The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be 100,000 new accountant and auditor positions between 2020 and 2030, on top of the current rate of 135,000 annual openings. With an online master’s degree, graduates can qualify for many accounting positions and industry certifications. Here, we rank the best accounting master’s programs to help prospective students narrow their search.
Top 5 online schools for master’s in accounting
The best online master’s in accounting degrees
To ensure our rankings reflect the most up-to-date information, we follow a strict research process. ZDNet’s ranking methodology pulls publicly available data from reputable sources, giving readers an accurate list of the top schools and programs. Chapel Hill, NC Application fee: $95 Champaign, IL Application fee: $70 Coral Gables, FL Application fee: $50 Brownsville, TX Application fee: Free University Park, PA Application fee: $65 Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
Insights from a master’s in accounting graduate
Mike Jesowshek is a modern and innovative CPA on a mission to ensure small business owners pay the least amount in taxes as legally possible. An entrepreneur for his entire career, it has become his mission to help out businesses that are going through successes and struggles — this is how the Small Business Tax Savings Podcast was born. Mike’s end goal is to help business owners in an area they are often not familiar with: accounting.
Acceptance rate: 23%Graduation rate: 91%Annual net price: $12,352Time to degree: One to three yearsGRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: Four Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 59%Graduation rate: 86%Annual net price: $15,880Time to degree: 1 ½ to three yearsGRE/GMAT: OptionalMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 27%Graduation rate: 83%Annual net price: $46,949Time to degree: 16-20 monthsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 80%Graduation rate: 52%Annual net price: $4,514Time to degree: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Online
Acceptance rate: 76%Graduation rate: 73%Annual net price: $27,372Time to degree: Two (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 85%Graduation rate: 63%Annual net price: $15,016Time to degree: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 81%Graduation rate: 68%Annual net price: $16,001Time to degree: One to three yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 87%Graduation rate: 74%Annual net price: $21,048Time to degree: 11-24 monthsGRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 74%Graduation rate: 55%Annual net price: $16,953Time to degree: Two years (self-paced schedules are available)GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum 500 GMAT Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 54%Graduation rate: 50%Annual net price: $15,536Time to degree: TwoGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: NAEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 85%Graduation rate: 51%Annual net price: $14,822Time to degree: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 82%Graduation rate: 69%Annual net price: $9,979Time to degree: 1 ½ GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum 30th percentileMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 74%Graduation rate: 67%Annual net price: $29,845Time to degree: 18-20 monthsGRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum 500 GMATMinimum GPA: 3.25Enrollment periods per year: Two Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 74%Graduation rate: 67%Annual net price: $29,845Time to degree: One to two years (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 44%Graduation rate: 82%Annual net price: $34,482Time to degree: 12-15 monthsGRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery method: Synchronous
Acceptance rate: 69%Graduation rate: 55%Annual net price: $13,809Time to degree: 1 ½ to three yearsGRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum 400 GMATMinimum GPA: VariesEnrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 68%Graduation rate: 68%Annual net price: $30,090Time to degree: 1 ½ years (part-time schedules may be available)GRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 73%Graduation rate: 57%Annual net price: $19,119Time to degree: One to two years (part-time schedules are available)GRE/GMAT: GMAT required (waivers available); minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 76%Graduation rate: 77%Annual net price: $34,374Time to degree: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 49%Annual net price: $9,805Time to degree: 1 ½ to three yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 72%Graduation rate: 65%Annual net price: $23,568Time to degree: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 90%Graduation rate: 52%Annual net price: $19,252Time to degree: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.85Enrollment periods per year: Three Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 92%Graduation rate: 67%Annual net price: $19,514Time to degree: 20 monthsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 42%Graduation rate: 55%Annual net price: $17,186Time to degree: Two (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)GRE/GMAT: GMAT required; waived for applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPAMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery method: Asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 71%Graduation rate: 57%Annual net price: $25,483Time to degree: One to two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not publicly requiredEnrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
What career advantages did a master’s in accounting open up for you? In what ways was it worth it? In order to sit for the CPA exam, I had two main options: get a master’s or get a double major. Since I was already dedicated to the accounting route, I thought that the master’s option would be more rewarding. It allowed me to dig deeper into accounting, while also giving me the necessary credits to sit for the CPA exam. Was there anything about earning an accounting master’s that you didn’t expect or anticipate? One thing I didn’t expect was the way that others look at a master’s — adding that master’s to your resume goes a long way. A master’s doesn’t only equate to additional and deeper learning on a subject — it also demonstrates your dedication to your career and profession. What was the most challenging course you took during your master’s in accounting degree program? What advice would you give to students who are about to start this course? No doubt, tax was the most difficult course during my master’s in accounting. With that being said, it’s a major part of my career now and the deep dive into it opened me up to continue to learn more in this area. My advice would be to fight through it. It’s tough and can turn you away from the profession, but also understand that as you get into practice, you often will get more specialized within the code. Therefore, full in-depth knowledge of everything will very unlikely ever be part of your job.
