Online Master of Science in Accounting
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.
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 (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).
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.
Flexible Learning With GCU’s Online MSA Program
The interactive online learning platform offers professionals a flexible and convenient format for pursuing their education. With GCU’s online master’s in accounting, you can balance coursework with your personal and professional commitments. Our program encourages engaging discussions with your peers and provides support from knowledgeable faculty.
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
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 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
Median annual wage for accountants and auditors in May 2024(See disclaimer 2)
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).
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?
What is the difference between an MSA degree and an MBA degree?
Should I study finance or accounting?
Are accountants needed?
Is a master’s in accounting worth it?
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
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.
- 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.