Best Accounting Master's Programs 2024

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Year:
In-State | $68,500
Out-of-State | $68,500

Credits to Graduate: 37

Vanderbilt's master of accountancy in assurance is a full-time in-person program that learners can complete in one calendar year. Semesters are split into two seven-week modules with courses covering topics like audit evidence, business data and analytics, business taxation, and advanced cost accounting. 

During the spring semester, each student can pursue a 10-week internship with a Big Four accounting firm or six credits of business electives. Most program graduates accept positions with one of the Big Four firms, and 100% of graduates have found a relevant role within 90 days of graduating. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Year:
In-State | $62,250
Out-of-State | $62,250

Credits to Graduate: 30

The full-time on-campus MS in accounting from NYU Stern explores corporate finance, financial statement analysis, individual and business tax, and internal controls. The program also focuses on skills and practices for professional accountants, like communication and ethical issues in the workplace. All students must attend an orientation before starting classes. 

Each applicant must have completed prerequisite courses in accounting, economics, statistics, and business. Prospective students with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants also submit an essay, a resume, one academic or professional recommendation, and an application fee. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Term:
In-State | $19,260
Out-of-State | $19,260

Credits to Graduate: 44

UCI's master of professional accountancy offers one- and two-year tracks. Delivered through the Paul Merage School of Business, the program requires courses in ethics, professional research, tax and business strategy, and managerial and cost accounting. 

An optional environmental, social, and governance pathway includes sustainability accounting and corporate governance courses. Enrolled students can participate in UCI Sustainability Resource Center events and initiatives. Learners can also pursue a three-course specialization in data analytics or taxation.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $467
Out-of-State | $913

Credits to Graduate: 30

USF's master of accountancy helps students meet the educational requirements for certified public accountant (CPA) licensure in Florida. The program is available through the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy at the St. Petersburg and Tampa campuses. Learners can attend part time or full time. USF keeps classes small, usually with 35 or fewer students per course. 

Each student must choose six elective credits and one nine-credit concentration in assurance, corporate accounting, or tax. The 15-credit core covers data mining and visualization, project management, accounting innovation, and financial reporting.

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Program Cost:
In-State | $17,841-$23,861
Out-of-State | $30,159-$40,316

Credits to Graduate: 36-48

Baruch's graduate accountancy program culminates in an MS or MBA in accountancy. While the MBA is best for students without accounting backgrounds, the MS covers more targeted accounting and taxation topics for those with previous accounting education. 

Students opting for the MS pathway can complete an information analytics concentration. They may also qualify for course waivers for business, accounting, or taxation classes, which can shorten their graduation timeline. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $216-$479
Out-of-State | $721-$1,111

Credits to Graduate: 30

FSU's master of accounting is a STEM-focused degree catering to both accounting majors and nonmajors. Students with accounting undergraduate experience can complete the program in just one year. FSU's accounting department offers some scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. 

The accounting master's program offers concentrations in assurance and advisory services, taxation, and general accounting. All students complete a professional development course and two non-accounting electives from the school's business curriculum.  

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Year:
In-State | $15,738
Out-of-State | $25,818

Credits to Graduate: 30

The MS in accountancy from CSULB helps prepare learners for the CPA exam. The curriculum includes eight courses, including corporate governance, financial statement analysis, and taxation of partnerships and S corporations. Students finish the program in 11 months. 

Enrollees also take a professional responsibilities and ethics course and complete an auditing project near the end of their studies. The cohort-based program requires students to attend classes on Saturdays and in the evenings Monday through Thursday.

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,307
Out-of-State | $2,307

Credits to Graduate: 30-45

USC's master of accounting program is one of three accounting master's programs delivered through the Marshall School of Business. Marshall also offers two master of business taxation programs: one for students currently working as tax professionals and one for students who aren't. 

This STEM-certified accounting master's degree allows learners to choose from professional accounting, data and analytics, or strategic finance tracks. Incoming students with limited accounting experience can participate in an eight-week summer intensive program that includes an additional 15 credits of auditing, taxation, and accounting coursework.

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Program Cost:
In-State | $19,140-$19,512
Out-of-State | $39,120-$39,492

Credits to Graduate: 30

Learners enrolled in CSUF's MS in accountancy program can choose a traditional or cohort-style format. The 24-month traditional program suits working professionals, as enrollees take 2-4 courses per semester with evening class sessions. Students can complete the cohort program in just 10 months with four courses per semester, although classes usually occur during the day. 

Both formats require 30 credits, allowing students with a bachelor's degree to earn enough credits to sit for the CPA exam. Classes include accounting theory and professional research as well as seminars in data analytics, information systems, and professional communication. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Cost per Year:
In-State | $24,411
Out-of-State | $29,997

Credits to Graduate: 48

Delivered through the Foster School of Business, UW's master of professional accounting is a nine-month accelerated program. In addition to an orientation, students complete courses in communications, data analytics, assurance services, and accounting codification during the fall quarter. 

In the winter quarter, learners participate in an internship and an independent research project. The spring quarter wraps up the program with classes covering financial statement analysis, business ethics and law, accounting advisory, and auditing and assurance regulation.