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Accounting Schools in Wyoming

This overview of accounting schools in Wyoming contains information about the master’s in accounting programs within the state so that you can make an informed choice about where to pursue an accounting degree. Due to the fact that Wyoming is such a small state in population, there are a limited number of accounting degrees available in the state, especially at the graduate level. Currently, there are no Wyoming not-for-profit colleges or universities that offer master’s in accounting programs online; however, prospective Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the state may wish to search for programs in neighboring states like Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, or North Dakota, or for online master’s in accounting programs across the country offering programs that fulfill Wyoming’s CPA requirements. Continue reading to learn more about accounting school options in Wyoming as well as salary information for accountants practicing in the state.

Quick Facts

  • There are 7 colleges and universities with accounting degree programs in Wyoming.1
  • 1 school offers a master’s or advanced degree in accounting.1
  • No schools were ranked in Forbes’ Best Business Schools 2019.2
  • No schools were ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2020.3
  • No schools were ranked in the Public Accounting Report’s 2019 Top 50 Master’s Accounting Programs.4
  • No schools were ranked in US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs 2021.5
  • 1 school had a 2018 CPA exam pass rate at or above the national average of 51.9%.6
  • 1 university and business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.7
  • No schools are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).8
  • No schools are accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).9

For not-for-profit colleges and universities with accounting degree programs.

Table of Contents

Steps to Become a CPA in Wyoming

The Wyoming Board of Certified Public Accountants (the Board) oversees the process for becoming a CPA in the state. There are seven main steps to complete in order to earn a Wyoming CPA license.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
  2. Establish Wyoming residency, if necessary.
  3. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  4. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
  5. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  6. Apply for a license.
  7. Receive a license.

1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.

Completing 150 semester hours of education is the first step to becoming a Wyoming CPA. The program of education must include the award of a bachelor’s degree or higher as well as a concentration in accounting, defined as 24 semester hours in upper-division or graduate-level accounting courses, to include some or all of these subjects:

  • Accounting information systems
  • Accounting or tax research and analysis
  • Auditing and attestation services
  • Ethics
  • Financial accounting and reporting for business organizations
  • Financial accounting and reporting for government and not-for-profit entities
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Fraud examination
  • Internal controls and risk assessment
  • Managerial or cost accounting
  • Taxation

Candidates must also complete 24 semester hours of business courses at the undergraduate or graduate level, which should include:

  • Business communications
  • Business law
  • Economics
  • Ethics
  • Finance
  • Information systems or technology
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Statistics
  • Technical writing
  • Quantitative methods

2. Establish Wyoming residency, if necessary.

Unlike many other states, applicants for an initial CPA license in Wyoming must have in-state residency. Residency can be established by holding a Wyoming driver’s license, maintaining a current and valid Wyoming street address, maintaining employment or holding an employment offer from a Wyoming firm, or being a student of a Wyoming college or university.

3. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

All applicants for a CPA license in Wyoming must complete one year or 2,000 hours of work experience prior to applying for a license. The experience must be verified by a currently licensed and active CPA and must utilize skills in accounting, auditing, review, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, and/or consulting. Accounting work performed in government, industry, academia, or public accounting typically satisfies the requirements.

4. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.

The Board uses the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Professional Ethics: The AICPA’s Comprehensive Course and accompanying exam to satisfy its ethics requirement for new CPA applicants. Candidates may order the required course materials through the AICPA website.

5. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

Applicants who are ready to take the Uniform CPA Exam, which is a licensure requirement in all 50 states, should submit the Examination Application. The Uniform CPA Exam is developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Once approved to test, applicants will receive an Authorization to Test to schedule and take the exam through NASBA. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of 75 or higher within an 18-month rolling period.

6. Apply for a license.

After the Uniform CPA Exam has been passed, applicants will complete the Original Certificate Application for the CPA license. The application includes an Employer Affirmation form that must be signed by the supervising, licensed CPA as well as a Verification of Lawful Presence form verifying the applicant’s identity. Applications may be submitted by email or mail.

7. Receive a license.

After the above steps have been completed and verified by the Board, applicants will receive their license to practice as a CPA in Wyoming.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Wyoming CPA licenses expire on December 31 of every third year. Licensed CPAs in Wyoming must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each three-year period, which should include four credits of professional ethics. Additional information on the Board’s website.

