Best Online Master’s in Accounting

Timelines, Programs and Resources for Accounting Students

Getting an online master’s degree in accounting can demonstrate to employers that a graduate is committed to the world of business and finance. According to a report from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, CPA firms between 2012 and 2014 increased their hiring of master’s degree program graduates by 11 percent. A master’s degree in accounting can expose someone with an interest in accounting to careers such as a certified public accountant, a financial advisor, a budget analyst and other jobs that assist companies and people with finances, taxes and spending. Learn how higher accounting education can help current professionals advance in their chosen field.

Top Online Programs

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Best Online Master’s in Accounting Degrees

Methodology +

Accredited Schools Online uses a proprietary blend of cost, quality, and student support services to determine overall rankings. The supporting data comes from reputable sources including the schools themselves. We focus our rankings on accredited and not-for-profit institutions.

Our data analysis team and higher education experts have worked together to create a scoring system that includes key qualitative and quantitative measures. The data attributes are then weighted based on relevance.

The scoring methodology includes factors such as:

  • Cost & financial aid
  • Number of programs and program offerings
  • Student-teacher ratios
  • Graduation rates
  • Placement and support services offered
  • Academic/Career counseling services
  • Employment services
  • And many others

These factors are assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or “bang for your buck” of a college or degree program.

Many online degree programs exist that help to better suit the time commitments and budgets of students. Prospective students just beginning their school search should consider criteria like cost, graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratios when selecting a degree program. Below are some of the best accredited online accounting graduate programs.

When researching online master’s degree programs, students may struggle to find unbiased comparisons between schools. This search tool is an easy way for students to explore online programs sorted by student population, location, acceptance rate and type of institution.

The Online Accounting Master’s Degree Timeline

Getting a graduate degree in accounting requires a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite experience with business and accounting. Once this work has been completed, online program students can take classes in their spare time. Even as part-time students, it can take as little as a year or two to graduate. Master’s programs explore basic accounting principles in more depth and also include elective and optional classes for different specializations in finance, business, auditing, or certified public accountancy work.

MASTER’S IN ACCOUNTING APPLICATION PROCESS

Online programs result in the same degrees as on-campus master’s in accounting programs, but they can be less of a time commitment and less expensive. The course of study is just as rigorous, however, and students should be prepared beforehand to deal with complicated topics in accounting, finance, business and management.

  • Bachelor’s in Accounting or Business
    Since master’s programs build on previous accounting knowledge, applicants must have experience in this area of study. Some master’s programs have “bridge” programs for applicants who hold undergraduate degrees in a field that is not accounting where students can take prerequisite accounting and business courses through another online program at the same college. Other programs insist on a bachelor’s in accounting, business or a related field.
  • Resume and Letters of Recommendation
    Online master’s programs often take a holistic approach in their application process. Admissions committees consider academic background and test scores, but they also look at work experience and recommendations from people who know the applicant. Letters of recommendation should come from employers, clients and/or professors.
  • GMAT Scores
    The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a required standardized exam for master’s in accounting program applicants. The exam may be waived if an applicant has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited accounting program and a high GPA from that program.
  • Official Transcripts
    Applicants should have every college they have attended send an official transcript to the online master’s program they are applying to; transcripts mailed directly by a student are not considered official.
  • Statement of Professional Goals
    Programs want applicants to articulate what they expect to get out of a master’s degree and where they want to go with that degree. This statement is usually one to two pages and quickly summarizes an applicant’s vision for his or her future.

YEAR 1 & 2 MILESTONESMaster Advanced Accounting Principles

Through rigorous coursework, master’s in accounting student should learn high-level accounting principles in topics like ethics, technology and finance.

  • Begin Networking
    Oftentimes, programs will offer students the opportunity to participate in networking events in the local community, allowing students to make the connections that will be necessary when it comes time for job hunting.
  • Volunteer
    Some programs give students the chance to volunteer their accounting skills in the community, assisting underprivileged individuals with tax returns and financial help. These events allow students to hone their newly acquired skills in real-life practice while giving back to their communities.
  • Accounting Internships
    Some online degree programs offer professional opportunities to their students. These internships are an opportunity for students to use what they have learned about accounting and to gain financial advising experience in a professional setting.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation requirements vary slightly among programs, and some aspects of graduating, such as final exams, are the student’s responsibility. Programs may require students to spend some time on campus to meet fellow students, interact with potential employers and build a sense of community with other graduating accountants. Ultimately, online master’s in accounting programs result in the same degrees and provide similar knowledge, skills and deeper learning opportunities as on-campus degrees.

