Master of Science in Accounting
Whether you are a working professional with an accounting background or a recent college graduate from a non-business major, you can build your foundational knowledge in accounting through our Master’s in Accounting program and lift your understanding to an advanced level.
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Elevate Your Career
Offered in a 100% online, asynchronous format, the University of Michigan-Flint’s Master of Science in Accounting degree is designed for those who want to pursue Certified Public Accountancy and advance their careers to mid- to senior-level positions with advanced accounting competencies. The MSA will also provide the technical knowledge for those looking to pursue a career in corporate accounting.
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Why Earn Your Master’s at UM-Flint?
Professional Preparation for CPA and Beyond
UM-Flint’s online MSA program prepares you to sit for the CPA exam and pursue other professional accounting credentials. With a strong foundation in accounting principles, you’ll be ready to compete for high-level roles and advance your career.
Before applying for licensure, check specific CPA requirements with your State Accountancy Board. You can find more information about CPA Exam Disclosure.
100% Online & Flexible
Designed for working professionals and full-time students, the MSA is fully online and asynchronous, offering maximum flexibility through Canvas. Learning methods include discussion boards, video sessions, and podcasts to fit your schedule.
Accreditation
The UM-Flint MSA program is accredited by AACSB International, the highest accrediting body for business schools worldwide. Only 6% of business schools are accredited by AACSB. In accordance with AACSB, we subscribe to the highest standards in management education. We prepare students to contribute to their organizations and the larger society and to grow personally and professionally throughout their careers.
Program Completion
Whether you are interested in completing your MSA degree as quickly as possible or spreading classes out to maximize your personal and professional flexibility, the UM-Flint MSA program is built for you. Students waiving both MSA foundation courses can complete their degree in as few as 12 months or take as long as five years to complete their degree.
Affordable MSA Degree
The tuition of the Master of Science in Accounting program is extremely affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students. Scholarships and assistantships help offset the cost of tuition. Earning a dual degree is also very affordable with the ability to count classes toward two degrees.
MSA/MBA Dual Degree Option
UM-Flint’s School of Management is a big proponent of dual degrees. Pairing a specialized MSA with a more generalist MBA degree offers students the unique opportunity to earn their dual MBA/MSA by double-counting up to 15 credits from the MSA degree toward the MBA degree. The dual degree also enables MSA students without a business undergraduate degree to meet the CPA exam requirement of 24 general business credits. The dual degree allows you to earn two master’s degrees with fewer credits: saving time and money. The MBA is also offered 100% online, along with other class formats.
Curriculum
Earn Your Online Master of Science in Accounting
Prepare for the CPA exam and advance your accounting career with UM-Flint’s 100% online MSA program. This flexible 30–36 credit program includes:
- Six credits of foundation courses (waivable for AACSB-accredited accounting grads)
- Twenty-four credits of core courses in financial reporting, auditing, cost management, and more
- Six elective credits tailored to your interests, including options like taxation, forensic accounting, and data analytics
Gain the expertise needed for CPA success and career growth.
Accounting Career Outlook
Focusing on career development and preparation for the CPA Exam, UM-Flint’s comprehensive Master’s in Accounting online program empowers students to pursue high-level accounting positions in various industries such as banking, consulting, insurance, taxation, and public accounting.
1,436,100
New jobs available in the market.
$73,560
Median annual salary for accountants and auditors
4%
Projected growth in employment through 2029, much faster than average.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Pursuing Your CPA License
If you’re interested in obtaining a CPA license, we encourage you to confirm your eligibility to satisfy all educational requirements with the State Accountancy Board in the specific state or U.S. district/territory where you wish to become licensed.
You can find more information on the CPA exam disclosure document
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Accounting program is open to qualified graduates with a bachelor’s degree in the arts, sciences, engineering, or business administration from a regionally accredited institution.
To be considered for admission, submit an online application below. Other materials can be emailed to FlintGradOffice@umich.edu or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.
- Application for Graduate Admission
- $55 application fee (non-refundable)
- No GMAT Required
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please read our full Graduate Transcript Policy for Domestic Students for more information.
- For any degree completed at a non-U.S. institution, transcripts must be submitted for an internal credential review. Read the International Transcript Evaluation for instructions on how to submit your transcripts for review.
- If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, you must demonstrate English proficiency.
- Statement of Purpose: a one-page typed response to the question, “What are your career objectives and how will an MSA contribute to accomplishing these objectives?”
- Résumé, including all work and academic experience.
- Letters of recommendation are not required. However, applicants with a bachelor’s GPA below 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will be contacted if recommendations are needed.
- Students from abroad must submit additional documentation for international students.
This program is fully online; admitted students will not be eligible to receive a student (F-1) visa to pursue this degree. Non-U.S. citizens residing outside of the United States may not complete this program online from their home country. If you currently hold a non-immigrant visa and are residing in the United States, please contact the Center for Global Engagement at globalflint@umich.edu for guidance regarding your eligibility.
Application Deadlines
Submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs on or before the day of the application deadline. The Master of Science in Accounting program has rolling admissions and reviews completed applications each month.
To be considered for admission, all application materials must be submitted on or before:
- Fall – Feb. 1 (early deadline for guaranteed consideration for scholarships, grants and assistantships)
- Fall – Aug. 1 (final deadline)
- Winter – Dec. 1
- Summer – April 1
Academic Advising
At UM-Flint, we are proud to provide many dedicated expert advisors whom students can rely upon for guidance along their educational journey. Book an appointment today to talk to our advisors about your academic and career goals.