When choosing a college to obtain an accounting degree, it is important to search for accounting Master’s degrees with the best graduation rates. Graduation rates have become increasingly important for higher education institutions after the Commission on the Future of Higher Education, known as the Spelling Commission, called for dramatic changes to address the gap between college attendance and graduation rates.
Accounting, according to Top10List.org, is the eighth most difficult subject to study in college. Basic accounting is necessary for any business, and given the current global economic situation, accounting data such as cash flow analysis could prove to be invaluable to a company. Conceptually, however, accounting is one of the most difficult subjects to understand. To be successful in accounting, it takes more than strong math skills, as logic and analysis are also necessary skills in the accounting profession. Successful accountants must also understand many rules and understand how accounting data fits into those rules. Some have said that earning an accounting degree is more closely tied to a law degree than a math degree.
These facts are one of the reasons that those choosing to enter an accounting program should seek the accounting Master’s degrees with the best graduation rates.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University was created on the foundation of a teacher’s college, the Tempe Normal School, which began in 1886. Over the years, the curriculum was expanded and the school became Tempe State Teacher’s College in 1925 and the Arizona State Teacher’s College in 1928. By 1945, the curriculum had changed drastically, and the school was renamed Arizona State College. A battle ensued, starting in 1953, to have the university renamed Arizona State University. On opening day at Sun Devil Stadium, the letters AS were painted in the end zone with room for the U to be added later, while those opposed to the name change burned “No 200” in the turf at midfield. Proposition 200 was the ballot question proposed to voters on November 4, 1958, asking the citizens of Arizona to decide if the name should be changed. The proposition passed by a two to one margin. Today, there are 58,404 undergraduate and 13,850 graduate students enrolled at ASU. Of those enrolled, 36 percent are first-generation college students.
W.P. Carey School
The W.P. Carey School at Arizona State University began as the Department of Commerce, offering business courses to students enrolled. In 2003, William Polk Carey pledged $50 million from the W.P. Carey Foundation to the business school, and it was renamed in his honor. Carey was an American philanthropist and businessman, founding W.P. Carey & Sons, a corporate real estate financing company.
MACC Program (BS)
The MAcc program at the W.P. Carey School at ASU provides students with in-depth knowledge related to advanced accounting topics. Students gain the knowledge to obtain a wide range of professional accounting careers and prepares them for the Certified Public Accounting Examination. The program is also offered as a concurrent degree with legal studies, and is offered as an accelerated degree option. It is a cohort-based, full-time program that requires students to have a bachelor’s degree in accountancy. Students must provide official transcripts and GMAT test scores in order to be accepted into the program. Students must also provide one letter of recommendation, a current resume, required essays and proof of English proficiency if the student is not a native English speaker.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission North Central Association
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Contact
W.P. Carey School
Arizona State University
350 East Lemon Street
BA 160
P.O. Box 873406
Tempe, AZ 85287-3406
Email: wpcadmission@asu.edu
Website
Graduation Rate: 57 percent
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona was created in 1885 by the Arizona Territory’s 13th Territorial Legislative Assembly, which became known as the “Thieving Thirteen” due to large appropriations bestowed to establish a university, normal school, prison and insane asylum. They were also called the “Bloody Thirteen” due to the fights in governmental halls and local saloons between politicians. Near the end of the tumultuous session, Selim M. Franklin proposed that the legislators establish a university in Tucson as an “opportunity to wash away our sins.” The university is the oldest in Arizona, serving the citizens of the state and beyond as an institute of higher learning.
Graduate College
The Graduate College at the University of Arizona provides support and leadership to all students who want to further their education at the graduate level. It is made up of over 130 colleges, departments and programs. In addition, Arizona University is among the top public research institutions, providing graduate students with the ability to work with leading researchers as they earn their degree.
Master of Accounting Program (MAC)
The Master of Accounting program at the University of Arizona prepares students for careers in professional accounting positions, as well as for consulting duties in financial, managerial and/or tax accounting. Graduates of the program are qualified to sit for the Certified Public Accounting examination. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of a diverse student population, and students may also choose either an audit or tax option. Summer internships with top firms are also available, and students may take advantage of post-graduate career assistance. Students do not require an undergraduate degree in accounting, as non-accounting undergraduate degree holders are encouraged to apply. However, students that have a non-accounting undergraduate degree may be required to take prerequisite courses in order to be accepted into the program.
Accreditation
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business
Contact
Eller College of Management
The University of Arizona
McClelland Hall 301
PO Box 210108
Tucson, AZ 85721-0108
Telephone: 520-626-3177
Email: accounting@eller.arizona.edu
Website
Graduation Rate: 61 percent
An undergraduate accounting degree is one of the hardest programs at any college or university, and a Master’s level degree provides advanced knowledge in the subject. For this reason, it is important to find accounting Master’s degrees with the best graduation rates.
For more information on obtaining your degree, please see The 20 Most Affordable Colleges with High Four-year Graduation Rates.