Getting your master’s in accounting is more accessible than ever. While you’ll still have to take a CPA test, you’ll be way better equipped for it, and come into accounting with more experience than those who don’t. The median salary for accountants is almost $66,000/year. The median salary for financial managers is over $115,000. With a master’s degree in accounting, many companies will give you preferential treatment, higher starting salary, and you’ll have a leg up on climbing the accountant ladder. Accounting is a steady, in-demand occupation (its estimated that employment in accounting will rise 11% by 2022) that can lead all the way up to becoming the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) at a lucrative corporation.
The requirements for being certified as a CPA/taking the certification test are different state-by-state, so be sure to look up what the requirements are for your area and if the programs listed below meet them.
Let’s take a look at 20 of the most affordable online accounting master’s programs. These have been ranked in order of cheapest to most expensive, by estimating how much you’ll pay per credit hour as an out-of-state student.
Methodology
- Affordability (100%): the affordability of a program, as calculated using the estimated out-of-state tuition per credit hour rate.
1.) Fitchburg State University
Massachusetts’ Fitchburg State University is a four-year public school with a compact urban campus. Fitchburg State University boasts over 3,500 undergraduate and 1650 graduate/continuing education students, for an intimate student body of more than 5200. The University offers postgraduate certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees (including the MBA) in over 25 academic disciplines.
Fitchburg’s MBA program puts students on track for careers in: Internal or External Auditing, Government Accounting, Certified Public Accountant, Management Accountant and Budget Analysis. Their Online MBA program currently offers the Management and Human Resources Management concentrations as fully online programs. The other concentrations would require some in-person attendance.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $304
2.) American Public University
The American Public University System is an online, for-profit institution composed of the American Military University and American Public University, owned by American Public University Inc. Over 50% of the students in 2016 reported they enrolled while still on active duty. However, that isn’t a requirement to attending the school. APUS offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, in addition to dual degrees, certificate programs and learning tracks.
The APU master of science accounting program offers theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research competencies required to competently handle the accounting needs of private corporations, governmental entities, public accounting, and not-for-profit organizations. In comparison to a bachelor’s degree, this master’s program offers enhanced written communication, research, and complex problem solving skills. To make the program more affordable, here are scholarship/loan opportunities the school offers.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $350
3.) Western International University
WIU is an online university offering associate, bachelor and master degrees. Founded in 1978, these programs served over 1,300 students as of 2014. It’s located in Tempe Arizona, but offers worldwide access via its virtual campus. Here are some reviews of the school, which received overwhelmingly positive marks from students. WIU has been expanding its academic programming, and recently started offering new MBAs, including one in Information Technology.
WIU offers two master’s programs in accounting: an MSA and an MBA. The MBA program with an accounting concentration offers development in advanced management and decision-making skills while focusing on in-depth topics and current developments in the accounting profession. The MSA program will prepare students for advanced positions in public, private, or nonprofit accounting. You’ll get the education and experience needed to pass the CPA exam, with applicable review material for the test incorporated into your classes. Courses include Federal Taxation, International Accounting, Advanced Auditing, Advanced Accounting, Forensic Accounting, and Accounting Theory and Research.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $350
4.) Western Governors University
Based in Salt Lake City, WGU is a private, nonprofit university founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997 after the idea was created at a meeting in 1995. It uses a competency-based learning model, which means concrete skills are prized over abstract learning. It is entirely online. The school is made up of four mini-schools, which all offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees: the College of Business, the College of Information Technology, the Teachers College, and the College of Health Professions.
The MBA in accounting offered by WGU helps prepare students for the CPA exam and offers the 150 semester hours required to sit for the CPA exam in most states. This program balances the technical and analytical skills necessary for accounting positions with the critical communication and strategic skills required to become an accountant in a wide range of positions. Learn how to assess complex transactions then diagnose the proper treatment of those transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Develop and apply advanced managerial accounting techniques in real-world situations. The program also prepares you for accounting positions in governmental and nonprofit organizations. The CPA certification is just part of what you’ll prepare for, with the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) exam and the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam also being taught towards in this program.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $406
5.) University of South Dakota
A public, co-ed research university nestled in the cozy town of Vermillion, South Dakota, USD is South Dakota’s only medical school, law school, and accredited business school. It has just under 10,000 students. Despite being a small school, in a small town, in a small state, USD has produced nine Rhodes Scholars, and even a Nobel Prize in Physics. It has 202 undergraduate and 66 graduate programs.
