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Best Master’s in Accounting Online: Students Before Profits Award

Online degree programs have many benefits over their on-campus counterparts. One of the biggest benefits of pursuing an online degree is how much cheaper tuition is for online programs. Students can save large amounts of money by choosing to pursue a degree online. By enrolling in an online Master’s in Accounting degree, students can continue to pursue their accounting education while controlling costs. Online degrees also allow a greater deal of flexibility in scheduling and location of enrollment.

For those who want to further their knowledge of accounting principles and concepts through an online accounting degree program, we have compiled a list of our top online Master’s in Accounting degrees. These programs have been selected and ranked based upon tuition cost, the number of credits required for completion, and relative quality of the program.

Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.

#1. California State University – Sacramento

Online Master of Science in Accountancy

Sacramento, California

Online Master of Science in Accountancy

Through the pursuit of this online Master of Accounting degree at California State University – Sacramento, students will build on the fundamentals gained in a Bachelor’s of Accounting degree. They will work to expand their skills to be more effective in corporate accounting, income tax accounting, public accounting, and more. This program of study does count towards the 150 credit hour requirement for CPA licensure. To complete this program, students must earn a total of 30 credit hours. California State University – Sacramento does allow students to transfer credits into this program. The International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business has provided accreditation for the degree.

Tuition: $8,100

Score: 100

#2. Southern Utah University

Online Master of Accountancy

Cedar City, Utah

Offered entirely online, this Online Master of Accountancy degree is offered by Southern Utah University. The program is offered through the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business, which has been providing business education for over 25 years. To be admitted into this program, students must have earned a GPA of 3.0 or greater during their undergraduate studies. Through the course of this program, students will learn how to use quantitative analysis and new information technologies to make better accounting decisions. This program has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Southern Utah University does accept transfer credits.

Tuition: $10,164

Score: 99

#3. Emporia State University

Online Master of Accountancy

Emporia, Kansas

Designed to be completed in as little as 12 months, Emporia State University offers its students an online Master of Accountancy degree. This online accounting master’s is delivered in an accelerated format with courses that take 7 weeks to complete. Emporia State University has created this program to be compliant with rules that allow it to count towards the 150 credit hour requirement for the CPA exam. Students will learn more advanced accounting skills such as the formation and dissolution of C and S corporations. The program has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. A total of 30 credit hours are needed for completion.

Tuition: $10,500

Score: 98.5

#4. Boise State University

Online Master of Science in Accountancy

Boise, Idaho

Boise State University offers an Online Master of Science in Accountancy degree to its students. Preparing students for careers as tax managers, accountants, financial analysts, and more, this online Master’s of Accounting degree can be completed in as little as 22 months. Boise State University has based this online degree program on the same program they provide to students on campus. A major emphasis of this program’s curriculum is on preparation for the CPA examination. To be admitted into this program of study, students must have earned a 3.0 GPA or greater in their undergraduate career. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete the degree. This program has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Tuition: $13,500

Score: 98

#5. University of South Dakota

Online Master of Professional Accountancy

Vermillion, South Dakota

This Online Master of Professional Accountancy degree has been designed to help students gain specialized training in accounting and other related fields. Building upon the basics learned through a Bachelor’s in Accounting degree, this online accounting master’s can help students take the next step in their accounting career. This program of study counts towards the 150 credit hour requirement for the CPA exam. The primary objectives of this program are to develop students’ abilities in accounting and to develop their professional competence. Students must meet a set of criteria to be admitted into the program, including three letters of recommendation. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this degree.

Tuition: $13,500

Score: 97.5

#6. Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Clarion, Pennsylvania

Students at Clarion University of Pennsylvania are able to enroll in the school’s Online Master of Science in Accounting degree. This online accounting master’s is designed to take students one step further in their accounting education. Building upon the skills earned through an undergraduate education in accounting, Clarion University of Pennsylvania’s program teaches students how to leverage new technologies in the application of accounting principles. Students in this program of study will take courses including Database Management Systems, Federal Tax Research, Public Accounting and much more. To complete the program, students must earn a total of 30 credits.

