7 Online Master's Degrees in Accounting Information Systems

If you're looking to pair advanced accounting expertise with in-demand technology skills, a master's degree in accounting information systems online lets you do exactly that without putting your career on hold. This specialized area sits at the intersection of accounting and IT, preparing you to manage the systems, controls, and technology that today's finance departments depend on, all while building on the technical accounting foundation you already have.

This guide walks you through what this degree covers, highlights strong online programs worth considering, and breaks down what to expect in terms of coursework, timelines, and career outcomes. Whether you're an accountant looking to specialize or a professional pivoting into a more technical accounting role, you'll find the information here useful as you weigh your options.

What Is an Online Accounting Information Systems Master’s Degree?

An accounting information systems master's degree focuses on the technology, controls, and systems that organizations use to capture, process, and safeguard financial data. Rather than a standalone degree title, this specialization typically shows up as a formal concentration or track within a broader Master of Accountancy or Master of Science in Accounting program, letting you combine core accounting coursework with a technical focus on systems, security, and IT controls.

Program names and structures vary somewhat by school. Some universities offer this as a named concentration, like "Accounting Information Systems" or "Information Systems and Controls," while others frame it as an "Information Technology" or "Information Management" specialization within their accounting master's program. Regardless of the label, the underlying focus stays consistent: preparing you to work at the intersection of accounting and technology.

Typical coursework includes advanced accounting information systems, IT auditing, database management, cybersecurity as it relates to financial data, enterprise resource planning systems, and business intelligence tools, layered on top of core graduate accounting classes like financial reporting, taxation, and auditing. Many programs also align their curriculum with the CPA Evolution framework's "Information Systems and Controls" discipline, making this specialization a natural fit if you're planning to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam while building deeper technical expertise.

Best Online Accounting Information Systems Master’s Programs

Each school below offers a genuine online path to specializing in accounting information systems, whether through a dedicated concentration or a named track within a broader accounting master's degree. Here's what sets each program apart. 

1. Maryville University

Maryville University's online Master of Science (MS) in Accounting offers an Information Systems and Controls specialization, one of the tracks built around the CPA Evolution framework's discipline sections. The program integrates Becker CPA Exam preparation directly into the curriculum, and coursework covers cybersecurity fundamentals, data governance, and the technical controls that protect financial systems from risk.

Based in St. Louis, Maryville is a private, nonprofit university regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with business programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Students without an accounting background can complete a bridge program to build the foundation needed for the core coursework, and the accelerated track lets experienced accountants finish the 30-credit program in as few as 12 months.

2. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State's Jenkins Master of Accounting (MAC) program, offered through the Poole College of Management, includes an optional Information Technology specialization alongside its Enterprise Risk Management and Tax Strategy tracks. Coursework in the IT specialization covers data security, IT audit, and enterprise resource planning systems using tools like SAP, giving graduates hands-on exposure to the technology accounting departments rely on.

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, NC State is a public university regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Poole College of Management holds Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, and the MAC program is STEM-designated, reflecting its emphasis on data analytics and emerging technology within the accounting curriculum.

3. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University's MAC offers an Audit and Accounting Information Systems concentration designed for students interested in auditing or advisory roles in industry or public accounting. The program builds conceptual and technical abilities alongside applied accounting research and analytical problem-solving skills, and it can be completed entirely online.

Located in Carbondale, Illinois, SIU is a public university regionally accredited by the HLC. Its School of Accountancy holds separate AACSB accreditation, a distinction held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide, and has earned full membership in the Federation of Schools of Accountancy.

4. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M's Flex Online MS in Accounting, offered through Mays Business School, includes an Assurance Services/Information Management track alongside its Tax Consulting/Financial Planning option. The program blends weekly live virtual sessions with a cohort-based model, and students gain access to Becker CPA Review materials as part of a curriculum built around CPA exam preparation.

Based in College Station, Texas, Texas A&M is a public university regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Mays Business School holds AACSB accreditation, and the Flex Online format gives students access to the same Aggie Network and career resources available to on-campus students.

5. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

TAMU-CC's online Master of Accountancy develops advanced competencies across auditing, taxation, forensic accounting, and accounting information systems, with a curriculum built around professional application rather than abstract theory. The 100% online program consists of 10 accelerated seven-week courses, and students can complete the degree in as little as 12 to 20 months with multiple start dates throughout the year.

Located in Corpus Christi, Texas, TAMU-CC is a public university regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. Its College of Business holds AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting, a distinction held by only the top 2% of business schools worldwide.

6. Texas State University

Texas State's MS in Accounting and Information Technology (MSAIT) is a standalone degree built specifically around the intersection of accounting and technology, rather than a concentration within a broader accounting program. Coursework covers accounting data analytics, database management systems, information security, and business intelligence, and the STEM-designated program can satisfy Texas's 150-hour CPA education requirement.

