Best Online Master’s in Accounting Programs 2024
Boost your career with an online MBA in accounting. This list explores the top 10 best online accounting master’s programs.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
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With a master’s degree in accounting, you can move beyond entry-level accountant and auditor roles and step into a specialized or leadership position.
Accounting professionals with master’s degrees can work as internal auditors, investment bankers, financial controllers, and chief financial officers (CFOs).These roles can pay more than six figures annually. Plus, after you earn your degree, you can then take the certified public accounting (CPA) exam.
Our guide on the best master’s in accounting programs features a rankings list and information on accounting degrees and career paths.
Featured Online Master’s in Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Master’s in Accounting Online Programs
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT4 yearOnline
$7,500
$7,500
N/A
N/A
$7,162
$7,162
63%
150,116
Private
Yes
$7,500
$7,500
Salt Lake City, UT4 yearOnline
$7,500
$7,500
N/A
N/A
$7,162
$7,162
63%
150,116
Private
Yes
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,035
$34,347
91%
78%
$9,510
$32,970
84%
38,628
Public
Yes
$13,035
$34,347
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,035
$34,347
91%
78%
$9,510
$32,970
84%
38,628
Public
Yes
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$9,095
$27,082
47%
50%
$6,535
$27,320
94%
36,831
Public
Yes
$9,095
$27,082
Raleigh, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$9,095
$27,082
47%
50%
$6,535
$27,320
94%
36,831
Public
Yes
University of Scranton
Scranton, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$11,580
$11,580
80%
14%
$48,062
$48,062
87%
4,692
Private
Yes
$11,580
$11,580
Scranton, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$11,580
$11,580
80%
14%
$48,062
$48,062
87%
4,692
Private
Yes
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$14,346
$14,346
92%
84%
$24,766
$24,766
82%
10,596
Private
Yes
$14,346
$14,346
Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$14,346
$14,346
92%
84%
$24,766
$24,766
82%
10,596
Private
Yes
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online
$5,625
$21,715
88%
29%
$7,923
$24,013
78%
21,034
Public
Yes
$5,625
$21,715
Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online
$5,625
$21,715
88%
29%
$7,923
$24,013
78%
21,034
Public
Yes
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$8,912
$21,393
64%
65%
$4,721
$16,529
90%
56,664
Public
Yes
$8,912
$21,393
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$8,912
$21,393
64%
65%
$4,721
$16,529
90%
56,664
Public
Yes
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$10,294
$23,018
96%
44%
$9,489
$25,560
86%
20,229
Public
Yes
$10,294
$23,018
Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$10,294
$23,018
96%
44%
$9,489
$25,560
86%
20,229
Public
Yes
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$15,088
$29,252
87%
36%
$14,564
$39,776
88%
29,696
Public
Yes
$15,088
$29,252
Richardson, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$15,088
$29,252
87%
36%
$14,564
$39,776
88%
29,696
Public
Yes
DePaul University
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$17,951
$17,951
69%
66%
$41,361
$41,361
84%
21,670
Private
Yes
$17,951
$17,951
Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$17,951
$17,951
69%
66%
$41,361
$41,361
84%
21,670
Private
Yes
Benefits of Pursuing an Online Master’s in Accounting
Online master’s in accounting programs offer multiple benefits compared to in-person programs: flexibility, opportunities, and savings. Accounting programs can be well suited for online learning, as you can study specific accounting rules while practicing in Excel simultaneously.
On-campus programs offer additional structure, networking opportunities, and office hours with professors. You should compare the benefits of online programs with your personal learning and lifestyle choices.
Flexibility
Accounting students who work or study for the CPA exam may require flexibility to organize their schedule. Asynchronous programs can help you multitask internships, studying, and course attendance.Cost
Online programs may have lower costs than in-person programs, especially for out-of-state students. Additionally, you may save on additional fees such as dormitories, transportation, and food plans.Recognition
If you graduate from an accredited online program, your degree and skills should be identical to on-campus graduates. You will be recognized for your talents, not for your choice to use distance learning.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s Program in Accounting?
Many of the most affordable online master’s in accounting programs are also of the highest quality. Details vary by school and program, but most programs require students to complete 30-36 credit hours.
Most online master’s in accounting programs are either a master of accountancy (MAcc), master of arts (MA) in accounting, master of business administration (MBA), or a master of professional accountancy (MPAC/MPA). Some schools also offer master of science (MS) in accounting programs, which focus more on math and analytics.
