Master’s in Accounting Program Guide

Accountants play a vital role when it comes to maintaining the financial health of businesses and individuals. They are great detectives who use advanced training, complex software, artificial intelligence, and other tools to keep track of budgets, finances, and investments.

A master’s in accounting prepares you for high-level accounting positions and prized certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a strong demand for accountants and auditors, projecting 130,800 annual job openings between 2023-2033.

Explore how an online master’s in accounting can prepare you for this growing field.

A master’s in accounting paves the way for a career in accounting and financial management. You will learn about advanced accounting principles and receive practical training in areas such as financial analysis and forecasting.

Institutions around the country offer different variations of master’s in accounting programs: master of accountancy, master of accounting, master of professional accountancy, master of science in accounting, or an MBA with an accounting specialization. Many schools offer online masters in accounting programs to accommodate students who need to juggle work and other responsibilities.

As technological advancements lead to some routine accounting tasks being automated, employers value accountants with expertise in specialized areas such as auditing, taxation, and financial regulations. A graduate degree can also enhance your early-career employment prospects in accounting, a field with a projected job growth of 6% in the coming years.

Explore the employment opportunities and salary expectations for graduates with a master’s in accounting.

Businesses in every sector need the services of a good accountant. With a master’s in accounting, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of occupations in public or private accounting. These include:

Some accountants may choose to pursue a doctoral degree in accounting, the highest credential in the field. This can pave the way for teaching and research careers in academia.

What can you expect for a master’s in accounting salary? According to Payscale, the average salary for accountants with a master’s stands at $83,000 as of December 2024, compared to $58,260 for accountants with a bachelor’s.

The BLS confirms that some of the most popular accounting jobs pay in the range of $79,000-$156,000. They also provide job security, with some accounting careers projected to see up to 17% job growth, far above the 4% average growth rate for all occupations.

Many master’s in accounting graduates go on to earn one or more professional certifications. This includes certifications such as Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Certified Fraud Examiner.

Accountants complete continuing professional education (CPE) hours to maintain competency and keep up-to-date on developments, such as tax code and regulatory changes. Some designations, such as CPA and CFA, require state-approved CPE for you to be able to maintain your license.

The cost of a master’s in accounting widely varies. Factors that will impact the cost include in-state or out-of-state residency status, the program length, and online or on-campus attendance.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, graduate tuition and required fees differed in public and private universities, ranging from $12,600 at public universities to $28,000 at private schools in the 2021-2022 school year. A sampling of master’s in accounting programs finds that students can expect to pay between $25,000-$54,000 per academic year in in-state tuition and fees.

This does not include textbooks and other materials or accommodation. Some schools offer a flat tuition rate for all attendees or charge cheaper tuition for online learners. Online programs can save a lot of money when you don’t have to relocate or use transportation.

Below we go over the time it takes and admission requirements to get a master’s in accounting.

You can usually earn a master’s in accounting in around 8-24 months — that’s about 30-48 credits in core courses and electives. However, that timeline can greatly vary depending on if you enroll as a full- or part-time student.

It also depends on your prior education. Some programs may require prerequisite coursework if you have a non-business major, which can extend the time it takes to graduate.

Conversely, some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in one year or less if you take summer classes or meet additional credit requirements. For instance, if you have already have a business degree, you may be eligible to waive some courses, expediting your completion date.

To get into a master’s in accounting program, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a business-related field from an accredited school — although some institutions offer programs for those without an accounting or business degree.

To apply, you’ll usually need:

These are some of the factors you should keep in mind when choosing a master’s in accounting program:

Do your research to make sure you are enrolling in a program you can afford. Check the fine print about tuition and fees and develop a plan to pay for your education and expenses. Consider the options to help fund your education such as institutional and private scholarships, grants, student loans, and employer assistance. Determine your return on investment by calculating the education costs against the potential earnings over time.

Earning a master’s in accounting takes a commitment of time and resources. Match potential programs with your availability, career goals, and finances. Does the program offer part-time options to accommodate your schedule? Would an accelerated full-time program be more fitting for your goals? These are some questions to consider as you make a decision.

Choose an educational format that fits your personal and academic needs. On-campus programs often require in-person attendance and leave little room for flexibility, unless they’re hybrid. On the other hand, online learning is highly flexible, and it gives you access to schools outside of your geographic region.

You should also consider if a program’s curriculum is synchronous or asynchronous. If a program is synchronous, it features live classes at scheduled times. On the other hand, asynchronous learning is designed to let students access course materials and complete assignment at their own pace.

Accounting programs might be somewhat similar across schools. However, you can often fine some differences if you compare their curriculums closely. For example, some accounting programs offer specialized tracks that allow students to focus on concentrations such as auditing, taxes, financial analysis, or enterprise risk management.