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Master's in accounting programs

Looking for a master's degree in accounting? Discover flexible online programs that can prepare you to advance your career as a CPA or CMA.

Explore online accounting master’s programs

Why earn a master's in accounting online?

Prepare for licensure

Become eligible to take the CPA, CIA, or CMA exams with a master's degree in accounting.

Increase your earnings

Access higher-paying jobs in accounting by specializing in emerging and in-demand fields.

Study while working

Take advantage of online and accelerated graduate degree programs that fit your schedule.


Ready to expand your knowledge and become a leader in accounting? Professionals who hope to specialize in high-demand roles, increase their salaries, and prepare for the CPA and CMA exams can benefit from earning a master's degree in accounting.

Online master's in accounting degree overview

Individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree in business or a similar field and want to qualify for mid- and senior-level roles can consider enrolling in an online master's in accounting program. Schools design these programs to enhance students' understanding of key areas of accounting, such as auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and financial accounting.

Pursuing an online MS in accounting can also help you gain expertise in analyzing accounting data, facilitating risk management, implementing compliance strategies, and navigating legal issues. Many master's in accounting programs prepare you to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams.

Curriculum

Master's in accounting curricula vary across universities. However, all of these programs aim to help students build the technical competencies needed for career advancement. Through a combination of concentrations, core courses, and electives, these programs prepare you for higher-level roles in the accounting field.

Online master's in accounting programs often offer courses such as:

  • Fraud and Forensic Accounting
  • Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
  • International Accounting and Reporting
  • Accounting Analytics
  • Advanced Auditing
  • Venture Capital
  • Supply Chain and Logistics Management
  • Management Accounting
  • Tax Accounting

Types of master's in accounting degrees

Universities offer various concentrations so that students can specialize in a specific area of accounting. Your career goals after graduation may impact your choice of concentration.

  • Master of Accounting

    The MAC or MAcc is a general program that provides a broad overview of the profession. Recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in accounting and no professional experience may find that an MAcc program fits their needs. Some programs offer specialized financial reporting, tax, and data analytics tracks. These programs include courses for individuals aiming to become CPAs.

  • Master of Science in Accounting

    The MSA, like the MAcc, provides broad, advanced training in accounting and business core concepts. These programs may offer specialized courses like nonprofit accounting, advanced managerial accounting, and research and critical thinking. MSA programs are often available as online degree programs. They may suit those with non-accounting backgrounds seeking to switch careers. Most programs help prepare students for the CPA or CMA exams.

  • Master of Professional Accounting

    The MPA or MPAcc is similar to the MAcc and MSA programs but may emphasize practical or research skills. Elective courses focus on specialized subjects in taxation, auditing standards, and strategic communication. These programs also offer CPA exam preparation.

Alternatively, students may seek one of the various specialized master's degrees in accounting:

  • Master of Business Administration in Accounting

    An MBA in accounting is geared toward those seeking to build their business management and advanced accounting knowledge. It integrates marketing, leadership, and finance courses in its curriculum.

  • Master of Science in Taxation

    The master of science in taxation emphasizes tax law and accounting. Those pursuing taxation roles in the public and private sectors may find that a master's in taxation is a good fit for their goals.

  • Master of Forensic Accounting

    The MFAcc helps students build accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to prepare them to detect and prevent fraud. It is designed for those interested in working in law enforcement, compliance departments, or legal scenarios.

Prospective students should note that MAC, MSA, and MPA degrees possess similar characteristics and may vary by name across universities.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in accounting?

Earning your master's in accounting can open up diverse, lucrative career opportunities, such as:

  • Certified public accountant: CPAs audit financial records, prepare tax returns, and provide financial advice to individuals, businesses, and organizations.
  • Chief financial officer: CFOs play a pivotal role in molding an organization's financial wellbeing and strategic direction by overseeing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
  • Financial analyst: These professionals assess financial data, market trends, and investment opportunities to provide recommendations for informed financial decision-making.
  • Forensic accountant: These accountants investigate fraud, financial irregularities, and disputes by analyzing financial data, conducting audits, and providing expert testimony in legal proceedings.
  • Internal auditors: Internal auditors evaluate an organization's financial practices, internal controls, and compliance with regulations to identify weaknesses, mitigate risks, and improve operational efficiency and financial integrity.
  • Management accountant: These accountants focus on providing financial information and analysis to help organizations make strategic decisions, control costs, and optimize operational efficiency.

Accountant salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2023, accountants earned between $50,440 and $137,280 per year, with a median salary of $79,880. Generally, professionals with master's degrees earn higher salaries than those with bachelor's degrees or lower. A person's actual salary can vary based on factors like their chosen accounting field, industry, location, work experience, and professional certifications like CPA.

Career outlook for accounting graduates

The BLS projects job opportunities for accountants and auditors to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032. The organization attributes this growth to retiring workers, more companies going public, and increased demand for specialized accountants due to globalization's impact on international business ventures.

The BLS also notes that while technological advances, such as artificial intelligence, will become more widespread in the profession, they are not expected to reduce the demand for accountants. Instead, there will likely be a greater need for specialized and analytical professionals as routine tasks will be automated.

Admissions requirements for online master's in accounting programs

Each online master's in accounting program has specific admissions requirements, but some of the most common are:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Official transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Standardized test scores, such as from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if applicable. Some universities may waive these.
  • Résumé or CV
  • Personal essay or statement of purpose demonstrating your knowledge and career goals
  • Application fee (if required)
  • Interview

Frequently asked questions

Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?

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