Find your perfect college degree
Online master’s programs in accounting are available to those interested in balancing their studies with personal and professional obligations.
Today, working students don’t physically need to go to universities to acquire a master’s degree. With the comforts of your home, you can enroll in an online master’s degree program in accounting.
Students enrolled in online master’s in accounting programs are prepared to go into a growing field.
A Master’s degree in Accounting provides students with a comprehensive education in accounting theory and practice. This degree offers students the opportunity to specialize in areas such as auditing, tax, information technology, and management.
Students gain an understanding of how accounting principles apply to the business world, as well as the skills needed to work in the finance and accounting industries.
Students can choose a concentration in one of several key areas, giving them the knowledge and experience necessary to work in any number of accounting-related fields. With an accounting master’s degree, students are able to apply their knowledge to solve complex business problems and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for accountants or editors, these jobs are forecasted to grow 4% from 2021-2031.
This projection will ensure that you will be part of a high-potential and high-demand industry in the coming decade.
Quick audio summary:
A Master’s degree in Accounting sets you up for the most lucrative careers in the industry! You are poised for high-level Accounting positions that truly put your advanced competency and skill set to the test!
Because Accounting covers a wide range of study areas within the financial realm, picking the best online graduate school offering a Master’s in Accounting degree is a crucial step.
Our list of the best online universities stands out because of the rigorous master’s degree coursework delivered online or in a hybrid format. Not to be ignored is the accreditation status of the online graduate schools and their Accounting degree programs, as well as the academic reputation they hold.
Another indicator of an excellent degree in an Accounting program is its teaching staff. The online graduate degree programs on our list are being taught by accounting professionals, many of whom have made significant contributions to the field.
The online instructors utilize state-of-the-art virtual platforms and tools to provide students with ease of access to their coursework.
Because graduate programs are not exactly cheap, the online Master’s in Accounting degree programs on this list provide financial aid options to students who qualify.
For more information on our rankings, please visit our Methodology page.
The Best Online Accounting Master’s Degrees
University of Connecticut
Online Master of Science in Accounting
In just two semesters, you can complete the entire course load of the MSA, which was the first online master’s program offered at the University of Connecticut. Normally, part-time students and students with full-time jobs take two courses per semester.
The summer semester (May) is when students are typically admitted; however, they can start earlier with prior approval. Coursework is primarily available asynchronously and online, allowing students the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace.
Furthermore, online students are offered the same career-growing opportunities as their on-campus counterparts, including involvement with high-profile companies that help students gain practical experience and form beneficial professional relationships.
This program holds AACSB accreditation for its accounting program, making it stand out from other program offerings. You may also proceed to a doctorate program in accounting finance if you wish to further study after your master’s.
Location:
- Storrs, Connecticut
Accreditation:
- the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Program Features:
- Asynchronous online education
- Full-time option: 10 courses over two or three semesters
- Part-time opportunity: 10 courses over multiple semesters
Course Options:
- Taxation of Business Entities
- Accounting and Auditing for Governmental Entities
- Data Analytics: Skills for Accountants
- Accounting and Disclosure for Non-for-Profit Entities
Admission:
- Essays
- Resume
- GMAT Scores
- Transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Federal work-study
- Student employment
What’s Unique About The Program:
- The industry’s gold standard, AACSB Accreditation, is given to only 190 institutions, making the University of Connecticut one of the recipients.
- United States Distance Learning Association has recognized this accounting master’s degree for its best practices in online learning.
Boise State University
Online Master of Science in Accountancy
The online master’s in accounting at Boise State University prepares you to take the CPA exam and prepare you for a career in public accounting.
The curriculum is focused on helping you pass the exam and prepares you for the challenges of public accounting. The advanced coursework in this program will also allow you to develop your expertise in auditing and attesting further.
Advising and Academic Support Center offers a wide range of online students, including tutoring, academic coaching, success workshops, and writing consultations. This should be the right program for some who want to expedite their master’s degree education duration.
They also boast an educational center wherein you can get support for any online class relations. As for concerns about internships and careers, the Career Center is always ready to lend a hand.
Location:
- Boise, Idaho
Accreditation:
- the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Program Features:
- 30 credit hours required for completion of the accelerated program
- 33-38 credit hours for the MSA Foundations Program
Course Options:
- Financial Reporting Theory
- Corporate Tax Law
- Data Analytics for Accounting and IT Audit
- Tax and Accounting Research
- Accounting for Income Taxes
Admission:
- Online application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Must have taken 18 credits of the upper-division accounting courses
- At least 15-semester credits in other business courses
- All courses must have a grade of C or better
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Idaho opportunity scholarship
- Military state benefits
- Boise State payment plan
- Employer reimbursement
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Boise State’s online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program is one of the top offerings of its kind.
