What Is a Master's in Accounting Degree?

Understanding the Degree

A Master of Science in Accounting degree (MSA) is for students and professionals who are either ready for a career change or ready to take the next career step in accounting. If you have earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business including intermediate accounting courses, you may be a great fit for this program. An MSA will develop a student’s accounting and problem-solving skills in more advanced accounting topics, develop technical accounting knowledge, and strong analytical skills with a focus on the application of this knowledge in real-world situations. You may also have the option to focus on finance, taxes or data analytics found in Bellevue University’s Accounting concentrations.

Accounting is commonly referred to as the ‘language of business.’ All areas of a business need to understand the basics of accounting, since accounting is used in all operations of an organization. Students will be able to pick from different areas of accounting to pursue a career, such as tax, auditing and governmental accounting. Accounting is challenging, but that is what makes it fun - to solve problems to help any type of organization.

– Cynthia Nye, Assoc. Professor of Accounting at Bellevue University

What You’ll Learn in a Master’s in Accounting Program: Core Curriculum

What will you learn? A master’s in accounting is a graduate degree that helps you gain advanced skills in accounting, problem-solving, and decision-making. The master's of accounting curriculum focuses on real-world applications, helping students build strong technical knowledge, analytical thinking, and clear communication skills needed for middle or senior management positions. You will also develop skills in:

• Cost accounting
• Auditing
• Tax
• International accounting
• Accounting Information systems and IT

Optional areas of interest in accounting can include:

• Forensic Accounting: Investigating cases of financial and corporate fraud and bankruptcy.
• Business Valuation: Determining the true value of companies in advance of mergers and acquisitions. (See also the Master’s in Acquisition and Contract Management).
• ESG & Sustainability: helping businesses improve sustainability.
• Personal Financial Planning (You might also be interested in the Master’s in Financial Planning degree).

The accounting master’s degree prepares you for rewarding careers in:

• Public accounting
• Corporate and Business
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Education
• Financial institutions
• Private accounting firms

Students in Bellevue University’s master’s in accounting program also explore ethics in accounting and learn how global business affects financial reporting. The 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 an expert in advanced cash management, risk management and investment practices.
• Tax: Includes individual tax accounting, tax planning strategies, corporations, trusts and estate taxes.

Why Is This Degree Important? Benefits of Earning a Master’s in Accounting

Career Growth Potential: Careers for graduate accounting students are diverse and abundant. The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AIPCA) website is adding thousands of finance, business and management jobs daily from top employers around the world, creating new opportunities for your career progression. The Internal Revenue Service also shares a career page for IRS jobs. All types of industries seek professionals in accounting for various roles.

Preparation and Credits Toward Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam Requirements

• What is a CPA? A Certified Public Accountant is a licensed professional. A CPA license is the accounting profession’s highest standard of competence.
• 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 needed 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 their 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.^†

† Each state has their own requirements to sit for the CPA exam, but most states require 150 credit hours. Visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy for eligibility and steps toward taking the CPA exam. The master’s in accounting curriculum can help prepare students who are interested in sitting for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

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. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Accounting can start taking graduate accounting courses in their senior year that will give them a jumpstart on the Master of Science in Accounting degree. The CPA is focused on public accounting and required to practice as a CPA in a CPA firm.

– Cynthia Nye, Assoc. Professor of Accounting at Bellevue University

Career Paths with a Master’s in Accounting

What can you do with a master’s in Accounting? An advanced degree in accounting qualifies you to work in mid- to senior-level positions in public accounting, business, government, nonprofits and more.

For instance, you could qualify for roles such as:

• Chief Financial Officer
• Controller
• Certified Public Accountant * †
• Chief Budgeting Officer
• Budget Director
• Accounting Manager
• Accounting Instructor

There are so many different paths to take with accounting. I want to teach [accounting courses] and show students the different opportunities and paths that you can take with accounting. I was inspired by my professors to pursue my goals, and I hope to be a mentor for someone else someday. Bellevue has provided me with a foundation of skills, knowledge and networks that will provide me with confidence in my future career.

– Ellie Bliemeister, Bellevue University Accounting Alum

Your Questions, Answered By The Experts

Q: How long does it take to earn a master’s in accounting degree?
A: Most students complete a master’s degree in 2-3 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits you take per term and how many are required (part-time students may take longer). Bellevue’s Master’s in Accounting program requires 36 graduate credits, or 45 if you choose a concentration.

Q: What are the requirements to enroll in the master’s in accounting program?
A: Depending upon the school, you may need to submit scores from the GRE or GMAT exam. (Bellevue University does not require test scores.) You will typically be required to 1) Apply, 2) submit all official transcripts from previous accredited colleges, and 3) submit grades from your most recent 60 credit hours from a conferred bachelor’s degree or from a completed master’s degree. 4) Some programs may require a resume, letter of recommendation, or other documentation.

See Bellevue University’s graduate admission requirements.

To help students expedite their transition into an advanced accounting degree, Bellevue University undergraduate accounting students are allowed to take up to 12 credits of specifically defined graduate-level accounting courses during their last year of undergraduate study (students with 90 credits or above). It is recommended that Bellevue University Bachelor’s in Accounting students apply for the Master of Science in Accounting at the end of their junior year.

Q: Are there any additional certifications that complement a master’s in accounting degree?
A: Though the Bellevue University MS in Accounting does not currently lead directly into the pursuit of certification or license, the 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. See https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/ for further information. The master’s in accounting curriculum can also help prepare students who are interested in sitting for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Q: Can I earn a master’s in accounting online?
A: Yes, you can earn a master’s in accounting online. You can earn the entire degree online in a format that allows for engagement with the expert faculty and peers in the program. Find out more about how online learning works.

Q: Are there scholarships available for accounting graduate students?
A: Yes. Graduate students are eligible for various scholarships and federal student aid. Apply for scholarships here.

Explore An Accounting Degree at Bellevue University

Bellevue University believes the best method of building the critical skills you need in business today is to build-in hands-on, applied learning with theory, engaging you with peers and expert faculty throughout your learning experience. Earn your Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) and gain the advanced skills top employers demand—technical expertise, sharp analytical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. With options to specialize in finance, tax, or data analytics, this degree sets you up for leadership roles and a rewarding career in accounting.

Learn more about the Master’s in Accounting today.

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