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Master of Science Degree in Accounting Online

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Program at a Glance

  • An increasingly complex tax and regulatory environment is expected to create greater demand and opportunity for skilled accounting and auditing professionals.*
  • Build the fundamental knowledge for successful professional practice within the field of accounting.
  • Graduates may be eligible to sit for professional accounting certifications.
  • Our accounting master's degree lets you focus your studies in one of three accounting concentration areas.
Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Course Effort
20 Hours per Week
Course Length
6-Week Sessions
Average Completion
1.5 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
52
(35 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$485
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Master of Science in Accounting Overview

If you have successfully completed a bachelor's degree in business, Purdue Global’s Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree could be your next step in discovering mid-to-senior-level opportunities.

The master’s in accounting program is designed to enrich skills in auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and financial accounting. The curriculum focuses on:

  • Generating and analyzing accounting data
  • Creating quality improvement processes, compliance strategies, and reimbursement procedures
  • Conducting research
  • Addressing risk management and legal issues
  • Managing an accounting department

Prepare for Accounting Certifications

As a graduate of our MS in Accounting program, you may be eligible to sit for professional certification exams including the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA®), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA®) exams.†

See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

Purdue Global’s business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Purdue University Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Admissions Requirements

To enroll in the Master of Science in Accounting, you must possess a bachelor’s degree in the field of business from an accredited college or university or 45 credit hours of undergraduate coursework across the ACBSP's Common Professional Components (CPC). Applicants with an MBA can enroll in the program without a Peregrine assessment or an undergraduate degree in business. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

View the University Catalog

Ways to Save

  • Transfer Credits

    Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

    Save Time and Money on Your Degree

  • Financial Aid

    Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.

    Financial Aid FAQ

  • Grants

    Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.

    Federal and State Grants

  • Corporate Partner Benefits

    Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

    Employee Savings and Benefits

  • Military Tuition Reduction

    55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.

    Tuition Savings for Military

  • Prior Military Experience

    We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

    Credit for Military Training

  • International Tuition Reduction

    International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.

    International Tuition and Benefits

Program Cost Estimator

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What Courses Will I Take?

Coursework in this outcomes-based master’s degree program is designed to help you develop the skills and technical competencies to pursue greater career opportunities in the accounting field.

See All Accounting Courses
Sample Courses
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting
  • Regulation
  • Advanced Auditing
  • Advanced Managerial and Cost Accounting

Program Requirements

  • Core Credits
    36
  • Elective Credits
    16
  • Total Credits
    52

Accounting Degree Concentrations

In addition to developing a broad foundation in accounting principles, this master's in accounting program is designed to enhance your proficiency and knowledge in your desired area of concentration. Choose from three concentrations to meet your specifc interests and goals:

  • Build private sector accounting skills and focus on planning, budgeting, analysis, internal control, and decision support.

  • Develop financial accounting, audit, tax, and planning skills relevant to CPA candidates. Focus on governmental accounting, business advising, and building analytical skills.

  • Study the concepts and processes relevant to tax research, including the Internal Revenue Code, treasury regulations, and federal and state tax cases.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Science in Accounting program is designed to prepare you to pursue mid- to senior-level management positions in both the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities for graduates with an accounting degree may exist within government, private, nonprofit, and public accounting. In addition, many entrepreneurial opportunities may exist for small business accounting and consulting services.‡

The dynamic accounting career path offers job opportunities in a variety of areas including accounting and bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll services, government, finance and insurance, and management of companies and enterprises.

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Active Listening
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Mathematics
  4. Reading Comprehension
  5. Management of Personnel Resources

Top Jobs With This Degree

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Business Faculty Directory
grad hat icon 98% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 50% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 237 Faculty publications in 2020–2021
student at desk icon More Than 36,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2020–2021

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, September 2021. 2020–2021 academic year.

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Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the online Master of Science in Accounting and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

Prepare yourself for success with a master’s degree in accounting.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, on the Internet at www.bls.gov/ooh/Business-and-Financial/Accountants-and-auditors.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Certain accounting positions may require further certification and/or licensing by individual states.

†To sit for the CPA Exam, students may need to take additional courses at the undergraduate or graduate level to meet individual state requirements. Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state. You should review your state's educational requirements by visiting the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website as well as your state's CPA licensing requirements, which can be found at the Accountancy Licensing Library. Refer to Licensure.PurdueGlobal.edu for additional information on licensure and state authorizations.

‡Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. Certain accounting and finance positions may require further certification and/or licensing by individual states.