The Top 20 Online Schools for Master’s in Accounting

Those looking to further their careers in the field of accounting have a few choices to consider. You can attend a mediocre school, or you can seek out the best. Many factors are involved in making this decision, including:

• Your drive to make it to the top,
• Your location or where you can see yourself in the future (maybe New York?),
• What you can afford, etc.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in the accounting field has a 4% outlook over the next decade.

The demand for skilled accountants is strong and you could see yourself climbing the ladder of success by advancing to the top positions in a company or organization, such as the CEO of a corporation, or, better yet, being THE boss by starting your own accounting firm!

The median salary for graduates with an advanced degree in Master’s in Accounting with jobs as auditors or accountants is approximately $77,250 and for those seeking “the top” as mentioned before, you could be looking at well over $120,000 per year. Be prepared to take and pass the CPA exam to even be considered as a candidate to make this kind of dough!

Masters in Accounting degree programs offer students the opportunity to develop core accounting skills as well as specialized knowledge in areas such as taxation, auditing, and financial analysis. These programs often include courses in advanced financial management topics, as well as accounting research, leadership, and technology training.

In no particular order (as they are all the best in the field), please take a seat and a few moments to learn all of the exciting aspects of each of these top contenders….your future depends on it!

METHODOLOGY

The editors of Business-Management-Degree.net collect the most important and relevant data about universities, colleges, and campus facilities from various highly respected sources. We attempt to offer them in a simple format that is easy to understand.

As all schools are unique in their own way and offer individualized programs that reach their accredited educational goals, we chose not to rank them in a specific order but instead chose to highlight the Top Online Master’s of Accounting Degree Programs in random order, all of which have their own unique strengths and qualities.

Our hope is that potential students will take a look at each school and determine what that school has to offer them in hopes of finding a program that fits their needs.

• 100% Online distance learning availability, with an innovative and cutting-edge technology format,
• Ensured success through a properly Accredited Online Master of Accounting Program, pursuant to the appropriate colleges and schools commission agency,
• Student satisfaction, according to retention rates no lower than 50%,
• Federal Financial Aid Options,
• Experienced Financial Experts as the best educators in the field of Accounting,
• Prepares students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam (in some states),
• Programs that offer a variety of Accounting concentrations to choose from.

For a deeper understanding, please see our Methodology page for more information.

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Online Schools for Master’s in Accounting

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MASTER OF ACCOUNTING

Prominent Program Features:

The excellence of this online school can be seen in its outstanding retention and graduation rates, both of which are near perfect. The UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School is internationally recognized for its achievements in business education.

Students are immersed in real-world learning experiences in which they develop successful strategies for unpredictable modern business dynamics.

The Master of Accounting degree includes three concentration options in Tax, Audit, and Financial Analysis, each of which takes students in distinctive areas of the profession.

UNC at Chapel Hill provides phenomenal recruitment opportunities for accounting graduate students with mid-market firms, Big 4 companies, and corporations like Wells Fargo, ExxonMobil, and Bank of America.

Concentration Options:

• Tax
• Audit
• Financial Analysis

Campus Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 24%

Retention Rate: 96%

Graduation Rate: 90%

LEARN MORE ABOUT UNC AT CHAPEL HILL’S ONLINE MASTER OF ACCOUNTING

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University of Oklahoma

ONLINE MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY (MAcc)

Prominent Program Features:

The professional accounting graduate program from the University of Oklahoma’s Steed School of Accounting has received nationwide recognition from numerous high-quality resources. Today, it offers the same outstanding curriculum in a fully online and flexible format designed to accommodate any working adult’s schedule.

The program includes further opportunities in business and accounting education, such as the chance to earn four hours of graduate business credits and reduce the overall cost of the CPA exam.

The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing all students with a strong networking foundation made up of faculty members, alumni, and accounting experts throughout the state and the country.

Students can look forward to small classes and an incomparable amount of access to resources and professors at this online accounting graduate school.

