How to Get a Master’s in Accounting Online

Demand for skilled accounting professionals was high in 2025. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects five percent growth in the accounting job market between 2024 and 2034, resulting in over 124,000 job openings each year. 

Many positions in the accounting field require skill in financial reporting, auditing, taxation and regulatory compliance. Employers favor candidates with technical knowledge, analytical skills, and strong communication skills. A master’s in accounting develops all these competencies while preparing students for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. 

Many professionals pursue an MSA while working, opting for flexible online programs that accommodate career and personal commitments. This article offers a practical guide to earning a master’s in accounting, with insights into program structure, admissions, curriculum highlights, career outcomes and the benefits of completing a Master of Science in Accounting online from Merrimack College.

What Is a Master of Science in Accounting?

A Master of Science in Accounting is a graduate-level degree that equips students with advanced skills in accounting. Unlike a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which provides a broad overview of business management, an MSA focuses specifically on accounting practices, auditing, taxation, financial analysis and professional ethics. This specialization helps students build the technical knowledge and practical experience necessary to excel in accounting roles and pursue CPA licensure.

A master’s degree in accounting program is structured to develop both technical skills and practical experience. Students learn to analyze financial statements, design and execute audits, navigate complex tax regulations and apply data-driven insights to business decisions. Students often engage in case studies, simulations and group projects that reflect real-world challenges, building skills they can apply directly in the workplace.

Emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and blockchain, are shifting the focus of the profession from routine tasks to strategic analysis and advisory work, further increasing the value of highly trained accounting professionals. Graduates are equipped to advance in their careers and meet the evolving needs of businesses and organizations worldwide.

Admission Requirements

Admission into a Master of Science in Accounting program typically depends on academic background, communication skills and relevant experience. While most programs require a bachelor’s degree, it doesn’t have to be in accounting. Applicants from business or unrelated fields are welcome, and many schools offer pathways to bridge knowledge gaps.

Admission requirements for the MSA at Merrimack include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A statement of purpose or interview
• Resume or LinkedIn profile

Can You Get a Master’s in Accounting Without a Bachelor’s in Accounting?

Yes. Programs like Merrimack College’s Master of Science in Accounting online offer multiple tracks:

• Students with an accounting bachelor’s degree complete 32 credits.
• Students with a business-related degree also complete 32 credits, including foundational accounting courses.
• Students with non-business backgrounds complete 40 credits, which include additional bridge courses to ensure a solid foundation in accounting principles.

These pathways allow students from diverse academic backgrounds to gain the skills needed for success in the field. Note: Total credits may vary by CPA licensure state.

Professional experience in finance, auditing or bookkeeping can strengthen an application. Prior coursework, certifications or continuing education may also demonstrate readiness for graduate study.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Accounting?

Program length varies based on your academic background, study pace and whether you’re enrolled full- or part-time. Most full-time students complete a Master of Science in Accounting in 12 to 24 months. Part-time students, particularly those working, typically finish in two to three years.

Online programs offer added flexibility. At Merrimack College, for example, synchronous evening courses allow students to work full time while earning their degree. Accelerated options may allow qualified students with accounting or business backgrounds to graduate in as little as 12 months.

Transfer credits, prior coursework and professional experience can also shorten your timeline. Some programs waive foundational classes for students with relevant undergraduate studies or certifications.

Knowing how long your degree will take helps you choose the right program and plan around career and personal commitments so you can advance without putting your life on hold.

What You Learn in an Online MSA Program

An online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program equips students with practical, career-ready skills that go beyond theory. The curriculum covers core areas essential to modern accounting and finance roles, including:

• Financial accounting: Preparing and interpreting financial statements, analyzing business performance and spotting trends that inform strategic decisions.
• Auditing: Internal controls, risk assessment and regulatory compliance. Case studies often simulate real audit scenarios, helping students practice identifying errors and evaluating internal systems.
• Taxation: Federal, state and corporate tax law. Students gain hands-on experience reviewing returns and preparing filings for various business structures.
• Data/business analytics: Students learn to analyze large datasets using industry tools, uncover insights and support data-driven decisions, such as forecasting revenue or evaluating investment strategies.
• Ethics and leadership: Governance, professional responsibility and ethical decision-making, taught through collaborative projects that reflect real-world complexity.

Online MSA programs often use case studies, simulations and group work to create an interactive learning environment. At Merrimack College, for example, students engage with emerging technologies and industry tools to ensure they’re prepared for the evolving demands of the field.

Career Outcomes and CPA Readiness

A Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) can significantly boost career prospects and earning potential. Graduates gain advanced skills and credentials that qualify them for senior-level roles with greater responsibility and higher salaries.

According to the BLS:

• The median annual wage for accountants and auditors is $81,680.
• The top 10 percent earned over $141,420.
• Financial managers—many with MSA degrees—earned nearly double the median accounting salary.

MSA programs also help students prepare for the CPA exam. Most meet the 150-credit-hour licensure requirement, and the degree signals to employers a strong foundation in technical accounting and a serious commitment to the profession. Some programs even offer CPA exam prep; Merrimack, for example, offers a four-credit course entitled CPA Examination & Review.

Graduates pursue roles such as:

• Senior accountant, overseeing accounting operations and ensuring compliance
• Auditor, evaluating financial records and internal controls
• Financial manager, in charge of budgeting, strategy and investment planning
• Controller, leading accounting teams and managing financial reporting

An MSA also opens doors beyond traditional accounting. Graduates work in corporate finance, consulting, government and nonprofits. The combination of technical expertise, leadership training and CPA readiness positions them for advancement across a wide range of industries.

Why Get Your MSA Online While Working

Pursuing a Master of Science in Accounting online is a smart option for professionals looking to advance their careers without stepping away from work. Online programs offer the flexibility to study around demanding schedules, whether that means evenings, weekends or while traveling. Self-paced and synchronous courses make it easier to balance work, school and personal obligations. Many programs also foster collaboration with fellow working professionals, adding real-world insight to the learning experience.

Merrimack College’s online MSA is tailored for working students. Faculty offer personalized career support, mentorship and guidance on networking and advancement. The program also accepts up to 90 transfer credits from prior coursework or relevant experience, helping students move faster toward graduation. With tuition ranging from $23,200 to $29,000, the program compares favorably to other private university programs.

Online learning builds self-discipline and independence, traits valued in accounting and finance roles. Students who manage coursework alongside professional responsibilities demonstrate adaptability, resilience and leadership potential.

For those seeking career growth, higher earning power, or senior-level positions, an online MSA offers an affordable, career-focused path forward.

Build Your Future With a Master of Science in Accounting

Merrimack’s online Master of Science in Accounting is a flexible, career-focused graduate program designed for working professionals. It provides advanced accounting knowledge, practical skills and the credentials needed to pursue CPA licensure and excel in competitive roles.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or seasoned professional seeking advancement, earning your MSA online can open the door to leadership opportunities and long-term career security.

Ready to take the next step? Connect with an advisor or begin your application today to take the next step in your journey.