Accounting and finance are a necessary and crucial area not only of the business world but for families and individuals as well. Financial accountants usually work to inform those outside an industry whereas managerial accountants compile useful information for financial reckoning within a company. Corporations and organizations could not exist or continue without the expertise of graduate-level accounting professionals. Obtaining a master’s degree in accounting management would likely mean helping a business to manage its finances.
The career outlook for accountants is quite strong. According to this article from U.S. News and World Report, the projected job increase between 2014 and 2024 for accountants is 11 percent. This makes the likelihood of finding and keeping a job twice as good for the accountant as for the average worker.
These online schools provide students with the knowledge, skill, and experience to enter into accounting positions in any area. Many graduates from these fifteen colleges and universities go on to work at the corporate level as chief financial officers, for example. Earn a degree from one of these fabulous online schools and watch your accounting career reach new heights!
QUICK LINKS
- Top Online Master’s of Management Accounting
- SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
- UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
- UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
- FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
- RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
- LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY
- WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS
- MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE
- FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
- UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
- Frequently Asked Questions
Find an Accounting program to fit your needs: Best Concentrations in Accounting, Accounting Career Guide: Salary and Info, 20 Most Affordable Online Schools for Bachelor of Accounting Degrees, Best Online Doctorates in Accounting or our list of the Best Online School for Doctor of Nonprofit Management Degree Programs
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Top Online Master’s of Management Accounting
METHODOLOGY: The schools on this list were carefully chosen by OnlineSchoolsCenter.com by cross-referencing data from statistical, journalistic, and academic-based resources, such as College Factual and U.S. News and World Report. Essential features that were taken into consideration for each online school included:
- Displays retention rates no lower than 50%,
- Fully online graduate degrees in Finance or Management Accounting,
- Notability among journalistic resources focusing on online schools,
- Provides a learning experience that includes more than just classwork,
- Financial Aid opportunities,
- Instructs on all pertinent business principles and accounting applications used in the field of Management Accounting,
- Designed to assist students who would like to pursue a career as a CPA; providing coursework to prepare students for the Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accounting examinations.
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SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
Online Master’s Degree in Accounting
Program Standouts:
The Saint Leo University online Master’s Degree in Accounting is specifically designed to help students pass the Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accounting examinations. The coursework opens the opportunity for students to work as management accountants, fraud examiners, and public accountants at international business, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and more. Some of the firms that employ SLU graduates include Entegra Power Group, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Price Waterhouse Coopers. Graduates have an excellent grasp of business ethics, business law, and working with corporations and governments across the globe.
Campus Location: St. Leo, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Sampling of Coursework:
- Accounting Information Systems
- Cost Accounting
- Financial Statement Analysis
Acceptance Rate: 58.5%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 45.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING
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UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Online Master of Professional Accounting Degree
Program Standouts:
There are three online degree programs through which distance education students can earn a graduate degree in accounting. The Master of Professional Accounting includes a concentration option in Certified Public Accounting, which is an excellent choice for students who plan to sit for the relevant accounting examinations available after the program. This program offers preparation for any and all of such tests. According to the University of Miami alumni, this program is also well-suited for students with busy personal and professional lives and allows enough time to dedicate attention to work and family.
Campus Location: Miami, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Program Options:
- MBA in Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting – CPA
Acceptance Rate: 35.7%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 81.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI ONLINE GRADUATE ACCOUNTING PROGRAMS
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UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
Distance Learning Master of Accounting Degree Program
Program Standouts:
Students enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Lowell online Master in Accounting explore in-depth coursework in unique areas such as globalization, forensic accounting, and advanced auditing. UMass Lowell is classified as a Level 1 business school, which makes becoming a Certified Public Accountant much easier, according to the program website. Online students engage in real-world scenarios with their instructors and classmates and build teamwork and leadership skills through complex projects. The curriculum draws from numerous departments in the Manning School of Business to make the online program as well-rounded as possible. Such areas include Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance, International Business, and more.
Campus Location: Lowell, MA
Accreditation:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Sampling of Coursework:
- Globalization and Accounting
- Advanced Management and Sustainability Accounting
- Advanced Cost Management
Acceptance Rate: 68.8%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 55.5%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL’S ONLINE ACCOUNTING GRADUATE DEGREE
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UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
E-Learning Master of Accountancy Degree
Program Standouts:
This online school’s Master of Accountancy includes hands-on learning of the practical business and accounting skills needed to fill positions of management. There is a particular emphasis on ethical standards of leadership in business organizations. Students can expect excellent preparation coursework for the Certified Public Accountant examination. Graduates from Scranton have gone on to work at the Big4, as well as local and regional accounting firms, with whom they have already built a relationship through the Master of Accountancy online degree. The MAcc Bridge Option is available for students who have no educational background in accounting.
