The 25 Best Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs in 2023

Earning a Master’s in Accounting Degree is an excellent way to enhance your career potential and bestow credentials to future employers. This degree provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of accounting and finance, as well as more specialized knowledge related to the field.

A Master’s program can include financial statements, cost analysis, taxation, auditing, investment analysis, financial management, and more, depending on the program. It also prepares students for the CPA exam, an important benchmark in the field of accounting. For those who pursue careers in this field, advanced knowledge of accounting rules, regulations, and best practices can lead to career growth in public or private accounting firms, government positions, or a variety of other well-respected organizations or industries.

Academic statistics and scholastic reviews change from year to year, and this year provides an outstanding array of graduate schools with exceptional master’s in accounting curricula. Readers will gain insight into each institution’s program specificities, possible concentration options, current data and accreditation information, a sample of coursework, and a link to the program website.

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Methodology

Graduate degrees in accounting are challenging and include many different crucial areas. Students at any school on this list:

• Undergo training in modern accounting technologies,
• Learn effective strategies and methodologies, soft skills, and the various areas of the profession,
• Many of these programs are specifically focused on preparation for the Certified Public Accountant examination,
• Learners at any one of these excellent schools offering accounting programs gain invaluable networking connections through teachers, classmates, mentors, and working professionals.
• Provides an accounting program that is properly accredited pursuant to accounting career requirements,
• Provides federal financial aid options,
• Provides everything necessary to achieve fabulous positions of employment.

This index of outstanding colleges and universities offering graduate degrees in accounting introduces readers to the best MSA programs in the USA.

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Best Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

What’s great about Western Carolina University’s Master’s Degree in Accountancy, among many things, is its thoroughness. The core coursework and the electives combined create a wholly comprehensive approach to accounting that prepares students for any relevant title or position. The curriculum is excellent preparation for the CPA exam, and the WCU College of Business operates an Accounting-specific Career Center.

There is a huge amount of CPA exam prep materials and resources available at this school. Individuals concerned with their ability to complete the examination and become certified will have every concern assuaged after attending Western Carolina University. Students can also take advantage of exciting internships and assistantships that greatly expand their future opportunities in the workforce.

Campus Location:

Sampling of Coursework:

• Financial Statement Analysis
• Taxation of Flow-Through Entities
• Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 69% Retention Rate: 80% Graduation Rate: 56%

LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S MASTER’S DEGREE OF ACCOUNTANCY

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NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

Northeastern University is an incredibly well-known institution of higher education that has earned the highest respect from organizations worldwide. The Master of Science in Accounting offers two distinct concentration options, including the Audit Track and the Taxation Track. The curriculum also provides a sturdy academic foundation in accounting, financial reporting, and ethics.

This excellent school offers the MSA in a convenient yet challenging, accelerated format that can be completed full-time in as few as seven months. Students gain unmatched knowledge, experience, and skill for a fast-changing digital future that demands an in-depth understanding of current methods and strategies. There is a strong emphasis on preparation for CPA licensure.

Campus Location: Boston, MA

Concentration Options:

• Audit Track
• Taxation Track

Accreditation:

• New England Commission on Higher Education
  3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
  Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
  www.neche.org, (781) 425-7785
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 18% Retention Rate: 97% Graduation Rate: 84%

LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S ACCELERATED MSA PROGRAM

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UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS PERMIAN BASIN

Program Standouts:

This Master of Professional Accountancy is dedicatedly focused on preparation for CPA licensure. It is an excellent choice for students pursuing either a doctoral degree or a professional career in business by emphasizing specific regional organization types, service firms, entrepreneurial firms, and government agencies. Undergraduate students should consider the University of Texas Permian Basin’s Dual Degree, which combines a Bachelor of Business Administration with the MPA in a unique accelerated curriculum.

