10 Best Master's in Accounting Degrees in 2026

A master's in accounting does more than deepen your technical knowledge. For most students, it's also the most direct route to the 150 credit hours required to sit for the CPA exam in nearly every state, along with specialized skills in taxation, auditing, or data analytics that can open doors to more advanced roles.

We've narrowed the field to 10 programs that combine strong accreditation, CPA-focused curricula, and accessible admissions, so you can compare your options without digging through dozens of business school websites. Here's how each program stacks up and what makes it worth a closer look.

What Is a Master's in Accounting Degree?

A master's in accounting is a graduate-level credential, typically requiring 30 to 36 credits, that builds on undergraduate accounting knowledge with advanced coursework in auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and accounting information systems. Programs go by several names, including Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), Master of Accountancy (MAcc), and Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc), and while the naming varies by school, the core purpose is largely the same: preparing graduates for the CPA exam and for more advanced accounting roles than a bachelor's degree alone typically supports.

Many programs also let students choose a concentration or elective track, with taxation, forensic accounting, and data analytics among the most common options. Students who already hold an accounting bachelor's degree can often move straight into the graduate-level coursework, while those coming from a different undergraduate field may need to complete bridge or foundation courses first to catch up on core accounting principles before starting the master's-level curriculum itself.

Best Master's in Accounting Programs

The following schools stood out for their accreditation, CPA exam preparation, and program accessibility across online, hybrid, and on-campus formats. Each entry covers what makes the program distinct and what accreditation backs it up.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) online MS in Accounting builds advanced coursework in auditing, taxation, and financial reporting on top of a flexible 8-week term structure, letting working students move through fewer subjects at a time rather than juggling a full traditional course load. Students without an undergraduate accounting background can complete foundation coursework before moving into the core graduate curriculum.

The university holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and its accounting program carries specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). SNHU's generous transfer credit policies and six annual start dates make the program a practical option for students who want flexibility without sacrificing accreditation.

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) takes a competency-based approach to its MAcc, letting motivated students move through material as quickly as they can demonstrate mastery rather than progressing on a fixed semester schedule. The program builds toward CPA exam readiness and includes free access to UWorld CPA and CMA test preparation materials for graduates, a resource that typically costs students hundreds of dollars elsewhere.

WGU holds regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and its business programs, including the MAcc, carry ACBSP accreditation. The university's flat-rate tuition model rewards students who can dedicate more hours per week to their coursework, since faster completion directly reduces total cost.

3. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University (CSU) Global's MPAcc lets students tailor their degree through five two-course emphasis areas, giving graduates a way to align coursework with the specific professional certification they're targeting, whether that's the CPA, CMA, CIA, CFE, or CFA. An optional for-credit accounting internship adds a hands-on component that's uncommon among fully online programs.

The university holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). As Colorado's first fully online public university, CSU Global built its entire model around adult learners balancing work and family, which shows up in the program's flexible pacing and multiple annual start dates.

4. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University's Master of Accountancy and Analytics blends traditional accounting coursework with data analytics training, reflecting how much the profession has shifted toward technology-driven work in recent years. Students can complete the STEM-certified program online or in person, in as little as one year, and coursework includes a built-in CPA review course along with credit options for relevant accounting internships.

The program carries specialized accounting accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), a distinction held by only a small fraction of business schools worldwide, and the university holds institutional accreditation from the HLC. Faculty bring direct industry experience and professional certifications into the classroom, which students frequently cite as a differentiator from more theory-heavy programs.

5. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley designed its MAcc around an accelerated timeline, letting students meet the 150-hour requirement for the Texas CPA exam in as few as 12 months. Coursework spans auditing, financial management, and data analytics, giving graduates a broad enough foundation to pursue roles ranging from staff accountant to eventual CFO-track positions.

The Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship holds accounting-specific accreditation from AACSB, and the university carries institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Graduates consistently point to the program's mentorship culture and faculty accessibility as a standout feature of an otherwise accelerated, fast-moving curriculum.

6. Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) offers its MSA through a mix of Saturday core classes at its Northwest Houston Center and evening or online electives, a format designed for students balancing full-time work with graduate study. The program helps prepare students for the Texas CPA exam, and optional workshops taught by PVAMU faculty give students additional structured practice ahead of the test.

As a historically Black land-grant university within the Texas A&M System, PVAMU's College of Business holds accounting-specific accreditation from AACSB alongside institutional accreditation from SACSCOC. Students with a non-accounting undergraduate background can complete prerequisite coursework before formal admission, making the program accessible to career changers as well as accounting graduates.

7. Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University's (FGCU) MSA pairs a relatively low overall cost with strong reported graduate salary outcomes, a combination that's less common than it might sound in graduate accounting education. The program's synchronous livestream format lets students move between virtual and in-person participation depending on their schedule that week, rather than locking them into one format for the full degree.

The university holds institutional accreditation from SACSCOC. FGCU's location on Florida's Gulf Coast also connects students to a growing regional job market in both public accounting firms and corporate finance departments.

8. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University's (YSU) MSA gives students a straightforward, CPA-focused curriculum without the premium price tag often attached to graduate business degrees. The program covers advanced auditing, taxation, and financial reporting, with enough flexibility in course sequencing to accommodate students working full time while completing the degree.

The university holds institutional accreditation from the HLC. As a regional public university in Ohio, YSU keeps its accounting program closely tied to the needs of local and regional employers, which can translate into strong networking opportunities for students who complete internships or attend on-campus events.

9. University of North Alabama

University of North Alabama's (UNA) MAcc, offered through the Sanders College of Business and Technology, prepares students for professional certification while building leadership and decision-making skills relevant to advanced accounting roles. Both online and on-campus course options are available, giving students flexibility in how they complete the degree.

The Sanders College holds accounting-specific accreditation from AACSB, placing it among a select group of business schools worldwide with this distinction, and the university carries institutional accreditation from SACSCOC. UNA's relatively affordable tuition compared to many other AACSB-accredited programs makes it a strong option for students who want that accreditation tier without the associated price tag.

10. Liberty University

Liberty University's MS in Accounting runs through flexible 8-week online terms with no set login times, giving working students latitude to complete coursework around a full-time job. The curriculum builds on core accounting principles with more advanced coursework in taxation, auditing, and financial reporting geared toward CPA exam preparation.

Liberty holds institutional accreditation from SACSCOC, and its accounting program carries ACBSP accreditation as well. The university's generous transfer credit policies can shorten the program further for students entering with relevant graduate-level coursework already completed elsewhere.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. We also weigh several additional factors specific to graduate accounting education when narrowing the field down to the schools included here.

• Accreditation: Institutional accreditation is required for every school on this list, and several hold additional AACSB or ACBSP accounting-specific accreditation as well.
• Online availability: Online, hybrid, and on-campus options are all represented, since flexibility matters as much as reputation for many graduate students balancing work and school.
• Career alignment: Programs are evaluated on how directly their coursework supports CPA exam eligibility and other in-demand professional certifications.
• Student outcomes: Completion rates, graduate salary data, and available career services are all factored into the final ranking.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in a Master's in Accounting Program?

A master's in accounting curriculum builds substantially on undergraduate coursework, moving into advanced financial reporting, auditing standards, and taxation topics that go well beyond an introductory bachelor's-level treatment. Most programs also cover accounting information systems, giving students hands-on exposure to the software and data analysis tools that modern accounting departments rely on day to day.

Depending on the concentration a student chooses, coursework can branch into specialized areas like forensic accounting, international taxation, or data analytics applied specifically to financial reporting and fraud detection. Nearly every program also builds in direct CPA exam preparation, whether through a dedicated review course, practice materials, or coursework explicitly mapped to the exam's tested content areas.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master's in Accounting Degree?

A full-time student typically completes a master's in accounting in about 12 to 18 months, assuming they enter with an accounting-related undergraduate background and don't need extensive bridge coursework. Students coming from a non-accounting field often need an additional semester or two to complete foundational coursework before starting the graduate-level curriculum itself.

Part-time students, particularly those working full time while completing the degree, often take two to three years to finish instead. Accelerated programs, like several featured above that let students meet CPA eligibility requirements in as little as 12 months, can significantly compress that timeline for students who are able to commit to a heavier course load.

How Much Does a Master's in Accounting Degree Cost?

Total tuition for a master's in accounting typically runs between $15,000 and $40,000, depending heavily on whether a student attends a public university at in-state rates or a private institution, and how many credits the specific program requires. Public universities generally offer the most affordable path, particularly for in-state residents, while online-focused private universities often fall in the middle of that range with flat-rate or per-credit pricing.

Total cost can also shift considerably based on how much prior graduate-level coursework transfers in and whether a student needs additional foundation courses before starting the core curriculum. It's worth requesting a full cost estimate from any program under consideration, since advertised per-credit rates don't always reflect the total number of credits a specific student will actually need to complete.

