Master of Science in Accounting

Accounting is a lens for seeing business more clearly

Chances are, if you’re considering graduate work, you know this already — in theory. Let us help you put it into practice. The Master of Science in Accounting degree from Ithaca College will equip you to generate analytical insights that inform good financial decisions and make businesses stronger.

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Just Nine Months

You’ll prepare for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination, and advance toward licensure in less than a year.

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A Practical Approach for Achieving Your Goals

Study the topics most relevant to your goals, and develop your skills through a hands-on accounting practicum. You’ll earn a versatile degree that will launch you along the path to a variety of financial leadership roles.

AACSB

Accredited

Ithaca College’s Master of Science in Accounting program is AACSB-accredited.

Credit Hours

Help you meet CPA exam requirements

Program Highlights

Hands-On Learning Opportunities
IC’s flexible Master’s in Accounting equips you with essential knowledge and theory in advanced topics related to your interests and career goals. You’ll have opportunities to practice accounting and auditing with real clients, and your electives will dive deep into tax research, related laws, industry-specific practices, consulting, and income tax preparation.

Choose Your Own Pace
You’ll also choose your pace of study: the 30-credit program can be completed part-time or full-time in just nine months. These options allow you to prioritize your career, whether you’re aiming for CPA licensure in less than a year or you’re balancing academic work with personal and professional commitments.

Qualification Requirements
Candidates looking to meet the 150-hour education requirement for CPA licensure are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited institution or at least 60 credit hours of equivalent coursework. Learn more about qualifying for the CPA exam in New York and other states.

Ithaca College’s Master of Science in Accounting program is AACSB-accredited.

Curriculum

Two components make up the Master’s in Accounting program: 15 credits of core courses in accounting, financial reporting, and broad taxation issues, and 15 credits of electives that hone in on higher-level and industry-specific practices and leadership skills. Whether you enroll on a full- or part-time basis, you’ll have ample choices to grow and refine your career trajectory—including first-hand experience through a practicum assignment with a CPA firm, tax preparation site, or organization.

Review all required courses and electives for the M.S. in Accounting.

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Scholarships Available

Apply by March 1 to be considered for merit scholarships.

All Graduate Business Scholarships

Why Students Chose the IC MS Accounting Program

Career Outlook

The MS in Accounting can prepare you for CPA licensure in New York, as well as other states, in just nine months and equips you for private and public sector roles in auditing, consulting, and income tax services. Accountants and auditors are in steady demand, and this lucrative field averages an annual salary over $77,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Most state CPA exams require 150 hours of coursework; if you did not complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting or you plan to take the CPA exam outside of New York State, you may need to review additional requirements.

A Master’s degree in Accounting can also help advance your career in other areas, like budget or management analysis, financial management, or financial advising.

Apply Today!

The application cycle for entry in 2024 is now open! Information on applying for your master's degree in accounting and how to complete your application is available here. The application deadline is March 1 for scholarship consideration and May 1 for regular admission.

If you are not quite ready, but would like to be notified when future enrollment cycles open, please complete our graduate interest form.

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