- Overview
- Best for CPA Track: Indiana University – Kelley School of Business
- Best AACSB Value: University of North Texas
- Best for CPA + Flexibility: University of Arizona – Eller College
- Best Competency-Based Model: Western Governors University
- Best for Career Changers: Southern New Hampshire University
- Best Affordable Private Option: Liberty University
- Best for Tax Specialization: Northeastern University
- Best Affordable Nonprofit: Grand Canyon University
- Compare Online Master's in Accounting Programs
- Specializations in Online Master's in Psychology Programs
- Most Affordable Online Master's Programs
- Affordable Online MBA Programs
- OMC Rankings Hub
- Admissions Requirements For Online Accounting Master's Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
- Expert Reviewed By Soumen Chatterjee
An online master’s in accounting is one of the most strategically purposeful graduate degrees you can pursue — and the reason is often a specific number: 150. Most state CPA boards require 150 semester hours of education before you can sit for the CPA exam, and a bachelor’s in accounting typically delivers only 120. A master’s degree closes that gap while deepening expertise in areas like taxation, auditing, and financial reporting.
But not all accounting master’s degrees work the same way. A Master of Accountancy (MAcc) or Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) is built for accounting depth and CPA preparation. An MBA in Accounting takes a broader business-strategy approach with an accounting concentration — useful for management-track careers, but not always designed to meet CPA-specific coursework requirements.
Accreditation matters here more than in most fields. AACSB-accredited programs carry the strongest recognition among employers and licensing boards, and some CPA boards look specifically at whether your program holds this accreditation.
This hub covers the full landscape: degree types compared head-to-head, specializations from forensic accounting to taxation, curated program picks with real evaluation criteria, and the CPA-eligibility details that drive most enrollment decisions.
The programs featured on this page were evaluated using criteria specific to accounting master’s education, not generic graduate program metrics. Our evaluation prioritizes:
- AACSB accreditation status — the gold standard for business and accounting programs and a factor in CPA board recognition
- CPA-eligibility pathway — whether the program is explicitly designed to satisfy the 150-credit-hour requirement and state-mandated accounting coursework
- CPA exam pass rates — where publicly reported by the program or state board
- Program format and flexibility — fully online, hybrid, synchronous vs. asynchronous delivery
- Total cost of attendance — tuition per credit and estimated total program cost
- Faculty credentials — active CPA-holders, published researchers, and practitioners with industry experience
- Career outcomes — employment rates, employer partnerships, and alumni placement data where available
Programs that satisfy multiple criteria across accreditation, CPA alignment, and cost-effectiveness receive priority placement.
University: Indiana University Online
Degree: MS in Accounting
AACSB: Yes
CPA-Eligible: Yes — designed to meet 150-hour requirement
Credits: 30
Estimated Tuition: ~$1,370/credit (in-state online rate)
Format: Fully online, asynchronous
Kelley’s MSA is one of the strongest AACSB-accredited online accounting programs available. The curriculum focuses directly on CPA exam content areas — auditing, tax, financial reporting, and regulation — and is structured so students with an undergraduate accounting background can finish in about 12 months. Indiana consistently ranks among the top states for CPA exam pass rates, and Kelley’s alumni network in public accounting is substantial.
University: University of North Texas
Degree: MS in Accounting
AACSB: Yes
CPA-Eligible: Yes
Credits: 30
Estimated Tuition: ~$540/credit (in-state)
Format: Fully online
UNT’s G. Brint Ryan College of Business delivers AACSB-accredited accounting education at one of the lowest per-credit tuition rates in the category. The program maps directly to Texas CPA requirements, with coursework in advanced auditing, taxation, and accounting information systems. For students who want AACSB recognition without the $40K+ price tag, UNT is a standout.
University: University of Arizona
Degree: Master of Accounting (MAcc)
AACSB: Yes
CPA-Eligible: Yes
Credits: 30
Estimated Tuition: ~$955/credit
Format: Fully online, asynchronous
Eller’s MAcc is built around CPA exam preparation with concentrations in assurance, tax, or general accounting. The asynchronous format and rolling admissions make it workable for students juggling full-time employment. Arizona’s CPA pass rates have consistently outperformed national averages, and the program’s focus on applied audit and tax skills translates directly to Big Four and regional firm hiring.
