Best Online Master’s in Accounting 2024
Accountants do much more than keep books and file reports. When federal prosecutors couldn’t make criminal charges stick against gangster Al Capone, they turned to an accountant, Frank J. Wilson, who finally apprehended Capone on tax evasion. Other accountants have tallied the ballots for the Academy Awards, and one early 20th-century accountant even invented bubble gum.
Today, accountants help law enforcement uncover financial crime, manage salaries for professional sports teams, and serve as chief financial officers (CFOs). An online master’s in accounting can help you qualify for advanced careers in this dynamic profession.
The American Institute of CPAs reports that the number of accounting degrees awarded in the U.S. has plunged in recent years. With growing opportunities and shrinking competition, accounting can be an ideal field for ambitious, data-oriented professionals.
Discover more about the accounting profession, including the top online accounting master’s degrees, in the guide below.
Top Online Accounting Master’s Programs
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $637
Out-of-State | $637
Credits to Graduate: 30
SHNU's master's in accounting program prepares graduates to pursue banking, taxation, and insurance roles. Enrollees can complete coursework, comprising nine core classes and an elective, fully online and asynchronously. Core course topics include cost accounting, auditing, and federal income tax.
The program attempts to satisfy CPA sitting requirements, which vary by state. Students also have the option to simultaneously pursue a certification in management or forensic accounting. The certification may only require an additional six credits.
- In-State$15,000
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-State$18,900
- Out-of-state$18,900
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled145,533
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Syracuse University
- Syracuse, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,872
Out-of-State | $1,872
Credits to Graduate: 30
Syracuse's MS in accounting program teaches students data analytics, international accounting, and financial statement analysis. Individuals with accounting backgrounds can finish the program within 12-15 months, while non-accounting professionals generally take 24 months.
The curriculum includes small weekly synchronous courses to encourage discussion between students and professors. Enrollees can pursue dual-degree MBA, MS in business analytics, or MS in entrepreneurship programs for as little as 21 additional credits.
- In-State$55,920
- Out-of-state$55,920
- In-State$41,616
- Out-of-state$41,616
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate52%
- Students Enrolled22,717
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Permian Basin
- Odessa, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $275
Out-of-State | $275
Credits to Graduate: 36
UT Permian Basin's master's degree in accounting educates individuals interested in financial accounting, professional ethics, and control systems. The program focuses on students who wish to take the CPA exam and working professionals looking to expand their knowledge.
Each enrollee must complete a two-semester capstone project, which prepares them in an area of the CPA exam. Accepted applicants without statistics, accounting, or business backgrounds are required to complete prerequisite courses or demonstrate fundamental knowledge.
- In-State$6,692
- Out-of-state$18,962
- In-State$4,948
- Out-of-state$8,194
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled5,684
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
Minnesota State University-Mankato
- Mankato, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $807
Out-of-State | $807
Credits to Graduate: 30
Minnesota State Mankato's master of accounting program provides attendees with the credit hours necessary to sit for the CPA exam. Accounting undergraduate degree-holders can complete the program within 12 months. Courses offer asynchronous and synchronous choices.
Non-accounting degree-holders can pursue the pre-master's pathway, which requires passing six prerequisite courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The prerequisite courses can be completed within two semesters, after which students can pursue the master's in accounting degree.
- In-State$8,072
- Out-of-state$17,126
- In-State$8,506
- Out-of-state$8,506
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled14,576
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,146
Out-of-State | $1,146
Credits to Graduate: 32
DePaul's MS in accountancy degree focuses on individuals interested in accounting who do not have backgrounds in the field. Enrollees take eight required and four elective courses. Required courses include financial accounting, accounting theory, and tax treatment of corporations. Students must complete their 12 courses within six years.
Each applicant must submit an online form, application fee, resume, essay, and official transcripts. Students do not need official test scores or letters of recommendation for admission.
