A master’s in accounting (MAcc or MSA) is an excellent way to prepare for the CPA, as it often fulfills the 150-semester-hour education requirement needed for licensure. These programs cover advanced topics like auditing, taxation, and financial reporting, which are directly tested on the exam. Additionally, many programs offer specialized courses that align with the CPA exam format.
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.
A master's degree helps you meet the requirements to sit for the CPA exam. CPA requirements vary state by state. However, all states require earning 150 college credit hours before you can sit for the CPA exam. Most bachelor's degrees only require 120 credit hours to graduate.
Second, an advanced accounting degree may also help you secure a higher salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights the value of graduate education. According to BLS data from 2024, professionals with master's degrees earn an average of 19.2% more than those with only a bachelor's degree.
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.
Accounting 100K jobs refer to accounting positions where the annual salary is $100,000 or more. These roles typically require advanced experience, certifications such as CPA, and often involve responsibilities in management, auditing, financial reporting, or specialized areas like tax or forensic accounting.
Absolutely not. Many accounting roles don't require CPA certification. In fact, our Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting are designed as non-licensure programs. That means they provide the essential accounting knowledge and skills needed for a variety of accounting careers.
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.
In total, it takes about seven years to become a CPA. However, that includes the four years of college you're probably either close to finishing or have already finished. Here's a breakdown: You'll need 150 semester hours (225 quarter hours) which takes most people around five years.
Preparation for accounting certification: A Master's in Accounting program is designed to fulfill the educational requirements to become a CPA and ensures you have the necessary background in accounting and related subjects. High return on investment: Advanced degrees can lead to higher salaries.
You can get into many graduate schools with a 2.8 GPA. While there may be many schools with higher GPA requirements, you should check with the admissions requirements of any school to see where you'll fit. However, just checking admissions requirements doesn't mean that school is a perfect fit for you.
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.
Notably, a master's in accounting will expand your skill set and position you to earn your CPA designation, which in turn supports your career opportunities and earning potential.
The Master of Accountancy (MAcc, MAcy, or MAccy), alternatively Master of Science in Accounting (MSA or MSAcy) or Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcy, MPAcc, MPA or MPAc), is a graduate professional degree designed to prepare students for public accounting; academic-focused variants are also offered.
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.