MS Accounting

An innovative curriculum. Award-winning faculty. Outstanding career guidance

Our Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program prepares students for rewarding careers in all facets of the field, from nonprofit to forensic accounting. There is a STEM option for this degree

Whether you're advancing your career, transitioning to a new one, or just starting out, the MSA program will put you on track to compete in a flourishing field – one that's projected to increase by 22 percent in the next decade. The MSA curriculum focuses on various accounting topics - including auditing, forensic investigation, business ethics, information systems, and more - to develop the leadership qualities and data-utilization skills you'll need to excel in the industry.

Diverse Experiences with Real-World Practitioners

The Kogod MSA faculty are real-world practitioners who bring their diverse experiences and unique business backgrounds to the classroom.

The MS accounting faculty uses experiential exercises and integrated projects to teach you the principles of business accounting. Our talented department will provide personal attention to help you analyze the accounting world from every angle.

Prominent accounting experts from the "Big Four" firms are regular guest speakers.

Specialize your coursework

The MSA program is between 30-37.5 credits, depending upon your prior academic experience in Accounting. Full-time students typically complete the program in 1-1.5 years. Part-time students typically complete the program in 2+ years. Courses generally meet once per week in time slots of 5:30 pm-8:00 pm and occasionally 8:20 pm-10:50 pm.

Courses are grouped into three types: business foundations, core accounting, and electives. With input from you, the program director will prepare an individualized program plan for you based on your prior academic experience. Students with an accounting background can choose from a range of courses in financial reporting and assurance, forensic accounting, or taxation. And all students select elective courses to supplement their specialty- as well as take part in internships and leadership opportunities.

Graduates emerge from the master's program well-prepared for the CPA exam and, most importantly, a successful career.

Learning in a Prime Location

With a high success rate for full-time employment, the MSA program sets you up for a job outcome that fits your goals.

AU's location in the nation's capital offers students access to extensive accounting internships and employment opportunities across the corporate, non-profit, and government sectors. With a specialized accounting focus of your choice, you'll pursue positions that match your interests.

Both full-time students and working professionals take full advantage of the connected Washington, DC-based alumni network. Accounting career preparation is also aided by our well-connected Kogod Center for Business Communication and the Office of Career Engagement.

MSA graduates excel in various accounting, auditing, and budgeting roles, including supervisor and managerial positions.

Program Highlights

Casey Evans believes what sets Kogod’s MS Accounting (MSA) program apart is its inclusivity. “You don’t need any accounting experience before you get your master’s at Kogod,” says Evans, MSA program.

At Kogod, it's our mission to prepare our graduates to work and lead in all sectors of business: public, private, and nonprofit. We strive to create an interactive learning environment with a strong focus on experiential learning. Our students get hands-on experience in all facets of business through real-world projects inside and outside the classroom. Kogod's broad alumni network and location in our nation’s capital work hand-in-hand to connect our students to the business world beyond campus. The Kogod School of Business at American University is the oldest accredited business school in Washington, DC

Facts and Rankings

Kogod is dedicated to providing rigorous business education and research while encouraging a diverse and forward-thinking community. Our more than 2,500 students and 80 full-time faculty hail from dozens of countries around the world. We are regularly recognized for our commitment to our students and the global business community.

• CEO Magazine ranked Kogod School of Business in Tier 1 North America MBA Schools
• No. 1: Bloomberg Businessweek Best Undergraduate B-Schools for Sustainability (2013)
• No. 5: GraduatePrograms.com Top Accounting Programs (2015)
• No. 5: Princeton Review Full-time MBA in HR
• No. 5: Princeton Review Full-time MBA in Operations
• No. 7: US News & World Report Online Graduate Business Degree for Veterans
• No. 9: TaxTalent Best MS Tax Programs (2014)
• No. 9: The Princeton Review #9 Best Opportunities for Women (2016)
• No. 10: Poets & Quants for Undergraduates’ Top 20 Business Schools Most Popular with International Students (2014)
• No. 13: US News & World Report Full-Time MBA in International Business
• No. 14: US News & World Report Online MBA for Finance
• No. 14: US News & World Report Online MBA for Management
• No. 16: US News & World Report Online Graduate Business Degree
• No. 17: GraduatePrograms.com Top Marketing MBA Programs (2015)
• No. 18: Best Colleges for Earning a Business Degree by Fortune Magazine and Money.com (2015)
• No. 19: Best Value Schools MS in Analytics
• No. 19: Fortune Online MBA
• No. 21: U.S. News & World Report Best Undergraduate Business Specialty – International Business (2016)
• No. 22: QS Best Online MBA in the World
• No. 22: Real Estate Economics Journal Online MBA
• No. 25: US News & World Report Online MBA for Analytics
• No. 25: US News & World Report Online MBA for Veterans
• No. 26: College Factual Best Undergraduate Business Administration and Management program (2016)
• No. 28: TFE MS In Marketing
• No. 35: Princeton Review Best Graduate Entrepreneurship Program
• No. 40: US News & World Report Online MBA
• No. 40: QS MS in Marketing
• No. 41 QS MS in Analytics
• No. 43: Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2016 Best Full-time MBA: US (2016)
• No. 44: AmericaEconomia Full-time MBA
• No. 45: Environmental Sustainability Programs: Net Impact Business UNusual (2014)
• No. 51: Poets & Quants for Undergraduates’ Best Undergraduate Programs (2014)
• No. 58: Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2015 Best Full-time MBA: US (2015)
• No. 60: College Factual Best Undergraduate Accounting Program (2016)
• No. 62: Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2014 Best Undergraduate Business School
• No. 65: Forbes’ Full-time MBA Ranking (2015)
• No. 78: Poets & Quants’ Top 100 U.S. MBA Programs (2016)
• No. 80: Undergraduate U.S. News & World Report (2016)

Degree Programs

In addition to our Full-time MBA program, Kogod also offers seven specialized Master of Science degree programs in Accounting, Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Real Estate, Sustainability Management, and Taxation. Online options are available for the MBA and Analytics programs. We offer undergraduate business degrees with unmatched opportunities for specialization. From our multifaceted BS in Business and Entertainment to our new Entrepreneurship minor, Kogod is dedicated to providing a strong business base for tomorrow’s leaders, no matter what path they pursue. Students at Kogod have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as our Financial Services and Information Technology Lab, and academic and career services through our Kogod Center for Career Development and Kogod Center for Business Communications. Kogod is also proud to partner with other schools and colleges at American University to support interdisciplinary dual-degree programs.

Accreditation and Memberships

American University's Kogod School of Business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). AACSB accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Established in 1955, the Kogod School of Business has a diverse population that is driven to make a difference within organizations and in the world at large. Kogod is a proud member of the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), Principles for Responsibly Management Education (PRME) group, the Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education (CUIBE), and the Stewardship Action Council (SAC).