According to a 2022 Fortune article, companies nationwide continue to face a shortage of certified public accountants (CPAs). As MBAs have become more popular, fewer people pursue accounting degrees. This gap leaves a significant demand for master of accounting program graduates.
A graduate accounting program can work for any learner, regardless of their undergraduate degree focus. Some students may need extra credits to complete the 150-credit CPA requirement, while professionals from other fields may be looking to change careers.
A master of accounting program can present an ideal solution and offer value for today's workforce. Discover more about accounting master's degrees and which schools offer the top programs with this helpful guide.
What to Expect From an Accounting Master's Degree
The best graduate accounting programs help students develop into accounting specialists. Master's in accounting programs give learners the expertise to respond to challenges across industries. These programs often take 1-2 years to complete and feature 30-45 credits.
Accounting master's programs vary in their type, structure, and delivery. They may run online with asynchronous or synchronous classes or in on-campus or hybrid formats. The training includes advanced accounting theory, extensive practical experiences, and specialized studies, such as taxation and management accounting.
Many accounting programs help prepare students for postgraduate certifications, including CPA credentials. The degree may also lead graduates to doctoral programs in accounting or other related fields. To qualify for a doctoral program or any transfer credits, students must attend accredited schools.
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Admissions Process
Most master's in accounting programs seek applicants with bachelor's degrees. Although majoring in accounting is not always required, it could help you skip prerequisite coursework. Prospective enrollees should also have minimum GPAs of 3.0. Schools may require GMAT or GRE test scores — some accept these scores when a student's GPA falls below minimum requirements.
A candidate typically must submit their transcripts, test scores, essay, and a fee with their application. Schools may request at least two references and a resume. While many programs do not require professional experience, students can make their applications stand out by including relevant experience on their resumes.
Popular Master of Accounting Courses
Master's in accounting programs provide a strong foundation in the field. A typical curriculum covers core courses like advanced financial accounting, accounting ethics, auditing theory, and taxation of business entities. These classes can also prepare learners for the CPA exam.
Many programs require students to complete elective classes focused on specific areas of accounting. Examples of accounting master's courses include:
- Advanced Cost Accounting: This course explores cost-benefit analysis and other strategies for economic decision-making. Students learn about budgeting, linear programming, management control systems, and cost-volume-profit analysis.
- Advanced Financial Reporting: A course in advanced financial reporting covers analysis for accounting, ratio and cash flow, and forecasting and valuation. Students also learn to prepare projected financial statements amid forecasted changes in exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity prices.
- Accounting Information Systems: Students build practical experience using database management techniques. They learn how IT relates to accounting and auditing, along with how to model business systems and processes.
- Forensic Accounting: Students explore forensic accounting topics like internal control methodology, financial statement misrepresentation, rules of evidence relating to fraud, and interview techniques. They learn fraud examination techniques and explore illegal activities like money laundering, embezzlement, and wagering.
- Project Management: In project management, students learn to plan, control, and schedule projects. Courswork explores topics like project management leadership strategies, factors leading to cost and time overruns, and organization and risk management.
- Government Accounting: This class prepares students to perform accounting tasks for government and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum contrasts governmental accounting with accounting for for-profit businesses. Learners explore topics like budgetary accounts, fund accounting, and governmental financial reporting.
- Business Law: Enrollees in this course learn to navigate general principles of business law and regulations governing intellectual property, contracts, sales, and torts. Students also learn how state and federal legal systems apply to corporations.
- Managerial Strategy and Analysis: This course teaches enrollees to formulate realistic business objectives, develop and implement corporate strategies, and advise top executives through adverse financial circumstances. One of the key strategic tools in this course is the SWOT analysis, which provides a holistic overview of a company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
- Capstone Seminar in Accounting: This seminar integrates knowledge acquired throughout the program in financial, cost and managerial accounting, along with business ethics. Degree-seekers complete practical team-based projects addressing authentic and simulated issues in corporate and public accounting.
How Much Do Accounting Master's Programs Cost?
Accounting master's programs vary greatly in cost. Some of the most cost-effective degrees — like programs at Southern New Hampshire University and Franklin University — cost less than $700 per credit. That totals less than $21,000 in tuition for the entire 30-credit master's degree.
