Accounting Schools in Mississippi
The colleges and universities in Mississippi offer many different programs of study for students interested in pursuing a certificate or degree in accounting. This guide to accounting schools in Mississippi provides essential information on available accounting programs so you can decide which one best fits your career goals. Undergraduate and graduate programs in the state are available on a full-time, part-time, or entirely online basis, and different concentrations and specializations are available. Continue reading below to find out more about program details, rankings, salary projections, and professional licensure in Mississippi.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Schools and Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools in Mississippi
- Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates
- School Profiles
- Mississippi CPA Requirements
- Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Mississippi Accounting Schools and Programs
The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in Mississippi to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.
| School | Accreditation | Accounting Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate10 | Grad Rate1 | Avg Net Price1 | Median Debt*10 | Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcorn State University | ACBSP | BS-Accounting | 38.9% | 47% | $14,864 | $27,000 | $34,492 |
| Belhaven University | IACBE | BS-Accounting; BSA-Public Accounting; UG Cert-Accounting; MBA-CPA Review | 64.0% | 46% | $19,794 | $26,333 | $42,152 |
| Delta State University | ACBSP | BBA-Accountancy; Minor-Accountancy; MPAcc | 99.8% | 46% | $14,138 | $20,390 | $39,273 |
| Jackson State University | — | BBA-Accounting; MPAcc; MPAcc-Non-Accounting Undergrads; PhD-Accounting | 62.1% | 35% | $15,292 | $30,470 | $36,198 |
| Millsaps College | — | BBA-Accounting; Minor-Accounting; Accelerated BBA-Accounting/MAcc; MAcc | 68.1% | 57% | $27,260 | $27,000 | $56,736 |
| Mississippi College | — | BSBA-Accounting; MAcc; MBA-Accounting; Grad Cert-Accounting | 49.0% | 62% | $20,874 | $22,500 | $45,187 |
| Mississippi State University | AACSB | BAcc; Minor-Accounting; MPAcc; MTax | 76.1% | 63% | $15,364 | $22,142 | $48,296 |
| Mississippi University for Women | ACBSP | BBA-Accounting; Accelerated BBA-Accounting/MBA | 99.3% | 37% | $12,691 | $15,000 | $38,551 |
| Mississippi Valley State University | ACBSP | BBA-Accounting | 78.6% | 26% | $11,598 | $28,413 | $30,324 |
| University of Mississippi | AACSB | BAcc; Minor-Accountancy; MAcc; MAcc/Data Analytics (MADA); MTax; M.Tax/Data Analytics (MTDA); Concurrent JD/MAcc; Concurrent JD/MTax; PhD-Accountancy | 89.7% | 68% | $14,289 | $20,000 | $50,510 |
| University of Southern Mississippi | AACSB | BSBA-Accounting; MPAcc | 95.8% | 52% | $14,427 | $22,500 | $42,073 |
| William Carey University | IACBE | BA-Accounting; BS-Accounting; BSB-Accounting | 57.5% | 42% | $15,271 | $20,832 | $40,817 |
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.
Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in Mississippi
College rankings can be a useful tool to measure the overall reputation of a school or program. Weighing multiple rankings when evaluating your college choices can be helpful because different publishers may use different ranking factors in their methodologies. While the best program for your goals may rely on a combination of factors not typically considered in overall rankings, such as location or funding, seeing a program ranked on multiple lists can be a strong indication of reputation and academic quality.
College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023
- University of Mississippi (#61)
- Mississippi State University (#161)
- Mississippi College (#254)2
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Accounting Majors 2023
- University of Mississippi3
US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023
- University of Southern Mississippi (#44 tie)
- Belhaven University (#112 tie)5
US News & World Report’s Best Undergrad Accounting Programs 2022-2023
- University of Mississippi (#60 tie)6
Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates With a Bachelor’s Degree
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in Mississippi 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 Mississippi being 50.1%:
- University of Mississippi 69.2%
- Mississippi University for Women 53.8%
- University of Southern Mississippi 48.9%
- Mississippi State University 47.1%
*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 Mississippi with Accounting Degrees
To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in Mississippi, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.
Graduate Accounting Programs
Millsaps College
The Else School of Management at Millsaps College offers a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) that can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the degree in a year by attending evening classes for maximum flexibility. Millsaps’ MAcc program is open to both those with and without a business-related bachelor’s degree and consists of 30 to 48 credits depending on the amount of foundational coursework needed. In addition to the core classes, Millsaps also has two international study programs, the European Business Program and the Casa Millsaps Program in Merida, Mexico. Those enrolled in the Millsaps Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting can enroll in the MAcc program while finishing their undergraduate degree, allowing them to complete both programs in five years. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Uniform CPA examination.
University of Mississippi
At the Patterson School of Accountancy at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), accounting students can choose between two advanced degree programs. Both degrees are 30 semester hours, allowing students to fulfill the educational requirements for CPA licensure, and both prepare students for careers in professional accounting. The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree focuses on advanced topics in public accountancy, while the Master of Taxation (MTax) degree emphasizes the tax area of accounting. Students in both programs take core classes such as Income Tax II, Seminar in Accounting Theory, and Cost/Managerial Accounting before choosing electives. Ole Miss also offers CPA review classes for graduates interested in sitting for the examination. In addition to the general MAcc and MTax programs, more specialized master’s degrees are available, including the Master of Accountancy & Data Analytics (MADA) and Master of Taxation & Data Analytics (MTDA). Those interested in an academic career in accounting can also pursue their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accountancy at Ole Miss.
Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs
Delta State University
Students at Delta State University can earn an ACBSP-accredited Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) degree completely online. This degree is ideal for those interested in careers in public accounting, industry, and government. The 30-credit-hour program can fulfill the educational requirements to sit for the CPA examination. Graduate students take advanced accounting courses such as Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, Fraud Examination, and Advanced Auditing, and after finishing the core curriculum, various elective options are available to meet individual interests. Courses emphasize the accounting knowledge necessary to succeed in the field as well as professional development skills in management and communication. Students without an undergraduate accounting background can apply to the program but may need to complete some prerequisite courses before beginning the curriculum.
Mississippi College
At Mississippi College (MC), students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting entirely online, on-campus through evening classes, or in a hybrid model of the two formats. This degree can be completed in as little as two years and includes a wide range of business and accounting topics. MC emphasizes a global approach to modern business, and students also learn critical thinking skills, written and oral communication skills, and collaborative strategies. The school also offers an online Master of Accountancy (MAcc), which includes required courses such as Advanced Managerial Accounting, Accounting Theory, and Federal Tax Accounting, and offers electives like Governmental Accounting and Fraud Examination. Both the MBA in Accounting and MAcc programs are available in an accelerated format, with all 10 required courses available in eight-week classes. Online students also receive support in searching for post-graduation job opportunities, and many work full-time or find internships while completing the online degree.
Mississippi CPA Requirements and Steps
The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy (the Board) requires that CPA candidates hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have completed 150 semester hours. There are seven main steps to complete in order to earn a Mississippi CPA license.
- Complete 150 hours of college-level education in accounting.
- Establish Mississippi residency.
- Accumulate the required hours of experience.
- Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Apply for a license.
- Complete a background check.
- Receive a CPA license from the Board.
1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
To qualify for licensure, prospective Mississippi CPA licensees must complete 150 semester hours of college education that includes a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited school with an accounting concentration deemed appropriate by the Board. A minimum of 48 semester hours of upper-division or graduate-level accounting and business related courses must be included in the 150 hours, with a minimum of 24 of the 48 hours focused on accounting. As a component of these hours, candidates must complete at least three semester hours in each of the following:
- Auditing
- Financial accounting
- Accounting information systems
- Taxation
2. Establish Mississippi residency.
Mississippi statute includes a residency requirement for CPAs who are applying for an initial license in the state. Factors considered in determining residency include voter registration, vehicle registration, state income tax filings, real estate taxes, and/or graduation from a college or university in Mississippi. Applicants who do not meet the residency requirements may be eligible to practice through reciprocal license recognition and mobility provided they hold an active and equivalent CPA license in good standing in another state.
3. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
CPA candidates must earn a minimum of one year (2,000 hours) of experience in accounting that is supervised and directed by a licensed CPA. The tasks the applicant completes must include meaningful practical experience in preparation for the practice of public accounting. Work may include accounting and auditing; management advisory; financial advisory; and preparation of tax returns or tax advice. Experience must be completed within three years of application and verified by the Board.
4. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam is required in all 50 states to become a licensed CPA. Mississippi candidates are eligible to test after receiving their bachelor’s degree and may apply to the Board for permission to test using the online application form. Once a candidate is determined eligible to test, he or she will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and will schedule and take the exam at one of Mississippi’s Prometric testing centers. All four exam sections must be passed with a score of 75 or higher within a rolling 30-month period.
5. Apply for a license.
The final step to becoming a Mississippi CPA is to apply for a license. The online application is available on the Board’s website.
6. Complete a background check.
Mississippi applicants for CPA licensing or reciprocal licensing must pass a background check. By signing the online CPA license application, applicants agree to a background check, which will be sent to them to complete upon the Board’s receipt of the license application and fee.
7. Receive a CPA license.
Once all the above steps have been verified by the Board, applicants will be approved for licensure and be able to practice as CPAs.
CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information
To maintain a license in good standing, CPAs must register online and pay an annual registration fee before January of each calendar year. Mississippi CPAs must also complete at least 40 continuing professional education (CPE) hours in each one-year period ending in June. Four hours in Board-approved ethics courses must be taken every three years, one of which must be in Mississippi Public Accountancy Law and Regulations. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in Mississippi
Graduates with accounting degrees in Mississippi may find many different opportunities to work within the state’s accounting industry after graduation. Major corporations include agricultural and industrial corporations such as Tyson Foods and Howard Industries. Small, well-established CPA firms in the state such as May & Company, GranthamPoole, and Nicholson & Co. Accountants may offer positions in public accountancy for recent graduates. Large, leading firms like KPMG, BKD, Horne, and the Kemp Group all have offices within Mississippi and cumulatively employ a large percentage of Mississippi’s accountants. Accounting graduates may also find work in small businesses, nonprofits, and local and state governments.
Mississippi Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed12 | Average Annual Salary12 |
|---|---|---|
| Hattiesburg | 350 | $64,100 |
| Jackson | 2,350 | $71,960 |
| Memphis TN-MS-AR | 4,300 | $68,660 |
| Northeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | 1,030 | $64,730 |
Additional Resources
Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in Mississippi
- May & Company: A full-service accounting firm based in Vicksburg with offices in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.
- GranthamPoole PLLC: One of the largest accounting firms in Mississippi and the southeast region, with offices in Jackson and Oxford.
Mississippi Accounting Associations
- Mississippi Association of Public Accountants (MAPA): Focuses on serving professional accountants in Mississippi by advocating in state government, offering continuing education, and providing access to accounting resources.
- Mississippi Society of CPAs (MSCPA): At over 2,700 members, MSCPA is the largest professional organization in the state serving the needs of CPAs and aspiring CPAs.
- Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy(MSBPA): Sets the licensing standards for future and current CPAs of Mississippi.
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, Mississippi: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ms.htm
13. Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy: https://www.msbpa.ms.gov/