Tuition: $13,830

Score: 97

#7. Texas A&M University

Online Master of Science in Accounting

College Station, Texas

This online Master of Science in Accounting degree is offered to students entirely online by Texas A&M University. Students pursuing will learn about topics ranging from tax accounting, international accounting, audits, business ethics, and much more. This program of study is also eligible to be counted towards the 150 credit hour requirement for the CPA exam. To complete the program, students must earn a total of 38 credit hours. A total of 42 credit hours are needed for students without any prior undergraduate education in accounting. Texas A&M University has received accreditation for their online Master of Accounting from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Tuition: $14,054

Score: 96.5

#8. Wilmington University

Online Master of Science in Accounting

New Castle, Delaware

For students seeking to prepare for the CPA exam, Wilmington University offers an online Master of Science in Accounting degree. This online Master of Accounting can be completed quickly and provides students with preparation for the CPA, CMA, CIA, and CFE exam. Wilmington University offers starting dates for the program every eight weeks. This program is also designed to count towards the 150 credit hour requirement for the CPA exam. Through the pursuit of this degree, students will expand their knowledge beyond their undergraduate accounting education to learn more advanced accounting concepts. Courses in this program include Financial Accounting Theory, Financial Management, Fraud Prevention, and much more. A total of 30 credits are required to complete this program of study.

Tuition: $14,310

Score: 96

#9. Colorado State University

Online Master of Professional Accountancy

Fort Collins, Colorado

Offered through Colorado State University’s Global Campus, this Master of Professional Accountancy can be completed entirely online. Students in this online Master of Accounting degree will participate in a curriculum that is designed to help prepare students to pass the CPA licensure examination. Students will learn how to use accounting skills to solve organizational problems. They will also work to understand the methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis in order to help businesses make educated financial decisions. Colorado State University has earned institution-wide accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission as well as accreditation for this specific program from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs. A total of 30 credits are required for the completion of this program.

Tuition: $15,000

Score: 95.5

#10. Western Governors University

Online Master of Accounting

Salt Lake City, Utah

Known for its online education platform, Western Governors University offers students an online Master of Accounting degree. Through this program of study, students will learn about a variety of topics including banking laws, tax structures, government regulations, and much more. Western Governors University has designed this program to be completed in as little as one year. A total of 10 courses are required to complete the degree, totaling 30 credit hours. This program does count towards the 150 credit hours required for the CPA licensing exam. Western Governors University has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs for this online accounting master’s.

Tuition: $15,780

Score: 95

#11. Georgia Southern University

Online Master of Accounting

Statesboro, Georgia

Students at Georgia Southern University can enroll in the school’s online Master of Accounting degree. Designed as a two-year program, students will work through two courses in the spring and fall, and one course in the summer. Georgia Southern University has modeled this online degree program after its very successful on-campus program. Students will expand their accounting knowledge to learn more advanced accounting and finance concepts. Georgia Southern University has earned accreditation for their Online Master of Accounting degree from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. A total of 30 credit hours are required to complete this program of study.

Tuition: $15,810

Score: 94.5

#12. University of Alabama at Birmingham

Online Master of Accounting

Birmingham, Alabama

The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers students an Online Master of Accounting degree. By enrolling in this program, students will gain access to the same curriculum offered on campus at the Collat School of Business. Offered entirely online, the University of Alabama at Birmingham helps students develop their expertise in accounting and finance. Able to be pursued in bite-sized chunks, this online Master of Accounting degree is designed for those already working in the accounting field who are hoping to advance their career. This program has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. In order to complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 30 credit hours.

Tuition: $16,020

Score: 94

#13. Saint Leo University

Master of Accounting Online

St. Leo, Florida

Furthering the study of accounting principles, Saint Leo University offers an online Master of Accounting degree. Designed for students who want to expand their accounting knowledge, students in this program will learn how to analyze financial statements, the different aspects of financial reporting, and the various intricacies and details of tax laws. This program of study is also designed to prepare students for their CPA, CMA, and CFE licensing exams. Students can also apply these credits towards the 150 credits needed for CPA licensing. To complete this program, students must earn a total of 30 credits. Those who have completed this degree have found careers as auditors, financial analysts, forensic accountants, and more.

Tuition: $16,650

Score: 93.5

#14. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Lowell, Massachusetts

This Online Master of Science in Accounting degree is offered to students by the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Through this program of study, students will build upon their undergraduate accounting educations to pursue a greater understanding of the more intricate aspects of accounting. Offered entirely online, students will learn about topics such as Globalization, Forensic Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Advanced Auditing. Courses in this degree include Financial Accounting Theory, Advanced Cost Management, and Fraud Examination. This program has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. A total of 30 credits are required to complete this program of study.

