Fastest Way To Become an Accountant in Michigan 2025

If you're looking for a fast-growing field, you may consider accounting. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates its growth rate is 2% higher than the national average for all occupations.

While this is a stable field, candidates must meet strict legal requirements to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs); these include education, testing, and work experience, which can often add up to five or six years of learning. Keep reading to learn about the fastest way to become an accountant, so you can start your career as soon as possible.

What Does an Accountant Do?

An accountant is a financial professional responsible for managing and analyzing financial records, typically for clients, businesses, or government organizations. Their work is essential for informed decision-making and maintaining financial health and compliance.

Some of their job responsibilities may involve:

• preparing and examining financial statements for accuracy and compliance
• managing and analyzing financial records
• handling tax returns for individuals or businesses
• providing insights into financial performance and budgeting
• offering strategic advice for financial planning
• conducting audits to verify the integrity of financial information

How Long Does It Take To Become an Accountant in Michigan?

To become an accountant in Michigan, it typically takes about five to six years. This includes earning a four-year bachelor's degree in accounting and completing 150 credit hours, which usually necessitates a master's degree. Afterward, aspiring accountants must pass the CPA exam to obtain licensure.

The Fastest Way To Become an Accountant in Michigan

CPA candidates must meet several requirements before entering the profession. Fortunately, it can be a streamlined process if you follow the right steps to become an accountant. Below, we'll discuss these steps in more detail.

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step to becoming an accountant in Michigan is obtaining a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, like business administration, that includes a concentration in accounting. This typically takes four years of full-time study. Some universities offer accelerated programs that allow you to complete your degree in a shorter time frame, often through intensive coursework or summer classes.

2. Complete Additional Coursework

To sit for the CPA exam, you need a total of 150 semester hours. Most bachelor's degree programs provide only 120 credit hours. So, to meet this requirement, most students complete a master's in accounting degree.

Some universities offer an accelerated five-year bachelor's-to-master's degree to speed up this process. Undergraduates take graduate-level coursework toward the end of their bachelor's degree, allowing them to get ahead on their master's degree credits and graduate in only one year.

3. Gain Work Experience

Michigan requires at least 2,000 hours of supervised work experience in accounting, which can often be fulfilled through internships or entry-level positions. Many students participate in internships while completing their studies to meet this experience requirement quickly.

4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination

To earn your Michigan CPA license, you'll need to pass all four sections of the CPA exam within an 18-month period. The exam is computer-based and offered at various testing centers for convenience; however, since it's 16 hours long, students will likely need to take the test on multiple dates.

5. Apply for Your CPA License

Once the Michigan Board of Accountancy has received your CPA exam test scores from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), the application process typically takes three to four weeks. After review and approval by the board, candidates will receive their CPA license.

Accelerated Accounting Programs in Michigan

Accelerated online accounting degrees in Michigan offer a flexible option for students seeking the fastest way to become an accountant. These programs are designed to provide a comprehensive education in a short timeframe, often allowing students to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in as few as five years.

Davenport University

Davenport University offers an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's dual degree program that can be completed in five years. This selective honors program allows students to choose from five specializations:

• professional accounting
• managerial accounting
• fraud examining
• internal auditing
• finance

Students can complete this program online or at one of Davenport University's campus locations.

• Time to completion: five years
• Tuition cost: $1,018 per credit hour for Michigan students
• Accreditation: International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)

University of Michigan Flint

At the University of Michigan Flint, students can pursue a Master of Science in accounting fully online. As an asynchronous program, students enjoy the flexibility of learning at their own pace. Additionally, the flexible and convenient program works for full-time students or busy professionals who wish to study part-time.

• Time to completion: Motivated full-time students can complete the program in 10 months.
• Tuition cost: $875.25 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University offers an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree in accounting and analytics at its Houghton campus. Michigan Tech undergrads can transfer up to six credits toward their graduate degree, allowing motivated students to finish their CPA education requirements quickly.

• Time to completion: five years
• Tuition cost: $709 per credit hour
• Accreditation: AACSB

FAQs About the Fastest Way To Become an Accountant in Michigan

If you want to become an accountant, you may have questions about the cost and requirements of this career path. Below, we'll answer these commonly asked questions to help you make informed decisions about your education and future in accounting.

How Much Does It Cost To Become an Accountant in Michigan?

The cost of becoming an accountant in Michigan varies by institution. Tuition for a bachelor's degree typically ranges from $10,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on whether you attend a public or private university. Additional expenses include textbooks, CPA exam fees, and potential graduate coursework. Scholarships and financial aid can reduce tuition costs.

What Can I Do With an Accounting Degree in Michigan?

With an accounting degree in Michigan, you can pursue various types of career paths. Opportunities include roles in financial accounting, corporate finance, tax preparation, auditing, and forensic accounting. Graduates may find employment with public accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, providing essential financial services and expertise crucial for business operations.

What Are the Education Requirements To Become a CPA in Michigan?

To earn CPA licensure in Michigan, you must complete educational requirements, including 150 credit hours at an accredited institution. These credit hours require specific accounting courses, including:

• three credit hours in auditing
• 24 credit hours in general business
• 21 credit hours in accounting principles

Explore Accounting Degrees

As you consider the path to becoming an accountant, start exploring the accounting programs listed here on Learn.org. Get in touch with any school that interests you for more details about the program.