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For accounting professionals seeking the best accounting schools to further their career, the accounting graduate programs in Pennsylvania provide ample opportunity to explore a wide range of programs and specialization certificates in the field.
Students who enroll in one of the Keystone State’s many higher education institutions typically choose a large university with national brand recognition, but the small, private schools listed below boast national rankings and impressive reputations, particularly when it comes to business and accounting programs.
Those who want to develop their careers and network within a global community will appreciate these schools’ diverse offerings in the field of business education.
Lehigh University
College of Business and Economics
U.S. News and World Report lists Lehigh University as number 41 in its 2014 list of Best National Universities. For those seeking accounting graduate programs in Pennsylvania, Lehigh University’s College of Business and Economics prepares students for careers in the field upon graduation by offering a variety of hands-on learning and networking experiences throughout their academic tenure. Accounting major students who successfully complete the M.S. program will gain an understanding of the global business arena and its impact; learn about business risk in different areas such as managerial, information processing and assurance; and develop strong accounting skills as they relate to broader business elements.
Masters in Accounting and Information Analysis
The Masters in Accounting and Information Analysis offered by Lehigh University will address the educational and career objectives that are most important to students interested in accounting graduate programs in Pennsylvania. Students will appreciate a small but selective course schedule along with classes taught by recognized industry professionals and leaders. The program requires 30 credits and takes one academic year to complete for most students, and during this time students will work closely with business partners of the school to develop a mutual working relationship. Students should note that while the school does offer evening classes, a bulk of the courses are offered during the day twice per week. In order to meet admission requirements, students also need the following six prerequisite courses if they did not major in business as an undergraduate: Accounting Information Systems, Cost Accounting, Fundamentals of Auditing, Fundamentals of Federal Income Taxation and Intermediate Accounting I and II.
Accreditation
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Contact
621 Taylor Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-758-4450
mlg206@lehigh.edu
Program Website
Saint Joseph’s University
Erivan K. Haub School of Business
Founded as a Jesuit school in 1851, Saint Joseph’s University is a private institution that ranks as number 11 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Regional Universities in the north. Recognition continues for the school’s Erivan K. Haub School of Business which consistently ranks highly among top educational presses including U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review. Students looking for accounting graduate programs in Pennsylvania will find a diverse range of options at Saint Joseph’s University as the school offers an M.B.A. program with 10 distinct concentrations including accounting, international business, managing human capital, and finance.
Master’s in Business Administration with Accounting Concentration
Students at Saint Joseph’s enjoy a wide range of benefits including small class sizes, world-class faculty and a business school that’s dedicated to developing strong leadership attributes and practical business skills in its graduates. Those seeking accounting graduate programs in Pennsylvania will especially appreciate the fact that the school offers its top business program in an online and on-campus format so students can choose a program that fits their specific schedules. The M.B.A. program requires eight foundational courses in topics such as statistics, managerial economics and marketing concepts along with 11 upper-level courses spread out over several topics and electives. Students can waive the foundational requirements if they prove academic proficiency in the subject through testing or previous coursework. Students will also need to complete two Gateway Courses on topics to be determined. After students earn their M.B.A. with an accounting concentration, they can pursue a nationally-ranked certificate program offered by the university for additional specialization.
Accreditation
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Contact
Professional MBA Program
Saint Joseph’s University
5600 City Avenue, Mandeville 284
Philadelphia, PA 19131
1-888-SJU-MBA-1
sjumba@sju.edu
Program Website
Villanova University
Villanova School of Business
Villanova University boasts the number one position on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Regional Universities in the north, and this private Catholic institution in the northeast offers students searching for accounting graduate programs in Pennsylvania the perfect opportunity to earn a quality degree in several different fields and specialties. Villanova’s School of Business upholds the school’s prestigious reputation by providing an M.B.A. program that ranks as number 19 in the nation by Bloomberg Businessweek. Additionally, the business school offers several specialized master’s programs including a Master of Accountancy and a Master of Taxation as described in detail below.
Master of Accountancy
The Master of Accountancy or MAC program offered by Villanova University’s School of Business serves two purposes: The program meets the 150-hour requirement for a Certified Public Accountant license, and it will enable students with an unrelated undergraduate background to gain the skills needed for a career in accounting. The MAC program requires 30 credit hours spread out over 10 courses, and most students can finish the program in 12 months. Distance learning students will appreciate the school’s convenient class offerings as certain course requirements can be met online in the spring and fall. However, students should note that the summer portion of the program encompasses six full-time, graduate-level courses that require total participation. This means that students will be unable to work full-time during the summer semester. Upon completion of the MAC program, students may apply for the Villanova Flex-Track M.B.A. and transfer up to 21 credits for the master’s in business degree.
Master of Taxation
Accounting students may wish to specialize in a different but related area, and those looking into accounting graduate programs in Pennsylvania will appreciate the taxation degree offered by Villanova University. In an effort to broaden student exposure to different areas within the global business context, Villanova offers a Master of Taxation or M.T. program that combines elements of both law and accounting. In fact, the degree is offered under direction of both the School of Business and the School of Law; law students should contact the appropriate department for additional information. For accounting students, the M.T. program enables students to understand relevant topics in taxation including basic tax concepts, tax policy issues and controversial areas within taxation. Accounting students will take courses with law students so that both groups gain different perspectives that enrich their education. Course requirements vary according to specialty, and students should plan a course of study that adequately reflects their schedules and interests.
Accreditation
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Contact
Bartley Hall Suite 1074
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
610-519-4336
meredith.lockyer@villanova.edu
Program Website
From specialty programs to in-depth M.B.A. options, students will appreciate Pennsylvania’s commitment to offering quality education for future business professionals. Each of these programs adds a unique perspective to the growing global accounting field. With a wide variety of highly ranked business and accounting programs, the above mentioned universities offer students seeking accounting graduate programs in Pennsylvania choice options when it comes to furthering their education and careers.
