Top Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Accelerated Accounting Degrees

Accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree programs offer students an efficient path to earning dual degrees in accounting. These programs typically allow degree-seekers to apply graduate-level credit to both their bachelor's degree and master's in accounting. This allows students to earn their degrees on a compact timeline.

Schools use various names to describe these programs:

• Accelerated bachelor's-to-master's accounting programs
• Dual-degree or combined-degree accounting programs
• Four-plus-one-year or five-year accounting programs

Students sometimes confuse bachelor's-to-master's programs with bridge programs. However, the two are entirely different. Bridge programs allow students with bachelor's degrees in non-accounting fields to earn a master's degree in accounting.

Accelerated accounting degrees leading to both bachelor's and master's credentials offer several benefits. For example, they provide a quicker path to completing the educational requirements for taking the certified public accountant (CPA) licensing exam. Use this guide to compare program details and explore a ranked list of the best dual accounting degrees.

Why Pursue a Combined Bachelor's-Master's Program?

• Meet CPA Exam Requirements: While most bachelor's degrees only require 120 credits, every state requires CPAs to complete 150 credits of college coursework to earn licensure. The curriculum of a combined bachelor’s-master’s program helps students meet this 150-credit requirement.
• Graduate Faster: Accelerated programs allow learners to graduate faster than average with a master's degree. Students in accelerated programs can typically enter the workforce more quickly.
• Enhanced Opportunities: While graduate certificates are often beneficial for job prospects, they do not always qualify professionals for advanced positions. Some employers seek out master's degree-holders to fill advanced roles that may include higher pay.

Trade-Offs in Getting Your Accounting Master's Faster

• Stay at One School: Accelerated dual-degree programs usually require students to earn both credentials at the same school. However, some students prefer to attend different institutions for their undergraduate and graduate studies. Combined-degree programs do not support this option.
• Less Flexibility: Pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees separately creates flexibility not available to learners in accelerated dual-degree programs. For instance, some accounting students prefer to take time off from studying after completing their bachelor's to gain work experience. Instead, accelerated programs route bachelor's graduates straight into master's programs.
• High Intensity: Accelerated bachelor's and master's programs feature intense, fast-paced learning schedules. Some students thrive in these environments, but others prefer to go through coursework more slowly. These programs' high intensity also demands major time commitments. This may also leave students unable to work part-time while they study.

What to Expect From a Dual BS-MS Degree

Accelerated accounting degree programs typically demand the equivalent of five academic years of full-time study. Most curricula require students to dedicate four years to the bachelor's degree and one year to their master's for a total of five years.

In many cases, some or all of the coursework completed during the student's fourth year (senior year) earns dual credit. Eligible courses count towards both a bachelor's and a master's program foundational courses.

Students in dual programs may save 1-2 years compared to traditional degrees. For example, standalone bachelor's accounting programs usually run four years. Standard master's accounting programs often require two years. So, pursuing each degree separately may take six academic years or longer.

Colleges offering dual-degree accounting programs offer several advantages other than shorter time commitments. First, they strive to provide graduates with advanced accounting skills and the potential for higher earnings. Second, these dual programs also offer an efficient way to earn the 150 credit hours of postsecondary schooling required to take the CPA exam in most states.

Degree and Concentration Options

While most combined bachelor's-master's programs culminate in a master's in accounting, some schools allow students to pursue undergraduate majors in several fields. These can include economics, marketing, and mathematics. Some institutions require students to complete a bachelor's in accounting to enroll in the combined bachelor's-master's program.

Some standalone master's degrees offer students concentrations in forensic accounting or taxation. However, most master's programs have a more fixed curriculum, requiring specific accounting courses with few electives or concentration options.

Often, institutions award an MS in accounting, though some programs may offer a master of accounting (MAcc) or MBA.

Admissions Process

Standard application requirements for bachelor's programs include a high school diploma or GED certificate, standardized test scores, and personal statements. Additional requirements may include professional or academic recommendations. Many schools use the Common App, a site that allows students to submit applications to multiple institutions.

While some bachelor's-to-master's accounting programs only accept high-performing students already working toward a bachelor's degree, others accept those without previous college coursework. In some cases, schools may require GMAT scores and/or GRE scores.

Applicants and candidates with high GPAs may qualify for quick admission to the master's track. In other cases, schools do not require dual-degree students to take any standardized tests. Each institution sets its own policies and admission requirements.

