Top 8 Part-Time Master's in Accounting Degrees 2025

Accountants work in almost every industry, from multinational corporations to small businesses. Holding a master's degree in accounting affords you management positions, higher salary potential, and greater opportunities in the job market. If you're a working professional interested in earning your master's in accounting part-time, read on to learn more.

Can You Earn a Master's in Accounting Degree Part-Time?

Yes, you can pursue your master's degree in accounting on a part-time basis. Pathways to earn a part-time master's in accounting include a Master of Science (MS) in accounting (also known as an MSA), a Master of Business (MBA) in accounting, and a Master of Accounting (MAcc). All of these graduate degrees provide advanced skills and knowledge in accounting; which route you take will depend on your professional goals.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Master's in Accounting Degree?

Master's degrees in accounting typically consist of about 30 credits. Some degree programs require more credits if students do not already hold a bachelor's degree in an accounting or finance background.

Full-time students can earn their master's in accounting degrees in roughly one year. Part-time students may take two or more years to complete their programs, depending on how many courses they choose to take per semester and whether they have any applicable transfer credits.

How Do Part-Time Master's in Accounting Programs Work?

Many online master's programs are designed for working professionals. Program structures vary according to different schools and degree specializations.

Some degree programs are entirely self-paced, which includes asynchronous coursework and flexible due dates. Other programs may offer synchronous, or live, classes in the evenings or weekends. Flexible scheduling allows working adults to continue their professional and personal commitments while studying.

Best Part-Time Accounting Master's Degree Programs

The schools listed here present a range of online master's programs that students may enroll in on a part-time basis. All are accredited institutions and offer financial aid opportunities to graduate students.

1. Colorado Christian University

Located in Lakewood, CO, Colorado Christian University (CCU) is a mid-sized private school with an online MS in accounting program. Students gain advanced knowledge in accounting research, auditing, accounting ethics, and tax accounting.

The 30-credit program is 100% online and consists of 10 courses. Courses are taken one at a time and are delivered in five- or seven-week blocks. Many students can work full-time and finish the master's program in 15 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $628 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) offers several master's degrees in accounting. Students may choose to enroll in LU's MBA in accounting program or earn their MS in accounting. MS students can choose from six degree specializations:

• audit and financial reporting
• business
• financial services
• forensic accounting
• leadership
• taxation

Students complete coursework entirely online. Courses are delivered in eight-week sessions and have multiple start dates. If you have eligible graduate-level credits, you can transfer up to 50% of your degree total.

• Estimated tuition cost: $645 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has an online MS in accounting program. The 30-credit program prepares students to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

Courses are conducted in 10-week sessions, and students enjoy 24/7 support services. Graduate students take courses covering advanced auditing, advanced topics in financial reporting, and business analytics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

4. The University of Arizona Global Campus

Students looking to earn their Master of Accountancy with an accounting specialization can enroll part-time at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC). UAGC's MAcc program prepares its graduates for roles in corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors.

The 48-credit MAcc program includes courses that cover general cost accounting, statistical concepts for research, and advanced federal taxation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $740 per credit hour
• Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)'s Gies College of Business is ranked third in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. UIUC's online Master of Science in Accounting (iMSA) is offered entirely online and allows students to customize their curriculum to fit their background and professional goals.

The iMSA program prepares graduates to sit for the CPA exam. Students can earn their master's degree in 18 months to five years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $875 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Connecticut

Located in Storrs, CT, the University of Connecticut (UConn) is a large public university that offers an online MSA. The 30-credit graduate program provides the accounting credit hours and educational requirements needed to earn a CPA license.

UConn's MSA program is conducted entirely online. Students take courses covering advanced assurance services, data analytics, and global financial reporting and analysis.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,125 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

7. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers its Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics program on campus and online. Online courses are conducted in both asynchronous and live formats; live classes are generally scheduled in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.

Online students typically complete the program in one to two years, depending on their enrollment status and course load.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,197 per semester
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina (UNC) is a large public school with an online master's in accounting program. The online program is designed to accommodate working adults; its curriculum is 30 to 48 credits, depending on your educational background.

Online students can take courses at their own pace. Most students complete the graduate program in 12 to 36 months. UNC's master's in accounting program has four start dates throughout the year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,446 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria to rank schools, from accreditation status to program reputation.

• Accreditation: All of our listed schools are regionally accredited institutions. Many programs feature additional accreditation from industry organizations.
• Program flexibility: Programs must allow students to take courses on a part-time basis and include flexible scheduling options, like asynchronous classes or evening/weekend classes.
• Program reputation: We consider accreditation, curriculum, experienced faculty, and any special awards or recognition when determining a program's reputation.

FAQs About Accounting Master's Part-Time Degrees

In this section, we answer questions related to master's degrees in accounting, including program cost, timeline, and career opportunities.

How Much Does a Part-Time Master's in Accounting Cost?

The cost of a master's degree in accounting ranges from roughly $19,000 to more than $66,000. Your total degree costs will vary according to your chosen school and degree program, your state residency, applicable transfer credits, and financial aid eligibility.

It's important to note that while some schools charge a flat rate per credit hour regardless of enrollment status, others charge slightly higher rates for part-time students.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Part-Time Master's in Accounting Degree?

You can work in various sectors once you've earned your master's in accounting. Accounting professionals work in large corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations. Job opportunities include:

• CPA
• auditor
• tax manager
• forensic accountant
• financial analyst

What Is the Shortest Accounting Master's Program?

Most accounting master's programs are about 30 credits. Full-time students can earn their master's degrees in as little as one year. Part-time students who have applicable transfer credits can pursue their degrees at schools with generous transfer policies, thereby expediting the degree process and completing their program in close to one year.

What Is the Cheapest Online Master's of Accounting Program?

Colorado Christian University, Liberty University, and Southern New Hampshire University offer some of the most affordable ways to earn your master's degree in accounting. If you have already earned graduate-level credits, you can transfer up to 50% of your degree total to Liberty University � this greatly reduces your total tuition costs.

Do Accounting Firms Pay for Your Master's?

Yes, many companies offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing advanced degrees in their fields. This financial assistance is either paid directly to the school or reimbursed. Most corporate programs require employees to stay with the company for a set time period after graduation.

Explore Flexible Online Master's Degrees

There are many pathways to earn your master's degree in accounting. Reach out to Learn.org's partner schools to learn more about online programs that support your lifestyle and goals.