Top Accounting Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Accelerated Programs
Credit: Eva-Katalin / E+ / Getty ImagesBachelor’s-to-master’s accounting degree programs offer an efficient path to earning dual degrees. Students in these fast-paced programs can obtain an accounting bachelor’s and an accounting master’s without applying to another program, saving time and potentially tuition costs.
Accelerated accounting degrees leading to both undergraduate and graduate 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.
Best Accelerated 5-Year Accounting Programs
Amberton University
Garland, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Garland, Texas, Amberton provides strong education pathways for working professionals. The private school features a unique pay-as-you-go tuition model to help learners pursue their education and avoid significant debt.
BBA/MBA Accounting Dual Degree Program
Amberton University's BBA/MBA accounting program allows learners to complete two degrees on a flexible schedule. Students can take a mix of online and in-person classes or attend solely online. Weekend and evening in-person classes and self-paced online courses help learners attend school around their personal and professional schedules.
This program meets the Texas state standards to become a certified public accountant (CPA). Enrollees take a blend of accounting, finance, marketing, and economics courses in preparation for the CPA exam and board licensure. To receive dual degrees, each enrollee must complete at least 45 hours of accounting courses throughout the program.
Amberton's Accelerated Experience
The dual-degree program has a standard number of undergraduate and graduate degree credits. Still, learners can schedule eligible online and in-person classes during the summer to finish more quickly. They can also enroll before any of the school's four academic sessions.
Amberton ensures financial accessibility with a flat-rate tuition of $285 per credit for every student and grade level.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Undergraduate Tuition: $285/credit
- Graduate Tuition: $285/credit
- Required Credits: 120 credits (bachelor's); 30 credits (master's)
- Delivery Format: Hybrid or 100% online (asynchronous)
- Admissions
- Process: An undergraduate applicant must have completed at least 30 credits from an accredited school, hold United States citizenship, maintain proficiency in English, and possess work experience. Students enrolled in the BBA/MBA program can transition to the MBA portion after successfully completing the BBA program.
- GPA: No requirement for undergraduates. However, students must finish their undergraduate program with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- Cost: None
- In-State$8,550
- Out-of-state$8,550
- In-State$6,840
- Out-of-state$6,840
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled1,103
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
As one of the oldest universities in Florida, Tallahassee's FSU has a rich history in academic research and excellence. Its Seminole athletics department has secured multiple national championships and supports more than 40 sports clubs.
Combined Bachelor of Science-Accounting/Master of Accounting
The dual-degree accounting program at Florida State University gives learners an accelerated bridge to complete bachelor's and master's degrees. The selective program requires learners to complete some college coursework before declaring accounting their major.
The bachelor's portion includes courses in calculus, business statistics, risk management, and financial markets. For the master's curriculum, students learn forensic accounting, analysis, and taxation concepts. This portion also offers an internship for degree-seekers to gain real-world experience and strengthen learned concepts.
Once enrolled in the master's degree program, students can choose one from generalist, taxation, or assurance and advisory services accounting majors.
FSU's Accelerated Experience
FSU allows students to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in about five years. Enrollees can take up to three graduate-level courses during their undergraduate studies to shorten the completion time of their master's program.
The courses will apply to the student's graduate program when they earn a minimum average GPA of 3.0 in those classes.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Undergraduate Tuition: $215/credit (in state); $721/credit (out of state)
- Graduate Tuition: $479/credit (in state); $1,111/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120 credits (bachelor's); 30 credits (master's)
- Undergraduate Program Length: 4 years
- Graduate Program Length: 1 year
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Process: Each applicant must have completed at least 52 credits before applying. Otherwise, the school requires that a candidate must meet general admission guidelines, including submitting transcripts and a resume and writing an essay.
- GPA: 2.90
- Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
- Cost: $30
- Graduate Admissions
- Process: Each student must indicate their interest in the dual program and apply for graduate admission during the first semester of their undergraduate senior year. A candidate submits a statement of intent, resume, declaration of residency, and three letters of recommendation with their application and transcripts.
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE
- Cost: $30
- In-State$4,640
- Out-of-state$19,084
- In-State$9,684
- Out-of-state$24,116
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate32%
- Students Enrolled43,569
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
Baruch is a public college of the City University of New York. Known primarily for its impact on New York City's art scene, Baruch hosts art galleries, a performing arts center, and a residency program for writers to hone their craft.
