Accounting Courses in USA for International Students

Accounting courses in USA offer international students pathways into accounting, auditing, taxation, financial reporting and business analytics. Students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programs, including options with coursework relevant to CPA preparation.

For career prospects, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $81,680 in May 2024. Employment in the occupation is projected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, with approximately 124,200 openings per year on average during the decade.

Accounting courses in USA for international students include undergraduate accounting degrees, master’s programs and professional or CPA-focused study options. Students may study auditing, taxation, financial reporting, managerial accounting, forensic accounting, information systems and accounting analytics. Eligibility, duration, tuition and CPA alignment vary by university.

Key Takeaways

• International students can explore bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs in accounting.
• Popular specializations options can include auditing, taxation, financial reporting, forensic accounting, accounting analytics and information systems.
• Master’s programs commonly take around 8-12 months, although duration varies considerably by university and academic background.
• Applicants generally need relevant academic qualifications, transcripts and other university-specific documents. International applicants may also need an accepted English proficiency test.
• Compare tuition, curriculum, prerequisites, location, scholarships, internships, STEM designation and career support.
• Completing an accounting degree does not automatically make you eligible for CPA licensure in every US jurisdiction. Requirements vary by state.
• BLS projects 5% employment growth for accountants and auditors between 2024 and 2034.

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Why Study Accounting in USA?

International students who study accounting in USA can choose from undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, with specializations in taxation, auditing, analytics and financial reporting.

Choosing the right program also depends on factors such as degree level, specialization, tuition and admission requirements. Experienced study in USA consultants can help students evaluate these factors based on their academic background and study goals.

Wide Range of Accounting Programs

US universities offer accounting programs at different degree levels, allowing students to pursue professional careers, CPA preparation or academic research.

Specialized Accounting Education

Students can explore areas such as taxation, assurance, financial reporting and analytics. For example, the University of Illinois MAS offers concentrations in Financial Reporting & Assurance and Taxation.

Career Opportunities

Accounting graduates can work in accounting firms, corporations, financial institutions, consulting firms, government agencies and nonprofits. BLS reports that accountants and auditors held about 1.58 million jobs in 2024.

Exposure to Accounting Technology

Accounting programs increasingly incorporate analytics and technology as AI, cloud computing and automation reshape routine accounting tasks and increase the importance of analytical skills.

Accounting Courses in USA by Degree Level

Program lengths and requirements vary. Always verify details with the university before applying.

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

A bachelor’s degree in accounting provides a foundation in areas such as financial reporting, auditing, taxation, cost accounting, information systems and business law.

Students can pursue a dedicated accounting major or, depending on the university, a business degree with an accounting concentration.

International students applying for undergraduate study typically need academic transcripts, proof of secondary education and evidence of English proficiency when required.

Master’s Programs in Accounting

Master’s programs are popular among students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want advanced accounting knowledge or additional coursework toward their professional goals.

Programs may be called:

• Master of Accounting (MAcc)
• Master of Accountancy
• Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
• Master of Accounting Science (MAS)
• MS in Accounting and Business Analysis

Not every program requires an undergraduate accounting major. For example, Rice’s MAcc is designed to accommodate students from different undergraduate backgrounds, while Notre Dame offers an Accounting Immersion Program for eligible students from quantitative non-accounting majors.

PhD Programs in Accounting

A PhD in Accounting is primarily a research degree. Instead of focusing only on professional accounting practice, doctoral students study research methodology and investigate questions related to areas such as auditing, financial reporting, taxation, managerial accounting and capital markets.

PhD programs may be appropriate for students planning careers in:

• University teaching
• Academic research
• Policy research
• Accounting research
• Specialized consulting

Funding schemes can differ greatly among universities; hence, those aspiring to doctoral programs need to find out about assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships from individual institutions.

Popular Accounting Specializations in USA

Your specialization can influence the skills you develop and the career opportunities you pursue.

Actual specialization names and availability differ between universities.

Top Universities for Accounting Courses in USA: Fees and Eligibility Compared

Admission criteria vary among universities for programs in accounting. Based on the program, the student may require academic requirements, English proficiency scores or USA entrance exam such as the GMAT or GRE.

The following comparison focuses primarily on graduate accounting programs because tuition, duration and professional preparation can differ substantially between universities.

Tuition figures are based on the published rates referenced for the respective academic years and may not include university fees, health insurance, accommodation, books and other living expenses. Check the university’s official website for the latest costs before applying.

1. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin, located in Austin, offers accounting programs through the McCombs School of Business at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.

• Available Programs: BBA in Accounting, Master in Professional Accounting (MPA), PhD in Accounting
• Specializations: Financial reporting, taxation, auditing, managerial accounting and accounting research
• Duration: BBA – typically 4 years; MPA – varies based on previous coursework; PhD – varies
• Tuition & Additional Costs: MPA tuition is up to $70,453 for the 43-credit non-resident route; tuition for UG and PhD programs varies, with additional university and living expenses
• Eligibility: High school qualification for UG; bachelor’s degree or equivalent for MPA; PhD applicants must meet doctoral admission requirements
• Intake: Varies by program

2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, located in Champaign, offers accounting programs through Gies College of Business at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.

• Available Programs: BS in Accountancy, Master of Accounting Science (MAS), MS in Accountancy (MSA), PhD in Accountancy
• Specializations: Financial Reporting & Assurance, taxation, data analytics, information technology and accounting research
• Duration: BS – typically 4 years; MAS – 9 months; MSA and PhD duration varies
• Tuition & Additional Costs: MAS tuition is $42,740 for international students; campus fees, living expenses and costs for other degree levels vary
• Eligibility: High school qualification for UG; MAS generally requires substantial undergraduate accounting coursework; doctoral admission requirements apply for PhD
• Intake: Varies by program

3. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, offers undergraduate, master’s and doctoral accounting study through the Leventhal School of Accounting.