Based in San Marcos, Texas, Texas State is a public university regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The McCoy College of Business holds AACSB accreditation in both business and accounting, and the MSAIT program offers an online option alongside its on-campus format.

7. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers an Information Systems and Controls concentration within its MS in Accounting Analytics, preparing graduates for careers in information systems auditing, compliance, and technology-focused accounting roles. The STEM-designated program combines advanced accounting knowledge with data analytics, risk management, and systems expertise, and it's delivered fully online and asynchronously.

Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the University of Memphis is a public university regionally accredited by the SACSCOC. Its Crews School of Accountancy holds separate AACSB accreditation in addition to the Fogelman College of Business and Economics' accreditation, a distinction shared by a small percentage of business schools worldwide.

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.

For accounting information systems master's programs specifically, we prioritize genuine online availability and a formally named concentration or track, since "self-paced" and "online" claims don't always hold up under scrutiny and AIS-focused coursework sometimes gets folded loosely into broader accounting or data analytics programs. We verify every program detail directly on each school's own site rather than relying on aggregators, since program structures and concentration offerings change often. Here's what we prioritize:

• Accreditation: We confirm regional accreditation for every school on this list, along with specialized business accreditation from AACSB or ACBSP, which signals that the program meets recognized standards for accounting and business education.
• Online availability: We confirm that the accounting information systems concentration or track itself, not just the broader degree, is genuinely available online, since some programs only offer their AIS-focused coursework in person or hybrid formats.
• Career alignment: We favor programs with coursework that reflects real employer demand for accounting professionals with systems and technology expertise, including exposure to IT audit, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems.
• Student outcomes: We consider graduation rates, CPA pass rates where available, and post-graduation employment data to gauge how well a program prepares students for accounting information systems roles.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. 

What Will You Learn in an Accounting Information Systems Master’s Degree Program?

An accounting information systems master's program builds on your existing accounting knowledge with a technical focus on the systems and controls that keep financial data accurate and secure. Coursework typically covers:

• Advanced accounting information systems: Analyzing how organizations design, implement, and manage the systems used to record and report financial transactions.
• IT auditing: Evaluating the effectiveness of information system controls and identifying vulnerabilities within financial reporting systems.
• Database management: Understanding how financial data is structured, stored, and retrieved within organizational systems.
• Cybersecurity fundamentals: Applying security frameworks and risk assessment techniques to protect sensitive financial information.
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems: Gaining hands-on experience with the software platforms, like SAP, that large organizations use to manage accounting and business operations.
• Data analytics and business intelligence: Using data visualization and analytical tools to extract insights from financial and operational data.
• Data governance: Understanding the policies and standards that ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance across an organization.

Because this specialization typically sits within a broader accounting master's program, you'll also complete core graduate coursework in financial reporting, taxation, and auditing, ensuring you graduate with both the technical systems expertise and the foundational accounting knowledge employers expect.

How Long Does it Take to Earn an Accounting Information Systems Master’s Degree Online?

Most online accounting information systems master's programs take between 12 and 24 months to complete, depending on your enrollment pace and whether you're studying full-time or part-time. Programs typically require 30 credit hours, and several schools on this list offer accelerated formats with seven- or eight-week courses that let motivated students finish in as little as a year.

Your timeline will also depend on your academic background. Students without an undergraduate degree in accounting may need to complete bridge or foundational coursework before starting the core curriculum, which can add several months to your overall program length. Part-time students balancing work and other commitments should expect their timeline to extend closer to the two-year mark, though most programs offer enough flexibility to accommodate a range of paces.

How Much Does an Online Accounting Information Systems Master’s Degree Cost?

The cost of an online accounting information systems master's degree varies based on the type of school you attend and your residency status. Public universities generally offer the lowest rates for in-state students, though several schools on this list, like Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, charge the same tuition regardless of residency for their online programs, which can make them a strong option for out-of-state students. Private nonprofit schools tend to cost more per credit but often provide more generous financial aid or scholarship opportunities to help offset the difference.

Beyond tuition, factor in costs like technology fees, CPA review materials some programs bundle into the curriculum, and any bridge coursework required if you're coming from a non-accounting background. Many schools on this list offer flat-rate or subscription tuition models, meaning your total cost can shift significantly based on how quickly you complete the program, so it's worth comparing both the per-credit rate and the typical time to completion when weighing your options.

Financial Aid for Online Accounting Information Systems Master’s Degrees

Paying for a specialized accounting master's degree doesn't have to rely on tuition alone. A mix of federal, institutional, and employer-based aid can help cover costs, and most schools on this list have dedicated financial aid offices to help you build a package that fits your situation.

