As student looking to pursue a Master of Accounting degree in the USA, you have countless options available. From universities located in big, bustling cities to schools nestled in vibrant college towns, there is no shortage of choices when it comes to choosing where to prepare for your accounting career.
In this blog post, we have curated a list of the 12 best Master of Accounting programs, compiled according to factors such as curriculum, faculty expertise, job placement rates, and more.
Table of Contents
1. Master in Professional Accounting - UT
4. Master of Accounting Science - UIUC
5. Master of Science in Accounting - NYU
7. Master of Professional Accounting - UWg
8. MS in Accounting and Business Analysis - Wisc
9. Master of Science in Accounting - UMD
10. Master of Accountancy - UGA
11. Master of Accounting - OSU
12. Master of Business Administration - SOU
Is It worth doing a Masters in Accounting in the USA?
What Is the best Masters degree for Accountants?
Is a CPA better than a Masters in Accounting?
How much does a Masters in Accounting in the USA cost?
1. Master in Professional Accounting - UT
University of Texas at Austin - The McCombs School of Business
The McCombs School can trace its origin back to 1922 when the University of Texas at Austin School of Business Administration was founded. It is located in the centre of UT Austin’s campus at the George Kozmetsky Center for Business Education, named after the philanthropist and former College of Business Administration dean.
Image source: McCombs School of Business
The school has five departments: accounting; business, government and society; finance and the department of information, risk, and operations management; management and marketing. It is home to some of the nation's most recognized business researchers and innovators. Faculty are regularly cited as one of the most compelling reasons to join the Texas McCombs MPA.
It is ranked 16th in the Best Business Schools in the US, and no 1 for Accounting specifically by US News and World Report.
Location
The McCombs School of Business is located in the Texan city of Austin. It is a city renowned for its vibrant culture, booming economy, and boundless opportunities. The city's thriving business landscape, teeming with start-ups, established firms, and everything in between, offers an abundant playground for practical learning and networking.
Program
The one-year traditional MPA (Master in Professional Accounting) is open to both UT and non-UT students who have earned a bachelor's degree (in any academic discipline) before starting the MPA program.
After their core classes, each student’s curriculum is up to them. In fact, more than 70% of coursework is self-selected.
Students select a curriculum path which includes foundational courses, accounting electives, and MBA electives in areas such as finance, information technology, management, and strategy.
Current curriculum paths are:
- Business Advisory / Management Consulting
- Forensic Accounting
- Investment Banking
- Corporate Accounting / Financial Analyst
- Government Accounting
- Not-For-Profit
- Tax Consulting
- External Auditing / Assurance
- Internal Auditing
- Wealth Management / Investment & Tax Consulting
Each curriculum path requires the completion of 31 to 43 graduate credit hours total, including a minimum of 19 hours in accounting (depending on course waivers).
Tuition and fees
Full-time tuition for residents is $41,716 for the 43 hour program and $26,896 for the 31 hour program.
Full-time tuition for non-residents is $67,093 for the 43 hour program and $46,681 for the 31 hour program.
Acceptance rate
McCombs Business School has a 37.9% acceptance rate (US News and World Report).
2. Master of Accounting - UM
University of Michigan - Ross School of Business
Founded in 1924, Ross School of Business is known for its innovative approach to education and commitment to excellence. Here, students are not only immersed in cutting-edge business theories but also given the unique opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Image source: Michigan Ross School of Business
The school moved to its current on campus in 1948, although since 2004 its facilities have been transformed by successive donations from alumnus Stephen Ross.
It is currently ranked 12th in Best Business Schools by US News and World Report.
Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ann Arbor is a city renowned for its eclectic cultural scene and entrepreneurial spirit, and which consistently appears on lists of the best places to live in the United States. Its prime location in southeast Michigan offers easy access to nearby cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Program
The Ross Master of Accounting program offers a comprehensive accounting curriculum integrated with MBA electives like data analytics.