Coursework Sample:

• Investments
• Negotiations
• Accounting Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Campus Location: Norman, OK

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 85.2%

Retention Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 68.3%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA’S ONLINE MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY (MAcc)

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Southern Utah University

MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY

Prominent Program Features:

The Southern Utah University’s Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business has been educating students in accounting for more than twenty-five years. It has an extremely high academic success rate and maintains a nearly 100% job placement for graduates.

The curriculum provides a tremendous amount of flexibility. It allows students to complete classes at their own pace and customize their program to meet individual career goals. It is offered either entirely online or in a hybrid format for students who prefer some in-person contact.

Students at SUU learn quantitative analysis and relevant accounting computer applications that support complex decision-making.

There is also a strong focus on enhancing soft skills such as problem-solving and communication with clients, peers, and superiors. This program has been recognized by many different journalistic and academic resources as one of the very best in the United States.

Coursework Sample:

• Advanced Cost Accounting
• Property Transactions
• Tax Seminar

Campus Location: Cedar City, UT

Accreditation:

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  8060 165th Avenue NE
  Redmond, Washington, 98052
  www.nwccu.org, (425) 558-4224
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 88.7%

Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 51.8%

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY

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University of Massachusetts Lowell

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is an incredibly supportive online school that provides enormous professional and academic resources for distance education students. It is also one of the most highly accredited schools of accounting on this ranking, with numerous endorsements that others do not have.

Students choose one of four specializations, and there are even more options available within each concentration! The tuition is affordable for all online students compared to most prestigious colleges and universities at around $655 per credit hour.

Graduates go on to become leaders in government, corporate, public, and nonprofit environments after adopting pivotal accounting leadership qualities at UMass Lowell. After attending the Manning School of Business, alumni are guaranteed a fulfilling career in professional accounting.

Concentration Options:

• General Program
• Business Analytics
• Corporate Accounting Leadership
• International Business

Campus Location: Lowell, MA

Accreditation:

• New England Commission of Higher Education
  3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
  Burlington, Massachusetts, 01803-4514
  www.neche.org, (781) 425-7785
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
• Institute of Management Accountant’s Higher Education Endorsement Program

Acceptance Rate: 84.6%

Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 65.5%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL’S MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING ONLINE

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University of Arizona

ACCOUNTING MASTER OF SCIENCE

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Arizona provides a one-year online graduate degree in accounting that is one of the most flexible on this ranking. Alongside the accelerated coursework, there are also six start dates throughout the academic year, making it possible for students to start their educational careers as soon as possible!

The curriculum includes twelve credits of intensive accounting major courses and eighteen MBA/accounting electives. With such a design, students are capable of focusing their degree on personal areas of interest. The University of Arizona is an exceptional online school and is well-known for its high-quality distance education degrees.

There is also an online Accounting Graduate Certificate for students who have not completed the MSA program’s necessary prerequisites.

Coursework Sample:

• Business Law for Accountants
• Financial and Managerial Accounting in Healthcare
• Ethics for Professional Accountants

Campus Location: Tuscon, AZ

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 87.3%

Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 64.3%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA’S MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING

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St. John’s University

ACCOUNTING, MASTER OF SCIENCE

Prominent Program Features:

The St. John’s University online Master of Science in Accounting is an excellent distance education program to help working professionals understand the discipline. The curriculum is highly approachable for students who have a background in finances and accounting and those who do not.

It is a one-year, 33-credit accelerated graduate program in accounting that can be completed in one year. Students exiting the degree are fully prepared to sit for licensing examinations to become certified public accountants.

Having learned from outstanding faculty members, all of whom hold terminal degrees in their areas of expertise, alumni have a well-developed understanding of many crucial accounting elements. There are two exciting specializations available, as well as a huge number of elective options.

