Master of Science in Accounting
100% Online | Complete Part Time in 16–24 Months | No Experience Required
Elevate Your Impact With a Master’s in Accounting
Merrimack’s M.S. in Accounting features a cutting-edge curriculum paired with the convenience of online learning and custom degree paths based on your educational and professional background. Coursework includes:
- Topics aligned with the CPA exam.
- Application of industry tools and emerging technology in all coursework.
- Optional concentrations in business analytics, forensic accounting and taxation.
Students gain a deeper understanding of complex financial concepts, develop enhanced analytical skills and position themselves for leadership and consultative roles.
Quick facts:
- 100 percent online.
- Tuition under $25,000 for most students.
- Complete in 16–24 months part time.
- No prerequisites needed.
- No GRE or GMAT required.
- Financial aid eligible.
Learn more about Merrimack’s M.S. in Accounting.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Accounting?
Accounting continues to be a stellar career choice for individuals seeking stability, growth and strategic impact.
A Master of Science in Accounting can open up a variety of job opportunities in public accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. It can also enhance your eligibility for advanced roles in areas such as auditing, forensic accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, IT audit and analytics, and consulting.
Senior tax accountant
$77,856
Average annual salary
Senior forensic accountant
$82,375
Average annual salary
Corporate controller
$155,945
Average annual salary
Source: Payscale, 2024
Master of Science in Accounting Coursework
Three Pathways To Earn Your M.S. in Accounting
The M.S. in Accounting provides a pathway for students who wish to acquire the skill sets necessary to pursue and advance in a career in accounting and business and is open to those with an accounting, business, or non-business undergraduate degree.
CPA Exam Preparation
The MSA curriculum meets the 150-hour requirement for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in Massachusetts and is updated regularly to accommodate any changes to the uniform CPA exam. If you are planning to license in another state, visit NASBA.org for specific information regarding your state of interest.
I have an accounting bachelor’s degree (32 credits)
Core Requirements (20 credits)
- Contemporary Issues in Accounting (ACC 5100)
- Accounting Ethics & Detecting Financial Crimes
- Accounting Analytics (ACC 5410)
- Taxation of Business Enterprises (ACC 5500)
- Exploring Leadership Frameworks & Communication Strategies
Concentrations and Open Electives (12 credits)
Merrimack currently offers optional concentrations. However, you can choose any open elective that fits your goals. Some advanced elective courses may require prerequisites.
Business Analytics
- Frameworks for Business Analytics (BAI 5100)
- Strategic Decision-Making Using Business Analytics (BAI 5150)
- Leveraging Competitive Advantage with Business Intelligence (BAI 5250)
- Data Visualization & Storytelling (BAI 5200)
- Data Governance, Compliance & Ethics (BAI 5220)
Forensic Accounting
- Accounting Ethics & Detecting Financial Crimes
- Accounting Information Systems (ACC 5310)
- Fraud Examination (ACC 5450)
- AI & Cybersecurity for Business
Taxation
- Tax Research, Procedures and Ethics (ACC 5330)
- Wealth Management (FIN 5460)
- Advanced Issues in Taxation
I have a business-related bachelor’s degree (32 credits)
Core Requirements (28 credits)
- Financial Reporting & Analysis II (ACC 5060)
- Financial Reporting & Analysis II (ACC 5070)
- Assurance Services (ACC 5150)
- Introduction to Federal Income Taxation (ACC 5080)
- Accounting Information Systems (ACC 5310)
- Business Law for Accountants (ACC 5340)
- Accounting Analytics (ACC 5410)
- Accounting Ethics & Detecting Financial Crimes
Note: If a student has not completed the equivalent of financial and managerial accounting, Foundations of Accounting (ACC 5050) must be added to the curriculum and will take the place of an open elective.
Electives (4 credits)
Choose four credits in business analytics, forensic accounting, or taxation.
I do not have an accounting or business-related bachelor’s degree (40 credits)
Core Requirements (36 credits)
- Foundations of Accounting (ACC 5050)
- Financial Reporting & Analysis I (ACC 5060)
- Financial Reporting & Analysis II (ACC 5070)
- Assurance Services (ACC 5150)
- Introduction to Federal Income Tax (ACC 5080)
- Accounting Information Systems (ACC 5310)
- Business Law for Accountants (ACC 5340)
- Essentials of Finance (FIN 5050)
- Frameworks for Business Analytics (BAI 5100)
- Accounting Ethics & Detecting Financial Crimes
Electives (4 credits)
Choose four credits in business analytics, finance, leadership, marketing, or management.
Alumni Success: Roles and Companies
The versatility of an M.S. in Accounting allows graduates to explore diverse career paths in areas such as public or corporate accounting, government, non-profit organizations and beyond.
Merrimack’s MSA has nearly 200 graduates since its inception across a variety of industries and roles including:
Roles
- Corporate controller
- Finance reporting specialist
- Internal audit specialist
- Senior accountant
- Senior accountant, treasury
- Senior audit associate
- Staff auditor
- Tax accountant
- Tax supervisor
- VP of accounting
Companies
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- KPMG
- LGA
- Baker Newman Noyes
- Tonneson and Co.
- Brooks Automation
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Amica Insurance
Student Support Resources
Students in the Girard School of Business benefit from a dedicated success team. Support includes:
Support includes:
- 1:1 advising and mentoring from faculty and program staff.
- Access to LinkedIn Learning and Handshake.
- Professional development workshops.
- Math, writing and accessibility services through the Academic Success Center.
- Career services support through the O’Brien Center for Career Development.
- In–person accounting recruitment events.
It’s Easy to Apply Online
A complete application includes:
- Online application (no fee).
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Resume.
- Interview or personal statement.
- Contact information for one reference or one letter of recommendation.
GRE and GMAT scores are not required.
One year of relevant work experience is preferred (relevant work experience includes full-time work, internships and co-ops).
Tuition and Financial Aid
$679
per credit*
32–40
credits
$21,728–$27,160
tuition
*Tuition is based on the 2023–2024 academic year.
Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
Additional program fees may apply.
Financial Aid
As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal loans. We strongly encourage all eligible graduate students to apply for federal financial aid, even if they don’t demonstrate an exceptional financial need.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merrimack College’s FAFSA school code is 002120.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Merrimack accepts employer financial/tuition assistance. We also offer partnership discounts. Contact us or ask your employer whether your organization is an official partner with Merrimack’s online programs.
Key Dates and Deadlines
This program enrolls six times a year. Each term is eight weeks.
Merrimack College
Accolades and Accreditation
At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally and spiritually — so that you may graduate as a confident, well-prepared citizen of the world.
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (No. 14)
- Regional Universities North (No. 33)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 31)
- Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 86)
(at schools where doctorate not offered) - Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 14)
- Best Value Schools (No. 47)
NECHE-Accredited
- Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
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