- In-State$41,361
- Out-of-state$41,361
- In-State$17,951
- Out-of-state$21,719
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled20,917
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Walsh College
- Troy, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $924
Out-of-State | $924
Credits to Graduate: 30-36
Walsh's MS in accountancy teaches enrollees to analyze tax forms, manage assets, and perform audits. The program focuses on non-accounting undergraduate degree-holders seeking careers in accounting.
Attendees can choose from concentrations in business analysis, finance, information systems, and tax compliance. Each pathway requires four relevant courses. Students must choose one elective, which can be a course, internship, or CPA exam review.
- In-State$19,785
- Out-of-state$19,785
- In-State$16,401
- Out-of-state$16,401
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,492
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $358
Out-of-State | $358
Credits to Graduate: 30
Georgia Southern's online master's of accounting program, first offered in 2013, comprises five mandatory and five elective courses. Enrollees study legal issues, financial accounting, and auditing. Each student must have a 3.0 GPA in all accounting and legal study courses to graduate. Courses can only be retaken one time.
Approved applicants must demonstrate previous passing grades in intermediate accounting, managerial accounting, income tax accounting, and information systems auditing. Program graduates may not qualify for the CPA exam due to the lack of business courses.
- In-State$5,464
- Out-of-state$19,282
- In-State$6,636
- Out-of-state$26,518
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled25,522
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Boise State University
- Boise, ID
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $750
Out-of-State | $750
Credits to Graduate: 30
Boise State's online master's in accountancy uses case studies to deliver real-world insight through class assignments. Enrollees prepare to take the CPA exam by learning financial analysis, business, and critical thinking skills. The accelerated 30-credit program, made for accounting bachelor's degree-holders, can be completed within 12 months. Part-time students can complete the program within 22 months.
The curriculum covers four core courses, along with six classes in accountancy and taxation. Working professionals can earn up to three credits for internships or relevant full-time employment.
- In-State$5,532
- Out-of-state$25,701
- In-State$7,236
- Out-of-state$24,573
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled26,099
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $480
Out-of-State | $480
Credits to Graduate: 30
UL Lafayette's MS in accounting covers income tax, auditing, and accounting analysis. The fully online program offers accelerated eight-week courses. Graduates can meet Louisiana's CPA exam education requirement, but students in other states should check local requirements.
The program focuses on individuals with undergraduate accounting degrees. Other degree-holders must pass six prerequisite courses. Full-time enrollees can complete the program within 12 months by completing six required and four elective courses.
- In-State$5,407
- Out-of-state$19,135
- In-State$5,511
- Out-of-state$19,239
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled15,124
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Kent State University at Kent
- Kent, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $572
Out-of-State | $582
Credits to Graduate: 30
Kent State's MS in accounting aims to promote analytical, accounting, and research skills. The program meets Ohio's academic requirements for the CPA exam. Each attendee must complete seven prerequisite courses, either through their undergraduate degrees or after enrolling at Kent. Working professionals cannot use past experience to satisfy prerequisite requirements.
Students take accounting, business, and ethics classes. The ethics course, a culminating requirement, focuses on problems in the accounting field, regulations, and fraud.
- In-State$12,471
- Out-of-state$21,578
- In-State$12,071
- Out-of-state$22,522
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled25,636
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get an Accounting Master’s Degree?
Qualify for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure: All states require prospective CPAs to earn 150 semester credits of postsecondary education to qualify for licensure. Though some bachelor’s degrees cover all 150 necessary credits, other schools only offer 120-credit undergraduate programs. One way to earn the additional 30 required credits is pursuing a master’s in accounting, which can also prepare you for advanced roles in the field.- Advance in Your Career: An online master’s in accounting can lead to higher earning potential and a pathway to leadership roles. Graduate-level accounting programs can qualify you for jobs like external auditor, internal auditor, government accountant, tax accountant, information technology auditor, or CFO.