Concentration Options:

• Enterprise Risk Management
• Taxation

Campus Location: Queens, NY

Accreditation:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  3624 Market Street, Suite 2 West
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
  https://www.msche.org, (267) 284-5000
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 85.1%

Retention Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 62.4%

LEARN MORE ABOUT ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY’S ACCOUNTING, MASTER OF SCIENCE

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Penn State World Campus

ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING

Prominent Program Features:

Penn State World Campus is an incredibly popular online school that has been in the top ten on school rankings too many times to count! Its programs are flexible, sophisticated, and well-accredited. The Master of Professional Accounting degree is designed and kept up to date by diverse faculty experts who are steeped in distance education.

The curriculum prepares students to become Certified Public Accountants in a wide variety of environments, such as industrial, managerial, or public accounting and auditing. Graduates are well-versed in corporate finance, forensic accounting, and financial analysis and are an excellent addition to any organization.

PSWC also offers an outstanding Graduate Certificate in Accounting, which is an excellent choice for students who are looking for less of a time commitment.

Coursework Sample:

• Professional Responsibilities and Ethics in Accounting
• Advanced UCC and Commercial Transactions
• Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting

Campus Location: University Park, PA

Accreditation:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  3624 Market Street, Suite 2 West
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
  https://www.msche.org, (267) 284-5000
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 54%

Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 70%

LEARN MORE ABOUT PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS’ MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING

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Auburn University

MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY – ONLINE

Prominent Program Features:

The online Master of Accountancy from Auburn University is designed to give students a learning experience identical to the standard on-campus degree. Lectures and classes are recorded live on campus and streamed to the high-quality distance education platform for online learners.

The virtual classroom provides vibrant discussion forums, interactive projects, and real-world experiences. The accounting master’s curriculum prepares students to pass the CPA examination on their very first try, and Auburn maintains an exemplary 94% pass rate. There are excellent options for both working and non-working students, and the latter can complete the program in one year!

Graduates from the Harbert College of Business have become Internal Auditors, Managerial Accountants, Tax Accountants, Financial Managers, and more.

Coursework Sample:

• Corporation and Partnership Taxation
• Security and Information Assurance
• Enterprise Management of the Bid Data Environment

Campus Location: Auburn, AL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 71.2%

Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 78.9%

LEARN MORE ABOUT AUBURN UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY – ONLINE

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Regis University

ACCOUNTING, MASTER OF SCIENCE

Prominent Program Features:

Regis University is a fabulous online school that has received numerous awards and accolades for distinction as an exemplary distance education institution. The Accounting Master of Science degree is geared toward obtaining licensure as a CPA.

The curriculum is kept up-to-date and relevant to reflect all of the most pivotal issues and trends in business and accounting. Faculty members utilize Anderson’s Scholar-Practitioner Model, which blends virtual coursework with real-world experience and transforms students into industry experts. Many accounting graduates go on to start their own massively successful businesses!

Regis offers an accelerated accounting degree with eight-week courses, and interested readers can even sample a class for free through the program website.

Concentration Options:

• Financial Accounting
• Fraud/Forensic Accounting
• IT Accounting
• Managerial Accounting

Campus Location: Denver, CO

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Acceptance Rate: 81.4%

Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 62%

LEARN MORE ABOUT REGIS UNIVERSITY’S ACCOUNTING, MASTER OF SCIENCE

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The University of Texas at Dallas

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Texas at Dallas has two pathways through which students can earn their Master of Science in Accounting: the Flex Model or the Cohort Model.

The former is highly adjustable and accelerated and provides enormous flexibility in both scheduling and coursework. The latter has more structure and requires a full two years to complete.

Six exciting curriculum tracks lead students into various areas of the discipline, yet everyone receives the same high-quality education in general accounting. Many students at UT Dallas choose to take on a second degree in STEM. While this option does take more time (thirty-six months) to complete, these students exit their programs as seasoned professionals in multiple areas.

This online school provides all of the preparation needed to pass the CPA exam and other certifications.