The University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business, which houses the MBA in accounting program, was established in 1927. Since 1949, it’s been accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Less than five percent of the nation’s top business schools have earned this coveted accreditation. This online accounting degree program gives students the training they need in graduate accounting, finance and related subjects for students who want careers in industry, government service or accounting education. Its self-described primary objectives are to develop judgmental ability relating to the production and use of accounting information and to assist in the development of professional competence.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $442
6.) Baker College
Baker College private not-for-profit American college in Flint Township, Michigan that has been in operation for over 100 years. Baker College has expanded to 14 locations, 13 in Michigan and one in Pennsylvania. It offers certificates, associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degree programs in business, healthcare, human services, education, and technology. These categories include programs in: nursing, teaching, interior design, architecture, automotive service technology, and computer and Internet technologies. It maintains a right-to-try admissions policy (it accepts anyone who has a high school diploma or a GED, and students without either can still be accepted based on test results). Baker College also has an extensive financial aid office to try and give access to its programs to as many students as possible.
Baker’s MBA program in accounting is for managers with undergraduate accounting degrees who are seeking additional classes to advance in their career. The curriculum focuses on the theoretical and practical concepts of accounting. You’ll learn how to prepare budgets, financial records and complete tax returns. You’ll be required to analyze, compare, and interpret figures and facts at a level consistent with a bachelor’s in accounting. As part of attending and hopefully graduating this program, you’ll have access to a lifelong employment assistance program run by the school.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $450
7.) Emporia State University
ESU is a public university in Emporia, Kansas with just over 6,000 students. It was established in 1863, and is one of six public universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. It offers degrees in over 80 courses of study and is competitive in NCAA Division II. Like the University of South Dakota, it’s accredited by the prestigious AACSB, receiving this honor in 2002. It has been generously endowed by the benevolent Koch Industries.
ESU’s Business School offers a master’s degree in accountancy that makes students understand and apply the nuances of accounting with gentile ease. It prepares students for careers in professional accounting in the areas of government, management, and public accounting. You will meet the 150-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam in Kansas as well as other states. With an overall GPA of 3.50 or better from an AACSB-accredited undergraduate program, you’ll be able to get a waiver for not taking the GMAT or GRE. This program is known for its affordability and flexibility. There are 30 hours of direct instruction, offered completely online, and has been ranked by Top Accounting Degrees within the top 20 in the nation. For a look at scholarship options, go here.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $457
8.) Stratford University
Stratford, a public benefit corporation that was established in 1976, is known for its drive to provide distance education, especially in developing countries. The school provides placement assistance for students and graduates, offering degrees from undergraduate through doctoral. Stratford attempts to keep its curriculum employer-centric, while delivering its instruction in a student-centric fashion.
Stratford’s MSA in accounting gives students the option to receive instruction entirely online, in person, or with a mix of both, depending on what’s most convenient for you. You’ll need 54 credits broken down into 12 classes in order to receive your MSA from Stratford. Each class will require 5-10 weeks of your time, and you can earn your MSA in 15 months.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $495
9.) Colorado State University – Global Campus
CSU-Global Campus is the online arm of the public, state-related Colorado State University. Founded on a $12 million loan in 2007, CSU-GC quickly paid back that investment, and has been thriving at delivering high quality, accesible education to Colorado residents and the world ever since. It offers 13 bachelor’s degree programs and 19 bachelor’s degree specializations, which allow students to easily combine credits earned from other sources to complete their degree. Additionally, CSU-GC offers 11 master’s degrees with 20 specializations.
