Master of Science in Accounting
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Why earn a master’s degree in accounting from Strayer?
A Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University takes you far beyond financial data and analysis. You’ll gain strategies to help you understand expanding markets, resource and asset management and emerging opportunities. You’ll also build knowledge and skills to help you pursue the next step in your career.
Program details
MS in Accounting program overview
You’ll learn to apply technical concepts to real-world domestic and global business operations, economic theories to business problems, and accounting principles to the business decision-making process. And you’ll learn how to communicate it all to a variety of audiences.
Is a master’s in accounting good to have? It depends on what you learn.
- Apply accounting theories to explain the impact of accounting practices on business operations.
- Analyze accounting data, finance information and accounting systems to make relevant business decisions.
- Develop an implementation plan using business concepts to address an organization’s information.
- Use communication skills in a business environment to convey accounting policies, practices and procedures throughout an organization.
- Apply ethical considerations into supporting accounting practices, policies and procedures within an organization.
Class size varies based on course objectives and the teaching demands of the subject matter. In general, Strayer University aims to keep the student-to-instructor ratio low.
How long does it take to get a master’s in accounting?
- There are 12 11-week courses in this program.
- How many courses you take at a time will determine how long the overall program will be.
- Strayer University credits are expressed in quarter hours.
- One quarter hour of credit is granted for the successful completion of 10 contact hours per course.
- The standard requirement for one course is for students to spend 10 to 14 hours in weekly work, including in- and out-of-classroom work. Strayer’s course design uses this requirement to meet applicable regulatory standards.
Features
Start-to-finish support
Your admissions officer and student services coach will motivate and support you from enrollment to the day you graduate.
ASPA Membership
Strayer students enrolled in the public administration program may have an opportunity to join or renew their membership with the the American Society for Public Administration. Connect with us for details.
A real student community
Experience online and live discussions, receive mentoring, expand your professional networks and create lifelong friendships.
Accredited online university
Strayer University has distinct accreditations and affiliations that attest to our academic quality. We're committed to meeting quality standards, so you can earn a diploma you're proud to display. View the ACBSP student achievement information.
Courses earned from Strayer University do not automatically qualify the holder to participate in professional licensing examinations to practice certain professions in any state. All students interested in practicing a regulated accounting profession requiring licensure from a state regulatory agency should contact the appropriate state regulatory agency in their field of interest. A listing of contact information for the most common accounting-related licensing boards is available on the Strayer website at: https://www.strayer.edu/student-consumer-information/licensed-careers.
Licensing information is also available from the following websites: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org), National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (www.nasba.org), Institute of Internal Auditors (www.theiia.org), Institute of Management Accountants (www.imanet.org) and the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (www.acatcredentials.org).
93
of Strayer Master of Science in Accounting alumni agree that their degree was a worthwhile investment.
Strayer Alumni Survey, 2022
Concentrations
Accounting concentrations
Choose from four concentrations, tailored to fit your goals. If you can’t decide, your admissions officer is here to help.
Cost & savings
Estimate the cost of your degree
How much does a master's in accounting cost?
Estimate the cost of your degree
How much does a master's in accounting cost?
Expected Graduation
...
Approximate Total
...
*Student is required to take two courses per quarter during disbursement period
PREPARING YOUR RESULTS
Time commitment
Calculate the approximate time commitment of your degree.
| Course load | ... courses/term |
| Classroom time | ... hours/week |
| Terms per year | ... terms |
| Terms to graduation | ... terms |
Cost analysis
Calculate the approximate cost of your degree
| Tuition | ... |
| Books | ... |
| Fees | ... |
| No-cost gen ed | $0 |
| Transfer credits | ... |
| $5K scholarship | $0 |
| $4K scholarship | $0 |
| Graduation Fund | $0 |
| Brand-new laptop | Included |
| Approximate total | ... |
Program cost breakdown
This program consists of 12 courses, with the price of $1,680 per course. There are additional fees for textbooks and supplies, a $65 technology fee each term, and a one-time $150 degree conferral fee.
Transfer credits
Courses from another institution may be eligible for transfer credits to Strayer, which can help reduce the number of courses you need to graduate and your overall tuition. You can transfer up to four classes toward your master’s degree. The Strayer transfer credit page has more information as well as a tool to estimate how many transfer credits you may be able to apply to your Strayer degree program.
