages/academics/masteraccounting.cfm

Accounting is an important part of every business, regardless of the industry. With changing laws and regulations, it is critical to find qualified, knowledgeable accounting professionals. Therefore the need for accredited accounting degree programs in Iowa will continue to grow as the need for accountants grows.

Related Resource: Do I Need a Bachelor’s in Accounting to Get Into a Master’s in Accounting Program?