Online Master of Accounting (MAcc) programs in California can help you qualify for CPA licensure, boost your earning potential, and gain in-demand skills without putting your life on hold. These flexible programs are designed for busy professionals looking to advance in the accounting field. Let OMD guide you through top online MAcc options in California, including program highlights, career outcomes, and everything you need to make an informed, strategic decision about your future.
Author: Quinn Dannies, MA
Expertise:
Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent SuccessEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
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Read more - Program Types
The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
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Program Breakdown: Three Online MAcc Programs in California
National University
National University’s Master of Accounting (MAcc) is designed with CPA and CMA exam prep in mind. Students choose between:
- Standard track for non-accounting majors
- Accelerated track for accounting graduates
Courses run year-round in four-week intensives, allowing motivated learners to finish in as little as nine months. The program is fully online, but classes can also be taken at NU’s California campuses.
National University offers an online Master of Accounting (MAcc) program that aligns with Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam content.
Duration: 9-14 months
Mode: 100% online or hybrid
Cost: $477 per quarter unit; approx. $22,065 total tuition
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, transcripts, résumé/CV, application
Sacramento State (CSU Sacramento)
CSU Sacramento offers an AACSB-accredited online MSA through its College of Business. The program follows an accelerated 18-month format where students take one six-week course at a time.
All coursework is asynchronous and aligned with CPA exam subjects like advanced accounting, auditing, tax, and ethics. As a public university program, Sac State balances reputation with affordability, especially for in-state students.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $740 per semester unit | ~$22,200 total
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, transcripts (GPA requirements may apply), statement of purpose, résumé, 2 letters of recommendation
University of San Francisco — Online MS in Accounting
The University of San Francisco offers a two-year online MSA designed for part-time students. Coursework blends live sessions with on-demand study and emphasizes ethical leadership and analytics alongside meeting California’s 150-hour CPA requirement.
No prior accounting background is required — the curriculum includes foundational accounting for students from other fields. USF’s AACSB-accredited School of Management adds prestige, and multiple start dates (fall and spring) help working professionals plan ahead.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: 100% online with some live sessions
Cost: $1,700 per unit
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, transcripts, résumé/CV, statement of purpose, 2 letters of recommendation, interview (by invitation)
Top MAcc Career Paths in California
A master’s in accounting prepares graduates for a range of high-demand, high-ROI roles across the state:
- Public Accounting (CPA): Work with Big Four and regional firms serving California industries. Average salary: $96,000 (about $10k above U.S. average).
- Corporate & Management Accounting: Roles in tech, entertainment, and other sectors handling budgeting, reporting, and analysis. Career path includes accounting manager, controller, CFO.
- Taxation Specialist: Advise businesses and individuals in one of the nation’s most complex tax environments. Consistent demand with premium pay for specialized credentials.
- Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination: Investigate fraud and support litigation. Employers include public firms, law enforcement, and risk management departments. Added value with CFE certification.
- Government Accounting & Auditing: Opportunities in California’s vast public sector (state agencies, cities, universities). Typical roles: auditor, budget analyst, accounting officer.
Online Accounting Master’s Program Formats
Different students need different program structures. California MAcc programs usually fall into three categories:
Accelerated Programs
- Completion in ~1 year with heavy course loads or short modules.
- Best for recent grads or those able to pause work.
- Pros: Quick career impact, faster CPA eligibility.
- Cons: Demanding workload, tough to balance with full-time jobs.
Part-Time/Flexible Programs
- Spread over 2+ years, often with asynchronous classes.
- Tailored for working professionals.
- Pros: Maintain income, apply skills immediately, reduced stress.
- Cons: Takes longer; requires long-term motivation.
Hybrid Programs
- Blend of online and on-campus courses.
- Good for students near campus who value some in-person interaction.
- Pros: More networking and face time with faculty.
- Cons: Requires commuting; less flexibility.
How Much Do Online MAcc Programs Cost in California?
