UMass Boston

Accounting MS

Request Info

Loading...

Become a CPA–and so much more.

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at UMass Boston provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the accounting profession. Students in the program learn the latest in accounting theory and practice from experienced faculty, and gain practical experience through internships and case studies. Graduates of the program will qualify for the Uniform Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Exam, and leave prepared to pursue a variety of career paths in accounting, including public accounting, corporate accounting, and government accounting.

The Accounting MS program is available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.

In the MSA with UMass Boston, you will:

  • Achieve proficiency with respect to the functional or technical knowledge and skills required for professional accounting careers
  • Gain knowledge and skills regarding professional integrity and ethics
  • Gain problem identification and solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
  • Gain proficiency in the communications, teamwork and leadership skills required for professional accounting

Our MS in Accounting program is now STEM designated:

  • In a fast-changing world of AI and Big Data, our rigorous curriculum trains and develops MSA students into an expert in Data Analytics with accounting and financial statement information
  • International students will have 3 years of OPT visa after graduation, allowing more flexibility in job searching and career opportunities

The Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy classifies our MSA program as a “Level 1” program (i.e., our curriculum meeting all prerequisite requirements for CPA exam and license registration).

Attend an Info Session   Start Your Application

Career Possibilities

Work in a wide range of industries and be responsible for providing financial advice, tax planning, and accounting services as a CPA. Help businesses and individuals make investment decisions as a financial analyst. Or, use auditing and investigative skills to detect and prevent financial fraud as a forensic accountant. These are just a few of the possibilities an MSA offers.

Become a(n):

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Corporate Accountant
  • Tax Accountant
  • Internal Auditor
  • Financial Analyst
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Government Accountant
  • Nonprofit Accountant

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

  • Official GMAT or GRE scores (currently waived)
  • Our minimum TOEFL score is 90 and our minimum IELTS score is 6.5
  • Statement of intent essay: This statement is your opportunity to show the graduate admissions committee why you wish to pursue graduate study, as well as your specific interest and goals.

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: June 1 for fall, October 1 (priority deadline) or December 1 (final deadline) for spring.

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Curriculum

Required Courses (24 Credits)

One course from below may be substituted with an approved three-credit graduate course.

  • MBA AF 611 - Intermediate Accounting 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 612 - Cost Accounting 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 613 - Federal Tax Planning 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 614 - Financial and Managerial Auditing 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 618 - Accounting Information Systems 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 640 - Accounting Data Analytics 3 Credit(s)
  • MBAMGT 650 - Organizational Analysis and Skills 3 Credit(s)
  • MBAMGT 664 - The Legal Environment of Business 3 Credit(s)

Electives (3 Credits)

Complete one from below.

  • MBA AF 615 - International Accounting 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 616 - Financial Statement Analysis/Advanced Accounting 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 623 - Financial Modeling 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 631 - Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 636 - Applied Econometric Analysis of Business Data 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 637 - Financial Reporting Fraud Examination 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 690 - Master’s Thesis Option Research Colloquium 3 Credit(s)
  • MBA AF 699 - Master’s Thesis 3 Credit(s)

Capstone Course (3 Credits)

  • MBA AF 691 - Financial Accounting Theory & Analysis 3 Credit(s)

Graduation Criteria

Complete 30 credits from ten courses including seven required courses, two electives, and one capstone course.

Prerequisite courses:

  • MBA AF 601 - Economics for Managers
  • MBA AF 610 - Accounting for Managers
  • MBA AF 620 - Financial Management
  • MBAMS 600 - Mathematical Analysis for Managers

Capstone: Completion of a research paper as part of MBA AF 691.

Statute of limitations: Five years.

Contact

Graduate Program Director Sangwan Kim
sangwan.kim@umb.edu
(617) 287-3172

College of Management Graduate Programs
gradcm@umb.edu

close up of hand with painted fingernails with calculator and notes on paper

Accounting & Finance Department

Learn more about UMass Boston's Department of Accounting & Finance, our research and our faculty.

Explore the Department of Accounting & Finance
Group of business students meet at table in University Hall.

College of Management

Learn more about the faculty, research, and programs that make up our College of Management.

Explore College of Management