- You can earn your master’s degree online through their 100% online program with no out-of-state tuition.
- At Boise State, students are supported from the moment they apply for graduation.
- They offer optimal support through many services like online tutoring, academic coaching, success workshops, and advising support centers.
Penn State World Campus
Master of Professional Accounting
Penn State’s World Campus allows distance learners access to the prestigious Master of Professional Accounting program offered by the university.
Designed to support students in their efforts to pass the CPA exam, this program features ten courses taught by full-time, experienced faculty who also have experience teaching online. If you want to complete your Master of Professional Accountancy online, you can do so from any location at any time.
Several of the students in the program take advantage of features like video conferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, and self-study. In these asynchronous courses, you will complete weekly assignments, readings, and discussions, as well as some group work so you can maximize your learning outcomes.
There are plenty of resources available to online learners, including technical support, academic advisors, and exam proctors.
Location:
- State College, Pennsylvania
Accreditation:
- the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Program Features:
- 30 credits required for completion
Course Options:
- Business Tax Planning Theory and Practice
- Professional Responsibilities and Ethics in Accounting
- Advanced UCC and Commercial Transactions
- Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support
Admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Must have taken prerequisite accounting courses
- Official transcripts
- GPA and test scores
- English proficiency
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Federal student aid
- Military payment options
- Penn State installment payment plan
- Third-party payments
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Technical support, academic advising, and tutoring are among the many exceptional online support services the university provides.
- The master’s program in Accounting at Penn State is taught by full-time, experienced faculty from diverse backgrounds.
- The School of Business Administration holds the elite AACSB accreditation, which is held by only a tiny percentage of business schools worldwide.
Emporia State University
Online master’s degrees in accounting are available from Emporia State University in Kansas. It is possible to begin the program at any of the six start dates offered every year and complete it in as little as one year.
Emporia State University’s Master of Accountancy (MAcc) online program is an excellent preparation for a career as a professional in public accounting, which gives you the skills to apply and understand advanced accounting principles to determine how to manage a business best.
The online accounting program, now offered in accelerated 7-week courses, builds on your bachelor’s degree in accounting by covering advanced accounting topics like auditing, taxation, and management.
To qualify for a CPA license, this online program is enough to satisfy the 150-hour educational requirement. In just twelve months, the program can be completed entirely without any prior work experience.
Applicants must have at least a 2.65 GPA in the last 60 credits in their undergraduate program to qualify for admission. For students without a GMAT score, the program offers waivers for those with significant work experience, business bachelor’s degree holders with a GPA of 3.5, or master’s degrees in any field.
Location:
- Emporia, Kansas
Accreditation:
- the Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 30 credit hours required for completion
- It can be completed as short as one year
Course Options:
- Advanced Auditing
- Government and Not-For-Profit Accounting
- Managerial Economics
- Federal Income Tax or Corps. & Shareholders
Admission:
- BS degree in business from a regionally accredited school
- Prerequisite courses
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Resume and cover letter
- Official transcripts
Financial Aid:
- Loans
- Grants
- Work-study
- scholarships
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Designed to meet the CPA exam requirement of 150 hours, this course can be completed in 12 months by attending online classes 100% of the time.
- The course will equip you with the professional accounting skills you’ll need to excel in your career.
Auburn University
The Master of Accountancy program at Auburn University is designed for working professionals who want to continue their education while still working. The online program offers precisely the same coursework and exams as its campus-based counterpart.
Students at Harbert College of Business may also stream classes from campus to their online classrooms using smart classrooms. You can never question the quality of education provided by Auburn University.
Students will learn advanced technical skills, research methods, and communication skills during this program and prepare them for the Uniform CPA exam. Professionals can finish this program in just two years if they take the courses part-time, while full-time students can complete it in just one year.
However, during the final spring semester, students must attend a 3-day on-campus residency as part of the program.
During the residency, the Auburn Master of Accountancy Leadership Summit will feature seminars on business and leadership. This should be an excellent opportunity for you to build networks and earn exposure to future employers.
Location:
- Auburn, Alabama
Accreditation:
- the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- It comes with two options: traditional (30 credit hours required); expanded (42 credit hours required)
Course Options:
- Auditing and Assurance Services
- Accounting Analytics
- Integrated Accounting Applications
- Research in Accounting
- Information Risk Analysis
Admission:
- Four year BS degree from an accredited university
- US citizen
- Prerequisite courses
- Online application
- Statement of purpose
- Unofficial transcripts
- Three references
- GMAT Scores
Financial Aid:
- Loans
- Grants
- Federal work-study
- Scholarships
What’s Unique About The Program:
- 87% of Auburn alumni who take the CPA Exam within a year after obtaining an advanced degree pass the exam on their first attempt.
