Montana colleges and universities offer many different programs for those interested in an accounting degree. Undergraduate and graduate applicants can choose from part-time, full-time, traditional, and online degree options with various accounting specializations like strategic finance and accounting technology. After graduation, those with accounting degrees may find opportunities to work in Montana’s accounting industry. Read on below to find out more information about individual programs and career outlooks in accounting in Montana.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Montana Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Montana to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.

SchoolAccreditationAccounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate10Grad Rate1Avg Net Price1Median Debt*10Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry10
Carroll CollegeIACBEBA-Business: Accounting and Strategic Finance;
Minor-Accounting;
4-Year BA to MAcc;
MAcc		83.9%70%$23,916$25,757$58,012
Montana State University—BS-Business: Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Accelerated BS to MPAc;
MPAc		73.0%57%$17,250$22,500$51,532
>Montana State University Billings—BSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		N.Av.29%$12,487$18,209$41,907
Montana Technological UniversityIACBEBAS-Business: Accounting;
BS-Business and Information Technology: Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		89.8%57%$16,045$18,750$51,910
Rocky Mountain College—BSBA-Accounting;
5-Year BSBA to MAcc;
MAcc		80.7%46%$19,353$26,000$50,117
University of MontanaAACSBBS-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting Information Systems;
MAcct		82.1%46%$16,361$22,400$43,967

Table Notes:
*Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on ​​National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
**Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.

Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases reports including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following accredited business schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Montana in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in Montana being 52.7%:

  1. Montana State University 72.4%
  2. University of Montana Missoula 60.8%
  3. Montana Technological University 57.1%
  4. Carroll College 55.6%
  5. Montana State University Billings 46.7%

*As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.

Schools in Montana with Accounting Degrees

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

Carroll College

Carroll College offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business with a Concentration in Accounting and Strategic Finance. The curriculum begins with a 27-credit business core before progressing to concentration-specific coursework that teaches a mix of accounting theory and practice. Classes such as Principles of Financial Accounting, Auditing, Federal Taxation, and Investment Planning teach applicable skills in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, financial analysis, and financial planning. Other coursework focuses on communication skills and critical thinking tools. Students hone their ability to analyze and research information about businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities. Many students choose to pursue an internship with a regional accounting firm or area not-for-profit or business. These internships provide real-world experience and useful connections for post-graduation career opportunities. Many graduates from Carroll go on to advanced graduate study before taking the CPA examination. Carroll also offers an accelerated 3+1 program that allows students to complete an undergraduate degree and a Masters of Accountancy (MAcc) degree in four years.

Montana Technological University

At Montana Technological University, students can earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business with an Accounting Track. This degree is designed for students who have already completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and wish to continue their undergraduate education. Montana Tech also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business and Information Technology with an Accounting Option. In addition to subjects related to business and accounting, this program incorporates coursework in information technology and its uses in finding solutions to business-related problems. Both the BAS and BS programs prepare students for professional designation and graduate study in addition to careers in public accounting, government, and the private sector. Montana Tech accounting students must complete required classes including Accounting Information Systems, Federal Income Taxation, and Auditing as well as participate in experiential learning opportunities such as internships, case studies, and business simulations. Students can achieve the 150-credit educational requirement for CPA licensure by taking additional accounting electives.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Montana State University

At Montana State University (MSU), students can complete a Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) degree. This graduate program is ideal for those interested in fulfilling the educational requirements for sitting for the CPA examination and qualifying for licensure. Through courses such as Advanced Taxation, Advanced Auditing, and Professional Accounting Issues, students learn about financial accounting, auditing, taxation, law, and other business and professional areas. Courses focus on the technology and quantitative skills needed in the industry as well as the practical application of conceptual accounting knowledge. MPAc students can gain real-world experience by volunteering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and network through student organizations such as the Accounting Club and the accounting fraternity Beta Alpha Psi (BAP). MSU hosts an annual Meet the Accounting Recruiters event to help students find career opportunities for internships and post-graduation placement. Many graduates work in public accounting firms, corporations, and federal and state government entities.

Rocky Mountain College

Rocky Mountain College (RMC) offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree program that is designed to prepare students for the CPA examination and for careers in public and not-for-profit accounting, government, and business. This 30-credit program meets the educational requirements for CPA licensure and is designed to build on undergraduate coursework. Courses include Cost Accounting; Taxation of Estates and Trusts; Auditing; and Advanced Managerial Accounting. Other coursework focuses on building the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the accounting field, including topics related to financial management, accounting information systems, financial reporting, and attestation. Students without an undergraduate degree in accounting may need to complete prerequisites prior to admission to the MAcc program. Undergraduate accounting students at RMC can pursue the 3:2 Business Management and Accountancy program that allows them to complete an undergraduate business degree and a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) in five years.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

University of Montana

The College of Business at the University of Montana (UM) offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcct) degree that is offered on campus, via synchronous online classes, or a hybrid of the two. Students learn advanced accounting knowledge and critical thinking and management skills. Graduate students can choose electives based on their area of interest. Half of the program credits are required courses and the other half are electives students can choose such as Fraud and Forensics; Tax and Business Strategy; CPA Review, and Sustainability Reporting. In many classes, students are required to work together on projects and cases, encouraging the development of teamwork and communication skills. Undergraduate accounting students at UM may be able to finish the MAcct degree on an accelerated timeline. Those without an academic accounting background may be required to take additional prerequisite courses.