BBA/MS Path to CPA
Baruch College offers its dual-degree accounting program through the Zicklin College of Business. Learners prepare for CPA licensure in New York when they choose an MS in accountancy or taxation for their graduate portion. However, an MS in information systems is also available. MS in taxation degree enrollees can choose a concentration in financial planning.
During the undergraduate program, each degree-seeker completes a 30-credit business core with finance, marketing, and introductory accounting courses. The 24-credit major component adds more intricate accounting and taxation concepts. Graduate-level students explore auditing, business taxation, and data analytics.
Baruch's Accelerated Experience
Baruch allows MS students to waive some coursework and complete their master's degrees in one year or less. The program currently features waivers for eight business courses and five accounting courses. Students must have taken waived courses within five years of beginning the MS portion of the dual-degree program.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Undergraduate Tuition: $3,465/12+ credits (in state); $620/credit (out of state)
- Graduate Tuition: $5,545/12+ credits (in state); $855/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 124 credits (bachelor's); 30-70 credits (master's)
- Program Length: 5 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Process: Baruch students interested in the BBA program may gain automatic admission if they have achieved specific honors from the school. Otherwise, applicants must complete prerequisite coursework and submit transcripts.
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Cost: $65
- Graduate Admissions
- Process: The Zicklin School of Business requires each MS candidate to submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and two essays with their online application. Seniors enrolled in the BBA accounting program may qualify for a reduced admissions process.
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Cost: $75
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$11,090
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled19,740
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
SDSU supports its diverse student body through numerous cultural centers. The on-campus recreation center offers learners a blend of fun, fitness, and camaraderie through sports, wellness and fitness classes, and excursions.
BMACC Degree
San Diego State University offers a competitive BMACC to accounting students aiming to become licensed accountants. Undergraduate enrollees can apply for the BMACC program to earn graduate credits while taking bachelor's-level courses.
Students can pursue a financial reporting, taxation, or accounting information systems track to align with their professional goals. These tracks are part of the graduate portion of the program and include in-depth studies of ethics, financial planning, and fraud.
Offered by the prestigious Fowler College of Business, the BMACC program provides exclusive job fairs, workshops, and on-campus interviews for enrollees to jumpstart their careers.
SDSU's Accelerated Experience
SDSU's dual-degree accounting program aims for a degree timeline of five years. The program requires only 30 credits to finish the graduate degree, after which learners will have enough credits to prepare for CPA licensure.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC); American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Undergraduate Tuition: $2,871/term (in state); $396/credit (out of state)
- Graduate Tuition: $3,588/term (in state); $666/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 132 credits (bachelor's); 30 credits (master's)
- Program Length: 5 years
- Delivery Format: On campus or hybrid
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Process: SDSU requires applicants to complete prerequisite courses before applying. Degree-seekers must submit official transcripts and choose their intended majors.
- GPA: 2.5 (California residents); 3.0 (non-residents)
- Cost: $70
- BMACC Admissions
- Process: Students can apply for the BMACC program during their undergraduate studies after completing two upper-division accounting courses or ACCTG 331.
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: GMAT
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled36,334
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Since 1831, NYU has grown into one of the most prestigious universities in the country. In addition to its globally recognized research facilities and campuses, NYU offers students high-tech computer labs, professional development events, and diverse cultural experiences.
BS/MS in Accounting
Offered by the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, the BS/MS in accounting program at New York University prepares enrollees to pursue CPA licensure. Students in the undergraduate program can apply for admission into the dual-degree program during their first year.
The undergraduate curriculum covers the fundamentals of statistics, financial accounting, finance, and business law. Upper-level courses include financial statement modeling, auditing, and data analysis and management.
Undergraduate students can pursue research opportunities that may count toward degree credits. These projects allow learners to work with faculty members to enhance their skills and understanding of course concepts.
NYU's Accelerated Experience
NYU's BS/MS in accounting requires just 22 credits for its graduate portion, with six credits completed during the undergraduate program. Each learner can finish the remainder during an intensive summer semester. The program also provides enough credits for seniors to sit for the CPA exam.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Undergraduate Tuition: $29,084/semester
- Graduate Tuition: $24,503/semester
- Required Credits: 134 credits (bachelor's); 16 credits (master's)
- Program Length: 4 years plus 1 summer term
- Delivery Format: On campus
- Admissions
- Process: Each candidate begins by applying to the NYU Stern undergraduate business program with a letter of recommendation, intent to pursue the CPA pathway, and a self-reported academic record. Students can then apply for the master's degree portion after acceptance into the business major.
