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UMassD Alumni at KPMG

Accounting
Online MS

Advance your career with Charlton’s Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). The MSA offers the professional development that will position you as a leader in the accounting field while maximizing your earnings potential.

If you have your bachelor’s degree in accounting, pursuing the MSA offers the academic preparation and practical skills that will lead to career success.

For non-accounting graduates, the MSA provides the opportunity to transition to rewarding careers in accounting and related professions.

Accounting certifications

If you are pursuing the CPA designation, the MSA Program will help you meet the 150-credit rule that has been adopted by all states. The Program offers courses that are consistent with the content specifications of the CPA and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exams and topics, meeting course-specific educational requirements by NASBA for exam eligibility.

  • Our program meets the 150 credit hour requirement in any state
  • All our MSA courses meet the educational requirements of NASBA, regardless of the State, to be ELIGIBLE to sit for the UNIFORM CPA Exam
  • The actual issuance requirements to obtain a CPA license actually varies State to State and it is important to contact the State Board of Accountancy where you plan on practicing in. 

Actual Licensure requirements beyond the CPA exam may vary State to State, and can be found at each respective States’ Board of Accountancy.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

Program requirements

Program requirements vary, depending on whether you begin the MSA with a bachelor's degree in accounting, a business degree, or a degree in another field.

With a bachelor's in accounting: 

  • 7 required courses 
  • 3 elective courses

With a bachelor's in business:

  • 9 required courses 
  • 2 elective courses

With a bachelor's in another field:

  • 15 required courses 

Sample MS Accounting Courses

  • ACT 650 Accounting for Decision Making
  • ACT 670 Financial Statement Analysis and Firm Valuation
  • ACT 671 Strategic Cost Management 
  • ACT 672 International Accounting 
  • ACT 673 Government and Non-profit Accounting
  • ACT 680 Forensic Accounting 
  • ACT 681 Advanced Managerial Accounting
  • MGT 600 Corporate Social Responsibility and Law 
  • MIS 650 Information Technology Management
  • FIN 650 Finance for Decision Making

UMass Dartmouth Advantages

Customize your education and receive the help and guidance to finish as planned:

  • AACSB-accredited Charlton College of Business education
  • Value and affordability of a UMass education
  • Networking opportunities with other working professionals and faculty
  • One-on-one personal advising from enrollment through graduation
  • Limited class size ensures individualized interaction with professors

Candidates must submit the required application materials and application fee. Applications are reviewed and judged on the following criteria:

  • Undergraduate degree: Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended
  • Official GMAT (or equivalent) test score or GMAT can be waived
  • 2 letters of recommendation: preferably from a faculty member or an employer
  • A personal statement (minimum 300 words) explaining the applicant's career goals and motivation for the degree
  • Current Resume
  • Candidates whose Bachelor’s degree was not earned in an approved English language country must submit either the TOEFL exam (minimum score of 80 internet-based or 550 paper-based) or IELTS exam (minimum band score of 6.5)

* Applicants whose GMAT requirement is waived may still be required to take Foundation courses prior to beginning the graduate coursework. Exceptions and waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Admissions requirements

To apply please create an account in our Applicant Portal. You will need to submit:

  • Application form
  • $60 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Statement of Purpose (minimum 300 words)
  • Resume
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not)
  • English Proficiency test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation (see program requirements for more information)
  • GRE/GMAT (not required for most programs, see program requirements for more information)

Unofficial transcripts and test scores are accepted for application review but official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration. 

Application dates

Learning style: online

Online courses are taught by UMass Dartmouth faculty to provide high quality instruction and personal attention. Students have the flexibility to accommodate work and home responsibilities within the structure of defined assignment due dates. The majority of our online courses are taught asynchronously.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about the Accounting Online MS program? Below are answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.

Yes. UMass Dartmouth's MS in Accounting welcomes qualified applicants with bachelor's degrees in accounting, business, and other fields. The program provides a pathway for accounting graduates to advance their expertise and for graduates from other disciplines to transition into accounting and related professions. Your curriculum will depend on your previous academic background.

Yes. The program is designed to help students meet the 150-credit-hour education requirement for CPA exam eligibility in all states. Coursework aligns with the educational requirements for CPA exam eligibility, but requirements for obtaining a CPA license vary by state. Confirm the requirements where you plan to practice.

Yes. The program is offered online, with most courses taught asynchronously, giving you flexibility in when you complete coursework. You'll still need to meet assignment deadlines, so you can plan your studies around work and personal commitments while staying on track academically.

The MS in Accounting curriculum is tailored to your academic background. These differences allow you to build on your previous education while developing the accounting knowledge and skills needed to advance your career.

  • Students who hold a bachelor's degree in accounting complete seven required courses and three electives.
  • Students with a bachelor's degree in business complete nine required courses and two electives.
  • Students with a bachelor's degree in another field complete 15 required courses. 

Explore more

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

UMass Dartmouth is Military Friendly

UMass Dartmouth is a Military Friendly School, with leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. Learn more about veteran services and benefits at UMassD.

UMass Dartmouth participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

UMass Dartmouth participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.