Each of these tracks prepare students to sit for the CPA exam. As you prepare for graduate school, consider which degree track or concentration to pursue. There are several accounting concentrations, allowing for a more specialized degree.
Common Master’s in Accounting Concentrations
Taxation
Online accounting programs offering a taxation concentration introduce critical income, estate, and sales taxation principles and practices. Students develop a mastery of auditing, financial reporting, and tax law for corporate, nonprofit, and individual clients. Graduates qualify to sit for the CPA exam.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Tax director
Auditing
The auditing concentration within an online master’s degree in accounting prepares you to follow Sarbanes-Oxley federal requirements, and introduces the latest auditing technologies and techniques.
The curriculum emphasizes coursework in advanced auditing, ethics in accounting, and detection and prevention of fraudulent financial statements.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
- Compliance auditor
- Internal auditor
- Sccountant
Forensics
Students concentrating in forensic accounting as part of an online accounting program study fraud investigation, specifically related to bankruptcies, contract disputes, mergers and acquisitions, and complex financial agreements. Aspiring forensic accounting experts also learn how to use forensic financial evidence in the prosecution of white-collar criminals.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
- Forensic accountant
- Investigative accountant
- Fraud examiner
Management
The management accounting concentration teaches students to strengthen business and leadership aspects of their role as an accounting manager. Coursework prepares you to lead teams of employees, including at the managerial/executive level, to improve financial productivity and efficiency within an organization.
Graduates qualify to sit for the certified management accountant (CMA) exam.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
- Certified management accountant
- Controller
- Accounting director
International
Online accounting programs in international accounting train you to comply with tax laws in a global environment. Coursework explores how international taxation and accounting regulations compare to U.S. systems. As a graduate, you’ll have a mastery of foreign exchange rates, related financial risks, and management of global financial systems.
Careers This Concentration Prepares For:
- International accountant
- International auditor
- International tax accountant
What Jobs Can I Get With a Master’s in Accounting Degree?
A master’s in accounting degree allows you to step into a world of lucrative accounting career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors earned a median annual salary of $79,880 as of May 2023. However, top accountants earn over $100,000 annually.
The BLS projects there will be about 130,800 openings for accountants and auditors each year between 2023 and 2033. The increasingly high demand for skilled accounting professionals means that a master’s in accounting can be a smart choice for those looking for stability and higher-than-average salaries.
How Do I Choose the Right Master’s in Accounting Program?
You have many choices and variables to consider when choosing the right master’s in accounting program. Below are some important factors to consider when asking yourself “where should I go to college?”
Student-Teacher Ratio
Schools with a higher student-to-teacher ratio may have larger classes and less one-on-one opportunities with professors.Cost
You should consider the total cost of programs, as prices can vary greatly. Some schools offer financial aid packages, so comparing post-financial aid prices may offer a more direct comparison.Program Format
Online programs can be synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid. If you require increased flexibility, you should ensure the program offers asynchronous courses.Available Concentrations
Accounting programs may offer various concentrations, including financial analysis, taxation, or auditing. You can check potential institutions to ensure they have your ideal curriculum or program concentration.Reputation
Employers may know more about some institutions than others. Graduates from institutions your potential employer recognizes may have additional opportunities.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master’s in Accounting Program?
Financial Reporting
Financial reporting is a crucial skill in any accounting job. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of international accounting, consolidation reporting, Securities and Exchange Commision (SEC) regulations, and reporting practices.Advanced Auditing
Coursework in advanced auditing builds on prior knowledge of auditing principles and practices introduced at the undergraduate level. Most courses incorporate a combination of case studies, current auditing research, industry promotional materials, and student-led presentations.Business Law
Examines the law in the context of business, stressing the importance of legal compliance and ethical practice in the corporate decision-making process. A necessary component of many accounting careers, business law courses also often explore international rules and regulations.Globalization and Managerial Economics
Coursework explores and compares international taxation laws, financial reporting methods, and accounting practices. You’ll develop a critical understanding of the global marketplace essential to aspiring international accountants and domestic tax and finance experts alike.Corporate Financial Management
An in-depth exploration of financial management from a corporate perspective, examining capital structure, corporate policy, portfolio management, and global executive markets. You’ll develop a working knowledge of risk-assessment methods specific to corporate finance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Accounting Programs
A master’s in accountancy (MAcc) program teaches students essential accounting principles. MAcc programs usually prepare enrollees for the CPA exam, spending additional time on specific accounting rules compared to other master’s in accounting degrees.
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