MSA graduates sit for a variety of professional certifications, such as CPA, CMA, CISA, CFE and CIA. The MSA program incorporates Becker CPA Review materials across multiple courses. (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). The MSA program also incorporates CMA and IIA exam materials.

Students may start in either the fall or spring semesters. Students attend full-time or part-time. With our flexible online approach, students can take courses at their own pace from virtually anywhere in the world. A combined degree option with the Kent State Accounting BBA program is available. Also, students without an accounting background can easily start the MSA program with fundamental accounting certificates. 

The curriculum at Kent State University offers an advanced accounting coursework core and a variety of electives that allow you to structure a concentration tailored directly to your needs. No matter your starting point, our courses will develop your data skills including the use of AI. Our approach is designed to enhance your analytical abilities and provide you with a competitive edge in the job market and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Built to Quality Matters course standards with frequent faculty-student engagement.

 Career development is an integral component of the MSA Capstone course. Supported by experienced accounting faculty, students craft a career plan, update their resume, and expand their network within key accounting professional organizations. Overall, an MSA from Kent State provides a great foundation for career advancement and growing your professional network.

We have a solution that fits your needs. 

The Accounting Fundamentals Certificate is perfect for those with little or no experience in undergraduate accounting coursework and provides students with basic knowledge in the areas of financial accounting, tax and audit. The certificate prepares students for entry-level accounting positions or for further graduate study in accounting.

The certificate is appropriate for students with a non-accounting bachelor's degree who are considering applying to the Master of Science in Accounting degree in the future.

Then you are in the right place.  At Kent State University, our online master’s in accounting gives you the opportunity to earn your degree at your own pace 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
• Prior accounting degree not required
• Individual meetings with your advisors each semester
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals

The Combined BBA/MSA Program is perfect for you. 

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.