Master of Science in Accounting (2024)

Overview

Our graduate program provides students with a deep understanding of advanced accounting principles. This enables them to confidently and precisely navigate complex financial scenarios; critically analyze authoritative sources; stay informed of evolving regulations and industry standards; and instills a strong ethical foundation to help them navigate the intricate ethical and legal landscape with integrity and foresight. Additionally, our integration of modern technology tools into our coursework helps develop the skill of leveraging cutting-edge solutions to address real-world accounting challenges.

1-2 Years

Program duration for full-time students based on the discipline of your bachelor’s degree

30 to 45

Credits required to complete the program based on the discipline of your bachelor’s degree

Hybrid

Instruction is provide in person at the UNLV campus or online

Five Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree in Accounting at UNLV

  1. Accreditation: Lee Business School is one of 5% of business schools with both business and accounting accreditation by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
  2. Jobs: The master’s program has an average placement rate of over 90% prior to graduation with nearly two-thirds of our graduates accepting positions in public accounting. This is linked to our successful internship program and bi-annual employers night events sponsored by our student group, Beta Alpha Psi.
  3. Networking: Access networking opportunities and strengthen the soft skills necessary for career success by participating in student organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi, the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALFPA), or the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) student chapters.
  4. Internal Audit Certificate: UNLV’s Department of Accounting is one of a select group of schools to be endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors as an IIA Educational Partnership school. Students can participate in the Internal Audit Certificate Program as part of their master’s degree program and can earn an internal audit certificate along with their degree.
  5. CPA Certification: The Department of Accounting has partnered with the The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to promote a culture of professional certificate attainment. We incorporate a certified public accountant (CPA) review course in our curriculum and have CPA exam pass rates for graduate students that exceed the national average. We are also actively involved with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and award 10 certified management accountant (CMA) scholarships annually.

Compete in the Dynamic Accounting Field

The master’s degree in accounting is designed to enhance skills for individuals planning careers in accounting. The demand for accounting graduates is evident – with nationwide job growth for accountants and auditors projected to be 11.2% by 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This growth necessitates a strong pipeline of accounting graduates. This degree provides specialized skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this industry and eventually become a CPA.

Receive Mentorship from Our Expert Faculty Members

Our accounting faculty are globally-recognized experts in the accounting field, publish in top-tier internationally recognized academic journals, and are engaged in their respective communities.

“All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. Becoming a CPA will open more job opportunities, lead to higher pay, and faster advancement opportunities. The UNLV master of science in accounting program helps prepare you to become a CPA and will set you up for an amazing career.”

Kimberly Charron, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Nevada Gold Mines Faculty Fellow; Director of MS in Accounting

Master of Science in Accounting (1)

Career Options

The master’s in accounting program can open doors to well-paying, stable career paths in many areas of business. Students develop strong technical and accounting skills and are exposed to state-of-the-art tools and techniques that prepare them for careers involving auditing, financial reporting, taxation, and forensic accounting, among others. With your accounting degree, you'll have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of roles, including:

  • Corporate controller
  • Senior accountant
  • Accounting manager
  • Senior financial analyst
  • CFO
  • Public accountant
  • Internal auditor
  • IT auditor
  • Tax accountant
  • IRS auditor
Master of Science in Accounting (2)

“I enrolled in the accounting program at UNLV to further my accounting knowledge, partake in a prestigious program, and set myself up for success after graduation. The program has allowed me to complete the CPA educational requirements, pass the CPA exams, and make me a highly desirable job candidate. I will receive my CPA license in early 2023.”

Bailey Thomas
MS Accounting degree recipient, Spring ‘22

Program Structure

The accounting program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career within the top levels of the accounting industry or for those who have no experience with accounting and want to build their knowledge of the profession. The program of study includes training in advanced accounting topics such as auditing, financial accounting, accounting systems, and taxation.

  • If you have an accounting bachelor’s degree, you will be required to complete 30 credit hours (10 courses), which may be completed in as little as 12-months.
  • Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in accounting must complete 15 credits of prerequisite accounting courses in addition to the 30-credit hours.
  • The program can be completed in-person or online.

The core accounting curriculum includes the following breakdown of courses:

  • Complete five 700-level Accounting (ACC) courses from more than 15 choices.
    • Examples include:
      • Mergers and Acquisitions
      • Financial Statement Analysis
      • Partnership Taxation
      • Systems Theory and Applications
  • Complete four graduate-level accounting or non-accounting elective courses from the approved list.
    • Examples include:
      • Fraud Examination
      • Financial Decision Making
      • Auditing in the Gaming Industry
      • Internal Audit
      • Internship

In addition to the coursework, the master’s in accounting requires completion of a culminating capstone (students select one of the following).

