Program Overview

Master of Science in Accounting

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at NYU Stern is a full-time, in-person, 30-credit program designed to prepare recent college graduates and young professionals for the New York State Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. The program is specifically designed to meet the licensure requirements and accelerate accounting careers.

Program Overview

The MSA program is an excellent way for talented and highly motivated students to go beyond their undergraduate degree. By providing accounting graduates with the credibility, technical skills, and an expansive network of accounting professionals and professors, NYU Stern students are prepared to lead the future of the accounting industry.

Academics

At Stern, students gain specialized knowledge and analytical skills essential to succeed in a career in accounting and beyond. The faculty brings expertise in specialized areas such as tax, audit, assurance, valuation, and financial analysis. Students benefit from a dynamic classroom environment that emphasizes face-to-face interaction and practical engagement.

Benefits of the Program

• Get CPA ready in just one year: The program prepares students to sit for the New York CPA exam. Courses are taught by renowned Stern faculty, many of whom are practicing CPAs, accounting professionals, and industry leaders.
• World-Class Faculty: Stern's accounting department is consistently highly-ranked by US News & World Report. The faculty includes industry-leading researchers and accomplished practitioners who have worked in the field.
• Experience the on-campus difference: Pursue a highly ranked master's in accounting degree in New York City, the heart of the business world. Leverage the extensive network of accounting and corporate contacts for the NYC advantage.
• Proven Career Outcomes: The master's degree in accounting prepares students with an advanced accounting education for a global marketplace, with 100% of students who graduated in 2024 receiving job offers within three months of graduation.
• Access career services for life: The program offers personalized career services for current students and alumni, including career coaching, specialized career databases, networking events, professional development seminars, skill-building resources, and an online platform to search full-time opportunities, internships, and on-campus employment.
• Join a powerful global alumni network: Receive immediate access to the largest alumni community of any top business school. Stern's global alumni community includes 114,000+ members in 130+ countries.
• AACSB-accredited: NYU Stern is AACSB-accredited, an honor held by only the best of the world's leading business schools.

Key Admissions Information

Requirements to Apply

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, demonstrate a mastery of English, and show how they meet, or plan to meet, the pre-enrollment course requirements in accounting and general business.

Selection Criteria

The program evaluates applicants holistically across three dimensions:

1. Academic Profile
2. Professional Achievements & Aspirations
3. Alignment with NYU Stern's core values

Application Deadlines

The program has one admission intake each year in the Fall. The application deadlines are:

• November 15 for non-US citizens and US citizens/permanent residents
• February 15 and April 15 for US citizens and permanent residents only

Standardized Test Requirements & Test Waivers

NYU Stern requires one of the standardized tests (GMAT, GRE, EA) unless the applicant qualifies for a test waiver. Applicants may qualify for a test waiver if they have earned a four-year bachelor's degree from a US accredited college or university, were a business major, and graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an MS in Accounting?: An MS in Accounting is a graduate degree that prepares students for advanced roles in accounting and finance and to sit for the CPA exam.
• What can I do with a master's in accounting?: A master's in accounting can open doors to a wide range of careers, including roles such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), financial analyst, forensic accountant, tax manager, and more.
• How long does it typically take to complete an MS in Accounting program?: NYU Stern's MSA degree program takes one year to complete full-time.
• What are the prerequisites for a Master of Science in Accounting?: To enroll in NYU Stern's accounting master's program, applicants must have a strong academic foundation in accounting and general business.
• Are there any scholarships available for the Master of Science in Accounting?: Yes, all domestic and international applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Awards are typically $5,000, $10,000, or $20,000.