Students complete 18 core courses, 3 core electives, and 9 electives, making a total of 30 credits. some of the core components include:
- Federal Taxation - ACC 561*
- EY Accounting and Public Policy Symposium - ACC 695
- Corporate Financial Research and Reporting - ACC 555
- Information Systems Design - ACC 601*
- Auditing & Assurance - ACC 630
Tuition and fees
Its tuition is full-time: $70,392 per year (in-state); full-time: $75,392 per year (out-of-state). (US News and World Report)
Acceptance rate
Ross School of Business has a 38% acceptance rate (US News and World Report).
3. Master of Accounting - USC
University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business
The Leventhal School of Accounting is part of USC's prestigious Marshall School of Business. Leventhal provides a state-of-the-art education in a vibrant urban setting with close ties to the accounting and business communities, in a Pacific Rim location that supports an international focus, and continues a long-standing tradition of excellence in accounting.
Its full-time Master’s programs are widely recognized in the top tier of accounting education worldwide and are consistently highly ranked.
The Master of Accounting program at Leventhal is currently ranked #1 by TFE Times, #7 by U.S. News and World Report and #5 by Public Accounting Report.
Image source: Marshall Business School
Location
Los Angeles. The Leventhal School of Accounting is nestled in the heart of LA, California. Located on the campus of the University of Southern California (USC), students benefit from the numerous professional opportunities in this significant and influential city.
Programs
The Leventhal School of Accounting at USC’s Marshall School of Business offers three master’s programs in Accounting, including the Master of Accounting (MAcc) and Master of Business Taxation (MBT).
The Master of Accounting program (MAcc) prepares graduates for careers in public accounting, industry, consulting, financial services, and government. The program offers students technical and conceptual knowledge, professional development, research and lifelong learning, ethical and professional standards and globalization and diversity.
Students can complete the program in 2 or 3 semesters depending on undergraduate degree and/or prior coursework. There is a total of 30-45 units.
Specialised tracks include:
- Professional Accounting
- Data & Analytics
- Strategic Finance
Tuition and fees
Its tuition is $63,468.
Acceptance rate
Marshall School of Business has a 22.9% acceptance rate (US News and World Report).
4. Master of Accounting Science - UIUC
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Gies College of Business
The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, founded in 1867, is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois. It is the second oldest public university in the state of Illinois. Its college of business, Gies, offers a variety of master's programs that prepare students for a successful career in the business realm.
Image source: Gies College of Business
A top-three business school for graduate accounting, Gies has the #3 accountancy faculty in the US. It is currently ranked #3 Business school for graduate accounting by US News & World Report.
Location
Gies College of Business is located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana, which have a combined population of 207,000 and are located about 180 miles north of St Louis and 140 miles south of Chicago, in the state of Illinois.
Programs
Gies offers three STEM-designated Master's in Accounting programs, including the Master of Accounting Science (MAS) and Master of science in Accountancy (MSA).
The Master of Accounting Science (MAS) is a nine-month residential program that develops students’ data analytics skills so they can be a leader in accounting and sit for the CPA exam with confidence. It is for students with a bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited US institution, and US-based work experience (internship).
The MAS curriculum emphasizes the emerging trend of data analytics in the practice of accounting. Our standard course plan leads to a graduate concentration in data analytics in accounting as you fulfill the graduate electives. Students have the choice of remaining in the standard course plan or selecting from the following alternative graduate concentrations in:
- Corporate Governance and International Business
- Finance
- Data Analytics
- Information Technology and Control
- Supply Chain Management
The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) is a one-year residential program that builds students’ expertise in the fundamentals of accounting, develop data-driven decision makers, and prepare students to sit for the CPA. This program is designed for domestic students who have a non-accounting background (no bachelor’s degree in accounting), and international students with any undergraduate degree.
The on-campus Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) requires 32 credit hours for completion – at least 20 hours of graduate-level accountancy courses and at least four hours in a non-accountancy graduate course.
