Online MS in Accounting

Our online master’s in accounting program provides you with the hands-on experience to excel in accounting roles at all levels of your organization. In addition to covering the competencies tested in the CPA exams, the curriculum explores the field within the context of business decision-making. By blending theory-based coursework with real-world use cases, the accounting master’s program at Pace University can help secure your career with practical knowledge you can put to use immediately.

Pace master’s in accounting graduates will complete the program equipped with in-demand, career-ready skills, including hands-on experience with auditing, reporting, analytics, and statistics. Graduates will also get a jumpstart on pursuing professional accounting certifications. The curriculum includes CPA review courses (Becker CPA Review), and is ready for the new “Core + Disciplines” CPA exams. In addition to being prepared for the CPA and other professional examinations, our partnership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) means that our graduates are exempted from several of the organization’s 14 licensing exams.

As one of the 2% of schools in the world that are dual-accredited by the AACSB, the Lubin School of Business at Pace University is a premier place for accountants to study and elevate their careers. Dual AACSB accreditation ensures that students learn from faculty who are recognized experts in business fields such as finance, management, and accounting.

Throughout the program, you’ll have opportunities to connect with our distinguished faculty and your peers. Our professors include world renowned scholars and leaders in the accounting profession. The faculty at Pace also offer individualized mentorship—both to help you pursue professional accounting certifications and to help you achieve your larger career goals. At Pace, you’ll not only have the support of a learning community that is invested in your success but also the support of highly successful Pace alumni in the accounting industry.

Online MS in Accounting Curriculum

We designed our online MS in Accounting program to be adaptable based on where you are in your career. Students with no previous background in accounting will be able to take a set of foundation courses to build their knowledge in the fundamentals of accounting, such as taxation, economics, and statistics. This ensures that all students who complete our program have both the baseline knowledge and advanced skills they need to differentiate themselves in the accounting job market.

Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting may be able to waive many of the foundation courses and focus their study on our accounting specialization and breadth courses. These include coursework in preparing financial reports and statements, advanced auditing, and advanced training in analytics and technologies.

If you have questions about the credit hour requirement or your eligibility for waiving foundation courses, please contact an admission advisor, and they will be able to guide you through the requirements for you to complete your master’s in accounting.

Visit our curriculum page for the full course list.

Admission Requirements

Our online MS in Accounting is designed to be accessible to both experienced accounting professionals and those entering the field. As a result, we require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree in either accounting or another area of business. It’s preferred that applicants have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and, although GMAT scores are required, some applicants may qualify for a waiver.

For a full list of admission requirements and application materials, please visit our admission page.

Accounting Careers: What Can You Do With a Master’s in Accounting?

Despite drastic advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and other disruptive technologies, demand for accountants is still growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected, on a national level, to grow by 96,000 jobs from 2020 to 2030. On average, about 135,000 openings for accountants and auditors are anticipated each year over the decade.

In addition to senior accounting roles, a master’s in accounting can prepare you for management and leadership responsibilities by giving you practical experience in applying accounting principles to decision-making.

Furthermore, graduate accounting education can help you negotiate higher salaries throughout your career. For all jobs requesting general accounting skills, Burning Glass estimates that jobs mentioning a master’s degree preference or requirement offer a 26% higher salary, on average, than those that only mention a bachelor’s or that have no requirement. Because the skills you gain in an accounting master’s program are both highly in demand and transferable, the degree can help you enter or advance in a wide variety of accounting, management, and finance careers, such as:

• Certified Public Accountant
• Controller
• Chief Financial Officer
• Director of Finance
• Audit Director
• Financial Analyst
• Management Consultant

Pace master’s in accounting students also benefit from our extensive career services and support. In addition to receiving personalized guidance for passing accounting certification exams, including the CPA, our students gain access to our career services team, which can connect you with employers, help you to improve your resume, or give you a chance to practice your job interviewing skills. With the support of our network of 76,000 alumni, over 1,900 of whom work at Big Four accounting firms, Pace graduates have a wide range of connections and resources to propel their careers forward.

Learn more about our career services by downloading our program brochure.

*Time to completion will depend on the course waivers students are granted