CSU Global’s accredited online Master's Degree in Professional Accounting requires the completion of 24 core degree credits and 6 emphasis credits.
Flexible Schedule
Like all courses at CSU Global, our Master’s in Professional Accounting students can work full time, spend time with family and friends, and still be part of a rigorous degree program.
100% Online
Our 100% online learning environment means you don’t have to put life on hold to pursue a degree, and with asynchronous classes, you can complete coursework from anywhere.
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Get CPA-Ready With our ACBSP-Accredited Online Master’s Degree in Accounting
Completing your Master’s in Professional Accounting will prepare you to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and become an effective leader in public accounting, corporations, government agencies, and other fields.Â
Our online Master’s in Professional Accounting program will train you to help reduce costs and improve profits for your clients, and our career-relevant courses will ensure you’re up to date on the latest changes to financial-related laws and regulations.
Getting your Master of Professional Accounting from CSU Global will prepare you for a career as a professional accountant, and help you prepare for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.Â
This graduate degree in accounting will prepare you to:
Prepare, analyze, and confirm the accuracy of tax documents.
Ensure taxes are paid properly and on time.Â
Organize and maintain financial records.
Identify ways to increase value, reduce costs, and improve the bottom line.
Completing our Master of Accountancy program will also enhance your leadership skills, teamwork skills, planning skills, and communication skills, all of which are needed to become an effective leader in public accounting, corporate accounting, nonprofit accounting, government accounting, and other related fields.
ACBSP Accreditation
CSU Global’s B.S. in Professional Accounting program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP), which means that the program provides a student-oriented approach to teaching, learning outcomes, and that it provides students with career-relevant, business-related skills that are sought out by employers.
Third-Party Licensure & Certification Pathways
In addition to the comprehensive knowledge that you’ll earn through a degree, industry certifications are an excellent way to demonstrate your proficiency in a specific area. As you complete your Master’s in Professional Accounting, you will be prepared to take several industry-recognized exams:
To sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in the United States, you typically need to fulfill certain qualifications, which may vary slightly depending on the state in which you plan to become licensed. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, you need approximately 30 additional hours of coursework, such as what you would complete during a Master's in Professional Accounting, as well as other educational requirements that vary by state. There is relevant work experience requirement for CPA licensure,which varies by state.Â
We recommend students consult their state’s Board of Accountancy for the most accurate and up-to-date information. See state CPA requirements here.
To sit for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam, you need to fulfill certain requirements set by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), including earning a bachelor’s degree. The CMA does not have specific work experience requirements to sit for the exam, however, there are additional employment requirements that you must meet within seven years of passing the exam in order to earn the CMA designation. See CMA requirements here.
NOTE: CSU Global’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting program is an Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Endorsed school. Our undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply for IMA scholarships which cover exam fees for first-time exam takers, an exam review course, and three years of IMA membership.
There are a number of requirements in order to prepare for the Chartered Global Management Accountant exam, but students must obtain a bachelor's degree in accounting and a minimum of three years of accounting experience or relevant work-based experience. See Chartered Global Management Accountant requirements here.
To prepare for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam, which is administered by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), it is recommended that you obtain a bachelor's degree, preferably in accounting, and have a minimum of two years of internal auditing experience or its equivalent. See Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) requirements here.
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To prepare for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam, students must obtain a bachelor's degree, preferably in accounting, and have a minimum of two years of fraud-related experience. See Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) requirements here.
The Financial Services Audit Certificate (FSAC) is a specialized certification offered by the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA). To sit for the FSAC exam, you must be an active member of the ACCA and have relevant experience in the financial services sector. Finally, you must complete a set of online learning modules determined by the ACCA. See Financial Services Audit Certificate requirements here.
To sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam, you need to fulfill certain qualifications determined by the CFA Institute, including earning a bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/work experience, a minimum of four years of professional work experience in a related field, and be a) enrolled in the CFA Program and b) be a member of the CFA Institute. We recommend students consult CFA Institute for the most accurate and up-to-date information. See CFA requirements here.
Courses in this Program
CSU Global’s accredited online Master of Professional Accounting Degree requires the completion of 24 credits of core coursework and 6 credits of emphasis coursework.
In addition to CSU Global’s institutional graduate admission standards, students seeking admission to the Master’s in Professional Accounting program must have an undergraduate degree with a major or concentration in accounting, which includes a minimum of 21 credit hours of upper-division accounting coursework. If this requirement is not met, students can seek admission with the program chair's approval as long as they meet one of the following conditions:
Student has at least 15 hours of upper-division accounting coursework and previous experience in accounting.
Student has a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) with 12 hours of accounting coursework and previous experience in accounting.
Provisionally admitted students must complete the above coursework within 12 months of starting and maintain a 3.0 GPA without receiving a grade lower than a C in any coursework.
The prerequisite coursework is designed to prepare students for the program. Students seeking to become CPAs may need to take additional courses to meet state requirements. Other courses may need to be taken to comply with the prerequisites of some electives.