UTPB also offers a Joint MPA/MBA program in which students can earn two impressive degrees in one. It is a 60 credit curriculum that provides just as much emphasis on accounting as it does on business administration. Graduates have incredibly well-sharpened business acumen that can be applied to any number of fulfilling and profitable employment positions.

Campus Location: Odessa, TX

Sampling of Coursework:

• Financial Management
• Legal Environment of Business
• Contemporary Control Systems

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of business

Acceptance Rate: 88% Retention Rate: 68% Graduation Rate: 49%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS PERMIAN BASIN’S MASTER OF ACCOUNTING PROGRAM

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Program Standouts:

Students have outstanding options at the University of Southern California. There are four unique programs, each of which provides a detailed perspective into the field. There is a fabulous choice for current business persons in the Master of Business Taxation for Working Professionals, which is available at night and online.

USC is one of the only schools on this ranking to offer multiple master’s degrees. Not only does Master of Accounting supply a concentration option in Data and Analytics, but there are independent degrees available in taxation, as well. The University of Southern California is a deeply respected and admired institution that is student-focused and well-endowed.

Campus Location: Los Angeles, CA

Program Options:

• Master of Accounting
• Master of Accounting in Data and Analytics
• Master of Business Taxation
• Master of Business Taxation for Working Professionals

Accreditation:

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
  533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 200
  Burlingame, California 94010
  www.acswasc.org, (650) 696-1060

Acceptance Rate: 11% Retention Rate: 96% Graduation Rate: 92%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S MASTER’S DEGREE IN ACOUNTING

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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

Texas A&M University is an extraordinary school with a fabulous reputation and is resplendent with resources. Students who gain admittance to the Master of Science in Accounting get to choose between two tracks of study. The Assurance Services/Information Management Track examines accounting and business concepts from an assurance services professional’s perspective. The Tax Consulting/Financial Planning Track trains students to understand the entire tax process as it relates to business decision-making.

The TAMU Mays Business School receives repeated praise and recognition for its fantastic business education programs by authorities such as the Wall Street Journal and U.S. News and World Report. Not only does Texas A&M offer a peerless MSA program, but there are numerous other business-related graduate opportunities, as well, such as a Master of Science in Finance.

Campus Location: College Station, TX

Concentration Options:

• Assurance Services/Information Management
• Tax Consulting/Financial Planning

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 58% Retention Rate: 92% Graduation Rate: 80%

LEARN MORE ABOUT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY’S MS IN ACCOUNTING

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INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON

Program Standouts:

Indiana University Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business provides two outstanding accounting-focused master’s degrees in Accounting and Taxation. Both programs offer enormous flexibility in either part-time or full-time schedules and can be tailored to fit individual career goals. In some cases, students’ work experience counts as class credit!

The MSA program is an excellent match for students with years of professional accounting experience as well as newcomers to the profession. It is an 18-month degree that is largely focused on preparation for the CPA exam. The Taxation degree is unique because it allows students to choose electives that effectively specialize the curriculum in areas such as Accounting, Business, Law, or Tax.

Campus Location: Bloomington, IN

Program Options:

• Master of Science in Accounting
• Master of Science in Taxation

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440

Acceptance Rate: 78% Retention Rate: 91% Graduation Rate: 76%

LEARN MORE ABOUT INDIANA UNIVERSITY’S ACCOUNTING AND TAXATION MS DEGREES

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BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

This fantastic school has two exemplary master’s degrees in Accounting and Taxation. Both are perfect matches for current and future auditors, analysts, consultants, and finance professionals. These nationally recognized programs immerse students in coursework that offers everything they need to sit for applicable certification examinations. Advisors, mentors, and faculty members act as dedicated support persons throughout an individual’s educational and professional careers.

Baylor University is a particularly good choice for undergraduates seeking a combined approach to a master’s degree in accounting. The BBA and MAcc/MTax joint degree offers an excellent perspective into complex and competitive fields. It is an incredibly efficient choice that takes students from a bachelor’s degree to the CPA exam in a drastically shorter amount of time.

