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. Keep reading to learn more about online master's in accounting programs and explore the best program options.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below
Best Master's in Accounting Online Programs
#1 Best Master’s in Accounting Online 2024
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,446
Out-of-State | $1,446
Credits to Graduate: 36-48
UNC-Chapel Hill's master of accounting is open to students from all academic and professional backgrounds. This fully online degree program includes three concentration options: tax, audit, or financial analysis and reporting. Besides their concentration, students also complete core courses in accounting principles, financial reporting, and data analytics.
The program takes 12-36 months to complete, and new students can begin at one of four start times throughout the year. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in any subject from an accredited institution and must complete an interview.
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Master’s in Accounting Online 2024
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Term:
In-State | $4,755
Out-of-State | $4,755
Credits to Graduate: 30
WGU's fully online master of accounting prepares students to sit for the CPA exam in most states. Graduates of WGU have a pass rate of 58%.
The program requires 10 competency units — WGU's unique curriculum structure — in areas such as fraud and forensic accounting, advanced accounting, financial management, and accounting research and critical thinking.
About 73% of WGU accounting graduates finish within 24 months, and their average salary increase is $18,700. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or a CPA license.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
150,116
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Best Master’s in Accounting Online 2024
The University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $385
Out-of-State | $479
Credits to Graduate: 30
UWF's master of accountancy offers a tailored curriculum that prepares students for careers in business, finance, or accounting. Graduates may qualify to sit for the Florida CPA exam.
Learners can select one of four concentrations: analytics, business analysis and reporting, information systems and controls, or taxation. Each course lasts 8-16 weeks, and the entire, fully online program takes 24 months.
Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credits.
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Master’s in Accounting Online 2024
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $980-$1,200
Out-of-State | $980-$1,300
Credits to Graduate: 30
FIU’s master of accounting program is open to students who majored in accounting or business in college and features a flexible mix of learning and networking opportunities to prepare students for high-demand jobs.
The cohort-based program features specializations in taxation and assurance. FIU offers classes in both online and hybrid formats. Students can earn their degrees in just 10 months.
The program requires prospective students to have a GPA of at least 3.0 and score a 500 or above on the GMAT.
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Master’s in Accounting Online 2024
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $332-$850
Out-of-State | $332-$850
Credits to Graduate: 32
Offered in collaboration with Coursera, a practice-oriented learning platform, Illinois' completely online MS in accountancy requires at least 20 credits in accountancy and a minimum of four credits in non-accountancy coursework.
Courses include federal taxation, accounting analysis, advanced financial reporting, and machine learning for accounting. Some students may choose to concentrate in accounting analytics.
Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have completed all prerequisite coursework. Prospective students may submit GMAT or GRE scores if they wish.
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Master’s in Accounting Online 2024
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $526
Out-of-State | $1,635
Credits to Graduate: 31
NC State's online master of accounting helps early- or- mid-stage professionals gain the skills they need to advance in an accounting career. This program requires students to complete eight core courses and three electives. Students may take advanced income tax, advanced commercial law, and advanced auditing courses.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree in accounting or another major with seven prerequisite courses, and the admissions committee looks carefully at both a student's GPA and GMAT scores. NC State's program accepts new students twice a year.
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Master’s in Accounting Online 2024
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $472
Out-of-State | $472
Credits to Graduate: 30
UTRGV's master of accountancy satisfies the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy's academic requirements to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) examination. Students take 12 credits of required courses and 12 credits in auditing, taxation, or both. The fully online program concludes with three credits of business electives and a capstone.
Each course lasts seven weeks, and the entire program takes 12 months to complete. Prospective students should submit GMAT scores unless they hold a CPA license, graduate degree, or 3.25 GPA both overall and in accounting.
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#8 Best Master’s in Accounting Online 2024
Mississippi College
- Clinton, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $713
Out-of-State | $713
Credits to Graduate: 30
MC's online MBA in accounting prepares students to understand accounting in a global environment. Enrollees take 15 credits in business and 15 in accounting, usually finishing in two years. Courses include quantitative analysis, accounting theory, and federal tax accounting. MC's courses meet CPA licensure requirements.
Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree with either a GPA of 3.0 or above, 3-5 years of professional experience, or acceptable GMAT scores. Ideally, applicants hold 30 credits in general and accounting foundation courses. Prospective students who do not meet this criterion may need to take leveling courses.
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Master’s in Accounting Online 2024
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $442
Out-of-State | $442
Credits to Graduate: 45
NU's master of accountancy prepares students to work in auditing or in public, corporate, or nonprofit accounting. Courses include cost accounting, accounting ethics, data analytics, and taxation of businesses and other entities. Each course lasts four weeks.
