Skip to main content
SNHU graduate Kyle Turner working on his laptop. With the text Kyle Turner '15

Online Master’s in Accounting MS in Accounting / MS in Accounting Finance

Clock Icon
Register By: April 15 Classes Start: April 17

Boost Your Future with a Master’s in Accounting Online

  • $627/credit (36 credits total)
  • Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
  • Program accredited by ACBSP
  • Continue your path toward a CPA
  • Aligned to AICPA™ (CSOs/SSOs)
  • Enrolling accounting students since 1932

Master's in Accounting Programs Overview

Companies of all sizes rely on professionals with financial expertise to influence their decisions and strategies. Becoming a more experienced accounting professional could lead to a range of career-focused areas, from auditing to financial analysis. Individuals with the right skill sets could find themselves helping to assess the financial health of a business, preparing financial reports to help executives make good decisions, working with payroll or dealing with tax compliance.

That’s why we offer 2 accounting master's programs – along with 4 concentration options – to help you reach your goals.

Designed for corporate accountants, auditors, fraud examiners and financial analysts, our Master of Science (MS) in Accounting program can help you move into high-level positions in banking, taxation, insurance or any company with a financial division. Students hoping to earn their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification will find this degree valuable. Depending on the state where you reside, earning your MS Accounting degree may satisfy the education requirements you need to sit for the CPA exam.

"The overall purpose of accounting is to tell the financial story of an organization (or individual) to allow for informed decision making," said Mona Stephens, CPA, MSA and accounting faculty lead at SNHU. "Accountants now need to have good communications skills, technology skills and the ability to analyze large amounts of data."

You'll enhance your analytical skills, deepen your knowledge of accounting principles and learn from instructors with real-world expertise.

The Master of Science (MS) in Accounting Finance will help you gain the important financial analysis and quantitative skills required for leadership or management positions. This program is a good option if you have interest in both accounting and finance. Corporations and organizations large and small are in need of qualified, trained financial professionals who recognize the importance of accurate quantitative analysis and compliance with strict financial statement regulations.

You can also specialize your skills with one of our 4 industry-driven concentrations: auditing, forensic accounting, management accounting and taxation.

What You'll Learn

  • Accounting principles
  • Complex financial statement creation
  • Tax liability minimization
  • Financial statement preparation
  • Audit assessment and compliance

How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

2 Full Programs, and 4 Concentrations to Choose From

SNHU offers 2 accounting master’s programs and 4 concentration options to meet your unique path and desired career outcomes.  

Master of Science in Accounting Finance

Master of Science in Accounting

Career Outlook

Our master's in accounting online degree program will put you in a great position to pursue a career in any number of fields.

Though, thanks to technological advancement, some routine accounting tasks may potentially become automated in the future, the change is not expected to reduce overall demand.1 In fact, the automation of routine tasks (like data entry) will make accountants' advisory and analytical duties more prominent.1

Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that globalization, a growing economy and complex financial regulations are expected to continue leading the strong demand for accounting professionals, making it a very promising area of study.1

Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for accountants and auditors are expected to grow 6% through 2031.1

Salary

The median annual salary was $77,250 for accountants and auditors in 2021.1

Where Could You Work?

Banks

Track banking activities and perform audits to ensure that accounts are accurate, identifying errors and making corrections as needed.

Tax Services

Examine, analyze and interpret accounting records in order to prepare/evaluate tax statements and make recommendations to clients.

Insurance Companies

Review business documents and financial records of companies to ensure they are paying the proper amount of insurance premiums. 

Government

Review the records of government agencies and audit private businesses/individuals whose activities are subject to government regulations or taxation.

Private Enterprises

Combine accounting and financial information to guide business decision making and understand how to integrate financial/non-financial data. 

Auditing Services

Examine financial statements of private businesses and individuals to ensure they are accurate and comply with laws and regulations.