Their accounting master’s degree was designed to prepare students for a career in public accounting, corporations, government agencies, and more. The coursework puts an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, planning, and communication skills. Being an accountant is often not just individual, math-based work. It can require the ability to effectively communicate and motivate those who don’t understand accounting to do what is necessary to maintain operational function. Students in this program will develop strategies to solve organizational problems, apply qualitative and quantitative analyses in decision-making, evaluate and manage ethical and legal conflicts, and more. They will also be granted access to Wiley CPAexcel’s Video Gold Medal Course at a significant discount in order to prepare for the CPA exam.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $500
10.) Liberty University
A private, non-profit Christian doctoral research university, LU was established in 1971 and has over 120,000 students, over 95,000 of which attend the school online. It was founded by Jerry Falwell, and proudly emphasizes the intellectual and spiritual development of its students. It believes its secret to success lies in a solid commitment to biblical truth. It claims to be the nation’s largest nonprofit online university, and says its pioneered distance learning since 1985. According to the school, its online programs have over 245 different degrees offered with the lowest tuition rates among top colleges.
Students in its MSA program will build exceptional written and oral competencies within accounting and become familiar with up-to-date research approaches to accounting, auditing, and taxation. By studying national and international accounting practices, students will increase computer literacy, analytical reasoning skills, and application of course materials relevant to a thriving career in accounting. This 30-hour degree can be completed in one to two years, and assist students in meeting the 150 hours required to sit for the CPA exam. It stresses ethics in accounting above all else. The cost is $565 per credit hour, and up to 6 credit hours can be transferred in. Scholarship information and academic resources can be found here and here.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $520
11.) Gardner-Webb University
This private, four-year university in Boiling Springs, North Carolina is known for its “meaningful intellectual thought, critical analysis, and spiritual challenge within a diverse community of learning.” It encourages its students to make contributions for God and humanity as we become an increasingly globally-connected species and world. Over 4,500 students attend Gardner–Webb, in five professional schools, two academic schools, and 11 academic departments with almost 60 fields of study. Among the many awards and honors its online programs have received is its Business Programs, which ranked first in Student Services and Technology out of 161 colleges and universities across the nation in the Top Online Programs Rankings.
As a student in G-WU’s master of accountancy program, you’ll receive a deep understanding of accounting and its applications in economics, finance, international business, management, information systems, marketing, operations, statistics, among others. You’ll translate technical skill into demonstrable leadership and business decision-making. Your instruction will be supplemented with internships, service opportunities, course projects, course simulations, and interaction with business leaders. Graduates from this program often find themselves working for accounting firms, the Internal Revenue Service, federal agencies, as well as businesses like hospitals, public school systems, multinational corporations, and nonprofit organizations. There’s truly no limit to where a good accountant can find themselves.
12.) Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University is a private, evangelical Christian university affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. It is also the largest private university in Indiana. It’s been in existence since 1920, and diligently serves nearly 16,000 students, over 4,500 of which are postgraduates.
Students in the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program can complete their degree in 18-26 months, entirely online. Group work-oriented classes will give students peer support to achieve expertise in accounting standards and practices in performing forensic accounting and auditing services and developing financial reports in accordance with accounting principles, ethical standards, and legal requirements. This program strives to give students both the theory and practice needed to prepare taxes and advise organizations, as well as teach them the tools of communication needed to express themselves. Here is a list of accounting scholarships that is applicable to all the schools on this list.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $536
13.) Grand Canyon University
This liberal arts school, founded in 1949, was purchased by Grand Canyon Education Inc. in 2004, becoming a for-profit, Christian research university. it serves over 60,000 students online with undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in education, liberal arts, business, science, engineering, math, Christian theology, and health care. It’s the first for-profit Christian college in America.
The online MSA gives students advanced flexibility, with the ability to transfer in 12 credits, or 1/3 of the program itself. Offered by one of GCU’s college’s, the Colangelo College of Business, the program will develop your skills in financial reporting, taxation and auditing while preparing for your Uniform CPA Examination. This program was designed for those with a bachelor’s in accounting. You’ll be taken through the diverse, exciting stream of public accounting practice, economics and marketing, from research methodologies to advanced managerial tactics, all the way to cost accounting concepts. You’ll culminate in an advanced review of the CPA Exam. Here are applicable scholarships and grants.
