20 Best Master in Accounting Programs

The MS in accounting program provides a strong business background with two tracks: assurance services/information management or tax consulting/financial planning. This program does not require a thesis but entails 37-39 credit hours of coursework in:

• financial statement analysis
• public policy
• financial markets
• technology’s impact on businesses

During this program, you will complete Texas’ 150-hour requirement to prepare for the CPA exam, and Texas A&M students boast a pass rate above the national average. This program is designed for those who have a bachelor’s in accounting. Admission is competitive, and applicants need above-average GMAT/GRE scores and at least a 3.0 undergraduate cumulative GPA.

The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers holds several distinctions as the “oldest, largest, and top-ranked public university in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area”. With more than 71,000 students and 530,000 alumni around the globe, it is clear why Rutgers earned our #2 ranking. Rutgers Business School’s Master of Accountancy in financial accounting is nationally recognized as one of the best.

Rutgers Business School’s financial accounting program is designed with student flexibility in mind. Students can complete this hybrid 30-credit hybrid master’s program in just one year. Notable courses include:

• Accounting in the Digital Era
• Advanced Auditing & Accounting Information Systems
• Forensic Accounting

Graduates are prepared to take the CPA and CMA exams and begin a successful career. Rutgers reports that within six months of graduation, 90% of students have full-time accounting careers. Applicants are expected to possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting. GMAT scores are waived if you have a 3.0 or higher cumulative undergraduate GPA or if you have a CPA license.

University of Florida Gators are “people of purpose,” driven and enthusiastic about changing the world. UF’s Warrington College of Business features a Master of Accounting (MAcc) for students who have a strong accounting background and aim to deepen their expertise in the field.

You can choose from three options:

• a concentration in auditing
• a concentration in taxation
• no concentration

Regardless of your track, you will take required business and accounting coursework like:

• Organizational Behavior
• Accounting Regulation
• Tax Professional Research

All three concentrations require 34 credit hours, and do note that this program is offered on-campus with no online options. To apply to UF’s MAcc program, you need at least a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0, which includes 12 upper-division credits in accounting. If you don’t already have a bachelor’s in accounting and your goals are to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s, consider UF’s 3/2 program, where you can earn both degrees in five years.

With a “belief in possibility and unshakeable optimism,” it’s no surprise that the University of Washington in Seattle offers one of the top accounting masters programs in the West. The Michael G. Foster School of Business serves 2,500+ students through impactful programs, such as our #4 ranking: a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc).

UW’s MPAcc program focuses on “creating audit, assurance and advisory insight using modern data analytical tools”. You can complete this program in as little as three quarters, but don’t let the shorter time frame fool you: you will complete 48 credits, which includes a 14-credit hour internship. Notable courses include:

• Accounting
• Audit and Assurance Regulation
• Data Analytics for Professional Accountants
• Advanced Cases in Accounting Advisory

Not only will you have a strong networking system, you will have the opportunity to interact with local companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Costco. Applications are accepted February 15 (U.S. applicants) and January 15 (international applicants).

Ohio’s flagship school, Ohio State University, is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the nation. The Master of Accounting from OSU’s Fisher College of Business is one of the first STEM-designated programs in the country and provides you with customized, real-world experiences for a variety of accounting careers.

While OSU’s MAcc program focuses on accounting theories, skills, data and analytics, 78% of the degree consists of electives, letting you personalize your program. You will take ten credits of core accounting classes, and then fill your schedule with electives such as:

• auditing
• taxation
• financial reporting
• managerial decision making
• finance
• operations management

Another perk of OSU is you can complete the MAcc degree in as little as nine months with 31 credit hours. Fisher College of Business evaluates each applicant holistically, so if you are interested in this program but don’t have an accounting background, you can still apply.

UW-Madison offers one of the best master of accounting programs in the country. There are over 17,000+ learners at this top-ranked university. As one of the top five programs in the US for CPA pass rates and 98% employment placement rate in just three months, UW-Madison’s accounting program is worth checking out. Through the Wisconsin School of Business, you can earn a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree with an optional concentration in taxation.

UW-Madison’s MAcc is a two-year, full-time program that prepares you for a successful business accounting career. In addition to coursework, you will complete an internship, which is a perk, allowing you to gain practical experience before you graduate. This program requires 54 credit hours, and the taxation emphasis entails an additional three courses, which includes one business elective.

UW-Madison also offers an integrated MAcc, which combines a bachelor’s and master’s in accounting. A benefit of this program is that you do not need previous work experience to apply, nor do you need a bachelor’s degree in accounting. You do, however, need to submit:

• GMAT scores
• two recommendation letters
• past transcripts

Through UT’s McCombs School of Business, you can earn a master’s degree in professional accounting in just one year. The MPA is ranked #1 in the U.S. by Public Accounting Report and guarantees a 97% job placement rate within three months of graduation.