University: Western Governors University
Degree: Master of Science in Accounting
AACSB: No (ACBSP-accredited)
CPA-Eligible: Varies by state — satisfies 150-hour requirement in many states
Credits: Competency-based (approximately 30 competency units)
Estimated Tuition: ~$4,530/six-month term (flat rate)
Format: Fully online, self-paced
WGU’s competency-based MSA lets students who already have strong accounting knowledge move through material quickly — some complete the degree in two to three terms. The flat-rate tuition model means faster completion equals lower total cost. The tradeoff: WGU lacks AACSB accreditation, which matters if you’re targeting employers or state boards that specifically require it. For career-changers or working professionals who need the 150 hours efficiently and affordably, it’s hard to beat.
University: Southern New Hampshire University
Degree: MS in Accounting
AACSB: No (ACBSP-accredited)
CPA-Eligible: Yes — designed for 150-hour completion
Credits: 30-36 (depending on prerequisite needs)
Estimated Tuition: ~$627/credit
Format: Fully online, asynchronous
SNHU is one of the most accessible options for students without an undergraduate accounting degree. The program includes foundation courses that bridge the gap for career changers, and the admissions process doesn’t require GMAT/GRE scores. While it lacks AACSB accreditation, SNHU’s regional accreditation and CPA-aligned curriculum satisfy requirements in most states. The support infrastructure for online students is among the most developed in the industry.
University: Liberty University
Degree: MS in Accounting
AACSB: No (ACBSP-accredited)
CPA-Eligible: Yes
Credits: 36
Estimated Tuition: ~$565/credit
Format: Fully online
Liberty’s MSA is competitively priced for a private university and includes concentrations in CPA preparation and fraud examination. The 36-credit structure provides more coursework flexibility for students who need additional hours to reach the 150-credit threshold. Military and active-duty discounts bring the effective price even lower. Liberty’s online delivery system is well-established, though students should verify AACSB requirements with their target state board.
University: Northeastern University
Degree: MS in Taxation
AACSB: Yes
CPA-Eligible: Supports 150-hour completion
Credits: 30
Estimated Tuition: ~$1,585/credit
Format: Fully online
Northeastern’s MST is a specialist degree for students who already know they want a career in tax advisory, compliance, or planning. The AACSB-accredited D’Amore-McKim School delivers coursework in corporate taxation, estate and gift tax, international tax, and tax research methodology. This is a premium-priced program, but for students targeting tax-focused roles at firms or corporations, the depth is unmatched by generalist accounting degrees.
University: Grand Canyon University
Degree: MS in Accounting
AACSB: No (ACBSP-accredited)
CPA-Eligible: Yes
Credits: 34
Estimated Tuition: ~$575/credit
Format: Fully online
GCU offers one of the most affordable accounting master’s programs from a regionally accredited university, making it a practical choice for students focused on meeting CPA credit requirements without taking on heavy debt. The curriculum covers auditing, taxation, and accounting theory. GCU lacks AACSB accreditation, so students in states with strict AACSB preferences should check their board requirements, but for many markets this is a cost-effective path to the 150-hour threshold.
Compare Online Master’s in Accounting Programs
| University | Degree Type | AACSB | CPA-Eligible | Credits | Est. Tuition/Credit | GRE Required | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University Online | MS in Accounting | Yes | Yes | 30 | ~$1,370 | No | Online, Async |
| University of North Texas | MS in Accounting | Yes | Yes | 30 | ~$540 | Varies | Online |
| University of Arizona | MAcc | Yes | Yes | 30 | ~$955 | No | Online, Async |
| Western Governors University | MS in Accounting | No (ACBSP) | Varies by state | ~30 CUs | ~$4,530/term | No | Online, Self-paced |
| Southern New Hampshire University | MS in Accounting | No (ACBSP) | Yes | 30-36 | ~$627 | No | Online, Async |
| Liberty University | MS in Accounting | No (ACBSP) | Yes | 36 | ~$565 | No | Online |
| Northeastern University | MS in Taxation | Yes | Supports 150-hr | 30 | ~$1,585 | No | Online |
| Grand Canyon University | MS in Accounting | No (ACBSP) | Yes | 34 | ~$575 | No | Online |
Reading this table: AACSB accreditation is the strongest signal for employer and CPA board recognition but isn’t required in all states. “CPA-Eligible” indicates whether the program is designed to help you reach the 150-credit-hour threshold with CPA-aligned coursework — but state requirements vary, and you should always verify with your specific state board.
One of the most consequential decisions in accounting graduate education isn’t which school to attend — it’s which degree type to pursue. These four degrees serve different goals, and choosing the wrong one can mean extra coursework, misaligned career positioning, or CPA-eligibility complications.
| Feature | MAcc (Master of Accountancy) | MSA (Master of Science in Accounting) | MPA (Master of Professional Accounting) | MBA in Accounting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Accounting depth, CPA preparation | Accounting theory and research | Professional practice, CPA preparation | Business strategy with accounting concentration |
| CPA-Eligible | Yes — typically designed for CPA | Yes — typically designed for CPA | Yes — typically designed for CPA | Varies — may require supplemental accounting courses |
| Typical Credits | 30-36 | 30-36 | 30-48 | 36-60 |
| Depth vs. Breadth | Deep accounting focus | Deep accounting focus with research emphasis | Deep accounting focus with practice emphasis | Broad business + moderate accounting |
| Best For | Students targeting CPA licensure and public accounting careers | Students interested in accounting research or specialized technical roles | Students needing maximum 150-hour flexibility (some MPAs start from zero accounting background) | Professionals seeking management or leadership roles where accounting is one tool among many |
| Common Career Paths | CPA, auditor, tax accountant, forensic accountant | Tax specialist, accounting analyst, academic track | CPA, controller, industry accountant | CFO, finance director, management consultant |
Key Distinctions
MAcc, MSA, and MPA are all accounting-depth degrees. The differences between them are often institutional labeling rather than substantive curriculum variation — many programs use these titles interchangeably. The critical question is whether the specific program’s coursework satisfies your state’s CPA requirements, regardless of what the degree is called.
MBA in Accounting is fundamentally different. It’s a business degree with an accounting concentration, which means roughly half your coursework covers general management, marketing, finance, and strategy. This is valuable if you want to move into accounting leadership or cross-functional management, but it may not include enough dedicated accounting courses to meet CPA exam prerequisites without supplemental coursework. For a deep dive on this path, see our MBA in Accounting guide .
Experienced professionals considering whether an accounting-focused master’s or a broader executive MBA better serves their goals should weigh whether the CPA credential or executive leadership positioning matters more for their next career stage.
Bottom line: If your primary goal is CPA licensure, choose a MAcc, MSA, or MPA. If your goal is management-track advancement where accounting knowledge is useful but not the core credential, the MBA in Accounting may be the better fit.
Specializations in Online Master’s in Psychology Programs
Most online accounting master’s programs allow you to concentrate in a specific area through elective tracks or formal specializations. Here are the most common — and the ones that create the clearest career differentiation.
Forensic accounting sits at the intersection of accounting, investigation, and law. Programs in this specialization train students in fraud detection, litigation support, financial crime analysis, and expert witness testimony. It’s best suited for students drawn to investigative work — careers include fraud examiner, forensic auditor, and financial crime analyst at agencies or consulting firms. Demand has grown as corporate compliance and regulatory enforcement have intensified. For a complete breakdown of programs and career paths, see our Master’s in Forensic Accounting guide.
Taxation concentrations focus on federal and state tax codes, corporate taxation, estate and gift tax planning, international tax, and tax research. Students pursuing this specialization typically target careers as tax advisors, tax managers, or partners in tax practices at accounting firms. This is also a natural fit for attorneys who want to add tax expertise. Some universities offer standalone Master of Taxation (MST) degrees rather than specialization tracks.
Auditing concentrations develop expertise in internal and external audit methodology, risk assessment, internal controls evaluation, and regulatory compliance. Graduates typically pursue roles as internal auditors, external auditors at accounting firms, IT auditors, or compliance officers. The audit specialization pairs particularly well with CPA licensure, as the Auditing and Attestation (AUD) section is one of the four CPA exam components.
Managerial accounting focuses on cost analysis, budgeting, performance management, and strategic financial decision-making within organizations. Unlike public accounting, this specialization targets internal roles — cost accountant, management accountant, controller, or FP&A analyst. Students interested in this path may also consider an MBA in Accounting , which combines accounting depth with broader business management skills useful for leadership positions.
Many programs don’t label a formal “CPA track” as a separate specialization but structure their entire curriculum around CPA exam content areas (financial accounting and reporting, auditing, regulation, and business environment concepts). When evaluating programs, look for those that explicitly map coursework to the four CPA exam sections and report CPA pass rate data. CPA-track programs are most commonly offered as MAcc, MSA, or MPA degrees rather than MBA programs.
The CPA credential is the most recognized professional designation in accounting, and in most U.S. states, you cannot sit for the CPA exam without completing 150 semester hours of post-secondary education. Since a standard bachelor’s degree delivers approximately 120 credit hours, there’s a 30-hour gap that a master’s degree is the most common way to fill.
Here’s what you need to know about the 150-hour requirement and how an online master’s in accounting fits:
The requirement is education-based, not degree-based. State boards typically require 150 total semester hours, not a specific master’s degree. However, most states also mandate that a certain number of those hours be in accounting-specific coursework (often 24-30 upper-division or graduate accounting credits). A MAcc, MSA, or MPA is almost always designed to satisfy both the total-hours threshold and the accounting-coursework requirement.
MBA in Accounting programs may or may not qualify. Because MBA programs dedicate significant coursework to general business topics, some don’t include enough accounting-specific credits to satisfy state board requirements. If CPA eligibility is your primary reason for pursuing a master’s, verify that the specific MBA program’s accounting coursework meets your state’s content requirements — don’t assume.
State requirements vary significantly. Some states require specific courses (e.g., a stand-alone auditing course or an ethics course), while others give broader latitude. A few states allow candidates to sit for the exam at 120 hours but require 150 hours for licensure. Always check your state board’s requirements before enrolling.
Program-level verification matters. The strongest programs explicitly state their CPA-eligibility design, publish CPA pass rate data, and advise students on state-specific compliance. If a program doesn’t clearly address CPA eligibility on its website, that’s a signal to ask directly before committing.
These ranking pages help you filter and evaluate online accounting programs from different decision angles — whether your priority is accreditation, cost, or exploring the full program landscape.
For accounting students, AACSB accreditation isn’t just a prestige marker — it directly affects CPA board acceptance and employer perception. Our AACSB-accredited online MBA rankings identify programs that hold this accreditation, which is especially relevant if you’re pursuing the MBA in Accounting route and want to ensure your degree carries maximum recognition with state licensing boards and Big Four firms.
Most Affordable Online Master’s Programs
Accountants tend to think in terms of ROI, and the total cost of a master’s degree matters enormously when you’re investing in a CPA pathway that doesn’t always come with immediate salary jumps. Our most affordable online master’s programs ranking highlights programs where you can reach the 150-hour threshold without taking on disproportionate debt.
Affordable Online MBA Programs
If you’ve decided the MBA in Accounting path fits your career goals, cost becomes a critical filter since MBA programs vary dramatically in price. Our affordable online MBA programs ranking surfaces options that deliver business-breadth education without the premium price tag of elite MBA programs.
OMC Rankings Hub
Not sure which ranking dimension matters most for your situation? Our central rankings hub organizes all OMC rankings by category — accreditation, affordability, speed, and more — so you can explore the filters that align with your priorities.
The career path you target should directly inform which degree type and specialization you choose. Here’s how the major accounting career tracks map to education requirements and earning potential.
