Master’s (MS) in Accounting in USA 2026: Top Universities, Rankings, Fees, Eligibility and More

Sharleen Kapoor

10 min read • Jul 20, 2026

The USA is home to many prestigious universities offering MS Accounting programs. Most of these programs have a STEM designation, which is beneficial for international students seeking longer work permits after graduation. Many programs also prepare students for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam – the most recognised professional accounting certification in the USA.

MS in Accounting in USA 2026 – Key Facts

Feature	Details
BLS median salary (accountants and auditors, 2023)	$79,880 per year ($38.41 per hour)
STEM designation	Most US MSA programs are STEM-designated; enables 36 months OPT for international students (12 months standard + 24 months STEM extension)
CPA pathway	Most programs include CPA exam preparation; many satisfy 150 credit-hour requirement for CPA licensure
Program duration	12-18 months (most programs); accelerated options (10-12 months) available; dual degree MSA/MBA or MSA/JD also available
Big Four placement (NYU Stern example)	67% of recent NYU Stern MSA graduates went to work for one of the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY)
Job placement rate (NYU Stern example)	91% of recent graduates had job offers within 3 months of graduation
Degree name variations	MSA (Master of Science in Accounting), MAcc (Master of Accountancy), MPA (Master of Professional Accounting), MSAc – programs differ slightly in focus
Professional certifications alongside	CPA, CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – CPA most common and valuable
Data analytics emphasis	Growing emphasis on data analytics skills across all specialisations; Python, data visualisation tools increasingly part of curriculum
Dual degree options	MSA/MBA (accounting + business leadership); MSA/JD (accounting + law) available at select universities

MS in Accounting Degree Variations in the USA

Master’s in Accounting is a popular higher education program in the USA. You will find different degree variations, specialisations, and program features that ensure every student finds a program that fits their needs best. Many universities offer comparable programs under different degree titles:

Degree Title	Full Form	Focus	Best For
MSA	Master of Science in Accounting	Core accounting principles with academic depth; research component possible	Students wanting strong academic foundation and CPA exam preparation
MAcc / MACc	Master of Accountancy	Professionally-oriented; practical focus; often 1 year	Students wanting fastest entry to accounting careers; CPA pathway emphasis
MPA	Master of Professional Accounting	Broadest version; accepts students from any undergraduate background	Career changers from non-accounting backgrounds; 4-semester version for non-accounting UG
MSAc / MS Accountancy	Master of Science in Accountancy	Similar to MSA; name varies by institution	Check specific program curriculum; functionally equivalent to MSA at most universities
MSA/MBA (dual degree)	Master of Science in Accounting + MBA	Combines accounting depth with business leadership breadth	Students who want both CPA pathway and MBA-level business knowledge; longer timeline
MSA/JD (dual degree)	Master of Science in Accounting + Juris Doctor	Accounting + law; strong for tax law, forensic accounting, regulatory roles	Students targeting tax law, forensic accounting, or SEC regulatory careers

Top Universities for MS in Accounting in the USA

University	Program	Annual Tuition (approx.)	Key Strength
University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School	MPA (Master of Professional Accounting)	USD 28,000-40,000 (verify mccombs.utexas.edu)	US News top-ranked; open to any undergraduate background; 4 specialisation tracks (assurance, managerial, tax, generalist); strong Big Four recruitment
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)	MSA (Master of Science in Accountancy)	USD 30,000-45,000 (verify business.illinois.edu)	Consistently #1 or #2 for accounting in US News; strong CPA exam pass rates; Big Four on-campus recruiting
NYU Stern School of Business	MSA (Master of Science in Accounting)	USD 62,250 (verify stern.nyu.edu)	91% job offers within 3 months; 67% Big Four placement; New York City financial hub; AACSB accredited
University of Southern California – Leventhal	MAcc (Master of Accountancy)	USD 55,000-65,000 (verify leventhalaccounting.usc.edu)	Strong West Coast accounting program; AACSB; Los Angeles business ecosystem; technology sector accounting roles
Notre Dame – Mendoza College of Business	MSA	USD 48,000-58,000 (verify mendoza.nd.edu)	High CPA exam pass rates; strong ethics focus; close alumni network; excellent employer relationships
University of North Carolina – Kenan-Flagler	MAcc	USD 50,000-60,000 (verify kenan-flagler.unc.edu)	One of the oldest chartered US universities; strong AACSB accreditation; excellent assurance and tax placement
Brigham Young University – Marriott	MAcc	USD 10,000-15,000 (public/faith-sponsored; verify marriottschool.byu.edu)	Most affordable highly-ranked MSA program; exceptional value; high CPA pass rates; strong Big Four connections
Michigan State – Broad College of Business	MAcc	USD 28,000-38,000 (verify broad.msu.edu)	Strong regional Big Four and national firm recruiting; AACSB; good STEM OPT options
Indiana University – Kelley School	MSA	USD 25,000-35,000 (verify kelley.iu.edu)	Strong Kelley direct admission program; AACSB; consistent Big Four placement; STEM-designated

