Best Online Master’s Degrees in Accounting of 2026
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A master’s degree in accounting can prepare you for advanced certifications, licensure, and leadership roles in accounting and auditing. Online degree programs are accessible and flexible, making them a great choice for working professionals.
Find out what the top online master’s degrees in accounting offer and how they differ from on-campus programs.
Top Online Master’s Programs in Accounting
North Carolina State University at Raleigh – Most Tech-Focused Program
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Offers an Information Technology Specialization
NC State's online master of accounting (MAC) at the Poole College of Management prepares graduates for in-demand accounting roles that require tech skills. Alongside tech-oriented core courses like IT risks and controls and data analytics in accounting, students can pursue an IT specialization covering topics such as data security, enterprise resource planning using SAP software, and IT audit.
More Highlights
- Choose from two tracks: public accounting or the business industry.
- Optional specializations other than IT are enterprise risk management and tax strategy.
- Finish the program in 12 months, or extend it up to six years.
Considerations
- GMAT required; waivers available for NC State accounting undergraduates and non-NC State applicants with a 3.0+ GPA, though waiving may impact scholarship eligibility.
- Non-accounting majors must complete an accelerated summer accounting program before taking MAC coursework, which adds $5,750 and an additional degree completion time.
- Annual tuition is $25,362 for North Carolina residents and $46,660 for nonresidents.
44%
$ 9,459
93%
$29,433
- Acceptance Rate
- 42%
- Students Enrolled
- 38,464
- Institution Type
- Public
Seton Hall University – Best for Non-Accounting Graduates
- South Orange, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Designed Specifically for Students New to the Field
Seton Hall's online MS in accounting is tailored specifically for those seeking a career pivot into the field without prior accounting degrees or experience. The 30-credit curriculum provides foundational knowledge through prerequisite courses covering financial and managerial accounting, business law, and essential business concepts. Students can waive these prerequisites by completing relevant graduate coursework or passing challenge exams. The program also fulfills the educational requirements to sit for the certified public accountant, management accountant, and internal auditor exams.
More Highlights
- Complete the program fully online in 12 months (full time) or about two years (part time), with asynchronous classes.
- Scholarships are available, including the Graduate Merit award, which may reduce tuition by up to 50%.
- The Institute of Management Accountants endorses the program.
Considerations
- Graduation requirements include participation in an assessment panel and a final exam during the last semester.
- Tuition is approximately $47,100 total ($1,570 per credit), which may limit affordability for some students.
- Seton Hall is a private Catholic diocesan university.
29%
$35,160
81%
$35,160
- Acceptance Rate
- 73%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,571
- Institution Type
- Private
Southern Utah University – Fewest Core Courses
- Cedar City, UT
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Only 5 Required in the Curriculum
SUU's online master of accountancy (MAcc) program has just five required advanced accounting core courses (15 credits), providing students with greater flexibility to tailor the degree to their career goals. Students can deepen their expertise by choosing among specialized areas such as business analytics, taxation, or professional accounting. Elective options also include forensic accounting, advanced cost management, and internships, offering real-world experience.
More Highlights
- According to SUU, 96.5% of graduates secure employment after graduation.
- Flexible start dates for fall, spring, and summer semesters.
- Students can enroll in 1-4 courses per semester; graduate students may take up to 12 credits per term.
Considerations
- The program offers online or on-campus classes but does not have hybrid options.
- Students without the required foundational courses may need to complete a pre-business program, which could result in delayed admission.
- Tuition waivers are available but limited, awarded annually based on committee selection and funding.
64%
$ 7,574
76%
$23,784
- Acceptance Rate
- 82%
- Students Enrolled
- 15,444
- Institution Type
- Public
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Shortest Terms
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Each Course Is 7 Weeks Long
UTRGV's online MAcc is 30 credits and the shortest program on our list. The accelerated format allows students to finish the degree program fully online in 12 months in intensive 7-week courses by focusing on fewer subjects per term, rather than taking multiple classes simultaneously. UTRGV's MAcc is also the most affordable option listed, with a total tuition cost of $14,170.
More Highlights
- Funding opportunities include scholarships, grants, and assistantships to reduce overall costs.
- No GMAT required for admission.
- Fully online program accessible to international applicants studying from their countries.
Considerations
- Students without a previous degree in accounting or related coursework may need to complete additional foundational courses before starting the program.
- Program completion requires a 3-credit capstone course that involves intensive research, as well as written and oral presentations.
- A $50 graduation fee applies.
67%
$ 6,948
81%
$14,499
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 33,881
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Most Flexible Start Dates
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What's Special: Choose from 4 Start Times
UNC Chapel Hill's online MAC has the most annual start dates among our top programs for 2026, with classes beginning in January, March, June, and September. The multiple start dates allow prospective accounting students to enroll when convenient. Each term begins with a structured orientation — either virtual or in-person — to ease the transition into the program. Additionally, early admission and priority deadlines offer greater opportunities for fellowship funding, while final application deadlines typically fall one month before each term's start.
More Highlights
- Students with prior accounting coursework can choose the advanced standing track (30 credits, 12-24 months).
- Students from any undergraduate background can select the traditional track (34-48 credits, 12–36 months).
