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Syracuse University MS in Professional Accounting (MSA) online

Join the Whitman School of Management and the Lupin School of Accounting — and change the future of business. Learn the foundations of accounting, explore the nuances of financial strategy, and become an information-based decision maker.

About the program

  • Two master’s degrees. Fewer credits.: Once enrolled in the MSA program, learners may apply to an additional graduate program and earn two master’s degrees for fewer.
  • Career coaching and resources: Unlock one-on-one coaching, and get access to résumé review and interview preparation. Plus, access a multitude of other career services, including a 24/7 self-directed, career-development course.
  • Orange faculty: Connect with the Whitman School of Management and Lubin School of Accounting faculty, and gain advanced knowledge from educators with years of accounting experience. 

About Syracuse University Whitman School of Management

Founded in 1919 and AACSB-accredited, the Syracuse University Whitman School of Management is a leader in global business education and innovation. Online MSA learners engage in collaborative discussions led by expert accounting instructors, and have the opportunity to connect with a diverse community of 30,000+ Whitman alumni. Whitman’s professional accounting program is registered as a New York State CPA licensing program.

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Learners are also responsible for travel and accommodation costs related to any in-person immersions or residentials.

Technology and services powered by 2U, Inc., the parent company of edX.

The MSA curriculum online

The 30-credit online MSA curriculum prepares learners, in as few as 24 months, to fuel better business decisions through an advanced understanding of accounting principles. Explore evolving business trends, develop cutting-edge financial strategies, and learn how data analytics changes the way businesses operate.

  • Accelerated schedule: Learners with an academic foundation in accounting can complete the program in 12 to 15 months.
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Admissions

Prospective learners interested in this program must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Applicants are required to submit test scores but may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver if they satisfy certain qualifications. To complete an application, you will need to submit:

  • Standardized test scores (waivers available)

  • Application fee

  • Résumé

  • Official transcripts

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Personal essay

  • TOEFL scores (if applicable)


Schedule options

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The Whitman community offers an online learning experience tailored to every learner’s level of experience, to offer everyone greater professional flexibility. Once accepted, each learner — with the help of their advisor — decides on a customized course plan that fits their experience and career goals. Below are some of the schedule plans on offer: 

  • Accelerated accounting schedule (30 credits): Complete the program in as few as 12 months by taking more than two courses per term in two of the four terms. This schedule option is available to learners who hold an undergraduate degree in accounting. 

  • Professional accounting schedule (30 credits): Complete the program in as few as 15 months by taking just two courses per term for a more flexible schedule. 

  • Foundational accounting schedule (33–48 credits): Complete the program in as few as 24 months if you hold a degree in accounting, or in 48 credits if you hold a degree in a different field. 

Frequently asked questions

In addition to the online Master of Science in Accounting, the Whitman School offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in accounting. While both degree options help learners develop technical and interpersonal business skills, the choice often comes down to a learner’s interests and career goals.

Curriculum focus: This program teaches data analytics and in-depth, specialized accounting skills.

Core classes: Learners focus most of their 30–36 credits on accounting topics, concentrating on skills that they need for functional roles in accounting.

Time to completion: This program can be completed in 12–24 months, depending on prior coursework.

Career outcomes: The master’s in accounting is designed to prepare learners for the CPA exam.

Curriculum focus: This program offers a general business education with some specialization in accounting.

Core classes: Learners complete foundational courses in marketing, finance, supply chain, and accounting. Learners can take a minimum of three elective courses in accounting.

Time to completion: The program can be completed in 24–36 months.

Career outcomes: The MBA program prepares learners to become versatile leaders in an organization.

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