The following core courses are recommended for every master's in accounting student.
- Accounting Analysis I
- Accounting Analysis II
- Managerial Accounting
- Auditing
- Federal Taxation
Tuition and fees
Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) tuition and campus fees for 2024-25 are $49,156 (US students) and $59,929 (international).
MAS tuition is $26,450 (in-state Residents) and $41,080 (out-of-State / international resident)
5. Master of Science in Accounting - NYU
New York University - Stern School of Business
Located in the heart of New York City, New York University's Stern School of Business is one of the most prestigious business schools in the country. It is currently ranked #7 in Best Business Schools by US News and World Report.
The school is renowned for its rigorous academic program, exceptional faculty, and commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in both business and society.
Image source: NYU Stern School of Business
93% of students who graduated in 2023 received an offer within three months of graduation. Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and PwC collectively hired the most graduates in 2023.
Location
New York City. The location of the Stern School of Business is undoubtedly one of its major strengths. Being situated in the bustling metropolis of New York City provides students with countless opportunities to engage with various industries and network with professionals.
From Wall Street to Silicon Alley, NYC is a hub for some of the most innovative and successful businesses in the world, making it the perfect environment for students to gain real-world experience and make connections. Additionally, the city's diverse population and cultural offerings provide students with a unique and enriching college experience .
Program
The Master of Science in Accounting is a one year program that requires students to complete 30 credits.
Graduates of this program satisfy the educational requirements for the CPA license in New York State. The MS in Accounting curriculum provides a thorough foundation for careers in accounting, including attestation and assurance services, as well as taxation and forensic accounting.
Below is the list of courses offered in the program.
- Auditing
- Business Acquisitions, Deferred Taxes, Translations, and Derivatives
- Data Management and Analysis
- Financial Reporting and Disclosure
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Forensic Accounting and Financial Statement Fraud
- Foundations of Corporate Finance
- Internal Controls & Accounting Information Systems - A Data Analytics Perspective
- Modeling Financial Statements
- Professional Responsibility
- Taxation of Individuals and Business Income
- Topics in Advanced Communication in Accounting
Tuition and fees
Tuition for the MS in Accounting at NYU Stern is currently $62,250.
Acceptance rate
NYU Stern has a 31.4% acceptance rate (US News and World Report)
6. Master of Accounting - UNC
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Kenan-Flagler Business School
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and began admitting students in 1795, making it the first public university in the US. It was also the only public university to award degrees in the 18th century and is one of the original eight Public Ivy schools.
Image source: Kenan Flagler Business School
The University’s Kenan-Flagler Business School currently ranks #20 in Best Business Schools, by US News and World Report. It also has a #1 ranking in LinkedIn’s current list of the best graduate schools for accounting professionals.
99% of the school's students are employed within three months of graduation, with 94% going on to work for public accounting firms and 67% a Big 4 firm (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC).
Location
Kenan-Flagler Business School is nestled in the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle, a hub of innovation and progress. Located in the charming town of Chapel Hill, the campus boasts stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. With ample opportunities for networking and internships, Kenan-Flagler's location provides students with unparalleled access to some of the biggest names in business.
Program
The core requirements of the MAC Program take students into the world of accounting and provide a foundation for their career. Students learn about financial reporting and auditing, the intricacies of financial analysis and cost accounting, and advance their communication and leadership skills.
Specific core courses include:- Accounting Systems Essentials
- Advanced Spreadsheet Modeling
- Analytics for Accountants
- Applied Financial Reporting
- Auditing and Assurance Services
- Data Analytics
- Federal Income Tax
- Financial Reporting A
- Financial Reporting B
- Financial Reporting C
- Introductory Finance
- Leadership Immersion
- Managerial Accounting
- Professional Communication
- Strategic Cost Accounting
Tuition and fees
Its tuition is $45,774 (resident) and $67,110 per year (non resident).