Tuition: $17,250

Score: 93

#15. Liberty University

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Lynchburg, Virginia

Students at Liberty University can enroll in the school’s online Master of Science in Accounting degree. Designed to be completed in under two years, Liberty University offers this program in an accelerated format. Courses are delivered to students in eight-week intervals. The courses are not live, which allows students to take them at a pace they see fit. Students must have earned a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate degree to be considered for admission to this program. A total of 30 credit hours are required to complete this degree. Those who have graduated this program have gone on to careers as finance managers, audit accountants, and more. This degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Tuition: $18,450

Score: 92.5

#16. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Online Master of Science in Accountancy

Winona, Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers its students an Online Master of Science in Accountancy degree. This online accounting master’s is designed to bolster students’ financial knowledge while also building their understandings of business and human management skills. This program has been designed with the help of CPAs and CFOs in order to ensure that it contains valuable information for those interested in entering this field of work. Students can complete study in as little as 20 months. In order to graduate, students must earn a total of 30 credit hours. These credit hours are accepted towards the 150 credit hour total required for the CPA licensure exam. This program has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition: $18,750

Score: 92

#17. Plymouth State University

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Plymouth, New Hampshire

This online Master of Science in Accounting degree is offered to students by Plymouth State University. Students at this school can choose to enroll in a program designed to help further the skills and understanding needed to become accounting professionals. A major component of the curriculum in this program is focused on preparing students for professional exams for CPA and CMA licensing. Courses in this program include Financial Analysis, Accounting for Managers, Economic Analysis, and much more. A total of 30 credit hours are required to complete this program of study. Plymouth State University has received accreditation for this program from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Tuition: $19,290

Score: 91.5

#18. Grand Canyon University

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Phoenix, Arizona

An accelerated online program, the online Master of Science in Accounting degree at Grand Canyon University is designed to be completed quickly. Building off the skills gained in a Bachelor’s of Accounting program, this online accounting master’s helps students develop the critical skills needed to succeed in accounting. Students will learn about a litany of financial and accounting topics. Courses in this program include Advanced Audit, Financial Research & Compliance, Advanced Managerial & Cost Accounting, and more. These courses can be completed in eight weeks. A total of 35 credits are required for completion. Grand Canyon University accepts up to 12 transfer credits.

Tuition: $19,550

Score: 91

#19. Franklin University

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Columbus, Ohio

Students who are interested in pursuing an online Master of Political Science degree should consider enrolling in the Master of Science in International Policy Management degree at Kennesaw State University. Through this program of study, students will learn how to read and assess political risk and make informed decisions on the international stage. Kennesaw State University offers this program in a cohort-based format, meaning that students will work with other students online to complete their class work and have class discussions. Using their online collaborative environment, students will be able to have an online experience that is closer to the one found on campus. To complete their degree, students must finish 33 total credits. Typically this program can be completed in about 20 months.

Tuition: $20,100

Score: 90.5

#20. Bellevue University

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Bellevue, Nebraska

Bellevue University offers students an online Master of Science in Accounting degree. Students will build upon the knowledge learned in their undergraduate studies. Diving further into the competencies and practices that make up an accounting degree, students will learn about topics including financial accounting and management control systems. Bellevue University has designed this program to be completed in 17 months. To be eligible for admission, Bellevue requires a GPA of 2.75 or greater. A total of 30 credit hours are required for the completion, and students are able to customize their degree through the selection of 16 different credit hours of electives.

Tuition: $20,700

Score: 90

#21. Southern New Hampshire University

Online Master of Science in Accounting & Finance

Manchester, New Hampshire

Known for its online degree programs, Southern New Hampshire University offers students an online Master of Science in Accounting & Finance degree. This program of study has been designed from the ground up for students who want to take their accounting knowledge to the next level. Able to be completed in as little as 15 months, this online accounting master’s is offered in a variety of different concentrations including an Auditing concentration, Forensic Accounting concentration, Management Accounting concentration, and a Taxation concentration. To complete this program, students must earn a total of 36 credit hours. Southern New Hampshire University has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Tuition: $22,572

Score: 89.5

#22. University of Maryland-University College

Online Master of Science in Accounting & Financial Management

Adelphi, Maryland

Designed entirely for online consumption, this online Master of Science in Accounting & Financial Management degree is offered by the University of Maryland University College. Students who are interested in taking their career to the next level and moving into more senior-level roles in an organization should consider this degree. Designed to prepare students for chief financial officer positions, this program of study covers more advanced accounting concepts while reinforcing management and business skills. Courses in the program include Financial Accounting, Auditing, Behavioral Finance, and more. A total of 36 credit hours are required to earn the degree. This program is also designed to help students receive their CPA license.