Financial Aid for Master's in Accounting Degrees

Most graduate accounting students combine several forms of financial aid rather than paying tuition entirely out of pocket. Completing the FAFSA remains the first step toward federal aid eligibility, even at the graduate level, where the available aid options look somewhat different than they do for undergraduates.

• Federal loans: Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to graduate students, and some programs also participate in institution-specific loan or payment plan options worth asking about directly.
• Assistantships and scholarships: Many universities offer graduate assistantships or merit-based scholarships specifically for accounting students, which can significantly offset tuition costs.
• Employer tuition assistance: Programs like Walmart's Live Better U, Starbucks College Achievement Plan, and Amazon Career Choice cover some or all tuition for eligible employees pursuing a relevant graduate degree.
• Military and veteran benefits: GI Bill benefits and tuition assistance programs are accepted at most of the schools featured above, and several maintain dedicated support services for military-affiliated graduate students.

How To Choose the Right Master's in Accounting Degree

Picking the right program means weighing more than just accreditation and cost. Consider these factors as you compare your options.

CPA Alignment

Confirm that a program's curriculum meets your specific state's CPA education requirements, since these vary and not every master's in accounting automatically satisfies every state board's rules. Programs with built-in CPA review materials or dedicated exam-prep coursework can save you significant time and money compared to studying for the exam entirely on your own after graduation.

Accreditation Level

AACSB accounting-specific accreditation represents the highest tier of quality assurance in the field, though it's held by a relatively small number of programs and often comes with a higher price tag. ACBSP-accredited programs offer a strong, more accessible alternative that still signals real quality assurance, particularly for students prioritizing affordability or flexible admissions over prestige.

Format and Pacing

Decide honestly whether a fully online, hybrid, or in-person format fits your learning style and schedule, since the wrong format can make an otherwise strong program much harder to complete. Accelerated and self-paced options can shorten your timeline considerably, but they also demand more sustained weekly effort than a traditional semester-based schedule.

Career Outlook With a Master's in Accounting Degree

Accountants and auditors with a master's degree often qualify for more advanced roles and a faster path to CPA licensure than those with a bachelor's degree alone, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 5% through 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 124,200 openings projected each year, and the median annual wage for the occupation is $81,680.

Many master's in accounting graduates move beyond entry-level accountant roles into financial management positions as they gain experience and, in many cases, CPA licensure. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth for financial managers through 2034, with a median annual wage of $161,700, reflecting the kind of advancement many graduate-level accounting students are specifically working toward.

FAQs About the Best Master's in Accounting Programs

These are some of the most common questions students ask before enrolling in a master's in accounting program. Each answer below should help you plan your next steps with more confidence.

Is a Master's in Accounting Worth It?

For most students pursuing CPA licensure, yes, since a master's degree is often the most direct way to reach the 150 credit hours nearly every state requires for the exam. Beyond CPA eligibility, the degree can also open doors to more specialized or senior-level roles that typically expect graduate-level training, though the value ultimately depends on your specific career goals and how much debt you take on to complete it.

Do You Need a Master's in Accounting to Become a CPA?

Not necessarily, since some students meet the 150-hour requirement through additional undergraduate coursework rather than a full master's degree. That said, a master's in accounting is one of the most common and efficient paths to that credit threshold, and it comes with the added benefit of more advanced, specialized coursework that a handful of extra undergraduate classes wouldn't provide.

Can You Get a Master's in Accounting Without an Accounting Bachelor's?

Yes, many programs, including several featured above, accept students from non-accounting undergraduate backgrounds through bridge or foundation coursework completed before or alongside the core graduate curriculum. This path typically adds a semester or two to the overall timeline, but it opens graduate accounting education to career changers who didn't study the subject as undergraduates.

What Is the Difference Between an MSA and an MBA in Accounting?

An MSA or MAcc focuses specifically and deeply on technical accounting skills like auditing, taxation, and financial reporting, while an MBA with an accounting concentration blends broader business and leadership training with a smaller share of accounting-specific coursework. Students primarily focused on CPA licensure and technical accounting depth generally choose the MSA or MAcc route, while those aiming for broader management roles sometimes prefer the MBA path instead.

How Much Can You Earn With a Master's in Accounting?

Earnings vary by role and experience, but accountants and auditors report a median annual wage of $81,680, while those who advance into financial management positions see a median of $161,700. A master's degree alone doesn't guarantee a specific salary, but it does position graduates for the more advanced and higher-paying accounting roles.

Discover Master's in Accounting Degrees

Comparing accreditation, CPA alignment, and program format side by side makes it much easier to find a master's in accounting that fits your career goals. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information on admissions, transfer credit, and financial aid.