Master of Science in Accounting
Program Overview
Master of Science in Accounting
The Master of Science in Accounting at UMass Lowell is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in public, corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. The program is classified as Level 1 by the Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy, satisfying the educational requirements to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
Program Overview
The Master's in Accounting is a 10-course, 30-credit master's degree program that can be completed online or as a hybrid mix of online and on-campus courses. The program offers options in International Business and Corporate Leadership, allowing students to tailor their degree to their career goals.
Program Quick Facts
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Not Required
- Available Online and Hybrid
- Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
- F1 Visa Eligible
Accounting Curriculum
The Master's in Accounting curriculum consists of 10 courses, 30 credits. Students may complete the general degree pathway in accounting or choose one of the options.
Degree Pathway for the General Option
- Required Core Courses:
- ACCT.6050: Government and Non-Profit Accounting (3 credits)
- ACCT.6120: Advanced Cost Management (3 credits)
- ACCT.6300: Taxation of Business Entities (3 credits)
- ACCT.6400: Financial Accounting Theory and Research (3 credits)
- ACCT.6550: Advanced Auditing (3 credits)
- General Option Elective Courses (choose 2):
- ACCT.6020: Advanced Management and Sustainability Accounting (3 credits)
- ACCT.6220: Globalization and Accounting (3 credits)
- ACCT.6230: Contemporary Accounting Issues (3 credits)
- ACCT.6450: Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting (3 credits)
- ACCT.6600: Accounting Data Analytics (3 credits)
- Non-accounting Courses (choose 3):
- Generally selected from the UMass Lowell MBA program, other courses can be selected with the approval of the MSA coordinator (9 credits)
Degree Pathway for the Corporate Accounting Leadership Option
- Required Core Courses:
- ACCT.6050: Government and Non-Profit Accounting (3 credits)
- ACCT.6120: Advanced Cost Management (3 credits)
- ACCT.6300: Taxation of Business Entities (3 credits)
- ACCT.6400: Financial Accounting Theory and Research (3 credits)
- ACCT.6550: Advanced Auditing (3 credits)
- Corporate Accounting Leadership Option Required Course:
- ACCT.6020: Advanced Management and Sustainability Accounting (3 credits)
- Corporate Accounting Leadership Option Elective Courses (choose 1):
- ACCT.6220: Globalization and Accounting (3 credits)
- ACCT.6600: Accounting Data Analytics (3 credits)
- ACCT.6230: Contemporary Accounting Issues (3 credits)
- ACCT.6450: Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting (3 credits)
- Corporate Accounting Leadership Option Elective Courses (choose 3):
- MGMT.6100: Managerial Leadership (3 credits)
- MGMT.6150: International Business (3 credits)
- FINA.6010: Corporate Finance (3 credits)
- MGMT.6520: Human Resources Management (3 credits)
- FINA.6110: Financial Statement Analysis (3 credits)
- MGMT.6250: Negotiations (3 credits)
Degree Pathway for the International Business Option
- Required Core Courses:
- ACCT.6050: Government and Non-Profit Accounting (3 credits)
- ACCT.6120: Advanced Cost Management (3 credits)
- ACCT.6300: Taxation of Business Entities (3 credits)
- ACCT.6400: Financial Accounting Theory and Research (3 credits)
- ACCT.6550: Advanced Auditing (3 credits)
- International Business Option Required Course:
- ACCT.6220: Globalization and Accounting (3 credits)
- International Business Option Elective Courses (choose 1):
- ACCT.6020: Advanced Management and Sustainability Accounting (3 credits)
- ACCT.6600: Accounting Data Analytics (3 credits)
- ACCT.6230: Contemporary Accounting Issues (3 credits)
- ACCT.6450: Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting (3 credits)
- International Business Option Elective Courses (choose 3):
- FINA.6910: International Financial Management (3 credits)
- MGMT.6150: International Business (3 credits)
- MKTG.6700: International Marketing (3 credits)
- POMS.6020: Global Supply Chain (3 credits)
- ENTR.6100: Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation (3 credits)
- ENTR.6110: Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation (3 credits)
Competency Goals
- Disciplinary Knowledge & Analytics: Program graduates will be able to use quantitative and analytical methods to integrate accounting analysis and diagnostic problem-solving skills in order to support management decision-making.
- Global Awareness: Program graduates will be able to assess global accounting principles and issues including their impact on business practice.
- Ethical Reasoning Skills: Program graduates will be able to apply ethical reasoning for personal and professional decision-making.
- Communication and Research: Program graduates will be able to clearly, efficiently, and effectively communicate accounting-related information and research in both oral and written methods.
Why Study Accounting at UMass Lowell?
Reputation
UMass Lowell's Master of Science in Accounting is among the few programs in the country recognized by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The online program consistently ranks among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Exam Ready
Our program's Level 1 status makes it easier for UMass Lowell accounting graduates to become a CPA.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accreditation
The Manning School of Business is accredited by the AACSB, a distinction earned by only 5% of the world's business schools.
Affordability
Our program can be completed online for under $20,000 if your bachelor's coursework satisfies prerequisite course requirements.
Accounting Career Outlook
- Projected Job Growth for Accountants: +4% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
- Median Earnings for Accountants in the U.S.: $101.8K (Lightcast, 2023)
Where Our Graduates Work
- State Street
- Fidelity Investments
- Baker Tilly US
- Raytheon
- Brown Brothers Harriman
- BAE Systems, Inc.
Tuition and Admissions
Online Graduate Business Tuition
- Cost Per Credit: $655
- Term Registration Fee: $30
- Estimated Total Program Cost (30 credits): $19,650
On-Campus Graduate Tuition
View Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year
Financial Aid
As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Graduate Admissions Requirements for the Manning School of Business
- Application
- Application Fee: $75
- Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience, and achievements (max 2 pages)
- Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants
- Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required
- Test Scores: UMass Lowell's school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) applicants. It is accepted, but not required, for master's applicants
- Resume
International Applicants
- Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member
- English proficiency is required. If English is not your country's national language, please submit one of the following scores:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 100+
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.0+
- Duolingo: 135+
- ASC English: Level 6+
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 72+