14.) Colorado Technical University
This for-profit university, founded in 1965, specializes in business, management and technology, all extremely applicable to accounting. It began as an institution geared towards training former military personnel in technical occupations to ease their transition into civilian life. The NSA and the Department of Homeland Security recognize CTU as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Perhaps after you graduate from this school you can do accounting work for the government! In 2015 it was ranked 58th on the U.S. News & World Report lists for Best Online Programs.
CTU offers an MSA and an MBA in accounting.
The Master of Science in Accounting is a degree for students with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or another closely related field. This program aims to provide strong theoretical foundations and professional skills in the main functional areas of accounting, including financial reporting and assurance, management control and auditing, taxation, and forensic accounting. In addition, this program is designed to help graduates prepare for careers in public accounting, industry, government or not-for-profit organizations. Accountants and auditors help to ensure that organizations are run more efficiently, public records are kept more accurately, and taxes are paid properly and on time.
CTU’s MBA-Accounting degree program is designed to help you prepare for advanced accounting responsibilities across business, government and non-profits. CTU’s ACBSP-accredited curriculum balances business management theories with key accounting principles. Aligned to AACSB standards and American Institutes of CPAs Core Competencies, coursework is designed to help you navigate accounting standards, financial reporting, management control and auditing, taxation, regulatory policy, ethics, critical thinking, problem solving and more. CTU’s MBA degree program was named a Tier One program among North American universities in 2015 by CEO Magazine and was ranked among the Best Online Programs for 2016 by U.S. News and World Report.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $585
15.) Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s is a private, coed university with undergrad offered in Winona, Minnesota, and graduate programs offered in Winona, the Twin Cities, Rochester, Jamaica, Kenya, and several other locations. It’s Roman Catholic affiliated, and houses 400 adjunct professors and 5,900 students. Its Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs, with diverse course delivery methods and locations, is one of Minnesota’s largest graduate schools.
Saint Mary’s promises advanced courses in taxation, audits, ethics and fraud analysis. Students will develop well-rounded skillset alongside their peers, and earn credits toward the Certified Public Accounting (C.P.A.) and Certified Management Accounting (C.M.A.) licenses. With an emphasis on real-world experience and conversation, students will prepare for careers in public accounting firms, private accounting firms, corporate accounting departments, government departments, nonprofit organizations, and more. Through this program, you will become a master of numbers.
You’ll receive in-depth tutelage on corporate responsibility, strategic planning, and loss prevention to help you on your accounting career path. Your professors come from accounting, and will cut through the academics to deliver the tangible abilities you’ll need for a career.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $595
16.) Brandman University
Approximately 11,000 students attend this private, non-profit regionally accredited university based in California, Washington, and of course, the Internet. It’s within the Chapman University system, but is its own separately, fully-accredited institution. Chapman’s history extends back to 1861, and Brandman was founded in 1958. U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs rankings have included Brandman University since the rankings began in 2012. The university consistently thrives in undegraduate, graduate business, graduate education and MBA rankings.
Brandman University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in accounting prepares students for diverse and high-paying careers in business accounting. You’ll learn about all aspects of business management and leadership, and be given the tools to make positive changes within whatever organization you undoubtedly land in. Its curriculum includes financial reporting, data analysis for decision making, business process, human resources, and marketing management. In a teetering economic environment, Brandman’s MBA in accounting focuses on sustainability and innovation. You’ll learn from direct industry experiences and the latest academic research how to use ethics and corporate social responsibility to make decisions that help your organization, and the world.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $620
17.) California State University, Sacramento
Founded in 1947, this school awards 7,000 degrees annually in a wide spectrum of programs. Over 29,000 students enjoy 151 bachelor’s degrees, 69 master’s degrees, 28 types of teaching credentials, and 2 doctoral degrees. It’s highly ranked as a diverse school, both ethnically and economically, so you’ll learn alongside people from a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring a more well-rounded, insightful education. The accounting program hosts over 1,200 students.
The Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program meets the 150-credit hour education requirement established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The program was created in response to the The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, an act passed by U.S. Congress to protect investors from fraudulent accounting activities by corporations. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Sacramento State’s online Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) program 75th in the nation out of 236 similar programs. It ranks second among the 23 California State University campuses.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $624
18.) Post University
This private, for-profit university in Waterbury, Connecticut was founded in 1890. It was ranked as number 19 in the 2013 U.S. News & World Report rankings of the Best Online Programs report, and its online MBA program made the top 100 among online graduate business programs in 2014. Over 7,000 students enjoy the highly ranked education Post provides.
Its MSA accounting program focuses on high-level, thinking and strategies that promote success and change within accounting. Coursework covers effective strategies and practice with decision-making, verbal and written communication, and management/leadership skills.
Post puts a premium on interaction. Despite taking this MSA online, you’ll have access to motivated professionals, and professors who will work with you to improve your work and performance in real time. Post gives its online MSA students the opportunity to network and interact with other accountants, students, and professors through LinkedIn, preparing you to transition into your career.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $625
19.) Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU is a private, nonprofit, coed, and nonsectarian university. Its 64,000 students, 60,000 of which attend the school online, are treated to what Fast Company ranked the 12th most innovative organization in the world in its World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies edition. SNHU was up there with Apple, Google, and HBO, and was above companies as the National Football League, Starbucks, and LinkedIn. Why, you might ask? Fast Company wrote that SNHU made the list, ’for relentlessly reinventing higher education online and off.’’ Additionally, the School of Business and the College of Online & Continuing Education have won multiple “Best of Business” Awards for Best MBA Program and Best Online Degree Program, respectively.
SNHU’s master’s degree in accounting online offers several different concentrations including auditing, forensic accounting, management accounting and taxation. These programs are constructed to give you the tangible skills to become CPAs, corporate accountants, auditors, fraud examiners, financial analysts and more. The education you’ll receive will be applicable to any organization with a financial sector. An unusually comprehensive breakdown of the program can be found here.
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $627
Here are a list of applicable grants and scholarships.
20.) California Baptist University
CBU is a private, Christian liberal arts school serving just over 8,500 students as of 2015. It is known for its immense, beautiful library, which will give you access to over 150,000 e-books. Its accounting program is new, formed in 2013, but in some ways that’s beneficial. It’s often easier to build a cutting edge program from scratch than update curriculum and staff that have been stuck in their ways for some time.
The average completion time for CBU’s MSA in accounting is 12 months. It’s received the prestigious ACBSP accreditation, and costs $643 per credit, with an estimated major cost of $19,000 in total. Major subjects covered in this MSA program include, auditing and assurance, taxation, business law, financial accounting and business ethics and responsibilities for CPAs. CBU also offers financial assistance to those who qualify through an array of means.
If you’re looking for a stable, instantly impactful career with the potential to work for any organization with a financial sector, accounting might be for you. By utilizing the options on this list, you can do so entirely from home, and for the least amount of money possible. Good luck!
- Homepage
- Estimated Out-of-State Tuition per Credit: $643
FAQs
What is the best masters degree to get in accounting? ›
“What might that be?” Well, there are two types of master's degree programs within the subject of accounting. Depending on your interest and desired outcome, you may want to choose a Master's of Accounting degree program or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program with an emphasis in accounting.
What is the easiest Masters to get? ›- Masters of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Masters of Arts (MA)
- Masters in Mass Communication.
- Masters of Psychology.
- Masters of Finance.
- Masters of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Masters of Science (MSc)
If there is a clear goal in your mind and you are content in your field, a one-year Masters programme is a great choice. People with longer work experience and a proven quantitative aptitude tend to prefer this type of programme, because they can handle the intensity of the coursework.
How can I get my masters fast? ›What is the fastest way to get a Master's degree? If you would like to earn your Master's degree fast, consider an accelerated degree program; perfect for those already invested in a career and need the extra credentials for a job promotion. Accelerated programs are often available online, too!
Is it worth getting a masters in accounting? ›A master's degree in accounting is worth it because it can be the boost you need to a higher-level position in banking, taxation, insurance or any company with a financial division. You can gain superior analytical skills, deepen your knowledge of accounting principles and learn the latest technology.
