10 Easiest Master's in Accounting Programs 2026

Getting into a master's in accounting doesn't have to mean months of GMAT prep or a rigid admissions committee. A growing number of accredited programs have dropped the standardized testing requirement altogether, built genuine on-ramps for students without an accounting bachelor's, and moved to flexible, self-paced formats that fit around a full-time job.

We've gathered 10 programs that stand out for making the path into graduate accounting education genuinely more manageable. Take a look at what makes each one easier to start and finish, and whether the trade-offs work for your situation.

What Makes a Master's in Accounting Degree "Easier" To Earn?

A handful of admissions and format choices separate an easier master's in accounting program from a more demanding one, and none of them have to do with weaker coursework once you're enrolled. Waived GMAT or GRE requirements remove a testing bottleneck that can otherwise delay applications by months, and programs built with a genuine bridge or foundation pathway let students without an accounting bachelor's degree enter without feeling like an afterthought in a curriculum designed for accounting majors.

Format matters just as much as admissions. Asynchronous coursework with no set login times, rolling or frequent start dates, and streamlined application requirements—sometimes just transcripts and a resume rather than essays and letters of recommendation—all reduce the friction of both getting in and staying enrolled. The easiest programs on this list tend to combine several of these factors rather than relying on just one.

Easiest Master's in Accounting Programs

The following schools stood out for combining flexible admissions and formats with solid accreditation. Each entry covers what makes the program more manageable along with the accreditation backing it up.

1. Franklin University

Franklin University built its Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) specifically for students without an accounting background, requiring no undergraduate accounting coursework and no GMAT for admission. The program moves one class at a time through a 100% online, one-class-at-a-time pathway that lets students complete the degree in about 31 months, and a tuition-lock guarantee keeps costs predictable from the first term through graduation.

Franklin holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its business and accounting programs carry specialized accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). The straightforward admissions process, built around academic ability and work experience rather than standardized testing, makes this one of the more approachable on-ramps into graduate accounting education for career changers.

2. University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota's (UND) Master of Accountancy (MAcc) Fundamentals track was designed explicitly for students with no background or undergraduate degree in accounting, and unlike most bridge programs, it requires no GMAT and no separate prerequisite or bridge coursework before starting. Students can complete the fully online program part-time, giving working adults room to balance the coursework around a job.

The university holds institutional accreditation from the HLC, and its business programs carry specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). UND's established recruiting relationships with firms like PwC, EY, Deloitte, and KPMG give even career-changing students a real path toward the same employers accounting-major graduates pursue.

3. St. Thomas University

St. Thomas University's online MAcc keeps its admission requirements streamlined, welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds without a GMAT score, and applicants without a business or accounting undergraduate degree simply complete additional prerequisite coursework based on their transcript. The 10-course curriculum blends core accounting topics with a concentration track, letting students specialize without adding significant time to the program.

The university holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). St. Thomas accepts both official and unofficial transcripts during the application process, which can meaningfully speed up admission compared to schools requiring notarized or sealed documents upfront.

4. University of Scranton

University of Scranton's online MAcc makes the GMAT optional rather than required, and its MACC Bridge option gives students without an accounting background a structured path into the core program instead of leaving them to figure out prerequisites on their own. Coursework integrates Wiley CPAexcel review materials directly into the curriculum, folding CPA preparation into the degree rather than treating it as a separate expense.

The Kania School of Management holds accounting-specific accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), and the university carries institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Busy professionals frequently cite the program's asynchronous format as the deciding factor in choosing Scranton over a more rigidly scheduled alternative.

5. University of Georgia

University of Georgia's online Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) was built specifically for students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree, admitting applicants without GMAT or GRE scores and reviewing applications on a rolling basis rather than around a single hard deadline. Students without the introductory financial accounting prerequisite can still apply and complete that single course the summer before the program begins.

The Terry College of Business holds accounting-specific AACSB accreditation, and the university carries institutional accreditation from SACSCOC. The fully asynchronous format was specifically designed around the schedules of full-time working professionals rather than adapted from an on-campus program after the fact.

6. California Baptist University

California Baptist University's (CBU) online MSA is housed in the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business, which built its admissions process around a holistic review of an applicant's full academic and professional background rather than a single test score. The program's online format lets students move through coursework without relocating or pausing existing work commitments.

The university holds institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and its accounting program carries ACBSP accreditation. CBU's faculty bring a range of industry experience into the program, from corporate accounting to auditing, which students frequently point to as a practical counterbalance to the flexible, self-directed pacing.

7. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University (CSU) Global's MPAcc admits students without requiring a GMAT or GRE score, and its fully asynchronous format lets students log in and complete coursework whenever fits their schedule rather than around set class times. Up to 15 transfer credits can apply toward the degree, and the university's tuition guarantee locks in the rate a student pays from enrollment through graduation.

The university holds institutional accreditation from the HLC. Monthly start dates mean students rarely have to wait long to begin, which removes one more barrier common at schools running a traditional two-semester academic calendar.

8. Liberty University

Liberty University's MSA doesn't require standardized test scores for admission, and its 8-week online courses run with no set login times, giving working students latitude to complete coursework whenever fits their day. The admissions process centers on transcripts and a completed application rather than essays or letters of recommendation.

