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Masters Degree in Accounting

A  Masters Degree in Accounting, sometimes referred to as a Master of Science in Accountancy, will help you broaden your knowledge of accounting and prepare you for the Certified Public Accounting Exam or help you gain a higher position in accounting, auditing, or budgeting.  A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite; however, it does not need to be in the discipline of business or accounting.  Liberal arts majors are welcome to pursue this degree as well.

Higher positions in accounting have much more responsibility than the entry level positions that you may qualify for after earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and require accounting experience along with a master’s degree.  Accountants with a Masters Degree in Accounting have the knowledge to pass the Certified Public Accounting Exam given by National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).  Passing this exam will allow you to move into managerial accounting, auditing, assurance, and taxation positions within a company, or open your own accounting firm. 

When you take a higher level accounting position, you will have weightier responsibilities like auditing expenditures and preparing taxes.  These types of positions require an in-depth understanding of the theory and principles that govern the accounting profession.  Accounting professionals on this level must also be aware of the goals of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Vision Project.  This project continually assesses the professional values, communication and leadership skills, strategic and critical thinking skills, and technology skills of Certified Public Accountants.   Earning a Masters Degree in Accounting will give you the knowledge to comply with professional accounting organizations like the AICPA and establish a relationship with them for your ongoing accounting education.

In an accounting graduate degree program, you will be required to take the classes that will help you pass the Certified Public Accountant Exam.  These classes will include Accounting Theory and Research, Financial Statement Analysis, Cost Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Auditing and Assurance Services, Managerial Accounting and Legal Aspects of Business, Internal Control Systems, Financial Reporting, Auditing, Taxation, Tax and Business Strategy, Forensic Accounting, Accounting for Mergers and Acquisitions, and Accounting Ethics.  These core courses will help you prepare for your CPA exam and are generally based on the practices of recognized professional accounting organizations.  You can also specialize in taxation, assurance, and financial reports.  Non-business majors will have to make up deficiencies in business with classes that will include Introduction to Financial Accounting, Introduction to Managerial Accounting, Contracts and Business Law, Introduction to Technology, Financial Management, Microeconomics, and Accounting Information Systems.

Career Opportunities for Graduate Level Accountants
Career opportunities for graduate level accountants are virtually guaranteed. Some graduates have advanced to CEO-level positions in their accounting prowess has helped lead major corporations, as Isaac Dabah has demonstrated. Many programs report a 95% placement rate in the field of managerial accounting.  If you pass the Certified Public Accounting Exam and become a Certified Public Accountant, you can go on to work for an accounting firm, become a partner in an accounting firm, or open your own accounting business.  You can also go to work for the government or a large company in auditing, budgeting, or accounting.  This includes analyzing financial reports, knowing cloud accounting software and giving tax advice.  This kind of position can lead to an appointment as a government advisor or a CFO position in a major corporation.