Master of Science in Accounting (Online)

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online MSA

Earn Your Online Master’s in Accountancy 

Features of Our Online Accounting Master’s Program

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Kent State's Graduate Business Programs are ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

Are you interested in taking your career to the next level by pursuing your master’s in accounting online? At Kent State University, our online master’s in accounting gives you the opportunity to earn your degree at your own pace and with convenience from virtually anywhere.

Our online M.S. in Accounting is about much more than just debits and credits. The program promotes critical thinking, hands-on application of technology, communication skills and ethical decision making. In addition to experiencing personal and professional growth, our students will enjoy the following features of our online master’s degree in accounting:

  • A flexible approach
  • Outstanding faculty of leading executives and expert scholars
  • Cutting-edge curriculum
  • Ability to learn at your convenience
  • Thorough preparation for the CPA exam
  • Accounting degree not required
  • Ability to qualify to take CPA exam and more
  • Individual meetings with your advisors each semester
  • Networking opportunities with industry professionals

View the MSA Blog


Upcoming Events

GRADUATE PROGRAMS WEEK - FALL 2023

Monday, October 16, 2023, 6:30 PM, MS in Accounting Webinar

Join us for a webinar on October 16, to learn more about the MSA degree! Find out about the admission requirements, curriculum, and get all of your questions answered.

REGISTER | GRADUATE PROGRAMS WEEK


Launch Your Career with Kent State’s Master’s in Accounting Online

When you choose to enroll in the master’s in accounting online program at Kent State, you are opening the door to many successful and fulfilling career opportunities. Graduates from our program pursue careers in the following:

  • Auditing
  • Taxation
  • Fraud investigation
  • Law enforcement
  • Investment banking
  • Management
  • Consulting

MSA graduates sit for a variety of professional certifications, such as CPA, CMA, CISA, CFE and CIA. The online M.S. in Accounting provides a great foundation for career advancement and growing your professional network.

Please refer to the most recent academic requirements for admission to the CPA exam issued by the applicable state, e.g., Accountancy Board of Ohio.

Apply Now


Online Master’s in Accountancy Curriculum Summary

The Online M.S. in Accounting curriculum at Kent State University provides an advanced accounting coursework core and a variety of electives that afford you the opportunity to structure a concentration tailored to your needs.

With our flexible online approach, students have the ability to take courses at their own pace from virtually anywhere in the world.

 
Core Accounting Courses 12 credit hours
Accounting Electives Courses 9 - 12 credit hours
Non - accounting Elective Courses 6 - 9 credit hours
Total number of credits 30 credit hours

The accelerated program can be completed in as little as two semesters by students with an undergraduate accounting degree. The M.S. in Accounting program can be completed 100% online. If you do not have an undergraduate accounting degree, you can complete the online M.S. in Accounting in 51 credit hours or less.

Also, our online M.S. in Accounting program is flexible and affordable, with students starting in either the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Students attend full time or part time as best fits their specific needs. A Combined Degree option with the KSU Accounting BBA program is available.

 

Tuition & Fees

Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour   Per 3-Credit Course   Approximate Tuition Cost  

$571.90

$1,715.70

$17,200 part-time1

$12,500 full-time2

Non-Ohio Residents 

Per Credit Hour   Per 3-Credit Course   Approximate Tuition Cost  

$581.90

$1,745.70

$17,500 part-time3

$12,600-$12,700 full-time4

1The $571.90 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.

2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,277.40 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester.

3The $581.90 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour. 

4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,277.40 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken each semester (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180).

Program and special course fees are additional. A $571.90 per-credit-hour fee (Ohio residents) and a $581.90 per-credit-hour fee (non-Ohio residents) apply to all enrolled semester hours above 18 credits.

All Online MSA students have a $15 per credit hour distance learning fee in addition to the above tuition rate.

Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs please contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000, or via our website Contact Us link.

The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken.  Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person.  Program costs are subject to change without notice.

 

Curriculum Structure

 

View the Online MSA Curriculum Structure


Online Master’s in Accountancy Admission

 

1. Admissions Requirements for our Master’s in Accounting Online

Applicants who have earned or are in the process of earning an equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in ANY major from an accredited institution (AACSB accredited preferred) are welcome to apply for our online accounting master’s program.

Admission decisions are based on a combination of factors. Required documents are listed below:

  • Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. on a 4.00-point scale and a Minimum 3.00 accounting GPA., if applicable. Additional coursework may be required for the M.S.A. degree if applicants do not have an undergraduate degree in accounting.
  • Official transcripts from all universities previously attended.
  • A résumé listing previous work experiences and accomplishments. Although not required, work experience is considered favorably in the admissions process.
  • A goal statement with no more than 500 words discussing goals and objectives in pursuing an online master’s degree in accounting, related work experience (if any), and any other relevant information. 
  • A non-refundable application fee ($45 for domestic students, $70 for international students).
  • All applications are accepted online. 