Concentration Options:

• Advanced Professional Accounting
• Professional Accounting
• Taxation
• Internal Audit and Risk Assurance
• Accounting Analysis
• Research

Campus Location: Dallas, TX

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Acceptance Rate: 87.2%

Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 69.7%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS’ MS IN ACCOUNTING DEGREE

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University of St. Francis

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN ACCOUNTING

Prominent Program Features:

The University of St. Francis provides an exciting opportunity to earn a graduate degree in accounting through the Master of Business Administration program. Not only do students have the benefit of an impeccable four-course specialized curriculum in accounting, but also an outstanding education in general business and leadership.

This nationally ranked program is updated regularly to reflect all of the latest industry and business trends. St. Francis also offers what it calls “stackable certificates:” another avenue through which students can gain a distinctive education in business and accounting.

The degree was designed with working professionals in mind, and it is flexible enough to accommodate any schedule. It is an accelerated master of accounting that can be completed in as little as twelve to eighteen months.

Coursework Sample:

• International Accounting & Reporting
• Fraud Examination
• Financial Statement Analysis

Campus Location: Joliet, IL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Acceptance Rate: 68.2%

Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 74%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. FRANCIS’ ONLINE MBA IN ACCOUNTING

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University of Missouri

ACCOUNTANCY: ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Missouri provides an outstanding masters-level accounting program, which is in the top five in the country for CPA exam pass rates. Mizzou also maintains a fabulous graduate placement rate of 95%.

While students are never required to attend events or classes on campus, there are excellent non-virtual opportunities at the University of Missouri, such as job fairs, professional development workshops, and industry experts’ accounting symposia.

The curriculum is quite broad and covers all of the most critical areas, such as forensic accounting, fraud examination, taxation, auditing, and ethics. Mizzou Online offers in-state tuition to all distance education students, which is relatively affordable at $435.30 per credit hour.

Students also have access to an abundance of financial aid resources, grants, and scholarships, and Mizzou Online is an excellent choice for veterans and active-duty members of the United States Military.

Coursework Sample:

• Taxation of Corporations and Shareholders
• Tax Research and Procedure
• Governmental Accounting and Budgeting

Campus Location: Columbia, MO

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 76.5%

Retention Rate: 88%

Graduation Rate: 73%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MIZZOU ONLINE MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY (MAcc)

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Rutgers University

MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY IN GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING (ONLINE)

Prominent Program Features:

Graduate students at Rutgers University undertake a specialized curriculum with a strong focus on Governmental Accounting. Prominent academic resources, such as U.S. News and World Report, have ranked this online school number eight in the nation for the best master’s degrees in accounting.

It is a highly flexible program specifically designed to prepare students for careers in both nonprofit and public sectors. The coursework is continuously kept up-to-date by industry leaders and incorporates accounting, financial management, and auditing training as such applies to government agency positions.

Graduates can become Chartered Public Finance Accountants through Rutgers University, which opens up employment opportunities across the entire globe! There is no GMAT required for admission, and students can get started on their future as soon as possible.

Coursework Sample:

• Design and Development of Information Systems
• Ethical Issues in Public Financial Management
• Government Budgeting Systems

Campus Location: New Brunswick, NJ

Accreditation:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  3624 Market Street, Suite 2 West
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
  https://www.msche.org, (267) 284-5000

Acceptance Rate: 68.2%

Retention Rate: 94%

Graduation Rate: 84%

LEARN MORE ABOUT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY IN GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING (ONLINE MSA)

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the most widely celebrated online schools in the distance education industry. It has appeared on innumerable rankings of the finest programs and universities in the country, and online students can take advantage of all UMass System resources.

The online Master of Science in Accounting follows a professional track and prepares students to sit for the CPA exam and occupy future leadership positions.

There is a strong curricular focus on business management, and graduates exit the program with a firm understanding of both business and finances. Alumni go on to work in financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and public practices.

This online school is well-known for its abundance of online resources, and interested readers can even sample an MSA course before applying to the program!

