As businesses grow more complex and regulatory demands increase, employers seek professionals with specialized graduate-level knowledge. Transform your financial expertise into advanced career opportunities with a Master in Accounting (MAcc) from an accredited online program. Today’s top accredited programs offer rigorous technical preparation while providing the flexibility to maintain your current role. Explore how you can elevate your accounting career with this OMD student guide. What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state… An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more… Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Understanding Why Accreditation is Essential
Accreditation is a quality stamp for higher education: it means an independent agency has evaluated a program’s curriculum, faculty, and outcomes to ensure they meet certain standards. For students, choosing an accredited online accounting master’s program provides assurance that the education is reputable and recognized. Below, we highlight five key reasons why accreditation matters.
Quality Assurance
Accreditation ensures the program meets acceptable levels of academic quality, as accredited schools must pass rigorous reviews of their teaching, curriculum, and student outcomes. This means you’ll receive an education that aligns with industry standards and best practices, rather than a sub-par experience from an unvetted institution.
Federal Financial Aid Eligibility
Only students at accredited institutions are eligible for federal financial aid (e.g., loans, grants, Veteran scholarship opportunities, etc.). If a school isn’t accredited, you generally cannot use federal aid there, making accreditation a critical consideration for financing your degree.
CPA Licensure Requirements
Planning to become a CPA? Most state boards of accountancy require your degree to come from an accredited college. A master’s in accounting from an accredited program can help you meet the 150-credit hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam. Conversely, a degree from an unaccredited school may not count toward CPA eligibility, potentially derailing your licensure plans. To learn more about CPA licensure, explore OMD’s state-by-state guide to CPA exam and licensure requirements.
Employer Trust and Career Opportunities
Accreditation also boosts a program’s credibility in the eyes of employers. In fact, many top companies only recruit graduates from accredited programs, as they produce graduates with solid knowledge and skills. Earning an accredited master’s can translate into better job prospects and networking opportunities.
Credit Transfer & Further Education
If you ever plan to pursue another degree (like a PhD or second master’s) or you need to transfer credits, attending an accredited school is crucial. Unaccredited credits often won’t transfer, limiting your future academic options. For example, if you earn a master’s from an accredited program, you’ll have an easier time applying to a doctoral program or having your credits accepted elsewhere.
Comparing Accredited Online Master’s in Accounting Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—Master of Accounting (MAC)
UNC’s MAC program is a flexible option designed to fit diverse lifestyles and career goals. The 30- to 48-credit program offers a collaborative and engaging learning environment with world-class professors and a curriculum tailored to meet employer demands. Students benefit from career advancement support, leadership immersion experiences, and a strong sense of community. This program prepares graduates for successful careers in accounting and finance through rigorous coursework and real-world applications.
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB (Note: The MAC curriculum meets AACSB standards, but UNC does not hold separate AACSB accounting accreditation.)
Duration: 12 months to 36 months
Mode: Online courses, in-person leadership immersion
Cost: $1,446 per credit; $43,380 to $69,408 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (in any discipline)
- Transcripts
- Two recommenders, essay, resume
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign—Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA)
The University of Illinois iMSA is designed to prepare graduates for the CPA exam and a range of accounting and finance careers. Alumni pursue roles such as financial advisor, forensic accountant, auditor, tax consultant, and finance analyst. Many work at Big Four accounting firms (e.g. Deloitte, EY, KPMG) as well as Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions. The 32-credit curriculum’s strong emphasis on data analytics and accounting fundamentals aligns with evolving industry needs, and students also benefit from Gies Career Services and virtual recruitment events.
Accreditation: AACSB
Duration: Two to three years
Mode: Online
Cost: $878/credit, $28,096 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Prerequisite courses
- Transcripts and credentials
- Resume, essay, video essay, reference
- English proficiency
Auburn University—Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Auburn University’s online MAcc is geared toward advancing professional accounting careers and CPA readiness. The program comprises 30 to 42 credits depending on prior work experience and electives. Graduates typically move into public accounting roles (many join Big Four or regional CPA firms in audit or tax positions), corporate accounting and finance roles (such as financial reporting or managerial accounting in companies), or government/non-profit accounting jobs. The required residency offers valuable networking with recruiters and alumni, and Auburn’s Graduate Career Services provides job search support.
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB (Business & Accounting)
Duration: One Year
Mode: Online courses, in-person residency
Cost: $950/credit, $28,500 to $39,900 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Business and accounting prerequisites
- Resume, statement of purpose, three references
- Transcripts
- GMAT scores or waivers
Student Help Center: FAQs on Accredited Accounting Master’s Programs
Do I need a master’s degree to become a CPA?
You can become a CPA without a master’s, but an accredited master’s in accounting is the most streamlined path to get the necessary credits and expertise. To become a Certified Public Accountant in the United States, you need 150 college credit hours and you need to pass the CPA exam. Earning a master’s in accounting is a common way to fulfill that 150-hour requirement.
However, in most states, you don’t strictly need a master’s. You could take additional undergraduate courses or achieve a certificate to reach 150 credits. However, a master’s program not only provides those extra credits but also offers advanced accounting coursework that better prepares you for the CPA exam, as many programs integrate CPA review into their curriculum.
How much do online master’s in accounting programs cost?
Tuition for online accounting master’s programs varies widely. Costs depend on the school, whether it’s public or private, and the program length. On the lower end, you might find state university programs around $20,000–$30,000 total, while top-ranked or private programs can cost $50,000–$70,000+. Most programs require around 30-36 credits, so you can estimate total tuition by multiplying the credit cost.
To give you a real-world snapshot, here’s a comparison of three accredited online MAcc programs:
| School | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNC–Chapel Hill (Master of Accounting) | 30–48 | $1,446 | $43,380–$69,408 |
| University of Illinois (iMSA) | 32 | $878 | $28,096 |
| Auburn University (Online MAcc) | 30–42 | $950 | $28,500–$39,900 |
Tuition rates listed are current as of publication date; additional fees apply.
Concerned about funding your degree? OMD has you covered with detailed guides on financial aid, graduate school grants, dozens of scholarship opportunities, and practical budgeting strategies.
What career benefits can I expect from a master’s in accounting?
An accredited master’s in accounting significantly enhances career prospects, qualifying you for advanced positions like senior accountant, auditor, tax manager, and controller roles. The degree helps meet CPA exam requirements while providing specialized expertise, and programs usually develop crucial analytical skills and provide networking opportunities that advance careers.
How do online accounting programs incorporate real-world experience?
Programs often include virtual internships, case studies based on real companies, and projects using actual financial data. Students frequently work in teams on complex accounting scenarios, simulating real workplace situations. Plus, many programs partner with accounting firms for mentorship opportunities and guest speaker series. Some even offer consulting projects with local businesses or nonprofits, allowing students to apply their skills to actual accounting challenges.
What specializations are available in online accounting master’s programs?
Programs typically offer concentrations in high-demand areas such as forensic accounting, tax specialization, financial analysis, and information systems. Students can focus on emerging fields like environmental accounting, international accounting, or data analytics. Plus, many programs allow customization through electives in areas like nonprofit accounting, government accounting, or corporate finance, helping students align their degree with career goals.