Start an application

2. Application Deadlines

 

  • Fall semester: July 1
  • Spring semester: December 1
  • Summer semester: May 1

Applications received after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

3. Financial Aid Opportunities

In your research, you will find Kent State offers best-value programs compared with several other universities with Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, the top credential for business schools.

The cost of the online M.S. in Accounting program depends on the length and number of credit hours of your program. Visit our tuition page for insights on tuition and fees.

Merit-based scholarships are available to MSA applicants and students – subject to funds availability.

Loans and grants may be available to graduate students. Visit the KSU Student Financial Aid website for more information.

The Accountancy Board of Ohio and state and national CPA organizations also offer scholarships for students in graduate programs who are preparing to take the CPA exam as they enter careers in accounting. Visit the following sites for more information:

4. International Students

The MSA program is entirely online; therefore, we cannot issue I-20s to online students. We accept international students currently living in the US or international applicants who can take our online courses in their home country. 

International applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Kent State University requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 for admission to all graduate programs (the computer adaptive test minimum is 213; 79-80 IBT; and 6.0 IELTS). The Department of Accounting normally requires a higher minimum TOEFL score for admission to the MSA program. We consider component scores as well as overall scores.

For more information regarding international admissions, please visit the Office of Global Education website.

We consider applications for our online master’s in accounting program as they become complete and attempt to respond within two weeks. 

5. Optional Materials

To help the Admission Committee make decisions, applicants may also submit additional materials such as: 

  • Two letters of recommendation, used to assess academic or job performance. 
  • Scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). General information on the GMAT is available on the GMAT website.


THE COMBINED BBA/MSA PROGRAM

Opportunities for double counting courses and provisional admission are provided to Kent State University undergraduate accounting students with outstanding records or individuals with exemplary professional credentials. Undergraduate students in or entering their senior year who have completed 105 semester hours and have a 3.2 or higher overall GPA and accounting major GPA (or undergraduate students in their junior year who have completed 90 semester hours with a 3.3 or higher overall GPA and accounting major GPA) may obtain provisional admission to the M.S. in Accounting program.

Five undergraduate courses are available as so-called “slash” courses: ACCT 43009, 43013, 43020, 43033 and 43043. The graduate-level equivalents are: ACCT 53009, 53013, 53020, 53033 and 53043. A student who is provisionally admitted takes the 53000 level courses to count as both BBA and MSA hours toward the respective degrees. A maximum of 9 hours may be counted toward both the BBA and MSA degrees. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Master’s in Accounting Online

Have questions for us? Here are some common questions we receive and answers to help.

What Is an Online Master’s in Accountancy?

A master’s in accounting online is a flexible graduate degree program in accountancy that allows you to pursue your degree at your own pace, and it also lets you enter a variety of career paths following graduation.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Master's in Accounting Program?

With completion in as little as 51 credit hours, our online accounting master’s programs will get you prepared for your career quickly and efficiently. Students who possess an undergraduate accounting degree can finish the online M.S. in accounting in as few as two semesters.

How Much Does an Online Master's in Accounting Program Cost?

The cost of an online master’s degree in accounting varies based on location. Ohio residents have access to an in-state tuition rate of $536 per credit hour with a course load below 11 credit hours or $5,896 if the course load is between 11 and 18 hours. Non-Ohio residents pay a fee of $999 per credit hour for the online M.S. in accounting.

Is an Online M.S. in Accounting as Rigorous as an On-Campus Program?

An online M.S. in accounting program allows students more freedom and flexibility to work at their own pace than an on-site program. Online degree programs are generally less demanding, but the coursework remains challenging and engaging.

Can I Pursue an Online Master's in Accounting While Working Full Time?

Absolutely! With successful planning and time management, an online master’s in accountancy can be earned while working a full-time job.

Are Online Master's in Accounting Programs Accredited?

The online MSA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Completing your online master’s degree in accounting will also allow the opportunity to sit for a range of professional certifications. Available certifications include:

  • CPA
  • CMA
  • CISA
  • CFE
  • CIA

Graduates have the opportunity to qualify to take the CPA exam upon completion of the online accounting master’s program.

Choosing the Right Online M.S. in Accounting Program

Selecting the right online master’s degree in accounting is important. Consider which career path you are interested in pursuing with your degree and whether or not a combined BBA/MSA program might be a good fit for you.


Contact Us to Begin Your Master’s in Accounting Online

Have questions about our online accounting master’s program? Contact Kent State today and we will be in touch soon. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, apply to earn your online master’s in accountancy!

 

Mason McLeodMason McLeod
Admissions Coordinator

mmcleod4@kent.edu

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drew Sellers R. Drew Sellers, CMA
 Coordinator, MS in Accounting program
 ksu-msa@kent.edu
 330-672-2282 Graduate Programs Office




 


 

Roberto ChavezRoberto Chavez
Graduate Programs Director

rechavez@kent.edu