Online Master of Science in Accounting

Overview

Advance Your Skills in Accounting, Technology and Business Analysis

Organizations across many industries depend on skilled accounting professionals to ensure financial integrity, interpret data and navigate complex regulations. Our Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) degree provides opportunities to develop advanced skills in key areas of modern accounting, such as financial reporting, data analytics and accounting research.

This program is designed for students who hold a BS in Accounting and helps prepare graduates for the CPA exam. Through a hands-on, practical approach to learning, you can connect your coursework to real accounting scenarios. Interactive classes and CPA-focused simulations can reinforce your understanding of accounting principles and help you gain the technical and analytical skills that translate directly into the workplace.

Master of Science in Accounting

Offered By

Colangelo College of Business

Class Settings

Evening

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $665 per credit [More Info]

Evening: $665 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 34

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Join a Supportive, Purpose-Driven Community

There are many reasons to consider earning your MSA degree, from preparing to pass the Uniform CPA Exam to potentially broadening your career possibilities. A master’s in accounting isn’t always required for CPA exam eligibility if sufficient accounting credits were earned during your bachelor’s program. Eligibility will vary depending on your state requirements and undergraduate coursework.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Beyond exam preparation, pursuing a graduate degree in accounting from GCU can refine your expertise, enhance your analytical skills and help you gain the confidence to drive meaningful change in financial contexts. You can also benefit from being part of a community that fosters integrity, purpose and personal growth during your academic journey.

Coursework

Advance Your Accounting Skill Set with Targeted MSA Courses

This online MSA program provides you with an in-depth look at core auditing concepts, including financial reporting for government and not-for-profit entities, as well as meeting ethical obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

While working toward your MSA degree, you will examine a range of learning objectives, including:

Auditing and taxation

Data analytics

Financial reporting

Compliance and ethical accounting practices

Managerial and cost accounting

Prepare for the Uniform CPA Exam

Explore ethical best practices and legal compliance issues that are critical to the accounting profession. It is recommended that you sit for the Uniform CPA Exam during the program, as the capstone courses are designed to help prepare you for the exam through targeted instruction and simulation-based practice.

You will take three capstone classes during your master’s in accounting program.

Capstone I

Introduces you to the Uniform CPA Exam and covers the Accounting and Data Analytics Core sections of the exam

Capstone II

Examines the Audit and Accounting Information Systems Core portion of the test

Capstone III

Can help prepare you for the Tax Core section of the exam

Careers

Careers for MSA Graduates

Completing an online master’s in accounting program can equip you with the expertise needed to explore a wider range of career opportunities in corporate or public accounting. Job applicants with a master’s in accounting degree may set themselves apart from other candidates. Some accounting career paths require candidates to pass the Uniform CPA Exam.

An MS in Accounting may prepare you for the following careers:

Accountant

Auditor

Appraiser of personal and business property

Budget and credit analyst

Financial risk specialist

Financial examiner

$81,680

Median annual wage for accountants and auditors in May 2024^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Accreditation

Earn Your Degree at an Accredited University

GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The Master of Science in Accounting holds additional programmatic accreditation from The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about pursuing a career in accounting and earning your MSA degree.

Can you be a CPA without an MSA degree?

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) does not specifically require a graduate-level degree to become a CPA. However, you will need a total of 150 credit hours, which you may earn by completing a graduate degree on top of your bachelor’s.^{(See disclaimer 3)} It is imperative to have the knowledge, skills and fundamentals from an academic program, such as an MSA, to be properly prepared to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam.

What is the difference between an MSA degree and an MBA degree?

An MSA degree can provide you with a deep study of accounting through a curriculum designed to help prepare you to take the CPA exam. Meanwhile, an MBA in Accounting covers important business, marketing and economic principles while integrating accounting courses.^{(See disclaimer 4)} If your career goals involve managing financial aspects related to business, then you may want to consider learning more about an MBA with an Emphasis in Accounting.

Should I study finance or accounting?

Only you can decide which specific field is right for you. Take some time to reflect upon your career goals. An MBA with a finance emphasis can set you up to pursue positions that focus on financial strategy, projected future growth and management of a business’s present and future financial numbers, as well as how to influence those numbers. Accounting, on the other hand, revolves more around the day-to-day financial aspects of a business, processes, principles and reporting on past and present figures.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Are accountants needed?

Is a master’s in accounting worth it?

A master’s in accounting can be a valuable investment if you’re passionate about the field and interested in enhancing your career qualifications. A master’s degree offers deeper preparations for the Uniform CPA Exam and can help you build advanced skills beyond undergraduate coursework. It can also provide an additional qualification for your resume, which may set you apart from other job applicants as you pursue higher-level positions in accounting and finance.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major34 credits

Degree Requirements34 credits

Core Courses

UNV-504

2 Total Credits

ACC-614

2 Total Credits

ACC-657

4 Total Credits

ACC-680

4 Total Credits

ACC-656

4 Total Credits

ACC-681

4 Total Credits

ACC-658

4 Total Credits

ACC-682

4 Total Credits

ACC-653

4 Total Credits

ACC-685

2 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

More Resources

Learning Goals

Financial

Calculate My Costs

Tuition & Financing

Scholarships & Grants

Information

Admission

Prepare To Pursue Your CPA License

Take the next step in your accounting journey — prepare for the CPA exam and build confidence in your accounting expertise with an MSA degree at GCU.

Apply Now

Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. (n.d.). 150 Hour Requirement for Obtaining a CPA License. Retrieved Aug. 24, 2023.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Accountants and Auditors as of May 2024, retrieved September 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as accountants and auditors. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
Johnson-Dunlop, Z. (n.d.). Accounting Schools in Arizona. Master's in Accounting. Retrieved Aug. 24, 2023.
Turner, H. (2023, Jan. 30). MBA in Accounting or Master’s in Accounting: Which is Right for You? MBA.com. Retrieved Aug. 24, 2023.
Josephson, A. (2023, March 19). Accounting vs. Finance: What’s the Difference? Smart Asset. Retrieved Aug. 24, 2023.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, retrieved September 2025.

Advance Your Skills in Accounting, Technology and Business Analysis

Join a Supportive, Purpose-Driven Community

Flexible Learning With GCU’s Online MSA Program

Advance Your Accounting Skill Set with Targeted MSA Courses

Careers for MSA Graduates

Earn Your Degree at an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

Advance Your Skills in Accounting, Technology and Business Analysis

Join a Supportive, Purpose-Driven Community

Flexible Learning With GCU’s Online MSA Program

Advance Your Accounting Skill Set with Targeted MSA Courses

Careers for MSA Graduates

Earn Your Degree at an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

Core Courses