Acceptance rate
Kenan-Flagler Business School has a 37.6% acceptance rate (US News and World Report).
7. Master of Professional Accounting - UW
University of Washington - Foster School of Business
Founded in 1917, and retitled in 2007, the Michael G. Foster School of Business is the business school at the University of Washington, Seattle.
Notable alumni include William S. Ayer, president and CEO of Alaska Airlines and Bruce Nordstrom, former chairman and CEO of Nordstrom.
It is currently ranked #27 in Best Business Schools by US News and World Report.
Image source: Foster School of Business
Location
Seattle. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Washington State, this west coast gem, surrounded by lush green landscapes and waterways, offers more than just picturesque views; it is a thriving economic hub home to global giants such as Amazon.com, Inc., Starbucks Corp., and Microsoft Corp. Engaging in advanced studies in such an environment offers unparalleled access to industry leaders, innovative practices, and cutting-edge financial technologies. The presence of these multinational corporations not only fosters a dynamic learning atmosphere but also opens doors to internships, networking, and employment opportunities post-graduation.
Program
Foster’s Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) prepares accounting professionals with quality education, strong ethics, innovative thinking, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
Focused coursework in data analytics and emerging technologies provides the edge students need to bring big data and robotic process automation techniques into their career. The program also includes classes with industry professionals from Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Amazon, Costco, Microsoft, Tableau, Starbucks, and Moss Adams.
Students take classes that prepare them for the opportunities, challenges, and experiences of work in the accounting profession and satisfy the additional credits required to sit for the CPA exam in the State of Washington.
The MPAcc curriculum consists of 48 credits taken over three quarters.
- ACCTG 520: Accounting, Audit and Assurance Regulation (4 credits)
- ACCTG 521: Advanced Cases in Assurance Services (4 credits)
- ACCTG 522: Data Analytics for Professional Accountants (4 credits)
- ACCTG 523: Advanced Financial Statement Analysis (4 credits)
- ACCTG 526: Advanced Accounting Codification Research (4 credits)
- ACCTG 527: Communications in Professional Accounting (4 credits)
- ACCTG 528: Advanced Cases in Accounting Advisory (4 credits)
- ACCTG 529: Business Ethics and Law for Accountants (4 credits)
- ACCTG 575: Internship (14 credits)
- ACCTG 576: Experiential Learning Project (2 credits)
Tuition and fees
Its tuition is full-time: $23,700 per year (resident); full-time: $29,187 per year (non resident).
8. MS in Accounting and Business Analysis - Wisc
University of Wisconsin-Madison - Wisconsin School of Business
As the flagship university of Wisconsin, UW Madison is renowned for its academic excellence and research-driven approach to education. The Wisconsin School of Business is no exception, offering state-of-the-art facilities and excellent resources to help students build the skills and expertise they need to excel in the accounting world. Whether they're interested in pursuing a career in public accounting, corporate accounting, or financial analysis, the program at UW Madison will provide the knowledge and training required to succeed.
Image source: Wisconsin School of Business
Location
Madison, Wisconsin. The university’s main campus stretches over 900 acres along the southern shore of Lake Mendota. The city itself has plenty to offer students, including national landmarks and the colourful State Street and Capitol Square, lined with restaurants, coffee shops, music venues and boutiques.
Program
The one-year MS in Accounting and Business Analysis program includes 10 required classes. Each is three credits, totaling 30 credits.
Students enhance their background in accounting and learn technical, consulting, and analytical skills in this innovative one-year program designed with input from employers.
Top-ranked faculty teach curriculum aligned with where the profession is headed:
- Foundation in Accounting Analytics
- Information Risk, Control & Forensics
- Accounting & Analysis for Reporting Entities
Students are encouraged to expand their skill set further by selecting one of two career pathways:
Accounting, Assurance, and Advisory: for students interested in pursuing careers in public accounting firms’ audit, assurance, and advisory practices, and a variety of roles in corporate finance and accounting functions.
