A Master’s in Accounting (MSA) is a popular higher education program in the USA. You will find different degree variations, specialisations, and program features that ensure every student interested in this program finds a program that fits their needs best.
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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