A master's degree in accounting can prepare you for advanced certifications, licensure, and leadership roles in accounting and auditing. Online degree programs are accessible and flexible, making them a great choice for working professionals.
Find out what the top online master's degrees in accounting offer and how they differ from on-campus programs.
Popular Online Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Accounting Master's Programs
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Accounting Program
Online master's in accounting programs typically feature the same courses, books, and instructors as a traditional on-campus program. These programs have identical prerequisites and lead to the same career paths. However, differences in course delivery, scheduling, and environment could affect your experience and decision.
The following sections explore some of the unique aspects of online master's in accounting programs.
How Does an Online Accounting Degree Differ From an On-Campus Master's?
On-campus and online master's degrees in accounting may feature the same curriculum, but their delivery formats can affect the cost, schedule, and program length.
Many online courses use recorded lectures and online discussion forums instead of scheduled meetings. This format eliminates classroom space requirements and fixed class times, allowing you to take more classes and study during the times that suit you best.
| Factor | Online Program | On-Campus Program |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition and Fees | $10,995 | $21,974 |
| Typical Course Load | 3 credits per eight-week session or 24 credits per year | 9 credits per semester or 18 credits per year |
| Program Length | 18-24 months | 2-3 years |
| Standard Class times | Asynchronous (anytime) or evenings and weekends | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday |
| Hands-On Experiences | Virtual and in-person internships/practicums (may be local to school) | In-class internships and practicums |
An online program may be a more affordable, accelerated, and flexible study option, but it won't suit everyone. Fast-tracking your coursework makes it more rigorous and more difficult to fit around a busy work or home life.
An online program may be a more affordable, accelerated, and flexible study option, but it won't suit everyone.
Additionally, asynchronous online classes can feel less interactive and hands-on. Some online learners miss the engagement and hands-on experiences of in-person classes.
When choosing an online program, consider how you learn best and what you want to get from your program.
Delivery Formats for Online Accounting Degrees
Online accounting programs run in different formats to accommodate various student needs. Each format has its benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right one for you depends on your schedule, learning style, and location.
Here are the three major online formats:
Hybrid: Hybrid programs feature a mixture of online classes and in-person residencies. The on-campus portion may include orientations and the most practical courses. While hybrid programs reduce travel, they still require you to live within commuting distance from the school.
Asynchronous: Asynchronous programs have assignment deadlines but no set class times and, in most cases, no on-campus requirements. You watch recorded lectures and complete the assignments within a set period. While that flexibility may allow you to balance work and school, asynchronous programs require independence, organization, and self-motivation.
Synchronous: Synchronous programs feature scheduled online classes with your instructors and classmates. These programs provide a comparable experience to in-person studies but without the travel. Though many programs offer accommodating evening and weekend class times, you still need a flexible schedule to balance study and your other priorities.
Accreditation for Online Accounting Degrees
Accreditation tells you that a school or program meets the industry's academic and professional standards. Without institutional accreditation, schools may not provide financial aid or transferable credits. Professional credentials like the certified public accountant (CPA) also require degrees from accredited schools.
When choosing an online school, you should look for accreditation from organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education. This includes organizations like the Higher Learning Commission and the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC), which works with online schools.
While not critical for accounting, programmatic accreditation offers quality assurance. Reputable accrediting organizations include: the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Along with accreditation, online schools also need state authorization, which allows them to teach out-of-state remote students.
Along with accreditation, online schools also need state authorization, which allows them to teach out-of-state remote students. A school can apply for authorization with its state government directly or with an organization like the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
How Much Will an Online Accounting Master's Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for an online graduate degree in business was $10,995 for the 2020 school year. Yet, many factors can affect the price you pay, including school prestige, school type, and your location in relation to the school.
For the programs on our list, tuition prices range between $457 and $1,446 per credit for in-state students. With programs featuring 30-48 credits, total tuition prices fall between $13,710 and $69,408. While online programs limit or eliminate travel and room and board costs, they often feature technology, distance education, and subscription fees.
You can offset the costs with financial aid. First, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which could qualify you for federal loans and grants. You can also apply for national, state, and local scholarships and grants, along with those from your school and accounting organizations.
Why Get Your Master's in Accounting Online?
An online master's degree in accounting may provide the same postgraduate opportunities as an on-campus program, but it adds a new dynamic to the studies. The flexible schedule and limited travel may offer a better work-study balance, lower costs, and more study options.
However, online accounting programs provide a different classroom and learning experience, which may not meet your needs. Before you decide on an online master's degree in accounting, consider the following pros and cons.
Pros
Flexibility: Enjoy a better work, life, and study balance with unscheduled, evening, or weekend classes.
Affordability: Reduce your travel expenses while maintaining a job.
Variety: Access out-of-state programs, often without the out-of-state tuition increases.
Cons
Self-Reliance: Manage your coursework without the same level of classroom engagement and/or guidance.
In-Person Limitations: Miss out on hands-on training and networking opportunities.
Self-Discipline and Time Management: Keep up with a program on your own time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best online master's degree in accounting depends on your educational and career goals. While an MS in accounting or master of accounting (MAcc) focuses on CPA preparation, an MBA in accounting emphasizes leadership and management training.