Coursework Sample:

• Principles of Federal Taxation for Individuals and Businesses
• Ethics and Professional Responsibilities for Accountants
• Strategic Cost Management

Campus Location: Amherst, MA

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 65.5%

Retention Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 84%

LEARN MORE ABOUT UMASS AMHERST’S ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING (MSA)

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University of Scranton

ONLINE MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY (MAcc)

Prominent Program Features:

At the University of Scranton, students in the online Master of Accountancy program can concentrate their curriculum in three areas. The general accounting option can be customized to suit all kinds of individual career goals.

There are numerous exciting elective options with which students can plan out more niche approaches to the profession. The other two concentrations are more focused on specific areas of the accounting discipline.

Scranton offers graduate students an incredible discount for the highly popular Big 4-endorsed Wiley CPAexcel preparation program. Students learn how to take on accountancy leadership positions such as Director of Accounting, Financial Analyst, or Chief of Risk Officer.

The University of Scranton was founded by the Jesuit Catholic Church, and the online graduate degree in accounting includes strong Christian principles.

Coursework Sample:

• Forensic Accounting
• Accounting Analytics
• General Option

Campus Location: Scranton, PA

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 80.3%

Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 83%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON’S ONLINE MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY (MAcc)

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Syracuse University

M.S. IN ACCOUNTING

Prominent Program Features:

Syracuse University is a highly flexible online school for students pursuing a Master of Science in Accounting at a distance. The three available pathways provide a wide range of choices, including an accelerated format that can be completed in as little as twelve months. The Professional Accounting Schedule is less accelerated yet can still be finished in fifteen months.

Syracuse is perfect for seasoned professionals in business and finance, as well as newcomers to the discipline. The latter can take advantage of the Foundational Accounting Schedule, which is specially designed for students who studied in an alternative area to accounting.

The general curriculum provides crucial information in communication, fundamental accounting principles, research and analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Program Options:

• Accelerated Accounting Schedule
• Professional Accounting Schedule
• Foundational Accounting Schedule

Campus Location: Syracuse, NY

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Acceptance Rate: 59.2%

Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 82%

LEARN MORE ABOUT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN ACCOUNTING

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Maryville University

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING ONLINE

Prominent Program Features:

At this online school, there is a strong emphasis on bridging various business services with the cross-functionality of accounting. Despite their area of expertise, businesspersons with an in-depth understanding of finances are an invaluable asset in any environment.

The great thing about Maryville University is that the curriculum allows students to continue working in their preferred area of business while also drastically enhancing their understanding of accounting principles and financial decision-making. In fact, the bridge program is specifically designed for students with non-accounting backgrounds.

No matter their approach, this is an accelerated program that can be completed in ten months, and students never have to set foot on campus. Graduates are fully prepared to sit for the CPA exam.

Coursework Sample:

• Tax Planning and Decision Making
• Accounting for Governmental and Non-Profit Entities
• Financial Statement Analysis

Campus Location: St. Louis, MO

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Acceptance Rate: 91.5%

Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 71.4%

LEARN MORE ABOUT MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING ONLINE

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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING (iMSA)

Prominent Program Features:

The online graduate degree in accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is known as one of the best in the country.

Students delve into an in-depth curriculum that covers all of the most crucial aspects of the discipline. It is strongly focused on developing CPA exam readiness, and the school boasts an excellent 75% first-time passing rate for iMSA graduates.

Urbana-Champaign also maintains an incredibly high job placement rate of 98%. The entire program tuition starts at around $20,000 without financial aid, making this one of the most affordable online accountancy programs given its national reputation. It can also be completed at an accelerated rate that allows students to finish the degree in about eighteen months.

The curriculum is divided into two and includes a lecture section and a real-world section that provides outstanding experiential learning opportunities.

Coursework Sample:

• Federal Taxation
• Managerial Accounting
• Auditing

Campus Location: Champaign, IL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 62%

Retention Rate: 92%

Graduation Rate: 85%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN’S ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING

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University of Connecticut

ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING (MSA)

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Connecticut supplies what is probably the most popular online master’s degree in accounting in the country. It is a well-accredited and highly-ranked curriculum that was specially designed for distance learners.

