IMA Endorsement Seal. IMA's® (Institute of Management Accountants) Higher Education Endorsement initiative recognizes programs that meet high educational standards, preparing students to enter into the profession of management accounting.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is proud to announce that the Manning School of Business' accounting program has earned endorsement by the IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants), one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession.

IMA's Higher Education Endorsement initiative recognizes programs that meet high educational standards, preparing students to enter into the profession of management accounting. More information about the program is available on IMA's website.

Endorsement by IMA is a symbol showing that the Manning School of Business equips both undergraduate and graduate accounting students with the necessary professional skills for the job market and career progression in business. Manning accounting programs provide high-quality academic and applied education that is relevant to the profession and is in alignment with the vision to be regionally and internationally recognized.

To qualify for endorsement by IMA, schools must meet the following criteria:

  1. the program must substantially cover the CMA exam content;
  2. the program must have adequate faculty resources to deliver this content;
  3. the program must be accredited by a recognized accreditation organization (e.g., AACSB); and
  4. a faculty member must be designated as an IMA Campus Advocate.

"IMA is pleased to welcome University of Massachusetts Lowell to the growing list of schools that support the CMA exam program and have achieved a consistent standard of excellence," said Dr. Raef Lawson, CMA, CPA, CFP, CFA, IMA vice president of research and professor-in-residence. "High-quality, up-to-date educational programs that support the current needs of businesses will help future professional management accountants accomplish their career objectives and meet the competency expectations of employers."

IMA's globally-recognized CMA program is a relevant assessment of advanced accounting and financial management knowledge in four areas: financial planning, analysis, control and decision support – each of which is increasingly critical in meeting the changing needs of business, and therefore, essential learning for students of accounting and finance.