• Available Programs: BS in Accounting, Master of Accounting (MAcc), PhD in Accounting
• Specializations: Professional Accountancy, Data & Analytics, Strategic Finance and accounting research
• Duration: BS – typically 4 years; MAcc – varies based on academic background; PhD – varies
• Tuition & Additional Costs: MAcc tuition is $76,640; tuition for UG and PhD study varies, while university fees and living expenses are additional
• Eligibility: High school qualification for UG; MAcc applicants from accounting and non-accounting backgrounds may be considered; doctoral requirements apply for PhD
• Intake: Varies by program and academic background

4. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, provides accounting study through the Ross School of Business across undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.

• Available Programs: BBA with accounting coursework, Master of Accounting (MAcc), PhD in Accounting
• Specializations: Advanced accounting, accounting analytics and accounting research
• Duration: BBA – typically 4 years; MAcc – 8 months; PhD – varies
• Tuition & Additional Costs: MAcc tuition is $62,922 for non-resident and international students; UG and PhD costs vary, with mandatory fees and living expenses additional
• Eligibility: Undergraduate admission requirements apply for BBA; MAcc requires a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite coursework; doctoral requirements apply for PhD
• Intake: Varies by program

5. University of Wisconsin–Madison

The University of Wisconsin–Madison, located in Madison, offers accounting education through the Wisconsin School of Business at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.

• Available Programs: BBA in Accounting, MS in Accounting and Business Analysis, PhD in Accounting and Information Systems
• Specializations: Financial accounting, taxation, auditing, business analysis, information systems and accounting research
• Duration: BBA – typically 4 years; MS – 1 year; PhD – varies
• Tuition & Additional Costs: MS tuition is $27,000 for 30 credits; UG and PhD costs vary, while university fees and living expenses are additional
• Eligibility: High school qualification for UG; MS applicants generally need previous business and accounting preparation; doctoral requirements apply for PhD
• Intake: Varies by program

6. University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame, located in Notre Dame, Indiana, offers accounting education through the Mendoza College of Business, particularly at undergraduate and master’s levels.

• Available Programs: BBA in Accountancy and Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)
• Specializations: Financial reporting, taxation, accounting technology and related advanced accounting areas
• Duration: BBA – typically 4 years; MSA – around 1 academic year
• Tuition & Additional Costs: MSA tuition is $55,660; undergraduate tuition varies, with housing, insurance and other expenses additional
• Eligibility: High school qualification for UG; bachelor’s degree for MSA, while eligible non-accounting applicants may complete the Accounting Immersion Program
• Intake: Varies by program

7. Rice University

Rice University, located in Houston, provides undergraduate accounting study within its business curriculum and a specialized STEM-designated graduate accounting program.

• Available Programs: Undergraduate business study with accounting coursework and Master of Accounting (MAcc)
• Specializations: Financial reporting, taxation, accounting analytics and business decision-making
• Duration: Undergraduate study – typically 4 years; MAcc – 1 year
• Tuition & Additional Costs: MAcc tuition is $65,100; undergraduate costs vary, with housing and other university expenses additional
• Eligibility: Undergraduate admission requirements apply for bachelor’s study; accounting and non-accounting graduates may apply for the MAcc, although prerequisites may be required
• Intake: Varies by program

8. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, offers specialized accounting education through the Owen Graduate School of Management, with its Master of Accountancy being the primary accounting-focused graduate option.

• Available Programs: Master of Accountancy (MAcc); accounting-related coursework may also be available within other degree programs
• Specializations: Accounting, auditing, financial reporting and related professional areas
• Duration: MAcc – 1 year
• Tuition & Additional Costs: MAcc tuition is $76,700; university fees, accommodation and other living expenses are additional
• Eligibility: Applicants from different undergraduate academic backgrounds may be considered, subject to program requirements
• Intake: Fall

Note: CPA exam requirements differ by jurisdiction in the United States. International students need to check the current requirements with NASBA, the state’s CPA board, and the university before deciding on a program.

Understanding how to apply for US universities from India is especially important for accounting applicants, as admission requirements, supporting documents and deadlines can differ across universities.

Career Opportunities After Accounting Courses in USA

Accounting graduates can work across public accounting, corporate finance, taxation, audit, consulting, government and financial services.

Potential career paths include:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $81,680 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, compared with 3% for all occupations. BLS projects approximately 124,200 accountant and auditor openings each year on average over the decade.

These are general figures for the US occupation and do not represent guaranteed initial salaries for international graduates. The actual salary is dependent upon a variety of factors such as location, employer, experience, specialization, etc.

How Nomad Credit Supports Your Accounting Studies in USA

Choosing between accounting courses in USA involves more than comparing university names. Your academic background, prerequisite coursework, budget, preferred specialization and long-term career plans can all affect which program makes sense.

Nomad Credit can support students who want to study overseas with university shortlisting, application guidance and education financing support.

Whether you are comparing accounting programs, planning your applications or evaluating funding options, getting guidance early can make the process easier to manage.

Plan With Nomad Credit

Conclusion

Accounting courses in USA offer international students several pathways, from bachelor’s programs and specialized master’s degrees to research-focused PhDs. Universities also differ significantly in prerequisites, tuition, specialization options, STEM designation and CPA preparation.

Before applying, compare programs based on your academic background, budget and career objectives. If becoming a CPA is part of your plan, check the education and licensing requirements of your intended US jurisdiction before selecting a program.

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