University of Missouri-Kansas City

What you'll study

The programme provides a broad business foundation followed by concentrated accounting study. Early-year courses cover business fundamentals such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, business statistics, finance, and management. Major coursework focuses on financial accounting, managerial accounting, federal taxation, auditing, accounting information systems, and business law.

Typical modules and topics include:

• Introductory and Intermediate Financial Accounting — recognition, measurement and reporting of assets, liabilities, equity, revenue and expenses.
• Managerial and Cost Accounting — budgeting, performance measurement, costing methods and decision-making for managers.
• Federal Taxation — taxation of individuals and businesses, tax research and compliance fundamentals.
• Auditing and Assurance — audit methodology, professional standards, internal control and risk assessment.
• Accounting Information Systems and Data Analytics — use of accounting software, ERP concepts, spreadsheet modelling and introduction to analytics for financial data.
• Business Law and Ethics — legal environment of business, corporate governance and ethical issues in accounting.
• Electives and Special Topics — forensic accounting, advanced tax, international accounting, or accounting for non-profit organisations.

The curriculum commonly includes a capstone or senior-level project and encourages internships with accounting firms or corporate finance departments to provide practical experience. Coursework emphasises technical competence, communication skills and professional ethics to prepare students for certification exams and workplace responsibilities.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admission decisions consider academic transcripts, coursework in mathematics and related subjects, and overall academic preparedness. Recommended prior study includes algebra, precalculus and introductory economics.

For domestic applicants, a combination of secondary grades and any available college-level coursework is used for entry assessment. Transfer students must submit college transcripts; transfer credit for introductory business and accounting courses is commonly assessed. Standardised test results may be optional depending on the admissions policy in place.

International applicants are required to demonstrate equivalent academic qualifications and English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional alternatives. Applicants should consult the university admissions pages for details on documentation, visa guidance and credential evaluation procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across public accounting, industry, government and not-for-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Public accounting: audit, tax and advisory roles with national and regional firms, including preparation for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.
• Corporate accounting: financial reporting, management accounting, budgeting, internal audit and controllership positions within companies.
• Financial analyst and treasury functions: analysing financial performance, forecasting and working in corporate finance teams.
• Forensic accounting and compliance: investigating fraud, supporting litigation and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Government and non-profit accounting: roles in municipal, state or federal agencies and charitable organisations managing public funds and grants.
• Consulting and advisory services: business process improvement, systems implementation and tax planning.

Graduates commonly pursue professional qualifications such as the CPA, CIA, CMA or advanced study such as a master’s degree in accounting, taxation or business administration to enhance career mobility and meet licensure requirements.

Why study at University of Missouri-Kansas City

The programme is delivered by the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, which offers accounting education within an AACSB-accredited business school environment. Students benefit from faculty with practitioner and scholarly experience, a curriculum aligned with professional competencies, and resources aimed at certification preparation.

Key advantages include strong links with the Kansas City business community and public accounting firms, which support internship and employment opportunities; dedicated career services and accounting-specific advising; and active student organisations such as chapters of professional groups that provide networking and leadership experience. Practical learning is supported through accounting labs, software training and opportunities for applied projects with local organisations.

Overall, the university’s location in a diverse commercial centre, combined with programme emphasis on technical skills, ethics and experiential learning, makes it a practical choice for students seeking careers in accounting and related services.