Campus Location: Scranton, PA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Sampling of Coursework:
- Accounting for Management
- Intermediate Accounting I, II, and III
- Accounting Communication
Acceptance Rate: 74.8%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 79.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON’S ONLINE MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY DEGREE
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FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
Online MBA in Accounting
Program Standouts:
The coursework in Fitchburg State University’s online Master of Business Administration in Accounting has a heavy emphasis on the managerial aspects of accounting and business alongside practical knowledge and skills. The curriculum has a foundation in class discussions and collaborative projects and is instructed by working business professionals who are currently engaged in various business accounting undertakings. Students establish networking connections at FSU that carry over into graduates’ professional careers. With more than one start date available, students have an enormous amount of control over their online program.
Campus Location: Fitchburg, MA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Advanced Financial Accounting Issues
- Selected Topics in Advanced Managerial Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 53%
LEARN MORE ABOUT FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY ONLINE MBA IN ACCOUNTING DEGREE PROGRAM
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RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Master of Acountancy in Governmental Accounting Online Degree Program
Program Standouts:
The Rutgers University online Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting prepares students to work in both the public and private sectors. The curriculum is designed for professionals in accounting who already have an established career upon which to build newer and more in-depth knowledge and skill. Many of the courses are focused on managerial accounting duties and educate students in maintaining positions of great responsibility. There are excellent financial opportunities for government employees who are earning an education to help further their careers in federal and state areas. Some students choose to take on a Master of Public Administration as a dual degree to further expand their opportunities as expert accountants.
Campus Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Accreditation:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Sampling of Coursework:
- Accounting for Managers
- Advanced Topics in Governmental Accounting
- Ethical Issues in Public Financial Management
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 80.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY DEGREES
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Online Accounting & Finance DEgree
Program Standouts:
Online graduate students at Liberty University have the opportunity to major in either Accounting or Finance. Both programs provide coursework in 8-week, accelerated terms, and can be finished in one year. The Master in Finance includes education in fiscal management and is for students with aspirations in financial planning. The Master in Accounting includes courses in Business Law, Tax Research, Accounting Ethics, and more, and gives students the skills and understanding to provide accounting expertise to any business entity. Both of the degrees have additional specialization options, some of which are offered at very few other online schools, such as the Master of Accounting in Audit and Financial Reporting.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Program Options:
- Accounting
- Finance
Acceptance Rate: 29.8%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 42.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE MASTER’S DEGREES
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UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY
Online MBA in Finance
Program Standouts:
This online degree program in Finance is designed for managers and expands upon the financial aspects of their careers in business. The coursework will teach students the in-depth processes of investments, creating manageable growth, and the distribution of capital. Students work through real-world projects and apply critical thinking skills to advanced concepts. The curriculum is offered at an accelerated rate and can be completed in as little as 12 months by those students with the right spirit and dedication, as it is a rigorous program. Some of the titles taken on by USM graduates include Financial Analyst, Financial Manager, Personal Financial Advisor, Economist, and Sales Manager, all of which earn a salary of around $80,000-100,000 per year.
Campus Location: Leavenworth, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Advanced Financial Topics
- Financial and Capital Issues
- Financial Decisions
Acceptance Rate: 49.2%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 40.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY’S ONLINE MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN FINANCE DEGREE PROGRAM
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WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Online MBA in Finance
Program Standouts:
The Washington State University online Master of Business Administration in Finance explores the complexities of global, international, and local markets and has a particularly strong focus in cultivating secure financial futures and investments. This concentration can also be earned as a Graduate Certificate from WSU, for those so inclined. Three of the most popular jobs for graduates of this program are Chief Financial Officer, Finance Director, and Senior Financial Analyst, all of which are top-tier, high-paying positions of employment. The MBA portion of the curriculum provides in-depth training in developing advanced business knowledge and strategic skills in approaching complex issues and projects.
Campus Location: Pullman, WA
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Sampling of Coursework:
- Investment Analysis
- Interest Rates and Finance Markets
- International Finance
Acceptance Rate: 73.1%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 40.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MBA IN FINANCE
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PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS
Online Master of Professional Accounting Degree Program
Program Standouts:
Penn State World Campus supplies an online Master of Professional Accounting that is designed to prepare students to become Certified Professional Accountants. The curriculum is ideally suited to careers in managerial accounting, corporate finance, and other such leadership positions. While students are not required to possess an undergraduate accounting degree prior to entering this online program, some accounting prerequisite courses are required. The entire goal of this degree is preparation for the CPA examination, which then allows professional accountants to maneuver within the field to find the area they find most fulfilling.
Campus Location: University Park, PA
Accreditation:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Sampling of Coursework:
- Strategic Cost Management
- Business Tax Planning Theory and Practice
- Accounting Information and Decision Systems
Acceptance Rate: 66.8%
Retention Rate: 54%
Graduation Rate: 39.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS’ ONLINE MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING
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MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE
Online MBA in Accounting
Program Standouts:
TThe Mississippi College School of Business provides three opportunities through which students can earn an online graduate degree in accounting or finance. The curricula of each program vary slightly to accommodate appropriate coursework according to the concentration. However, each of the three degrees will endow online students with the leadership abilities to manage finances at any professional level by utilizing current business strategies, as well as maintaining a consistently up-to-date understanding of global business markets. Graduate students at Mississippi College will gain an understanding of investments, financial markets, managerial accounting, auditing, and more.
