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Online master’s in accounting

Discover flexible online programs that can prepare you to advance your career as a CPA or CMA.

Explore online accounting master's programs

Key Takeaways

  • Online master's programs in accounting offer flexible schedules that allow you to earn your degree while you work and balance other responsibilities.
  • Accredited master's in accounting programs can help you meet the education requirements to become a CPA, which can qualify you for more accounting roles with higher pay.
  • Most master's programs require applicants to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, a résumé, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Why get an online master's in accounting?

Prepare for licensure

Become eligible to take the CPA, CIA, or CMA exams with a master's degree in accounting.

Increase your earnings

Access higher-paying jobs in accounting by specializing in emerging and in-demand fields.

Study while working

Take advantage of online and accelerated graduate degree programs that fit your schedule.

Working professionals in accounting often reach a point in their careers when experience alone is not enough for advancement. A master's degree could be the key to upward mobility, management or leadership roles in accounting departments, and a higher salary.

Online programs are typically more affordable than in-person programs and offer flexibility. They allow you to build advanced accounting skills in areas such as auditing, taxation, and analytics without pausing your career.

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What to expect from an online master's in accounting

Individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree in business or a similar field and want to qualify for mid- and senior-level roles can consider enrolling in an online master's in accounting program. Schools design these programs to enhance students' understanding of key areas of accounting, such as auditing, taxation, cost accounting, and financial accounting.

Pursuing an online MS in accounting can also help you gain expertise in analyzing accounting data, facilitating risk management, implementing compliance strategies, and navigating legal issues. Many master's in accounting programs prepare you to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams.

Learn about the curriculum

Master's in accounting curricula vary across universities. However, all of these programs aim to help students build the technical competencies needed for career advancement. Through a combination of concentrations, core courses, and electives, these programs prepare you for higher-level roles in the accounting field.

Online master's in accounting programs often offer courses such as:

  • Fraud and forensic accounting
  • Governmental and nonprofit accounting
  • International accounting and reporting
  • Accounting analytics
  • Advanced auditing
  • Venture capital
  • Supply chain and logistics management
  • Management accounting
  • Tax accounting

What is better, an MBA or a master's in accounting?

Your choice between an depends mainly on what you envision for your career.

An MBA could be the best fit if you want to pursue management positions beyond accounting and gain a broader business and operations perspective.

Conversely, if your goal is specialized accounting expertise or CPA certification, a master's in accounting is likely the ideal route.

MBA vs. master's in accounting
FactorMBAMaster's in accounting
Curriculum focusComprehensive business training in leadership, finance, marketing, and strategyDeep technical expertise and specialized knowledge in accounting
Career pathsManagement, consulting, marketing, operations, and finance roles across sectorsSpecialized roles in accounting, tax, auditing, compliance, and forensic accounting
CPA preparationNoYes

Discover jobs you can get with an online master's in accounting

If you're wondering whether an online master's in accounting program makes sense for you, consider that employers may prefer candidates holding master's degrees for leadership, regulatory, and specialized accounting roles.

Here are some of the roles you could pursue, including salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Chief financial officer (CFO)

CFOs provide strategic oversight for an organization's financial activities, engage with stakeholders, and ensure compliance and financial health.

  • Median annual salary (May 2024): $105,350
  • Career outlook (2024-34): +4%

Frequently asked questions

Is a master's degree in accounting worth it?

A master's degree in accounting may be worth it if you're seeking to specialize in areas like forensic or governmental accounting, or if you aim to pursue advanced roles in accounting, auditing, or taxation while preparing for the CPA exam.

Holding a master's in accounting can also make you more competitive when searching for a job and provide access to higher-paying careers. Carefully evaluate the return on investment by considering tuition costs, your ability to finance the program, and potential future earnings.

Can I get my master's in accounting online?

Yes, you can earn a master's in accounting entirely online through self-paced programs. edX partners with leading universities to offer accredited online master's degree programs, which can often be more affordable and flexible than traditional in-person options.

Is a CPA better than a master's in accounting?

A CPA and a master's in accounting serve different purposes, and their value will depend on your goals. In some countries, a CPA license is legally required to represent clients before taxation agencies, conduct external audits, or certify financial statements.

A master's in accounting is an academic graduate program that helps you build advanced expertise in specialized accounting fields such as forensic accounting, auditing and assurance, and financial instruments.

How long does it take to get a master's in accounting?

Full-time students typically complete online master's in accounting programs in two years. This estimate depends on the master's program's prerequisites and credit requirements. You can also study part time, which increases the time to graduation, or enroll in an accelerated program, which decreases the time to graduation.

Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?

Earn a MicroMasters® program certificate instead! MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.

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Advance your accounting career

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Explore online accounting master's programs

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