Tax: for students interested in pursuing careers in public accounting firms’ individual and corporate tax practices or opportunities in wealth management and financial planning.
Then choose coursework across five disciplines to specialize their knowledge:
- Risk Management
- Emerging Technology
- Sustainability
- M&A Deal Advisory
- Wealth Management
Tuition and fees
Tuition for the one-year MS in Accounting and Business Analysis is $27,000.
9. Master of Science in Accounting - UMD
University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is part of the prestigious University of Maryland, recognised as one of the "public Ivies" . Located near Washington DC, its main campus is in College Park, with additional facilities at Shady Grove, Baltimore, and the Reagan International Building in DC.
Established in 1921 and renamed in 1998 after a significant donation from alumnus Robert Smith, the school prioritizes critical thinking, warning against getting lost in metrics without understanding their relevance. It is currently ranked #41 in Best Business Schools by US News and World Report.
Image source: Robert H. Smith School of Business
The school hosts 12 centers of excellence, including the Center for Complexity in Business and the Center for International Business Excellence and Research (CIBER), spearheading research in collaboration with a national network established by the Department of Education in 2006.
An impressive 93% of its MS Accounting graduates find employment within six months of completing their program.
Location
College Park, Maryland - eight miles from the America's capital city, Washington D.C.
Program
The Master of Science in Accounting is a STEM designated program with 3 focus areas:
- Tax analytics
- Audit analytics
- Public accounting
MSA students build upon their current strengths to gain an in-depth, advanced understanding of the field. They’ll think critically about accounting methods and how to use data to solve the most pressing accounting issues firms face. Concepts and tools explored include:
- Accounting analytics and valuation
- AI
- Alteryx
- Automation Anywhere
- Corporate and real estate taxation
- Cybersecurity
- Data-driven decision making
- Financial statement and data systems analysis
- IDEA
- Information security, audit and control
- Internal, external, forensic and automated auditing
- Internal, state, local and individual taxation
- Machine learning
- Microsoft SQL
- MindBridge Analytics
- Tableau
Tuition and fees
Maryland Residents $1,631 per credit.
Non-Maryland Residents $2,072.50 per credit.
Acceptance rate
Robert H Smith School of Business has a 34% acceptance rate (US News and World Report).
10. Master of Accountancy - UGA
University of Georgia - Terry College of Business
Situated at the center of the University of Georgia’s historic and beautiful campus, the Terry College of Business enjoys all the benefits of being a collaborative learning community within a nationally prominent research university.
Terry’s state-of-the-art home, the Business Learning Community, is a modern, collaborative learning, teaching and working environment for students, faculty and staff.
Image source: Terry College of Business
Terry’s Master of Accountancy program ranks among the nation’s best, and graduates consistently achieve one of the top 10 CPA pass rates in the country . They also enjoy a nearly 100% placement rate at some of the world’s top employers.
The Terry College of Business is currently ranked #17 overall for Accounting and #11 among US public institutions by US News and World Report. It is ranked #27 in the Best Business Schools category.
Location
Athens, Georgia. Located just 70 miles away from Atlanta in northeast Georgia, Athens is a bustling college town that offers a wealth of opportunities for accounting students. The vibrant downtown scene provides a variety of accounting internships and job opportunities with local businesses. Beyond academics, Athens is a lively community with diverse cultural and recreational opportunities including music festivals, art galleries, outdoor trails, and local foodie hotspots.
Program
Although specific coursework and hours vary according to your specialization, the MAcc program generally follows this structure:
- Required Courses: 18 hours
- Accounting Electives: 3-9 hours
- Electives: 3-9 hours
Specializations
Students can choose one of three specializations: audit, taxation, or advisory.
Tuition and fees
In-state: $529/hr (1-11 credit hours) $6,339/hr (12 or more credit hours).