Wyoming Accountant Salary and Job Outlook

Not surprisingly, since it is the smallest state by population, few accountants (only 1,860) work in Wyoming compared to neighboring states, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).10,11 The average salary is also lower than in many other areas, at $66,360 per year.10,11 Most accountants in Wyoming are working around Cheyenne or Casper, the state’s two largest cities, although some accountants do work in rural areas.10 The demand for accounting professionals is expected to grow nationwide over the next few years; accountant and auditor positions in Wyoming specifically are projected to grow by 10.1% through 2028, which is faster than the national projection for that job group (6.4%).12

Wyoming CPA Salary by Metro Area

Metro AreaNumber Employed10Average Annual Salary10
Casper270$76,530
Cheyenne510$63,290
Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area540$69,380
Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area530$60,950

Wyoming Schools with Master’s in Accounting Programs Comparison

The state of Wyoming only has one not-for-profit school offering a master’s in accounting program. The graduation rate is for first-time undergraduates seeking a bachelor’s degree, but since it is widely considered to be an indicator of a school’s overall success, we have included it for comparison. Also please note that tuition per credit is based on in-state, on-campus tuition; per-credit rates may vary for out-of-state and online students.

School NameAccreditationCPA Exam Pass Rate6Master’s in Accounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate13Grad Rate1Online Options?Tuition per Credit
University of Wyoming55.2%MS-Accounting94.1%60%$282

  • — indicates none.
  • N.Av. indicates no data available.

Master’s in Accounting Programs in Wyoming

Traditional Programs

University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming offers a Masters of Science (MS) in Accounting degree particularly geared towards students who have obtained a bachelor’s in accounting with coursework completed in key core areas. The minimum 30-credit hour degree program includes courses in accounting and business, which may be complemented by electives in other closely-related areas. Courses offered include Seminar in Managerial Accounting, Fraud Examination, Survey of International Accounting, and Advanced Problems in Accounting. The MS in Accounting focuses on two main areas: developing advanced skills in accounting and business; and developing professional skills such as written, oral, interpersonal, computer applications, and critical thinking. Students may pursue the degree full- or part-time. With full-time study, it is possible to complete the degree in two full semesters plus one summer semester. Graduates are qualified to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam. Students and alumni receive dedicated career planning support and services from the Johnson Career Center within the College of Business. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, other admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 as well as a GMAT score of at least 550 or a GRE combined score of at least 300.

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Wyoming

  • Porter, Muirhead, Cornia, Howard (PMCH): Based in Casper, PMCH provides consulting, financial advisory, financial statement, and tax services to its clients.
  • Casey Peterson, Ltd.: With offices in Gillette, Wyoming and Rapid City, South Dakota, Casey Peterson, Ltd. provides clients with accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, audit, and consulting services as well as estate planning and guiding businesses through mergers and acquisitions.
  • McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP (MHP, LLP): Located in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Fort Collins, Colorado, MHP, LLP offers its clients services in tax planning, forensic accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, and wealth management.

Wyoming Accounting Associations

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a CPA in Wyoming?

To become a CPA in Wyoming, you will need to be a resident of the state. In addition, you will have to complete 150 semester hours of college education with at least a bachelor’s degree and including certain accounting and business coursework requirements. You will also have to work for one year in the field under the supervision of a CPA, pass the AICPA ethics course and exam, and pass the Uniform CPA Exam to qualify to become a CPA.

How much do CPAs in Wyoming make?

Wyoming accountants and auditors, including CPAs, earn an average salary of $66,360 per year, according to the BLS.10 The Casper area reports the highest average salaries for accountants and auditors in the state, at $76,530.10

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Forbes Best Business Schools 2019: https://www.forbes.com/business-schools/list/2/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 385 Colleges, 2020 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2019.
4. Public Accounting Report 2019 Top 50 Master’s Accounting Programs: https://wpcarey.asu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/par-grad-2019.pdf
5. US News & World Report Best MBA Accounting Programs 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
6. National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. The NASBA Report on the CPA Exam: Candidate Performance on the Uniform CPA Examination, 2018 Edition. National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, Inc., 2019.
7. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International: https://www.aacsb.edu/
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP): https://acbsp.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE): https://iacbe.org/
10. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Wyoming: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wy.htm
11. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2019 Occupational Employment and Wages, Accountants and Auditors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm
12. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
13. US News & World Report Best Business Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools