<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/accounting-programs/">Master's in Accounting Online</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599	$10,552	91%
#2 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 601 E John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820	$14,997	85%
#3 University of Connecticut 52 Mansfield Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269	$16,300	84%
#4 University of Scranton 800 Linden Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510	$11,580	83%
#5 University of Massachusetts, Amherst 374 Whitmore Building 181 Presidents Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003	$14,014	82%
#6 Saint Joseph’s University 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131	$17,334	81%
#7 Colorado State University-Global Campus 585 Salida Way, Aurora, Colorado 80011	$9,000	NA
#8 University of Miami University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146	$37,800	83%
#9 Bentley University 175 Forest St, Waltham, Massachusetts 02452	$38,400	90%
#10 Syracuse University 900 South Crouse Ave., Syracuse, New York 13244	$38,880	83%
#11 Golden Gate University, San Francisco 536 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94105	$19,620	NA
#12 Auburn University Auburn, Alabama 36849	$9,828	79%
#13 University of Missouri, Columbia 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211	$9,264	71%
#14 George Mason University 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, Virginia 22030	$12,144	71%
#15 DePaul University 1 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois 60604	$19,584	74%
#16 Seton Hall University 400 S Orange Ave, South Orange, New Jersey 07079	$23,580	73%
#17 University of Oklahoma, Norman 660 Parrington Oval, Norman, Oklahoma 73019	$6,583	70%
#18 University of Texas, Dallas 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080	$13,874	70%
#19 Maryville University, Saint Louis 650 Maryville University Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63141	$14,346	71%
#20 Rutgers University 249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall, Newark, New Jersey 07102	$17,736	69%
#21 University of North Dakota 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202	$10,534	61%
#22 Regis University 3333 Regis Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80221	$14,441	64%
#23 Western New England University 1215 Wilbraham Rd, Springfield, Massachusetts 01119	$25,056	65%
#24 University of Alabama, Birmingham Administration Bldg Suite 1070, Birmingham, Alabama 35294	$8,100	63%
#25 Western Governors University 4001 South 700 East Suite 700, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107	$7,500	21%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/accounting-programs/">Master's in Accounting Online</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Rd, Administration Bldg., Room 339, Boca Raton, Florida 33431	$5,467	50%
#2 University of Oklahoma, Norman 660 Parrington Oval, Norman, Oklahoma 73019	$6,583	70%
#3 California State University, San Bernardino 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, California 92407	$7,176	55%
#4 California State University, Sacramento 6000 J St, Sacramento, California 95819	$7,176	55%
#5 Western Governors University 4001 South 700 East Suite 700, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107	$7,500	21%
#6 University of Alabama, Birmingham Administration Bldg Suite 1070, Birmingham, Alabama 35294	$8,100	63%
#7 Colorado State University-Global Campus 585 Salida Way, Aurora, Colorado 80011	$9,000	NA
#8 University of Missouri, Columbia 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211	$9,264	71%
#9 Auburn University Auburn, Alabama 36849	$9,828	79%
#10 University of North Dakota 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202	$10,534	61%
#11 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599	$10,552	91%
#12 SUNY Polytechnic Institute 100 Seymour Rd, Utica, New York 13502	$11,310	57%
#13 University of Scranton 800 Linden Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510	$11,580	83%
#14 George Mason University 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, Virginia 22030	$12,144	71%
#15 University of Texas, Dallas 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080	$13,874	70%
#16 University of Massachusetts, Amherst 374 Whitmore Building 181 Presidents Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003	$14,014	82%
#17 Maryville University, Saint Louis 650 Maryville University Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63141	$14,346	71%
#18 Regis University 3333 Regis Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80221	$14,441	64%
#19 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 601 E John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820	$14,997	85%
#20 University of Connecticut 52 Mansfield Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269	$16,300	84%
#21 Saint Joseph’s University 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131	$17,334	81%
#22 Rutgers University 249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall, Newark, New Jersey 07102	$17,736	69%
#23 DePaul University 1 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois 60604	$19,584	74%
#24 Golden Gate University, San Francisco 536 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94105	$19,620	NA

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Before enrolling in an online master’s in accounting, it is essential to understand the programs in detail. When researching online master’s in accounting degree programs, there are several things to keep in mind when choosing the best program that fits students’ needs and goals. Here are a few important aspects of masters in accounting programs:

Online MFA Creative Writing Degree Types

There are broadly three types of programs pertaining to Master’s in Creative Writing online, each distinct yet bearing similarities. Which of the three is better depends on your purpose and career aspirations.

Online Master in Accounting Online – Degree Types

There are typically three options for accounting master’s programs: the MS Accounting online degree program (Master of Science in Accounting), MPAcc (Master of Professional Accounting), and online MAcc Programs (Master of Accountancy). On a practical level, there is little to no difference beyond the degree titles. Some schools might have slightly different curricula, but all three degrees will fully prepare master’s students to sit for the CPA Exam.

Timeline for graduation from an Online Master’s in Accounting Program

Most online master’s in accounting programs require the completion of 30 credit hours, which is the equivalent of one academic year for a full-time student. However, some master’s in accounting students can take as few as 10 months if they accelerate their curriculum or have extensive transfer credits accepted by the accounting program. Those who choose to complete their degree at a slower pace can expect to take 15 to 22 months to earn their master’s degree.

Curriculum in Online Master’s in Accounting Programs

Most master’s accounting programs will require grad students to complete similar core and elective courses found in an accounting undergraduate degree, but at an advanced level. Some staple courses include:

Advanced Auditing and Assurance Services	Federal Tax Research	Situational Ethics in Accounting	Advanced Cost Accounting	Governmental Accounting and Not for Profit Accounting
This course explains the methodology for providing accurate and trustworthy accounting information and examines its importance to others who rely on that information to make business decisions.	Master’s students will learn the basics of representing individuals and corporate clients before the IRS.	Grad students will examine potential situations they might face in the accounting profession, and the ethical dilemmas they must learn how to navigate.	Theories and techniques for utilizing financial information to make business and management decisions are taught in cost accounting.	For-profit corporations and businesses aren’t the only organizations that benefit from accounting services. This course teaches students about the unique features of this particular area of accounting.

Typical elective courses in a master’s in accounting are:

• Accounting Principles
• Data Analytics
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Accounting Analytics
• Accounting Information Systems
• Advanced Financial Accounting
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Operations
• Forensic Accounting
• Financial Reporting
• International Accounting

Specializations in Accounting Programs

The online master’s in accounting will provide ample opportunity for students to focus on a specific area of accounting, by allowing them to take courses of particular interest. For example, the forensic accounting concentration dives deep into forensic accounting and financial statement analysis in the field. Some potential concentration areas include:

• Auditing
• Taxation
• International Forensic Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
• Financial and Managerial Accounting
• International Accounting

Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in Accounting

Each master’s in accounting program will have its own admissions requirements, but most will require a bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting, plus the completion of 15 to 21 credit hours of basic and upper-level accounting courses. Additionally, many programs will require master’s applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). However, for interested students looking for online master’s in accounting programs with no GMAT or GRE, there are plenty of business schools that do not require these test scores, or that make them optional, provided the GPA of undergraduate degrees is on the higher side, and the candidate has some work experience.

Skills gained from Online Master’s in Accounting Degrees

Be it an MSA, MPAcc, or MAcc online program, accounting programs prepare students to take on a wide range of settings that include:

• Corporate Financial Management
• Tax Planning
• Forensic Accounting
• Cost Accounting
• Financial Analysis
• International Accounting
• Financial System Analysis
• Accounting Analysis
• Financial Records & Book Keeping
• Advance Collegiate Schools
• Financial Statement Analysis

Online master accounting students learn a particular set of skills while earning their degree, all of which will help them achieve their professional goals and make the most of their education and training. By the end of their online college programs, graduates will be accounting professionals with enviable skills such as:

Attention to Detail	Analytical Skills	Mathematical Skills	Communication Skills	Judgment
Accounting is a profession where one little mistake, such as a misplaced period, can turn an otherwise useful financial statement into not just a worthless document, but a harmful one as well. In the business world, accountants are the creators and gatekeepers of information that the management and investors rely on to make key decisions, so the information an accountant creates must contain no mistakes.	One of the most important skills for an accountant is the ability to take a seemingly random or confusing set of numbers and glean useful information. This can result in identifying the source of a business loss or being able to more accurately anticipate future business cycles.	Accounting is essentially based on math. The fundamental math is not that complex for an accounting graduate, but applying those mathematical concepts to a financial or business context is not so simple or basic.	An accountant must effectively communicate their analyses to others. Whether working with a coworker, business owner, or corporate client, an accountant will need to know how to write and speak effectively, and explain complex situations and concepts to those with a far more basic understanding of accounting.	Accounting is all about numbers, yet it is amazing how uncertain many decisions can be, especially concerning compliance with laws and regulations. Professionals in the accounting industry will face ethical conundrums and gray areas while they work and will need to make ethical decisions to not only protect themselves but also their clients, from liability.

Typically, online masters in accounting degrees can take anywhere between two to three years, depending on many factors. But several universities offer accelerated online masters in accounting programs, which can shorten the time to graduation. The requirements for these accelerated graduate programs vary by university and the student’s background. While some universities provide credits for a few courses if the students have an accounting background, others provide credits if the students have a certain level of experience or another master’s degree. In certain cases, some universities offer accelerated programs without any conditions, but these programs can get intensive with 5-8 week courses that will need a lot of dedication and time. Here are some universities that offer accelerated online masters in accounting programs:

One Year Online Master’s in Accounting

While many universities offer accounting graduate programs that are accelerated, some universities offer one-year online master’s in accounting. Such 1-year programs are designed with classes that last for just a few weeks of intense coursework, followed by tests. These programs can be started many times throughout the year. Also, core courses are available throughout the year in an asynchronous way, so that students can finish their coursework fast. Here are some one-year online master’s in accounting:

There are a very limited number of educational institutions that offer a free online accounting degree, but these institutions are not accredited and may not help students in their careers. The good news, however, is that there are plenty of recognized educational institutions that offer free online courses that are graduate-level. Some of these courses are taken from previous years’ masters of accounting programs, and some are offered by famous universities on third-party platforms. Here are some free courses in accounting:

• Introduction to Management Accounting – edX
• Accounting Coach

The entry-level education for many accounting jobs is a bachelor’s degree, which only prepares students to take on smaller roles in their field. But after completing an online master’s degree in accounting, graduate students will be ready to maximize their professional potential and be better placed to take on more responsible roles. While nothing prevents someone with an online master in accounting from working as a bookkeeper or auditing clerk, the main reason students will attend accounting master’s programs is to become a Certified Public Accountant Examination (CPA).

The curriculum of most master’s accounting programs in business schools and advance collegiate schools, is specifically tailored to prepare students to take and pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination (CPA Exam). This exam consists of four sections that can be completed over two days. However, students may take only one section at a time, as long as they complete and pass all four sections within 18 months.

Beyond passage of the Certified Public Accountant Exam, each state may have its own requirements. For example, most states require CPAs to have taken at least 150 credit hours of college courses. And once a person becomes a CPA, they must meet their states’ continuing education requirements to maintain their CPA license.

And beyond the CPA designation, accountants and auditors may obtain additional certifications, offered by professional organizations such as the Institute of Internal Auditors, ISACA, Institute of Management Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. An example of such certification is the Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

After earning the CPA credential, individuals will be able to maximize their ability to work as a public accountant or internal auditor. For example, it is common for graduates to work at one of the “Big Four” accounting firms: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, or KPMG. One of the more notable services these companies provide is the auditing of financial statements prepared internally by major public corporations. To do much of this work, individuals are legally required to be a CPA. Another popular career path is to become a financial examiner. These professionals review an organization’s finances to ensure they are following applicable laws and regulations. They may also evaluate credit risks and make other financial assessments.

When compared to individuals who have only an undergraduate degree in accounting, the growth and earnings potential for accounting professionals who have graduated from an online master, are very good. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that accountants and auditors take home a median annual salary of $73,560 with a projected 2019 to 2029 growth rate of 4%. As for financial examiners, their growth rate is projected to be 7%, with a median annual salary of $81,430, while that of financial managers is expected to grow 15%, with a median annual salary of $134,180.

Graduates of accounting degree programs can also go on to work in a global accounting environment, and other areas of accounting or areas related to accounting, some of which include but are not limited to:

• Data Analytics
• Accounting Analytics
• Accounting Information Systems
• Financial Management
• Business Administration
• Advanced Auditing
• Professional Accountancy
• Business Law
• International Accounting
• Forensic Accounting
• Tax Planning
• Financial Reporting
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Advanced Financial Accounting