- Pursue Postsecondary Teaching: If you want to teach accounting at the community college or university level, you need a graduate degree in the field. A master’s in accounting can be your first step toward a career as an accounting professor or researcher, helping prepare you to pursue a Ph.D. or DBA in accounting.
What to Expect From an Accounting Master’s Degree
An online master’s in accounting can prepare you to pursue upper-level positions in accounting firms or corporate accounting offices. You may also seek licensure as a CPA or open your own private accounting practice.
This degree usually requires two years of full-time study and 30-36 credits. Most part-time students take 3-6 credits per semester, while full-time learners usually take 9-12. Courses cover accounting, auditing, ethics, business law, and taxation.
One crucial consideration as you research programs is accreditation status. All states require prospective CPAs to complete their 150 credits of postsecondary education at institutionally accredited schools. Though organizations like AACSB International offer programmatic accreditation for accounting degrees, this is an optional designation that does not impact eligibility for CPA licensure. Check the accreditation status of all prospective schools before applying.
Degree, Concentration, and Format Options
What and how you learn in an accounting degree depends on the school you attend. Universities offer a variety of degrees, concentrations, and formats. Degrees include:
- Master of Accountancy: An MAcc is a technical degree focused on hard skills.
- Master of Science in Accounting: An MS in accounting emphasizes accounting theory, law, and principles.
- MBA in Accounting: An MBA in accounting is a business degree focused on financial management.
Some accounting programs include concentrations like:
- Audit and Financial Reporting: Study how to prevent fraudulent financial reporting using analytical techniques.
- Forensic Accounting: Learn to examine financial documents to uncover crimes like fraud or embezzlement.
- Taxation: Explore the intricacies of individual, corporate, and international tax codes.
- Analytics: Discover how to use data analysis skills to identify risks, gain insight, and predict behaviors.
- Risk Management: Learn risk management skills and study risk transfer in financial and insurance markets.
Schools offer these degrees in various formats, including:
Online vs. In-Person vs. Hybrid: Programs can run 100% online, on campus, or through a mixture of virtual and in-person learning.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous: Synchronous classes require you to be active online at specific times, while asynchronous classes allow you to work at your own pace.
Accelerated: Some schools offer one-year master’s or five-year combined bachelor’s-master’s programs.
Admissions Process
You can apply to some accounting master’s degrees even if you don’t have an accounting background. Most schools maintain the following stipulations:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Undergraduate coursework in accounting, including classes in financial, managerial, and cost accounting; auditing; and taxation
- Minimum GPA, usually 3.0 in the last 60 credits or for the overall degree
- GRE and/or GMAT (not always required)
- Application fee (not always required)
Other application materials typically include transcripts, letters of reference, and admission essays. Some schools offer one application window per year, while others offer multiple annual deadlines.
Popular Accounting Graduate Courses
Schools offer a variety of graduate courses in accounting, including core courses such as advanced cost accounting and accounting ethics. Some accounting degrees conclude with a final research project or thesis.
The courses below represent a selection of the classes you may find in accounting master’s programs.
Advanced Business Law for Accountants: This course explores the legal aspects of organizing a business, the rights and responsibilities of business owners, business management law, and legal liability for business owners. Students learn about topics like the American tort system, trade libel law, and civil damages.- Managerial Finance: Learners in this class explore corporate finance theory and how to use financial analysis to make profitable business decisions. Topics include estimating cash flows, performing sensitivity analysis, the time value of money, accounting for risk, and developing appropriate selection criteria.
- Accounting Ethics: This course introduces major ethical systems, their applications in accounting, and the accountants’ code of professional conduct. Students learn to apply ethical systems and decision-making models to accounting-specific problems.
- Tax Research and Jurisprudence: In this class, enrollees learn to use and evaluate tax research methods. Students also analyze statutory and judicial doctrines related to the conceptual frameworks of tax law. Upon completing the course, learners should be able to understand, analyze, and apply tax doctrines to data patterns.