Campus Location: Waco, TX

Program Options:

• Bachelor of Business Administration/Master of Accountancy or Master of Taxation Joint Degree
• Master of Accountancy
• Master of Taxation

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 45% Retention Rate: 89% Graduation Rate: 74%

LEARN MORE ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY’S GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN ACCOUNTING

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UTICA COLLEGE

Program Standouts:

What’s most exciting about the Utica College graduate degree in Professional Accounting is it’s MBA foundation. This program takes novice business persons and turns them into professionals in a matter of two terms. This 15-semester-hour program includes advanced courses in professional practice and managerial accounting on top of a content-rich business administration core.

This program is instructed by a fabulous team of faculty members, all of whom have terminal degrees in their areas of expertise. Graduates from Utica become Public Accountants, Management Accountants, Internal Auditors, Information Technology Auditors, and other high-level professionals. Some of the businesses and firms at which alumni now work include PKF International, Brown & Associates, NBT Bank, and Moss Adams among many others.

Campus Location: Utica, NY

Sampling of Coursework:

• Advanced Corporate Tax
• Introduction to Forensic Accounting and Fraudulent Financial Reporting
• Corporate Ethics

Accreditation:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  3624 Market Street, Suite 2 West
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
  www.msche.org

Acceptance Rate: 87% Retention Rate: 70% Graduation Rate: 45%

LEARN MORE ABOUT UTICA COLLEGE’S MBA IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING

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UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

Program Standouts:

The University of Texas at Austin is known by many resources and entities as one of the very best MSA programs in the USA. It is an immensely successful graduate accounting curriculum that 97% of alumni say provides a fabulous return on investment. It has a similarly outstanding post-graduation employment rate of 97%. Students have four concentration tracks from which to choose that take their education in vastly different areas of the profession.

The McCombs School of Business is a highly respected educational business institution that is well-known across the country. Enrollees in the Master of Professional Accounting look forward to an intensive, personalized approach with the help of dedicated advisors, counselors, and instructors. Whether students are pursuing leadership and management or more general positions, UT-Austin has it all.

Campus Location: Austin, TX

Concentration Options:

• Financial Reporting and Assurance Track
• Managerial Accounting and Control Track
• Taxation Track
• Generalist Track
• Internal Audit Certificate Program

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 32% Retention Rate: 95% Graduation Rate: 81%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN’S MASTER IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING

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UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Program Standouts:

This STEM-designated Master of Science in Accounting program at the University of Virginia has a strong emphasis on analytics. Students develop exceedingly sharp critical thinking and interpersonal skills that aid them in working with clients and teams massively. Learners choose between two distinctive concentrations in Financial Reporting & Assurance or Tax Consulting, and graduates have everything they need to pass the CPA exam.

The McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia is responsible for this remarkable graduate degree and provides students tremendous resources and opportunities along the way. Master’s students finish the degree in 9 months in an accelerated curriculum format. The school and program alike are incredibly well-decorated and are held in high esteem by some of the country’s most respected resources.

Campus Location: Charlottesville, VA

Concentration Options:

• Financial Reporting & Assurance
• Tax Consulting

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440

Acceptance Rate: 24% Retention Rate: 97% Graduation Rate: 94%

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

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UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Program Standouts:

The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business produces some of the most well-connected and efficient degrees in the country, such as the Master of Business Administration in Accounting. This degree has an emphasis the user of accounting data and stresses accurate financial analysis. The curriculum is flexible and can be personalized to focus on preparation for either the CPA or CMA examinations.

The Wharton School has been educating students in business since 1881. Today, graduate students of accountancy at this historical, educational institution receive a comprehensive education in modern business leadership, management, and accounting. There is equal emphasis on both counterparts of the degree, and students exit the program as experts in their field who are ready to take on any relevant positions of employment.

