OnlineMastersDegrees.org (OMD) recently named the UNC Greensboro Bryan School of Business and Economics’ online Master’s in Accounting one of the nation’s best and most affordable programs. Soon afterward, Forbes ranked the School’s online B.S. in Accounting among the best in the country. Together, the honors capped a standout year for the Department of Accounting and Finance.
National Recognition for the Master’s Program
“The UNCG accounting master’s program is an excellent combination of quality and value, and these recognitions reflect that,” says lecturer Jess Bankhead, who also serves as the program’s director.
“Our accounting programs hold AACSB accreditation, an achievement earned by only 1 percent of business schools worldwide. We pair that quality with affordability, value-added services and strong career outcomes. Our mission is to prepare students for professional certifications and successful careers in public accounting and industry. Students can also choose concentrations in taxation or financial reporting and assurance. In addition, we offer a graduate certificate in taxation. Our graduates continue to outperform the national average on the CPA exam.”
Top Rankings for Quality and Affordability
OMD ranked the Bryan School’s online Master’s in Accounting No. 16 in the nation and No. 2 in North Carolina for overall quality.
The organization also ranked the program No. 7 nationally for affordability. In North Carolina, OMD named it the No. 1 most affordable online Master’s in Accounting program.
OMD based its rankings on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Colleges and universities report that information to the U.S. Department of Education each year. To qualify, institutions had to meet accreditation standards and offer programs at least partially online. OMD then evaluated affordability, online learning availability and student support before publishing its rankings.
Preparing Students for Career Success
“These recognitions validate our efforts to provide the same high-quality accounting education online that we deliver on campus,” says Dr. Randy Elder, head of the Department of Accounting and Finance and FORVIS Professor.
“Students do not need an undergraduate accounting or business degree to enter the program. Some already work in accounting and want additional education to advance their careers or qualify for the CPA exam. Others want to transition into accounting from another profession. Regardless of their background, our award-winning faculty help students build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.”
Forbes Honors the Online Bachelor’s Program
The Bryan School’s online B.S. in Accounting also earned national recognition. Forbes ranked the program No. 7 in the United States after comparing leading online accounting degrees.
The publication evaluated factors such as course delivery, curriculum, tuition costs and student outcomes. It also praised the Bryan School for its low average net price, strong socioeconomic diversity and technology support for online learners.
Forbes highlighted the program’s practical approach to learning. Students complete coursework in taxation and auditing while preparing for careers in accounting. They can earn the degree entirely online or on campus. They can also fast-track a master’s degree and complete both programs in five years.
Beyond the classroom, students can build professional connections through internships and organizations such as the National Millennial Community and the Spartan Investment Club. Forbes also recognized UNCG’s institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Bryan School’s AACSB accreditation.