Cost is a key factor when comparing online MAcc programs in California. Tuition can vary widely between public and private institutions, but in-state students benefit from lower public university rates. Generally, you’ll find total program costs range from around $20,000 up to $40,000+ for an online accounting master’s in California.
Online-specific factors can also influence cost. For instance, fully online students might save on commuting or campus fees, and many California schools offer the same per-credit rate for online courses as for on-campus.
Be sure to inquire about financial aid and scholarships too — some programs offer scholarships or discounts for online cohorts. Below is a quick snapshot of three example programs and their costs for in-state students:
| School | Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University | 45 | $477 | $22,065 |
| Sacramento State (CSU) | 30 | $740 | $22,200 |
| University of San Francisco | 30 | $1,275 | $38,250 |
FAQs From Online MAcc Students
Are online MAcc programs accredited and respected by employers?
Yes — as long as you choose a program at a properly accredited school, your online MAcc will hold weight. Look for regional accreditation, which ensures the overall institution meets quality standards. Many business schools also have specialized Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, which is the gold standard for business/accounting programs. For example, Sacramento State’s online MSA is AACSB-accredited.
An accredited online MAcc covers the same curriculum as on-campus and is often taught by the same faculty. Employers in California are familiar with online degrees now (especially post-2020) and generally care more about the school’s reputation and your skills than the delivery format. If the program is accredited and you achieve your CPA or other goals, an online MAcc will be respected in the job market.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree in accounting to get into a MAcc program?
Not necessarily. Many California MAcc programs welcome students from non-accounting backgrounds and provide foundational courses to get you up to speed. For instance, National University’s MAcc explicitly has a pathway for those with little or no prior accounting coursework.
Generally, you do need a bachelor’s degree in any major. If your degree wasn’t in accounting or a related field, you may have to take a few prerequisite courses, and some programs include these as part of the curriculum or offer a short “bootcamp.” Always check the admissions requirements: some schools list specific coursework or a minimum GPA.
Will an online MAcc help me meet the CPA requirements in California?
Yes. One big reason to earn a Master of Accounting is to satisfy the 150 semester hours needed for CPA licensure. California, like most states, requires CPA candidates to have 150 college credit hours (including specific accounting and business courses). A typical bachelor’s is 120 hours, so a MAcc bridges that gap.
Reputable programs are also designed with the CPA in mind, covering advanced topics tested on the exam (audits, financial reporting, regulation, etc.) and often including an ethics course required by the California Board of Accountancy. For example, USF’s online MSA explicitly ensures students meet CPA educational requirements through its curriculum.
After finishing your MAcc, you’ll have the academic qualifications to sit for the CPA exam in California. Keep in mind you’ll still need to pass the exam and fulfill the state’s experience requirement for licensure.
How long does it take to complete an online MAcc, and can I work full-time while in the program?
The length of online MAcc programs can range from one to two-plus years, and many students do continue working while studying. If you go full-time in an accelerated program, you might finish in 9–12 months, but this could be tough to juggle with a full-time job due to the intensive course load.
Alternatively, part-time programs are specifically designed for working professionals — these typically take around two years. You might take one course at a time, or two in a semester, depending on the program’s structure. The flexibility of online learning generally makes it feasible to work and study; coursework is often asynchronous, meaning you choose when to watch lectures or complete assignments each week.
The key is time management — expect to spend 10-15 hours per week, per class, on readings and assignments. Employers may be supportive as well, since you’re upskilling, and some even offer tuition assistance. So yes, you can absolutely work full-time during an online MAcc, just plan your schedule carefully.
What’s the difference between a Master of Accounting (MAcc) and an MBA with an accounting concentration?
A Master of Accounting (including MAcc or MS in Accounting) is a specialized graduate degree focused entirely on accounting, whereas an MBA covers a broad range of business topics with maybe a few accounting electives. In a MAcc program, nearly all your courses will dive deep into accounting subjects — advanced financial accounting, auditing, taxation, accounting information systems, forensic accounting, etc. This means you develop expertise that prepares you for accounting-specific roles and satisfies accounting education requirements in detail.