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: SAT, ACT, or three AP tests
- Cost: $80
- In-State$52,204
- Out-of-state$52,204
- In-State$34,704
- Out-of-state$34,704
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate21%
- Students Enrolled52,775
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Why Pursue a Combined Bachelor’s-Master’s Program?
CPA Certification
Most five-year accounting programs are designed with CPA certification in mind. Coursework meets specific requirements for the CPA exam, and your classes may help you prepare for the exam itself. Your program may also help you fulfill professional experience requirements for CPA certification.
Save Time and Money
Enrolling in a five-year accounting program helps you complete your education faster, which can help you save money on tuition. Spending five years in school, rather than six, can reduce your overall tuition expenses. You can also enter the workforce faster and begin earning money sooner.
Better Professional Training
A five-year accounting program gives you more training than a graduate accounting certificate. Your courses build deeper skills and more specialized knowledge. Taking the extra step of earning a master’s degree can also prepare you for more advanced career paths with increased leadership responsibilities.
Trade-Offs in Getting Two Accounting Degrees Faster
- No Choice of Grad School: A five-year accounting program locks you into an extra year at the same school. This isn’t ideal if a program’s graduate concentration options don’t match your professional goals. It can also be useful to earn a master’s at a new school, meeting new professors and classmates.
- Fewer Course Options: In a five-year accounting program, you must complete a specific set of courses to graduate on time. While this helps you move through your education faster, you may have fewer opportunities to take elective or other special courses. An accelerated program may give you fewer course options overall.
- No Time Off Between Degrees: A five-year, fast-[aced program may not give you time off between earning your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If you already know you want to become a CPA, this likely won’t affect your decision. But some students may want time off after undergrad to explore their professional options.
What to Expect From a Dual-Degree Accounting Program
Most five-year accounting programs include 120 credits for a bachelor’s in accounting and 30 additional credits for a master’s. This course load meets the 150-credit requirement for CPA certification in some states. These programs go by many names, including:
- Bachelor’s-master’s pathway
- 3+1 or 4+1 degree
- 5-year program
- Dual-degree program
Five-year programs are different from bachelor’s degree completion programs, which require you to hold an associate degree or equivalent credits. They’re also different from traditional accelerated programs, which allow you to complete a single degree faster.
Many five-year accounting programs break down into four years of undergraduate coursework and one year of graduate coursework. However, these programs let you start your graduate classes earlier to complete your master’s in one year rather than two.
In many instances, your undergraduate accounting coursework can fulfill graduate accounting requirements. In some jurisdictions, you’ll always need to complete 150 credits for CPA eligibility, but a five-year program can get you there faster.
Learn More About Accelerated Accounting Programs:
- Accelerated Accounting Bachelor’s
- Online Accelerated Accounting Bachelor’s
- Accelerated Accounting Master’s
Degree and Concentration Options
Accounting programs offer different degrees and concentration options to prepare you for various career paths. Many programs offer a BS in accounting, though you can also earn a bachelor of business administration or a bachelor of accountancy.
Degree options at the graduate level may include a MS in accounting, an MBA in accounting, or a master of accountancy. Course requirements and professional outcomes vary among these degrees. For instance, an MS in accounting may focus more on technical skills, while an MBA includes more general business and management training.
Some common accounting concentration options include:
- Assurance and advisory services
- Generalist
- Taxation
- Accounting information systems
- Financial reporting
Admissions Process
For many five-year accounting programs, the undergraduate application process is similar to any other degree. You’ll need to submit your high school transcripts or GED certificate, complete an online application, and pay an application fee. Some schools also maintain a GPA minimum and require you to submit SAT scores.
In many programs, you apply for admission to the graduate track during the final year of your undergraduate studies. At others, you may need to apply for the five-year track when you declare your accounting major. Regardless of timeline, most programs require you to complete a full graduate application even if you’re already an accounting major.