US News and World Report ranks universities for MS Accounting based on recruiter assessment, mean starting salary, employment rates, and student selectivity. Verify current rankings at usnews.com/best-graduate-schools before applying.

Also Read: Master’s MS in Finance

The CPA Pathway: Why MS in Accounting USA is Special

The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification is recognised as a prestigious professional licence in the USA, marking a significant achievement in the accounting profession. Most top US MSA programs are specifically designed to prepare students for and satisfy the requirements to sit for the CPA exam.

CPA Requirement	Details
Credit-hour requirement	150 semester credit hours to sit for the CPA exam in most US states (bachelor degree typically gives 120; MSA provides the additional 30 hours)
Why MSA satisfies this	MSA programs at most US universities are designed to bring students to 150 credit hours, making them eligible to sit for the CPA exam
CPA exam preparation in curriculum	Many programs include CPA exam review courses or materials as part of the standard curriculum
State variation	Some states (Ohio piloting) are introducing routes based more on work experience; verify at your target state CPA board (NASBA: nasba.org)
Timeline	Students can often sit for some CPA sections while still in the MSA program; full licensure typically requires 1 year of supervised work experience after exam
Value of CPA	CPA significantly enhances career prospects and starting salary; CPA-licensed accountants earn significantly more than non-certified peers

Many students who choose to study an MS in Accounting also prepare for the CPA alongside their degree. When you couple your MS in Accounting with CPA certification, you instantly become employable for top companies.

What You Study in an MS in Accounting Program in USA

The Master of Science in Accounting curriculum in the USA focuses on accounting principles and their practical applications. The courses are structured into core subjects, electives, and project work, with other components like internships and CPA exam preparation.

Component	What It Covers
Core accounting subjects	Advanced financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing and assurance, taxation (federal and state), accounting information systems
Elective specialisations	Forensic accounting and fraud examination; international accounting; tax specialisation; government and non-profit accounting; corporate financial reporting
Data analytics (growing emphasis)	Python for accounting, Excel advanced modelling, data visualisation tools, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle); all programs now emphasise data analytics skills
CPA exam preparation	Many programs include CPA exam review courses or materials as part of or alongside the curriculum
Internships	Many programs encourage or require internships for practical experience; most Big Four start recruiting MSA students for internships during the program
Capstone/consulting projects	Many programs include capstone projects involving real-world consulting projects or research with corporate partners
Communication skills	Programs include courses focused on enhancing communication skills for accountants; increasingly important for client-facing roles

Popular Specialisations in MS Accounting Programs

Financial Reporting and Assurance: external audit, GAAP/IFRS compliance, financial statement analysis – main pipeline to Big Four audit practices
Taxation: federal and state tax planning, corporate tax, international tax; high demand in public accounting and corporate tax departments
Forensic Accounting: fraud examination, litigation support, forensic investigation; FBI, SEC, and corporate internal audit departments hire here
Managerial Accounting and Control: internal management accounting, budgeting, performance measurement; CFO-track roles in corporate finance
Accounting Information Systems (AIS): ERP systems, IT audit, cybersecurity in accounting; Deloitte and PwC advisory practices are major employers
Government and Non-Profit Accounting: public sector and NGO financial management; growing sector with stable employment

