The degree builds upon the broad framework of the undergraduate degree in accounting. Graduate accounting courses emphasize study of current accounting literature, critical thinking, case studies, accounting theory, and written and oral communication. Class sizes are designed to be small to encourage interaction between the professor and each student.

70% of those advanced degrees from Illinois State passed the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam on their first try in 2015—the second-highest pass rate in Illinois for large accounting programs.