You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field. The IMA doesn’t require an accounting or finance degree. I’ve coached CMAs whose original degrees were in engineering, biology, marketing, and even psychology. As long as your school is accredited and recognized by the IMA, you’re eligible. If your degree is from outside the U.S., the IMA can evaluate it through an approved credential evaluator like NIES or WES. There are also alternative paths: certain professional certifications (like the CPA or a recognized international equivalent) can satisfy the education requirement in place of a degree. You don’t need your degree in hand before you start studying or testing — you just need it submitted to the IMA within seven years of completing the exam.