Montana CPA Requirements and Steps

The Montana Board of Public Accountants (the Board) requires that CPA candidates complete at least 120 semester hours that include a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting. In addition to a concentration of 24 semester hours in upper-level accounting courses, candidates must also complete 24 semester hours in business courses. There are six main steps to complete in order to earn a CPA license in Montana.

  1. Complete 120 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
  2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
  4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  5. Apply for a license.
  6. Receive a CPA license.

1. Complete 120 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.

Candidates for CPA licensure in Montana must complete at least 120 semester hours of college education that includes the award of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally- or AACSB-accredited school. Courses must include the following:

24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of accounting subjects above the introductory level, with at least one course in each of the following subjects:

  • Auditing
  • Financial accounting
  • Management accounting
  • Taxation

24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in non-accounting business subjects, such as:

  • Business law
  • Communication
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Ethics
  • Information systems
  • Marketing
  • Organizational behavior
  • Quantitative applications in business

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

Before applying for licensure, Montana CPA candidates must meet the experience requirement. Candidates who are pursuing the 120 semester hour pathway must earn at least two years (4,000 hours) of accounting and auditing experience. Those with 150 semester hours must only complete one year (2,000 hours) of accounting and auditing experience. In either case, the experience must be earned within three years of applying for a license and may be accumulated through work in private, government, academic, or public accounting practice. Experience must be verified by an individual who holds an active permit to practice.

3. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.

The Board has selected the AICPA self-study ethics course and exam to fulfill ethics requirements for CPA licensure in the state. A score of 90% or higher is required and the course must be completed within one year from the date of purchase. Candidates can order all course materials through the AICPA website.

4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement for CPA licensure in all 50 states and is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Montana candidates should apply to the exam through the NASBA website. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of at least 75 within a rolling 30-month period.

5. Apply for a license.

The Board uses the NASBA online licensing portal for new CPA applications as well as for license renewals. First-time applicants should visit the portal and register for an account to begin the application process after completing all license requirements detailed above.

6. Receive a CPA license.

After paying the fee and submitting the application on the NASBA portal, applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt. Applications are added to the Board’s agenda if they are received 15 or more business days before a regularly scheduled Board meeting and usually take up to two weeks to process.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

Once licensed, CPAs in Montana must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE), to include at least two hours of ethics, during each rolling three-year period. At least 50% (60 hours) of the 120 CPE hours must be in the following technical subjects: accounting, including governmental accounting; auditing, including governmental auditing; taxation; management services; information technology; statistics; economics; business law; finance; specialized knowledge; and ethics. Licenses must be renewed annually by the December 31 deadline. Additional information can be found on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Montana

The state of Montana has many different career opportunities for accounting graduates. The tourism and hospitality industry, which thrives given the state’s popular national parks, employs many accounting experts. Montana is also home to several large financial institutions, insurance agencies, and other businesses. For example, the accounting firm KPMG and the operations center for Avitus Payroll, a major employer of tax experts and accountants, have locations in Billings. There are many government agencies – both state and federal – that regularly hire accounting grads for long-term positions. Graduates can also consider starting their own CPA firms or working in small and local businesses.

Montana Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Billings650$78,010
Great Falls250$72,990
Missoula520$74,090

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Montana

  • Pinion: Founded in 1932, Pinion is a leader in agricultural and food consulting and accounting. Pinion is a national company with seven Montana offices.
  • Wipfli LLP: One of the largest CPA firms across Idaho and Montana, Wipfli services clients across the Mountain West.
  • JCCS: One of the largest firms in the Mountain West, JCCS has six locations across Montana.

Montana Accounting Associations

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual Best Accounting Schools 2023: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/rankings/top-ranked/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2023 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2022.
4. US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
5. US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/online-bachelors-business-rankings
6. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
7. Association to Advance College Schools of Business, Accredited Universities and Schools, Business & Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Accredited Schools, Separate Accounting: https://acbspsearch.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Members: https://iacbe.org/accreditation/member-status-information/
10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Montana: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mt.htm
13. Montana Board of Public Accountants: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/public-accountants/