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

9. University of North Alabama

University of North Alabama's (UNA) MAcc, offered through the Sanders College of Business and Technology, keeps its admissions process straightforward for students holding any accredited bachelor's degree, with both online and on-campus course options available. The program's structure gives students flexibility in how quickly they move through the curriculum depending on their course load each term.

The Sanders College holds accounting-specific AACSB accreditation, and the university carries institutional accreditation from SACSCOC. UNA's relatively affordable tuition compared to many other AACSB-accredited programs makes the accreditation tier itself more accessible, not just the admissions process.

10. Rutgers University

Rutgers University's online MSA doesn't require GMAT or GRE scores for admission, instead evaluating applicants through transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The program offers two distinct tracks, one for students with an accounting background who move directly into advanced coursework, and another for students without one who start with core accounting classes before moving into electives.

The Rutgers Business School holds accounting-specific AACSB accreditation, and the university carries institutional accreditation from MSCHE. Fall, spring, and summer start dates, along with part-time enrollment options, give students more flexibility in when and how quickly they move through the degree.

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 program accessibility when narrowing the field.

• Accreditation: Every school on this list carries institutional accreditation, and several hold additional AACSB or ACBSP accounting-specific accreditation as well.
• Program requirements: Schools waiving the GMAT or GRE, along with those offering genuine non-accounting bridge pathways, are prioritized over more selective programs.
• Online availability: Fully online and asynchronous formats are weighed heavily, since flexibility often matters as much as content when it comes to program accessibility.
• Student outcomes: Completion rates and available academic support services are considered alongside how manageable a program's requirements genuinely are.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

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 12 to 18 months, though the timeline can extend for students entering through a bridge or foundation pathway without prior accounting coursework. Students with an accounting-related undergraduate background generally move through the fastest, since they skip most or all of the prerequisite material that non-accounting students need to complete first.

Part-time students, particularly those working full time while completing the degree, often take two to three years to finish instead. Because most of the schools above use asynchronous or self-paced formats rather than a fixed weekly schedule, the honest answer to "how long will this take" often comes down to a student's weekly study habits as much as the program's official timeline.

How To Choose the Right Master's in Accounting Degree

The easiest program on paper isn't automatically the best fit for every student. Weigh these factors alongside how manageable a program's requirements genuinely are.

• Admissions requirements: Confirm whether a program waives the GMAT outright or simply offers waivers on a case-by-case basis, since the two aren't the same guarantee.
• Background support: If you don't have an accounting bachelor's degree, look closely at whether a school offers a genuine bridge pathway or simply expects you to catch up on your own.
• Accreditation: Prioritize AACSB or ACBSP accounting-specific accreditation when possible, since this affects both program quality and CPA eligibility in most states.
• Format fit: Consider honestly whether a fully asynchronous format will help you move faster or whether you need more structure to stay on track.

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.

An easier admissions process doesn't translate into a lower-value credential once you graduate, since employers and state CPA boards evaluate accreditation and coursework rather than how selective a program's application process was. Many graduates go on to advance into financial management roles as they gain experience, where the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth through 2034 and a median annual wage of $161,700.

FAQs About the Easiest Master's in Accounting Programs

These are some of the most common questions students ask about easier master's in accounting programs. Each answer below should help you weigh the trade-offs before choosing a program built around flexibility.

Is an Easy Master's in Accounting Degree Still Respected by Employers?

Yes, as long as the program carries proper accreditation, the ease of its admissions process doesn't affect how employers or state CPA boards view the resulting degree. What matters is whether the school and program hold recognized institutional and, ideally, accounting-specific accreditation, not whether the GMAT was required to get in.

Do Easier Master's in Accounting Programs Cover Less Material?

No, accredited programs generally cover the same core competencies in auditing, taxation, and financial reporting regardless of how flexible the admissions process or format is. What differs is usually the pacing and support built around that material, along with whether prerequisite content is folded into a bridge pathway rather than left for students to figure out on their own.

What Does Open Admission Mean for a Master's in Accounting Program?

At the graduate level, open or flexible admission typically means a program doesn't require standardized test scores and evaluates applicants holistically based on transcripts, work experience, and academic performance instead. It's worth noting that most master's programs still expect a bachelor's degree and a minimum GPA, so "open" at this level looks different than open enrollment at a community college.

Can You Get Into a Master's in Accounting Program With a Low GPA?

It depends on the school, since many no-GMAT programs still expect a minimum undergraduate GPA, often around 3.0, even without a standardized test requirement. Some master’s programs will consider a lower GPA alongside strong professional work experience or a compelling personal statement, so it's worth reaching out to an admissions counselor directly rather than assuming a borderline GPA disqualifies you.

Is a Self-Paced Master's in Accounting a Good Fit for Everyone?

No, self-paced and asynchronous formats work well for highly motivated, self-directed students but can be genuinely harder for students who benefit from set deadlines and regular class structure. It's worth being honest with yourself about your own study habits before choosing a fully self-paced program over one with more built-in structure.

Discover Easy Master's in Accounting Degrees

Comparing admissions requirements, format, and accreditation side by side makes it much easier to find a master's in accounting that genuinely fits how you learn. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information on admissions, transfer credit, and program pacing.