Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA)

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Join a top-ranked graduate accounting program

Build your accounting expertise, become a data-driven decision-maker with intention, and prepare for the CPA exam – all while learning at the nation’s third-ranked* business school for graduate accounting.

The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program welcomes students from any undergraduate degree, whether it’s statistics, economics, history, music, or something else.

  • 12-month, on-campus program
  • STEM-designated – 36 months OPT eligible
  • $41k/$51k tuition (domestic/international)
  • Customized study plans
  • Experiential learning opportunity – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program
  • CPA review course using Becker study material
  • Stackable credit toward iMBA program

*Ranked by U.S. News & World Report

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Coursework that prepares you for the CPA exam

Learn to apply an analytics mindset to accounting, and prepare for the CPA exam with study material built directly into our curriculum. You also have opportunities for hands-on learning.

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Land jobs at major accounting firms and more

As one of the largest suppliers of leaders for the accounting profession, we boast more partners in the Big-Four CPA firms than any other university does. With one-on-one advising and integrated career support, we help graduates attain the jobs they desire.

The MSA degree is STEM-designated, which may allow international students to remain in the US for up to 36 months on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM extension.

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Talk to a current MSA student

Gies Business student ambassadors are here to share their experience and explain what the MSA program is like and how it’s preparing them for the CPA exam and a career in accounting. Plus, they can talk to you about the surrounding community and what it’s like to live on campus.

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Engage in a variety of organizations and events

Gies Business students gain access to a wide variety of registered student organizations, events, and resources within the College and across campus.

Experience Student Life

Is a master’s degree in accounting worth it?

A master's degree in accounting can give you the skills and credentials to be a more professional version of yourself. 100% of domestic graduates from the 2021 Gies MSA program found successful outcomes within three months of graduation, and 97% of international graduates from the same program found successful outcomes within six months of graduation. Learn more about Gies MSA career outcomes here.

Is it best to get my master’s in accounting right out of college?

There is no one best route to pursuing a MSA. The Gies MSA is built around a flexible, personalized approach that uses core and elective courses to provide the best fit, even for students without an undergraduate accounting degree. Whether you plan to pursue this degree as a domestic or as an international student, we will assist in crafting a personalized student experience to meet your needs.

What type of new opportunities might I expect with a master’s degree in accounting?

The Gies MSA prepares you for new opportunities in both your current and future career. As one of the largest suppliers of leaders for the accounting profession, we boast more partners in the Big-Four CPA firms than any other university. Our graduates consistently go on to earn positions with major corporations such as: ADM, Amazon, Deloitte, DuPont, EY, Facebook, GE, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, Nielsen, PwC, and Tencent.

Start your journey to an MSA degree

Talk to an MSA Advisor!