You can customize this program to match your career interests by choosing a track in:

• financial reporting and assurance
• managerial accounting and control
• taxation
• generalist

All tracks include a strong accounting and business base, but you will choose your electives in fields like:

• finance
• risk management
• real estate
• international business

McCombs Business School graduates are highly sought after by top companies, such as Edward Jones, GM Financial, Apple, and Google. To apply, you need:

• two admission essays
• official transcripts
• GMAT or GRE scores
• two recommendation letters
• a professional resume

UM’s Robert H. Smith School of Business features a Master of Science in accounting that includes 30 credits and three specialized career tracks.

Through this MS in accounting, you can pursue one of three tracks:

• public accounting
• audit analytics
• tax analytics

Key concepts include accounting analytics, corporate and real estate taxation, data-driven decision making, financial statement, and data systems analysis, among others. As a student, you will receive personalized CPA advising and select courses that count towards the 150-credit hour CPA requirements.Graduates of the MS in accounting become accountants in various fields, including:

• assurance
• auditing
• forensic
• tax
• risk
• corporate

At the time of this writing, the average undergraduate GPA for accepted MS students is 3.4, the average GRE score is 307, and the average GMAT score is 540.

At North Carolina State University undergraduate and graduate students “learn by doing.” NC State is a leading public research university, a “powerhouse in science, technology, engineering, and math”. NC State’s Master of Accounting program is a one-year degree plan that can be completed on campus or online and offers loads of hands-on opportunities.

You can choose from three concentrations:

• enterprise risk management
• information technology
• tax strategy

All students take eight required courses that equal 22 credits and three electives that equal nine hours. If you choose a concentration, your electives will be comprised of the concentration focus. NC State’s MAC program is full of hands-on learning. New students start their semester with a week-long intensive data analytics boot camp to begin collaborating with their colleagues. Study abroad opportunities are available, as well as other real-world experiences that validate learning. NC State features this video, an overview of the MAC program, which will let you know if becoming a part of the Wolfpack is in your future.

UGA’s Master of Accountancy from J.M. Tull School of Accounting consistently ranks in the top ten programs nationally by the Public Accounting Report. Through this program, you will gain highly sought-after knowledge and skills to prepare you for a dynamic career in the accounting field.

While J.M. Tull features multiple paths to a MAcc degree, we are focusing on the traditional one-year program. You can choose from three program tracks including audit or taxation. Students can also choose from the advisory track and customize the program to meet their career goals. Alumni are currently working all over the world for notable companies, such as

• Cox Enterprises
• Delta Air Lines
• Lionsgate
• The Cheesecake Factory
• Coca-Cola Company

Speaking of Coca-Cola and cheesecake, Athens was named one of the most “Underrated Food Cities in the South” by USA Today, meaning that this foodie destination is no longer a secret! To apply, submit your:

• unofficial transcripts
• GMAT score
• three recommendation letters
• a resume
• a one-page statement of purpose

Not only is UM a highly ranked school in academics, it offers the “Go Blue Guarantee” which means free tuition and tuition support for those who qualify.

The MAcc program is an intensive eight-month degree program with a comprehensive curriculum with MBA electives, ensuring a deep knowledge of both accounting and business. You will complete 18 core classes, three core electives, and nine electives, totaling 30 credits. Core courses include:

• Federal Taxation
• Information Systems Design
• Auditing & Assurance
• EY Accounting and Public Policy Symposium

Notable companies like the Big Four accounting firms recruit MAcc graduates and lead them to  fulfilling careers all over the globe. In fact, 100% of graduates are employed within three months of graduation!

Nine campuses, 930+ academic program, 90,700+ students, and 725,000+ alumni. Indiana University is diverse—its broad student population spans across all 50 states and 164 countries. IU’s Kelley School of Business offers a one-year Master of Science in accounting with data and analytics, a combination of courses and experiential learning.

As a student, you will complete a minimum of 30 credit hours through a flexible curriculum with courses in:

• assurance
• data analytics
• risk management
• taxation

Through field consulting and lab courses, you will work with other students in the program and apply business and accounting knowledge to real-world problems. The Kelley School of Business networks with over 500 companies across the globe. Graduates are now working for firms including EY, Deloitte, PwC, Cummins, and more. The Graduate Career Services work with you to find the perfect career for you after graduation. IU evaluates applicants holistically, but a 3.2 GPA or higher is expected. Past extracurricular activities, work history, military experience, and volunteer projects will enhance your application.

Michigan State Spartans continuously demonstrate excellence and not only in the 200+ academic programs, but through:

• research
• service
• athletics

This on-campus MS program entails 30 credit hours and can be completed in one year. You can choose an emphasis in:

• information systems
• public and corporate accounting
• taxation

No matter which specialty you choose, you will learn from nationally known faculty and alongside enthusiastic learners.

You will choose 12-15 credits in your chosen concentration and 15 additional credits from a comprehensive list of courses. Nine credits should be in courses outside of accounting. Admission to MSU is competitive and requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting with:

• a minimum 3.0 GPA
• strong GMAT or GRE scores
• two essays
• two recommendation letters
• a current resume

Florida State University is not only one of the top-ranked public universities in the U.S., but one of the best values (Kiplinger’s Personal Finance). Through this prestigious school, you can earn a Master of Accounting that boasts a nearly 100% graduate employment rate.