Whats better CPA or Masters? ›A CPA will immediately signal that you are a top-tier accountant, while a master's degree can showcase leadership potential and cutting-edge skills in complementary areas such as data analysis.
What are the 2 most common master's degrees called? ›The two most common titles of master's degrees are the Master of Arts (MA/M.A./A.M) and Master of Science (MSc/M.Sc./M.S./S.M.) degrees, which normally consist of a mixture of research and taught material.
Which is the toughest masters degree? ›- Chemical engineering is the most difficult discipline to master because it combines engineering's most complex knowledge with chemistry. ...
- Medicine is one of the most difficult courses to study in the world, and for good reason.
- Human services. Median pay: $46,600 per year. ...
- Early childhood education. Median pay: $49,200 per year. ...
- Professional counseling. Median pay: $51,200 per year. ...
- Community counseling. Median pay: $51,700 per year. ...
- Museum studies. ...
- Divinity. ...
- Mental health counseling. ...
- Library science.
Unlike the one-year programme, the two-year Master's programmes gives you sufficient time to take all the basic courses you need for completing your degree, plus some extra time which you can use to take advantage of many more electives.
Is it worth doing a Masters online? ›
An online master's degree is worth the time and effort as long as you go through an accredited program and ensure that it meets the standards of potential employers. If the program seems suspicious or you notice that the university does not have a third-party accreditation, then opt for a different online program.
Is a masters much harder than a degree? ›Yes. Master's degrees are a bit harder than most undergraduate studies. However, a postgraduate course of study is the best way to improve your academic career and personal life. You'll find ways to adjust to the increased difficulty as you go.
Can I get a masters in 3 months? ›Typically, accelerated courses will be somewhere between 4 and 8 weeks long; 6 week accelerated courses are common. For 1 year master's degree programs online, short, self-paced courses help working professionals knock out their degree on their own time. That's how the fastest master's degree online does it.
How many hours should you study a day for Masters? ›The consensus among universities is that for every hour spent in class, students should spend approximately 2-3 hours studying. So, for example, if your course is three hours long two days per week, you should be studying 12-18 hours for that class per week.
Can you get a masters degree in 6 months? ›Yes, a 6-month master's program is, more often than not, as good as any other traditional full-time or part-time master's program.
How long does it take to finish masters in accounting? ›Most students typically complete their master's degree in accounting within two years. This is assuming that they already hold an undergraduate degree and are enrolled as a full-time student, as enrollment status can impact the amount of time it takes to complete an accounting degree.
What do you call a masters in accounting? ›A Master of Accountancy is a specific graduate level degree provided to students interested in going on to work in the field of accounting. The Master of Accountancy is sometimes abbreviated to the MAcc, the MAc, or the MAcy.
Is accounting hard to Master? ›Getting your degree in accounting really isn't any more difficult than any other potential field of study. Just like any other program, you'll run into some elements of accounting that are complex, but you may also find some of it to be relatively intuitive, or even easy.
Should I do MBA or masters in accounting? ›A master's degree in accounting is meant to prepare students for a higher-level or management position in accounting, while an MBA offers the same preparation for a variety of fields depending on a student's chosen concentration.
Who earns more CPA or MBA? ›If you are a CPA, you will earn approximately 10% more than your non-CPA counterparts. The median salary for a CPA is $62,123 per year. On the other hand, location plays a big role in compensation for an MBA – meaning that the school you attended (based on national ranking) can impact how much you make.
Who makes more money accountant or nurse? ›
The average hourly pay for an accountant is $22.17 in the united states, and it's the same as nursing. The salary of accountants also depends on the state and experience.
What degree is higher than Master? ›The focus of master's degrees and doctorate degrees is different. A master's degree is designed to deepen career-oriented knowledge and skills. A doctorate degree is a heavily research-based degree, designed to develop critical research,analytical and writing skills in an effort to fill industry knowledge gaps.
How do you address someone with a master's degree? ›The official title is "Master of xxx" for someone who has attained a Master's degree in a given topic.
What is half a master's degree called? ›Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
A postgraduate diploma is a shorter postgraduate study option that includes challenging masters level content but without the dissertation or major project. A PGDip typically takes approximately 15 months to complete if you're studying part-time and is worth 120 academic credits.