Note: Students cannot earn CPA certification simply by earning a college degree. If you wish to follow the traditional CPA track upon graduation, you'll need to verify you meet all requirements to sit for the exam. Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state, so it's best to review your state-specific requirements. For state-by-state educational requirements, consult the website of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). For state-by-state CPA licensing requirements, consult the Accounting Licensing Library, powered by the NASBA. The content of our programs aligns with the Content and Skill Specification Outlines (CSOs/SSOs) set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and fulfills the educational requirements for CPA certification in most states.

Start Your Journey Toward an Accounting Master’s Online

Mona Stephens

Preparing You for Success

Mona Stephens, accounting faculty lead

"Accounting is a great major, because there are so many [career] options." 

Courses & Curriculum for the Master’s in Accounting

While you'll practice traditional accounting practices throughout your coursework, you'll also have the benefit of learning current accounting software, giving you a deeper understanding of the business.

Our online master's in accounting degree curriculum is designed to enhance your understanding and skills in a range of areas such as:

  • Accounting principles and practices
  • Professional auditing methods
  • Cost analysis for informed decision-making
  • Using information technology to evaluate financial information
  • Applications of financial regulations in business
  • Quantitative analysis
  • Individual and corporate tax preparation

The content of this program aligns with the Content and Skill Specification Outlines (CSOs/SSOs) set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

To become a CPA, the AICPA has 3 requirements, known as the 3 Es: experience, exam and education. SNHU's master's curriculum was designed by subject-matter experts working in the field specifically to meet the certification's educational requirements. In turn, the content in the MS program prepares you for the various sections of the CPA exam3:

  • Auditing and attestation
  • Business environment and concepts
  • Financial accounting and reporting
  • Regulation

Becoming a CPA allows you to join a network of over 430,000 who've earned the same certification.3

In addition, should you choose to add the management accounting concentration to your degree, the program was designed to allow you to meet the education requirements for the Certified Management Accountant exam. The Institution of Management Accountants lists its 12 competencies3 as:

  • Corporate finance
  • Cost management
  • Decision analysis
  • External financial reporting decisions
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Internal controls
  • Investment decisions
  • Performance management
  • Planning, budgeting and forecasting
  • Professional ethics
  • Risk management
  • Technology and analytics

Passing the exam puts you in good company: The IMA has awarded 70,000 CMAs to date.3

Don't have an accounting or business background? SNHU offers foundation courses for students who have neither an accounting degree nor a business degree. Students with 6 or more college-level credits in the disciplines of mathematics, economics and accounting are exempt from these courses. Other courses are eligible for exemptions or waivers if a student has an undergraduate major or concentration in accounting, finance or accounting/finance. Students should discuss with their admission counselor or academic advisor how previously earned credits could apply to their master's degree.

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo
ACBSP Logo

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Graduate Programs Per Course Per Credit Hour Annual Cost for 15 credits 
Degree/Certificates $1,881 $627 $9,405 
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)*
$1,410 $470 $7,050 

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs:
$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting

Related Articles

A student looking at their laptop researching how long it takes to get an MBA

How Long Does it Take to Get an MBA?

Returning to school can be a big decision, especially with a full-time job or other responsibilities. But if you're even thinking about whether now is the time to get your MBA, you should follow where your intentions and future career goals are pointing. The outcomes could be significant.
Two professionals learning what MBA stands for as they sit in a business meeting

What Does MBA Stand For?

MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. It's a master's degree that offers a broad-based business education designed to teach skills that can help you succeed in any business area, from economics and marketing to financial management and social responsibility.
Two business professionals looking at a tablet and considering the best reasons for getting an MBA Degree.

The 9 Best Reasons for Getting an MBA Degree

You know you want to take your career to the next level, and you're prepared to advance your education. Your decision to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can be personal and unique — just like the journey itself. Here are nine reasons why pursuing an MBA might make sense for you.

References

Licensure and Certification Disclosures

SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.