- Funding to offset costs includes UNC Merit Fellowships, external scholarships, military benefits, and employer-sponsored support.
Considerations
- Tuition ($1,446 per credit) is high compared with other public programs and may increase annually.
- Note that tuition varies between the advanced standing and traditional tracks.
- Travel to Chapel Hill is required for Leadership Immersion, adding extra costs.
25%
$10,552
97%
$28,844
- Acceptance Rate
- 15%
- Students Enrolled
- 32,680
- Institution Type
- Public
Why Get Your Master’s in Accounting Online?
An online master’s degree in accounting may provide the same postgraduate opportunities as an on-campus program, but it adds a new dynamic to the studies. The flexible schedule and limited travel may offer a better work-study balance, lower costs, and more study options.
However, online accounting programs provide a different classroom and learning experience, which may not meet your needs. Before you decide on an online master’s degree in accounting, consider the following pros and cons.
Pros
- Flexibility: Enjoy a better work, life, and study balance with unscheduled, evening, or weekend classes.
- Affordability: Reduce your travel expenses while maintaining a job.
- Variety: Access out-of-state programs, often without the out-of-state tuition increases.
Cons
- Self-Reliance: Manage your coursework without the same level of classroom engagement and/or guidance.
- In-Person Limitations: Miss out on hands-on training and networking opportunities.
- Self-Discipline and Time Management: Keep up with a program on your own time.
What to Expect From an Online Master’s in Accounting Program
Online master’s in accounting programs typically feature the same courses, books, and instructors as a traditional on-campus program. These programs have identical prerequisites and lead to the same career paths. However, differences in course delivery, scheduling, and environment could affect your experience and decision.
The following sections explore some of the unique aspects of online master’s in accounting programs.
How Does an Online Accounting Degree Differ From an On-Campus Master’s?
On-campus and online master’s degrees in accounting may feature the same curriculum, but their delivery formats can affect the cost, schedule, and program length.
Many online courses use recorded lectures and online discussion forums instead of scheduled meetings. This format eliminates classroom space requirements and fixed class times, allowing you to take more classes and study during the times that suit you best.
| Factor | Online Program | On-Campus Program |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition and Fees | $10,995 | $21,974 |
| Typical Course Load | 3 credits per eight-week session or 24 credits per year | 9 credits per semester or 18 credits per year |
| Program Length | 18-24 months | 2-3 years |
| Standard Class times | Asynchronous (anytime) or evenings and weekends | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday |
| Hands-On Experiences | Virtual and in-person internships/practicums (may be local to school) | In-class internships and practicums |
An online program may be a more affordable, accelerated, and flexible study option, but it won’t suit everyone. Fast-tracking your coursework makes it more rigorous and more difficult to fit around a busy work or home life.
Additionally, asynchronous online classes can feel less interactive and hands-on. Some online learners miss the engagement and hands-on experiences of in-person classes.
When choosing an online program, consider how you learn best and what you want to get from your program.
Delivery Formats for Online Accounting Degrees
Online accounting programs run in different formats to accommodate various student needs. Each format has its benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right one for you depends on your schedule, learning style, and location.
Here are the three major online formats:
- Hybrid: Hybrid programs feature a mixture of online classes and in-person residencies. The on-campus portion may include orientations and the most practical courses. While hybrid programs reduce travel, they still require you to live within commuting distance from the school.
- Asynchronous: Asynchronous programs have assignment deadlines but no set class times and, in most cases, no on-campus requirements. You watch recorded lectures and complete the assignments within a set period. While that flexibility may allow you to balance work and school, asynchronous programs require independence, organization, and self-motivation.
- Synchronous: Synchronous programs feature scheduled online classes with your instructors and classmates. These programs provide a comparable experience to in-person studies but without the travel. Though many programs offer accommodating evening and weekend class times, you still need a flexible schedule to balance study and your other priorities.
Accreditation for Online Accounting Degrees
Accreditation tells you that a school or program meets the industry’s academic and professional standards. Without institutional accreditation, schools may not provide financial aid or transferable credits. Professional credentials like the certified public accountant (CPA) also require degrees from accredited schools.
When choosing an online school, you should look for accreditation from organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education. This includes organizations like the Higher Learning Commission and the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC), which works with online schools.
While not critical for accounting, programmatic accreditation offers quality assurance. Reputable accrediting organizations include: the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Along with accreditation, online schools also need state authorization, which allows them to teach out-of-state remote students. A school can apply for authorization with its state government directly or with an organization like the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
How Much Will an Online Accounting Master’s Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for an online graduate degree in business was $10,995 for the 2020 school year. Yet, many factors can affect the price you pay, including school prestige, school type, and your location in relation to the school.
For the programs on our list, tuition prices range between $457 and $1,446 per credit for in-state students. With programs featuring 30-48 credits, total tuition prices fall between $13,710 and $69,408. While online programs limit or eliminate travel and room and board costs, they often feature technology and subscription fees.
You can offset the costs with financial aid. First, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which could qualify you for federal loans and grants. You can also apply for national, state, and local scholarships and grants, along with those from your school and accounting organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best online master’s degree in accounting depends on your educational and career goals. While an MS in accounting or master of accounting (MAcc) focuses on CPA preparation, an MBA in accounting emphasizes leadership and management training.
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