How Much Do Accounting Master’s Programs Cost?
The NCES Data Lab reports the average tuition for online master’s degrees in business and management cost $10,995 in 2020. However, many factors determine the actual cost of tuition, including a school’s prestige and its public or private status. Other educational costs include fees, technology, books, and learning resources.
Generally, in-state public schools offer the lowest tuition rates. However, online programs may offer in-state or reduced tuition to distance learners, which can make them just as affordable as on-campus programs. Students who already work full-time accounting jobs may be eligible for employer tuition reimbursement.
Accounting Jobs and Salaries
An accounting degree can boost your career from an entry-level role to a management position or develop your expertise in niches like forensic or sports accounting.
Payscale reports the average salary for CPAs is $76,830 as of March 2024. Multiple factors can impact earning potential, including experience, education, and location. Expertise can also boost salaries: According to Payscale data, skills in project management, mergers and acquisitions, or valuation can increase CPA wages up to 53%.
We explore common careers below.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
CPAs hold state licensure in public accounting. In addition to maintaining and interpreting financial records, these professionals can conduct audits, prepare taxes, counsel clients on litigation, offer financial planning services, and consult with businesses about financial and taxation-related issues. CPAs need at least 150 semester credits of college-level education to qualify for licensure.
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or bachelor’s degree and graduate certificate
- Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $76,830
Source: Payscale
Corporate Controller
Corporate controllers oversee organizations’ accounting and financial functions. They manage billing, accounts receivable and payable, budgeting, and payroll processing. Their responsibilities include creating financial reports and forecasts or filing reports with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. In smaller companies, they may also assume CFO duties.
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $113,010
Source: Payscale
Senior Financial Analyst
Senior financial analysts evaluate risks and analyze accounting solutions to solve complex financial problems. These workers may manage teams of analysts, review reports, compile data, and organize risks and rewards. Senior financial analysts need an academic background in management-level accounting, financial analysis, and management-level cost analysis.
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $87,380
Source: Payscale
Senior Auditor
A senior auditor helps companies ensure compliance with financial laws and regulations. These professionals verify financial statements’ accuracy. As senior leaders, they may manage a team of other auditors in a corporation, government agency, or auditing firm.
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $75,960
Source: Payscale
Selecting the Right Graduate Program
When considering your top schools, look at their admission requirements and cost. Once you verify that you qualify for the program and the school fits your budget, consider factors like:
- Accreditation: You should only select a school that holds institutional accreditation from an accrediting agency like the Higher Learning Commission or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Location: While you can pursue online degrees from anywhere in the U.S., in-person programs may offer more opportunities for peer and faculty interactions or partnerships with local businesses.
- Available Concentrations: Does your prospective university offer an accounting concentration that aligns with your career goals?
- Internship Opportunities: What internship or practicum requirements does the degree require? Can you meet those requirements in your current workplace? Do you need to complete these program components near the university even if courses run online?
- Future Educational Options: Does your prospective school offer joint degrees in fields like law or business? Can you pursue a Ph.D. or DBA? Is future education necessary for your personal goals?
Common Questions About an Online Master’s in Accounting
A master’s degree in accounting can prepare you to pursue a career like corporate controller, senior accountant, or senior financial analyst. These jobs all pay higher-than-average wages, which means the degree can offer a positive return on investment. In addition, you can use your master’s degree to help qualify for CPA certification.
A master’s in accounting is an academic degree, while a CPA is a professional license that a state agency confers. Although a master’s degree is not required for you to become a CPA, it can help you meet your state’s academic requirements for the role.
A master’s in accounting takes about two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. The program typically requires rigorous math, business, law, and ethics courses. Depending on your interests and academic proficiencies, these classes can be challenging.
If you want to earn multiple graduate degrees, programs like an MBA, an MS in finance, or an MS in supply chain management can pair well with a master’s in accounting. You can also pursue a dual JD/MAcc program if you aspire to work as a tax lawyer.