Salary After MS in Accounting in USA

Role	Starting Salary (USA)	Notes
Accountant/Auditor (BLS median, 2023)	$79,880/year ($38.41/hour)	BLS median for all accountants and auditors; entry-level Big Four typically higher
Big Four Audit Associate (entry-level)	$65,000-$85,000/year	Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY; typically increases to $90,000-$110,000 after 2-3 years + CPA
Tax Associate (Big Four or mid-size firm)	$65,000-$85,000/year	Federal, state, or international tax; CPA significantly enhances compensation
Corporate Accountant (industry)	$60,000-$85,000/year	Private companies, Fortune 500 accounting departments
Financial Analyst (industry)	$65,000-$95,000/year	Corporate finance; progression toward financial controller/CFO track
Forensic Accountant	$70,000-$110,000/year	Growing field; FBI, SEC, consulting firms, insurance companies
Accounting Information Systems / IT Audit	$75,000-$105,000/year	Fast-growing intersection of technology and accounting
CPA with 5+ years experience	$90,000-$150,000+	Senior accountant, accounting manager, director; CPA premium significant

Eligibility Requirements for MS in Accounting in USA

Requirement	Details
Undergraduate degree	Bachelor degree required; accounting or business background preferred; MPA programs (like UT Austin McCombs) accept any undergraduate background
GPA	Minimum 3.0/4.0 for most programs; UIUC, NYU Stern, UT Austin competitive programs prefer 3.3-3.7+
GMAT/GRE	Required at many programs; GMAT 550-700+ competitive range; GRE accepted as alternative; some programs waiving post-2022
English proficiency	IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 90-100+ for most programs
Undergraduate accounting courses	Some programs (especially MSA/MAcc) expect completion of core undergraduate accounting courses (financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation); MPA programs do not require this
Work experience	Not required for most MS programs; 1-2 years is advantageous; executive programs require more
Statement of Purpose	Required; should articulate specific accounting career goals and CPA aspirations
Letters of Recommendation	2-3; mix of academic and professional preferred

Top Employers Recruiting MS Accounting Graduates in USA

Employer Category	Companies	Roles
Big Four Accounting Firms	Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY	Audit Associate, Tax Associate, Advisory Associate – the primary employer pipeline for top MSA graduates; 67% Big Four placement at NYU Stern
Mid-tier accounting firms	Grant Thornton, BDO, RSM, Moss Adams, Plante Moran	Audit, tax, advisory; less competitive than Big Four but strong career development
Fortune 500 corporate accounting	Amazon, Google, Apple, Microsoft, ExxonMobil, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs	Corporate accounting, internal audit, financial reporting, treasury
Government and regulatory bodies	IRS, SEC, FBI (financial crime), state CPA boards, federal agencies	Government accounting, forensic accounting, regulatory compliance
Financial services	Banks, insurance companies, investment firms	Financial controller, compliance officer, risk management
Consulting firms	McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Accenture (finance/risk practice)	Finance consulting, risk advisory, operational finance

GradRight helps you find the right MS Accounting program in the USA matched to your profile, career goals, and budget. Free, personalised, data-driven. Find Your MS Accounting Program on GradRight

Also Read: How Much Bank Balance is Required for US Visa?

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete a Master's in Accounting in the USA?

Most full-time Master’s in Accounting programs take 9-12 months for completion. However, some programs require more coursework, which extends the duration to up to two years. If you choose a part-time or online format, the completion time will depend on your chosen course load and other commitments.

Is work experience required for admission to an MS in Accounting in the USA?

Most MS in Accounting programs don’t require prior work experience. However, some programs might prefer or even require it. An example of such a program is the Master of Accounting Science (MAS) program at the University of Illinois.

Can I work part-time while studying for my MS in Accounting in the USA?

Yes, you can. As an international student on an F-1 visa, you’re allowed to work part-time on campus (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year.

What are the common specializations within MS in Accounting programs?

Specializations in MS in Accounting let you tailor your degree to your interests and career goals. Some popular options include:Taxation Assurance and Auditing Forensic Accounting Financial Reporting and Analysis Managerial Accounting Accounting Information Systems International Accounting Government Accounting

Is an MS in Accounting in the USA STEM-designated?

Yes, many MS in Accounting programs are now STEM-designated. This is great news for international students, as it means you can apply for a 24-month extension to your Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. However, not all programs qualify, so check if your chosen program has the STEM designation.