Online Master of Science in Accounting

Program Overview

USF’s online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree equips students with the skills to thrive in today’s financial world.

Knowledgeable accounting professionals are critical for organizational success. They ensure accurate financial reporting, conduct thorough audits, manage complex tax matters, and provide critical insights to keep businesses thriving. Because of this, accounting skills are in demand in almost every industry.

There have been over

3.7 million

job postings for accounting skills over the last 12 months.

Lightcast

The University of San Francisco’s Master of Science in Accounting online program prepares students to excel in these crucial roles. The program’s rigorous, engaging learning environment focuses on career preparation, ethical leadership, and professional growth. Our curriculum includes courses in contemporary and traditional accounting topics like financial accounting, auditing, fraud detection, and accounting analytics.

Work through practical coursework at your pace. No previous accounting experience required.

Our master’s in accounting online program blends theory with real-world application so that you gain in-depth knowledge of traditional accounting practices, specialized regulatory and financial reporting, sustainability frameworks, and strategic data analytics.

USF’s approach sharpens your critical thinking and analytical skills, building the strong foundation you need as you work toward meeting CPA educational requirements.

Please note: The MSA may be sufficient for some students to meet CPA educational requirements; however, this may vary depending on your educational background and the state in which you plan to pursue licensure. We encourage prospective students to consult with their state board of accountancy to determine their individual requirements.

To take the CPA exam, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree and 150 credit hours of education. In addition to the 150 credit hour requirement, most states also mandate a specific number of credit hours in areas such as accounting and business. Depending on your undergraduate degree, you may need to take additional courses to fulfill your state’s CPA eligibility requirements.

Our accounting program is designed with dual objectives: to equip students with practical accounting skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace, and to help them build toward CPA educational requirements.

Request Information

To download a program brochure and learn more about the online Master of Science in Accounting offered by the Masagung Graduate School of Management, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at (813) 590-1402.

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Online Master of Science in Accounting Program Takeaways

Develop proficiency in regulatory and financial reporting, with the ability to apply complex reporting standards and comprehend frameworks across different business scenarios

Utilize data analytics to shape financial strategies and tax planning, ensuring compliance and business efficiency within dynamic regulatory frameworks

Learn to conduct thorough audits adhering to the highest professional and ethical standards, employing data analytics to support the auditing process

Elevate communication skills to present accounting information effectively and uphold professional responsibility and ethical leadership in all accounting practices

Receive an Automatic Tuition Scholarship

In an effort to make our online MS in Accounting more affordable, we are pleased to offer all incoming students a tuition scholarship. No extra application needed — this scholarship is automatic.

Find out more about how much you can save. Visit our tuition & financial aid page or speak with an enrollment specialist at (813) 590-1402.

Is a Master’s in Accounting Worth It?

The Masagung Graduate School of Management provides an online Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) so professionals can elevate their current careers or forge a new path through rigorous academic training and a comprehensive accounting education. Many of our students fall into one of the following three categories, but we welcome any individual looking to further their education.

Aspiring accountants and auditors: Our program is designed to help you work toward the educational requirements for the CPA exam while providing foundational and advanced knowledge in financial, managerial, and auditing practices.

Business leaders seeking accounting expertise: Executives and managers wishing to deepen their accounting knowledge so they can make more informed business decisions will benefit from a comprehensive understanding of accounting analytics and reporting.

Career changers interested in accounting: Professionals looking to transition to accounting can build a solid knowledge base and gain the qualifications needed to switch careers.

Careers With a Master’s in Accounting

When it comes to a master’s in accounting, there is a clear return on investment. According to Lightcast, professionals with an MSA have a median annual salary of $102,000. Accounting professionals remain in high demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 5% job growth for accountants and auditors through 2034 — faster than the average for all occupations.

Lightcast data shows that some of the top jobs for online Master in Accounting graduates include:

Job Title	Median Annual Salary
Accountant or auditor	$84,030
Financial manager	$159,560
Financial or investment analyst	$103,420
Financial risk specialist	$111,130
General or operations manager	$107,360

Frequently Asked Questions

This program consists of fully asynchronous coursework such as recorded lectures and videos, readings, and other assignments.

The flexible nature of this degree means that you can work on your own schedule, without interrupting your current career.

The shortest completion time for the part-time MSA is two years, with most students taking three courses per term.

However, the part-time program allows students to choose an accelerated schedule or a reduced schedule, depending on what fits their needs.

Both degrees prepare students for impactful careers in accounting and finance, but they differ in focus.

A MAcc typically emphasizes technical accounting, auditing, and CPA exam preparation.

The MSA, on the other hand, combines accounting expertise with coursework in analytics, ethics, and strategic financial leadership, offering a versatile skill set that applies to a wide range of roles.

While both degrees involve foundational business knowledge, they differ considerably in scope.

A Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) provides the in-depth accounting expertise you need to work in accounting, financial analysis, auditing, and other data-driven roles. If you are looking to work toward CPA requirements or become a financial specialist, the MSA is a good fit.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA), on the other hand, offers a foundation in business management. You’ll gain vital skills in finance, marketing, leadership, and operations. This degree is ideal for someone looking to step into executive management and other leadership roles.

Many states have begun to offer more flexible pathways to CPA licensure. In particular, some state boards now allow aspiring CPAs to substitute professional experience or other proof of competency for a portion of the previously mandatory 150 credit hours of accounting education.

For example, beginning in 2027, California will introduce a new pathway to CPA licensure. Candidates may qualify by holding a bachelor’s degree with a major or concentration in accounting, passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and demonstrating at least two years of general accounting experience.

Candidates who choose this pathway can substitute a master’s degree for one year of the required professional experience or an approved accounting certificate program for six months of experience. This experience-based pathway will become California’s licensure standard after 2028, though the current 150-hour pathway will continue to be accepted through the end of 2028.

As these changes take effect, many aspiring CPAs will still benefit from earning a master’s degree. In addition to being the most straightforward way to meet the 150-credit-hour requirement, an accounting master’s gives you the opportunity to develop advanced expertise, network with other professionals, and start preparing for the CPA exam.

Online Master of Science in Accounting

Program Overview

3.7 million

Work through practical coursework at your pace. No previous accounting experience required.

Online Master of Science in Accounting Program Takeaways

Receive an Automatic Tuition Scholarship

Is a Master’s in Accounting Worth It?

Careers With a Master’s in Accounting

About 124,200 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, from 2024 to 2034.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the USF online MSA structured?

How long does it take to complete the MSA program?

What’s the difference between a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)?

Should I get an MSA or an MBA?

How are CPA licensure requirements changing?