Top Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting 2025
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Credit: JGI/Tom Grill / Tetra Images / Getty ImagesA master’s degree in accounting can prepare you for advanced certifications, licensure, and leadership roles in accounting and auditing. Online degree programs are accessible and flexible, making them a great choice for working professionals.
Find out what the top online master’s degrees in accounting offer and how they differ from on-campus programs.
Top Online Accounting Master’s Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
UNC-Chapel Hill's online master of accounting degree accepts applicants with any undergraduate major. Students must complete 34-48 credits, depending on previous coursework. The program can be completed within 12-36 months.
The program teaches managerial accounting, spreadsheet modeling, and strategic cost accounting skills. Students can choose among three concentrations: tax, audit, and financial analysis and reporting. They can participate in the global immersion program, which connects students with worldwide business executives.
Highlights
- Four start times throughout the year
- Online students can access career coaching and leadership training services
- Multiple master of accounting fellowship opportunities
Considerations
- Each class has two hours of synchronous lectures weekly
- Residents and non-residents pay $1,446 per credit hour
- Applicants must complete virtual interviews
- In-State$7,020
- Out-of-state$37,360
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,844
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled32,496
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
UWF’s master of accountancy program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The program offers four concentrations: analytics, business analysis and reporting, information systems, and taxation.
Students must complete 30 credit hours, including 18 core credits and 12 concentration credits. They can typically graduate in 24 months.
Highlights
- Third-highest first-time pass rate for CPA exam among all U.S. public schools
- The school's writing lab can review papers and fix grammatical issues
- $456 per credit hour for attendees and $425 per credit hour for active-duty personnel, veterans, or spouses
Considerations
- Only accepts transfer credits from AACSB-accredited schools
- Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or above on the last 60 credit hours of their undergraduate degree
- Limited graduate scholarship opportunities
- In-State$3,735
- Out-of-state$16,004
- In-State$7,088
- Out-of-state$22,166
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled13,521
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
FIU's fully online master of accounting program can be completed within 12 months. The program has AACSB accreditation and offers specialization tracks in taxation or assurance. Each specialization track requires 30 credits, which includes 10 pre-selected courses.
The master of accounting program charges a per-semester rate. Online students pay a total of $29,214, regardless of location. Applicants must pay a $200 deposit upon acceptance.
Highlights
- Students can access Becker CPA courses
- Provides virtual information sessions about the program and financial aid
- Offers specialized scholarships for master of accounting students
Considerations
- Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in accounting or business
- Also offers a hybrid program, which can be completed in 10 months
- Conditional admission applicants must complete five prerequisite summer courses
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled54,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
NC State University's master of accounting program is designed for entry to mid-level professionals. The 31-credit program focuses on commercial law, income tax, and auditing. Students can take nine elective credit hours or select a concentration.
Distance education and in-person students pay the same tuition rate. Graduate students have a maximum tuition cap of nine credits per semester. North Carolina residents pay $546 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $1,701 per credit.
Highlights
- Automatically assigns academic advisors for online students
- Admits applicants twice per year
- Offers interactive online courses with videos, assignments, and activities
Considerations
- Applicants must have completed seven prerequisite courses, including financial reporting and managerial accounting
- Most financial aid opportunities come from student loans
- Courses may be asynchronous or synchronous
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$29,407
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$28,301
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate40%
- Students Enrolled37,314
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
UTRGV's accelerated master's of accounting program can be completed within one year. The 30-credit program includes nine credits of required courses, 18 elective credits, and three capstone credits.
The required capstone course requires accounting research and communication skills. Students must complete a written and oral report. Program graduates satisfy the 150-credit Texas State Board of Public Accountancy requirement to sit for the CPA exam.
Highlights
- Individuals can take online leveling classes to satisfy course prerequisites
- Flat fee of $472.22 per credit hour
- No application fee
Considerations
- Must meet specific prerequisites for a GMAT waiver
- October-February application window for graduate scholarships
- No concentration choices
- In-State$7,857
- Out-of-state$20,097
- In-State$7,002
- Out-of-state$14,562
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled31,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
UIUC's fully online MS in accountancy degree can be completed in 18-60 months. The curriculums include 32 credits, with a minimum 20 credits of accounting coursework. The remaining 12 credits can be in accounting or non-accounting electives. Students must complete at least one non-accounting course.