* Master’s Plus - Some Master of Professional Accounting students may also be required to take BUS500 and/or RES501 as part of their coursework if they have an undergraduate GPA below 3.00/do not earn an accredited ACBSP-degree in business courses and/or accounting, finance, or business statistics. In this case, the degree is 33 credits.
** Students who do not have a previous degree from an an ACBSP-accredited program must complete BUS500 before completing other program requirements. Once the undergraduate program evaluation is completed, students whose prior degree does not meet the requirements will complete BUS500, rather than RES500 or RES501. Provisionally admitted students whose undergraduate degree meets the requirements will complete RES500 or RES501, rather than BUS500.
The Data Analytics Emphasis is designed for those who want to acquire advanced analytical skills in addition to having in-depth accounting knowledge. Using various data analytics tools, students learn how to collect and categorize voluminous data as well as how to analyze and prioritize relevant data to make them useful for decision-making.
Data Analytics is a skill that can apply to many facets of accounting including taxation, auditing, consulting, and risk management. Hence, it is important for accountants who work or plan to work in these areas to know how to undertake and analyze data analytics-related activities. Students in the Master of Professional Accounting who select this emphasis with be equipped with such versatile and valuable skills by the end of their coursework. Students declaring Data Analytics Emphasis should have prior coursework and/or experience in statistics and basic programming.
Courses in the Data Analytics emphasis include:
MIS510: Data Mining and Visualization
MIS542: Business Analytics
Fraud Investigations & Forensic Accounting
Increased occurrences and awareness of fraudulent activities have resulted in increased demand for fraud investigators and forensic accountants. Forensic accounting extends beyond uncovering and investigating fraud. Forensic accountants utilize their accounting skills to provide investigative, litigation, and valuation support in cases involving financial statement fraud, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy and insolvency, and divorce. Consequently, forensic accountants can work in public accounting, consulting, and forensic accounting service firms. Forensic accountants can also provide expert services to lawyers, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, governmental entities, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions.
Students who select this emphasis may be interested in obtaining the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation. CSU Global does not provide or prepare students for the CFE designation.
Courses in the Fraud Investigations & Forensic Emphasis include:
ACT557: Advanced Fraud Investigations and Forensic Accounting
ACT558: Fraud and Forensic Accounting Data Analysis
Auditing & Assurance
Auditing and assurance service is a vital accounting niche. Auditors play important roles in the financial reporting process. Audit and assurance service informs users by painting a true picture of where an organization’s financial information stands, providing relevant insights about financial and non-financial information, changes that are needed as well as how the changes happen so users can make sound decisions. The emphasis is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in internal audit, assurance services, and information technology auditing. Students will learn how to evaluate internal controls and best practices in auditing using computer-based accounting systems.
Students who select this emphasis can further benefit by obtaining the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor(CISA) designation. CSUGlobal does not provide or prepare students for the CIA or CISA designation.
Courses in the Auditing & Assurance Emphasis include:
ACT576: Internal Auditing
ACT577: Advanced Information System Audit
Taxation Emphasis
The taxation emphasis builds on students’ previous conceptual understanding of taxation, awareness of tax professionals’ responsibilities, technical competence as tax professionals, and understanding of tax laws and policies. Students will also learn tax research tools and policies.
Tax professionals are in demand in public accounting, corporations, and governmental entities. Students who select this emphasis can further benefit by earning the Enrolled Agent designation. CSU Global does not provide or prepare students for the Enrolled Agent Designation.
Courses in the Taxation Emphasis include:
ACT550: Advanced Income Taxation
ACT551: Advanced Tax Policy and Research
Professional Accounting
This emphasis is designed for students who want to take diverse courses for career growth or for meeting the education requirements of the CPA and other professional licenses examinations. In addition to the eight required core courses, students can select two courses from the following list.
Courses in the Professional Accounting Emphasis include:
ACT558: Fraud and Forensic Accounting Data Analysis
ACT595: Accounting Internship*
FIN520: Financial Reporting and Analysis
FIN530: Corporate Finance
MGT510: Strategy Planning
*ACT595 is an optional course that will provide students with practical experience in accounting. This course may not be available in all states; see the State Specific Authorization Policy under Admissions Policies.
Learning Outcomes
CSU Global’s online Accounting Master’s Degree will train you to develop accounting strategies required for solving complex organizational problems. After successfully completing our online M.S. in Professional Accounting, you’ll be equipped to:
Develop accounting strategies to solve organizational problems and improve performance.
Evaluate and manage ethical and legal conflicts or issues.
Adapt accounting methods and practices to meet the needs of employees and leaders within an organization.
Analyze and apply economic and financial concepts, principles, and theories to problems and opportunities.
Examine the principles and impacts of accounting standards (domestic and international) on accounting transactions.
You’ll also learn how to apply qualitative and quantitative analyses in decision-making, ensuring you’re ready to bring value to organizations from day one. Finally, CSU Global’s accounting students receive discounted access to the Wiley CPAexcel® Gold Course.