| Career Path | Relevant Degree Types | Key Credential | Median Salary (BLS/Industry Data) | Growth Outlook | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA) | MAcc, MSA, MPA | CPA license | ~$79,000–$120,000+ | Stable | The foundational credential — opens doors to audit, tax, advisory, and controller roles. Salary varies widely by firm size and geography. |
| Forensic Accountant | MAcc/MSA with forensic concentration | CPA, CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) | ~$75,000–$110,000 | Growing | Demand driven by regulatory enforcement, corporate compliance, and financial crime investigation. |
| Tax Manager / Tax Director | MSA, MST, MPA | CPA, EA (Enrolled Agent) | ~$95,000–$150,000+ | Stable | Requires deep tax specialization. MST or tax-concentrated MSA provides the strongest positioning. |
| Internal/External Auditor | MAcc, MSA, MPA | CPA, CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) | ~$75,000–$105,000 | Stable | External auditors at firms, internal auditors at corporations. IT audit is a growing subspecialty. |
| Controller / CFO | MBA in Accounting, MAcc + MBA | CPA, CMA | ~$120,000–$200,000+ | Stable | Controller roles require accounting depth; CFO roles often benefit from the business-breadth of an MBA. |
| Management Accountant | MAcc, MBA in Accounting | CMA (Certified Management Accountant) | ~$80,000–$115,000 | Growing | Focused on internal financial planning, budgeting, and strategic cost analysis. CMA certification is the key credential here. |
| Financial Analyst | MSA, MBA in Accounting, MBA in Finance | CFA, CPA | ~$85,000–$120,000 | Growing | Overlap between accounting and finance — students considering this path should weigh whether accounting or finance is the stronger foundation for their target role. |
Reading this table: Salary ranges reflect national medians and vary significantly by geography, firm size, and years of experience. “Growth outlook” is based on BLS projections and industry hiring trends. The credential column shows what employers and clients expect — not just what’s technically required.
Admissions Requirements For Online Accounting Master’s Programs
Admissions requirements for online accounting master’s programs are generally less restrictive than many prospective students expect, though they vary by program tier and degree type.
- Undergraduate background: Most MAcc and MSA programs prefer applicants with a bachelor’s in accounting or a closely related field. However, many programs accept non-accounting undergrads and offer prerequisite bridge courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and intermediate accounting — SNHU and WGU are notable examples of programs designed for career changers.
- GRE/GMAT: The majority of online accounting master’s programs have waived standardized test requirements or offer waivers based on GPA, work experience, or professional certifications (CPA, CMA). Programs that still require the GMAT tend to be AACSB-accredited programs at more selective institutions.
- Work experience: Unlike MBA programs, most accounting master’s programs don’t require professional experience for admission. Some programs recommend (but don’t require) one to two years of accounting or business-related work.
- Other common requirements: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (some accept 2.5 with conditions), official transcripts, a statement of purpose, and professional references. Some programs require specific prerequisite courses regardless of your undergraduate major.
Frequently Asked Questions
For many students, yes — it’s the most direct way to reach the 150-credit-hour threshold required by most state CPA boards. Beyond the credit hours, a master’s deepens your technical knowledge in audit, tax, and financial reporting, which translates directly to CPA exam performance. However, if you’re close to 150 hours through undergraduate work or transfer credits, supplemental courses may be more cost-effective than a full degree.
Yes, but you’ll likely need to complete prerequisite coursework first. Many programs offer built-in bridge or foundation courses covering introductory and intermediate accounting. Programs like SNHU and WGU are specifically structured to accommodate career changers. Expect the total program timeline to extend by one to two semesters if you’re starting without an accounting background.
Most programs require 30-36 credits and can be completed in 12 to 24 months of full-time study. Part-time students typically finish in two to three years. Competency-based programs like WGU’s may allow faster completion for students who can demonstrate mastery quickly. Accelerated formats exist at some institutions.
The MAcc is an accounting-depth degree focused on technical accounting skills and CPA preparation. The MBA in Accounting is a business-breadth degree with an accounting concentration — roughly half the coursework covers general management topics. See our detailed comparison in the Degree Types section above, or visit our MBA in Accounting page for the complete breakdown.
Yes, provided the program holds proper accreditation. Regionally accredited programs are accepted by all state CPA boards. AACSB-accredited programs carry additional weight with employers, particularly Big Four firms and large corporations. The online delivery format itself is no longer a differentiator — what matters is accreditation status, curriculum quality, and whether the program satisfies your state’s specific CPA requirements.
Not for all roles. Management accountants, financial analysts, and many corporate accounting positions don’t require CPA licensure. However, the CPA opens the widest range of career options — it’s required for signing audit opinions, and many employers treat it as a baseline expectation for advancement in public accounting. If you’re unsure whether you’ll pursue the CPA, choosing a CPA-eligible master’s program keeps your options open.
In many cases, these are different names for functionally similar degrees — the curriculum matters more than the title. Focus on whether the specific program’s coursework satisfies your state CPA requirements, offers the specialization track you want, and holds the accreditation level that matters for your career goals. Compare program-level details rather than relying on degree-title assumptions.