Out of state: $1,168/hr (1-11 credit hours) $14,008/hr (12 or more credit hours).
11. Master of Accounting - OSU
The Ohio State University - Fisher College of Business
Fisher College of Business is the business school of Ohio State University.
The school, kept "intentionally small" with annual MBA classes of around 100 on a campus with 60,000 students, places an emphasis on cultural awareness and the balance in business between ambition and ethics.
Image source: Fisher College of Business
The college has hosted the American Accounting Association Hall of Fame since 1950.
Fisher is currently ranked #4 in Accounting among publics, and #9 overall according to U.S. News & World Report, Specialties, 2024-25.
Location
Fisher is located in Columbus, Ohio. As one of the largest cities in the Midwest, Columbus provides a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for students looking for a university town that offers plenty of opportunities for growth. With an expanding economy and a variety of accounting firms available, students can gain valuable experience and connections in the field. Additionally, the city itself offers a range of entertainment options, from sports games to theater performances, giving students plenty of ways to unwind in their free time.
Program
As one of the first STEM-designated accounting programs in the US, Ohio State’s Master of Accounting (MAcc) graduate program is a national leader. Unlike traditional master’s programs that require primarily accountancy-focused classwork, Fisher goes further by building on an accounting foundation with a variety of advanced business electives.
The 9-month MAcc program is a flexible degree, with students encouraged to design their graduate degree to develop their interests, skillset, and potential. It is one of the few accounting programs with data and analytics coursework.
There are 10 credit hours of core course, and 21 credit hours of elective courses, making a total of 31 credit hours.
Core courses
The MAcc core curriculum is designed to build a solid accounting foundation while developing technical, critical thinking, and communication skills. It supports students' elective choices and ensures they have the required experience to be successful in the classroom and in their future career.
- Fundamentals of Accounting & Data Analytics
- Financial Reporting
- Management and Control
- Accounting Policy and Research
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for the MAcc in 2023-24 are as follows:
Ohio Resident. $32,960
Non-Resident and International Student $60,690
Acceptance rate
12.2% (US News and World Report)
12. Master of Business Administration - SOU
Southern Oregon University
Situated on a leafy hillside overlooking the town of Ashland, SOU is a public university that was founded in 1926.
Image Source: Southern Oregon University
Its beautiful campus spans 175 acres and the university has been nationally recognized for its sustainability efforts. Many aspects of extra-curricular life at the university are designed to make the most of the beautiful natural surroundings.
It is currently ranked 36th in Top Public Schools by US News and World Report.
Location
SOU is a public university located in the foothills of the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains, around fifteen miles north of the California border. Ashland is ranked in Top 10 of "100 Best Small Art Towns in America", and is known for its natural beauty, including lakes, rivers, mountains and caves.
Program
For those who choose the Accounting concentration within the Master of Business Administration, core courses include:
- BA 554 - Accounting Information Systems 4 credits
- BA 555 - Auditing I 4 credits
- BA 556 - Auditing II 4 credits
- BA 557 - Taxation of Corporations and Other Entities 4 credits
- BA 558 - Consolidation and Segment Reporting 4 credits
- BA 559 - Financial Analysis and Advanced Accounting or MBA 559 - Financial Statement Analysis 4 credits
- BA 560A - Nonprofit Accounting and Financial Management 4 credits
- MBA 560 - Business Valuation Using Statement Analysis 4 credits
Tuition and fees
Southern Oregon University's tuition is $11,691 for in-state and $30,051 for out-of-state students.
Acceptance rate
SOU has an acceptance rate of 92%.
Find out more about the Master of Business Administration at SO
Is it worth doing a Masters in Accounting in the USA?
Pursuing a master's degree in accounting not only sets you up for prominent leadership roles but also opens the door to specialize in various niches within the accounting sphere. This advanced degree enhances your expertise and knowledge, empowering you to ascend to higher positions of authority and decision-making within the industry.