Campus Location: Philadelphia, PA

Sampling of Coursework:

• Accounting for Mergers, Acquisitions, and Complex Financial Structures
• Financial Reporting and Business Analysis
• Taxes and Business Strategy

Accreditation:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  3624 Market Street, Suite 2 West
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
  www.msche.org
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 8% Retention Rate: 98% Graduation Rate: 95%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA’S ACCOUNTING MBA

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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Program Standouts:

Students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign take advantage of an accelerated master’s program in accounting. This outstanding curriculum is ranked in the top five MSA programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. In the last year, alumni reported an astounding 100% job placement rate within the first three months of graduation. Students and graduates are very well-connected as Urbana-Champaign boasts more Big-Four CPA partners than any other college or university. 

The Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is designed to connect students with their future careers. Every class, professor, and resource is in place to help individuals achieve their most elaborate professional goals. Experiential learning opportunities and the Gies Career Services Center put students directly into the workforce, and many go on to land outstanding positions while still enrolled in school.

Campus Location: Champaign, IL

Sampling of Coursework:

• Managerial Accounting
• Auditing
• Federal Taxation

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 59% Retention Rate: 93% Graduation Rate: 85%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN’S MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTANCY (MSA)

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CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

Students enrolled at this extraordinary university complete a Master of Accountancy curriculum established through an academic partnership between esteemed Case Western accounting faculty members and professionals from the nation’s top accounting firms. It offers two unique tracks that distinguish the coursework: a Professional Track and an Analytics Track. These two pathways lead students toward various professional titles.

Case Western Reserve University is a private school in Ohio that has been educating students since 1826. Since then it has accomplished numerous firsts and has gained international notability as an exemplary institution of higher education. The Weatherhead School of Management provides graduate business programs ranked in the top twenty in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and The Economist.

Campus Location: Cleveland, OH

Concentration Options:

• Professional Track
• Analytics Track

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 27% Retention Rate: 95% Graduation Rate: 82%

LEARN MORE ABOUT CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY DEGREE

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MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

What is unique and attractive about Michigan State University’s Master’s in Accounting is the ability it gives its students to personalize their concentration options. Some may choose to enroll in the already fabulously-designed focus areas as they are, while others may want to work with the program director to create their own distinctive pathway. Either way, enrollees at MSU receive an education unmatched in excellence.

MSU’s STEM-designated master’s degree in accounting is an accelerated degree program of 30 comprehensive credits that is flexible enough to allow for any concentration. Along the way, there are innumerable opportunities and resources of which learners are encouraged to take advantage and enhance their learning experience further. Students can finish the program and enter the workforce in as little as one year.

Campus Location: East Lansing, MI

Concentration Options:

• Information Systems
• Public and Corporate Accounting
• Taxation

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440

Acceptance Rate: 71% Retention Rate: 92% Graduation Rate: 78%

LEARN MORE ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY’S ACCOUNTING – MASTER OF SCIENCE

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NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

At Nova Southeastern University, there are three concentration options through which students can specialize their approach to the Master of Accounting program: Managerial Accounting, Public Accounting, and Taxation. It is a three year program unless students have adequate prerequisites in which case some may finish in two years. The core curriculum gives students the leadership skills to become managers and the concentration focuses more on their interests within the field.

Nova Southeastern has appeared on many BMD lists and rankings as one of the nation’s best online schools, but it does indeed offer some incredible on-campus opportunities. Accounting graduates are steeped in analysis, financial planning, decision support, personal ethics, and control. This program prepares students for everything regarding the Certified Management Accountant examination.

Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Concentration Options:

• Managerial Accounting
• Public Accounting
• Taxation

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440

Acceptance Rate: 80% Retention Rate: 79% Graduation Rate: 62%

LEARN MORE ABOUT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF ACCOUNTING

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COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY

Program Standouts:

The College of William & Mary greatly stresses the importance of experiential learning opportunities. There are five exciting emphases, including an Experiential: Winter Field Experience, which immerses students in real-world opportunities that massively enhance their abilities and skills. The other concentration options also focus largely on real professional experiences to support in-class learning.

