Accounting Schools and Programs in The United States

Accounting Studies in The United States

Accounting is one of the most widely offered business subjects in the United States: SpainExchange lists 200 colleges and universities in the country under accounting, from community colleges to large research universities. The degree leads to a broad job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors held about 1.6 million jobs in 2025. Anyone who wants to work as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) should plan the route to the licence from the start, because it shapes which degree to choose.

How the degree is organised

• Certificates, diplomas and associate degrees: community colleges offer short and two-year programmes. Northeast Community College in Nebraska, for example, offers an Associate of Applied Science and an Associate of Arts in accounting that take two years (60-64 credit hours), plus a 21-credit certificate and a 33-credit diploma
• Bachelor's degree: usually four years of full-time study, often as a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or BS with a major in accounting
• Master's degree: a Master of Accounting (MAcc), an MS in Accounting or Taxation, or an MBA with an accounting concentration. The MAcc at The Ohio State University has 31 credit hours, of which 10 are required core courses, and accepts graduates of any major
• Combined programmes: many schools link the bachelor's and master's degrees. Hofstra University lists accelerated and dual-degree options that lead to both degrees in five to six years, and Bentley University offers a four-year accounting degree or a fast-track route to a graduate degree

Business schools can hold a supplemental accounting accreditation from AACSB, which is only available to schools that have or are seeking AACSB business accreditation.

Admission and language

Students apply directly to each college or university; EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State's advising network, recommends starting 12 to 18 months before the academic year begins. Teaching is in English, and universities require an English proficiency test before admission. Master's programmes set their own rules on admission tests: the MAcc at Ohio State, for example, is test-optional, so GMAT or GRE scores are not compulsory.

For a full degree, international students need a student visa. Once accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the school's international student office issues the Form I-20 that is presented in the visa application. Costs are set by each institution. As a general rule, state universities are less expensive than private universities, and community colleges offer lower costs for the first two years of a bachelor's degree.

Where to study accounting

New York has the most schools in this directory (five), followed by Philadelphia and Miami (four each) and Baltimore, Montgomery and Denver (three each). Examples include Berkeley College in New York and Hofstra University on Long Island; Drexel University and Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia; the University of Miami and Florida International University; large public universities such as The Ohio State University, The University of Texas at Austin, Purdue University and the University of Florida; business-focused universities such as Bentley University in Massachusetts; and community colleges such as Des Moines Area Community College and Pasadena City College.

Recognition and the CPA licence

A degree does not make someone a CPA. CPAs are licensed by the Board of Accountancy of each state, not by a national body. According to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), the two key steps are passing the Uniform CPA Examination and meeting the licensing requirements of the state where the person wants to practise, which include education and accounting experience. BLS describes the traditional education requirement as 150 semester hours of college coursework, 30 more than the usual four-year bachelor's degree, which is why many schools offer five-year combined programmes; a master's degree is not required. According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), many states now also offer a newer route: a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration, two years of supervised experience and the CPA exam. Not every state has adopted it and the start dates vary, so candidates should check the current rules with the board of accountancy of the state where they want to be licensed. State rules differ and can change, so check with the board of the state concerned before choosing a programme.

The exam can also be taken outside the United States. NASBA lists international test locations that include Brazil, England, Germany, Ireland and Japan, with an additional fee of $390 per exam section (checked October 2026). Candidates must first establish their eligibility through a participating U.S. state board.

Careers

Accountants and auditors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. According to BLS, the largest employer is accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (21%), followed by finance and insurance and by government (8% each). Employment is projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, with about 115,300 openings a year. Any accountant who files a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission must be a licensed CPA.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to study accounting in the United States?

An associate degree takes two years and a bachelor's degree usually four. Combined bachelor's and master's programmes take about five years.

Do I need a master's degree to become a CPA?

No. According to BLS, a master's degree is not required, but candidates have traditionally needed 150 semester hours of college coursework, more than a standard bachelor's degree. According to the AICPA, many states now also allow a route with a bachelor's degree and two years of supervised experience. Requirements are set by each state, so check with its board of accountancy.

Is the CPA a national licence?

No. The exam is national, but the licence is issued by the Board of Accountancy of each state, which sets its own education and experience requirements.

Can I take the CPA exam outside the United States?

Yes, in certain countries. NASBA offers the exam at international locations for candidates who have been declared eligible by a participating state board, for an additional fee per section.