Master’s in Accounting (MSA) Online

Total Courses

$485

Cost per Credit

1.5 years

Average Completion*

15 Hours/Week

Course Effort

Master’s in Accounting (MSA) Overview

Globalization, a growing economy, and a complex tax and regulatory environment are expected to continue leading the strong demand for accounting professionals. It’s time to earn your master’s degree online and be ready for real opportunities.

Gain the expertise in auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and financial accounting needed to advance into senior-level positions or manage an accounting department.
Prepare for accounting certification exams such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA^®), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA^®).
Learn to create quality improvement processes, compliance strategies, and reimbursement procedures; address risk management and legal issues, analyze accounting data; and conduct high-level research.
Specialize your degree in one of three accounting concentration areas.

View Program Detail Plan and Policies

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

The human resources concentration aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management's HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

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

Admissions Requirements

A bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in a graduate program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

View Admissions Requirements

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.

Sample Courses

Financial Accounting and Reporting
Regulation
Advanced Auditing
Advanced Managerial and Cost Accounting

See All Accounting Courses

Program Requirements

Core Credits

Elective Credits

Total Credits

Upcoming Start Dates

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

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:

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

Concentration Outcomes
- Differentiate United States and foreign tax practices.
- Evaluate varying interpretations of tax laws.
- Analyze wealth transfer tax consequences.
Private/Corporate Accounting—CMA Track
Build private sector accounting skills and focus on planning, budgeting, analysis, internal control, and decision support.

Concentration Outcomes
- Solve problems requiring the use of the FASB Codification database systems.
- Evaluate corporate restructuring transactions using financial analysis.
- Assess the interdependencies of risks embedded in various business processes.
Public Accounting—CPA Track
Develop financial accounting, audit, tax, and planning skills relevant to CPA candidates. Focus on governmental accounting, business advising, and building analytical skills.

Concentration Outcomes
- Propose techniques for the prevention and detection of financial fraud.
- Explain accounting principles for governmental units and no-for-profit organizations.
- Evaluate financial reporting issues specific to multinational corporations.

Ways to Save on Time and Tuition

Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.

Transfer Credits

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions.

Financial Aid

Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.

Grants and Loans

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

Corporate Partner Benefits

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

Military Tuition Reduction

Graduate tuition savings for military include a 17–30% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and, 14% per credit for veterans for graduate programs.

Prior Military Experience

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

International Tuition Reduction

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

View the total cost of attendance for your program.

Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.

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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.

General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control.

Lightcast average salary ranges can be explored further using Lightcast’s SkillsMatch tool. Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Take a Career Assessment

Discover your work interests, and use them to chart your ideal career path.

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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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Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Estimated Graduation Date and Average Completion: Estimated graduation date is based on the assumption that you will enroll in time to begin classes on the next upcoming start date, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Completion time is based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.

CPA Exam: 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 Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page. For additional information on licensure and state-specific requirements, you should refer to 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.

Job Growth—Accountants and Auditors: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, 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.

Employment and Career Advancement — Accounting and Finance: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Certain accounting and finance positions may require further certification and/or licensing by individual states.

Online Master's Degree in Accounting