According to Forbes and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a master’s degree has become more important than ever for anyone who is working in the rapidly evolving industry of accounting. But in today’s busy world, who among us can stop everything and return to college? Fortunately, a slew of American universities offer online master’s in accounting degrees so even the busiest students can complete at any time, from anywhere in the world. Best of all, many of these programs are accelerated, which means they can be completed fast! Keep scrolling for Top Accounting Degree’s rundown of the 15 fastest online master’s in accounting degrees for 2021.
1. Bay Path University
Online Master of Science in Accounting
8 months
Bay Path University dates all the way back to 1897. It offers a number of degree programs both on campus and online, placing a special emphasis on business programs. The university offers an online Master of Science in Accounting which can be completed in as few as eight months (or 12 or 24 months). The 30-credit program offers three concentrations from which students may choose: public accounting, private accounting, and forensic accounting. In any which case, Bay Path University’s online M.S. in Accounting is well-designed to prepare students for the CPA Exam and/or a career in accounting.
2. Maryville University
Master of Science in Accounting
10 months
Originally established in 1872, Missouri-based Maryville University offers an impressive 19 online master’s degree programs, including an online Master of Science in Accounting. Ideal for the student who wishes to complete their accounting degree quickly, Maryville’s M.S. in Accounting degree can be completed in as few as 10 months if pursued full time. Though designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or similar, a Bridge Program ensures that students coming from other backgrounds can be just as successful. By the end of the online master’s degree program, students will have been given the information needed to sit for the CPA exam.
3. Colorado State University – Global Campus
Online Master’s in Professional Accounting
12 months
Colorado State University – Global Campus is the all-online branch of the Colorado State University system. Established in 2007, CSU-Global has become well known worldwide for its comprehensive programs well-suited for professional adult learners. This is especially true of CSU-Global’s online master’s in professional accounting degree program. Consisting of 30 credits, this master’s program can be completed in as little as 12 months. Students take courses in:
- managing ethical and legal conflicts
- qualitative and quantitative decision making
- organizational accounting issues, among others.
4. Edgewood College
Online Master of Science in Accountancy
12 months
Edgewood College is a private liberal arts institution rooted in the traditions of Dominican Catholicism. The university offers more than 60 degree programs, including an M.S. in Accountancy that can be completed entirely online. Designed especially for busy working adults, this 30-credit accelerated degree program can be completed in as few as 12 months, or three semesters. Students are taught by working professionals. They are supported throughout their studies with both academic and career support.
5. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Online Master of Accountancy
12 months
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is another Catholic liberal arts college, though students of all belief systems are welcome. The school offers an online Master of Accountancy degree which can be completed entirely online in as little as one year. The 30- to 36-credit program combines comprehensive preparation of real-life tasks with business-related material, both of which are necessary for success in the field of accounting. Saint Joseph’s offers rolling admissions, and there are five start dates throughout the year.
6. University of Connecticut
Online Master of Science in Accounting
12 months
Those looking for a large and well-known university to complete their master’s in accounting would do well to consider University of Connecticut. UConn offers a Master of Science in Accounting which can be completed entirely online in as few as 12 months. The 30-credit master’s degree program is actually the university’s oldest online program, and as such has become very well respected. By the end of the program, students will have built the skills required to both sit for the CPA exam and enjoy a successful career in public or private accounting.
7. Auburn University
Online Master of Accountancy
12 months
Students from anywhere in the world can study at the powerhouse that is Auburn University thanks to the university’s well-respected distance education program. Auburn offers an innovative online Master of Accountancy degree program which mirrors the university’s residential program in everything from curriculum to academic rigor. Still, students are able to complete the master’s degree in 12 months. Uniquely, students pursuing their accounting degree online at Auburn are required to spend three days on campus participating in the Auburn MAcc Leadership Summit.
8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Online Master of Accounting
12 months
The Kenan-Flagler Business School at top-ranked University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is another fast online master’s in accounting degree program. UNC Chapel Hill offers an online Master of Accounting which can be completed in as little as one year. Consisting of 36-48 credits, the master’s degree features courses available in the evening hours. Additional benefits of this online degree program include 24/7 technical support, and recruitment and networking opportunities that extend to online students.
9. Clarion University
Online Master of Science in Accounting
12 months
Founded in 1867, Pennsylvania-based Clarion University is an ideal school choice for adult students. The university believes adult learners are “cream of the crop students” who consistently display “resilience and courage.” Clarion offers an online Master of Science in Accounting which can be completed in 12 months if pursued full-time. The degree program teaches skills in:
- communication
- financial analysis
- accounting
It also prepares students to sit for the CPA exam.
10. Stetson University
Online Master of Accountancy
12 months
Stetson University is a Central Florida-based university that embraces creativity as one of its core principles. Such creativity is especially evident when one examines their extensive online offerings, which includes an online Master of Accountancy. Full-time students can complete the 30-credit master’s in accounting degree in as few as 12 months, though slower-paced options are also available. A 24/7 portal allows students to complete coursework at any time that is convenient for them, a major benefit to studying accounting at Stetson.
11. Seton Hall University
Online Master of Science in Accounting
12 months
Founded in 1856, Seton Hall University has earned a reputation as one of the top Catholic schools in the U.S. The New Jersey-based university offers a slew of degree programs, including an M.S. in Accounting which is available entirely online. While part-time students typically take about two years to complete the accounting master’s at Seton Hall, full-time students can complete the degree in as little as one year. Benefits of the Seton Hall program include:
- one-on-one learning opportunities
- experiential activities
- a variety of interesting elective options.
12. Southern Utah University
Online Master of Accountancy
12 months
Southern Utah University is an ideal choice of school for anyone looking for on-campus benefits….while staying entirely online. Students pursuing Southern Utah University’s online Master of Accountancy degree have access to the same high-quality classes and professors, the same career services, and the same community-based projects, should they choose to participate. Southern Utah’s 30-credit Master of Accountancy degree prepares students to obtain the required accounting credentials. In fact, an impressive 99% of Southern Utah graduates are employed within six months of graduating.
13. University of Massachusetts Amherst
Online Master of Science in Accounting
12 months
As one of the top public universities in the country, University of Massachusetts Amherst offers nearly 80 master’s degree programs. This includes an online Master of Science in Accounting. The 30-credit master’s program can be completed entirely online in as few as 12 months (though this timeline will be a summer longer if the student does not have an accounting undergraduate degree). Students may complete their classes at any time and from anywhere in the world thanks to Amherst’s 24/7 student portal. UMass Amherst students who study online have the same networking opportunities as students studying on campus.
14. Rutgers University
Online Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting
12 months
Rutgers University may be the largest public university in New Jersey, but students located anywhere in the world can become Rutgers students thanks to the school’s online program. A Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting is one such degree program offered via Rutger’s online program. The 30-credit degree program can be studied entirely online, and can be completed in 12 months if pursued full-time. All courses are taught by industry professionals who ensure students graduate with the skills necessary to work in both public and private accounting.
15. Western New England University
Online Master of Science in Accounting
12 months
Massachusetts-based Western New England University dates back to 1919. Dedicated to diversity and justice-oriented education, Western New England offers an online M.S. in Accounting which can be completed in 12 months when pursued full time. The 30-credit degree includes coursework in:
- the foundations of accounting
- management subjects
- forensic accounting, among other things
Because of Western New England’s unique, state-of-the-art online learning system, online students have the opportunity to participate in class discussions and meetings with faculty.
Related Resources:
- Top 35 Online Master’s in Accounting Degree Programs
- Top 14 Online Master’s in Forensic Accounting
- Top 35 Most Affordable Online Bachelors in Finance
