Sharpen your accountancy skills with a professional US degree in Accounting!

Finance is the lifeline of any business organisation. Many companies require finance professionals to manage their expenses for better and profitable output. For this reason, accountants are always in demand everywhere in the world. The US is also one of the top countries in the world that generates a growing demand for accountants yearly. This is explained by the steady demand for professional accounting and finance courses in the country each academic session. The article below digs deeper into the professional accounting degrees offered at US universities , the names of the top universities and colleges offering the program, and their career prospects upon course completion.

Why Study Accounting Courses in the US?

There are several reasons why international students prefer to pursue professional accounting courses in the US . Here are some of them:

  • A course in Accounting at a US university opens up career pathways in multiple fields - from tax accounting to managerial accounting. Jobs are available in government agencies and the private sector.

  • Most Accounting programs offered at US universities are globally and professionally recognised. ​This​ means that graduates can seek employment in the field anywhere in the world.

  • The faculty at US universities is well-trained, qualified, and experienced - a perfect combination to train and equip students with the required skills to excel in Accounting.

Specialisations in Accounting Courses in the US for International Students

The field of Accounting is immensely popular across the world, and the US is no exception to this. The country creates excessive demand for qualified professional accountants every year who graduate from its top universities in degree programs in Accounting at the Bachelor's or Master's levels. Accounting includes a detailed study of subjects such as debits, bookkeeping, credits, financial statements, taxes, and more of a company.

Among the professional study programs in Accounting offered at US universities, the Master’s in Accounting in the US is one of the most popular and widely preferred among international students. Some of the core specialisations taught as part of the course include:

Cost of Studying Accounting Courses in the US for Indian Students

The cost of any particular course in Accounting at a US university would vary depending on the program being entered into (Bachelor’s or Master’s). However, for a general idea, the average cost of pursuing a Bachelor’s in Accounting is estimated to be approximately USD 99,064 for the whole year.

Read more insights here

Disclaimer: Please check with the university you apply to for the exact cost of studying the Accounting program that you opt for in the US.

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Accounting Courses in the US

Every university in the US offering courses in Accounting has different admission requirements for international students applying for the program. It is best to check the specific eligibility criteria for the course (Bachelor’s or Master’s in Accounting) with the university you are applying to. Listed below are some of the standard criteria that you may need to adhere to while applying for admission to Bachelor’s in Accounting:

  • A minimum of 6.0 in IELTS Test Report Form

  • Letter of Recommendation from a counsellor/teacher

  • Academic transcripts of all study institutions attended so far

Read more insights here

Top Universities / Colleges in the US for Accounting Courses

The US has several high-ranked universities offering top-class courses in Accounting. Listed below are some of the top universities in the US for Accounting and Finance preferred by international students:

  • St. John’s University

  • University of Montana

  • Wake Forest University

  • Maryville University

  • George Mason University

  • University of La Verne

  • Michigan Technological University

  • Fordham University

  • Quinnipiac University

  • University of Missouri-St. Louis

Read more insights here

Career Opportunities After Pursuing Accounting Courses in the US

A professional degree in Accounting from an esteemed university in the US holds immense potential for course graduates, paving ways to apply for privileged job roles. Some of the most bagged accounting jobs in the US after completing an accounting degree include the following:

  • Forensic Accountant

  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

  • Auditor

  • Controller

  • Information and Technology Accountant

  • Managerial Accountant

  • Senior Financial Analyst

FAQs

1. What types of accounting courses are offered in the US?

The US is home to several renowned universities that offer top-class accounting courses, some of which are:

  • Master of Science in Accountancy

  • Occupational Skills Award in Accounting Computer Applications

  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information Systems

  • Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Technology

2. What qualifications are required to be an accountant in the US?

To practice as an accountant in the US, you would first need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. This is generally the first prerequisite for becoming an accountant. You can later choose to specialise in a specific domain of accounting, such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, or tax accounting, with a Master’s degree.

3. What is the scope of accounting courses in the US?

Students who complete their studies in Accounting can opt to apply for rewarding jobs in the US as follows:

  • Accountants

  • Auditors

  • Financial Manager

  • Loan Officer

  • Personal Financial Advisor

4. What is the duration of accounting programs in the US?

This may vary based on the degree program you choose to study. A Bachelor’s program in Accounting generally lasts 4 years ( https://business.pacific.edu/business/academics/accounting-program ), while a Master’s degree is usually for 2 years ( https://udallas.edu/cob/academics/ms/accounting/index.php ) .

5. What is the eligibility to apply for accounting courses in the US?

The eligibility criteria for different degrees in Accounting, such as Bachelor's or Master's, may vary based on the university or curriculum design. The standard admission requirements for a UG program in Accounting are a GPA score of over 2.5, a minimum of 6.0 on the IELTS Test Report Form, and test scores of SAT (over 480) and ACT (more than 17).

(Source: https://admissions.georgiasouthern.edu/requirements/international/ ).

6. What is the difference between an accountant and a CA?

CA is more qualified and experienced to offer consultations in financial matters, while an Accountant deals more in transactional finance.

7. How can Indian students apply for accounting courses in the US?

All Indian students must qualify for the English language proficiency test, IELTS, to be admitted into an accounting course in the US. The minimum requirement for IELTS is 6.5-7.

8. What is the difference between accounting and CPA?

Accounting professionals maintains the financial records of an organisation and report the exact financial position of the company in the market. A CPA or Certified Public Accountant, however, is a privileged position earned by a professional after clearing the CPA examination.

Updated on Dec 20, 2024

Help me study in USA