Campus Location: Clinton, MS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
Program Options:
- Master of Accounting
- Master of Business Administration in Accounting
- Master of Business Administration in Finance
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 52.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE’S ONLINE GRADUATE DEGREES IN ACCOUNTING
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FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
mba in accounting distance learning degree program
Program Standouts:
Florida Tech is an incredibly well-accredited online school that offers graduate students three exciting opportunities to earn their master’s degree in an area of finance or accounting. The business administration components of each program provide the managerial and leadership aspects of the major and the specialized coursework is included in the chosen concentration. The accounting majors will prepare students to pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant examination, but the degree consists of enough instruction in general business and finance that students have a wide variety of areas in which they can enter upon graduation. Students can be assured in the high quality of this program by merely observing the number of business accreditation retained by Florida Tech.
Campus Location: Melbourne, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- Southeast U.S. Higher Education Consortium for International Business
Sampling of Coursework:
- MBA in Accounting
- MBA in Finance
- MBA in Accounting and Finance
Acceptance Rate: 63.5%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 56.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY’S ONLINE MBA IN ACCOUNTING PROGRAMS
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UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
online master of accounting degree
Program Standouts:
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers their Master of Accounting degree entirely online or in a hybrid format for those who would also like to take evening classes on campus. There are many experiential learning opportunities in this program, such as the Annual Accounting Boot Camp that is intended to help students obtain positions of employment immediately after graduation. UAB is also part of the National Association of Black Accountants and provides excellent opportunities to students of color. Faculty are well-decorated professionals who train and prepare students for positions in global firms and businesses.
Campus Location: Birmingham, AL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Sampling of Coursework:
- Business Law for Accountants
- Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
- Corporate Governance
Acceptance Rate: 91.8%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 53.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM’S ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
master of accounting online degree
Program Standouts:
Not only is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill one of the few online universities on this ranking to offer concentration options in their Master of Accounting Program, but it also maintains an outstanding graduation rate of 90%, which is almost unheard of among even the best schools in the country. UNC-Chapel Hill’s graduate accounting degree includes great recruitment opportunities and is perfect for students who are starting their accounting career, switching careers, or advancing their current profession. This degree is excellent for working adults, veterans, and those raising a family. There are four start times scheduled throughout the year in January, March, June, and September. Online students can start at any of the four times.
Campus Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Concentration Options:
- Tax
- Financial Analysis and Reporting
- Auditing
- General Accounting
Acceptance Rate: 24.4%
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 90.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL’S ONLINE GRADUATE DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING
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UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
online ms in accounting degree program
Program Standouts:
The University of Massachusetts Amherst online Master in Accounting prepares students to attain positions of management and leadership in accounting, budgeting, or auditing businesses. The coursework also provides knowledge and strategies for starting a privately owned accounting business! Some graduates have chosen to carry their education into a doctorate degree, and this curriculum provides the foundation to do so. Some of the job titles that UMass Amherst graduates have gotten include chief financial officers, internal auditor, controller, and accounting information technology specialist. The Isenberg School of Management provides an avenue for students who do not have an accounting undergraduate degree called the Isenberg Accounting Transitions Program.
Campus Location: Amherst, MA
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Sampling of Coursework:
- Ethics and Professional Responsibilities for Accountants
- Financial Management of Nonprofit Organizations
- Fraud Investigation
Acceptance Rate: 57.6%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 77%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING
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These online schools are some of the most well-respected colleges and universities in the country. Students should be proud to attend any one of these institutions of higher education and will receive only the most excellent instruction from expert faculty members. There are opportunities available for those with and without experience in business or accounting, and students should not hesitate to apply if they have little to no education or work history in the field. The various programs available above will take online students into positions of employment across the globe. Stick with OnlineSchoolsCenter.com and work toward that dream job!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Master in Accounting and a Master in Finance?
Finance will generally cover a broader range of coursework, while accounting has more specific areas, such as taxation, cost accounting, and auditing. Finance may have a stronger emphasis on money management and investments. Either way, each major includes coursework that will prepare you for any job that involves money management. Students enrolled at any one of these schools that provides programs with either title will receive the education and experience to offer top-tier financial advice and leadership.
Will I have job security with a graduate degree in accounting?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job outlooks for accountants and auditors at around 10% over the next six years, which is faster than average. Accountants and auditors generally earn about $70,000 per year, but your salary increases after earning a graduate degree. There is most certainly job security as an accountant, particularly when you have education and experience in management accounting.
Can I start my own business with a Master’s in Accounting?
Of course, you can! Some of the programs on this ranking include coursework that is specific to entrepreneurship and small business management, which gives you the educational foundation upon which to start thinking about opening your own accounting-related business. Not every graduate degree on this ranking will include such classes, but, if opening your own business is your goal, you can discuss such aspirations with your institution of choice, and they will provide you with the appropriate support to do so. Never underestimate the power of having an alma mater.
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