The Raymond A. Mason School of Business is extremely committed to its students’ success. The program and its curriculum are completely in the hands of the enrollee. Alongside the guidance of world-class faculty members and career counselors, accountancy students can create a personalized master’s program from the ground up.

Campus Location: Williamsburg, VA

Concentration Options:

• Accounting Analytics
• Audit & Assurance
• Experiential: Winter Field Experience
• Taxation
• Valuation & Advisory Services

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 38% Retention Rate: 95% Graduation Rate: 91%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY’S GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM IN ACCOUNTING

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BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

Brigham Young University’s Master of Accountancy degree offers two concentrations, or stems, in Tax or Professional Accountancy. Some students also decide to complete an integrated track that includes both stems. The former prepares future professionals for positions related to individual and corporate taxation, while the latter trains students to provide high-quality accounting services to corporations and firms.

The foundational accountancy graduate coursework gives students an incredibly sturdy platform upon which they build specialized skills. It is a five-year program that includes two additional opportunities: a Ph.D. Prep Track and a Juris Doctorate/Master of Accountancy Joint Degree. Whoever is considering further studies in a doctoral program should most definitely consider BYU.

Campus Location: Provo, UT

Concentration Options:

• Tax
• Professional Accounting

Accreditation:

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 200
  Redmond, Washington, 98052
  www.nwccu.org, (425) 558-4224
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 67% Retention Rate: 88% Graduation Rate: 62%

LEARN MORE ABOUT BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY

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WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

According to the program website, Wake Forest University boasts the highest pass rate for the CPA exam in the entire country, and all students are offered paid internship opportunities. There are three exciting concentration options, or career tracks, available at WFU in Assurance Services, Tax Consulting, and Financial Transaction Services. Not only does it have a high certification pass rate, but it also maintains an phenomenal 100% job placement rate with the first three months.

Wake Forest University is a hidden gem among graduate schools in accounting. The emphasis on real-world work experience through the paid internship is a huge benefit, and WFU is also well-known as a key recruiting school for the nation’s top accounting firms. This curriculum is a perfect match for any previous major, not just business-related undergrads.

Campus Location: Winston-Salem, NC

Sampling of Coursework:

• Assurance Services
• Financial Transaction Services
• Tax Consulting

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 30% Retention Rate: 96% Graduation Rate: 88%

LEARN MORE ABOUT WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING

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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Program Standouts:

The University of Florida is held in high esteem across the globe as one of the nation’s top public research universities offers an equally as respected Master of Accounting program. This degree is specifically intended for undergraduates of accounting and is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and skills by building on previous knowledge. There are three concentration options, including a general approach to the discipline, as well as specializations in Auditing and Taxation.

This degree is tailored to help students pass the CPA exam. No matter their concentration, students will have the foundational understanding to earn their certification with flying colors. This program is housed within the University of Florida’s Warrington School of Business, which is routinely kept at the top of impressive rankings for its impeccable business degrees.

Campus Location: Gainesville, FL

Concentration Options:

• Auditing
• Taxation
• General Track

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 37% Retention Rate: 97% Graduation Rate: 87%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S MASTER’S OF ACCOUNTING

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UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO

Program Standouts:

The University of Chicago offers another of the few Masters of Business Administration in Accounting degrees on this ranking, and provides coursework through the highly revered Booth School of Business. International renowned faculty members designed this comprehensive graduate degree and keep it up-to-date and current at all times. Students are heavily involved in massively crucial research and the collection of pivotal data throughout their experience at UC.

There is a huge focus on research at Booth. This school is responsible for some of the nation’s most looked-to and well-respected business data that is utilized by top firms, organizations, and corporations globally. University of Chicago students have ample opportunity to involve themselves in life-changing experiences with the industry’s experts.