Graduate application requirements are typically more rigorous than undergraduate requirements. For many programs, you’ll need a minimum 3.0 GPA on your undergraduate coursework, particularly for courses in accounting. Many schools also require you to submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a graduate application fee.
You may also need to submit either GMAT or GRE scores as part of your graduate application. In a five-year program, you’ll typically need to take one of these exams during your senior year. The GRE focuses on general subject matter, while the GMAT focuses more specifically on business concepts.
Popular Accounting Undergraduate Courses
In a five-year accounting program, you can often take courses in an accelerated format, helping you earn credits quickly and graduate faster. In an accelerated program, you may be able to take condensed courses that last just 5-10 weeks, rather than a full semester. You may also be able to take a heavier course load each semester.
Regardless of course length, all accounting programs include standardized classes that teach you fundamental accounting concepts. While course titles may change between programs, the basic course topics should stay the same. Common undergraduate courses include:
- Principles of Accounting: This core course introduces the basics of accounting, such as asset valuation, the accounting cycle, and revenue and expense recognition. Students learn how companies measure financial data and record transactions. This foundational course forms a basis for further accounting study, helping students understand generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
- Financial Accounting and Reporting: Financial reports are a key tool for businesses, allowing organizations to analyze financial data such as revenue and spending. This course focuses on the principles of financial reporting, including how to perform analysis of complex financial statements.
- Auditing: This course highlights the practices and ethics of auditing, which examines and regulates business finances. Students learn the specifics of the audit process and how businesses make decisions related to auditing. Common course topics may include legal liability, risk assessment, and the business regulatory environment.
- Federal Income Taxation: Federal income tax affects all individuals and businesses, which makes it key knowledge for accountants. This course focuses on major concepts related to taxation, such as business and personal deductions, tax credits, and capital asset transactions. Students also learn about federal tax law and its impact on business and accounting practices.
Popular Accounting Graduate Courses
Graduate coursework in accounting builds on the skills and knowledge you gained in a bachelor’s degree. In a five-year accounting program, you may begin taking graduate-level courses as part of your bachelor’s curriculum, reducing your degree completion time.
Graduate programs often include special course requirements, such as a thesis or capstone. A thesis is more academic and includes significant research, while a capstone focuses more on practical business applications for accounting.
- Advanced Accounting: This course expands on introductory and intermediate accounting knowledge, deepening students’ understanding of financial reporting in more complex settings. Building on concepts such as inventory policies and asset valuation, the course requires students to combine skills from previous courses. Common topics include business combinations, foreign operations, and cash flow statements.
- Managerial Accounting: At the highest employment levels, accountants perform complex financial analysis that can help businesses make major decisions. This course highlights the relationship between accountants and managers, including how to prepare management reports. Other course topics may include strategic analysis, cost control and budgeting, and operational assets.
- Business Entity Taxation: Ethical and legal issues for business taxation differ from individual taxation, requiring accountants to understand different methods and concepts. This course focuses on taxation practices for business entities such as corporations, partnerships, estates, and trusts. Students may also examine relevant concepts in the taxation of non-business entities.
- Graduate Internship: Many accounting programs include an internship component that helps students build experience in a professional setting. In a five-year accounting program, your internship may help you fulfill work experience requirements for CPA certification. Internships allow you to work part time for school credit.
How Much Do Accounting 3+1 or 4+1 Programs Cost?
Tuition rates for accounting degrees vary widely among schools. However, some combined accounting programs require fewer credits than two separate degrees, which can translate to less money spent on tuition. Exploring tuition rates for affordable bachelor’s degrees and cheap master’s degrees can give you a sense of whether a combined program will save you money.
Some schools charge a flat tuition rate per semester, regardless of your credit load, which can potentially save you money if you can take extra courses each semester. You may also take graduate courses as part of the bachelor’s curriculum, helping you fulfill credit requirements faster and more affordably.
You have many options to fund your accounting degree. Grants, fellowships, and scholarships offer the best deal, since you never have to repay them. Federal and private loans can be a practical choice, but they must always be paid back. Filling out the FAFSA can help you determine what aid you qualify for.
Questions About 4 or 5-Year Accounting Programs
A traditional bachelor’s in accounting takes four years of full-time study to complete. However, a bachelor’s-to-master’s accounting program usually takes five years. These programs combine bachelor’s and master’s coursework, helping you graduate faster.
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