- Business administration. A Master of Business Administration, or MBA, is one of the most highly sought-after master's degrees globally and a stepping stone to C-suites jobs at big organisations. ...
- Healthcare administration. ...
- Computer science. ...
- Marketing.
| Rank | Degree subject | % high meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petroleum Engineering | 72% |
| 2 | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) | 44% |
| 3 | Applied Economics and Management | 69% |
| 4 | Operations Research | 48% |
What is the fastest and easiest degree to get? Often students focus on Business Administration, Psychology, or Education degrees for the fastest degrees; however, General Studies, English, and Communications may be considered some of the easiest, along with Psychology.
What to do if you cant afford a Masters? ›Currently, the only way to pay for a master's course is through a university bursary or scholarship scheme, or by getting out a government career development loan, which requires you to pay back the money as soon as you complete the course, rather than when you are earning.
Which Masters has highest salary? ›A master's degree is one of the most prestigious educational degrees available in the U.S., and can lead to a well-paying career in one of several industries. Some of the highest-paying master's degrees are in nursing and computer science, but psychologists, economists, and mathematicians rank highly too.
What is a good salary after Masters? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $140,500 and as low as $25,000, the majority of salaries within the Masters Degree jobs category currently range between $47,500 (25th percentile) to $74,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $106,500 annually across the United States.
Is a Masters degree worth it 2022? ›
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, master's degree holders earn around $240 more per week than bachelor's degree holders, and the unemployment rate is also considerably less. Spend less on tuition and graduate faster with eligible transfer credits and relevant work/life experience.
Can you finish Masters in 1 year? ›Typically, earning a master's degree takes two years. But many colleges and universities offer one-year master's degrees in high-demand fields like business, healthcare administration, education, and social work. Earning a master's degree in one year can save you time and money on your degree.
Is it smart to get two Masters? ›It's entirely possible to earn two master's degrees and there are many reasons to do so. Two master's degrees can help you to pursue more than one academic field, qualify for a position with more responsibility and opportunities and help you to become a top candidate for higher paying jobs.
What is the average cost of an online Masters degree? ›Of the 25 most affordable online schools offering master's degree programs, the cost per credit hour will be in the range of $500 to $625. This brings the average annual tuition (of the 25 most affordable online schools) to approximately $5,362 per year.
Is online Masters degree hard? ›Challenges Unique to Online Degree Programs
Without regular face-to-face meetings to keep course requirements top of mind, it can be easy for assignments and deadlines to slip through the cracks. Many students struggle to find the self-discipline needed to work as independently as an online course may require.
Many Students worry about getting an online degree wondering if they have any value or if the employers and recruiters consider it as a traditional degree. A straight answer to that dilemma is, yes!
Is it better to have 2 bachelors or a Masters? ›Career goals
If you are interested in making a career change or a large shift, a second bachelor's may allow you more opportunities in a new industry. If you want to stay in your current field and earn a promotion or qualify for more positions, a master's might allow you more opportunities.
"There is no denying that a postgraduate course is harder than an undergraduate course. You will have to put in a lot more work than what you have previously. If you expect and prepare to put in a lot of work, you will find it easier when it comes to doing it, which will then be reflected in your results."
Is it hard to fail a masters degree? ›A Masters is challenging, but you're still unlikely to fail. For one thing, universities won't admit students who aren't ready and prepared for the course.
How many hours a week is a Masters? ›For classroom-based taught Masters, students will usually have between five and 10 contact hours per week, through a combination of seminars, lectures and workshops. Laboratory-based Masters will have more contact hours – often around 20 hours a week.
Can you buy a masters degree? ›
The simple answer is no, you cannot buy a master's degree. However, there are some ways that you can get your hands on one without actually having to attend college or university. The most common way is to purchase a fake degree from an online diploma mill.
How long is the shortest masters degree? ›In theory, it can be anything from one to ten years! But on average, you're looking at one year full time, two years part time, with exceptions for the odd vocational course. Full-time masters degrees are the quickest option, often taking one year to complete. Part-time degrees then generally take around two years.