Campus Location: Chicago, IL

Sampling of Coursework:

• Accounting for Entrepreneurship: From Start-Up to IPO
• Accounting, Economic, and Regulatory Issues in Complex Deals
• Cost Analysis and Internal Controls

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440

Acceptance Rate: 6% Retention Rate: 99% Graduation Rate: 94%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO’S MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN ACCCOUNTING

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AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

The Master of Science in Accounting at American University is an accelerated graduate degree housed within the Kogod School of Business. Both full-time and part-time students complete an accelerated curriculum at either 12 or 24 months, and the program can be entirely personalized to suit individual goals. There are three established concentration options, or students are free to utilize business and accounting electives to craft their own approach.

Located in our nation’s capital, American University has been one of the most revered and historical higher education institutions since its founding in 1893. Today, AU graduates are steeped in all of the latest relevant technologies and software utilized in major firms and corporations throughout the country. Coursework at this fine establishment is guaranteed to enhance graduates’ professional roles and salaries.

Campus Location: Washington, D.C.

Concentration Options:

• Financial Reporting and Assurance
• Forensic Accounting
• Taxation

Accreditation:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  3624 Market Street, Suite 2 West
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
  www.msche.org
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 36% Retention Rate: 88% Graduation Rate: 81%

LEARN MORE ABOUT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY’S MS IN ACCOUNTING PROGRAM

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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

Program Standouts:

The University of Wisconsin is here to help anyone achieve a Master’s in Accountancy. There are three different pathways available: a one-year program for undergrads of accounting, an option that is a little over one year for undergrads of business, and a two-year option for undergrads outside of business. UW is in the top ten schools in the United States for CPA examination pass rates and is highly ranked by journalistic resources in academic accounting like TaxTalent.

This excellent school has two distinctive concentration options that distinguish the degree program in unique ways. The high-impact internships connect students with expert professionals who often hire graduates directly out of school. Alumni work in public accounting, government agencies, corporations, firms, and nonprofit agencies, and some choose to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

Campus Location: Madison, WI

Concentration Options:

• Business: Accounting
• Accounting, Assurance, Advisory

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440

Acceptance Rate: 54% Retention Rate: 95% Graduation Rate: 85%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN’S MASTER’S OF ACCOUNTANCY

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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ANN ARBOR

Program Standouts:

This eight-month intensive accounting graduate program endows long-term skills that carry over into unique roles and positions. The comprehensive foundational curriculum prepares students for future accounting roles and the CPA exam in totality. Additionally, students choose MBA electives that individualize their approach.

University of Michigan Ann Arbor alumni are consistently hired within three months of graduation by the Big Four Firms, and other examples include Deloitte, KPMG, EY, PWC, and Plante Moran. There are fabulous experiences available throughout the program, such as the chance to go to Washington, DC., to attend the EY Accounting and Public Policy Symposium.

Campus Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Sampling of Coursework:

• Corporate Financial Research & Reporting
• Information Systems Design
• Advanced Financial Accounting

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440

Acceptance Rate: 23% Retention Rate: 97% Graduation Rate: 91%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN’S MASTER’S DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING

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DEPAUL UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

DePaul University’s nationally ranked MSA degree prepares students to be industry-ready and proficient. Whether students are trying to pass the CPA exam or transition to a new career, this degree is an excellent fit. The curriculum provides a solid foundation of understanding in general principles, as well as training in a variety of accounting specialties.

DePaul University is committed to its students’ success and offers the program on-campus as well as online. Graduate learners gain access to some of the top corporations and businesses in Chicago, and many go on to work at firms like PwC, KPMG, Grant Thornton, EY, and RSM. Alumni report a 90% job placement rate and an average starting wage of $61,000 per year.

