Whether you're working toward CPA licensure, hoping to break into accounting from another field, or building expertise in areas like taxation or analytics, an online master's in accounting can help you get there.
The five master's in accounting programs on our 2027 list stand out in different ways, from faster completion timelines, built-in CPA exam prep, to pathways for students without any background in accounting. Below, you can compare the differences that matter most for your goals, schedule, and budget before you apply.
Featured Online Accounting Programs
Top 5 Online Master's Programs in Accounting of 2027
How to Choose the Best Online Master's in Accounting Program for You
The right accounting master's program depends on where you want to take your career, how much time you can realistically spend studying, and your budget. The factors below can help you compare your options with those priorities in mind.
Choose the Right Master's in Accounting Degree and Specialization
The degree title only tells you so much. Look at the curriculum, including core courses, tracks or concentrations, and electives, and compare it with the work you want to do.
Accounting master's programs, including MS and MAcc degrees, focus on accounting, but their specializations vary. UWF, for instance, combines an advanced accounting core with tracks tailored to different career interests.
UWF's analytics track and its business analysis and reporting track offer coursework relevant to data and financial analysis roles, while the taxation track provides focused preparation for tax accounting.
If you already have an accounting background and want to learn more about business operations, consider a master's in business administration (MBA) with an accounting concentration. You can build on your accounting knowledge while studying leadership, management, marketing, and human resources to prepare for responsibilities beyond accounting.
Ensure the Online Format Matches Your Preferences
"Online" doesn't always mean you can study and complete courses whenever you want. Before applying, check whether the online accounting program is asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid. Maryville, for example, is mostly asynchronous, but some courses may require set login times.
Asynchronous: Asynchronous programs allow you to complete coursework on your own schedule, though assignments still have deadlines. UND and the University of Wyoming use this format.
Synchronous: Synchronous programs require you to attend scheduled virtual classes with instructors and classmates, offering real-time interaction similar to an on-campus experience. If this sounds like your ideal way of learning, Loyola Maryland's online MAcc may be the best fit for you.
Hybrid: Hybrid accounting programs combine online coursework with required in-person or other campus-based components. Among the schools on our list, Loyola University Maryland offers a hybrid option alongside its fully online program. Its hybrid MAcc combines online coursework with in-person classes at the Evergreen campus in Baltimore.
If you need maximum scheduling flexibility, an asynchronous program may be the best fit for you. If you prefer a more structured learning environment and direct interaction with instructors and classmates, a synchronous or hybrid program should suit you better.If you're still on the fence about whether online learning is right for you, check out our on-campus list below.
Review Accreditation and CPA Licensure Requirements
Accreditation shows that a school or program meets established academic and professional standards. Institutional accreditation is especially important because it can affect financial aid, transfer credits, and eligibility for credentials such as the certified public accountant (CPA) designation.
All schools featured in our ranking hold institutional accreditation. Programmatic accreditation isn't always required, but it can provide another layer of quality assurance. Common accreditors include:
If you plan to become a CPA, check whether the program's curriculum meets the education requirements in the state where you intend to pursue licensure. Requirements vary by state, and even an accredited master's in accounting program may not fulfill every requirement based on your previous coursework.
Compare Admission Requirements and Time to Completion
While a program may offer the education you want, its admission requirements can affect when you can actually start. Consider these common admission requirements for graduate programs:
Previous education: You'll need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to apply. Some programs require an accounting degree or equivalent coursework, while others accept graduates from different fields. Maryville, for example, offers a bridge pathway for students without an accounting background.
Undergraduate GPA: A 3.0 is a common benchmark, but check how each program evaluates your grades and whether it considers applicants below its published minimum.
GMAT or GRE scores: Before paying for an exam, check whether the school will use your scores. Someaccounting programs don't require GMAT or GRE scores. Others, like Loyola, won't review them, even if submitted.
Supporting documents: Programs may request a resume or curriculum vitae, statement of purpose, recommendations, or an interview. These materials give you room to explain your preparation, experience, and reasons for pursuing the degree. UWF also considers any CPA exam sections you've completed.
Also, check whether you need to study full-time or complete accounting courses beforehand to finish within the advertised timeline. The programs on our list take between 10 months and two years to complete, though prerequisites and bridge courses may add time. Application deadlines and available start dates can also determine when you can begin studying.
How Much Will an Online Accounting Master's Degree Cost?
For the programs on our list, tuition ranges from $456.50 to $1,280 per credit. For the standard 30-credit programs, total tuition ranges from $13,695 to $38,400. Bridge or prerequisite coursework may cost extra.
These figures exclude fees and other expenses, such as living expenses, so tuition alone doesn't show the full cost of a master's degree. For example, Maryville charges $2,400 in materials fees across four Becker-integrated courses, and UND adds about $80 per credit in fees.
For context, the table below compares average annual graduate tuition and fees at public and private institutions, along with estimated costs over two years.
| Institution Type | Average Cost (2024-25) | Average Cost Over Two Years |
|---|---|---|
| Public | $12,116 | $24,232 |
| Private | $21,110 | $42,220 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
You can offset the costs and make your accounting degree more affordable with financial aid. Start by looking into scholarships and grants, which can lower what you end up paying.
You may also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see if you qualify for federal loans, keeping in mind that they need to be repaid. Keep in mind that while studying online may reduce commuting, relocation, or campus-related costs, it doesn't always mean lower tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Accounting Programs
A master's in accounting isn't required to become a CPA, but it can be a way to complete the credits your jurisdiction requires and earn a graduate degree at the same time.
Some programs include CPA exam prep courses, too. Whether you need the additional credits from a master's program depends on your previous coursework and your jurisdiction's licensing rules.
