The number of accountants and auditors dropped 17% between 2020 and 2022, according to The Wall Street Journal, creating a need for 300,000 new accounting professionals. With such a high demand for certified public accountants (CPAs), professionals might want to advance their careers with a master's in accounting.
Students with a bachelor's in accounting can use the master's degree to complete the 150-credit requirement for the CPA exam. Professionals without an accounting background can also complete the program to move into the accounting field.
Getting a master's in accounting online offers particular benefits, especially the flexibility to study while still working. Learn more about online master's in accounting programs and explore the best program options.
Popular Online Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Accounting Master's Programs
#1 Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2025
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2025
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2025
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2025
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2025
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2025
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2025
The University of Texas at Dallas
- Richardson, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2025
Northern Illinois University
- Dekalb, IL
- 4 years
- 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
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2025
Auburn University
- Auburn, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2025
California State University, San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Accounting.com ranks the best accounting degrees using reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Education. We build our rankings with four main metrics in mind: academics, cost, reputation, and program availability. We also consider subfactors like retention rate, federal aid amounts, and return on investment to help you find the right program for you.
This ranking is from 2025. Learn more about our process by visiting our school rankings methodology page.
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Accounting Program
Accredited on-campus and online master's in accounting programs develop well-rounded, advanced knowledge of business analysis, tax planning, and financial reporting, among other subjects. Despite the different delivery methods, these degrees often share the same curriculum and faculty.
Employers generally hold online and on-campus degrees in the same regard — most of the time, your diploma will not specify the course delivery method. However, there are still key differences between in-person and distance learning, and even among online programs.
How Does an Online Master's Differ From On Campus?
Though on-campus master's degrees are intensive, advanced education programs, online degrees can be more challenging. You need to stay on top of your own scheduling, assignments, lectures, and message board posts with little oversight, requiring strong organization and time management skills. However, some students thrive in this added flexibility.
Master's in accounting programs, including MBAs with accounting concentrations, offer many opportunities to network with prospective employers and other professionals. These face-to-face interactions are much more common during on-campus programs — after all, it's easier to catch someone's attention with eye contact and direct conversation than through email.
Still, online learners receive plenty of opportunities for networking and conferencing, just from a distance. They just may need to take additional steps to remain motivated and meet their business needs.
Comparing Online and On-Campus Master's in Accounting Degrees
| Factor |
Online Program |
On-Campus Program |
| Total Tuition Cost |
$11,000-$140,000 |
$22,000-$160,000 |
| Course Load |
30-48 credits |
30-48 credits |
| Program Length |
1-2 years, depending on standard/accelerated pacing |
1-2 years, depending on standard/accelerated pacing |
| Career Services |
Virtual mock interviews, employer/alumni network access, resume critiques |
Career counseling, networking opportunities, interview prep, internship placements |
Sources: curriculums from multiple master's programs
Generally, there's parity among on-campus and online master's in accounting programs. Tuition costs vary significantly based on several factors, meaning both online and in-person learning can vary from affordable to significantly expensive.
The primary difference among distance programs and on-campus degrees lies in how the programs deliver their services. For example, while master's students can receive various forms of career support, they may receive guidance over video conferencing rather than face-to-face communication.
Many master's programs maintain employer networks. It is possible schools that partner with local businesses may be less likely to accommodate distance learners with internship placements, requiring them to independently secure local connections with businesses.
Delivery Formats for Online Master's
Master's in accounting programs typically occur completely in person or online. Some schools even offer both learning models so students can choose the most convenient one.
Some universities include a hybrid format, which combines on-campus and online learning. Often the campus requirement is an orientation or a practicum.
The 100% online programs also provide scheduling flexibility for working adults — especially those who do not live near the school. Students can attend asynchronous or synchronous classes from anywhere:
Enrollees study independently. While they must still meet assignment deadlines and discussion requirements, learners complete the work on their own schedules.
Students must attend live lectures, virtual discussions, and/or meetings at a specific time. They still complete assignments independently.
Most online master's in accounting programs occur asynchronously. Some schools let learners stream live lectures or watch the recordings later. Note that some programs may include both asynchronous and synchronous classes.
Accreditation for Master's in Accounting Online
Online colleges need both state authorization and accreditation. State authorization means a school located in one state has the authority to remotely teach students in other states. Accreditation is a private, voluntary process through which schools demonstrate they meet minimum educational standards.