The program provides synchronous courses with weekly live classes. Students can work with classmates and discuss issues with professors during online office hours.
Highlights
- Average pay increase of 22% for program graduates, reports UIUC
- Accredited by the AACSB
- Students can simultaneously earn a graduate certificate or concentration
Considerations
- Requires prerequisite business management and accounting coursework
- Transfer credits must come from an AACSB-accredited programs
- In-State$12,474
- Out-of-state$30,446
- In-State$14,891
- Out-of-state$29,176
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled56,563
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Richardson, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
UT Dallas' MS in accounting and analytics program teaches corporate accounting, taxation, and internal auditing principles. Online students participate in the 36-credit MS accounting flex program. The flex program's curriculum includes an equal amount of core courses, electives, and accounting analysis courses.
Students can pursue a double-degree option and choose electives that apply to both programs. The school recommends graduates pursue the certified management accountant certification.
Highlights
- Open to individuals with any undergraduate major
- Program can be completed in 12-24 months
- Offers accounting volunteer programs for students to gain hands-on experience
Considerations
- Online students can only choose the accounting analysis track
- Dual degrees require a 3.0 GPA or higher for core courses among both degrees
- The MS in accounting and analytics program may not qualify for scholarship awards
- In-State$16,412
- Out-of-state$45,100
- In-State$15,088
- Out-of-state$29,252
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled30,885
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Illinois University
- Dekalb, IL
- 4 year
- Online
What You Should Know
NIU's online master of accountancy program is designed for individuals with a non-accounting undergraduate degree. This part-time AACSB-accredited program can be completed within two years. Graduates qualify to sit for the CPA exam in Illinois and most other states.
Attendees must complete five prerequisite courses before enrolling. Students can take these courses through schools, community colleges, or approved online vendors.
Highlights
- $835 per credit hour, regardless of student location
- Fully online program
- Online counseling services via Microsoft Teams
Considerations
- Must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all coursework
- Maximum of nine transfer credits
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$9,790
- In-State$9,066
- Out-of-state$9,066
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled15,649
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
Auburn's master of accountancy program offers pathways for students with or without an undergraduate degree in accounting. Students with an accounting degree must complete 30 credits while other students must complete 42 credits. Graduates who complete the CPA exam within one year of graduation have an 85% pass rate.
Students must attend a three-day, on-campus residency program during the final spring semester. The residency includes networking events, business speeches, and leadership workshops. Attendees must pay for their own expenses, including hotel, food, and travel.
Highlights
- Non-thesis program
- AACSB-accredited program
- Applications receive holistic reviews
Considerations
- $950 per credit for the 30 and 42-credit programs
- No scholarships for graduate programs
- Eight prerequisite business foundation classes
- In-State$10,704
- Out-of-state$32,112
- In-State$10,386
- Out-of-state$31,158
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled33,015
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
California State University, San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You Should Know
CSUSB's MS in accountancy degree teaches professional ethics, financial accounting, and advanced tax topics. The curriculum has 33 credits, including core, elective, and capstone classes. The capstone course can be a project or comprehensive examination.
The school offers an accelerated 3:2 bachelor's-to-master's program. However, students must be a current CSUSB accounting student and receive an invitation to the program.
Highlights
- Elective options include an internship, independent study, and seminar in accounting
- Military personnel may receive up to $4,500 annually
- Students can take the CPA preparation course up to four times
Considerations
- Maximum of nine transfer credits
- Non-residents must pay an additional $420 per credit
- Eight prerequisite courses
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled18,510
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
What to Expect From an Online Master’s in Accounting Program
Online master’s in accounting programs typically feature the same courses, books, and instructors as a traditional on-campus program. These programs have identical prerequisites and lead to the same career paths. However, differences in course delivery, scheduling, and environment could affect your experience and decision.
The following sections explore some of the unique aspects of online master’s in accounting programs.
How Does an Online Accounting Degree Differ From an On-Campus Master’s?
An on-campus and online master’s degree in accounting may feature the same curriculum, but their delivery formats can affect the cost, schedule, and program length.