- The program supplements in-class discussion and fosters student engagement with online discussion boards.
- It comes with a three-day campus residency, which offers many promising benefits for your career as an accountant.
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University offers an online master’s degree in accounting. This should be your key to qualifying for a CPA exam. It takes an average of two years for students to complete all coursework online.
Comprehensive training in accounting and law is administered in six courses, including tax research, unlawful financial reporting, and auditing seminars. To guide their studies toward their career goals, students choose 12 credits of electives along with core courses.
Credits from previous coursework may be transferred up to six credits toward a degree at this school. To qualify for admission, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field, even if they are not accounting majors. Fortunately, this institution doesn’t require you to take standardized tests.
Location:
- Statesboro, Georgia
Accreditation:
- the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- It consists of ten 3-credit hour courses
- Includes 18 credit hours of accounting and law coursework and 12 credit hours of electives
Course Options:
- Seminar in Financial Accounting
- Fraudulent Financial Reporting
- Current Legal Issues
- Seminar in Accounting Information Systems
Admission:
- Must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university
- Must prove that they are professional and proficient in accountancy through their internship and work experiences.
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Student employment
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Georgia Southern accounting alumni have consistently high job placement and recruitment rates in large organizations.
- Students learn theories and practical concepts that can be applied to the CPA exam and the working world.
Southern Utah University
For students new to accounting, the curriculum offers foundational coursework (72 credits total).
Degree-seeking students must complete four core courses: taxation for pass-through entities, auditing, theory and practice seminars, and accounting ethics seminars. Students can select elective courses in corporate taxation, real estate transactions, or forensic accounting.
While enrolled in this program, you’ll have access to different internships and hands-on experience opportunities. You must possess a bachelor’s degree from any field to apply. If you do not have an accounting degree, you can still enroll in this program as long as you take prerequisite courses.
Location:
- Cedar City, Utah
Accreditation:
- the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Program Features:
- 30 credit hours required for completion
- It can be completed as short as one year
Course Options:
- Accounting Ethics Seminar
- Auditing II
- Taxes for Pass-Through Entities
- Practice and Theory Seminar
- Advanced Cost Accounting
Admission:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Resume
- Transcripts
- BS Degree
- Letter of intent
- Letter of recommendation
- GMAT Scores
- Foundation courses required
Financial Aid:
- Private scholarships
- Federal
- State
- Institutional aid
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Accounting master’s degree graduates are employed by accounting firms or government agencies in Utah, Nevada, and California, where nearly 100 percent of graduates can find work.
George Mason University
Their online Masters in Accounting program is one of a kind, thanks to its focus on business ethics and corporate governance, which will help you reach the 150 credits necessary to earn your CPA certification. As a result, US News & World Report ranked this program 56th out of all graduate business programs offered online.
A large percentage of these students succeed in securing employment before they even graduate, with an overall job placement of 86%. Accounting Advisory Council members include executives from national and regional accounting firms.
A part-time course may take less than two years to complete, but a full-time course can be completed within a year if the course is completed full-time.
Furthermore, it includes an integral Global Residency Program, which gives students the unique opportunity to gain professional accounting experience in highly competitive international markets.
Location:
- George Mason, Virginia
Accreditation:
- the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Features:
- It can be completed in 11 months for full-time and two years for part-time
Course Options:
- Professional Accounting Colloquium
- Global Accounting Environment
- Fraud Examination
- Advanced Issues in Financial Accounting
- Advanced Issues in Taxation
Admission:
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Resume
- GMAT Scores
- Official copy of transcripts
- One goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
Financial Aid:
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Work-study
- Grants
What’s Unique About The Program:
- They offer personalized career counseling, employment opportunities, and online resources as part of our Career Management Services
- 86% of graduates of this program find a job before graduation.
- Offering a choice of specializations, such as forensics, government, and tax accounting
- Program’s Integral Global Residency Program provides excellent experiential learning opportunities.
Rutgers University
Master of Accountancy in Professional Accounting
A master’s degree in government accountancy is available at the Rutgers Business School, a first-of-its-kind program offered entirely online. Working professionals with an interest in government accounting can enroll in the part-time program.
Students who earn a Master’s degree in Governmental Accounting can qualify for the Uniform CPA Exam with the credits they earn for the degree.
Students in the program may also be prepared to take the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) exam. If you’re looking to pursue this career path, this program is most suitable for you.