Students enrolled in the Master of Business Administration in North Carolina or Pennsylvania may transfer up to four classes
Scholarships and financial aid
There are a number of financial aid options worth exploring on our financial aid page. To apply for federal aid, prospective students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Stafford loans are available for graduate study. These are direct unsubsidized loans, not based on financial need. Unlike subsidized loans, Stafford loan interest will accrue while in the program. Making interest payments while in school will help reduce the amount of principal that would otherwise build up, reducing your end cost.
There are also scholarships and private loans available for Strayer students.
More than 500 organizations – including corporations and community colleges – invest in their employees by partnering with Strayer University to offer access to discounted education programs. If your employer is a Corporate Alliance Partner, you may qualify for programs that can help you discover career pathways in your field.
Private loans
Non-federal loans may pay the difference between the cost of attendance and the total of loans and grants received from other tuition assistance programs. The terms and conditions of federal loans are often more favorable than private loans and should be considered before exploring private loans.
Military tuition assistance
Scholarships are offered to eligible students currently serving in the military, as well as military spouses. Strayer is also approved by Veterans Affairs to accept and process veteran education benefits. Learn more about the Strayer University active military assistance program here.
Veteran benefits
In addition to participating fully in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Strayer is approved by Veterans Affairs to accept and process veteran education benefits. Student veterans can receive transfer credit for military training and life experiences.
Courses
Expand your expertise in accounting
With an increased understanding of accounting management, analysis of accounts, business concepts, communication and ethics, you’ll be prepared to move your accounting career forward. View all courses.
Courses earned from Strayer University do not automatically qualify the holder to participate in professional licensing examinations to practice certain professions in any state. All students interested in practicing a regulated accounting profession requiring licensure from a state regulatory agency should contact the appropriate state regulatory agency in their field of interest. A listing of contact information for the most common accounting-related licensing boards is available on the Strayer website at: https://www.strayer.edu/student-consumer-information/licensed-careers.
Licensing information is also available from the following websites: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org), National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (www.nasba.org), Institute of Internal Auditors (www.theiia.org), Institute of Management Accountants (www.imanet.org) and the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (www.acatcredentials.org).
Sample courses
This course provides a framework for financial accounting concepts and practices used by internal and external users in businesses. Topics presented include the accounting cycle, financial reporting, financial statements analysis, ratio calculation and interpretation and management decision-making based on financial results.
Prerequisite: ACC 403
Surveys in-depth analysis of current auditing issues, including professional standards and ethics, internal control gathering and documentation of evidence, and statistical sampling. Focuses on detailed analysis of audit programs and electronic data processing, as well as concepts concerning the financial condition and operation of commercial enterprises.
Introduces the student to systems analysis and application of information systems concepts to the accounting process and accounting models, both manual and automated.
This course allows students to apply the knowledge gained in the program related to financial and managerial accounting, forensic accounting and auditing concepts. The students will apply critical thinking and decision-making skills to real world business cases involving complex accounting decision through analysis, synthesis, prescription and application of accounting concepts.
A grade of B or higher is required for satisfactory course completion.
Introduces the concepts of finance. Reviews the basic tools and their use for making financial decisions. Explains how to measure and compare risks across investment opportunities. Analyzes how a firm chooses the set of securities it will issue to raise capital from investors as well as how the firm’s capital structure is formed. Examines how the choice of capital structure affects the value of the firm. Presents valuation and integrates risk, return and the firm’s choice of capital structure. PREREQUISITE: ACC 556 or ACC 557
Analyze the legal environment in which business must operate. Examine key provisions of the major federal laws related to labor, consumer protection, property rights, securities, bankruptcy and environmental protection. Review the various forms of business and the topic of corporate governance. Examine contracts and the UCC, product liabilities, torts and issues associated with intellectual property. Discuss legal issues associated with international business.
Admissions
Master’s admission requirements
Before you can pursue your master’s degree, you’ll need to enroll at Strayer. Here’s what you’ll need to get started for admission to the university.
A completed application and enrollment agreement, as applicable
Proof of a completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 out of 4.0
Official copies of transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended
A valid, current and legible government-issued photo identification
Learn more about the admission process at Strayer.
Students applying to Washington, D.C., or New Jersey campuses must provide proof of proper immunization.
Transferring to Strayer from another university?
Some or all of the credits you’ve earned may be transferable.
International master's students
We welcome international students.
Campus locations
Come to a campus near you for guidance and support. You’ll have access to helpful resources, a supportive community and plenty of spaces to learn and grow.
Ready to take the next step?
Your admissions officer is here to guide you through every step of the process, from completing your application to choosing your concentration.