Online Master’s in Accounting: California’s Top Programs

Program Breakdown: Three Online MAcc Programs in California

Top MAcc Concentrations in CA

Graduating with a master’s in accounting opens doors to a variety of high-demand career paths in California’s dynamic economy. We’ve outlined five top California fields and roles a MAcc can prepare you for below.

Public Accounting

Many online MAcc grads become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), joining public accounting firms that serve diverse California industries. Auditors and assurance professionals are consistently in demand by Big Four and regional CPA firms in CA, which has one of the nation’s largest concentrations of accountants. The ROI is attractive — California accountants earn about $96k on average, nearly $10k above the U.S. mean.

Corporate & Management Accounting

California’s booming corporate sector — from Silicon Valley tech companies to Hollywood studios — needs skilled accountants to manage internal finances and compliance. Management accountants (also called cost or corporate accountants) handle budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting for businesses. A MAcc provides advanced knowledge in financial accounting and managerial decision-making that can fast-track you toward roles like accounting manager, controller, or eventually CFO. These roles often come with high salaries and leadership potential. 

Taxation Specialist

With its complex tax laws, large number of businesses, and high-net-worth residents, California offers ample careers in tax accounting. Tax specialists help clients navigate federal and California tax codes, ensure compliance, and devise strategies to minimize liabilities. Demand for tax expertise remains steady — companies and CPA firms aggressively recruit during tax season, and specialized credentials (like a Master of Taxation or CPA with tax focus) can command premium salaries. 

Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination

Forensic accountants are the detectives of the accounting world, and California’s large economy unfortunately sees its share of fraud and financial crime. MAcc graduates who specialize in forensic accounting use their skills to investigate discrepancies, support litigation, and improve internal controls to prevent fraud. 

They may work for public accounting firms’ forensic services divisions, consulting companies, law enforcement agencies, or big corporations in risk management. With additional certifications (like CFE — Certified Fraud Examiner), forensic accountants are highly valued by agencies like the FBI and California’s Department of Justice. 

Government Accounting and Auditing

California’s public sector is enormous — state agencies, county/city governments, public universities, and special districts all employ accountants. Government accountants and auditors ensure public funds are properly accounted for and that agencies comply with regulations. A MAcc can qualify you for roles such as state auditor, budget analyst, or accounting officer in departments like the State Controller’s Office, Franchise Tax Board, or municipal finance offices.

Online Accounting Master’s Program Formats

Online MAcc programs in California come in several formats to suit different needs. Below is an overview of three common program types and what to expect from each.

Accelerated Online Programs for Career Seekers

Accelerated MAcc programs allow you to earn your master’s in a short time frame — often around 1 year — by studying heavier course loads or back-to-back short modules full-time.

Pros:

• You can start reaping the career benefits (like CPA eligibility) more quickly.
• It’s a great option for recent grads or those able to pause work for intensive study.

Cons:

• Juggling full-time coursework requires dedication and may be challenging with a full-time job.
• Rigorous curriculum can be difficult for people with competing priorities.
  

Part-Time/Flexible Programs for Working Professionals

Part-time online MAcc programs are tailored for students who need to continue working or handle other obligations while studying. They typically spread coursework over ~2 years or more, with lighter course loads each term.

Pros:

• You can maintain your job/income and immediately apply what you learn at work.
• The schedule is often flexible — many programs use asynchronous classes so you can study on your own time.
• Part-time pacing also reduces stress by balancing courses across more months.

Cons:

• It takes longer to finish (often 24+ months), and you’ll need to stay motivated over an extended period.
  

Hybrid Programs for Hands-On Learners

In California, some universities give students the option to take classes online or on campus depending on the term or course. These hybrid formats can be appealing if you live near campus and value occasional classroom experience or in-person student hours with professors.

Pros:

• You get the flexibility of online coursework plus face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers.
• Networking and mentorship opportunities can be richer with some in-person engagement.

Cons:

• The need to attend campus (perhaps for weekend intensives or a short residency) could be difficult if you’re not local.
• Scheduling must account for commute and specific meeting times.

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. 

Keep in mind that tuition is usually charged per credit unit — so a program with more required credits will cost more in total. Most MAcc programs are around 30 semester credits or 45 quarter units. Some schools charge additional fees (online technology fees, program fees, etc.), while others bundle everything into the credit cost.

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:

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.

Today’s Best Online MAcc Programs in California

This carefully researched list evaluates California’s online and hybrid MAcc offerings based on important factors like affordability, academic quality, the number of programs/tracks, and the level of student support services. This ranked OMD guide is a starting point to help you compare top, accredited California MAcc programs side by side.