The admissions committee recommends that students have undergraduate degrees in business or accounting, though this is not required. To complete the degree, students must complete seven required courses along with three electives.
A hybrid online/on-campus program is also available from Rutgers; a Master of Accountancy in Financial Accounting can be obtained online. Additionally, on-campus programs are also available for a Master of Accountancy in Professional Accounting and a Master of Accountancy in Taxation.
Location:
- New Brunswick, New Jersey
Accreditation:
- the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Program Features:
- 30 credits, 11 courses
- Fall, spring, and summer start options
Course Options:
- Accounting for Managers
- Business Law
- Auditing Concepts
- Governmental Accounting and Auditing
- Managerial and Cost Accounting
Admission:
- Application fee of $70
- GMAT or GRE test Results
- Official transcripts
- English proficiency exam
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Essay
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Student employment
What’s Unique About The Program:
- This Master of Accounting meets New Jersey CPA examination credit requirements in the Professional Accounting program.
University of South Dakota
Online Master of Professional Accountancy
A Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of South Dakota combines the best of flexibility, convenience, and access with specialized accounting training. With this fully online graduate degree, students can earn the prestigious CPA designation while studying accounting, finance, and related topics.
Even though it is delivered using distance-learning technology, you’ll get the same education quality as conventional face-to-face training. The same faculty that teaches on-campus teaches the online curriculum.
Students seeking accounting education or government service can enroll in this online accounting degree program. Two of the main objectives of this course are to develop judgmental ability and develop professional competence related to accounting information production and use.
Furthermore, online students receive a wide range of benefits, including excellent student support, peer interaction, and access to the Academic and Career Planning Center, where dedicated staff will aid them in reaching their career and educational goals.
Location:
- Vermillion, South Dakota
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- 30 credit hours required for completion
- It can be completed in two years
Course Options:
- Cost Accounting
- Contemporary Topics in Auditing
- Advanced Accounting
- Tax Planning and Practice
Admission:
- Graduate application form
- Official transcripts
- BS Degree from accredited universities
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- GMAT Scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- Prerequisite courses
Financial Aid:
- Student Loans
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Work-study
What’s Unique About The Program:
- The faculty for the program is the same as those teaching the accounting program on campus.
- Academic and Career Planning Center offers outstanding online student support services.
- The program prepares students for the CPA examination and works in government, industry, or accounting education.
Comparison Between On-Campus Vs. Online Master’s Degree in Accounting
Before you take the leap and start taking online classes for your master’s degree, you must become aware of the comparison between the conventional face-to-face learning style and the conventional face-to-face learning style.
A graduate degree earned online comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Consider if a distance learning environment best fits your learning style and skills before enrolling in an online accounting program.
However, online learning is not always done in real-time. However, the top schools offering online master’s in accounting degrees allow their students to interact with each other through technologies such as videoconferencing and message boards. Online graduate students can take advantage of this for those with work and life obligations and school.
Still, it also means they need to have a strong sense of discipline to go to class and complete coursework independently. They must depend on their sole motivation and sense of responsibility. Online learning is a good option if you’re self-driven, can manage your time well, and don’t need to interact with professors a lot.
In a similar vein, a professional with a full-time job can benefit from an accredited online accounting degree. Students who enroll in online programs don’t have the opportunity to network in person, although there is the opportunity to network online with peers.
The asynchronous nature of online learning and the importance of forming professional networks in graduate degree programs means students must take additional steps to take advantage of networking opportunities when attending online classes. If these don’t matter a lot to you, go on and start enrolling in your chosen online master’s program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why study an online Master’s program in Accounting?
Online master’s degrees in accounting are in demand on the job market, as they provide graduates with a wide range of skill sets applicable across occupations and industries.
Government agencies, hospitality businesses, and healthcare providers employ accounting professionals. Almost any trade and industry is looking to hire employees who have accounting and auditing skills.
If it is your objective to move up the corporate ladder in the field of business and finance, a master’s in accounting will be great for you as a budding and developing entrepreneur or professional. Companies in every industry sector need accounting professionals to run efficiently and comply with financial regulations.
Studying accounting online offers a sure path to job stability due to the high demand for accounting specialists. While graduate degrees can be expensive, alumni from good accounting programs can expect a good investment return.
Therefore, invest in your education now and reap more rewards later on in your career life. Within ten years after graduating from top-ranked accounting programs, MBAs can see triple returns from their overall investment cost, reports the Princeton Review.
More Benefits of This Degree
Students invest considerable time and money to earn a master’s degree in Accounting and gain the skills to advance in their careers. A master’s degree is also the ideal academic path for someone looking to become a Certified Public Accountant.
