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master’s in accounting

Master’s in Accounting Online – MSA Degree

Discover how Kent State's Master of Science in Accounting degree can take your accounting career to the next level and equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the ever-evolving accounting industry.

Our dedicated faculty and staff are ready to help you prepare for an exciting future via in-depth and comprehensive coursework. Learn more about our online M.S. in accounting today!

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Earn Your Online Master’s in Accountancy 

Online Master's in Business Programs Ranked by U.S. News and World Report
Online Master's in Business Programs Ranked by U.S. News and World Report

When you choose to enroll in the master’s in accounting (MSA) online program at Kent State, you are opening the door to many successful and fulfilling career opportunities. There is a high demand from employers for graduates of our MSA program in the following areas:

  • Auditing
  • Taxation
  • Fraud investigation
  • Law enforcement
  • Investment banking
  • Management
  • Consulting

MSA graduates sit for a variety of professional certifications, such as CPA, CMA, CISA, CFE and CIA. The online M.S. in Accounting program provides a great foundation for career advancement and growing your professional network.

Please refer to the most recent academic requirements for admission to the CPA exam issued by the applicable state, e.g., Accountancy Board of Ohio.

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Features of our Online MSA Program

Professional Exam Preparation

MSA graduates sit for a variety of professional certifications, such as CPA, CMA, CISA, CFE and CIA. The MSA program incorporates Becker CPA Review materials across multiple courses. (Please refer to the most recent academic requirements for admission to the CPA exam issued by the applicable state, e.g., Accountancy Board of Ohio). The MSA program also incorporates CMA and IIA exam materials.

Flexible and Affordable

Students may start in either the fall or spring semesters. Students attend full-time or part-time. With our flexible online approach, students can take courses at their own pace from virtually anywhere in the world. A combined degree option with the Kent State Accounting BBA program is available. Also, students without an accounting background can easily start the MSA program with fundamental accounting certificates. 

Cutting-edge Curriculum

The curriculum at Kent State University offers an advanced accounting coursework core and a variety of electives that allow you to structure a concentration tailored directly to your needs. No matter your starting point, our courses will develop your data skills including the use of AI. Our approach is designed to enhance your analytical abilities and provide you with a competitive edge in the job market and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

High Quality

Built to Quality Matters course standards with frequent faculty-student engagement.

Career Planning and Support

 Career development is an integral component of the MSA Capstone course. Supported by experienced accounting faculty, students craft a career plan, update their resume, and expand their network within key accounting professional organizations. Overall, an MSA from Kent State provides a great foundation for career advancement and growing your professional network.

Online Master’s in Accountancy Curriculum Summary

The online M.S. in Accounting curriculum at Kent State University offers an advanced accounting coursework core and a variety of electives that allow you to structure a concentration tailored to your needs.

With our flexible online approach, students have the ability to take courses at their own pace from virtually anywhere in the world. Plus, the M.S. in Accounting program can be completed 100% online.

Also, our online M.S. in Accounting program is flexible and affordable, with students starting in either the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Students attend full-time or part-time as best fits their specific needs. A combined degree option with the Kent State Accounting BBA program is also available.

Choosing the Right Accounting Program That Fits Your Background

Selecting the right online master’s degree in accounting is important. Consider which career path you are interested in pursuing with your degree and whether or not a combined BBA/MSA program might be a good fit for you.

Don't have an accounting background?

We have a solution that fits your needs. 

The Accounting Fundamentals Certificate is perfect for those with little or no experience in undergraduate accounting coursework and provides students with basic knowledge in the areas of financial accounting, tax and audit. The certificate prepares students for entry-level accounting positions or for further graduate study in accounting.

The certificate is appropriate for students with a non-accounting bachelor's degree who are considering applying to the Master of Science in Accounting degree in the future.

 

Have an extensive background?

Then you are in the right place.  At Kent State University, our online master’s in accounting gives you the opportunity to earn your degree at your own pace from virtually anywhere.

