What Schools Have Accounting Degrees in Chicago, Illinois?

There are numerous degree programs in accounting offered in the Chicago area. Use this article to decide whether a bachelor's or a master's program is right for you and compare key information for each school.

What You Need to Know

Bachelor's degree programs in accounting are offered at several public and private 4-year schools in and around Chicago. These programs can prepare you for an accounting career and may also offer internships. Students who are interested in master's degree programs may be subject to academic prerequisites, such as number or type of courses completed prior to taking upper level accounting classes. Applicants need to have sufficient GMAT scores, plus a resume and recommendation letters. These programs offer areas of specialization related to areas of professional practice, such as forensic accounting, for example. Graduates of master's degree programs may fulfill some of the eligibility requirements for Certified Public Accountant licensure. Keep reading to learn more about topics covered and program options.

Bachelor's Degree Programs in Chicago, IL

DePaul University

This program is offered by the Department of Accountancy and Management Information Systems. Its curriculum includes classes in financial reporting, corporate and individual taxes, managerial accounting, assurance and auditing. During your studies, you may also complete an internship with a local financial organization.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Business
• Area of Study: Accounting
• Program Length: 4 years (full-time)
• Tuition & Fees: $39,975 per year (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Must have completed at least 28 credit hours of study at DePaul, including courses in accounting, economics and mathematics
• Admission Requirements: ACT or SAT scores, high school counselor recommendation
• School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; 22,437 students (14,507 undergraduate)

Northeastern Illinois University

This program includes required courses in cost accounting, income tax, business law and strategic management. Elective classes cover topics like corporate income tax, contemporary accounting issues and non-profit accounting. During your studies, you can join an accounting club to interact with fellow students.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Program Length: 4 years (full-time)
• Tuition: $11,218 per year for in-state and $20,726 per year for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Undergraduate foundation courses in English, calculus and microeconomics
• Admission Requirements: ACT or SAT scores
• School Type: 4-year, public; 8,103 students (6,390 undergraduate)

University of Illinois at Chicago

This program is geared towards preparing you to sit for the CPA exam by requiring you to complete 150 credit hours of study. Its curriculum includes both accounting and business courses. Classes cover topics like accounting information systems research and analysis, accounting databases and new media valuation.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Program Length: 4 years (full-time)
• Tuition: $13,764 per year in-state, $26,980 per year out-of-state (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Introductory accounting course
• Admission Requirements: ACT or SAT scores
• School Type: 4-year, public; 31,683 students (20,783 undergraduate)

Master's Degree Programs in Chicago, IL

DePaul University

The coursework in this program meets state CPA eligibility requirements. Course topics in the program cover property valuation, policy formulation, information systems and auditing theory. You also complete five courses in your area of specialization. The school additionally offers a Master of Science in Accounting that consists of a total of 15 classes.

• Program Name: Master of Accountancy
• Possible Areas of Specialization: Taxation, managerial accounting, financial management, international business, management information systems, e-business
• Program Length: 45 credit hours
• Tuition: $19,032 per year (2018-2019 graduate rate)
• Admission Requirements: GMAT scores, personal essay, resume, two letters of recommendation
• School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; 22,437 students (14,507 graduate students)

Roosevelt University

This program features coursework that fulfills Illinois state CPA education requirements. Classes cover topics like asset valuation, income determination, accounting policy and accounting information systems. You may also choose to pursue the Master of Science in Accounting Forensics, which is designed to prepare you to work alongside lawyers or testify in court about accounting investigations.

• Program Name: Master of Science in Accounting
• Program Length: 31 credit hours
• Tuition: $20,153 per year (2018-2019 graduate rate)
• Admission Requirements: GMAT scores or 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA), resume, personal statement
• School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; 4,329 students (4,329 graduate students)

University of Illinois at Chicago

This program includes courses in topics like accounting paradigms, financial statement analysis, corporate valuation and fraud examination. You may also conduct an independent study. The school also offers a dual MSA/Master of Business Administration program.

• Program Name: Master of Science in Accounting
• Program Length: 32 credit hours
• Tuition: $13,612 per year in-state, $23,299 per year out-of-state (2018-2019 graduate rate)
• Admission Requirements: GMAT scores, resume, personal statement, two letters of recommendation
• School Type: 4-year, public; 31,683 students (20,783 graduate students)

In summary, accounting degrees in Chicago can be studied at the bachelor's level at DePaul University, Northeastern University and the University of Chicago, while master's degree programs are available at DePaul University, Roosevelt University and the University of Illinois at Chicago.