Can I work while doing my Masters? ›Yes, it is possible to do a masters while working full time. The trade-off is that it takes a much longer time to get a degree in many cases.
Can you have a part-time job while doing a Masters? ›Postgraduate study is demanding, but many students still manage to balance a Masters degree with part-time work. The trick is knowing what to expect - and how to manage your time.
Can a master student work full-time? ›A Master's degree student is only entitled to work full time (more than 20 hours per week), before the course start date and after the course end date has passed (subject to the exception below).
What is the easiest masters degree? ›- Masters of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Masters of Arts (MA)
- Masters in Mass Communication.
- Masters of Psychology.
- Masters of Finance.
- Masters of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Masters of Science (MSc)
One of the fastest master's degree programs is the online Master of Accountancy program. As a 30 credit program, students can complete the degree in one year and become CPA eligible at the completion of the program.
What's the easiest Masters program? ›- Education.
- Organizational Leadership.
- Accounting.
- Criminal Justice.
- Communication.
- Sports Management.
- Psychology.
- Nursing.
How To Get a Master's Degree: 8 Tips For Success | Franklin.edu
How Hard is a Master's Degree?
Quickest Online Master's Degrees [6-18 month programs]
- Master of Professional Accountancy. Featured. ...
- Master of Science in Accounting. Featured. ...
- Master Management in Finance & Accounting. Featured. ...
- Master of Accountancy - Forensic Accounting. ...
- Master of Science in Accounting. ...
- Master of Professional Accounting. ...
- MSc Accounting and Finance. ...
- Master of Professional Accounting (MProfAcctg)
What masters can I do with accounting and finance degree? ›
- ACCA.
- MSc Accounting and Finance.
- MSc Accounting and Finance (Master's Stage)
- MSc Accounting and Financial Management.
- MSc Finance and Investment.
Master's in accounting programs provide a strong foundation in the field. A typical curriculum consists of core courses, like advanced financial accounting, accounting ethics, auditing theory, and taxation of business entities. Core courses can help prepare learners for the CPA exam.
Is a Masters in accounting an MBA? ›A master's degree in accounting is meant to prepare students for a higher-level or management position in accounting, while an MBA offers the same preparation for a variety of fields depending on a student's chosen concentration.
How many years is master's degree in accounting? ›Most students typically complete their master's degree in accounting within two years. This is assuming that they already hold an undergraduate degree and are enrolled as a full-time student, as enrollment status can impact the amount of time it takes to complete an accounting degree.
What major is similar to accounting? ›| Major | Annual Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Accounting | 73,172 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping | 19,817 |
| Accounting and Finance | 3,648 |
| Accounting and Business/Management | 1,637 |
Vice President of Finance
The highest paying accounting job is a company's Vice President of Finance. Of course, it takes many years of hard work to become a V.P. of Finance. Typically, a master's degree is also required. Vice Presidents of finance work alongside a company's president and/or chief executive officer.
Generally speaking, people consider accounting majors to be more difficult to study and pass than finance majors. And there are a few different reasons for this. The content of accounting majors is, on average, much more technical than for finance majors, and this can make it more difficult.
What is the best career in accounting? ›- Auditor. ...
- Information and Technology Accountant. ...
- Senior Financial Analyst. ...
- Forensic Accountant. ...
- Managerial Accountant. ...
- Controller. ...
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
So, Which One is Better for You? If you are interested in management opportunities or general business consulting, then an MBA would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you are strictly a “numbers cruncher,” you should become a CPA, especially if you want to work for a big four accounting firm.
Is it better to get MBA or masters in accounting? ›Ultimately, the choice between these two programs comes down to your goals and preferences. If you are looking for a more broadly-applicable degree, an MBA might be the way to go. If you are looking for a more focused experience, with the ability to gain skills in another subject area of your choosing, an M.S.
Is a CPA equivalent to an MBA? ›
The biggest difference between an MBA and a CPA is that an MBA is an academic degree whereas a CPA is a credential. A general MBA is a graduate degree that focuses on business leadership and management while helping students improve their critical thinking and strategic decision-making skills.