Our online M.S. in Accounting is about much more than just debits and credits. The program promotes critical thinking, hands-on application of technology, communication skills and ethical decision-making. In addition to experiencing personal and professional growth, our students will enjoy the following features of our online master’s degree in accounting:

  • A flexible approach
  • Outstanding faculty of leading executives and expert scholars
  • Cutting-edge curriculum
  • Ability to learn at your convenience
  • Thorough preparation for the CPA exam
  • Prior accounting degree not required
  • Ability to qualify to take CPA exam and more
  • Individual meetings with your advisors each semester
  • Networking opportunities with industry professionals
Just beginning your college education journey?

The Combined BBA/MSA Program is perfect for you. 

Opportunities for double counting courses and provisional admission are provided to Kent State University undergraduate accounting students with outstanding records or individuals with exemplary professional credentials.

Undergraduate students in or entering their senior year who have completed 105 semester hours and have a 3.2 or higher overall GPA and accounting major GPA (or undergraduate students in their junior year who have completed 90 semester hours with a 3.3 or higher overall GPA and accounting major GPA) may obtain provisional admission to the M.S. in Accounting program.

Five undergraduate courses are available as so-called “slash” courses: ACCT 43009, 43013, 43020, 43033 and 43043. The graduate-level equivalents are: ACCT 53009, 53013, 53020, 53033 and 53043.

A student who is provisionally admitted takes the 53000 level courses to count as both BBA and MSA hours toward the respective degrees. A maximum of 9 hours may be counted toward both the BBA and MSA degrees. 

Program Information for Master’s in Accounting Online – MSA Degree

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Science in Accounting degree is for students interested in higher-level positions in banking, taxation, insurance or any company with a financial division. More than just focusing on debits and credits, the M.S.A. degree promotes critical thinking, hands-on application of technology and effective communication and ethical decision-making skills. Graduates pursue careers in auditing, taxation, fraud investigation, law enforcement, investment banking, management and consulting. The flexible combination of required coursework in accounting and electives from a wide variety of business disciplines provides students with a strong foundation in accounting, as well as an understanding of the practical applications of the discipline across all facets of business.

Graduates of the M.S.A. degree meet the educational requirement to sit for a variety of professional certifications, including becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)1 or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

1

Refer to the most recent academic requirements for admission to the CPA exam issued by the Accountancy Board of Ohio.

Admissions for Master’s in Accounting Online – MSA Degree

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university1
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Minimum 3.000 accounting GPA, if applicable
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Résumé
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting or equivalent coursework are required to successfully complete four prerequisite courses: ACCT 53001, ACCT 53010, ACCT 53012 and ACCT 53041.

2

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Application deadline: July 1
  • Spring Semester
    • Application deadline: December 1
  • Summer Term
    • Application deadline: May 1

Applications received after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Analyze, evaluate and report on complex accounting and economic transactions using the accounting framework.
  2. Apply research and analytical skills to solve accounting problems.
  3. Given an ethical dilemma in an accounting setting, analyze the issue, apply an ethical framework and develop a resolution.
  4. Effectively communicate using oral and written communication skills in a business setting.
  5. Assemble, cleanse and analyze the information provided by information systems, and prepare summary reports useful for business decision-making.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to pursue professional certifications and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Coursework
On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Prerequisites
ACCT 53001FINANCIAL REPORTING I 3
ACCT 53010AUDITING FUNDAMENTALS 3
ACCT 53012FINANCIAL REPORTING II 3
ACCT 53041INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX 3
Major Requirements
ACCT 53020ADVANCED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 13
ACCT 53033INCOME TAXATION II - ENTITY TAXATION 13
ACCT 63031ADVANCED AUDITING THEORY AND PRACTICE 3
ACCT 63050ADVANCED ACCOUNTING ANALYTICS AND TECHNOLOGY 3
Accounting Electives, choose from the following:6-9
ACCT 53013
ADVANCED MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING 1
ACCT 53043
INTERNAL AUDIT AND FRAUD EXAMINATION 1
ACCT 63024
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUDIT: CONTROLS AND ANALYTICS
ACCT 63045
TAX RESEARCH AND PLANNING
Approved Non-Accounting Business Electives, choose from the following:6-9
BA 64005
ANALYTICS FOR DECISION MAKING
Business Administration Interdisciplinary (BUS) 60000-Level Courses
Business Analytics (BA) 60000-Level Courses
Computer Information Systems (CIS) 60000-Level Courses
Economics (ECON) 60000-Level Courses
Finance (FIN) 60000-Level Courses
Human Resource Management (HRM) 60000-Level Courses
Management (MGMT) 60000-Level Courses
Marketing (MKTG) 60000-Level Courses
Other non-accounting 60000-level courses with program coordinator approval
Culminating Requirement
ACCT 63022PROFESSIONAL ISSUES AND ETHICS IN ACCOUNTING 23
Minimum Total Credit Hours:42
1