Students undergo flexible, asynchronous courses, all of which include a strong focus on relevant issues concerning today’s accounting professionals. The degree is available in part-time and full-time formats and has been recognized by the United States Distance Learning Association for its excellence.

Graduates from UConn have the knowledge, skills, and experience to enter into accounting positions at any organization, from non-profits to Fortune 100 companies. There are also career-enhancing online graduate certificates in accounting available at the University of Connecticut.

Coursework Sample:

• Business Law, Business Ethics, and Public Accounting
• Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
• Accounting and Disclosure for Not-for-Profit Entities

Campus Location: Mansfield, CT

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 48%

Retention Rate: 94%

Graduation Rate: 82%

LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING (MSA)

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Colorado State University-Global Campus

ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING

Prominent Program Features:

Colorado State University-Global Campus is one of the most popular and well-known online schools in the United States.

Accounting graduate students complete an exceptional general master’s curriculum that includes focused topics in the analysis, preparation, and organization of accurate financial records, proper tax filing, and identifying ways to reduce costs and enhance revenue.

The five concentration options take online students further into the profession through more concentrated courses. Students seeking a more general approach to the discipline would do very well to consider the Professional Accounting Emphasis. This pathway includes a broader array of elective options and opportunities to explore individual interests.

The tuition rate at CSU-Global is highly competitive compared to other high-profile colleges and universities throughout the country at $500 per credit hour.

Concentration Options:

• Data Analytics
• Fraud Investigations & Forensic Accounting
• Auditing & Assurance
• Taxation
• Professional Accounting

Campus Location: Aurora, CO

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 47%

Graduation Rate: 36.3%

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY-GLOBAL CAMPUS’ ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of having a Master’s degree in Accounting?

There are many benefits to owning a graduate degree in the field of Accounting, such as:

• Higher Earning Potential
• Broader Career Opportunities
• Enhanced Credibility
• More Advanced Knowledge
• Variety of Professional Certifications

Will earning a Master’s degree in Accounting help my career?

Yes, earning a Master’s in Accounting will advance your career by providing you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to pursue a successful career in accounting.

If you’ve previously earned your bachelor’s degree, then you are familiar with the field of accounting; however, for career advancement, an online master’s degree may be required. Through this program, you will gain the ability to analyze data, evaluate financial statements, and understand the complexities of the accounting profession.

Additionally, earning a Master’s degree in Accounting online program can open up many opportunities, such as a CPA or CIA certification, which can provide you with the professional recognition and credibility that employers are looking for when hiring.

Finally, with a Master’s in Accounting graduate program, you can expect to have more job security and higher earning potential than those without the degree. With a management accounting concentration, you can expect a leadership position!

What can I do with a Master’s degree in Accounting?

With a Master’s degree in Accounting, you can pursue various career paths. These may include roles such as a public accountant, financial analyst, budget analyst, controller, certified management accountant, tax specialist, auditor, or financial planner.

You may also be able to pursue professional certifications such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Additionally, having a Master’s degree in Accounting may give you the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, such as banking, insurance, government, and healthcare.

What qualities will make me a good CPA?

The qualities that will make you a good CPA include critical thinking, problem-solving, strong communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, ethical conduct, and the ability to apply accounting regulations.

Additionally, you should have a general understanding of business principles and the ability to analyze data and interpret financial information.

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Summary

• Accounting programs at the master’s level are designed for career advancement. For those searching for management or leadership opportunities, earning an online master’s in accounting is ideal.
• Online accounting master’s degree program will expand on your current skills. An accounting program prepares students for financial reporting, nonprofit accounting, accounting information systems, advanced financial reporting, international financial reporting standards, management accounting, business law, intermediate accounting, corporate finance, as well as other advanced financial accounting topics.
• Online graduate business programs provide a convenient learning format. If you are currently working a full-time job, then accounting online programs are perfect for you. Online learning programs are offered using asynchronous formats, allowing you flexibility so you can study when it’s convenient for you!