Tuition: $23,724

Score: 89

#23. Thomas Edison State University

Online Master of Science in Management / Accounting

Trenton, New Jersey

Thomas Edison State University offers its students an online Master of Science in Management / Accounting degree. This online Master of Accounting degree is built upon the foundational knowledge gained through a Bachelor’s in Accounting degree. Students will examine the principles of financial accounting as well as other accounting and finance subjects including stock market transactions, investigative fraud techniques, and much more. They will also learn how to analyze financial data to help companies and businesses make educated and savvy decisions. Courses in this program include Advanced Accounting, Accounting Theory, and Principles of Forensic Accounting. A total of 36 credit hours are required for the completion of this degree program.

Tuition: $24,048

Score: 88.5

#24. University of Connecticut

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Mansfield, Connecticut

This online Master of Science in Accounting degree is made available to students by the University of Connecticut. Through this program of study, students will gain access to a curriculum that has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and recognized by the United States Distance Learning Association. The University of Connecticut has also designed this program so that it is compliant with the requirements needed to make the credits earned in this program count towards the 150 credit hour total required for CPA licensure. Students are able to complete this program quickly depending on the course load they choose to take each semester. A total of 30 credit hours are required for completion.

Tuition: $25,500

Score: 88

#25. Auburn University

Online Master of Accountancy

Auburn, Alabama

Auburn University offers students an online Master of Accountancy degree. This online accounting master’s is designed for students who want to begin a career as a CPA or who want to take their career in accounting to the next level. Auburn University mirrors their online curriculum to their on-campus curriculum to ensure that no matter the delivery format, students are receiving the same quality education. Students will build the competencies needed for accounting while learning related skills in communication and research. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International has provided Auburn University with accreditation for this program. A total of 30 credits are required to complete this program of study.

Tuition: $25,250

Score: 87.5

#26. National University

Online Master of Accountancy

La Jolla, California

Online Master of Accountancy

Students at National University are able to enroll in an online Master of Accountancy degree. Known for the quality of their online degree programs, this online accounting master’s has been designed from the ground up to be taken online. National University puts a major emphasis of this program’s curriculum on preparation for a variety of professional exams including the CPA, CMA, and CIA licensing exams. Through the pursuit of this program, students will further examine the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as they learn how they compare to the international standards. Courses in this program include Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, and Auditing Principles. A total of 63 quarter units are required to earn this degree.

Tuition: $27,090

Score: 87

#27. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Online Master of Science in Accountancy

Champaign County, Illinois

This online Master of Science in Accountancy degree is offered online by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Students in this program of study will work to expand their knowledge of accounting practices as they work to advance their careers into senior-level accounting positions. Using the Coursera platform, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s online program leverages the latest in online education technologies to provide one of the best online education experiences. After completing this program, students will know even more about financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and much more. A total of 32 credit hours are required to complete this program. This program has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition: $27,200

Score: 86.5

#28. University of Arizona

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Tucson, Arizona

Offering a large selection of online degree programs, the University of Arizona offers students an online Master of Science in Accounting degree. This program of study has been designed for students who are currently working professionals. Building in flexibility into its program, the University of Arizona wants to ensure that students can pursue this degree in a manner that works for their current schedule. This program of study places a large focus on preparation for the CPA licensing exam, and the credits earned through the pursuit of this degree can be applied to the 150 credit hour total needed for licensing. A total of 30 credits are required to complete this degree program. Students can complete in as little as 12 months.

