If you are considering pursuing a master’s in accounting degree, you might be wondering, what can you do with it? A master’s in accounting is a graduate degree that helps you gain advanced skills in accounting, problem-solving, and decision-making. Also known as an MSA degree, it is for students and professionals who are either ready for a career change or ready to take the next career step in accounting. Therefore, if you have earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business including intermediate accounting courses, you may be a great fit for a master’s in accounting.
Learn more about the degree in “What Is a Master’s in Accounting?”
With accounting you are not limited to working for a certain type of organization. There are accountants in all types of organizations, for example, hospitals, state and federal government, corporations, small businesses, and CPA firms, to name a few.
Accounting is challenging, but that is what makes it fun — to solve problems to help any type of organization. Accounting has a lot of opportunity for upward mobility, because all organizations need accountants and need leaders of the organization to have strong accounting knowledge and skills.
– Cynthia Nye, Associate Professor of Accounting, Bellevue University
Common Career Paths for Master’s in Accounting Graduates
A master’s degree in accounting prepares graduates for advanced cost accounting, auditing, tax accounting, corporate tax and accounting, international accounting, or managing accounting information systems. With a master’s degree you are well prepared for mid- to senior level management positions, or to start your own accounting company. You may qualify for roles such as:
- Accounting Manager
- Chief Financial Officer
- Senior Accountant
- Controller
- Budget Director
- Certified Public Accountant *
Discover careers related to accounting that might best suit your personal goals by taking a career assessment through Bellevue University Career Services.
Industries That Value an MSA Degree
Many industries actively seek professionals with MSA and/or CPA credentials, recognizing their ability to drive strategic decision-making and business success. Some of the top industries include:
- Finance and Banking
- Healthcare
- Government
- Nonprofits
- Corporate Finance
- Small business
- Private CPA firms
- Consulting
- Forensics and criminal investigation
Skills You’ll Develop in an MSA Degree Program
An MSA is designed to equip students with advanced skills in accounting, problem-solving, and decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes:
- Strategic decision-making – learning to analyze business challenges and implement effective solutions.
- Developing strong written and oral communication skills.
- Evaluating ethical and professional accounting and organizational decisions.
- Advanced technical accounting and analytical skills.
The Bellevue University Master of Science in Accounting curriculum also focuses on real-world applications of accounting theories, helping students build strong technical knowledge, analytical thinking, and clear communication skills needed for middle or senior management positions. In addition to the advanced accounting skills, you will hone skills in:
- Cost accounting
- Auditing
- Tax
- International accounting
- Accounting Information systems and IT
By honing these skills, MSA graduates are well-prepared to influence business outcomes and drive organizational success. The Bellevue University program offers optional concentrations allowing students to specialize and expand their expertise in areas that complement accounting such as,
- Data analytics: A foundation of SAS programming for business analytics, data management and data mining.
- Finance: Become expert in advanced cash management, risk management and investment practices.
- Tax: Includes individual tax accounting, tax planning strategies, corporations, trusts and estate taxes.
Our program is always changing to include the most current principles and tech used in the accounting field. We make sure our students are grounded in theory, but can apply what they have learned to real-world situations. Our courses are very project oriented, so when our students graduate, they can hit the road running. Theory is necessary, but application is mandatory.
– Monica McElhaney, Associate Professor of Accounting, Bellevue University
Further Certifications and the CPA License
Beyond a master’s in accounting, professionals may choose to enhance their expertise with additional certifications, licenses or education, depending on their career goals. (Specific industry-recognized examinations and prerequisites may apply.)
Some popular certifications include:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) * – A Certified Public Accountant is a licensed professional. A CPA license is the accounting profession’s highest standard of competence.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) – Ideal for careers in financial planning and counseling. (You may also be interested in the Master’s in Financial Planning degree)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – Symbolizes a high level of proficiency, competency and integrity in accounting and finance.
- Certified Financial Manager – A certification that focuses on internal operations of any organization.
Why Get Licensed? The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license tells the public that an accountant has mastered the critical elements of the profession; it is a symbol of achievement and assurance of quality.
You are not required to have a master’s in accounting to take the CPA exam. However, master’s degree programs can provide you the knowledge and credit hours often required to earn your CPA certification. A master’s in accounting program can help you prepare for the CPA exam* which can lead to earning a CPA license. With a CPA license, you could earn a role at a CPA firm or apply your skills to open your own licensed and certified public accounting firm.
Each state has its own requirements to sit for the official CPA exam, so you must check the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) examining site for the state in which you wish to practice, but most states require 150 college credit hours, and a certain number of those must be in accounting and general business. Visit the following link for information on what steps are needed to sit for the CPA exam: https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/segmented-landing/getting-to-150/
* The Bellevue University Master of Science in Accounting degree is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
The Bellevue University Master of Science in Accounting allows students the opportunity to work toward the 150 hour requirement that is required in some states to sit for the CPA exam.
– Cynthia Nye, Assoc. Professor of Accounting at Bellevue University
Alternate Degree Paths and Continuing Education
For those seeking a broader business education or an alternative to a master’s degree in accounting, the Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) offers an additional concentration of 9-12 credit hours in advanced accounting, providing you with accounting courses beyond the general business degree.
The Master’s in Strategic Finance degree program provides the relevant and applicable knowledge needed to prepare for various certifications. You’ll develop financial decision-making skills for real-world issues like corporate finance and banking, investments, financial planning, risk analysis and management. A concentration in accounting is also available with the Master’s in Finance.
Continuing education in the form of courses or certificates and professional development helps you as a business or accounting graduate stay competitive and adapt to evolving industry trends. These for-credit courses can be counted toward a graduate degree in many cases. Bellevue offers graduate Certificates of Completion in Quantitative and Financial Analysis and in Taxes.
Discover Where a Master’s in Accounting Can Take You
Bellevue University believes the optimal method of building skills in accounting is to integrate hands-on, applied learning with theory, engaging students in heightened interaction within the learning environment. We provide students with elevated levels of engagement and content based on proven theory and innovative applications.
If you’re ready to elevate your career and expand your professional opportunities, pursuing a Master’s in Accounting degree could be the bold step you need to take to achieve your goals.
Related resources we think you’ll like.
What Is a Master’s in Accounting Degree?
Is a Master’s in Accounting Worth It?
How to Get a Master’s Degree: Qualifications & Requirements
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