In this program, you will choose from three concentrations:

• assurance and advisory services
• generalist
• taxation

Students complete 10 courses (30 credits), which are typically taken as four courses per spring and fall semester and two summer courses. Required courses include:

• Financial Accounting Theory and Standard Setting
• Auditing Theory and Application
• Challenges in Professional Accounting

Admission to this program is competitive. The College of Business recommends a minimum 550 GMAT minimum score to apply. While your bachelor’s degree does not need to be in accounting, you need at least a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work. If you do not already have a bachelor’s degree, consider the combined BS/MAcc pathway to earn both degrees in one program.

Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia continues to thrive on its initial vision to “advance human knowledge, educate leaders and cultivate an informed citizenry”. UVA’s Master of Science in accounting is STEM-designated and rigorous but can be completed in just nine months.

The STEM-designated Master of Science in accounting is a 30 credit program with two track options: financial reporting and assurance or tax/consulting. Each semester you will take four required courses and two elective courses. Required courses include:

• Accounting Policy
• Data Management and Analytics for Accountants
• Communication Effectively as Accounting Professionals

Through this program, you will not only gain expertise in accounting and business, but you will develop “critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills needed to guide teams and clients”. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from September through March. UVA is seeking well-rounded, driven individuals with strong academic backgrounds and positive characters.

Ranked as the country’s most innovative school, Arizona State University is one of the best in the country. W.P. Carey School of Business boasts a myriad of awards for its top-ranking bachelor’s and master’s programs. The nine-month Master of Accounting features a cutting-edge program that prepares students for careers in top accounting firms.

You will feel like a part of a family in this tight-knit program that emphasizes:

• team-based learning
• small classes
• one-on-one attention

You can build your own course of study through one required course, 24 electives, and an ACC 586-a capstone course. You can also combine this degree with an MLS in legal studies or an MBA.

ASU reports that nearly 100% of MAcc graduates are employed within three months of graduation. Applicants are eligible if they have a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minimum 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited institution. You also need to submit:

• GMAT or GRE scores
• official transcripts
• one recommendation letter
• a resume

Six colleges with the unifying philosophy, “Learn by Doing,” Cal Poly encompasses hands-on learning into every academic program. Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business offers a Master of Science in accounting includes a multi-disciplinary approach that combines “advanced financial and managerial accounting and audit curriculum with information systems and data analytics courses”.

Through a cohort model and “Learn by Doing” methodology, this program entails ten required courses and two electives, which include:

• Quantitative Methods
• Taxation of Corporations and Partnerships
• Advanced Financial Reporting Issues

Elective courses are Data Analytics and Mining for Business Advanced Enterprise-Wide Business Processes for Accounting. You will gain leadership and networking skills through hands-on experience in cohorts.

Since 2010, Cal Poly’s MS graduates have been in high-demand, boasting a near-perfect employment placement after graduation. Applicants need a:

• bachelor’s degree (although it does not need to be in accounting)
• GMAT or GRE scores
• a statement of purpose
• two recommendation letters
• a current resume

Academic quality is at the forefront of this university, with 3.9 average GPAs of accepted students. The Isenberg School of Management’s MS in accounting is a top-ranked program and accredited by the prestigious AACSB.

UMass offers two tracks, a professional track for those who already have an undergraduate degree in accounting and a transition track for those who do not have a background in accounting. The MS in accounting-professional track includes 30 hours, broken down into six required courses and four electives focused on taxation or forensic accounting.

The transitions track requires between 33 and 45 credits and includes:

• four foundational courses taken online
• six required courses
• four electives

You can choose a focus in forensics or taxation. This program can be taken both online or the UMass Amherst campus. Throughout this program, you will develop your professional and networking prospects through the alumni network and events in Boston and New York.

Tippie College of Business offers one of the best MAcc programs. Their Master of Accountancy program doesn’t just make accountants, but problem solvers.

This program doesn’t teach to the CPA exam but focuses on critical thinking and written and oral communication skills. This emphasis works well since graduates boast a nearly 81% first-time pass rate. You will have options and flexibility with four tracks:

• financial accounting/auditing
• managerial accounting
• business analytics
• tax

The program is 30 credit hours and may take one or two years, depending on whether your background is in accounting.

Required courses include:

• Design and Use of Cost Management Systems
• Financial Reporting: Theory and Practice
• Advanced Auditing

Your elective courses will be based on your chosen concentration, interests, and career goals. To apply, submit your:

• unofficial records/transcripts
• official GMAT scores
• a statement of purpose
• a resume

Brigham Young University, a private university in Provo, Utah, was founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. BYU aims to be “spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, and character building, leading to lifelong learning and service”.  

The MAcc program focuses on accounting and business with two concentrations: professional accountancy and tax. Through the professional accountancy emphasis, you will gain the knowledge and skills to become an accountant in professional services for firms and corporations. The tax concentration prepares students for accounting careers in corporate and individual taxation. BYU Marriott’s MAcc degree can also be earned through an integrated program where you can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s. Graduates are well prepared to pass the CPA exam and gain employment in:

• private and public accounting firms
• academia
• government
• other organizations