Compare online master’s in accounting programs

What is an online MS in accounting?

A master’s in accounting is the next step for those who’ve completed a BA in business or a similar field and are ready to pursue mid- and senior-level roles.Master’s in accountingprograms are designed to enhance and deepen your grasp of auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and financial accounting. Programs typically focus on analyzing accounting data, addressing risk management and legal issues, exploring compliance strategies, and more. An MS in accounting will give you access to the type of material that will be tested on exams such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor® (CIA®), and Certified Management Accountant® (CMA®).

Online master’s in accounting requirements

The different online master’s in accounting programs all have a different set of requirements, including their specific GRE or GMAT requirements. Typically, in order to enroll in a master’s in accounting, you should have completed the following:

• A BS in a related field from an accredited university, with a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0

• Any relevant prerequisite courses

• Transcripts from previously attended institutions where you earned credits

• Letters of recommendation

• A personal essay or statement of purpose demonstrating your knowledge, goals, and career aspirations

• English proficiency

• An interview

If you’re not quite ready to embark on your master’s in accounting, explore general or dive into earlier-stage programs that study the management of assets, like the and the .

How to apply

Before you begin the application process for an online master’s in accounting at the schools of your choice, research the necessary application deadlines, tuition, and grant and scholarship opportunities, and prepare for the individual school’s admission requirements.

What you’ll learn

The master’s in accounting curriculum varies from university to university. Generally, the goal is to build the technical competency that can lead to advancing your career through core courses, electives, and concentrations.

Here are some examples of courses typically offered in a master’s of accounting:

• Financial accounting and reporting

• Regulation

• Advanced auditing

• Corporate financial reporting

• Accounting theory

• Public accounting

• Forensic accounting

• Accounting information systems

Aside from embarking on a master’s in accounting, you can also pursue a number of adjacent courses and programs. You can if you’d like to gain the skills to analyze complex financial data, to protect the financial stability of any organization, or and contribute to your organizations' financial strategies. Alternatively, you can explore edX’s offering of specifically designed for busy professionals.

Master’s in accounting concentrations

Different schools offer different concentrations to help students specialize in accounting. Your choice of concentration will depend on what you’d like to pursue post-graduation. Concentrations may include a public accounting (CPA) or private/corporate accounting (CMA) track or a tax accounting, forensic accounting, tax, finance, or auditing track.

What can you do with a master’s in accounting?

Earning yourmaster's in accounting can open up many diverse, lucrative career avenues. Here are just some of the careers you may explore:

• Certified public accountant (CPA): Audits financial records, prepares tax returns, and provides financial advice to individuals, businesses, and organizations.

• Financial analyst: Assesses financial data, market trends, and investment opportunities to provide recommendations for informed financial decision making.

• Management accountant: Focuses on providing financial information and analysis to help organizations make strategic decisions, control costs, and optimize operational efficiency.

• Internal auditors: Evaluates an organization's financial practices, internal controls, and compliance with regulations to identify weaknesses, mitigate risks, and improve operational efficiency and financial integrity.

• Forensic accountant: Investigates financial irregularities, fraud, and financial disputes by analyzing financial data, conducting audits, and providing expert testimony in legal proceedings.

• Chief financial officer (CFO): Plays a pivotal role in molding an organization's financial wellbeing and strategic direction by overseeing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and strategic decision making.

Master’s in accounting salary and job outlook

The consistent demand for professionals in accounting and related fields is driven by the ongoing evolution of financial regulations and the need for precise financial reporting. In addition, the profession is changing technologically, presenting openings for individuals with robust analytical and digital capabilities. These are some of the reasons why accountants and auditors tend to enjoy job stability. Between 2022 and 2032, job growth will be an estimated 4%type: embedded-entry-inline id: 17rmPXHWdAmEUj9WDl9fe3, commensurate with average market growth.

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

Earn a MicroMasters® program certificate instead! MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.

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