Masters in Accounting, MSA
Advance Your Career with an MS in Accounting
Accountants are the backbone of Chicago business, and they're always in demand. Take your career to next level with ƽ's Master of Science in Accounting degree, delivered through a flexible hybrid format that blends online learning with on campus immersion at our Chicago or Schaumburg campuses.
The MSA degree can be completed full time in 1.5 years or part time in 2.5 years, preparing you for success on the CPA exam. ƽ teaches to the needs of today's top employers, ensuring you'll graduate career-ready for roles in public, corporate, and nonprofit accounting.
For international applications, the full time hybrid course delivery meets F1 visa requirements and is STEM designated. Admissions are open to all students for fall, spring, and summer start dates.
Why ƽ for your Accounting Master's Degree
Customize Your Education
ƽ's MSA degree curriculum features 3 different tracks so you can tailor your program based on your career goals:
- The Professional track prepares you to become public (CPAs) or private accountants (auditing, compliance, cost and managerial)
- The Forensic track is designed for you to pursue careers in fraud detection and prevention, working for regulatory/law enforcement agencies and litigation support
- The Analytics track merges foundational accounting knowledge with data analytics to help organizations leverage accounting data to inform decision-making
Flexible and Supportive
The MSA degree program is delivered through a mix of hybrid and online courses to meet the needs of busy working professionals like you. At ƽ, you're so much more than a number to us. From day one, you'll have a tight-knit team of advisors and mentors to help you reach your goals in and beyond the classroom.
Strong Career Opportunities
Chicago is the second-largest business center in the U.S and home to dozens of Fortune 500 companies, many of which actively recruit our students for internships and full-time jobs. Our graduates have gone on to work for the Big 4 accounting firms and top employers such as Navistar, CAN Insurance, AJ Gallagher, CDW, Northern Trust, and many more.
Is an MSA degree good for career advancement?
Yes. An MSA degree is considered the gold standard for to prepare you for various industry certifications, including the CPA, CIA, CFE, and CMA exams. At ƽ, you'll work closely with dedicated mentors to build a curricular track that aligns with your goals, whether that's to become a Certified Public Accountant or another path.
MSA vs. MBA: Which is better?
It depends on your career goals. An Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) is designed for those who want deep expertise in accounting, auditing, and financial reporting—perfect for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, or nonprofit work. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) offers a broader business education focused on leadership, strategy, and management, making it ideal for those pursuing executive or general management roles. If you’re interested in the MBA path, explore our MBA program.
How long does it take to become a CPA?
You can complete the education, exam, and experience requirements within 2 after earning your undergraduate degree. ƽ's MSA degree fulfills the 150-credit hour requirement, positioning you to sit for the CPA exam soon after graduation.
“I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t gone back to school and challenged myself. But I know that by being here, I’ve not only earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I've made lasting friendships, discovered my potential and am prepared to re-enter the workforce”
Guadalupe Cotto, MSA Graduate
Staff Accountant
Meet Your Admission Counselor