However, normal per-credit prices for a master's in accounting hover around $1,000, which can push the final cost to over $30,000. Prestigious schools can charge even more, sometimes over $2,000 per credit.
Besides prestige, other factors affect tuition costs. These include:
- In-state versus out-of-state tuition rates
- Online or in-person class format
- Total credits required
- Part-time or full-time enrollment
- School type (public versus private)
Students should also consider non-tuition costs like orientation fees, living expenses, transportation, and books. Schools may also charge technology fees for online classes and graduation fees.
Regardless of the final cost, pursuing a master's in accounting is a significant financial investment. Thankfully, learners have several financial aid options, like financial loans and scholarships. Explore the links below for more information about financing a graduate degree in accounting.
Selecting Good Accounting Programs
Choosing the right accounting program can set you on the path toward reaching your personal and professional goals. Consider the following factors in your search for the best master's in accounting program:
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School Prestige
Schools with an excellent reputation and accreditation can offer more credibility on your resume. Accreditation can also assist with credit transfers if you pursue further education.
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Program Details
Master's programs vary in length, delivery method, student-to-teacher ratio, and other key factors that could influence your decision. Speak with an advisor to determine if the program offers the curriculum, culture, and learning opportunities you expect.
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Admissions
Some programs are more selective and have stricter admission requirements than others. Explore a program's admissions process and acceptance rate to develop a sense of its competitiveness.
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Cost
A master's degree creates additional costs that could take time to recover. Decide whether a program's tuition, fees, and other associated costs fit within your budget. Make sure to research the school's financial aid opportunities.
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Concentrations
While some master's programs focus on general accounting, others offer concentrations, like taxation or government accounting. Consider a program that specializes in a topic that aligns with your career goals.
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Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Top Graduate Accounting Programs
The following ranked list profiles the top five graduate accounting programs of 2023. Explore the link below to learn more about the criteria and data points we evaluate when generating rankings.
#1 Best Master of Accounting Programs 2023
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Campus
Baruch ranks among the most diverse higher education institutions in the United States. The Manhattan-based college hosts a student body representing nearly 170 countries.
Accountancy Graduate Programs
The Zicklin School of Business at Baruch features a specialized master of science in accountancy. The program's accounting core covers intermediate and advanced financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation. Learners supplement these subjects with a general business curriculum and accounting electives.
Students with undergraduate degrees in business or accounting may qualify to forgo some or most of the general business curriculum, which can dramatically reduce completion timelines.
Baruch also offers two other acclaimed graduate accounting programs. These pathways include a bachelor's-to-master's path for aspiring certified public accountants (CPAs) and a master of business administration in accountancy.
Applying to Baruch
Baruch's master's in accounting programs suit students with undergraduate degrees in accounting or a related business area. GRE, GMAT, and Executive Assessment test scores are optional for the master of science in accountancy. Each applicant must also submit undergraduate transcripts, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $470 per credit (resident); $855 per credit (non-resident)
- Required Credits: 30-70
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Master of Accounting Programs 2023
University of California-Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UCI, established in 1965, is now a member of the exclusive Association of American Universities group of research institutions.
Master of Professional Accountancy
UCI offers one-year and two-year master of professional accountancy programs. The one-year track follows an intensive schedule with a core accounting curriculum in the fall and electives in the winter and spring terms. The two-year program covers the same curriculum at a standard pace.
Core accounting courses include auditing, financial statement analysis and forecasting, managerial and cost accounting, and ethics. UCI's program holds official STEM-designated status from the U.S. government. Degree-seekers can also customize their learning with optional specializations in taxation or data analytics.
According to UCI, 94% of program graduates secure full-time employment within six months of completing their degrees.
Applying to UCI
UCI's admissions team evaluates applicants' entire profiles rather than focusing on individual factors. GMAT or GRE scores are required, but particularly qualified applicants can obtain waivers. Work experience is not required, and the program is open to all majors.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $3,900 per term (resident); $5,034 per term (non-resident)
- Required Credits: 44
- Program Length: 1-2 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Master of Accounting Programs 2023
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UNC-Chapel Hill holds the distinction of being the first public university in the history of the independent United States. The university, founded in 1789, ranks among the most prestigious colleges in the American South.