What to expect in an online master’s in accounting degree program
In general, an online accounting master’s program features intermediate and advanced financial accounting and taxation training for individuals, businesses, and corporations. Many degrees also include courses in business, economics, ethics, and communication. Classes require individual and group work, practical assignments, and advanced research. Many accounting master’s programs provide at least 150 clinical hours in preparation for postgraduate industry certifications, like the certified public accountant (CPA) credential. Some degrees offer specialization tracks as well, such as forensic accounting and financial management. Students in accounting programs typically possess analytical, math, and organizational skills, along with the self-motivation and proactiveness needed for online learning.
Master’s in accounting courses
While the courses in an accounting master’s program vary depending on the school, the following list highlights some of the most common courses in accounting offered at the master’s level.
Financial Statement Analysis
This course teaches students how to interpret and analyze financial statements. Learners also look at the rules and impacts of financial statements and analysis, along with their applications and limitations.
Accounting Ethics
In this course, students learn about the rules, regulations, and ethical standards in place for accounting professionals. They explore some of the most common issues in the field and the professional codes of conduct.
Auditing and Assurance
Students in this course learn about the roles of auditors and assurance providers. They examine internal and external audits, risk assessments, and reporting guidelines for these processes.
Taxation
This course explores the taxation responsibilities in individual, business, corporate, and governmental accounting. Students examine tax laws and financial planning issues associated with taxation.
Accounting degree levels
The different accounting degree levels provide varying depths of training. Different degree levels influence what skills a student will develop and what careers they will be able to enter. An individual’s level of education also impacts the types of certifications available after graduation.
Associate in accounting
Length: One to two yearsCost: $11,390 per year (on average)Post-grad careers: Bookkeeping clerks, financial clerks, and administrative assistants
At the associate degree level, accounting programs train students in the fundamentals and principles of business and accounting. Students learn how to read and analyze financial documents in various settings and for different purposes. These degrees equip learners to pursue entry-level business and accounting careers, along with further education in those fields. The training usually combines classroom instruction and practical assignments and provides skills in payroll, financial analysis, banking, and record keeping.
Bachelor’s in accounting
Length: Four yearsCost: $28,120 per year (on average)Post-grad careers: Accountants, auditors, and financial analysts
An online accounting degree at the bachelor’s level equips learners with a solid foundation in business and accounting. The training prepares learners for many accounting careers and industry certifications, along with further training for aspiring accounting and business leaders. Students develop skills in financial analysis, research, and taxation, along with the ability to perform these roles in different settings. Bachelor’s programs usually combine independent study, classroom instruction, practical assignment, and applied learning.
Master’s in accounting
Length: One to two yearsCost: $19,790 per year (on average)Post-grad careers: Budget analysts, financial examiners, and financial managers
An accounting master’s degree delves into advanced concepts in business and financial management, teaching students to combine and apply their training from each of these fields. Learners develop leadership, advanced research, and analysis skills, and they learn to use various field techniques and technologies. Many master’s programs offer specialization options, such as cost accounting, international accounting, and forensic accounting. Students can also pursue accounting through an MBA concentration. Master’s graduates qualify for most advanced accounting professions and certifications.
Doctorate in accounting
Length: Four to six yearsCost: $19,790 per year (on average)https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_330.50.aspPost-grad careers: Postsecondary teachers, financial managers, and management analysts
A doctorate in accounting focuses on advanced analysis of financial information and markets. Students also learn advanced research and teaching methods, gaining the ability to apply their research findings to develop hypotheses, further questions, and plan lessons. At this level, the majority of work involves seminars, discussion groups, and independent research. Learners typically establish a research specialization, complete a comprehensive examination, and write a dissertation.
In conclusion
While students can find value in all types and levels of accounting training, an accounting master’s degree qualifies graduates for some of the most desirable accounting positions and credentials. Prospective students can start their search on this page knowing the programs listed provide some of the best training in the country.