Students who successfully completed ACCT 43013, ACCT 43020, ACCT 43033 and ACCT 43043 as a Kent State accounting undergraduate (or completed comparable classes in another accounting undergraduate program) will not take the comparable graduate courses (ACCT 53013, ACCT 53020, ACCT 53033 and ACCT 53043) for the M.S.A. degree. Rather, they will work with their advisor to select a graduate accounting elective as a substitution for those courses.

2

Students must complete a minimum 9 credit hours before taking ACCT 63022.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Additional coursework may be required for the M.S.A. degree if the student does not have an undergraduate degree in accounting.
  • ACCT 63092 cannot be used to satisfy any requirement for the M.S.A. degree.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • Fully online
Accreditation for Master’s in Accounting Online – MSA Degree

AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Master’s in Accounting Online – MSA Degree

Accountants and auditors

4.3%

about as fast as the average

1,436,100

number of jobs

$73,560

potential earnings

Financial and investment analysts, financial risk specialists, and financial specialists, all other

5.5%

faster than the average

487,800

number of jobs

$83,660

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Master’s in Accounting Online

Have questions for us? Here are some common questions we receive and answers to help.

What Is an Online Master’s in Accountancy?

A master’s in accounting online is a flexible graduate degree program in accountancy that allows you to pursue your degree at your own pace, and it also lets you enter a variety of career paths following graduation.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Master's in Accounting Program?

With completion in as little as 51 credit hours, our online accounting master’s programs will get you prepared for your career quickly and efficiently. Students who possess an undergraduate accounting degree can finish the online M.S. in accounting in as few as two semesters.

Is an Online M.S. in Accounting as Rigorous as an On-Campus Program?

An online M.S. in accounting program allows students more freedom and flexibility to work at their own pace than an on-site program. Online degree programs are generally less demanding, but the coursework remains challenging and engaging.

Can I Pursue an Online Master's in Accounting While Working Full Time?

Absolutely! With successful planning and time management, an online master’s in accountancy can be earned while working a full-time job.

Are Online Master's in Accounting Programs Accredited?

The online MSA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Completing your online master’s degree in accounting will also allow the opportunity to sit for a range of professional certifications. Available certifications include:

  • CPA
  • CMA
  • CISA
  • CFE
  • CIA

Graduates have the opportunity to qualify to take the CPA exam upon completion of the online accounting master’s program.

What Should International Students Be Aware Of?

All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:

  • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (internet-based version)
  • Minimum 77 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 Duolingo English score
Can You Tell Me About Financial Aid Opportunities?

In your research, you will find Kent State offers best-value programs compared with several other universities with Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, the top credential for business schools.

The cost of the online M.S. in Accounting program depends on the length and number of credit hours of your program. Visit our tuition page for insights on tuition and fees. 

Merit-based scholarships are available for online master’s in accounting applicants and students, subject to funds availability. Loans and grants may be available to graduate students. Visit the Kent State Student Financial Aid website for more information.

The Accountancy Board of Ohio and state and national CPA organizations also offer scholarships for students in graduate programs who are preparing to take the CPA exam as they enter careers in accounting. Visit the following sites for more information:

What Do I Need to Get My CPA?

To get your CPA, you need a bachelor’s degree and 150 credits. Your major does not need to be accounting, business, or finance. However, if your major was in something else, getting your master’s in accounting online is a convenient way to keep working while obtaining your certification. It is also an ideal approach to getting the accounting credits required for your licensure if you come from a different educational background. Once you obtain the necessary credits, you will then need to take the CPA exams. 

Contact Us to Begin Your Master’s in Accounting Online

Have questions about our online accounting master’s program? Contact Kent State today and we will be in touch soon. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, apply to earn your online master’s in accountancy!



 

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