Popular Accounting Undergraduate Courses

Undergraduate accounting classes help students develop foundational skills in business, finance, and accounting. In dual degree programs, some courses count toward both the bachelor's and master's degree requirements. Though classes vary by school, we explore several common courses below:

• Principles of Financial Accounting: This course introduces basic accounting and financial reporting concepts. Learners study financial statements, the business operating cycle, and how businesses record and communicate information.
• Principles of Managerial Accounting: This class explores concepts of managerial accounting and their impact on business decision-making. Students learn how managers use this information to plan operations, manage activities, and make decisions.
• Business Communication: Business communication courses develop written and oral skills for professionals. These classes typically cover professional writing and communication fundamentals tailored toward business situations.
• Global Financial Management: This course explores finance in global environments, including multinational firms. Learners study topics like global operational decision-making, foreign exchange theory, and risk management.

Popular Accounting Graduate Courses

Master's accounting courses explore advanced topics to deepen students' understanding of the accounting field. Some classes may develop specific accounting skills like forensics or taxation. We explore common graduate-level accounting courses below:

• Taxation of Entities: This course examines the federal income taxation of organizations, corporations, trusts, and estates. Students learn about ethics, administrative procedures, and tax law.
• Sustainability Accounting: This class explores accounting and its connection to enterprises' environmental and social impacts. Learners study techniques for gathering and reporting sustainability data about companies' practices.
• Forensic Accounting: This interdisciplinary course combines accounting and law. Enrollees learn about evidence-gathering, information technology, and legal compliance for financial crimes. This class also provides foundational knowledge about fraud prevention, detection, and investigation.
• Business Valuation: This course builds on foundational knowledge of cash flow analysis, investments, and valuation. Students corporate restructuring and topics like reinvestment and distribution of cash flow, incentive alignment, and divestitures.

How Much Do Accounting 3+1 or 4+1 Programs Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition for four-year undergraduate programs was $16,647 in the 2019-20 academic year. Factors impact tuition include whether a school is public or private and whether students are state residents. In-state public schools typically offer the most affordable tuition.

NCES data also shows the average tuition for graduate programs was $19,792 in the 2019-20 academic year — higher than undergraduate tuition. Because 3+1 and 4+1 programs combine courses across degree levels, students should investigate how institutions charge tuition.

Some programs, for example, charge students undergraduate tuition for the first four years of enrollment and then graduate tuition for the final year of study. Other schools may charge tuition per course based on degree designation.

Combined bachelor's-master's programs are sometimes more affordable than pursuing even accounting bachelor's and master's degrees separately, as they require full-time enrollment for a reduced number of years. This can translate to savings of 1-2 years of full-time tuition.

Should You Get Your Degrees Online?

Online accounting programs offer several benefits like flexibility. Many programs include at least some asynchronous classes, which don't hold scheduled meetings and allow learners to complete assignments on a less rigid schedule. This provides flexibility for students with other obligations. Some online degrees charge in-state or otherwise reduced tuition for distance learners.

However, prospective applicants should carefully consider their learning style before committing to an online degree. Distance education requires time management, discipline, and self-sufficiency. Some students learn best in a classroom setting with live instruction, so online degrees may not suit their needs.

Selecting the Right Accelerated Accounting Program

When researching accelerated accounting programs, make sure the school is accredited. Accreditation verifies the program comes from a school that conforms to standards of academic excellence.

Learners should also consider the program size and student-to-teacher ratio: Small classes may mean more individualized attention from instructors, which can help students succeed academically and lead to more networking opportunities. Career services are also a relevant factor to consider. Research whether prospective programs offer internships, resume workshops, or job boards.

Best Accelerated Accounting Undergrad-to-Grad Degrees

Explore our ranking of the top five bachelor's-to-master's accelerated accounting degrees for 2022. The link below provides more information about how we rank schools.

Common Questions About Dual Accounting Degrees

Can you do undergrad and grad in accounting at the same time?

Yes. Some institutions offer combined programs that allow you to enroll full time and complete both a bachelor's degree and a master's in accounting.

How long does an accelerated BS-MS in accounting program take?

Many accelerated dual degrees take 4-5 years of full-time study. Students begin graduate-level coursework in their third or fourth year of study as they complete their undergraduate requirements.

Is a combined bachelor's and master's accounting program worth it?

Combined programs are useful for students looking to complete the credits needed to qualify for CPA licensure more quickly. Before enrolling, learners should consider the rigor of these accelerated programs, which do not typically allow part-time enrollment.

Is a master's necessary for a CPA?

No, CPA licensure does not require a master's degree. However, every state requires prospective CPAs to complete 150 credits of college coursework, while a typical bachelor's degree only requires 120 credits. Completing a master's degree can help students achieve the 150-credit minimum while also earning an advanced credential that can boost career prospects and salary potential.

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