Master’s in Accounting
Get your MS in Accounting and position yourself for top-level roles in corporate finance, consulting, and public accounting firms.
The field of accounting is evolving, and organizations need future-focused accountants who can adapt to new technologies and improve financial processes.
- Designed for aspiring and experienced accountants seeking leadership roles in public and corporate accounting.
- Prepares you for the CPA exam with targeted courses in auditing, advanced financial accounting, tax, and accounting ethics.
- Flexible online program open to students from all backgrounds, even if your undergraduate degree is unrelated to accounting.
- Graduate with the skills and credentials needed to solve complex accounting problems and lead financial teams.
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Degree LevelMaster's -
School & CollegeBusiness School -
Application Deadline(s)July 15, 2025 -
Total Credit Hours30 -
Class Type100% Online -
Time CommitmentFull-Time or Part-Time -
Start Term(s)Fall, Spring, Summer
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Program Overview
The online Master’s in Accounting (MAcc) program from the CU Denver Business School is designed for experienced and aspiring accountants who are looking to establish successful careers in accounting and business. As the only fully-online AACSB Accounting Accredited program in Colorado, you’ll graduate with the practical skills and business strategies you need to manage accounting teams, tackle complex accounting problems, and lead individuals and organizations to financial success.
Our program prepares you to take the CPA exam with in-depth courses that target exam topics in auditing, advanced financial accounting, tax, and accounting ethics.
Tuition Breakdown
| Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|
| $750 per credit | $875* per credit |
*Out-of-state students may qualify for discounted tuition through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.
Example Courses
Aligned with US GAAP and IFRS, the curriculum equips students with both technical accounting competencies and essential business acumen. Through a combination of core and elective courses, students gain expertise in key areas such as tax research, international accounting, accounting ethics, and government and nonprofit accounting.
Managerial Analytics for Accountants (ACCT 6260)
Covers managerial accounting concepts and data analytics for decision-making, planning, control, and performance evaluation.
Fraud Auditing (ACCT 6330)
Covers fraud audits, fraud detection methods, data mining, and creating fraud audit programs within corporate finance and accounting.
Auditing Theory (ACCT 6020)
Covers CPA responsibilities, auditing standards, PCAOB standards, and the theory behind audit standards, objectives, and procedures.
Career Outlook
What is the Projected Salary of an Accountant?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors earned an annual median salary of $79,880 in 2023.
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Accounting?
Graduates of the MS in Accounting program pursue roles such as:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Financial Manager
- Forensic Accountant
- Accounting Manager
Top firms like Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC, and KPMG actively recruit from this program.
Business Career Connections
As a Master’s in Accounting graduate, you'll have full access to our Business Career Connections team for life. With over 10 years of career advising experience, our team of experts will help you navigate the corporate recruiting process for in-demand jobs in finance and accounting.
Our career services include:
- Career workshops designed to help you perfect your resume, LinkedIn profile, and job search process
- Advising appointments to explore what your personal career path looks like, review your resume, or schedule a mock interview
- Career events that help you hone your networking skills and meet hiring managers from top companies
- Job announcements via monthly emails with the latest job and internship opportunities specific to your accounting degree
Our connections to over 300 business partners provide exclusive opportunities to network with industry leaders in the Denver metro area and beyond.
Admissions
Our online MS in Accounting degree is designed for aspiring accountants from any academic background who are looking to prepare for the CPA exam or move into upper-level accounting roles. Students from all undergraduate majors are welcome to apply, and we offer prerequisite courses in accounting and business fundamentals for those who don’t have prior accounting experience.
Prerequisites
In order to apply to the MS in Accounting program, you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree in any field from an accredited institution. You do not need work experience or a background in business to apply for this program.
If you do not have any formal accounting education, you will need to complete up to 9 credit hours of prerequisite coursework to ensure that you have a strong foundation in accounting before taking advanced courses.
You do not need to have completed the prerequisite coursework in order to apply for the MS in Accounting program, and prerequisites can be waived based on prior academic coursework.
Admission Requirements
Once you’re ready to apply to the Master’s in Accounting program, you’ll need to submit the following application materials by the deadline:
- $50 application fee for domestic applicants; $75 fee for international applicants
- Online application
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended
- Essay responses
- Resume/CV
- English Language Proficiency scores (international applicants only)
- Letters of recommendation (optional)
Get Personalized Support for Your Application
As you take the first step toward earning your graduate degree, the CU Denver Enrollment Team is available to guide you through the application process. We’re here to help answer your questions about admission requirements, application deadlines, start dates, financial aid, international student support and resources, and more.
If you have additional questions about admission requirements for the MS in Accounting program or would like help starting an application, connect with the CU Denver Enrollment Team for more details.
GMAT / GRE Optional
Applicants are not required to submit GMAT/GRE scores for admissions into the program. The Admission Committee will evaluate your application for evidence of extended professional work experience and academic success that demonstrates the quantitative, analytical and verbal skills necessary for success in the CU Denver MBA.
Multiple sources of evidence will be considered such as:
- Minimum of three years of professional work experience, preferably with increasing managerial responsibilities.
- Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and/or 3.25 in the most recent year or 30 semester hours. (Consideration will be given to the major and rigor of the college or university).
- A grade of 3.0 or higher in two or more quantitative courses such as math, statistics, research methods, finance, accounting, etc.
- A grade of 3.0 or higher in two or more upper division courses that require writing as a major requirement such as English, liberal arts, marketing or management, etc.
- Widely recognized professional certifications (CPA, CFA, CFP, etc.)
- Graduate degree (master’s degree or higher)
If your application does not demonstrate the academic success and/or sufficient professional experience detailed above, a minimum GMAT or GRE score may be required for admission to the program.
Testimonial
CPA Exam & Licensure Preparation
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are in high demand across all industries and must meet rigorous standards to obtain licensure.
Our Master’s in Accounting program is designed to prepare you for the CPA exam through courses that strategically target topics covered on the exam, including advanced financial accounting, auditing, taxation of business entities, and accounting ethics. While our program prepares you foundationally for CPA certification, each state has its own specific requirements. Students planning to obtain their CPA are responsible for ensuring that they meet their state’s requirements for exam and licensure.
To receive your CPA license, you’ll need the following four components:
At least 120 credit hours (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) are required to sit for the CPA exam, and you’ll need to complete an additional 30 credit hours to qualify for licensure. You will also need to ensure that your credits meet your state’s required hours within the areas of accounting, auditing, and business. Every jurisdiction has its own educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam and become licensed as a CPA. These requirements are subject to change and may affect the educational requirements for examination and licensure. Due to the changing nature of the education requirements, it is recommended that students review the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website where they are seeking employment for updated licensure requirements. A list of state board websites can also be found on the Denver State Authorization page.
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is responsible for the creation of the uniform CPA exam. The exam is given in four sections: Financial Accounting and Reporting, Auditing and Attestation, Regulations, and Business Environment and Concepts. You are allowed to take the exam one section at a time and in any order. All sections of the exam must be completed within an 18-month testing period with a score of 75 percent or higher.
While experience requirements vary by state, CPA applicants in Colorado are required to complete 1,800 qualifying work hours within a period of 1-3 years in order to obtain licensure. Your experience must also be verified by a licensed CPA who oversees the work.
In some states, CPA applicants are required to complete an ethics course or exam in order to obtain their CPA license. For example, Colorado requires that you pass the AICPA Professional Ethics course with a score of 90 percent or higher within two years of application for licensure.
Less than two percent of the world’s accounting programs are AACSB Accounting accredited, and CU Denver’s MS in Accounting is the only online program in Colorado with this elite accreditation.
The CU Denver Accounting programs are separately accredited by AACSB International, a global nonprofit association that is committed to providing excellence in education for future business leaders. As an AACSB Accounting accredited degree, our MS in Accounting program must meet rigorous business and accounting-specific standards in addition to demonstrating a commitment to providing high-quality education through strategic curriculum design and dynamic thought leadership. When you earn your degree from an AACSB Accounting accredited program, you’ll graduate with the confidence that you’ve received the best accounting education available and the valued credentials that employers are looking for.
Tuition & Fees
At CU Denver, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education that fits your budget. When you earn a degree, you’re not simply getting a diploma — you’re making a lifelong investment in yourself and empowering your future career. We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education.
Our CU Denver Enrollment Team can answer any of your questions about tuition and financial aid, help you take care of the paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. Simply fill out the form on this page to get started.
Application fee: $50 for domestic applicants; $75 for international applicants
Total tuition for the Master’s in Accounting program*:
- In-state tuition: $21,600
- Out-of-state tuition: $25,170
*Estimated tuition costs based on full credit hours for the MS in Accounting degree (30 credits). Prerequisite courses are not included in the total tuition estimate. Contact a Business School Enrollment Manager for more details.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for eligible students to use toward paying educational costs while enrolled in a CU Denver program. To determine your eligibility and apply for financial aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you submit your FAFSA, you will be considered for three types of aid: grants, work-study, and student loans. To be considered for federal financial aid, you will need to apply early and annually.
Ways to Save
From financial aid and scholarships to corporate tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your CU Denver degree.
Scholarships
Once admitted to CU Denver, you can access our scholarship portal to apply for various funding opportunities. Scholarships don’t need to be repaid and are available each semester.
Transfer Credits
As a transfer student, your previous coursework may count toward your CU Denver degree, saving you tuition costs and time. A transfer credit evaluation will be done upon admission.
Veteran & Military Student Benefits
CU Denver offers military-friendly support, including waived application fees, GI Bill benefits, and credit for military training through the Veteran & Military Student Services.
Experience flexible, career-focused programs with CU Denver’s renowned quality—100% online—taught by expert faculty in engaging courses within a supportive community, all at an affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships available.
Flexible, career-focused programs with the same CU Denver quality—100% online.
Expert faculty, engaging courses, and a supportive online community.
Affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships for online students.
Take the Next Step
Ready to advance your accounting career? Take the first step toward earning your online Master’s in Accounting by filling out the form above or calling us at 303-860-5604 for more information.