  • Federal Tax Topics
  • Auditing Theory and Applications
  • Advanced Management Accounting

Learn More

“Pursuing an MSA at UNLV was one of the greatest decisions I could have made. Not only did it prepare me with the necessary skills to succeed, it also exposed me to many professional opportunities that helped me get ahead in my career.”

Ingrid Zarate
MS Accounting degree recipient, Spring ‘21
Currently working as an Assurance Staff at Ernst & Young

Master of Science in Accounting (3)
Master of Science in Accounting (2024)

FAQs

Is a Masters of Science in accounting worth it? ›

A master's degree in Accounting is associated with a higher earning potential. Many employers offer competitive salaries to candidates with advanced qualifications, recognizing the value of their expertise.

Why Master of Science in accounting? ›

A master's in accounting can prepare you for various certification exams, such as the Certified Public Accountant exam. The CPA exam is the industry standard for those who wish to pursue a career in public accounting, and employers may pay for employees to sit for it, according to BLS.

Is a Masters accounting equal to a CPA? ›

No, a CPA is not a master's degree. It is a professional certification that requires a specific set of educational and experiential requirements.

Is Masters in Accounting same as MBA? ›

Both programs focus heavily on financial knowledge and can lead to many similar careers, including roles in the C-suite. Accounting is a more specific degree, with a strong focus on preparing students for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam, while an MBA usually offers the choice of multiple concentrations.

Does a Masters in accounting increase salary? ›

By obtaining a master's degree, you can earn an additional credential that enhances your earning potential. Even if someone never gets a CPA, having a master's degree increases their salary as an accountant or auditor compared to just having a bachelor's degree.

Is it hard to get a master in accounting? ›

Time: Completing an accounting master's degree program typically takes 12 to 18 months, depending on the program and your previous course record. The rigorous coursework and deep dive into technical skills may require you to set aside additional time for homework and studying.

How much is a master's in accounting worth? ›

Depending on your specialization and the job you get, the salary range for people with a master's degree in accounting hover around is between $95,000 to $140,200 per year, which is significantly more than those with only a bachelor's degree.

Can I get a masters in accounting without a bachelor's in accounting? ›

Many require an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related field, such as business or finance. Some accounting master's programs are open to students with an unrelated bachelor's degree; however, they often require that students complete prerequisite coursework before they apply. Franklin University's M.S.

How long does a master's in accounting take? ›

Most students earn their master's degree in accounting within two years. Your enrollment status naturally affects the length of time it will take to earn your master's in accounting, as part-time students often take longer to complete all the requirements.

Should I get my masters or CPA first? ›

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.

How much does a person with a masters in accounting make in the US? ›

Master of Science (MS), Accounting Jobs by Salary
Job TitleRangeAverage
Accounting ManagerRange:$66k - $116kAverage:$88,294
Senior Financial AnalystRange:$68k - $99kAverage:$83,071
Financial ControllerRange:$69k - $136kAverage:$97,421
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)Range:$99k - $221kAverage:$150,576
3 more rows
Oct 12, 2023

How much does a CPA make vs MBA? ›

The average starting salary for an MBA graduate is $73,417. Starting salaries often range between $40,000 and $98,500 depending on the state that you work in. For an entry-level CPA, the average starting salary is $60,697. A majority of base starting salaries for new CPAs ranges between $43,000 and $72,500.

What is a master's degree in accounting called? ›

Let's review the key differences. Master of Accounting (MAC): Sometimes called the Master of Accountancy or the Master of Science in Accounting, this general master's degree is often designed for students who earned their bachelor's in accounting and have a firm understanding of business and accounting principles.

Does MBA or CPA go first? ›

If you'd like to get both an MBA and a CPA, start with an undergraduate degree in finance, economics or accounting, and go to work for a public accounting firm. In three years, you can apply to a local MBA program and sit for the CPA exam.

Can you be an accountant with just an MBA? ›

An Accounting MBA degree can prepare students to take the CPA (certified public accountants' exam), in fact statistics show that students who have completed an MBA have a much higher pass rate of the CPA exam, than those who don't.

What percentage of accountants have a master's degree? ›

Nearly 90 percent of all new hires at CPA firms hold a master's in accounting degree.

What can you do with a MAcc? ›

The Master of Accounting program (MAcc) prepares graduates for careers in public accounting, industry, consulting, financial services, and government.

Is a Masters in finance better than a Masters in accounting? ›

While a Masters in Accounting zeroes-in on advanced practices, an MBA in Finance degree provides a broader look at corporate finance, including modeling, risk management, valuation, econometrics, and derivatives.

References

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