Many online courses use recorded lectures and online discussion forums instead of scheduled meetings. This format eliminates classroom space requirements and fixed class times, allowing you to take more classes and study during the times that suit you best.
| Factor | Online Program | On-Campus Program |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition and Fees | $10,995 | $21,974 |
| Typical Course Load | 3 credits per eight-week session or 24 credits per year | 9 credits per semester or 18 credits per year |
| Program Length | 18-24 months | 2-3 years |
| Standard Class times | Asynchronous (anytime) or evenings and weekends | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday |
| Hands-On Experiences | Virtual and in-person internships/practicums (may be local to school) | In-class internships and practicums |
An online program may be a more affordable, accelerated, and flexible study option, but it won’t suit everyone. Fast-tracking your coursework makes it more rigorous and more difficult to fit around a busy work or home life.
Additionally, asynchronous online classes can feel less interactive and hands-on. Some online learners miss the engagement and hands-on experiences of in-person classes.
When choosing an online program, consider how you learn best and what you want to get from your program.
Delivery Formats for Online Accounting Degrees
Online accounting programs run in different formats to accommodate various student needs. Each format has its benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right one for you depends on your schedule, learning style, and location.
Here are the three major online formats:
- Hybrid: Hybrid programs feature a mixture of online classes and in-person residencies. The on-campus portion may include orientations and the most practical courses. While hybrid programs reduce travel, they still require you to live within commuting distance from the school.
- Asynchronous: Asynchronous programs have assignment deadlines but no set class times and, in most cases, no on-campus requirements. You watch recorded lectures and complete the assignments within a set period. While that flexibility may allow you to balance work and school, asynchronous programs require independence, organization, and self-motivation.
- Synchronous: Synchronous programs feature scheduled online classes with your instructors and classmates. These programs provide a comparable experience to in-person studies but without the travel. Though many programs offer accommodating evening and weekend class times, you still need a flexible schedule to balance study and your other priorities.
Accreditation for Online Accounting Degrees
Accreditation tells you that a school or program meets the industry’s academic and professional standards. Without institutional accreditation, schools may not provide financial aid or transferable credits. Professional credentials like the certified public accountant (CPA) also require degrees from accredited schools.
When choosing an online school, you should look for accreditation from organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education. This includes organizations like the Higher Learning Commission and the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC), which works with online schools.
While not critical for accounting, programmatic accreditation offers quality assurance. Reputable accrediting organizations include: the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Along with accreditation, online schools also need state authorization, which allows them to teach out-of-state remote students. A school can apply for authorization with its state government directly or with an organization like the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
How Much Will an Online Accounting Master’s Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for an online graduate degree in business was $10,995 for the 2020 school year. Yet, many factors can affect the price you pay, including school prestige, school type, and your location in relation to the school.
For the programs on our list, tuition prices range between $457 and $1,446 per credit for in-state students. With programs featuring 30-48 credits, total tuition prices fall between $13,710 and $69,408. While online programs limit or eliminate travel and room and board costs, they often feature technology, distance education, and subscription fees.
You can offset the costs with financial aid. First, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which could qualify you for federal loans and grants. You can also apply for national, state, and local scholarships and grants, along with those from your school and accounting organizations.
Why Get Your Master’s in Accounting Online?
An online master’s degree in accounting may provide the same postgraduate opportunities as an on-campus program, but it adds a new dynamic to the studies. The flexible schedule and limited travel may offer a better work-study balance, lower costs, and more study options.
However, online accounting programs provide a different classroom and learning experience, which may not meet your needs. Before you decide on an online master’s degree in accounting, consider the following pros and cons.
Pros
- Flexibility: Enjoy a better work, life, and study balance with unscheduled, evening, or weekend classes.
- Affordability: Reduce your travel expenses while maintaining a job.
- Variety: Access out-of-state programs, often without the out-of-state tuition increases.
Cons
- Self-Reliance: Manage your coursework without the same level of classroom engagement and/or guidance.
- In-Person Limitations: Miss out on hands-on training and networking opportunities.
- Self-Discipline and Time Management: Keep up with a program on your own time.
Questions About Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting
The best online master’s degree in accounting depends on your educational and career goals. While an MS in accounting or master of accounting (MAcc) focuses on CPA preparation, an MBA in accounting emphasizes leadership and management training.
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