Affordable Tuition
As a not-for-profit public university, our goal at CSU Global is to make your online tuition cost as affordable as possible. We offer low-cost online degree tuition rates without taking anything away from the quality of the education you receive. We also lock in that low tuition rate with our tuition guarantee, and we provide additional discounted tuition rates for members of the armed forces and employees of our corporate affiliate partners.
Getting your Master’s Degree in Accounting may help you climb the career ladder, making you eligible for better, more leadership-oriented accounting roles at organizations of all types, including private companies, public corporations, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal government agencies.
Accounting Master’s programs prepare you for a successful career as a professional accountant, and they also prepare you to take the Certified Public Accountant exam (CPA), which provides an excellent opportunity to increase your value to organizations and marketability with hiring managers.
If you want to be on the cutting edge of fiscal management, analysis, and advising, and you would like to play a vital role in helping both clients and organizations run more efficiently and effectively, then getting your accounting master’s degree is an excellent idea.
Whether you already have experience in accounting, or you’re looking to enhance your resume to improve the chances of landing a more senior role in the field, getting your M.S. in Accounting may be an excellent way to advance your career.
Getting a Master’s Degree in Accounting will prepare you for a variety of accounting-related tasks, ensuring you’ll bring value to any organization from day one.
The courses you complete will provide you with all the skills and abilities needed to take on the daily job duties required of professionals accountants, ensuring you’re prepared to:Â
Design and executive accounting strategies to solve complex organizational problems and improve performance.
Evaluate and manage ethical and legal conflicts or issues related to organizational finances.
Adapt accounting methods and practices to meet unique organizational needs.Â
Identify ways to increase value, reduce costs, and improve a client’s, or organization’s bottom line.
Master’s courses in Accounting will hone your skills and abilities for utilizing accounting methods and practices, economic and financial concepts, principles and theories to make better decisions about managing individual and organizational finances.
Completing your Accounting Master’s Degree online will improve your eligibility for landing a variety of important financial advisory and leadership roles, as the skills and knowledge you develop will ensure you’re prepared for top accounting job titles, like:
Accountants & Auditors / 2019 Median Pay: $71,550
Financial Managers / 2019 Median Pay: $129,890
Top Executives / 2019 Median Pay: $104,690
Operations Research Analysts / 2019 Median Pay: $84,810
Budget Analysts / 2019 Median Pay: $76,540
Yes. CSU Global’s online Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission—which has the highest accreditation standards and is only awarded following an investigation by independent, external auditors.
Regional accreditation ensures that CSU Global keeps its promises to students, including promises like:
Ensuring that the degree prepares students for relevant careers in the field.
Providing financial and other assistance to students who want it.
Employing faculty members who are adequately qualified to teach their courses.
Using ethical strategies to attract prospective students.
Our accredited online Accounting program was designed to help you juggle education, work, and family responsibilities, with no requirements for showing up at set times or physical locations, monthly class starts, and accelerated eight-week courses.
Yes. Completing a Master’s Program in Accounting is a valuable investment in your career, and could play a significant role in helping contribute to your overall career advancement.
Whether you want to work for a private company, public corporation, nonprofit organization, federal, state, or local government agency, the accounting skills you hone in our M.S. in Professional Accounting program will prepare you to take charge of fiscal management, analysis, and advising for clients or organizations.
With our program’s emphasis on leadership, teamwork, planning, and communication skills, you’ll graduate prepared to take on a leadership role in the field.
CSU Global’s online Accounting Master’s program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
We are also considered one of the best accounting graduate schools, with our program having recently earned several awards, including:
A #1 ranking for Best Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs by Intelligent.
A #1 ranking for Best Master’s in Forensic Accounting by Best Masters Programs.
Career Outlook
17% Growth
Employment of Financial Manager is projected to grow 17 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
$131k+ Median Salary
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for Financial Managers in 2021 was over $131k.
Common Job Titles
The top three titles as reported by CSU Global’s Master’s Degree in Accounting include: Accountant/Auditor, Financial Manager and BookkeeperÂ
Program Accreditations and Rankings
CSU Global is proud to offer affordable, reputable programs that have received recognition for their quality, value, and more. Click here to learn more about our rankings and acknowledgments.
Top 50 Master's in Accounting Programs
Intelligent ranked CSU Global #1 on its list of Top 50 Master's in Accounting Programs for 2021.
Top 25 Best Value Online Master's in Accounting
Value Colleges ranked CSU Global #12 on its list of Top 25 Best Value Online Master's in Accounting for 2022.
Best No GRE Master’s Degrees for 2020
CSU Global was ranked #2 on Best Master's Programs’ Top No GRE Master's Programs list.
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Institutional Accreditation
Institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) means your degree comes from a top-quality, trusted university.
"A lot of the master's programs that had initially accepted me were not willing to work around my schedule. CSU Global gave me the opportunity to achieve my master's while working full time and challenging me educationally. This enables me to obtain my CPA with the required amount of units while having pushed me to my full capabilities in my work/home life."