Accountants should choose accredited schools because these institutions offer the highest quality academic programs. They also provide unmatched access to financial aid packages and marketplace opportunities. For example, becoming a CPA requires at least 150 credits from an accredited school.
Accreditation can be institutional or programmatic. Institutional accreditors review and accredit an entire institution. Regional accrediting agencies, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education, are the gold standard for institutional accreditors. Other institutional accreditors, like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, are considered national accreditors.
Programmatic accreditation means a single major or department has a specialized agency's stamp of approval. Accounting departments may hold program accreditation with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Institutional accreditation is imperative when choosing an online school, but programmatic accreditation may be less critical. Check with your state's accounting board about their requirements.
How Much Will an Online Accounting Master's Cost?
The cost of online master's in accounting programs varies greatly. Students can generally expect to pay $400-$1,700/credit. Cost is often dependent on school prestige.
Beyond prestige, the total program price depends on the amount of required credits. For example, a 30-credit accounting program at $385/credit could cost around $11,500 to complete online, but that same cost per credit turns into a total of $18,480 if the program is 48 credits.
Online tuition rates are comparable to on-campus tuition rates — but for in-state students. Out-of-state learners at public schools should expect to pay more for in-person learning.
Getting a master's in accounting online can reduce tuition costs for out-of-state learners and in-state learners alike. For example, online degree-seekers typically do not need to pay for on-campus housing, meals, transportation, or parking. Schools may also remove certain activity fees for these students.
Regardless of the learning format you choose, you'll likely have to pay some additional fees, however, including for graduation, technology, and books.
Online students can take advantage of financial aid options to help them cover these costs. They can apply for federal grants and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many organizations and schools also offer graduate scholarships and fellowship opportunities.
Why Get Your Master's in Accounting Online?
Getting your master's in accounting online can be worth it, especially for students looking for flexibility. However, applicants should consider potential drawbacks, like limited networking opportunities.
Explore the pros and cons of an online master's in accounting below.
Pros
-
Lower Costs
Completing a master's in accounting online typically costs less than studying on campus — especially for out-of-state learners. Many schools charge a flat rate for all online students, regardless of state residency. Online learning can also eliminate travel costs and additional school fees.
-
Flexible Timeline
Most online programs work around students' schedules and offer a flexible semester course load. For example, master's in accounting enrollees may be able to take just one class per session and finish in a few years or tackle many courses simultaneously to finish within a year.
-
Opportunity to Work While Studying
Online master's degree programs generally cater to working professionals who want to advance their careers while maintaining their current jobs. Asynchronous classes let enrollees study independently to still gain critical hands-on accounting experience while pursuing a master's.
Cons
-
Potentially Longer Timeline
Although an online master's in accounting program offers increased scheduling flexibility, it can also lengthen the degree completion time. Learners might spend a year or two more studying, which can delay getting their CPA certification and access to higher-paying jobs.
-
Fewer Networking Opportunities
Online master's in accounting programs often integrate networking opportunities via virtual events or internship requirements. While helpful, these do not offer quite the same experience as in-person learning, which provides daily opportunities to connect face-to-face with other students, faculty, and even recruiters.
-
No Bridge Program
Bridge programs — also called 4+1 or 3+1 programs — allow students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in a shorter timeframe. These work particularly well for accounting students who want to quickly fulfill the 150-credit requirement for the CPA exam. However, schools typically only offer these programs on campus. Online master's programs generally cater to professionals with an undergraduate degree.
Questions About Online Graduate Programs in Accounting
Online master's degrees in accounting typically have more flexible schedules than on-campus programs. Students can usually complete the program in 1-5 years, depending on semester course load, credit requirements, and prior experience.
Yes, an online master's in accounting can be worth it for students pursuing an accounting career. Just like an on-campus program, online accounting degrees offer rigorous courses and can help students prepare for the CPA exam.
Both. Many students use a master's in accounting to prepare for the CPA exam since the 30+ credits help them meet the 150-credit requirement. Having both credentials can also help graduates land jobs.
It depends on each student's professional interests and goals. An MBA — even with an emphasis in accounting — offers a broader look at business and managerial topics. A master's in accounting immerses students in accounting and can help them complete the credit requirements for the CPA exam.
Edited by