Campus Location: Chicago, IL

Sampling of Coursework:

• Cost and Managerial Accounting
• Principles of Accounting Information Systems
• Tax Treatment of Individuals and Property Transactions

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Acceptance Rate: 68% Retention Rate: 86% Graduation Rate: 73%

LEARN MORE ABOUT DEPAUL UNIVERSITY’S MSA PROGRAM

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MIAMI UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

One of the many attractive things about this Master of Accountancy program supplies several different ways for students to earn their degree depending on their grade level. The 3+1 Combined Bachelor/Masters option, for example, allows students to pursue an undergraduate and a graduate degree simultaneously. The MAcc is a two-semester program wherein students complete 15 credits each semester.

The Farmer School of Business at Miami University provides this Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program that prepares students for many accounting-related positions beyond just assurance and tax services. Graduates from this fantastic masters program have gained employment in fraud investigation, business risk services, forensic accounting, business valuation, systems assurance, and investment banking. Past and current students leave only the most positive reviews about this excellent curriculum.

Campus Location: Stanford, CA

Sampling of Coursework:

• Modeling Business Processes in Accounting Information Systems
• Federal Income Tax Accounting
• Information Systems: Concepts, Technology, and Applications

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.com, (800) 621-7440

Acceptance Rate: 80% Retention Rate:72 % Graduation Rate: 78%

LEARN MORE ABOUT MIAMI UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY (MAcc)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is an MSA or an MAcc worth it?

Absolutely! If you have the math skills and the interest, it is definitely worth it to pursue a graduate degree in accounting. Accountants are needed in any organization that manages revenue, which is nearly every industry, company, or business in the world, and the United States is in constant need of competent, trustworthy money managers. There is a lot of job security in becoming an accountant. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job outlook for this profession at 7% and the average annual wage at about $73,000.

Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT to enroll in an MSA or MAcc?

In general, yes. For an accounting career, applicants will need to submit their GMAT or GRE scores in order to qualify for enrollment. Some schools throughout the country do not require these standardized test scores, but such cases are rare. Make sure to take this into account as you plan your approach to this career path.

Is it hard to pass the CPA exam?

That depends entirely upon you and the program that you have chosen. Many of the degrees listed below include a strong focus on preparation for the professional accounting examination so that graduates are able to pass the test with ease. However, there are other accounting programs that are just as high-quality but allow more flexibility to the curriculum, in which case you could navigate further away from CPA preparation if something else interesting, like Forensic Accounting, for example, is for you.

Are there benefits of having a Master’s degree in Accounting?

Why yes there are, such as:

• Increased earning potential: On average, individuals with a master’s degree in accounting can earn 20-40% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in the same field.
• Enhanced job opportunities: With a master’s degree in accounting, individuals can seek and obtain job opportunities that may not be available to those without the degree.
• Specialization: A master’s degree in accounting provides the opportunity to specialize in a certain area within the field which can give you a unique edge in the job market.
• Greater industry credibility: Obtaining a master’s degree in accounting demonstrates a certain level of competency amongst potential employers and potential clients. This can make the individual more attractive when looking for jobs or seeking business.
• Improved confidence: Working towards and obtaining a master’s degree in accounting will help an individual to become more confident in his or her skills and knowledge. This can prove invaluable throughout a person’s career.

Summary:

No matter which program and school on this list you choose, we here at Business-Managemen-Degree.net believe that you will achieve everything you hoped and dreamed you could get out of an education in accounting.

These colleges and universities were carefully chosen according to strict criteria and a detailed methodological approach to provide you with the best choices in the United States of America today.

Graduate accounting programs, such as a Master of Science in Accounting, a Master of Accounting, or a Master of Professional Accounting, are an incredibly shrewd career move when pursuing career development in management or leadership.

The accounting profession provides many career options to consider. A master of accounting degree program will prepare graduates for careers such as certified internal auditor, accounting professor, financial managers, certified public accountants, management accounting, business management, government accounting, international accounting,