University of Missouri

What you'll study

This programme builds on core accounting principles and progresses to advanced topics that reflect contemporary practice. Typical coursework combines advanced financial accounting and reporting, auditing and assurance services, and federal taxation with modules in accounting information systems, managerial and cost accounting, and ethics.

• Advanced Financial Reporting — consolidation, business combinations, and complex financial instruments.
• Audit and Assurance — audit methodology, risk assessment, and professional standards.
• Taxation — corporate and partnership tax issues, tax research and planning.
• Accounting Information Systems and Data Analytics — systems design, internal controls, and analytics for auditing and decision-making.
• Managerial and Cost Accounting — performance measurement, budgeting and strategic decision support.
• Research Methods and Professional Ethics — research design for accounting topics and ethical frameworks for practice.
• Capstone, Thesis or Applied Project — applied engagement with a client organisation or faculty-supervised research to integrate technical and professional skills.

Students may tailor learning through electives in areas such as forensic accounting, advanced taxation, international accounting, or financial statement analysis. The programme also offers preparation resources for professional exams and guidance on meeting state educational requirements for licensure.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related discipline will be most competitive; applicants from other backgrounds may be admitted if they demonstrate adequate preparation in core accounting and quantitative subjects.

• Official transcripts demonstrating undergraduate work; a competitive academic record in prior studies is expected.
• A statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé summarising relevant experience and skills.
• Letters of recommendation, typically one to three, from academic or professional referees.
• Standardised test scores (GMAT or GRE) may be requested on a case-by-case basis; some applicants may be eligible for a waiver based on academic or professional credentials.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or prior education in English, and must submit additional documentation as required for international admission.

Applicants lacking specific prerequisite courses may be required to complete foundational coursework before or during the programme to ensure success in advanced classes.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of accounting and finance roles. Common paths include public accounting (audit and tax) with national and regional firms, corporate roles such as financial analyst, accounting manager or controller, and specialised careers in forensic accounting, valuation, and consulting.

• Preparation for the CPA and other professional credentials — many graduates pursue licensure and the programme supports meeting educational requirements and exam readiness.
• Opportunities in government and not‑for‑profit organisations in financial management, compliance and oversight.
• Paths to further academic study such as doctoral research or combined degree options for those interested in teaching or advanced research careers.

Career services at the University of Missouri and the programme’s relationships with employers facilitate internships and recruitment by public accounting firms, corporations, and government agencies.

Why study at University of Missouri

The University of Missouri’s accounting programme is delivered through the Trulaske College of Business, which combines AACSB‑accredited teaching, applied research, and connections to regional and national employers. Students benefit from experienced faculty who engage in both scholarly research and professional practice, small‑group interaction in advanced seminars, and access to campus career services focused on accounting and finance recruiting.

Located in Columbia, the university offers a supportive community, organised accounting student organisations and networking events, and internship opportunities with firms that regularly recruit on campus. The programme emphasises technical competence, ethical judgement and practical skills such as data analytics and communication to prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the accounting profession.