• Federal financial aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and graduate student loans.
• Institutional scholarships: Many schools offer merit-based scholarships specifically for accounting or business graduate students, often tied to GPA or professional experience.
• Employer tuition assistance: If you're already working in accounting or finance, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement, especially since technical accounting skills are in high demand.
• Professional association scholarships: Organizations like the AICPA, IMA, and ISACA offer scholarships for students pursuing accounting or accounting-technology credentials.
• Military and veteran benefits: The GI Bill and other military education benefits can cover some or all tuition costs at eligible schools.
• Graduate assistantships: Some universities offer teaching or research assistantships that provide tuition reductions or stipends in exchange for part-time work.
• Flat-rate or subscription tuition models: Several schools on this list charge tuition by term rather than by credit, which can lower your overall cost if you complete coursework quickly.

How To Choose the Right Accounting Information Systems Master’s Degree

Every strong accounting information systems program shares certain baseline qualities, but the right fit for you depends on your specific goals, background, and career timeline. Weigh the following factors as you compare programs.

Accreditation

Confirm that your school holds regional accreditation and that its business program carries specialized accreditation from AACSB or ACBSP. This affects everything from how the degree is perceived by employers to whether credits transfer smoothly if your plans change.

Genuine Online Availability

Some schools market a broader accounting master's degree as fully online, but reserve the AIS-specific concentration or track for in-person or hybrid delivery. Confirm directly with the program that the specific concentration you want is actually available in the format you need before applying.

Program Structure and Prerequisites

Consider whether you need a bridge or foundational coursework sequence if you're coming from a non-accounting background, since this can add significant time and cost to your degree. Programs designed for career-changers often build this flexibility in from the start.

CPA Alignment

If CPA licensure is part of your plan, look for programs that map their coursework to the CPA Evolution framework's Information Systems and Controls discipline, since this alignment can streamline your exam preparation.

Cost and Financial Aid

Compare tuition rates alongside available scholarships, employer partnerships, and flat-rate tuition options, since total program cost can vary significantly based on your pace and the school's pricing model.

Career Outlook With an Online Accounting Information Systems Master's Degree

An accounting information systems master's degree positions you at the intersection of two fields with strong, independent demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors earned a median annual wage of $81,680 as of May 2024, with employment projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

On the technology side, the outlook is even stronger. Information security analysts earned a median annual wage of $124,910 in May 2024, with employment projected to grow 29% through 2034, much faster than average, driven largely by the need to protect sensitive financial and organizational data. Computer and information systems managers, a common advancement path for professionals who combine accounting and IT expertise, earned a median annual wage well above the typical accounting salary, with 15% projected growth over the same period. With training in both accounting and information systems, you're positioned to move into specialized roles like IT auditor or systems accountant, or advance into leadership positions that oversee both financial and technical operations.

FAQs About the Best Online Accounting Information Systems Master’s Degree Programs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about pursuing an online accounting information systems master's degree.

Is an Online Accounting Information Systems Master's Degree Worth It?

For accounting professionals looking to specialize, this degree tends to offer strong value. It combines the earning potential of an advanced accounting credential with the even stronger demand and salary growth seen in technology-focused roles like information security. Given how central technology has become to financial reporting, auditing, and compliance, graduates often find that this specialization opens doors that a general accounting master's degree doesn't, particularly in industries where financial systems and cybersecurity intersect.

Is an Online Accounting Information Systems Master's Degree Respected by Employers?

Yes, especially when the degree comes from a regionally accredited school with AACSB or ACBSP business accreditation. Employers recognize the combined skill set as valuable, since it signals you can handle both the technical accounting work and the systems, controls, and security considerations that increasingly shape how that work gets done. This dual expertise is particularly well-regarded in public accounting, internal audit, and IT consulting roles.

Who Should Consider an Accounting Information Systems Master's Degree Program?

This degree suits accountants who want to specialize in a technical, in-demand niche without leaving the accounting profession entirely. It's a strong fit if you're interested in roles like IT auditor, systems accountant, or accounting information systems consultant, or if you want to meet the 150-credit CPA requirement while building skills that set you apart from candidates with a more general accounting background.

Do You Need a Background in Accounting or IT To Enroll?

It depends on the program. Many schools require an undergraduate accounting background or offer bridge coursework for students coming from other fields, but few require a technical IT background going in, since the technology coursework is built into the curriculum itself. Check each program's specific admission requirements, since they vary more than the coursework itself does.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

Graduates pursue roles like IT auditor, accounting systems analyst, information systems consultant, and internal auditor with a technology focus, often within public accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, or consulting practices. With experience, many move into senior roles like IT audit manager or director of accounting systems.

How Is This Degree Different From a General Accounting Master's Degree?

An accounting information systems master's degree layers coursework in IT auditing, cybersecurity, database management, and enterprise systems on top of core graduate accounting classes, while a general accounting master's degree typically stays focused on financial reporting, taxation, and auditing without the technical systems component. This makes the AIS specialization a better fit if you specifically want to work at the intersection of accounting and technology.

Discover Online Accounting Information Systems Master’s Degrees

Find your perfect accounting information systems degree by exploring the online master’s programs featured on Learn.org. Contact specific schools to find out more about program options, admissions, and financial aid.