University of Missouri Leverages the Value of Becker Integration

An Empowering Partnership 

Over two decades ago, the University of Missouri (Mizzou) forged a longstanding, strategic partnership with Becker. Today, that partnership is stronger than ever. For Mizzou, it represents student success, ensuring they build the foundation needed to excel in upper-level accounting coursework, prepare for the CPA Exam, and launch successful careers in the profession. 

Bridging the Gap Between Coursework and CPA Readiness 

Students often enter upper-level accounting courses with varying levels of preparation. Left unaddressed, these foundational knowledge gaps can create challenges in advanced coursework, and later CPA Exam preparation. To address this need, Becker partnered with Mizzou to develop Becker Academy, a series of foundational courses designed to strengthen core accounting concepts and build student confidence. Today, Becker Academy currently includes: 

• Financial Accounting Foundations 1 (FAF1) 
• Financial Accounting Foundations 2 (FAF2) 
• Individual Tax Foundations (ITF) 
• Management Accounting Foundations (MAF)

“Becker enables us to deliver a truly end-to-end student experience, from identifying knowledge gaps early to ensuring students are fully prepared for the CPA Exam. That integration is what drives confidence, performance, and ultimately, career success.” — Matt Glendening, Associate Professor & Interim Director, School of Accountancy

Guided, Up-to-Date CPA Exam Preparation 

Mizzou’s priority is helping all students, including non-accounting majors, succeed in accounting coursework and CPA Exam preparation. “Our top priority is ensuring all students, including non-accounting majors, are prepared to succeed,” said Dr. Somer Anderson, Associate Teaching Professor, School of Accountancy, and Becker Academy Coordinator. Becker supports this goal through access to Becker’s learning platform, structured learning pathways, and early insight into knowledge gaps. 

Becker and Mizzou also work together to provide current CPA Exam guidance, including exam structure, application and scheduling requirements, review course enrollment, and effective study strategies. 

“Becker has been a valuable partner in helping us ensure students receive accurate and up-to-date information about the CPA Exam,” said Kristen Hockman, Associate Teaching Professor, School of Accountancy, and Becker CPA Review Campus Coordinator. 

As exam requirements evolve, Becker proactively shares updates and refreshed materials so faculty and students stay informed and prepared. The partnership also creates opportunities for ongoing collaboration with Becker representatives and fellow educators, helping Mizzou respond quickly to changes in the exam and the accounting profession.

Expanding Access and Structured Learning Pathways 

AccountingMaster 

To strengthen student readiness, Mizzou uses Becker’s AccountingMaster in undergraduate accounting courses. This gives students early exposure to the CPA style questions early in the curriculum, helping build both competence and confidence before they begin formal exam preparation. 

Financial Accounting Foundations 1 

Mizzou also integrates Becker Academy’s FAF1 into its intermediate accounting undergraduate course to strengthen foundational knowledge before students begin Intermediate Accounting, positioning them for greater success in the course. 

FAR Exam Review 

Mizzou now offers Becker’s CPA Exam Review FAR course as a 16-week Special Topics class in its master’s program. At the start of the class, students complete the FAF1 diagnostic to assess their readiness for FAR. Throughout the semester, students follow a structured study schedule, completing weekly assigned FAR modules on their own. 

At the end of the semester, students complete Simulated Exam 1 in a proctored on-campus computer lab. The course follows Becker’s Exam Day ReadySM framework: students are considered ready to pass FAR when they complete 80% of the concept videos, correctly answer 80% of MCQs and TBSs, and earn at least 50% on mini and simulated exams. Through Becker’s Navigator tracking tool, faculty can monitor student progress and identify when additional support is needed.

Results

Mizzou has consistently demonstrated strong CPA Exam outcomes while maintaining an approximately 95% career placement rate for its accounting graduates.  “The fact that we are so successful speaks to the strength of our program, as well as the strength of the Becker products that we are using,” said Kristen Hockman.

Faculty also observed increased student confidence in foundational accounting concepts and encouraging early signs that diagnostic tools and structured learning pathways are improving CPA Exam readiness.

Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration and Student Success

Mizzou’s top priorities remain focused on:

• Preparing students for successful accounting careers
• Supporting CPA Exam completion before full-time employment
• Continuously improving student outcomes

The university values ongoing collaboration with Becker, including:

• Opportunities to engage with Becker representatives and fellow educators
• Insights into industry trends and exam changes
• Continued feedback loops to enhance CPA Review materials

Materials and Support at a Glance

• Integrated CPA Exam Review for master’s curriculum
• FAF1 integration in Intermediate Financial Accounting course 
• Platform-based diagnostics and learning pathways
• Account manager partnership and support
• Collaboration opportunities with Becker and peers
• Partnership for potential student savings

Through its longstanding partnership with Becker, Mizzou continues to strengthen the connection between classroom learning, CPA Exam preparation, and career success, ensuring students are equipped to thrive throughout their professional journeys.

Learn More About Educator Solutions

Becker works with hundreds of colleges and universities, helping them integrate our CPA Exam Review, Becker Academy, and other products into existing curriculum. With structured materials, transparency into student progress, and hands-on assistance, we can help you ensure your students are career and CPA Exam ready.

To get started, reach out to Amy Johnson at ajohnson@becker.com today!