Consider the following benefits when you have a master’s degree in accounting:
Specializations
Based on your chosen online program, you’ll have the option to specialize in different concentrations. Some of these include computer programming, data analytics, and market psychology. Having specializations will elevate more chances for you to land a high-paying job.
CPA Certification
Due to almost all states requiring 150 credits before applying for a CPA certification, a master’s degree is the best way to meet such requirements. As the typical undergraduate degree consists of only 120 credits, earning an online MBA in accounting can help students qualify for CPA certification.
Career Advancement
Master of Accounting degrees online enables accountants to upgrade their skills and secure more advanced positions that pay more. Get ready to upskill and land a higher job position when you have a master’s degree in accounting.
What features should students look for in an online Master’s in Accounting program?
Colleges provide unique experiences, but the following are typical characteristics of leading programs. Hence, consider these variables when selecting the best online college or university to enroll in:
Good Reputation
Degrees from prestigious colleges can boost your career prospects and open doors to internships and jobs at prestigious institutions. Look for universities or colleges that are acknowledged and praised by many accounting firms.
Some of the best schools in the nation have a high percentage of graduates landing a full-time job right after graduation. Consider this aspect when choosing the right school.
Competitiveness
Almost every school reports its acceptance rate on its website. Check out this data and learn how their institution becomes selective of their candidates. This will give you the advantage of being hired more. If a school is more competitive, employers will perceive them as pickier and more competitive.
Prestige
It is possible to get more job opportunities after graduation by attending a highly-ranked school. Therefore, check out the school’s rankings and read reviews about its reputation among alumni, current students, and school staff.
Some prestigious schools may charge more for their degrees, however. But if you don’t mind paying a higher cost, attending prestigious schools should be an excellent and worthy investment.
Accreditation
Through accreditation, students are ensured that their education meets the needs of local, regional, and global agencies.
Hence, this should be an aspect that you need to give attention to. An AACSB-accredited school, for example, adheres to and exceeds the rigorous academic and professional standards set by the organization.
Here are the different accreditations that your chosen university or college should at least have:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
- The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Value For Money
A college considered the best offers competitive financial aid or minimizes attendance costs with complete online offerings. Choose schools that have a higher percentage of students receiving financial support.
Good Quality Education
Schools with a solid reputation provide a supportive learning environment and a rich education. Take a look at their historical achievements, as well as the alumni who graduated from the institutions. When they have Pulitzer Prize winners or Nobel laureates, this will reflect the school’s high quality of education.
What are the specializations of a Master’s degree in Accounting?
Accounting is a broad field of study; however, accountants can specialize in a particular area that interests them in either a professional or personal sense, as in the four areas described below:
Financial Accounting
Those who specialize in financial accounting prepare financial statements depicting a company’s overall performance. Investors, creditors, and customers often receive these statements from companies. You can land this profession if you have this specialization.
Tax Accounting
A tax accountant prepares tax returns for individuals and businesses, determines deductible expenses, calculates profits and losses against income, and generally tracks the movement of funds.
International Accounting
You can work in the international sectors when you specialize in international accounting. The International Financial Reporting Standards guide accountants who specialize in international accounting in evaluating and determining the financial standing of foreign companies or individuals.
Forensic Accounting
A forensic accountant examines an individual’s or business’s financial condition using various accounting and investigative techniques. Often, the findings of a forensic accountant are used in court cases. If you want to work on them, this concentration will be suitable for you.
Is earning a Master’s degree in Accounting worth the time and expense? Will there be a good return on my money?
Whether or not earning a Master’s degree in Accounting is worth the time and expense depends on your individual situation. Generally speaking, having a Master’s degree can lead to higher-paying jobs and more desirable career opportunities.
Additionally, an advanced degree such as a Master’s in Accounting can also provide you with a greater level of expertise and knowledge when dealing with complex financial issues. Ultimately, it’s your decision whether earning a Master’s degree in Accounting is worth the time and expense, but in most cases, the return on your money can be worth it.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, obtaining a Master’s degree in Accounting is a highly beneficial choice for individuals looking to advance their career in the field of accounting. The program equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in financial management, auditing, taxation, and other essential areas of accounting.
It also provides opportunities for networking and practical experiences through internships and case studies. Graduates of this program are highly sought after by top corporations, accounting firms, and government agencies due to their specialized expertise and in-depth understanding of complex accounting principles and practices.
With the increasing demand for skilled accountants in the global job market, pursuing a Master’s degree in Accounting is a wise investment that can lead to rewarding career prospects and financial stability.
Additional Information:
