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Best online master's in accounting 2022: Top picks
In an accounting master's program, students develop knowledge of economics, business, and accounting laws, along with advanced analytical skills. The increasingly globalized and complex business and financial landscape has created a strong demand for highly skilled financial professionals.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be 100,000 new accountant and auditor positions between 2020 and 2030, on top of the current rate of 135,000 annual openings. With an online master's degree, graduates can qualify for many accounting positions and industry certifications. Here, we rank the best accounting master's programs to help prospective students narrow their search.
Top 5 online schools for master's in accounting
College | Program stats | How much? |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC |
| Average annual net price: $12,352 Application fee: $95 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL |
| Average annual net price: $15,880 Application fee: $70 |
Coral Gables, FL |
| Average annual net price: $46,949 Application fee: $50 |
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Brownsville, TX |
| Total tuition for program: $14,167 Application fee: Free |
University Park, PA |
| Total tuition for program: $28,530 Application fee: $65 |
The best online master's in accounting degrees
To ensure our rankings reflect the most up-to-date information, we follow a strict research process. ZDNet's ranking methodology pulls publicly available data from reputable sources, giving readers an accurate list of the top schools and programs.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
About the program: UNC-Chapel Hill's online accounting master's program features 36-48 credits of training in financial reporting, auditing, and taxation.
- Acceptance rate: 23%
- Graduation rate: 91%
- Annual net price: $12,352
- Time to degree: One to three years
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Four
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
2. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
About the program: Illinois' 32-credit online accounting master's program includes training in analytics, federal taxation, and financial reporting and auditing.
- Acceptance rate: 59%
- Graduation rate: 86%
- Annual net price: $15,880
- Time to degree: 1 ½ to three years
- GRE/GMAT: Optional
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
3. University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida
About the program: UM's 32-credit master of science in finance offers courses in information systems and cost accounting and prepares graduates for various industry certifications.
- Acceptance rate: 27%
- Graduation rate: 83%
- Annual net price: $46,949
- Time to degree: 16-20 months
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
4. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Brownsville, Texas
About the program: UTRGV's 30-credit online accounting master's program offers training in subjects like business law, professional ethics, and accounting methods.
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Graduation rate: 52%
- Annual net price: $4,514
- Time to degree: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Online
5. Penn State World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
About the program: Penn State World Campus' 30-credit online accounting master's program features courses in tax planning, cost management, and commercial transactions.
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Graduation rate: 73%
- Annual net price: $27,372
- Time to degree: Two (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
6. University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
About the program: UofA's online accounting master's program features 30 credits in advanced accounting and federal taxation, along with focus areas in business analytics, finance, and marketing.
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Graduation rate: 63%
- Annual net price: $15,016
- Time to degree: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Six
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
7. University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
About the program: Mizzou's 30-credit online accounting master's program features courses in ethics, forensic accounting, and governmental accounting and budgeting.
- Acceptance rate: 81%
- Graduation rate: 68%
- Annual net price: $16,001
- Time to degree: One to three years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
8. George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
About the program: Mason's online accounting master's program features 30 credits in courses like fraud examination, professional accounting, and global accounting.
- Acceptance rate: 87%
- Graduation rate: 74%
- Annual net price: $21,048
- Time to degree: 11-24 months
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
9. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
About the program: UAB's online accounting master's program features 30-credits in courses, such as advanced auditing and attestation, accounting research, and governance and the business environment.
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation rate: 55%
- Annual net price: $16,953
- Time to degree: Two years (self-paced schedules are available)
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum 500 GMAT
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
10. Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia
About the program: Georgia Southern's 30-credit online accounting master's program offers courses in fraudulent financial reporting and law and ethics.
- Acceptance rate: 54%
- Graduation rate: 50%
- Annual net price: $15,536
- Time to degree: Two
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: NA
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
11. Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
About the program: ESU's 30-credit online accounting master's program offers training in corporate taxation, nonprofit accounting, and fraud examination.
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Graduation rate: 51%
- Annual net price: $14,822
- Time to degree: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Four
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
12. California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, California
About the program: Sacramento State's online accounting master's program covers topics in cost analysis and control, taxation of businesses, and business environments.
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- Graduation rate: 69%
- Annual net price: $9,979
- Time to degree: 1 ½
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum 30th percentile
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
13. Seton Hall University
South Orange, New Jersey
About the program: Seton Hall's 30-credit online accounting master's degree provides training in capital budgeting, international accounting, and financial statement analysis.
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation rate: 67%
- Annual net price: $29,845
- Time to degree: 18-20 months
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum 500 GMAT
- Minimum GPA: 3.25
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
14. Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah
About the program: SUU's 30-credit online accounting master's program includes training in taxes for passthrough entities, auditing, and accounting ethics.
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Graduation rate: 67%
- Annual net price: $29,845
- Time to degree: One to two years (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
15. Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York
About the program: Syracuse's online accounting master's program features 30-credits of training in international accounting, financial statement analysis, and business strategy.
- Acceptance rate: 44%
- Graduation rate: 82%
- Annual net price: $34,482
- Time to degree: 12-15 months
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Four
- Course delivery method: Synchronous
16. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, New York
About the program: SUNY Poly's online accounting master's degree offers 33-credit hours of training in fund accounting, advanced income tax research, and advanced auditing theory.
- Acceptance rate: 69%
- Graduation rate: 55%
- Annual net price: $13,809
- Time to degree: 1 ½ to three years
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum 400 GMAT
- Minimum GPA: Varies
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
17. DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
About the program: DePaul's online accounting master's program includes courses in cost and managerial accounting, business law, and policy formulation.
- Acceptance rate: 68%
- Graduation rate: 68%
- Annual net price: $30,090
- Time to degree: 1 ½ years (part-time schedules may be available)
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
18. University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
About the program: UMass Lowell's online accounting master's program offers training in nonprofit, public, and corporate accounting, along with focuses in business analytics, international business, and corporate leadership accounting.
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- Graduation rate: 57%
- Annual net price: $19,119
- Time to degree: One to two years (part-time schedules are available)
- GRE/GMAT: GMAT required (waivers available); minimum score not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
19. University of Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania
About the program: Scranton's online accounting master's program features at least 30 credits of training in accounting communication, ethics, and managerial accounting.
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Graduation rate: 77%
- Annual net price: $34,374
- Time to degree: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
20. Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
About the program: WGU's online accounting master's program includes courses in fraud and forensic accounting, strategic management, and management accounting.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 49%
- Annual net price: $9,805
- Time to degree: 1 ½ to three years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
21. Stetson University
DeLand, Florida
About the program: Stetson University's 30-credit online accounting master's program features courses in governmental and nonprofit accounting and advanced accounting theory, along with a data analytics track.
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- Graduation rate: 65%
- Annual net price: $23,568
- Time to degree: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
22. University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
About the program: USD's online accounting master's program offers training in finance and public accounting, along with a specialization in accounting analytics.
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Graduation rate: 52%
- Annual net price: $19,252
- Time to degree: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Eitherrequired (waivers available); minimum score not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 2.85
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
23. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, Minnesota
About the program: St. Mary's 30-credit online accounting master's program features courses in cost and information systems management, along with financial communication and leadership.
- Acceptance rate: 92%
- Graduation rate: 67%
- Annual net price: $19,514
- Time to degree: 20 months
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 2.75
- Enrollment periods per year: Two
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
24. Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
About the program: MC's online accounting master's program includes 30 semester hours of training in courses like auditing concepts and applications, advanced managerial accounting, and law and ethics in business environments.
- Acceptance rate: 42%
- Graduation rate: 55%
- Annual net price: $17,186
- Time to degree: Two (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)
- GRE/GMAT: GMAT required; waived for applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
25. Regis University
Denver, Colorado
About the program: Regis' online accounting master's program features 30 credits of courses in corporate finance, financial communication, and interpreting accounting information, along with specializations in forensic auditing and IT accounting.
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- Graduation rate: 57%
- Annual net price: $25,483
- Time to degree: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly required
- Enrollment periods per year: Six
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Insights from a master's in accounting graduate
Mike Jesowshek is a modern and innovative CPA on a mission to ensure small business owners pay the least amount in taxes as legally possible. An entrepreneur for his entire career, it has become his mission to help out businesses that are going through successes and struggles — this is how the Small Business Tax Savings Podcast was born. Mike's end goal is to help business owners in an area they are often not familiar with: accounting.
What career advantages did a master's in accounting open up for you? In what ways was it worth it?
In order to sit for the CPA exam, I had two main options: get a master's or get a double major. Since I was already dedicated to the accounting route, I thought that the master's option would be more rewarding. It allowed me to dig deeper into accounting, while also giving me the necessary credits to sit for the CPA exam.
Was there anything about earning an accounting master's that you didn't expect or anticipate?
One thing I didn't expect was the way that others look at a master's — adding that master's to your resume goes a long way. A master's doesn't only equate to additional and deeper learning on a subject — it also demonstrates your dedication to your career and profession.
What was the most challenging course you took during your master's in accounting degree program? What advice would you give to students who are about to start this course?
No doubt, tax was the most difficult course during my master's in accounting. With that being said, it's a major part of my career now and the deep dive into it opened me up to continue to learn more in this area. My advice would be to fight through it. It's tough and can turn you away from the profession, but also understand that as you get into practice, you often will get more specialized within the code. Therefore, full in-depth knowledge of everything will very unlikely ever be part of your job.
What to expect in an online master's in accounting degree program
In general, an online accounting master's program features intermediate and advanced financial accounting and taxation training for individuals, businesses, and corporations. Many degrees also include courses in business, economics, ethics, and communication. Classes require individual and group work, practical assignments, and advanced research.
Many accounting master's programs provide at least 150 clinical hours in preparation for postgraduate industry certifications, like the certified public accountant (CPA) credential. Some degrees offer specialization tracks as well, such as forensic accounting and financial management. Students in accounting programs typically possess analytical, math, and organizational skills, along with the self-motivation and proactiveness needed for online learning.
Master's in accounting courses
While the courses in an accounting master's program vary depending on the school, the following list highlights some of the most common courses in accounting offered at the master's level.
Financial Statement Analysis
This course teaches students how to interpret and analyze financial statements. Learners also look at the rules and impacts of financial statements and analysis, along with their applications and limitations.
Accounting Ethics
In this course, students learn about the rules, regulations, and ethical standards in place for accounting professionals. They explore some of the most common issues in the field and the professional codes of conduct.
Auditing and Assurance
Students in this course learn about the roles of auditors and assurance providers. They examine internal and external audits, risk assessments, and reporting guidelines for these processes.
Taxation
This course explores the taxation responsibilities in individual, business, corporate, and governmental accounting. Students examine tax laws and financial planning issues associated with taxation.
Accounting degree levels
The different accounting degree levels provide varying depths of training. Different degree levels influence what skills a student will develop and what careers they will be able to enter. An individual's level of education also impacts the types of certifications available after graduation.
Associate in accounting
- Length: One to two years
- Cost: $11,390 per year (on average)
- Post-grad careers: Bookkeeping clerks, financial clerks, and administrative assistants
At the associate degree level, accounting programs train students in the fundamentals and principles of business and accounting. Students learn how to read and analyze financial documents in various settings and for different purposes.
These degrees equip learners to pursue entry-level business and accounting careers, along with further education in those fields. The training usually combines classroom instruction and practical assignments and provides skills in payroll, financial analysis, banking, and record keeping.
Bachelor's in accounting
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $28,120 per year (on average)
- Post-grad careers: Accountants, auditors, and financial analysts
An online accounting degree at the bachelor's level equips learners with a solid foundation in business and accounting. The training prepares learners for many accounting careers and industry certifications, along with further training for aspiring accounting and business leaders.
Students develop skills in financial analysis, research, and taxation, along with the ability to perform these roles in different settings. Bachelor's programs usually combine independent study, classroom instruction, practical assignment, and applied learning.
Master's in accounting
- Length: One to two years
- Cost: $19,790 per year (on average)
- Post-grad careers: Budget analysts, financial examiners, and financial managers
An accounting master's degree delves into advanced concepts in business and financial management, teaching students to combine and apply their training from each of these fields. Learners develop leadership, advanced research, and analysis skills, and they learn to use various field techniques and technologies.
Many master's programs offer specialization options, such as cost accounting, international accounting, and forensic accounting. Students can also pursue accounting through an MBA concentration. Master's graduates qualify for most advanced accounting professions and certifications.
Doctorate in accounting
- Length: Four to six years
- Cost: $19,790 per year (on average)https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_330.50.asp
- Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teachers, financial managers, and management analysts
A doctorate in accounting focuses on advanced analysis of financial information and markets. Students also learn advanced research and teaching methods, gaining the ability to apply their research findings to develop hypotheses, further questions, and plan lessons.
At this level, the majority of work involves seminars, discussion groups, and independent research. Learners typically establish a research specialization, complete a comprehensive examination, and write a dissertation.
In conclusion
While students can find value in all types and levels of accounting training, an accounting master's degree qualifies graduates for some of the most desirable accounting positions and credentials. Prospective students can start their search on this page knowing the programs listed provide some of the best training in the country.