Tuition: $30,000

Score: 86

#29. University of Cincinnati

Online Master of Science in Taxation

Cincinnati, Ohio

Online Master of Science in Taxation

Designed to be completed in as little as 24 months, the University of Cincinnati wants its students to earn this online Master of Science in Taxation degree as quickly as possible. Offered entirely online, students in this program of study will gain a greater understanding of tax laws and accounting methods as they pertain to the preparation of paying for taxes. Upon completion of this program of study, students will be prepared for careers as tax professionals for businesses of all sizes. Courses in this program are 7 weeks long, which provides students a greater deal of flexibility over their education. A total of 30 credit hours are required for the completion of the degree. This program has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition: $30,150

Score: 85.5

#30. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Online Master of Science in Accountancy

Utica, New York

Offered to both full-time and part-time students, this online Master of Science in Accountancy degree is made available by SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Students in this program of study will build upon the foundational knowledge gained during an undergraduate program in accounting. Furthering their knowledge of accounting principles, students in this program will also learn management skills needed for senior-level positions in finance and accounting. Courses in this program include Advanced Income Tax Research, Fund Accounting, and Advanced Auditing Theory. SUNY Polytechnic Institute has received accreditation for this program from The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. A total of 33 credit are needed to complete this degree program.

Tuition: $31,152

Score: 85

#31. Golden Gate University

Online Master of Accountancy

San Francisco, California

Students at Golden Gate University are able to enroll in an online Master of Accountancy degree. Golden Gate University has designed this program for both students who are currently employed in the field of accounting as well as those who want to switch their careers into accounting. This program of study is offered entirely online and is identical to the curriculum offered to students on campus. Through the pursuit of this program, students at Golden Gate University will work to prepare for the CPA licensing exam as they earn credits that can be applied towards the 150-credit requirement for the test. Students are able to complete this entire program in as little as 12 months. Golden Gate University has received accreditation for this program from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. A total of 30 credit hours are required for the completion of this degree.

Tuition: $31,500

Score: 84.5

#32. Benedictine University

Online Master of Science in Accountancy

Lisle, Illinois

Online Master of Science in Accountancy

Offered through Benedictine University’s online education platform, this online accounting master’s has been designed from the ground up for online students. Students in this program of study will be following a curriculum that was created to prepare students for the CPA licensing exam. While following this curriculum, students will also develop a series of soft skills including communication, leadership, and management skills that are also integral to success in the field of accounting and finance. Courses in this program of study include Financial Accounting, Corporate Accounting Theory & Practice, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are required for the completion of this degree. Benedictine University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Tuition: $32,700

Score: 84

#33. University of Akron

Online Master of Taxation

Akron, Ohio

Online Master of Taxation

Students interested in advancing their accounting careers by focusing on taxation and tax laws should consider this online Master of Taxation degree offered by the University of Akron. Offered entirely online, students can pursue this degree that will help them gain a deeper understanding of the tax structure and tax laws within the United States. They will work to gain an understanding of the different tax laws that govern different states as well as how to help people and companies in the process of tax preparation. The University of Akron also offers this program in an Accelerated BS/Master of Taxation format that takes students all the way from an undergraduate program to a full master’s degree while also providing the 150 credit hours needed for a CPA license. A total of 30-36 credit hours are required for the completion of this degree program.

Tuition: $34,060

Score: 83.5

#34. Rutgers University

Online Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Rutgers University offers this Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting degree to students entirely online. This program is made available through Rutgers’ Business School. Students in this online accounting master’s will advance their accounting knowledge to prepare for careers in government as well as in the private sector. This curriculum focuses on governmental financial management, auditing practices, and advanced accounting procedures. Rutgers University does not require students to have taken the GMAT to enroll. A total of 30 credit hours are required for the completion of this degree. Students can also choose to earn a dual degree with a Master of Public Administration.

Tuition: $37,680

Score: 83

#35. Seton Hall University

Online Master of Science in Professional Accounting

South Orange, New Jersey

This online Master of Science in Professional Accounting degree is offered to students at Seton Hall University. Through the pursuit of this online degree, students will work through a curriculum designed to advance understanding of accounting principles in preparation for the CPA exam. Credits earned through this program can be applied towards the 150 credits needed for CPA licensing. Seton Hall University has designed this course of study to be completed in as little as 18 months. A total of 30 credit hours are required for the completion of this degree. Courses in this program include Financial Reporting, Cost Accounting, and Auditing Standards and Problems. This program has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Tuition: $38,370

Score: 82

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This concludes our ranking of the Top 35 Online Master’s in Accounting degree programs.