Introduction
The M.S. in Accounting offers you a broad base of knowledge about accounting and business theory and practice, tailored for students who wish to meet Illinois' 150-credit hour requirement to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students with or without undergraduate preparation in business or accounting.
In Fall 2018, AccountingEDU.org named Northeastern's M.S. in Accounting the most affordable among Illinois four-year public universities.
Northeastern Illinois University offers a two-phase Master of Science in Accounting program.
- The first phase consists of a set of foundation courses, some or all of which may be waived depending on your prior academic preparation. If your bachelor's degree is not in accounting, you will also need to show proficiency in six undergraduate prerequisite courses: Cost Accounting, Auditing Theory and Problems, Federal Income Tax (Individual), Intermediate Financial Accounting I, Intermediate Financial Accounting II and Business Calculus. You may demonstrate proficiency either through competent coursework or by passing a proficiency examination. Please note that these six courses are program prerequisites. They are not part of the M.S. in Accounting program and cannot be applied to the degree requirements.
- The second phase is made up of 30 hours of advanced core courses and is required of all students in the program. Among these advanced courses are six hours of accounting elective classes and nine hours of non-accounting elective classes.
The College of Business and Technology has a set of well-established Program Learning Goals and Learning Objectives across all programs that are assessed on a periodic basis. The College of Business and Technology is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is among the top five percent of the worldwide business schools offering degree programs. See the Dean’s Welcome for four compelling features to study in the College of Business and Technology.
Credit hours required: 30-67
Admission Information
The program admits students for the fall, spring and summer semesters.
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Program Benefits
Northeastern's Accounting, M.S. program demonstrates quality through AACSB accreditation and offers an outstanding return on investment. Students who graduate from Northeastern have among the lowest student loan debt upon commencement (U.S. News & World Report 2015, 2016).
Northeastern's student body is exceptionally diverse, as is its faculty, representing more than 60 different countries from around the world. Students are encouraged to network in order to develop knowledge and skills needed in business. Northeastern's Alumni Association has a network of more than 62,000 individuals, including local and national financial institutions.
Program pathways are for traditional students and executives with foundation and core courses offered at convenient times through online, hybrid and traditional classroom settings.
Completion of the Master of Science in Accounting at Northeastern Illinois University will satisfy CPA licensure requirements in the State of Illinois. Northeastern Illinois University has not made a determination as to whether the Master of Science in Accounting meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in any of the other 54 U.S. states and jurisdictions. Specific requirements for licensure or certification vary from state to state. In some cases, you may need to take additional coursework or exams to meet individual state requirements and/or you may need to complete background checks.
Career Options
Academic Catalog Information
Take a closer look at the Master of Science in Accounting and the courses offered toward the degree.
Department and Contact Information
If you are interested in the program or have questions, please contact Accounting, Business Law and Finance at (773) 442-6140.
About Northeastern
Northeastern Illinois University is home to students from all corners of the world and is one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the nation. Our small class sizes, flexible schedules and dedicated faculty can help you succeed in your studies.
We offer an education with value.