  • Completion of Coursework
    Students have to maintain a certain grade point average and meet their minimum requirements to pass classes and fulfill all credit hours. Some programs’ credit hours fulfil CPA experience requirements, and graduates will be able to sit for the state CPA exam without needing to complete further accounting work.
  • Specializations
    Online degree programs have a core series of classes all students must take to graduate, but some offer optional elective classes where students can focus on areas of accounting, business or finance. Maintaining good grades in these classes demonstrates a commitment to this narrower area of study.
  • Exams
    If an online program requires a final exam, it must be proctored. The role of the proctor can be filled by an employer, HR person, local librarian or local testing center employee. The proctoring fee is the student’s responsibility.
  • Skills and Knowledge to Pass a CPA Exam
    Many master’s in accounting graduates become certified public accountants after graduation. Master’s degree programs prepare students with the knowledge, experience and speaking skills to pass a standard certified public accountant exam in the state in which they want to work.

What to Do with a Master’s Degree in Accounting

Getting a master’s in accounting opens up a range of career opportunities in the fields of business, finance and taxes. Companies and people both need tax advice and financial guidance from experienced professionals. For master’s program graduates who are looking to build an even more specialized business and accounting skillset within their chosen field, further training opportunities exist. A master’s degree, however, is a great way to help acquire an advanced career in the financial industry. Below is a list of potential careers available to graduates with a master’s in accounting.

BROWSE MASTER’S IN ACCOUNTING CAREERSSenior Financial Examiners

Because tax laws are so complex, companies hire financial examiners to ensure they are following all laws governing financial institutions and transactions.

Mean Annual Wage$88,310
Growth Potential2.1%

Financial Analysts

Financial analysts assess stocks, bonds and other investments and help guide individuals and businesses in making strong financial investment decisions.

Mean Annual Wage$95,320
Growth Potential1.3%

Accountants and Auditors

Accountants and auditors prepare and examine records, verify their accuracy, make sure taxes are filed on time and assess financial operations to ensure organizations are running efficiently or individuals are reaching their full financial potential.

Mean Annual Wage$75,280
Growth Potential0.6%

Budget Analysts

Companies hire budget analysts to keep an eye on institutional finances and spending, prepare budget reports and make sure all budgets comply with government regulations.

Mean Annual Wage$71,590
Growth Potential3%

Personal Financial Advisors

Whether employed by the finance industry or self-employed, personal financial advisors use their financial planning experience to provide clients with advice on topics ranging from taxes and investments to college savings and mortgages.

Mean Annual Wage118,050
Growth Potential1.5%

Senior Financial Managers

Working in industries from accounting to entertainment, financial managers keep investments in order and help people and companies plan for their financial future.

Mean Annual Wage$134,330
Growth Potential0.6%

Core Skills & Principals Learned in an Online Master’s in Accounting

Master’s in Accounting

Bachelor’s in Accounting

LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE BACHELOR’S DEGREES IN ACCOUNTING

Associate in Accounting

LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE ASSOCIATE’S IN ACCOUNTING

Additional Resources

A master’s degree is often just the first step toward an advanced career in accounting. If students narrow their focus to finance, accounting, market analysis or another area of business, they can find specific education and advancement resources available in these various fields. Additional resources are also available for minorities in the accounting industry, including women, African-Americans and American Indians.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
State-level organizations provide the educational resources certified public accountants need to maintain their state certifications, but this society offers training, professional skills, programs, services, scholarships and information on a national level.

Association for Financial Professionals
This international society administers certifications that are globally-recognized credentials in the finance industry and offers networking opportunities for corporate finance professionals around the world.

Chartered Financial Analyst Institute
Members of this organization gain access to higher learning courses, career resources and a community of peers interested in financial analysis. Their professional and graduate-level certificate programs showcase a student’s experience in the investment industry.

The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting
Women looking for scholarships to pursue an accounting education will find resources through this institution, which supports women’s education, research, careers and publications in the accounting profession.

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
This regulatory body protects investors and the financial market by regulating the securities industry. Anyone dealing in stocks or futures trading must go through the training and registration this organization has established to enforce high ethical industry standards.

The National Association of Black Accountants
Members of this association can access education, development and career resources. Scholarships and other programs for African-Americans pursuing accounting careers are also available. In addition, this organization provides a group for women in the accounting industry and student programs for professional development.

Native American Finance Officers Association
This organization works to economically advance American Indian and Alaska Native communities by establishing fiscal policies in governance and financial management. Educational resources are also available, including a forthcoming year-long program for students interested in American Indian financial policy, a Tribal Financial Manager Certificate Program, and featured scholarships and internships that American Indian and Native students can apply for to fund their business and accounting educations.