The exact curricular requirements vary slightly between students who have an undergraduate accounting degree and students with other academic backgrounds.
NU maintains a rolling, year-round admissions process. New students can begin their program the month after they are accepted.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#10 Best Master’s in Accounting Online 2024
Truman State University
- Kirksville, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $541
Out-of-State | $541
Credits to Graduate: 30
The Truman State University master of accountancy program has a high CPA Exam pass rate in part because of the in-depth preparation the program offers students for the test. The program offers tracks in both taxation and auditing, as well as core classes that cover data science, commercial law, and advanced accounting topics.
With a typical cohort size of about 30 students, program graduates have landed jobs at high-power employers like Boeing, Deloitte, and Federal Reserve Banks.
Program requirements include a 3.0 GPA or higher in applicants' last 60 credit hours of bachelor’s degree coursework and GMAT scores at or above the 50th percentile if students didn’t attend Truman State for accounting or business administration.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
The link below explains the criteria we evaluated in generating the ranking:
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Accounting Program
In general, an online master's in accounting closely compares to on-campus alternatives. Both options can help students meet the 150-credit CPA requirements and may offer specialization options. Many programs hold Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, regardless of their delivery format.
However, the flexibility of online programs often results in some differences. For example, some schools offer rolling enrollment or multiple start dates for online classes rather than following the set fall/spring schedules.
Many schools also offer bridge programs for on-campus students that allow them to complete an accounting bachelor's and master's in just five years. That option typically doesn't exist for online learners.
Take a closer look at how online and on-campus master's in accounting programs compare in the chart below.
Comparing Online and On-Campus Master's in Accounting Degrees
Factor |
Online Program |
On-Campus Program |
Cost |
$332-$1,635 per credit |
$398-$3,107 per credit |
Course Load |
30-48 |
30-48 (plus additional foundational courses if needed) |
Program Length |
10-60 months |
9-72 months |
Specialization Availability |
Yes, some online programs offer specializations |
Yes, some on-campus programs offer specializations |
Bridge Program Availability |
Not common, although prior accounting courses may count toward a master's degree |
Common, although not available at every school |
Accreditation |
AACSB accreditation possible |
AACSB accreditation possible |
Sources: UNC, UT, UofI, CSU, NC State, DeVry, NIU, UM, Marshall, OSU, Temple, Westfield, Old Westbury, Pitt, U Dallas, Texas A&M, Marquette, WGU, Syracuse, OK State
The program lengths and course loads shown above indicate that online and on-campus programs require students to take a similar number of classes and can be completed within similar timeframes. However, students should understand that some underlying differences exist.
On-campus programs typically require a stricter schedule, keeping the timeline to 1-2 years. Only a few schools offer part-time options where students can take more time to earn their degrees. Online programs more commonly offer flexible study options so students can complete the degree in 1-5 years.
Even though on-campus programs have a tighter schedule, they often include more courses than online programs — especially if students need to complete prerequisites. Online programs typically keep the requirements closer to 30 credits and often count undergraduate courses or professional experience as credit.
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.
Only a few universities include a hybrid format, which combines on-campus and online learning. This option might work best for a professional who lives near campus and can only attend weekend or evening classes.
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
Accreditation matters for an online master's in accounting. Accreditation assures potential employers that a school or program provides high-quality education. Credits from accredited institutions are more likely to transfer to other colleges or universities. To gain accreditation, schools must meet standards set by a third-party accrediting agency.
The U.S. Department of Education recognizes two types of educational accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation typically applies to the entire institution. Programmatic, or specialized, accreditation usually applies to programs, departments, or schools that are part of an institution.
AACSB International accredits many accounting programs. Another accrediting body for accounting programs is the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
State Authorization
The state authorization process protects distance learners who live in a different state than where their college or university is physically located. State authorization guarantees that the school legally operates in the state(s) where it serves students.
Students at state-authorized institutions may be eligible for state financial aid. If your college does not hold state authorization, you may still be eligible for federal financial aid.
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 $300-$1,700 per credit or about $900-$5,100 per course.
The total program price then depends on the required credits. For example, a 30-credit accounting program could cost $9,000-$51,000. Online MS in accounting programs may require up to 48 credits, increasing that range to $14,400-$81,600.
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 multiple 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
How long does it take to get a master's degree in accounting online?
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.
Is an online master's in accounting worth it?
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.
Is it better to have a CPA or a master's in accounting?
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.
Is an MS in accounting or an MBA better?
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.