Online Master of Accounting
UNC-Chapel Hill's online master of accounting program welcomes students from all educational and professional backgrounds. Coursework focuses on auditing, financial reporting requirements, financial analysis, and taxation, with similar concentrations. Diverse electives supplement core accounting courses, allowing participants to further customize their learning.
Students in all concentrations take a collaborative approach to learning, engaging in group work to build skills and perform analytical case studies. They also gain full access to UNC's career services office, which offers valuable professional recruitment opportunities.
Non-accounting majors with 12 or fewer accounting credits can also pursue a campus-based version of the program.
Applying to UNC-Chapel Hill
Each applicant must submit academic transcripts, a two-part essay, and resume. A candidate also needs two recommenders to endorse their applications through UNC's online system. UNC-Chapel Hill does not require GMAT or GRE scores and considers applicants holistically.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $2,131 per credit (resident); $3,107 per credit (non-resident)
- Required Credits: 36-48
- Program Length: 12-36 months
- Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous and synchronous), on campus
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Master of Accounting Programs 2023
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1851, FSU is Florida's oldest continuously operating higher education institution. The school's student body counts more than 45,000 attendees representing 130 countries.
Master of Accounting
At FSU, the master of accounting program features two degree tracks: a path for accounting majors seeking a degree upgrade and a track for learners from non-accounting backgrounds. In both cases, learners choose from three available concentrations:
- Assurance and advisory services
- Generalist
- Taxation
Each track covers 10 intensive courses designed to develop advanced professional proficiencies in the concentration area. Targeted electives supplement focused learning, allowing students to round out their knowledge and skill sets.
FSU's graduate accounting programs fulfill the academic requirements needed for CPA licensure in Florida and most other U.S. jurisdictions.
Applying to FSU
FSU's admissions process requires an applicant statement and resume, three letters of recommendation, college transcripts, and GMAT or GRE scores. Applicants with distinguished academic records or extensive professional experience can have GMAT/GRE requirements waived.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $479 per credit (resident); $1,110 per credit (non-resident)
- Required Credits: 30
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Master of Accounting Programs 2023
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1956, USF now serves more than 50,000 students across thirteen colleges and three campuses.
Master of Accountancy
The graduate program in accounting program at USF offers a generalist path and specializations in assurance, corporate accounting, and taxation. Each concentration includes 30 credits, with 80% of coursework devoted exclusively to accounting. The remaining 20% covers business management topics. Learners who opt to specialize dedicate 30% of their credits to their chosen concentration.
USF emphasizes data analytics coursework to keep up with accounting's changing professional landscape. Degree-seekers planning to pursue CPA licensure can configure the program to fulfill the academic requirements of Florida's CPA examination.
Applying to USF
Each candidate must hold a bachelor's degree in accounting from a regionally accredited U.S. college with a 3.0 GPA, along with a minimum GMAT score of 500 or a GRE score of at least 305.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Tuition: $7,840 per academic year (resident); $15,864 per academic year (non-resident)
- Required Credits: 30
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Common Questions About Accounting Master's Degrees
Is an MA the same as an MS in accounting?
No, but they can lead to similar professional outcomes. These two titles refer to graduate accounting programs that prepare students for accounting, auditing, or analyst positions, along with the CPA exam. Some schools use these names interchangeably, but curricula may differ among programs.
How long does it take to get a master's in accounting?
A master's in accounting typically includes 30 credits, which means about 1-2 years of study. Program length depends on full-time or part-time enrollment.
How much does an accounting master's program cost?
The cost of an accounting master's program generally ranges from about $650 to over $2,000 per credit. The exact cost depends on factors like the number of credits, state residency, the program format, and the school's prestige.
Can you get an accounting master's degree online?
Yes — you can complete an accounting master's degree online. Schools like Rutgers University, Southern New Hampshire University, Franklin University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offer 100% online graduate accounting programs. Others, such as DeVry University, feature hybrid options.
What's the difference between an accounting master's and certificate?
Accounting certificate programs typically include 12-18 credits and do not end in degree completion. On the other hand, a master's in accounting offers a more comprehensive degree completion program with about twice as many credits.