Furthermore, the profession of accounting offers a remarkably stable career path. This stability stems from the universal and perpetual need for tax management and compliance, alongside the essential requirement for thorough financial supervision and assistance that all businesses and organizations depend upon. In this way, a master’s in accounting not only broadens your professional horizons but also secures a foundation of job security in an era where economic fluctuations are common.
What is the best Master’s degree for Accountants?
If you’re considering doing a a Master’s in Accounting, you'll face an important decision early on: opting for a Master’s of Accounting degree, focusing solely on accounting practices, or an MBA (Master of Business Administration) with an emphasis in accounting, blending business practices into the curriculum. Both paths offer excellent educational opportunities, but choosing depends on aligning the program’s focus with your career goals.
Is a CPA better than a Masters in Accounting?
Choosing between pursuing a CPA certification or a Masters in Accounting is a decision that demands careful consideration of several key factors. Understanding the distinct paths these options forge in the accounting landscape is crucial before making a commitment.
The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification is recognized as a prestigious professional license, marking a significant achievement in the accounting profession. It is attained through clearing a demanding examination, complemented by a requirement for ongoing professional education to maintain the certification. This route is known for its rigor and the dedication it demands from candidates, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities in accounting, finance, and beyond. The CPA designation not only opens doors to varied roles but also tends to enhance credibility with employers and clients alike, potentially leading to higher positions and salary prospects. If you want to work for one of the Big 4 public accounting firms—Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC or KPMG—you will need to earn your CPA to advance past the senior level.
On the other hand, a Masters in Accounting offers a deep dive into the intricacies of accounting principles and practices through a comprehensive academic program. Unlike the CPA ,which is examination-focused, a Master's degree provides a broad curriculum covering diverse areas of accounting along with the option to specialize in fields such as forensic accounting, taxation, or auditing, among others. This route is ideal for those who seek an in-depth understanding of accounting frameworks and the theoretical underpinnings of the profession, which can be particularly beneficial for careers in academia, research, or specialized accounting roles.
Ultimately, both paths have the potential to lead to rewarding careers within the diverse and dynamic field of accounting. It's worth noting that many accountants will pursue both during the course of their career.
How much does a Masters in Accounting in the USA cost?
Making the decision to pursue a Masters in Accounting in the USA is a big step towards a successful career in the accounting industry. However, as with most higher education, there's a significant cost associated with obtaining this degree. The tuition fees for a Masters in Accounting in the US can vary greatly depending on the university you choose to attend. With so many highly-regarded institutions offering accounting programs, it's important to do your research and find a program that aligns with your career goals and budget.
While pursuing a Masters in Accounting can sometimes come with a high price tag, it's important to remember that this investment in your education can unlock a lifetime of career opportunities. It's also important to bear in mind that options for financial aid and grants can sometimes be available.
Your Journey In Accounting Starts Here!
Hopefully this article has helped you understand more about some of the best Masters degrees in Accounting in the US.
The field continues to be one of the most relevant in the education arena today, and post graduation gives students access to a host of opportunities throughout diverse sectors. Career-wise, it also continues to be one of the most lucrative areas in which to be employed.
Applying for an Accounting Master’s with Kings
Kings provides international students with a range of exciting US graduate pathways to get a Master's degree.
Through our partnerships with both Southern Oregon University, and Fisher College, students have access to a range of accounting and business focused Masters (MBA programs).
Both offer international students an exceptional US campus experience, plenty of support, and exceptional learning outcomes. Our partner universities support OPT, allowing students to work in the U.S. for up to 3 years post-graduation, depending on your major.
Kings also offers a range of English preparation programs in the US for those who need to advance their language skills prior to embarking on a Masters degree (MA, MBA or MSC) program. Current locations include New York, Los Angeles and Boston.
If you would like to receive more detailed information about Kings and our university pathway programs, please get in touch with us at us.admissions@kingseducation.com.
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