Yes, a Master’s in Accounting is an excellent, common pathway to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). It helps satisfy the 150-semester-hour education requirement, often bridging the 30-credit gap left by a typical 120-hour bachelor's degree, while providing specialized knowledge needed for the CPA exam.
Ans: Yes, an online MS in Accounting course can help fulfill the 150-credit-hour requirement for CPA eligibility. Most bachelor's degrees span 120 credit hours, and the remaining 30 credit hours can be added through these programs.
Earn a master's degree, often an MBA or a master's in accounting (MAcc) Take additional accounting or business courses, or pursue a double major. Take courses in supporting topics like IT or communications. Take CLEP (college-level examination program) exams, which allow you to earn college credit by passing an exam.
The Impact of a Master's Degree in Accounting on Salary
The average salary for individuals holding a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree is around $81,000 annually, compared to reports that a Certified Public Accountant can earn an average base salary of $76,000.
They're complementary professional credentials.
These designations provide different benefits and signify different qualities to a prospective employer. While a CPA shows mastery in foundational accounting skills, a master's degree shows you're driven to gain new skills that will directly benefit an organization.
Earn a master's degree.
While candidates can sit for the Uniform CPA exam with a bachelor's degree (120 semester hours), many states require 150 hours of education to obtain CPA licensure. A master's degree in accounting satisfies the 150-hour requirement.
It's never too late to become a CPA. In fact, you may find the process more manageable at this stage in life. And, most importantly, you'll still get to enjoy the many benefits of becoming a licensed CPA.
In most states, you do not need to major in accounting to meet CPA education requirements. However, an accounting bachelor's or master's degree offers the most direct and relevant preparation for CPA certification and licensure.
Master of Science in Finance
Explore advanced financial modeling and data-driven decision-making. Prepares for careers in sectors such as investment banking, corporate finance, portfolio management, financial analysis, or risk management. Does not prepare students for the CPA exam.
In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPAs earn 10% to 25% more than non-certified accountants. However, salaries of CPAs and non-certified accountants vary by industry. They can be higher than average in industries experiencing a lot of growth, such as financial technology or software.
Having an MSA degree can make you stand out among other candidates when applying for jobs, allowing you to secure higher-level positions with better pay and benefits. It can also make you eligible for specialized roles in areas such as forensic accounting, financial planning, or risk management.
As you work toward becoming a CPA, there are some other letters you can earn behind your name. Two of the most popular are MAcc (Master of Accountancy) and MBA (Master of Business Administration). Which ones you get, if any, is a matter of preference—so how do you know which one is right for you?
Will AI replace accountants? Not entirely—but it will change accounting. Firms that embrace AI and technology will attract forward-thinking clients and top talent. Accountants who pair their expertise with AI tools will stay ahead of the curve.
Con: Accounting Can Be Stressful at Times
Accountants are under high “stress during busy seasons, especially during tax season, when the hours can be very long,” says Dr. Machuca. Despite the benefits, an accounting career often brings tight deadlines, long hours, and high volumes of work during the annual tax season.
2024 CPA Exam Pass Rates
The pass rates for AUD and FAR were around 46% and 41%, respectively. The discipline sections also yielded surprising results, with BAR at 41%, ISC at 56%, and TCP achieving an impressive 78% pass rate.
The MS in Accounting Data Analytics and Technologies stands out as one of the best graduate degrees for business majors interested in finance and data, integrating traditional accounting with data science and preparing students for roles in auditing, financial analysis, and forensic accounting, where skills in big data ...