Mississippi opened a bachelor's route on July 1, 2026. You can now earn a CPA license with a bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience. The state board announced the new pathway on its website.
The bill was signed on March 16, 2026, according to the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants. If you're finishing a bachelor's, contact the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy. Ask what coursework this route requires and when you can apply.
How to Get a CPA License in Mississippi
Every route also asks you to pass the Uniform CPA Exam. Here's how the education and experience fit together in Mississippi.
| Route | Education | Experience | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's plus 2 years | Bachelor's degree | 2 years | In effect since July 1, 2026 |
What Changed Recently
A new pathway with a bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience took effect July 1, 2026. HB 1137 was signed March 16, 2026, according to the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants.
What Accountants Earn in Mississippi
Accountants and auditors in Mississippi earned a median of $68,100 a year in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The middle half earned between $57,550 and $93,640. About 7,350 people held these jobs in the state.
Accounting Programs in Mississippi
One program on our main rankings is based in Mississippi. A degree from a school in the state is often the simplest way to match the board's coursework rules.
- University of Mississippi, Bachelor of Accountancy: one of our 100 best bachelor's accounting programs
CPA Requirements in Nearby States
Thinking about working across a state line, or studying in one state and licensing in another? Each state sets its own rules, so here's where the states near Mississippi stand on the bachelor's-plus-experience route.
- Alabama CPA requirements: bachelor's route proposed for October 15, 2026
- Arkansas CPA requirements: bachelor's route in effect since March 5, 2026
- Louisiana CPA requirements: bachelor's route in effect since August 1, 2026
- Tennessee CPA requirements: bachelor's route in effect since January 1, 2026
Check With the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy
The board sets the rules and decides your application. We checked these requirements against official sources on October 12, 2026. Rules change, so confirm the details on the board's site before you apply.